Bittersweet and the little soap company

Rose of a day!

Yesterday my friend Sandy hosted a surprise tea party birthday for her Mom, Rose. Rose turned eighty.

I don't know if you remember or not, but Sandy just lives two houses down from me. So tripod in hand, I scurried down to Sandy's to take pictures of the party.

A I walk onto Sandy's front porch I notice a chalk board setting next to the front door. The  Birthday menu fancifully written with scroll like pastel font on the board, simple but, oh so cute!

pâté en croûte de pot de poulet

haricots verts de fantaisie   

gâteau au fromage de fraise (Yummy) 

salade de ressort with poppy seed dressing

I knock on the door and Sandy greets me dressed in black wearing a crisp white apron on top. She introduces me to her guests as I situate the tripod and camera.

Here we go....

What was intended to be a short couple of camera shots turned out to be a two hour very enjoyable afternoon talking with these wonderful ladies.   

Now isn't this the nicest looking group of ladies?

Sandy's Mom is second to the left, and Sandy is standing at the end of the table accompanied by her daughter Angie, which by the way, made the best strawberry cheesecake.

Sandy's Mom Rose is very soft spoken and sweet.

Her friends told her they were taking her to lunch at a new tea room in Liberty. Little did she know the new tea room was her daughters house. As they drove up to Sandy's house, Rose says, "This is where Sandy lives, would you like to stop by and say HI?" Of course, Rose's friends knew the plan and happily said yes. They enter the front door, and SURPRISE ROSE!!

What a caring and sharing day it was..  

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Secret Summer Attraction

For the past few weeks I've been having a secret summer fling. 

Nobody knows about this secret obsession. I've kept it a complete secret and haven't uttered a word to anyone.

I believe it's time to spill the beans.

My secret attraction....The color BLUE!

Where on earth did this attraction begin? I don't recall the exact moment this color obsession began. I've never before been drawn to a color with such intensity. It just doesn't make since. Why the sudden urge for blue hues?

I have no blue clothing in my closet! I have but one blue bowl in my kitchen but that was my Mothers. My entire house and studio, no blue to boot!

So why now this compulsive attraction to blue?

I did paint the boutique blue, but that was because I researched colors before opening the shop, and read how blue was soothing and relaxing to people, and wanted my customers to feel soothed and relaxed when they came into the boutique. I really liked the balmy blue at the boutique. Customers were constantly complimenting the shade and asking what color it was. H'm...

Maybe my sudden blue hue attraction is psychological. I do, and always have associated the color blue with the ocean or the sky and thought it to be a peaceful color.

Could it be that the hot sultry summer has triggered a need for this cool hue to be splashed inside my space?

Yep, let's go with that!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

It's the heat!

I'm blaming the HEAT for my sudden redecorating surge. The boutique looks like a tornado hit it.

What a day. I am exhausted. Before and after pictures, but still not finished.

The Hollywood package is going out tomorrow.

I'm actually glad I started the re-do project. It has taken my mind of of the terrible terrorist plot. What a bunch of creeps. So sad. That's all I want to say about it.

Except... I want to express my appreciation to our beloved soldiers that are continuing to fight for our country, and make me proud to be an American.

Tomorrow I hope to finish the decorating. My goal? To clean things up a bit, and showcase Bittersweet products.

Hope everyone is doing well. Have a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Why is it so darn hot?

I know it's summer but does it have to be this darn hot?  I go from air conditioned house immediately to air conditioned shop and stay there. Hunkered down again wrapping soap....

I can't wait for Fall!

I've decided to change the original idea on  packaging for the soap I'm sending to Hollywood. I need to have it in some sort of bag. I think I will simply wrap a band around it and place each bar into a clear bag. Seems redundant to wrap twice.  If I stop and think about it too much it will drive me craaaazzzy...

Between being busy with the Hollywood thing and new fragrances for Fall, I'm also planning something new in the little room. For those of you that have never been in Bittersweet Boutique, the little room in the back of the shop is currently the "wedding room". 

After some thought I have realized that I don't really need a room to show my customers that I provide wedding favors. The boutique does a pretty good job of that. So......

Soon it will be the "Baby Room". Since the launch of Bittersweet's "Baby Bird", I quickly realized I did not have enough space in front to accommodate all of the Baby Bird line. I would like to branch out a bit with this line too, and there simply is not enough display area.

Julie has the cutest iron baby bed in her shop and I am going to place it in the little room. The room is  not that big so I think by decorating it to look like a nursery  will make it look better than it's ever been. Which also means making more new stuff to place into the baby room.

That pretty much fill you in on what's going on at Bittersweet.

For those of you that are experiencing the hot weather.. Try and stay cool. Kick your feet up and enjoy a big tall glass of cold lemonade...

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) 

Rain.......

Lovely day with rain drops and light north wind, and cool. This picture sums it up.

Finally a break from the heat! People are starting to appear again. During the triple digit days it looked like a ghost town on the square.

I managed to get a few pictures of the little note books and the NEW soap display.

Little notes will appear soon on the web site. I just love these matchbook notebooks. I have always had an attraction to matchbooks. I think it was the practicality , and of course the size. I love little gifty things! I will be making holiday ones soon....  Tomorrow Saturday, I've talked about Saturdays....

Hope to have a 4 bell day too! Hope you have a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Is it Mayberry?

  I've mentioned before Liberty's resemblance to the notorious Mayberry. Today was a day in particular that stood out to be a "Mayberry Day" on the Liberty Square.

The farmers market is on the square every Saturday and today was our annual "Taste of Liberty", which is an opportunity to sample local eateries. Even though it is so so hot, there was a good crowd. It's a great opportunity to visit with friends and enjoy some good eats.

Music filled the air, along with aroma's of Italian meat balls and other various yummy finger foods.

Our downtown square is an important part of the city. Without it, there would be a tremendous void in our lovely little city. I like to call it the heart of Liberty, and without a doubt it truly is.

Like the Spring on the Square, this event is planned and organized by volunteers and as you can see a wonderful event that's enjoyed by both young and old.

In this day and age of Target's and Walmart's it's refreshing to know I can escape to my little shop on the unique and charming Liberty square and somehow seem at peace and relaxed, almost like stepping back in time when everyone was not in such a hurry and busy.

About a year ago Patrick started a downtown paper called "The Downtown Liberty." I am so proud of him considering he is only thirteen. With the determination of an adult he's making a name for himself. I was thinking the other day about his paper and why it is so important to him. He has seen and heard me talk about the significance of our downtown so many times. In fact there is probably not a evening that goes by that I haven't talked about it in some sort. In short, it has touched him in the same way it touched me. Ever so gently, lightly nudging, reminding me of its greatness and how it shall never be forgotten.

The soldier stands ever so tall to be in Liberty. After all, It's things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Hot Hot Hot Missouri Summer!

Thank God for air conditioning! It has been so hot the past few days. Typical Missouri July and August summer.

In fact, I guess that's where the phrase, Dog Days Of Summer come from.. I don't like it one bit, but guess there's not much you can do, huh?

I'm surprised I've had any customers the past few days it's so darn HOT. The shop has been fairly busy and I am very busy making things, and trying to get a jump on Fall and Winter.

I received the new fragrances and essential oils today they smell gooood! Can't wait to get started on the new soaps. I will keep you posted.

Hope your having a great summer!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Summer Weekend

Saturday was buzzing at the boutique. Had some wonderful conversations with new customers. My friend Evalyn stopped by and we chatted awhile. I always enjoy Evalyn's company. She's a Jewel!!

Well another weekend and I am sticking with my Sunday off promise.

Making plans for tomorrow and already know it's a busy day of making things. I am gearing up for Fall and Winter, so new soaps will follow soon. Have already ordered oils for making fragrant new soaps. I guess I can go ahead and tell you what's in store. No pun intended.. How about, Nag Champa, and Vetiver soap ,along with white chocolate lip balm, and maybe Vanilla Pumpkin soap, bath salt and bursty balls?

I am going to need to increase my soap making to keep up with supply and demand. There has been a gradual increase over the past ten years on the number of bars sold.

Again, I am a happy soap making girl!

During the holidays I have to triple my manufacturing on almost everything. I am trying to get a jump on that. Purchasing supplies early and stocking up so that I will be prepared for the busy season.

Tomorrow, Spearmint and Eucalyptus soap. Sound good? It will probably be the last of the summer soaps on the exception of Lavender Mint, which is popular all year long. I also need to work on the web site. Watch for a new page. I am adding some new things...

When at the shop, and I see that I am running low or out of something I have to make a list or I will forget. Making over one-hundred things, forget it, I would never remember. Sometime the list may have up to twenty or so items on it. This week~Journals, Soap, Tissue Pouches, Sugar Baby Scrub, Milk Bath, Little Boxes and Bursty Balls.

Transporting to the boutique~Garden Soap, Lily Rose Soap, Patchouli Musk Soap, Milk Bath, Bursty Balls, Sugar Baby, Tissue Pouches, and Little Boxes. Lot's of new fragrances arriving every week...Exciting and New!

Those Fall skirts I promised... They will be here soon. I am waiting on new fabric that will be used just for them. Cant' wait to show you!

Ahh, Sunday evening and it's quiet. Patricks on his laptop working on his paper. Lennis is playing softball with his buds and I was just informed that little Lily need to go potty...SO..........

Hope your having a fun laid back weekend. Summer will be over before we know it. It goes so quickly. Don't forget to enjoy each and every day.

Remember,

Two hugs are better than one....

Happily,

Jill 00  

Summer at the boutique

Summer at the boutique . Even though I'm working on holiday stuff it's still summer at the shop.

The little skirts are going quick.. Hurry girls it will be awhile before I make more.

Fall skirts will preview soon.

I love parasols! They are my favorite decorating item. When I moved into the shop there were actually holes where the ceiling fans used to be. I was on a limited budget and had no money to purchase more ceiling fans. Instead of fans, I thought?? why not paper parasols they might look even better and the cost for each hole, $11 including directional light. I was so pleased with the result.

Some of my best ideas have come when I am on a limited budget. I either use what I have or create something. The satisfaction one gets is very gratifying.

I am very pleased with the little summer soap display. I used what I had again and it turned out great. I love changing displays with the seasons. Even though it can be challenging at times it's so much fun when you get it the way you want.

Over the weekend I made a  fresh batch of  hand therapy creme. I didn't include that on my last post of updates for Bittersweet products. I have been packaging soap like their ain't no tomorrow.... Every morning before going to the shop what am I doing? Wrapping soap, wrapping soap, ditto, ditto.....

I've talked about the soap before. It's a Bittersweet specialty!

Look close at the picture with the lamp and parasol's. Can you read the little sign next to the soap? Isn't that great! I am a happy soap making girl!  

Talk to you soon,

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one)

Happy 4th to you and yours

I don't know where the time goes. It's the 4th of July already. Summer just breezes by.

We are finally getting some rain here  I felt like going outside and standing in it last night. Watering plants has been somewhat time consuming lately.

Happy Fourth to you and yours...... Hope you enjoy..

I am working on new things for Fall, and will have a few to show you tomorrow.

Patrick made this cake yesterday. It took him about three hours to make. Remember Patrick is thirteen. It was deliciously good!

Talk to you soon,

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Sunday, Rest Day Now

The boutique used to be open Tuesday - Saturday. It seemed like I never had time to do anything besides make stuff during my two days off. After making an executive decision to only be open Wednesday - Saturday, and allowing an extra day to be closed and at home. It was one of the smartest decisions I could make.

First, Making over one-hundred things takes  quite a bit of time. Second, I don't want to be working quite that hard. Don't misunderstand me though, I love to work. I am a type A, and probably love to work a little too much.

Which brings me to Sundays... I also made a decision to take Sunday's off. You know, maybe do things besides shop stuff. It's been about two months since I decided to take Sundays off, and I have to tell you, it's helped in so many ways.. I've noticed my creative level has enhanced and I actually get more done on Monday and Tuesday than ever before.

I've talked about how retail life takes so much of your time. It can eat you up.

My thought. I love owning my own shop and making things. It is suppose to be fun, right? Well then, make sure you do it the way you want too. Like that song Frank sang, I Did It My Way... Don't let anyone tell you different. Listen to your instincts. They are always right.

Sundays have never looked better. I anxiously await them each week knowing I can relax read the paper, make cookies, pick flowers, blog, or whatever else my little heart disires.

And anyway, It's things that make life a little more fun!

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one)

Not Shop Life

When I was growing up I had a best friend who lived just a few houses down. Her father was the sheriff for our county. I remember him well. Big Ray, they called him. He was a large man that  wore a brown sheriff uniform and smoked huge cigars what seemed like every time I saw him. I was nervous and intimidated around him. He spoke very rarely that I remember, which made him even more intimidating.

His daughter, Nita, was my best friend and a beautiful girl. She was queen, cheerleader, and very popular with the boys. She was a few years older than me, so the boy thing didn't really matter to me at the time. It seemed that every time Nita and I went out boys were always hovering around. Big Ray was very very strict with his daughter. One thing that stands out particularly... Her family owned a bicycle built for two. We would ride this bike all over town, while boys would circle as they were mesmerized by Nita's beauty and charm. I was always fascinated by the number of boys that were constantly appearing suddenly almost as soon as Nita left her house. Were they watching for her to come out? Spooky...  She had some charm!

Have you ever ridden a bicycle built for two? It's a blast! Especially with a close friend. That bike and my friend, Nita have become cherished summer memories...

Big Ray owned a lake house and I remember going with their family for several weekend getaways. Big Ray taught me to water ski. I was so scared I got up the first time. Didn't want to disappoint Big Ray. He might get mad at me... I don't think I ever saw him mad, but remember not wanting to either. I also remember thinking how lucky I was to have a normal Dad. You know, a dad that didn't spend his days with bad guys and wear a gun on his hip.

I'm not sure what brought on this memory, but glad it did, and anyway, it's things that make Summers a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one)

Holiday Planning

Holiday planning usually begins in July for retail.

Bittersweet starts a little earlier since we make everything. Most stores have wholesale suppliers and order items from catalogs and sales representatives. It always amazes me how fast the time goes between now and Christmas.

Bittersweet makes a special holiday soap, Velvet Spice. It is available only during the holidays and has the aroma of spicy citrus. Over the years it has become a best seller around Christmas,and usually begins selling in September. Last season we sold over three-thousand bars within six weeks... 

After making the soap it needs to cure. Allowing the soap to set for six to eight weeks produces a gentle and firmer bar of soap. So that kind of explains the reason for starting early...

When I make soap I make one-hundred bars at a time, so it takes me awhile to get to three-thousand.

Another popular item during the season are the Little boxes. Each one, hand painted and perfect packaging for holding a bar of Velvet Spice Soap!

Well, I guess I better get to work...

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one)

   

Rose Petal Soap

I have been putting off making rose petal soaps for quite some time. They are time consuming and have a strong fragrance of rose. I would imagine the rose fragrance is probably the turn off for me. It's not my favorite fragrance, but is for so many others. I can't imagine making rose petal soaps that smell like lilac or lavender, so I guess I'm stuck with rose.....

Bittersweet has been offering wedding favors since we opened. The rose petal soaps are a favorite wedding favor. The petals I made today will be tossed onto guests tables... The rose fragrance is actually nice for a wedding room and adds a fragrant ambiance, and anyway, it's things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one)

Saturday Shop Life....

Another Saturday at the boutique.....

Most of you spend Saturday's with family or friends, shopping, catching up on housework, errands, etc.

I on the other hand, spend each and every Saturday at the boutique. I enjoy it most of the time, and anxiously await the day. Shall I be busy? Will I see so and so,but..... sometimes I would like to be like you guys and have a Saturday filled with teacakes, and naps, and TV, and a good book, and...............

Why don't you hire someone to work at the shop, you ask? Because I am a compulsive control freak.

Not really... Truth is, Sometimes the shop isn't that busy and it doesn't justify spending my hard earned money to pay someone to set there all day.

For those of you that have never experienced retail life... It's a breed of it's own.. First lesson, don't allow it to consume you.. If your smart, you figure that out early on.

Don't misunderstand me though.. I love what I do! I can't imagine doing anything else... It's in my heart and in my soul... It's a soulful thing I guess. That best describes it... You retailers know what I mean.

Making things, that's a whole different story, but still a soulful thing. I know without a doubt, if I couldn't make things, I would shrivel up and die... Does that sound a bit extreme? Well, I mean it!I compare this feeling to an artist that wants to paint a beautiful picture, but can't, he has no paint.

That's what it would feel like to me. Ideas running through your head like a herd of wild horses, but no where to go with them. They just stay in your head, every once in awhile faintly appearing and reminding you of their presence.

Well, this is turning out to be pretty philosophic. That's not where I was heading.

I actually just wanted to talk about Saturdays. Aah Saturdays.... You enjoy those Saturdays.... Spend them with the ones you love, and do fun things too. Know that they are a blessing, and that I am very jealous of you....Just kidding..

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

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Is It Mayberry or our Summer Solstice Party?

Every summer, for the past five years or so our friends Ted and Dawn treat us with a Summer Solstice Party... Thanks guys!!!

It's one of the things I look forward to each summer.

I remember little Lily from a couple of summer's ago. She is so cute and wow kids grow fast.... This is Lily's family, nice looking family, don't you think?

I've mentioned our town in another post. Liberty is a unique town and is home of most of our unique friends... Over the years Lennis and I have lost a considerable number of those close friends, which we dearly miss. Ted and Dawn's Summer Solstice offers the opportunity to bring  friends together and enjoy each others company.

and anyway, it's things that make life a little more interesting.....

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Little Note Pads and Tissue Holder

Sometimes you don't have a lot to say, but want to let the other person know how you feel... Well these little notes are a perfect size for telling someone your deepest thoughts... Or just to say I Love You.

They are packaged to resemble a matchbook and perfect for tucking into lunch boxes or suitcases. They are not on the web site yet. I wanted you to be the first to preview them.

After they read your special note they may need a tissue because they will be so shaken from your extraordinary lovely little note. Why not offer them these cute little tissue holders.

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

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Happy Anniversary

We got married on Father's Day, seven  years ago in Eureka Springs Arkansas.

I know it sounds corny, but my husband is the kindest most thoughtful  man I have ever known and for those that know him would agree . He's a true gem... Throughout the years he has been supportive and my rock, and  though I don't always tell him as often as I should, I love him forever...

     So for those out there that have a great guy.... Let him know how special he is to you...

Life is short. Enjoy each day as though it is your last... Surprising how that puts a lovely new perspective on things.. Experience wonder in the little things... Don't stress, Don't worry, everything always works out. That is what life is suppose to be you know..........

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one), and xxxxxxx to my husband..

Underrated Father's Day..

Yes, I believe Father's Day is a little underrated.

Mother's Day is one of the biggest money making days for retail next to Christmas. That's surprising to me.

Father's Day on the other hand kind of just comes and goes. Why is that? I'm not sure, but I do know Fathers are just as important as Mothers. Wouldn't you agree?

Which brings me to my next topic.... Have you ever really considered the differences between the Male and Female race. It's something you probably don't think about, but maybe we should ponder the thought a little more.

God created Man and Woman. That is my belief anyway. Some of you may believe differently, but for now let's just stick with that...What a job God had! Personally, I get  overwhelmed just thinking about how he did it. Where did he start? How did he start? What if God decided to create everyone the same. OK, this is getting deep. Let's skip that thought...

My thoughts? First, God did a magnificent job!

For those of you out there that have a wonderful Father, Boyfriend, Husband, Friend, etc.. Show them you love them on Father's Day and anyway...,,It's things that make life a little more interesting...

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one), especially on Father's Day!

 

Summer

Missouri Summers... Green, Green everywhere...  Queen Anne's Lace Blooming along with Purple Cone Flowers and hundreds of beautiful wild flowers lining the roads and fields. The hydrangeas are my favorite! They grow on the north side of our house. I am able to get cuttings through the summer to take to the boutique.

The extra day off has helped me tremendously....I made new stuff...

Cute little baby bibs to add to the baby bird line at Bittersweet and baby room fragrance that smells so so good.

The little tea towels have become somewhat of an obsession for me. I love making them. They are  dainty and sweet.

Summer bugs??? No problem... you have Bittersweet's Bug Off to keep those pesky bugs at bay...Sold out at the boutique..... It's a must have,and don't forget it's made using essential oils bugs hate and safe for your entire family to use.

I am working on new things for Christmas... Can you believe that? This year we will offer some wonderful unique gifts that will leave the recipient smiling all winter ..

Have a great summer!

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one)

Aprons

Aprons have always been a favorite item for me  to collect. I am always on the look out for them at flea markets. You can easily find them and they are usually reasonably priced. We carry a line of aprons at the boutique, including Jesse Steele aprons like the one in this retro kitchen picture.

We also carry vintage aprons. A girl should have at least one apron!!..Even if she's not a gourmet cook, an apron will make her look the part .

Children's aprons are especially cute and a little harder to spot at flea markets, but definitely worth the extra work to find them. This girl loves aprons! I have a large collection in almost every color.

I display them in my kitchen, as well as wearing them while baking. I think my cooking is even improved while wearing an apron.. OK, maybe not, but it's a nice thought.. Aprons also make a unique and useful wedding gift for the new bride.

Aprons are making a big come back. I've even seen them worn over jeans for a stylish and chic look. I like the look. Aprons.... Things that make life a little more interesting...

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

      

Garden Soap

The garden soap was fun to make. Instead of pumice, I used cornmeal and scented it with lemongrass and eucalyptus. It smells wonderful! It filled the house with its aromatic fragrance.

I've mentioned before about how after making a  new soap, then comes the packaging. For me, that's a big part of the fun. Well this was an easy one. I love this little fairy. I believe she's a garden fairy. She is a perfect fit for the garden soap.. It will debut at the boutique in about three weeks.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Washing Day

Sunday ~ Rest Day, Monday ~ Wash Day, Tuesday ~ Ironing Day...

That was the routine during our grandmothers days. How organized they must have been. They knew what tasks were to be done on any given day. I envy them some what. Being so organized and all.. They also managed to get three home cooked meals in between daily chores. WOW! I am woman hear me roar. Remember that song? I believe Helen Reddy sang it..?

I have been wanting to make these ironing board covers for some time. This is actually a child's ironing board and was perfect for making a small prototype. It is one of the items I picked up at the flea market yesterday.  I will use this small piece as a display at the boutique and for displaying the covers.. It is one of the many "laundering line", Bittersweet offers.

I am not sure if many people even iron any more. Kind of a days gone by task. Call me old fashioned, but I iron almost everything, from my pillow cases to my jeans, believe it or not.. and I love starch! Especially on my white blouses and pillow cases. Something so nice about putting on a clean crisp blouse or lying my head on a clean crisp pillow case. Reminds me of my grandmother's house. Fresh Outdoor Clean crisp freshly ironed sheets and pillow cases, Ahh.... Brings back fond memories.

Ok, I'm a little confused too. Our lives our suppose to be simpler. We have dishwashers, washing machines, and the list goes on.... Things that have made a gals tasks so much easier? So why does nothing seem to get done? Did our grandmothers work twenty-two hours each day, getting only two hours of sleep? I think not.. The difference..??  They enjoyed their work. For the most part anyway. Great pride went into each and every hum drum task, and yes, they didn't work. Their work consisted of taking special care of their family. Making sure the children had clean, ironed clothes each day and a loving home cooked meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner along with the home baked goodies mom would make special. Something to think about on a lazy Sunday....and It's things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Soap is packaged in New Summer Florals..

Freesia and Lavender Mint are especially nice.. I am planning on making a new garden soap this week. I think Lemongrass would be nice, and a little exfoliating pumice for you dirty girls out there... The soap will be packaged in pretty paper with coordinating labels... Here is a peek.....

Soap making has been my passion for the last ten years or so, and the best seller at the boutique. I love creating new fragrances and adding things like goat milk,herbs, and rich oils.

These oils are especially good for your skin. Each bar contains approximately forty percent olive oil and about twenty-five percent glycerin, making it one of the richest soaps you'll ever have the pleasure of using... It's suds are unlike any commercial soap. Rich creamy lather that is ultra moisturizing.. Each batch is P.H. tested, assuring each bar is pure and gentle..

Did you know that so called "soap" sold in the grocery store is actually synthetic detergent? Yep, the word soap has gotten a bad bad rap.... Bittersweet Soap is the real thing... You will definitely notice a difference in your skin... Well, I could go on and on about this soap.... If you haven't tried it, give it a try... You will be amazed. Yes, I did say amazed...Happily, Jill 00

What's New for Summer...Hot

New Oil Cloth at the boutique..We will soon have a new line of oil cloth bags and accessories.. Thought you might like to see a preview of what's to come. We will have a collection of aprons, market bags, totes, tablecloths, and baby bibs. I have been picking out the designs, they are so so pretty. Of course, I will let you know when they have made their debut at the boutique.....

I have some exciting new ideas popping around in my head. I think they will be great summer time must-haves.

Memorial weekend is coming up.. Hope you have a safe and happy weekend!

Talk to you soon.....

Happily,

Jill 00

Favorite things....

Summer..... Brings back happy  memories.....

Growing up , I lived in a small town of less than two-thousand. We lived in the same house for almost nine years.

I had the coolest bedroom in the entire town! Well, I thought it was anyway.. I remember coming home from school one day.. My Mom had surprised me  with a room makeover. I remember it like yesterday. Wicker furniture, paper parasols hanging from the wall, shelves with iron brackets and  ceramic ginger jars she had made in ceramic class. I was the luckiest girl ever!

I loved living here! Every sum