Bittersweet and the little soap company

moving fast

It's hard for me to believe we're already dipping into the month of August! I'm hanging on to every little bit of her with anticipation of autumn arriving. The conversation about four seasons has been bounced off my blog more than once. So you probably already know how much I love each and every Missouri season, including Winter. 

Summer birthdays approaching. Both Patchouli Julie and Lennis, then Patrick's. I'm making a special hand-made gift for my friend, but it's not going to be finished until Christmas. We will have to plan something fun on the trip since her birthday arrives on the day we come back to K.C. 

We celebrate Lennis's birthday with his favorite meal, spaghetti and meatballs. Sometimes I think there must be some Italian blood in my lineage since I love to prepare Italian dishes. Dessert is followed with Ina's chocolate cake. and homemade ice cream. 

August is always a busy summer month around here. In addition to all the birthdays, holiday manufacturing kicks in. Pondering ideas begin to emerge about packaging and new shop items. The shop will be draped with festive attire. 

I'm in vacation mode this week. Slowing down and not thinking too much about anything. Feels good you know, to not have to plan ahead ,simply sit back and allow things to fall into place naturally. Thinking I should do this more often. I'm kind of liking it!

Shop day. It always feels really good to head back and hang out there. It is a second home for me. Kind of like a lake house feeling, but with some special amenities. I dropped by one of my favorite downtown boutiques yesterday and as I was circling the square I looked up at our shop. Warm fuzzy feelings came over me and I smiled big as I gazed up water street. It's such a beautiful setting for a shop. Feeling blessed and that is why I have this sign in the soap shop on water street. 

Don't forget to stop and smell the summer flowers. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00 

 

Have soap will travel!

It feels good to get caught up on the home front. A few stacks here and there of work stuff left behind, but mostly put away and tucked until needed. Around here that translates into a couple of days since I make so many things. Those of you that make stuff know how your assembly line work stations seem to fade for only a short time, and like magic they appear right back the way they were before. So I guess that's why it feels good to switch into feng shui mode even if it's brief.

 I'm a type A, accompanied by a clean guru rare gene that includes army sock roll-up's and toothbrush clean toilet. That's the way I've always been so there's probably a slim chance I'll ever change. I go with it, not on the level of freaky, but I am set in my ways and have a certain way of doing things. My perception, others may differ. 

When I was a kid I used to patch my own bike tires and mink oil and saddle soap my leather shoes. So now you see!

Those thoughts connect with appreciating and taking care of "my stuff." I'm thinking these traits were passed down from my father. I have fond memories of watching my dad gather his little shoe box filled with shoe shining accessories from the top closet shelf. I watched him spit,  polish and buff his shoes. The spitting, he was a pro! That fine mist spit he manufactured was not easy to do. I know because I later tried to duplicate it! My admiration developed after observing how my dad took care of his stuff.  I'm thinking since he was in the army, he probably taught my mom to roll the socks. Hence, I'm a sock roller today! There is a technique in the sock rolling, by the way. 

By the way, my dad is still like this. That's simply one more reason I love him so much! He has a moxie way of doing things.

My suitcase is sitting in the dining room. It's filled with a tiny toothpaste and toothbrush. I'm one of those packers that contemplates packing for an extended period. I used to have these strange repeat dreams about traveling and forgetting things. I remember being almost panic stricken in my dreams realizing I'd forgot makeup or toothbrush. Crazy isn't it? Kind of resembles the clean guru conversation. 

Moving on, maybe...

I'm thinking we've hit on this topic before, but lets review....

I'm a fastidious cookie recipe snob! Meaning, I don't settle for hum-drum cookies. There's a certain criteria that's required. First, the cookie should have a particular amount of chewiness. Then a slight salty, sweet, but not physically noticeable to the naked taste-bud. The shape, also important. Finally, the yin and yang.  

I baked this recipe created by Michelle. I honestly believe it's the best chocolate cookie receipt ever!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00 

 

 

 

dog days

Wow with a big capital W! Julie and I had a busy weekend at the shops. I was late to arrive on Friday and a large group of women were waiting for me on the porch. Not me at all, being late for my own event. It simply worked out that way on Friday. A fun time regardless and I have the best customers in the world! Bittersweet hosted a giveaway during the two day event and Julie offered her vintage wares at a discounted price. 

All in all, it's been a whir-ly wind of a ride since I've re-opened my shop downtown. I'm going to stop and smell the summer flowers. Heading out of town for a spell this weekend. 

Skipping and jumping...doing a little jig.

Messing with shop images and adding some tweaking and embellishments. That's my thing!

Soap making morning. I'm not sure what flavor, but I'm leaning towards rosemary.

Skipping... 

The home sweet home could use some pillow fluffing and I finally cleaned all the stuff from my car so that the suitcases and body's won't be scrunched during the ride to the airport. 

My friend Julie is traveling with me this weekend to Wa. We're going to visit our dear friend Clarice from Story Book Woods. Some of you know Clarice already. If you don't, well then sweets you may wish to read about her goings on and  more. Once you begin reading her blog you will quickly discover how talented Ms. Story Book Woods is. 

Both Julie and I are excited and ready to get away. Our shops consume so much of our free time. In fact, we don't really have free time. However, don't misunderstand my sentiments. I love having the soap shop on water street. It's even more exciting to know we're going into the holiday season, my favorite season of all. 

That's Elle pup in the picture! She's the shaggy small doggy. The picture was taken at her favorite hang-out spot, the dog park. We have the coolest dog park in Liberty! So funny too. It's a clicky little dog park. I'll keep you guessing on that one. 

If you're a foody then I have two wonderful words for you, gourmet garlic! I've spoken about Pegs garlic before on the blog. Let me say so you'll better understand. Not all garlic was is created equal. There I said it. I feel better now! Whether you choose Spanish garlic or any of the other unique varieties, you are in for a foodie treat when you prepare and replace the boring grocery store garlic with Pegs organic garlic. 

Little Miss Aggie cat in napping in the petite vintage bed Julie recenly brought into the shop. No time was wasted once she discovered this wonderful new resting spot. The bed is dressed in vintage fabric, of course. 

 

Life is good and my gratitude far exceeds words. 

I hope you're having a good summer. It doesn't seem to last long. 

One little note before I go. 

Remember, your life is unique and special! No matter the detours, issues, problems, lack of $, etc., keep this thought in mind. You're here for a short time. Fill your day with love. It really is the most important part of life I believe, LOVE!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

 

perfect

Modeling that brand new never been worn vintage dress, Miss Allie. The dress fit her to a T! I could not resist asking her if I could take a picture of her wearing it. She's a cutie isn't she?

Preparing for this weekends shop events. I have a easy buy yummy appetizer and confection menu I'm preparing for Saturdays guests. The giveaways are finished and the entry forms have been printed and cut. I think we're ready!

I cleaned the porch yesterday and watered the flowers. Julie's vintage boutique is filling with new items. I love this little glass bottle embellished with the millinery flowers. 

I also love the idea of Romantic Vintage...

I'm kind of into this also...

I'm offering up a "Christmas in July" present for my customers today. 

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

a matter of speaking

Working full speed ahead and preparing for an open house this weekend at the shop. The soap table is filling and some new pinnies hang by the back door ready to travel over the hill and through the woods to the soap shop on water street. A new linen pinnie and some plain white cotton aprons are my favorite. Having said that, the little floral one has too!

I had some pretty new soap wrapping papers arrive yesterday. I've mentioned how the plum and chocolate, fern colored paper is my favorite. 

The wrist keys... Heather asked if I could make the handy key chain holders in soft floral prints. Don't think they'll last long at the shop! 

Heat pillow wraps are taking on a more autumn, winter appearance. I love the brown linen!

Speaking of brown. I'm leaning toward the color more and more. It's been my favorite color for a long time. I painted our dining room in a rich dark chocolate several years back. Still love it and never get tired of it. That doesn't happen often. I'm probably going to incorporate the color in the shop. Natural colors like cream, tawny, and brown, maybe a touch of earthy fern green too for Christmas soap packaging ideas. Must not go there quite yet, but it's good to have a design plan knowing I'll begin working on it all early August. 

For now lets concentrate on tasks at hand. Soap needs to be cut and my list is long. It is however a prelude to the busy upcoming holiday season for Bittersweet. The event on Friday and Saturday kicks it off. Folks will be asking when the holiday soaps will be available. We're looking at Septemberish friends. 

Oh yeah, planning a summer retreat too! A getaway. Out of site, out of mind work vacation. A cottage by the sea trip. Julie's going with me and we're traveling to see our dear friend Clarice.  

I'm closing down the web site and shop for a few days during the trip. 

I'm getting excited about our open house!

Hoping you can make it by and stop in to say hello. 

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

week of

It's the week of and our special summer event starts on Friday and runs into Saturday at the shops. I'm spinning and whipping up new aprons and summer shorts like you wouldn't believe. 

Not sure if I mentioned but I'd had a creative clog that seemed to hang on forever. I can happily say the clog has freed itself and is running smoothly once again. I was beginning to wander if the block would ever escape! Never had one last this long. We're talking months friends. 

So it feels great to have the yin and the yang in sync and balanced.

My to-do list is long, but I won't bore you with how long it is this morning. 

Elle and I are headed out for a summer morning walk. It's going to heat up again and we want to beat the heat. 

Along our walk Elle spotted sprinkler systems running full blast. I let her jump in and play. It's funny to watch her, she's like a little kid playing in the sprinklers. She grabs the water with her mouth but it's coming out so fast she can't catch it. Hilarius!

Don't you just love that little coral dress? She's a handmade vintage beauty that I purchased from Julies shop years ago. I had her displayed when my shop was on the square. I've never grown tired of seeing her. She's a timeless work of art, I believe. The white daisy number is also vintage. A sleeveless shift dress that I think would be marvy for a summer bride. 

She's in top-notch condition. Brand new and never been worn. Another treasure I picked up at my friends vintage boutique many years ago. 

I'm merchandising a white only table at the shop. It's a work in progress, but I made some white cotton pinnies to add to the crisp white vignette. 

That hat! A prototype for more sweets. Only I'm thinking autumn linen tones with velvet flowers. You'll have to wait to see those. I'm also pondering pillow thoughts. 

Planning the confection menu for this weekend. Some cucumber and dill sandwiches and petite cheesecake's I think. 

If you live near by we look forward to seeing you at the party. Two days of hot summer fun planned. I'm working on the favors and giveaways. 

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

Summer Fresh

Both Julie and I are preparing our shops for the upcoming Hot Summer Event next weekend. I can't wait to show you some of the new vignettes throughout both of our boutiques. I think you'll like them. Autumn dressings will soon take shape. It's in cocoon stage. I'm waiting to fall into the season sometime in early September. Some warm vanilla flavored soaps mixed with burlap and star flowers and dried yarrow. Fresh bundles of Lavender mixed. 

I'm in love with the field of flowers soap wrap paper! The plum and chocolate colored paper is one of my favorite color combinations. 

Picking a bundle of hydrangea for drying this morning before the sun melts them. It's so hot!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

apothecary shop

Bits and pieces, pins and tucks, autumn shop planning, soap wrapping. An ordinary day in the life of a soap maker and hand made shop proprietor. Thoughts of amber and chocolate dried button flowers whipping around. Long pants and fennel scented soap. 

The shop will soon sway into fall. 

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

summer hues

It's been a golden summer. Not too hot, and a touch of humid mixed in now and then. This summer is different in many ways than last.  I've been traveling over the hill and through the woods instead of  twelve steps down to the studio. Although I'm enjoying the ride, it's brought along some adjustments. I'm such a homey. I'm happiest at home, I believe. No trips to Europe for this girl. In fact as crazy as it sounds to some of you, I'd have to ponder long and hard before leaving my adobe for multiple days at a time. Simply put, I'm not a traveling kind of girl. Which by the way, when I used to read about Sagittarius, my sign, it always referenced how we loved to travel. Not I, Linda Goodman, not I. Then again I was born on the winter solstice. I'm sure that has something to do with my travel opposition. 

Having said that. I adapt and am considered to be a good traveling companion. So I've been told anyway. It's the journey before the destination I'm not fond of. Flying, uhg! Just pop me a little pill or a stiff drink and I'll be fine. 

Middle season it is and the shop is dancing with summer hues. The hydrangea are in full thrust ed blooms. It's almost time to pick some for drying. You may recall a past tutorial about when and how to pick the treasured flower for drying. If you missed it, you can find it in the archives. Simply do a search in the "search box" located on the left side bar. Magic!

The century old home is shining. Her porch is lined with colorful blooms and the wooden porch swing is often occupied. The round cafe tables are sitting outside the coffee shop welcoming folks to have a seat, relax and take a summer break. The smell of fresh roasted coffee blows in sync with each summer breeze. The bachelor buttons are blooming and the bee's are graceful in their summer dance. Chatter may be heard from the porch. As I gazed towards the square on Saturday the farmers were at full speed selling their wonderful fresh organic produce, fruits and poultry. I love fresh eggs! In case I never told you. 

I watch as a lady proudly takes her fresh organic rosemary sprigs from a brown paper bag and in excitement explains to a friend how she'll use it. 

Summer sounds and goings on in my friendly little town. 

Aggieal's Attic and Bittersweet have a big summer event coming up the end of the month. 

Errand day today. A trip to the bank, post office, grocery store. Some thoughts about summer shorts and a look at the list. Referring to my weekly, daily, list of need to make, want to make. 

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

 

Ever~lasting

The pink and white larkspur, an everlasting flower that dry beautifully. It leaves behind a few dried petals now and then, but so very pretty in an arrangement or basket. One of my favorite dried flowers. 

The hue...

I have received several emails asking what color the shop wall are. I love this color. It's called Windfresh by Sh. Williams. I painted our bedroom the same color. It has a very slight tent of gray. Noticeable on the swatch, but not on the walls. 

The chalkboard wall at the shop...

That is also a Sh. Williams paint. Chalk board paint. Two coats and I purchased a quart. I had a little left for touch-ups. NOTE: Make sure you season any freshly painted chalkboard before writing on it. If you don't, you'll be disappointed. 

How do you season a chalkboard?

You wipe the entire surface of your wall, board with the side piece of chalk. Make sure you cover the entire area. I used two small boxes on my wall for the job! So make sure you pick up extra boxes of chalk. Then I wiped it off with a damp cloth. You could use an eraser too. Either one works well. Now you have the perfect chalk board. Another little hint I learned along the way. Don't waste money purchasing tons of chalk. Instead get one of these. You will love it!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00