Bittersweet and the little soap company

Standing in a pink cloud of spring

Yes, just as the picture shows, I'm standing in a pink cloud. A pink cloud layered with big flower blossoms, and smell good bars of soap, and bottles of this and that.

I'm working on creating new  Dreamy Creamy Ephemera Petite Book Boxes, some pink strawberries along with the red gingham ones, as the pink berries seem to be first pick at the Saturday Studio.

I'll be quite busy making more Bittersweet in the weeks to come. Bug Off , gone, Extreme Body Creme, gone, Room Fragrance, gone, and  my most popular toiletry item, soap, not gone, but going!

It's that time once again to make more soap, and new summer soaps.

For some retail establishments, business slows down during the hot summer months. I'm fortunate that I'm busy year round, and I am forever grateful for having such wonderful customers that  support me throughout the year.

I've had some of the same customers since Bittersweet was first created over ten years ago.

Merci, to all of you, I truly appreciate your patronage.

Doesn't Loralie look lovely wearing the flea market hat?

 

 

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring May Days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Pretty Spring Party

Sweet, sweet, spring.

Garden parties on the lawn, sun tea brewing on the stoop, bumble bee's buzzing over the tulip blossoms. Fresh clean linens hanging to dry on the clothes line, and the many other sweet spring happenings that I'm so fond of.

May day celebration was all this and more.

The desert table was filled with lavender cookies, fluffy white cupcakes, pink punch, and freshly picked lilacs in the same hue.

The cupcakes had little cards inserted that read "Happy May".

Each guest left with their May Day Basket, and the day was filled with laughter and fun.

Here are a few shots of some of the delightful guests I was honored with on this beautiful day of May.

Enjoy caring and sharing May Days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

A flea market break

I took a  break yesterday from the preparation of tomorrow's May Day party.

I've been working non stop creating spring displays and creations for this Saturday's get together.

Coincidently, yesterday marked the first day of a favorite flea market event in Sparks Kansas, about an hour and a half from my little town of Historic Liberty, Missouri. 

My sweet dear friend Julie and I loaded up our shopping carts, and headed north for the journey. Julie and I are equally fond of flea market recreational activity, so the two of us always have a spectacular time.

There was a threat of bad weather yesterday, but it held off, with the exception of the very strong winds and heat. I felt sorry for the outdoor vendors, as they struggled to keep their goods protected from the wind. I could see the concerned look on there faces knowing bad weather was predicted for that evening. I understand how they feel, as I used to participate in shows years ago .

My hair was flying around in my face and causing me flea market despair, about the same time I noticed this really cool vintage hat calling out to me. The hat, a Great Gatsby style 1920's hat, had Jill written all over it, and when I asked the price, $5, I exclaimed, "sold!" Not only was the hat a perfect fit, and the perfect price, not once did it even come close to blowing off in the extreme wind, and added to the flea market ambiance. (Pictures coming soon.)

Here's a shot of Julie in the booth where I purchased the hat.

Julie found some pretty little pill boxes in this booth. Who doesn't like antique pill boxes? Remember my recollection of my Aunt Enids treasured pieces?

Notice Julie's cart. Funny, I always thought having a cart helped to create the serious flea market chic look, and I rarely saw the carts during my journeys, except but with my friend, and a few shoppers, but yesterday I saw too many carts to count! Everyone had carts, and there were carts for sale in several booths. Carts of every color and era, a cart here , a cart there.

I couldn't resist purchasing one, I found one priced at $12, and politely asked the vendor if he would take $10, and he politely replied with a yes. (picture soon.)

I now have two carts, a modern retro styled cart, the orange one in this picture, and a vintage metal cart. I guess that officially makes me a SFMC, Serious Flea Market Chic!

Sparks Kansas was once a small metropolis of a town with a population of over two-thousand. A few of the original structures remain, and the population now, last count, 6, I believe, yes I said six!

This is the old bank building. A few  of the old buildings remain, like the depot, and a few old homes, but most have faded over time. Once the main highway  moved that went through the town, and the trains stopped coming through, the town quickly became an authentic ghost town.

I had a conversation with an older woman inside the old general store that was familiar with the history of Sparks Kansas. I enjoy talking with people about history, and find it adds to the excitement of the journey.

Isn't this old building cool? I love the old windows and the stone steps. I sat and rested on the stoop and nibbled on some popcorn. I felt good energy all around me on the first day of May, May Day.

Lookie who I saw so far away from home! Heather and her friend. You remember Heather, she makes the cute leather clutches and hand bags.

I also saw Debbie Dusenbury from Curious Sofa. I noticed Debbie had a cart, a SFMC too.

I probably caught Debbie off guard. I just walked up to her and introduced myself. I had never met her, but recognized her from magazine's and her web site and blog.

After the fact, I realized I was probably a nuisance to her, as I bet she gets that every time she's shopping. Sometimes being recognizable can be a pain, I'm sure. She was very kind and again, good energy.

Last night's storm knocked out our electricity for the night and into most of my morning, so I'm playing catch up around the sweet home.

I'm still preparing May Day baskets, and making lavender cookies now that I can use my oven. The weather has changed from summer to fall in one day, and tomorrow's forecast, cool, but dry:)

I'll have lots of things to share next week including Patrick's first day at the Market, May Day Celebration, Flea Market stories and pictures, and some wonderful soulful writings my Aunt Glenna recently sent me of my Grandmother Christine recalling her charming vintage child hood memories.

Enjoy caring and sharing May days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) 

 

 

 

Peek a Spring boo

Just a little peek to let you know I'm still here, but preoccupied with some Spring creations.

I'll be in and out for the upcoming weeks to come.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Roses are pink, violets are purple, and the little blue bird sings her song

Missouri hosts one of the prettiest springs you'll ever see!

Last spring was wishy washy. She couldn't make up her mind to stand on her own, and leaned on her brother winter. Winter decided we needed a few nights of freezing cold wintry nights, not knowing he was killing the young tender spring flowers and plants during their grand finale of opening blooms and blossoms.

Hopefully this spring, winter will remain in hibernation, and not be abruptly awaken like he was last year, so that we can enjoy and take in Springs glorious natural beauty.

We have wild violets throughout our yard. I love wild violets. They are a small blossomed flower, but when mixed with many, become a stunning spring posy. I can see why my mom and her sister chose them for their May day baskets.

We have both white and purple in our yard. I also have a cluster of lily of the valley. They aren't quite blooming yet, but will soon be sprouting their unique white crown cups soon, probably around the same time as the peony's begin budding, another favorite short blooming spring flower.

My friend Dana brought me this little blue bird. Dana, the small ceramic bird is perfect for showcasing my posy of purple violets.

Blue birds are Missouri's state bird. They are not frequently seen, but when you do see one, you won't soon forget there unique beauty and their vibrant feathers of blue.

The species prefers nesting approximately five feet off the ground, and no taller than six, and if building a bird house for these lovely little creatures, they also prefer a 1,1/2 size entrance to their homes. I know this simply because of my dads admiration for blue birds, and he has built several blue bird homes throughout his yard.

Monday, Monday.. The beginning of a new Spring week!

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

 

 

 

Burlap & Roses

The other day when I went to the fabric store to pick up more burlap to wrap the garden soap, I noticed some new rosy calico's had arrived.

While holding the burlap, I noticed how well I liked the two textiles setting aside one another. The calico adds a bit of softness to the textured burlap, and I like the balance.

I was inspired to create these little draw string bags. I've always been fond of this timeless textile, especially this mushroom color.

The little bags are available on Bittersweet's New for Spring site.

I have lots of plans in the works for using the days gone by cloth in other Bittersweet projects, and I can't wait to share with you my creations. My head is just a spinning with ideas. I love it when that happens!

I scrambled to get packages sent out yesterday afternoon. If you happen to read this, samples, giveaways, and orders, all headed to their destinations, instead of just setting:)

I clicked a rainy afternoon shot of my porch. The curtain behind the table is temporary. I am covering up the huge gas grill. I was over ruled by two men that insisted we assemble the grill on the porch for easy access off the kitchen.

I have to admit, I do like having the cooking contraption so close to the kitchen, but I hate the way these things look. I'm planning on replacing the curtain with a bamboo blind.

Lennis's sister is coming to visit this weekend, I can't wait to serve Sunday morning coffee and tea on the porch.

Dishtowel schedule calls for cleaning of the sweet home. I seem to be stuck on this lately, spring cleaning mode.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

In between the blooms

The owls hooted me to sleep last night. Just as I lye in bed thinking about them, they began to make that soothing sound only owls can make.

I planted seedlings yesterday, and quickly realized I chose the windiest day of spring, as I watch my poppy seed packet fly around to the side of the yard, I notice my weeping cherry tree is in full bloom. 

Lennis purchased and planted this tree for our anniversary several years ago. I've always thought this small ornamental tree was beautiful when it's in full bloom.

While out and about in the yard I noticed we're in between the blooms. Meaning, the tulips, flowering trees and shrubs, and bushes are just beginning to showcase their colorful hues.

Remember how I told you I don't plant my flowers until Mothers Day? It's the in between the blooms time that adds to the anticipation of the final moment when I can finally dig the dirt, and transplant my flowers. In between those times I gather forsythia blooms, and even cut some of the weeping cherry blossoms to bring the outdoors inside the sweet home.

We have a small back porch that sets off our kitchen. It's one of my favorite retreats outside our house once the weather warms. There's a red bud tree directly below the porch that's branches reach up to the top of the porch. The tree hasn't opened it's heart shaped leaves yet, but once it does it fills the entire space around the porch, and you feel as though your in a tree house. I could easily eat, sleep, and live on that porch during the warm spring and summer months.

I was going to show you a picture, but it seems typepad is experiencing some problems this morning.

I'm off to do some Bittersweet work.

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

The rock garden, and thoughts of May Day

My poor, poor neglected rock garden was in a state of shock yesterday as my tennis shoes tromped onto her soil. It's been at least fifteen years since I last stepped foot on her rich black dirt.

I'm not sure why I gave her the cold shoulder over the years, just one of those things I guess, busy shop life stuff, making soap, you know, life in general.

I'm excited to say, I'm at a point in which I'm ready to get my little rock garden back to her original beauty.

Let's see, that was some twenty years ago, and I was --, when I first dug up the dirt and planted, thyme, oregano, chives, peppermint, catnip, sage, and basil.

She doesn't know it yet, but I have colorful flowers I've been dreaming about planting within her rock boundaries.

She will be basking in the sunshine while Gerber's sprout upon her breast, and she feels the warm summer breeze and the pit pat of spring rains fall upon her golden crown of calendula's.

I cannot wait to show you her transformation!

For now though, I will continue to work her soil, and my colorful dreams for her future, will have to be anticipated until safe planting day on Mothers day.

The time goes by so quickly that I've already began plans for Bittersweet's annual May Day Celebration. Saturday, May 3rd, even though May Day is officially over, but the third falls on a Saturday, so the cookie crumbled upon that day.

May Day is one of my favorite holidays.

Wait a minute, is it considered a holiday? Well it sure is around here! I make a may pole, and bake lavender cookies, and serve pink lemonade, and have a party, where the guests receive a small May Day basket of Spring goodies and we converse back and forth, and have a merry time. I put on a springy twirly skirt, and sing a pretty song, well the latter is a tad bit exaggerated, but you get the picture. I love May Day!

I'll share my lavender cookie recipe with you as it gets closer to the celebration. The recipe is a simple short bread recipe with a few lavender seeds sprinkled in, oh so good!  I have little teapot cookie cutters that I use to make the lavender cookies, and they add to the May Day ambiance.

Until then, I'll be dreaming about Spring blossoms, pondering the thought of filling May baskets, and a song in my step, kind of like Peggy Lee did while singing her song.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days too.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Pink & Red

Even though I'm fond of white on white rooms, I am equally attached to splashes of color, both on the walls, and accents throughout the rooms.

The working, creating zone of the Bittersweet studio is red, but the merchandising areas are buffed with vanilla's, creams and fawns.

The monochromatic scheme helps to showcase Bittersweet mostly, but I also enjoy the subtle energy it echoes throughout the rooms.

I've always been taken by layers of tone on tone casts, and the ecru's, biscuit and oatmeal hues.

OK, I'm not sure how I got on the subject of preference in room color, and I can see that I'm rambling on once again!

I suppose it is Monday, and it seems my Monday's have always been filled with a rambling type of mood, sometimes to myself.   

The dishtowel schedule calls for wash day on Monday, but I am modernizing my Monday schedule to errand day, as it seems more appropriate nowadays, and better suits me.

Here's a picture of a first pink pin cushion I made over the weekend. Remember the ring I mentioned that you'll need to construct the cushion? I had told you I had difficulty locating one.

I finally found some wood looking small hoops, that resemble small round picture frames here. Although they were not listed on their web site, they are located next to the embroidery hoops at the store. I simply twisted off the little picture hanger devise and they worked out perfectly.

Patrick is home safe, and my Bittersweet life is back to my zen comfort zone.

This Saturday I will attempt to entertain and hopefully teach a local college student the inn's and outs of owning one's little business. You might remember sweet Erin from last year.

Enjoy a caring and sharing SPRING DAY.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

The Trip and Easter Sunday..

Patrick arrived home safely from his trip to L.A. He had a great time. His Aunt Theresa's friend Terri works for Warner Brothers, and so he got to go behind scenes and check out sets. You won't believe which set he visited! Gilmore Girls! Can you believe it! I'm sure he was probably surprised too. He knows it's my favorite show. Gosh, I wish I went to L.A.

They were filming the last episode! Patrick walked onto the set of Lorelai's parents, and of course saw Lauren Graham who plays Lorelai, and Luke, and even visited with Sally Struthers. He brought be back a Luke's mug. He said the actors and actresses all ride bikes between sets instead of driving or walking. I think that's pretty cool. 

He went to some other sets too, but after hearing about the Gilmore Girl set, I think I kind of blocked the rest out.

Our Spring weather is wishy washy. We have had record lows this past week. It feels as though it's winter again. YUK! Who want's to experience winter in the spring? Not me! I hope it warms up for our auction this Saturday.

The chilly weather didn't put a damper on our annual egg hunt at my Father's house yesterday. No, we had a great time. The kids had an even better time. Every year it's the same. The parents and older kids hide the loot, and then the younger kids are anxiously awaiting inside until all the treasures are well hid. Then the beginning of the annual Easter hunt. Andrew my little nephew is the youngest, he was having the time of his life, he's so cute!      

Look at all that stuff! Grandma M.J., your the best! Thanks for the love!! After the excitement of finding everyone's loot, it's time to relax and enjoy the moment. Stephanie knows just how to do that.  

Great Easter!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Spring on the square

Every Spring the downtown Liberty celebrates "Spring on the square".

The aroma's of onion rings, popcorn and funnel cake fills the air. Everyone has a grand time, especially the kids. Children's activities, crafts and as I mentioned, the ever popular "festival food." fill the Springy Satur-day...

We have a unique downtown with wonderful old historic buildings. It's a County Seat so we have a beautiful old courthouse centered in the middle of the square. Yes, we have a square downtown. Isn't that cool!  The downtown is definitely the heart of Liberty.. It's filled with personality on every corner and in every shop and restaurant. People downtown are friendly and hospitable. You would almost confuse us with the notorious May berry.

Even the name. Liberty, what a name! The town is about thirty-thousand and growing but small in that you still see people you know during your trip to the grocery store.. We have a top rated school system with hard working volunteers at every event. Even our "Spring on the Square" is sponsored by volunteers. That's pretty extraordinary if you ask me..

Personally I think Liberty is without a doubt a best kept secret.

For those of you that happen to venture into our unique town. We're glad you came to visit!

Oh, don't forget to visit that little boutique next to the book store, you know Bittersweet.

Happily,

Jill 00

Favorite & New for Spring...

Every Spring Bittersweet loves introducing new special items to our spring line.

"Travel bags are one of our favorite yet.."

I've mentioned my passion for little bags before... These are so cute and practical. Great for safely keeping jewelry, cosmetics, etc... Each one has a vintage ivory button and lined with contrasting complimentary fabric. A must-have for the travel girl!!

As you all know, only a few made and their going quick at the boutique. Don't worry though, I will make more.

Little Things that make life a little more fun! Dont you agree?

Happily,

Jill oo

Party Dress

I found this little party dress at my friend Julie's shop.

Isn't it cute? It's a coral pinky little dress that has been handmade probably from the fifties, I'm guessing....??

I placed it in the boutique. It reminds me of spring and garden parties with pink punch and sugared flowers.

The May Day celebration is coming soon, you know... The last Saturday in April. I am planning a great day! In fact, the sugared flowers I mentioned.... We're having cupcakes with pale pink and lavender icing with little sugared violets on top. YUMMY!!! and------What's May Day without a May Pole? Yes, in front of the boutique we will have an old fashioned flowery may pole with pretty pastel streamers blowing in the wind, minus the little girls walking around the pole intertwining the streamers.

What an exciting day?

Oh, I forgot the best thing.... Your going to receive our Lavender cookie recipe along with some organic lavender so you can make the cookies yourself.

Hope to see you at the boutique!

Happily,

Jill oo

Flowers for Spring!

Springy Flowers..

On my last post I mentioned my fancy for vintage millinery flowers. I have a wonderful source for these unique little works of art.

I purchase them in New York.  The company has been manufacturing these little flowers for almost one-hundred years....

They have soft floppy little petals that look so real!

I can't wait to add them to Easter baskets..... They will add that special touch.

More to come....

Happily,

Jill 00