Bittersweet and the little soap company

Boutique is stuffed full...

The boutique is stuffed full of new exciting gifty things for summer .... and the soap table is especially nice with the new packaging..and those little bags that we like to fill with soap and bath salts...

You wedding  gals out there... The wedding room is open. Isn't it pretty in pink?

Don't forget now. We create the perfect wedding favors. I am working on June and July wedding gifts. They are so so elegant!

We match colors too!!Just drop me a line and I'll fill you in on the details. Mostly I need your colors and theme, and from there, I can make you your very own favorable favors. Your guests will be most appreciated. Don't forget to check the web site for new things, like our "bug off", bugs do not like this stuff at all! ... Talk to you soon..

Happily,  Jill 00  

Graphic Girl

I absolutely love graphics!

So many to choose from... What's a girl to do?

I probably have over one-million graphics in my computer and even though that sounds like a lot, to a graphic lover it's never enough..

It's a little like purchasing fabric . You fabric loving girls and guys out there know what I mean. It starts out innocent enough. You purchase a yard of this, a half yard of that and before you know it, an over load of textiles slowly, ever so slowly, consuming your home.. Graphics at least may be stored in the computer...    

I use graphics on a daily basis incorporating them into Bittersweet labels, brochures, web site, and ..... I truly feel I would be lost without them.

When I began Bittersweet in 1997, I only made a few things and had my labels printed at our local printing shop. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. Today, making over one-hundred items,it would not be cost effective to do this. So since that time, I have become more experienced both on the computer and creating labels. One thing I've noticed.. Keep it simple! Simplicity.... Yes, less is definitely more! One little line can actually have a larger em pact than a busy graphic, and offers a lot more bang for the buck, so to speak...

So for you graphic loving  girls and boys out there... I understand... yep, this girl has the picture fever too... Love um....ditto, ditto.........

Happily,

Jill 00

So many of have asked, "what does the double 00 mean?"

Hugs to you, Sweetie Pie......

   

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 summer I would walk to the country club, and spend the entire day swimming, playing cards in the club house and visiting with my favorite Friends.. We had beautiful old historic homes that lined the streets..

I walked by the "Lion House" every day.   Soldier blood stains the stone pillars in front of the old house. That's what I was told growing up anyway. It did look like blood...  I remember one day, as I was walking home, I kicked  what I thought was a rock actually was a bat, flew up in front of my best friend. We screamed and ran off.. Our parents probably didn't believe us... I don't really remember, but I am sure we told them.

We went to church often. I sang in the church choir. I remember, I loved my choir teacher. She was so nice... and very pretty.. Yes, memories from my hometown.

One of the things that makes life a little more interesting....

Happily,

Jill 00

Summer Bed

Summer.. Time to clean up and shed some stuff.....

I mentioned in another post how we were remodeling our kitchen...... It's almost complete. You can see a few pictures in French Bistro Kitchen....  I have also been doing some major over-hauling on our house. Cleaning closets, reorganizing work areas and de-cluttering.

When I cleaned my closet I noticed I had lots of pink, brown and white, lots of white. I must have at least 15 white blouses.Hmm...

You know, that's what they say (Decorators), look in your closet to find what colors you like and then follow your decorating with the same... I am convinced this is true. I have tried to not incorporate pink into our home but pink always wins....

I always find myself going back to chicky colors. Can't seem to keep them at bay. They just quietly sneak in.

The main picture remains though... My goal? To achieve a non clutter house... That's a big task considering I make so many things in my home... I am also planning on painting a lot this summer. What colors you ask? Why certainly, Silver Blue, Chocolate Brown and Sunshine Yellow...

Lennis is going to build a new sewing area downstairs. I can't wait!! I can take my fabric out of the tupperware and place into a cabinet. It will be over-joyed almost as much as I....

I'm already tired just thinking about all this....

Happily,

Jill 00

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

Pretty Little Boutique

The boutique is looking summer like. See that cute little apron in the window..

Way to go Claire, your aprons are hot! I adore the polka-dot one...

Have you seen this magazine? It's new. In fact, this is the first issue. It's a Martha magazine only a whole different take.. I really like it.. It has some great ideas, like this one.

I found this cute little display box at the flea market. Isn't it perfect for displaying the baby soap?

Sorry, really skipping around here. Both Patrick and Lennis have been sick with the flu and I am trying to not get it but don't think it's working because I feel yuck. Sore throat, ear achy, tired, boy am I tired.... I hate being sick... Sorry for the skippy blog gals.... I really did want to show you this though. Now I think I'm going to rest.

Happily,

Jill 00

Bursty Ball Bath

  What is it?

Over-sized aromatic bath seltzers similar to what an alka seltzer does for the inside,these little aromatic balls do for the outside.  They are popular at the boutique.

They are available in different aroma's. I have to say, "these little bath balls are truly a must-have tool for a relaxing bath."

Which brings me to my next topic....................

What do you think? Chances are you probably never noticed how long you were in the bath..... Personally, now that I know about the twenty minute maximum, it's always in the back of my mind and actually interferes with my attempt to take a relaxing bath. Concerned that if I soak for longer than twenty minutes I've waisted my time... Silly huh? Nevertheless, my bathing preference is still the good old-fashioned bath. Believe it or not, I haven't taken a shower for more than twenty years. I love baths!! They slow me down... Some of my best ideas come to me while in the bath...

Showers were invented to speed up the hygiene process.. Our lives are filled with so many things that want to help us get it done quickly.. Do they make your life better? I wonder? Something to think about....

This girl says NO.. I will continue taking my relaxing baths each morning treasuring every minute.... Twenty minutes that is..... Oh really, who's counting????

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

Happily,

Jill 00

Mock Orange in bloom

I noticed the mock orange is blooming. Isn't it pretty! It smells so good, a little like jasmine or tuber rose. It usually blooms in early June but it's blooming early this year. It's right outside our living room window and the sweet aromatic fragrance gently flows into the house while it's blooming.

What do you think of my new business cards? You know, I hate the same old boring business cards so I created these instead. They have texture and personality, don't you think?

Flower Power!

Getting ready to go into the shop today. It is a absolutely beautiful day. I've taken a few pictures so you can enjoy it too.

Talk to you soon,

Happily,

Jill oo