We managed to pull in a productive week! Winter lends a hand to this type of progress at the Bittersweet Studio. Home projects have remained on the back burner for the time being. Simply because this little business called Bittersweet demands so much of my time. By no means should you think that's a bad thing. I've worked hard the past twenty-four years to build this business and aid it in growing. None of which would be possible without the help of my family and the amazing customers that I've encountered through these wonderful years, there isn't a day go by that I'm not grateful for this and more. The huge load of Bittersweets was loaded and unloaded last week at the shop. I'm always flabbergasted with the amount of cremes, serums, and salves that accumulate this time of year. I make them, and then I make more. This is where that g word comes in. A few years ago, I made a Lavender Liniment that was seasonally popular. The menthol-based healing balm flew out the door during winter months, but trailed behind during spring, summer months. When this happens nowadays, I usually only make the item during the months that it is in demand. I'm a bit compulsive about any Bittersweet that sits on the store shelf for months on end. In fact, I just won't stand for it! A bit harsh to say, but true. Although almost all of the product's that we make have at least a two-year shelf life, I prefer a Bittersweet to be put to use before that time. It's just always been my thing. We usually don't worry too much with this because most all of our essentials sell at a consistent level. However, if something doesn't, I pull it. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing. You aren't in business for as long as we've been without learning how important timing is in almost everything that you do. There's a good time, bad time, and perfect time for everything. How do you learn which is the best for your business? I'd have to say by experience. That's really the only way. With all of the flooding of social media platforms, monitoring rhythms, and the vast number of internet tracking systems, sometimes it's just a matter of going over the timing. The bottom line is always evaluating the research that these programs offer, but you will find that you consistently go back to timing. We tried this ten years ago, and it faded, but look, we re-introduced it and it's more popular than ever! There are perks when your business has been around the block. The g word comes to mind, again. I feel fortunate to have learned from the ground up, and I always make sure that I'm refreshed to be able to keep up with the constant new technology and research. It's in my genes! Both my brother and dad are computer savvy and very much computer genius's. I'll share their stories sometime. You will be impressed!
Let's go back...
I mentioned how we used to offer a Lavender Liniment. The past few months have been filled with oodles of requests for this product. When these requests flow in, I usually bring it back! We've brought it back but with some improvements. We've replaced Lavender with Agarwood. Are you familiar with Agarwood? That's a great website by the way! We're excited to bring this popular winter essential back to Bittersweet!
Our huge Soap Sale is fast approaching! I believe we have on hand several hundreds of pounds of naked soap available for this sale! It sounds funny to say hundreds of pounds. Let's see, 3.5-ounce x hundreds of bars = hundreds of pounds. Save the date: Saturday, January 22, 2022.
If you're like me, you're dreaming about Spring. That shot of the bee balm growing in my garden urges me to ponder those thoughts. The bees love this plant!
I've always loved corked bottles! It feels great to incorporate some into Bittersweet. We've introduced corked bottles before, so I guess they would fall into the timing thing. This is a nine-ounce glass bottle that the salt is in. Kind of unique size in the apothecary business. It's not too small, and not to large. Just right.
We also have a new line of stationary and greeting cards that I'm absolutely in love with. The artist is amazing! Bittersweet is honored to carry her collections.
I have a confession to make. I have a weakness for tea towels! Sometimes my weakness can be your reward! The assortment of cotton tea towels will happily take you into spring.
I'm working on some new scents. One of which is named Maribelle. She is cultivated and wrapped with notes of juniper and sweet orange. This perfume will be a welcome pick-me-up during cold winter months. I also believe that it will be appealing to all. Are you a floral, spice, or citrus girl or boy? This is always a great place to start when you're choosing a scent for someone else.
Fresh jars of Peppermint Foot Creme, Lemon Nail Creme, Agarwood Liniment, Marula Smoothie, and Marula Face Creme hit the store shelves this past week!
When we arrive back to the shop after our winter break its usually time to stock back up on Bittersweets! We always like to have everything in stock when you visit. Sometimes we don't, but most of the time we do.
In addition to Maribelle, we're introducing a Winter Elixir and another fragrance that I believe will happily glide into spring on the fragrance chart.
I made Grandma Christine's Chocolate Pie! This is an old-fashioned recipe that my grandmother gave to me many years ago. You can either make meringue or whip up some cream to put on top of this rich chocolate pie. It's funny, I can still remember exactly where I was sitting in her Utah home when I wrote out the receipt. I'm guessing because it really meant something to me. To think that all these years later, I'm making the pie that my grandmother made when she was a young wife and mother. Soulful stories.
I definitely have a level of comfort food cravings during the winter. Grandma Christine's pie, Ravioli Soup, Chicken Noodle...I don't really follow a recipe for the Ravioli soap or Chicken noodle, but I'm going to share how I make both. Over the years I feel like I've perfected both recipes.
Ravioli Soap
Brown one pound of Italian Sausage in a large soup pot. Allow to cook through.
Add one box of organic chicken broth. You can use more if you like a little more broth.
Add a can of stewed tomatoes into the broth and sausage. Give a good stir. Pour a bag of pre-made cheese ravioli into broth mixture. I actually had to come back and add this because I forgot! If you prefer, a meat pre-made ravioli. I'm not into too much meat lately for some reason.
Sprinkle in a dash of Italian Seasoning or Oregano.
After it's simmered on the stove for thirty minutes of so add a can of Italian Green Beans. Note: When I posted this recipe, I received some questions asking what Italian Green Beans were. They are available at most markets and the can will read Italian Green Beans. They are short and fatter than other green beans. They are Italian after all! Ha! I'm making sure you're still with me!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
First let me say that I use a cooked Rotisserie Chicken when making this soup. Not only does it speed up the process, but it does also not make any difference in taste. I like easy when it's available at a no cost result.
Cut up your chicken in small bite size pieces. Set aside.
Sauté one large onion of your choice, two celery sticks, and two carrots in two Tablespoons of olive oil. You can use butter if you want to add some flavor.
Sauté onion, celery and carrots until their vegetable aroma's fill your home or about ten minutes.
Add two boxes of organic chicken broth to the sautéed vegetables. I have found that if I use one box the noodles absorb all of the broth and it's dry. Honestly, you can't get enough broth in this soup.
Add a bay leaf and a sprinkle of thyme, a half teaspoon of celery seed, and 1/4 tsp. of turmeric to the broth and veggies.
Simmer on low for an hour or more covered.
While you're waiting mix two tablespoons of either flour or cornstarch to 1/4 cup of water. Set aside.
I use wide egg noodles for this soup, but you can use whatever noodle you wish to use, and about 1 1/2 cups.
Cook noodles according to directions. After they're ready add them into the broth mixture.
Finally, add the flour/cornstarch blend to thicken the soup. You don't even need to do this if you prefer a more brothy type chicken soup.
Enjoy
Best wishes for a peaceful and joyful year ahead.
Jill xo
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