Bittersweet and the little soap company

winter home

Boy am I sure enjoying a break from the store! I hadn't really added up the days off until now and realize how fast those days off run full speed ahead. I've been on break for a little over one week and it feels like it's only been a few days. I spent a couple of days watching this.

So good! Twenty-years or so ago they were filming a Stephen King movie down the street and I met Tim Matheson. I've always thought he was a good actor. His co-actors in the series aren't so bad either. Kind of soap opera, but I like the storylines. 

I've also been tending to our plants. I seem to have a knack for raising Fiddle Leaf Figs. We have two fig trees at the store and they're touching the ceiling! I water them once a week and that's about it. They grow really fast. The two at the shop get the southern sun, while the ones at home receive the western sun. It doesn't seem to matter what direction you place them, they thrive indoors. 

Perfumes and wind up clocks are my things. I meant to share a post about my favorite perfume but got off track during the holidays. If you're searching for a perfume that will agree with you this is the one. You'll also receive a number of compliments when you wear it. Promise... It's subtle and soft and quite pleasant to the nose. Most noses would agree, I believe. It's one of my favorite things and has been for several years. I turned a friend on to it a few years ago and she told me she gets compliments every time she wears it. 

Texture. I love incorporating texture into design. It helps to ground the look. 

Using texture in design also creates depth. It doesn't take much. A tiny amount of texture goes a long way. 

That pillow is texture saturated. 

One of my favorite pieces is this dresser! I stripped and sanded it to reveal the wood finish. I didn't apply any stain but rubbed it with tung oil. I would highly recommend using tung oil over varnish. It offers a beautiful natural finish and it's durable as all get out! The dresser houses our towels in our bathroom and gets a good dose of water sprinklings and the tung oil finish holds up to the moisture droppings. 

Next week I'll begin working on new products, some fancy packaging, and all store things. The store will get a do-over. In fact, it's going to feel like I'm opening a new store! I can see it all in my mind. Now it's time to put the ideas into motion. 

January 2020! Has an odd ring to it, doesn't it? Or is it just me?

The year, 2020 wraps itself in modern ideas toasted with some apothecary blooms. 

I can't wait to share the grand finale!

Until then, that word, anticipation happily sings its tune. 

Happy New Year!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

red and green

The holidays are here! I can't believe it, but it's here! The store is officially closed for a long winter's nap and our home sweet home is prepping for a Christmas Eve celebration. 

Maybe you already know the meaning behind the colors red and green during Christmas. Red and green hues during Christmas always represent a tradition in our family. 

That beautiful amaryllis was a birthday gift from my sweet Aunt Vivian. It's blooming at Christmas!

I picked up these cute little name tags awhile back. Aren't they cute?

I love making holiday candies. Toffee is so easy to make. You need a candy thermometer to check it's temperature kind of like making soap. 

I've used this recipe for years. You won't believe how fast and easy it is to make. Look at all that butter! Or maybe, don't look. It's Christmas! You can add different nut toppings. I really like the almonds sprinkled on top. 

It feels good to take in some holiday cheer. Once I close the shop, the pace slows down and I'm encouraged to take in a  Hygge lifestyle. Candles, quilts, movies, and books capture my attention. I actually love winter! Bundling up for a winter's walk, hunkering down with piles of blankets, experimenting with confection recipes. 

On a recent browse through a magazine, I discovered these amazing artisan hats and gloves. 

You're welcome! Aren't they amazing? A little bird tweeted that they would make a nice offering at our store. I agree with Birdie Blue. 

I'll be taking a tiny break before starting our store re-do and new product announcements. 

The new arrivals will arrive when we come back from our winter break on January 18. We'll also host our huge soap sale on that day. January is an exciting time at our shop and we always look forward to the New Year. The mere sound of Twenty-Twenty sounds awesome!

Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and happiness, and a New Year lined with hope and prosperity. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

The first and the last...

Our first snow of the season is falling. I love the first snow! I received one of my new camera lens in the mail yesterday so I captured a few first snow shots at our home.  My father hosts a breakfast every Sunday and our family was taking in the beauty that comes with the first snow. My dad is pretty darn impressive on his little snow removal tractor! He removed the driveway snow in a matter of minutes. These Sundays are priceless and I'm thankful that we have them. 

The hustle and bustle of the season slow down at my dad's house. It's refreshing and helps to put a clear perspective on things. 

The first snow and the last week...

The last week that my store is open this year! Wow!! Double Wow!

As it winds down, I begin to ponder certain things and one is my gratitude for the many blessings. 

My little store is busier than it's ever been and I am more passionate than ever. It is rare to carry on those passionate feelings for something so many years later. Usually, one gets burned out or bored, but I'm one of those lucky ones that are experiencing the opposite. Another blessing. I never take it for granted and my customers are a big reason behind these feelings. 

I just finished hanging ornaments on the tree and wrapped the presents. Our Christmas tree is usually tasseled with pine cones and other natural elements. I love decorating a holiday tree with natural! Our family exchanges names for Christmas gifts and we really don't go crazy with gifts. In all honesty, it's refreshing and the exchange offers some simple appreciation for the simple things and nonmaterialistic side. It has a lot to do with my age, with age comes a shift in those Christmas gift thoughts. You will experience it one of these days when you get older. 

I saw this on Pinterest. 

I know without a doubt I'm not the only one that feels this! Giggling...

The last week before Christmas at the shop is always a blur. The flood of last-minute holiday shoppers fills the apothecary store to the brim. 

This year, I've already got next year's products planned. It's a good feeling to have those ideas worked out especially since I'm changing the look of the store. After all, it's going to be 2020! Doesn't it have a certain modern ring about it? Hint, hint. 

We have signs coming and a few new pieces arriving next week. 

Blessings to you. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

I make things

I've been working on our 2020 products in between fulfilling store inventory. The legend helps to describe me as a soap maker and it's part of the "turning over a new leaf" designs and ideas. I usually always write in a third party, especially when describing my business. I'm not a fan of lots of I's. I did this. I changed that.   

Another thing that I'm not fond of is sticking with the same old for very long. I'm constantly evolving and rotating thoughts and store ideas. The anticipation, one of my favorite words, is always nurtured like a baby, and it's my favorite part of making a change. The before.  The after of course reflects my willingness to change and the prize is seeing all the changes and how it makes me feel content. 

We celebrated our twenty-second Holiday Open House on Saturday! I was in awe over the number of guests that attended! Our best turn-out to date. This holiday it's been a challenge to get into the holiday mood. I believe it's because Thanksgiving was so late and it seemed to flow ever so fast into Christmas. I've chatted with customers and most of said they have felt the same. 

On Saturday and after a ginger-haired child sat and nibbled on sugar cookies and Christmas punch at the store, her sweet smile reminded me about the glorious reason for the season. Then, the store was flooded with patrons from all walks of life. I realized just how blessed I am, and thanked God for all. Then out of nowhere, I felt it! My Christmas spirit had arrived!

I made Christmas punch for our Holiday Open House and received several requests for the recipe. 

The Sugar Cookies... I always use this sugar cookie recipe. They are rich and buttery and melt in your mouth yummy! I usually make a cream cheese icing on top and I don't roll them out. I simply roll into a small ball and then smash them a bit. 

I never use a recipe for the icing. A brick of cream cheese, tsp. of vanilla, 1/4 cup of butter, a splash of lemon juice, and confectioners sugar. Add a tiny amount of milk to make it spreadable. I always have to adjust the amount of milk to get the right consistency in the icing. 

On Thursday my friends from the goat farm brought me a tiny visitor! This little goat was precious! She bounced around and made sweet little goat noises. 

That is unless you are tone death! That's me!

This week's fresh flowers were velveted red roses. We made fresh evergreen and red rose bouquets. I love fresh evergreen, and especially fond of incorporating it into holiday bouquets. 

The next nine days shall be filled with flurries of non-stop goings-on. 

Then we will close our store for a little winter's nap. 

I'm excited about the changes we're making at our store and I know without a doubt our customers are going to love the fresh new ideas!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

the good life

Once again our wonderful customers showed their patronage by participating in Shop Small Day at Bittersweet Soap + Apothecary. I am honored to have you as customers!

I've been thinking hard about such things and as I reminisce about the past twenty-two years of operating this small business a smile always comes and my heart is filled with joy.

My blood, sweat, and tears have accompanied this Bittersweet journey which helps to appreciate it even more. I wouldn't change a thing. 

Well, maybe...

I've been taking a closer look at my shop and think it's time for some structural changes. With those thoughts come a more streamlined approach to merchandising our store, and some not-so standout departments are getting ready to get a makeover so that they take center store stage.  I shouldn't say getting ready, after Christmas and during our winter break. Which by the way starts in twelve days!

For those that have followed us over the years, you're familiar with our ever-changing ideas and endeavors. We love to make improvements, and there is always room for them.   

I'm super excited to offer a brand new Bittersweet after the holidays! I know you're going to love the new look!

I'm also working on our line for 2020! A new Eye Serum, Hair Oil, and some really exciting home-keeping essentials are in the works. 

Wintertime is an ideal time to ponder new things. The shorter days and wintry nights offer up a feeling of peace and well being in a way that the only winter can create. A slow down of time, and soulful satisfaction from the simplest of things. I love that!

To come...

We have a little turkey leftover from Thanksgiving and I think I'll make either turkey salad or some other turkey dish with cream and noodles. When in doubt, cream and noodles always come through. This sounds good.

Elle and I went on a winter's walk earlier and that north wind was whipping all around us. We're going to hunker down and stay indoors. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill