Bittersweet and the little soap company

take your time

There's a whirlybird of ideas floating around during this prelude to autumn. I have little notes scattered here and there. Ideas pop up, or I'll see something that catches my eye. Catching one's eye, or in this case, my brown eyes, comes in fastidious form. 

Oh how exciting! I just finished creating a mock up for Bittersweet T-shirts. This is the design that will be on our black tee's. Love, love, to incorporate my little town. 

They won't be ready until mid August, and the anticipation will linger and hang around until I receive the bundle of personalized tee's. 

We were suppose to start painting the shop lobby today, but have decided to push it up another week. We're both preoccupied with other tasks, and the idea of patching and painting is not our preferred way to spend this, beautiful weather of a day, Sunday. We're down to the final upgrades, and we can see the end of the tunnel. Always a good thing, and once again, the word anticipation comes to mind. 

Since we're still eating low carb, sugar, I've been wandering around searching recipes. I've found some keepers. You can find all the recipe posts on the group page, No Sugar For Me, Thank you!

It's the end of the quarter, and month. That means, it's time to pay taxes and bills, bills and taxes. The quarters rush by at warp speed. I'm always in awe over how fast the holiday season rolls back around. I've got a good jump on manufacturing, and pondering marshmallow thoughts for the gift giving season. 

We're getting our fall clothing lines in...

Floral Frocks...

Isn't that funny? My holiday inspiration is directed by a marshmallow! It's a marshmallow world in the winter...The color, texture, and even size echoes sweet inspiration. 

Little things...

I'm getting ready to transform a bedroom into a dressing room!

Happy Summer!

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

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home alone

Every now and then, in between making soap and sundries I drift towards home thoughts. Since I make twenty thousand bars of  soap annually  and over one-hundred other things the luxury of tidying up at home sometimes sits quietly in the back row of my brain. It just sits there, quiet, but it sits there, and I'm often reminded by messy corners, piles of laundry, and shipping boxes stacked  in the studio.   I feel better when my home is in order and clean, but sometimes there isn't time to perform those kind of tasks. 

Today, I made it happen! I had the cleaning and sorting bug fever. It feels good to organize and tidy up our home. 

I have a little corner in our dining room that is used for extra space when entertaining. I transformed the area into a coffee bar. 

I feel like I've got a jump on things, and that's always reassuring knowing how in a couple of weeks I'll be busier than a bee! 

I love vintage spice decanters! The milky white cinnamon shaker was a gift from my husbands mom, and we use it all the time. 

I have pieces that hold memories and history. The old oak chair has a cane seat. The chair was in horrible shape, but my mom took it to a local wood stripper and they transformed the chair into brand new. A gift from her before she passed. Caning is a lost art. I've done it, years ago, and it didn't seem to be difficult, just a challenge to stretch the wet cane when you're working with it. 

Lennis brought home a stash of fresh ripe tomatoes the other day. Thanks JR! We've been making salsa and loaded bacon wraps. Crispy bacon cut into bite size pieces, chopped onion, tomato, and lettuce wrapped in a romaine leaf. Summer foods. 

We're making this for dinner, and this.  and some of those tomatoes sliced. 

We're getting closer to starting our kitchen remodel! Neither of us has time to take on the project, so we've kept it off. I did pick up some deglosser at the home improvement store. Just say no to sanding! Gotta love it, and I do. 

I've had several conversations with painters about our cabinets. I feel ready to take it on, just want to finish once I start. Taking off all the cabinet doors, prepping, purchasing the chalk paint, etc. Yes, I'm using chalk paint. After those several conversations, I'm leaning that direction. I'm also leaning towards dark, or light. Dark is starting to trend, but our kitchen is small and I really want to visually trick the eye into thinking it's bigger so white is leading the chalk paint race. 

We're also painting the shop lobby, so I'll be feeling like that's my job soon. Not sure I'd really want to be a painter, but I certainly can safely say I have lots of experience!

Oh yeah, Christmas in July! A three day shop event. Will be making the final touches on Wednesday. 

Happy Summer!

Jill 

 

 

 

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pumpkin face

So you think it's too early, do ya? We don't! It's hot, and if you look closely you can see my pumpkin face? Okay, my nose is scrunched up and I'm in total discomfort from this extreme heat. The thought of pumpkin anything is encouraging and welcoming during this heat wave we're having in Missouri. 

In the days to come, I'll be mixing up pumpkin this and that. Two -hundred bars of naked Pumpkin Spice Soap will be getting wrapped at the shop, and we're gearing up for a record crowd during our Christmas in July celebration next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the shop. 

My aunt just sent me a picture of her Heart Geraniums. Such a hearty, pretty little flower. Humble and sweet, and I love the velvety feel of the leaves. I also love the smell of the leaves. Such a unique scent. We have a variety of geranium essential oil's that we use at the apothecary shop. There are more than several different types to choose from, and they don't smell necessarily like the plant. I love the scent of Rose Geranium! If you ever wish to add an earthy floral to blends, don't forget about geranium. The plant also contains unique aromatherapy properties. 

Since I started eating more low carb, sugar I've had one thing on my mind, and almost one thing only. Ice Cream! We ordered one of these little ice cream makers so that we can whip up homemade ice cream. I'll use coconut sugar over cane, and add fruit and vanilla bean. My friend Clarice makes ice cream all the time. She is always sharing unique recipes. The latest one, I shared on the last post. 

Honestly, when it gets this hot, I don't have much of an appetite. Fresh fruit, veggies, and low carb foods fit the bill this time of year. Fresh mozzarella salads, pesto, and fish taco's included on that summer menu of foods. Now Ice Cream! What's you favorite flavor? Do you think there's any truth to that?

We have a new shipment of clothing and jewelry that should arrive any day, and Pumpkin Spice Soap bars will line up like little soldiers tomorrow. 

I had a great guest on the show today. Amber Curry Hinton was our guest and she was fresh and delightful. If you happen to live in the Kansas City area, they have two locations. One in Blue Springs, and the other in Liberty. You can read more on the link above.  It's a great shop! Thanks Amber for being a guest on Liberty Live. 

Lennis just brought in a huge bag of fresh tomatoes! This sounds yummy. I would opt for coconut sugar and probably add fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.

Rolling, rolling, rolling... Summer is sure rolling along. If it continues to be this hot, I'd soon it roll a little faster.

Happy Summer!

Jill  

 

 

 

 

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old shoes... - Bittersweet and the little soap company

summer porches - Bittersweet and the little soap company

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old shoes...

I picked up these vintage shoes last fall at an antique sale. Just happens, they fit my feet! They're pretty comfortable to wear, but not near as comfy as shoes made today. They fit really narrow. I just like looking at them, and thought they would serve nicely as a vase for dried flowers. 

Freshly made lip balms fill the tin container. Peaches and Creme is a new summer balm. I also made Brown Sugar for the upcoming Christmas in July. Bittersweet offers a variety of moisture rich lip balm. Old school ingredients like lanolin, and vitamin e are packed inside that small tube. Both ingredients offer amazing healing properties that can't compare to new school ingredients. 

Summer just wouldn't be summer without flowers in product shots. Even orange and yellow marigolds mingle nicely with brown eye Susan's and Zinnnia. 

The Lavender Cleansing Cloths are popular at the Apothecary Shop. In fact, it's hard for me to keep up with manufacturing. I'll make thirty something, only to have them dwindle down to single digits in a matter of a couple of days. When I created the formulation, unforeseen happy results occurred. I love it when this happens! The lavender cloths stay cool and moist for a very long time. Even in our one-hundred degree summer hot days, you can whip out a soothing, aromatic cleansing cloth and be instantly cooled. 

I'm already beginning to ponder fall thoughts. When it gets so hot and three digit temperatures, I can't help but yearn for cooler days. It happens every summer once it gets unbearably hot. Did I mention how I hate the heat? Ugh!

We've added gift cards to our web shop. Now you can send a personalized gift card anytime your heart desires. They can be redeemed at either the web shop or at our brick and mortar, located  just off the beautiful Liberty Square. 

Busy just got busier! I've got the show on Thursday, and next week is Christmas in July along with late night Friday. I ordered the wrapping paper for Pumpkin Spice today, so we can start wrapping the soap. I'm also ordering holiday wrappings, and gearing up for the busy real Christmas season. 

Soap manufacturing is already into late September. Meaning, the soap I'm making now won't be ready for wrapping until September. Good things come to those who wait!

The Japanese Beetles are taking over! What to do? What to do? I've heard conflicting solutions, most of which are not a cure for the pesky bugs. 

My good friend Clarice shared her yummy ice cream recipe.   

I can't do the artificial sugar thing, with the exception of coconut sugar or nectar. The nectar isn't quite as sweet. I've discovered the darker the sugar the less the sugar content. 

I made these and followed the recipe. So good! I wrapped them in parchment and then placed in baggies, popped them in the freezer to have for snacking. The dates and nuts mixed are delightful to the buds!

I also made this Simple Ketchup to add to meatloaf last night. Honestly, I really don't know why I've never made homemade ketchup before? It taste so good! 

Thank you Paleo Leap!

Yes, I'm still forging on with low carbs and sugar, and it feels good!

Happy Summer!

Jill 

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ready, set, go...

Aromatic spices, and herbs filled the soap studio today. The season's always arrive early at Bittersweet. Our soap requires a lengthy four to six weeks curing time, so most of the time I'm working on seasonal sweets for the shop. 

With the makeover projects at both our home and at the shop, there's not much down time. Then in a few short months I'll be full speed ahead in heavy production. That's the life of a shop girl, soap maker, manufacturer. It's fast paced, and especially with growth, even faster! All good...Thankful always.

I've always loved that phrase...

Something new... I gave you a sneak peek at the Soap Maker's Husbands handy work awhile back. 

Neither of us knew how popular these would be! Now we do, and we're happy about it. However, we're happy for a short time, because as with a lot of things, and especially great things, they don't last forever. Nope, Mr. Lincoln, aka, the soap maker's husband, has informed me that he has enough one-hundred year old wood to make a limited supply of these fabulous heirloom cutting boards. I listed two of the designed boards on the apothecary web shop. 
  Having them listed kind of makes me nervous, the nature of the boards and all, and since they're selling like hotcakes. In a short time, they'll be gone. Our plan was to have them available for the holiday season, but they're not going to make it beyond summer. Thank you, and Mr. Lincoln thanks you, as well. 

Onto a problem solved... Per your requests, and yes, I do listen to all of them, and typically respond with a positive perspective. Original, and I mean back twenty year original, Vanilla Lavender, the one you loved is back and here to stay. I changed the scent awhile back, and most everyone asked for the original. Your wish is my command. Happy Vanilla Lavender Girl's and Boys, right?

I know how last post emphasized how much I love Bachelor Buttons, but with all due respect, I really, really, love bachelor buttons! They're such a delicate little flower sprayed with cone flower blue, cotton candy pink, and lavender violet, hues. Yes, I just made all those names up. 

Speaking of making up names. 

I'm often asked how to come up with soap names. 

That's a great question! Usually I name the soap by the scent, but sometimes if I'm wishing to incorporate a certain color or theme, I ponder a name for hours even days, sometimes. 

This morning I made a nutmeg, tangerine, and vanilla soap that smells out of this fall world! Since the soap needs to cure for a couple of months, new autumn flavor's are being tested, and then created. After I made the promo box for the new soap, I gazed at the ingredients and came up with Nutillatan. Pronounced: Nut- illa-tan. Get it? Nutmeg, Vanilla, and Tangerine...Packaging ideas already streaming...

New signs should be coming soon, and I've hired some painters to paint the shop lobby. Can you hire yourself? I guess not really, and hey, I'm not getting paid for it! Always room for improvements and the front lobby has some wiggling room. It will be nice when it's finished, but finding the extra time for outside work is challenging. In good time. The paint bug hasn't hit me yet, and there's major wall patching needed, and I'm not a patch girl, I'm a open up a can of paint girl!

Summer is swinging by so fast, just like it always does. 

Hoping you're having the best summer ever!

Jill 

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Love, love, love the bachelor buttons, zinnia, Cosmo's, alyssum, and brown eyed Susan's blooming in the garden! It's summer time and the living is easy...

I purchases some over sized rocking chairs for the shop porch. It's a joy when folks tell me how much they enjoy sitting in the new rocking chairs. Can you rock your cares away? Yes, I believe you can. 

Still eating a no, low sugar, carb eating plan. I hate using the word diet. I'm not on a diet! It's a lifestyle change that makes me more aware of sugar intake, and carbs. Just say no to processed foods, and yes to fresh foods that contain vitamins, and minerals. It's a feeling of freedom knowing I'm eating better. 

Keto Buns that are low carb, no sugar. My foodie friend Clarice shared the recipe. Homemade Mayo, and Ketchup made fresh and stored in canning jars in the fridge. Then I made the keto pizza dough or fathead pizza dough. Hey, I know it's good when Lennis eats it too!

These little gathered pocket skirts are on my summer make list. 

The shop common area room is getting a makeover! We're transforming the space into a lounge or waiting room. I've ordered a new round table and bamboo window treatments to complete the room. A new sign to direct those who wander in, and don't know where to go. An every day question, where's this, or that. 

Hoping the new uncluttered space and new signage will aid in direction. 

Happy Summer!

 

 

 

 

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Three Cheers!

Regardless of your political preference, if you're an American, you stand tall and proud and celebrate your freedom on Independence Day. 
For most, and myself include, I've always resided in the land of the free, but for those who haven't, the mere thought of freedom sounds too good to be true. Can you imagine living in a country where you had no freedom of speech, or opinion? I would rather be dead. 

Today and tomorrow, most days, especially nowadays, please God, bless America. 

The real meaning of this day breaks ground for an entire new perspective and makes it even more meaningful. 

While I was visiting a local shop the other day I couldn't help but overhear a gentlemen boast to the sales clerk about how he'd spent over one thousand dollars for fireworks. As I continued to shop, I thought to myself, I wonder if he celebrates his freedom, or simply has a fancy for explosions? Could have been either, I suppose, but I'm hoping the first over the latter. 

I'm reminded each and every day how fortunate it is to live in a country that you can make a living from what you love, and wake up each morning knowing I'm free!

Freedom Rings...

For if even if you are poor with no money, but in America, you are indeed richer than you can imagine!

To those who fought for my freedom, I salute you and proudly say, "Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue!"

My crafty husband, best friend, is making the coolest cutting boards for me to offer at the shop. Each one is hand crafted from one-hundred year old wood that a dear carpenter friend shared with us. I'd like to thank Ted for this amazing oak. Thank you Ted. I can't help but ponder what that wood was doing one-hundred years ago? One thing for certain, if it could talk, it too would say, I'm proud to be born in America. 

God Bless and Happy Independence Day!

Jill 

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