Bittersweet and the little soap company

cooking, planting, holiday, and a sale...

Last Sunday I hooked up our clothesline. We have one of those pulls and hook set-ups. The memories that are wrapped up in fresh clothesline linens and old-fashioned clothes pins put a smile on my face. When I was a kid most all households had some sort of clothesline. They were usually in the backyard, but if you lived in the country you would probably place your clothesline close to the kitchen door or basement. Most washers and dryers in those days were either in the garage or the basement. On a sunny summer day along a Missouri country road, you'd see bed linens blowing in the wind along with farmers' denim shirts and a large gathering basket sitting below the line. Seeing this always gave me a sense of nostalgia and hominess feeling. You still see such things if you travel north to the Amish country, but not as frequently. As with all things they come back. Watch for the wave of clothesline popularity to return. I will welcome its return. If you're thinking about having one in your backyard here's a quick and easy way to do that. Your reward will come after you climb into your bed and place the crisp fresh air top sheet over you or reach for the clean fresh-smelling towel after bathing. 

The Peonie bushes have almost withered away. I'm sad to see them go, but appreciate their beauty and amazing scent while they last. I snapped the stunning blooms early in the morning. There's something about the fusia-colored blooms blending with the light pink ones. Let's just call it magic! My gardens are filled with layers of blooms. Some bloom early in the spring while there are others that thrive in the hot summer sun. It's what I call a layering of blooms that scatter about proud and joyful just when you least expect them to. One of the things that I love about gardening is that each year is different. Sometimes you'll have a hearty crop of hydrangea and roses, while other times you'll have Shasta's and lemon balm. It's never the same. Your flowers evolve just like you do! 

The paper scrolls are one of my favorite styling tools! You can find them here. I warn you, it will be a challenge to choose! 

 The Bulgarian Rose Oil is here! The green bottles are here! This means that we will soon start the Back to Basic Collection. After the sale is over, I'll begin to work on the new line. The ideas are fresh in my mind and will transform into an aromatic assortment of summer body essentials that will help calm you and cool you in a most marvelous way! The excitement grows!

My cookbook is coming along. We're making final choices on covers and the recipes have been carefully chosen for this book. Most of which are recipes that have been handed down from my great grandmother, grandmother, mother, my Aunt Vivian, and myself. It's interesting how over the course of time your method of cooking and eating evolve. I'm a Southern girl at heart, so my cooking reflects that, but I'm also a clean eating girl, and the dishes that I make simmer around that too. When my grandmother Lola owned her restaurant she was best known for her fried chicken. When I was a kid growing up we'd always go to grandma's house on Sundays and she'd prepare her famous fried chicken and potatoes and gravy.  All of those soulful memories are wrapped inside Taste & Eat. I'm not only honored to share these recipes but excited for you to try them in your kitchen. Cooking is and always has been a way for me to show love. My son used to say, you've got to put love into it, mom! This is a trick that most good cooks already know. It's like the great cook code! 

The shipment of beaded bracelets is here! I like to think of these artfully crafted cuffs as works of art. Which they are and kind of our jewelry trademark pieces at the shop. They are well made and this soap maker's go-to pieces. Sometimes I prefer wearing a bracelet over a necklace. I'm kind of weird about jewelry-wearing. I used to layer, but now I gravitate towards just a few favorite pieces like the beaded bracelets. If you were to look at my jewelry shelf you'd see more than several of these bracelets. I love wearing them!

Years ago after my mother-in-law passed we inherited that old Hoosier. I really didn't know how to style it in our home and finally decided that I'd place my home office in the antique cabinet. It's worked out great. Technology changes and now we have wireless connections for everything but that old Hoosier never changes. It has lots of nook and crannies and storage space and it sits just off our 1921 kitchen. I really have always loved having my office off of the kitchen. I can pour myself a cup of tea, gaze out the window, or fix myself a snack. Old homes do have a charm about them that can't be found in a new one. I've lived in both and can happily say that I prefer old over new. My roof is solid oak! If you're not familiar with roof material, you won't get it, but I will say that you would be hard-pressed to find a solid oak roof in any home, new or old. The reason I know this is that when we had a new roof put on the guys shooting the nail guns had a heck of a time getting their nails in that hard oak. They couldn't believe that we had an oak roof and said that they had never seen it before. 

Our Porch Sale is this weekend! This event offers a perfect opportunity to pick up some early holiday gifts or gift closet stash. If you are on our mailing list you'll soon be getting an invite, but invitations are not needed to attend. My friend Deb will be helping with the sale. She's so much fun to hang with. I'm looking forward to visiting with her. We always have a blast during these special events!

We have two cubby holes next to both sides of our fireplace. When we moved into our home we tore out some cabinets that were there. I kind of wished that we hadn't gotten rid of them and have been looking for the perfect piece to fit in the two spots. After searching for months, and years, I finally found a cabinet that would not only fit but offer some additional storage. When you live in an old home one thing you're short on is storage. Anytime that I can replace a piece with functional storage it's a good thing. You can see my fiddleleaf fig that is going crazy! Both the ones at the shop and at home grow like crazy. Folks are always asking me how do you get them to grow like that?  I'm at a loss for words as I really don't know. I kind of neglect them most of the time, so maybe that's something they like. I water them once a week, very little and that's it. They have had an assortment of north, south, east, and west exposure, and no matter where they're placed they seem to thrive. Let me tell you that I do not always have this type of luck with plants. Norfolk Pines and Petunias hate me! 

We're planning a low-key holiday weekend with some grilling with family and friends. I'm doing the grilling and have just recently discovered these. They're inexpensive and a healthier way to start your coals. I'm going to add some applewood chips to my chimney. I love the smoked taste of wood in grilling!

I'm looking forward to seeing you at the sale!

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday!  

Jill 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning

It's a quiet and peaceful Sunday. Very much how I would imagine Sunday to be. Even though there's a stack of orders to be filled and my dining room table has a bamboo trellis and plastic tomato stakes spread all over. A huge box of manufacturing oils sitting in my entry, because it weighs about seventy-five pounds, and I'm not ready to lug it to the studio.  Those things don't interfere with the quiet. I'm kind of odd about noises. A lot of times I'll have the radio humming in the background or the television on faintly in my office, but for the most part, I love to hear nature noise over people's noise. I also love having the windows open to be able to hear those noises!  When the windows are closed and the air conditioning is on I miss the sound of the birds chirping and singing as birds do. There's something even more special when it's spring. The creatures seem to declare their approval and happiness when it's spring in their sounds.  My little cairn terrier whimpers because she's trying to get me to capture a ball under something. That's the Sunday morning orchestra that plays at our home. I love it!

That quietness has carried over to the shop. I ran a social media post that talked about how fast-paced it can be around here. Everyone has a level of busyness. Bittersweet's busy is probably a bit different than most, but I'm appreciative of every single busy moment. One thing I've learned about being busy is I have the ability to slow it down if need be, and I practice it often. There's a fine balance between a bad busy and a good busy. Once you learn to recognize a bad busy over a good one you've won the busy battle. I'll just leave it at that.

We're on a citrus kick lately! What is it about Pink Grapefruit? I absolutely love the scent! My love for the juicy citrus essential forces me to examine the possibilities. A new line is coming! Actually, it's not really new, we've had more than one Back to Basic line in the past. In fact, my great-grandmother Lucy's line is wrapped in a Back to Basic concept. In Lucy's day, the soap that she made in her kitchen was used for not just bathing, but laundry, and cleaning her home. Our grandmothers were ahead of their time as they perfected zero waste long before it became a trend. Their ability to use what they had was out of necessity. Their lifestyle was much different than that of today. I kind of wish that I lived back in that day when less was more and clean was clean. 

Just as Pink Grapefruit is a fresh juicy topic, I'l forward to a moment to ponder the scent of Bulgarian Rose. Most do not have the luxury of possessing an even tiny bottle as it is the most precious of essentials and expensive. For this reason, I've only experienced the scent of a real rose through the smell of an actual flower or in a hydrosol. I have had tiny amounts that I treasured and only used for special occasions. Scent manufacturers have done a good job in making synthetic rose, but honestly, there is nothing that compares to the scent of a real Bulgarian rose. When I first started studying essential oils some twenty-five years ago, rose was one of the first that captured my attention. When I began reading about how many rose petals it takes to produce a hardly anything bottle of oil, I was intrigued, to say the least. Rose has been a treasured scent for centuries. Back in the day, it was a lady's preference to wear a perfume scented with rose. Even way back in the day, it was valuable and coveted above all scents. Bittersweet is honored to bring to the aromatherapy table a new assortment of Back to Basic Collection. Included in this array of natural goodness is Bulgarian Rose. I'm working on packaging. When I ponder the thought of this new line I can't help but think of the color green. I've ordered beautiful green bottles to house the aromatic tinctures. I believe you're going to like it. We're looking at a few weeks before it hits the shelves and this selection of naturals is going to be a lovely addition to summer!

Two words, that's all we need. Pineapple Mango. It's wrapped and ready at the shop. We'll be listing it on our website soon. 

The picture of my aunt Vivian and her niece has always been a cherished remnant of the past, and an inspiration every time I gaze upon it. You might recall my stories about my Aunt and how she sent bars of handmade soap all those years ago. If you would like to read more you may type Aunt Vivian in the search bar that's located on the right side of our blog. The story is real and soulful. Humble beginnings...

We launched a new series, Where's Jill? It's designed to highlight my shop neighbors. I travel from shop to shop to capture their story. I know through experience that shop owners learn a vast number of things first-hand and there is a sense of kinship among other shop owners. If you've ever been a shop proprietor then you know exactly what I'm saying. I thought it to be nice to polish the jewels and get better acquainted with my fellow shop girls and boys. It will be a perk to share their marvelous story and what they bring to the downtown Liberty table. All that I ask in return is that you share the post with friends and family so that we can get the word out about them. 

Our yard is beautiful but it's missing sunny spots to grow things. We've planted so many trees over the years, and have only little specks of occasional sunshine peeking through. Our deck is probably the sunniest spot so I planted a green pepper plant and red lettuce. I'm happy to say they're both loving it there, and I've already cut several salads from the plant. Little things...

We have our annual Porch Sale coming the first weekend in June! I've been working hard sorting through the shop backroom to bring to you a lovely assortment of sale items that I know you're going to love. When I look at the stash of clothing, pillows, and jewelry I can't help but think what a great time to start some of your Christmas shopping or gift closet shopping. Save the date! We will be excited to see you! If you came to last year's sale then you know how much fun it is. You also know how great the pricing is. 

Blessings. 

Jill  

 

  

 

   

 

taking it in...

It's a rainy back- to- being- spring morning. The wind is blowing from the north and all is well this Sunday. We've been experiencing a heatwave in May. Most people that I talk to including myself are not a fan of so much heat taking over our normally mild temperature spring. I'm going to take the cooler rainy days in because all of the heat we've had will soon come back. 

I started preparing for the June 3 porch sale and shortly after I began sorting through the items in my back room I quickly realized that it was a good thing to start early. So much stuff, not stuff, great pieces that whoever attends the sale will likely find some treasures at a next-to-nothing price. We always enjoy having the sale and visiting with you. We're looking forward to it!

Early Saturday morning I took a stroll through our downtown. The farmers' market was scattered around the square. I picked up a few things and headed back to the apothecary shop. As I was walking back I captured a few Saturday images. The square was filled with folks picking out their weekly ration of vegetables, jams, and jellies.  I always walk by the Bank Museum on the way back from the square, and as I was stepping past the little courtyard I smelled the Lily of the Valley that blooms alongside the museum. The annual Lily of the Valley experience always brings joy to my heart. It's hard to believe that the outlaws' mom planted the lily so many years ago, and it's still flourishing next to the building that her sons robbed on that bright summer day. I often wonder if she planted the aromatic flowers as a peace offering. She probably never imagined that a shop owner in the twenty-first century would be enjoying her endeavor. Most people don't even know that it's there or the story behind it, but this soap maker treasures the scent that blows in the wind accompanied by the story. When I'm sitting on my porch and the wind is blowing from the south I can smell the amazing Lily of the Valley perfume. Little things...

Just so you'll know that guys love  Bittersweet too!

We've brought back Bug Spray! This carefully curated essential contains thirteen essential oils that we know without any doubt bugs hate. 

We're launching new lines that will glide into summer graceful and quiet. 

Our tried and true skincare essentials feel like my children. Each new product that enters the apothecary doors is carefully curated and designed to not just satisfy your expectations but exceed them. That's been our thing yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and we hope to continue to discover many new ideas and creations to come!

I'm going to work on entering recipes into Taste and Eat today. It's funny how a rainy day can encourage you and motivate you to attend to such things. The deadlines that have been set will be here before you can say Jiminy Cricket! I feel like if I work on content a little each day it will soon come together. I want to get both books to the editor long before the deadline and have a publishing date soon after. Keep in mind, that those are my ideas, not the editor or publishers. At least this is what I'm shooting for. It shall be a learning experience as this is new territory. Exploring new territory is one of my favorite pastimes. Don't ever be leery of trying something new. I can guarantee whatever it might be that you decide to try will surprise you and even urge you to expand your unknown territory realm. I promise. Sometimes it takes a person many years to realize this. I'm a perfect example and that is why I encourage you to reach beyond your comfort zone, always. Life can get pretty exciting when you throw caution to the wind! You will not only learn new things, but you'll build confidence. This is all part of the plan.

Jill   

 

   

 

When the rain stops the flowers bloom.

Oh boy, I really did want to play hooky yesterday! The sun was out and the mild Hawaii temperatures were calling my name. I ended up going in but really was yearning to be sitting on the deck basking in the sunshine and hanging with that little girl.

My plans for today were centered around digging in the dirt, but shortly after waking it began to rain. Those plans were deterred, and another one was in place. It's Mother's Day! A day that should be filled with things that make you happy. If you love to cook, cook. If you love to be surrounded by family, surround. In other words, it's your day and it should be spent with whatever it is you love. That might mean nothing. Nothing is good too!

Our downtown farmers market opening day was on Saturday. We're blessed to have a downtown market. I went in early and explored. 

A flower delivery driver brought a beautiful bouquet on Friday morning. It was funny, I told her that it wasn't my birthday, she said, hey, you're the soap lady as she was delivering the bouquet. Patrick was sending his love. 

Sari Bags and Soap...

I'm fascinated with these little bags! The color combinations are usually opposite of the spectrum. I think that's part of the draw. The vibrant opposite colors attract. 

I'll be bringing back the bug spray next week. I've had several requests this past week. The essential oil spray smells really good to me, but I know that bugs don't think the same about the scent. A good thing...

We have a rock path that's shaded by cedars. Last year my dad dug up some of his Lily of The Valley. I planted it, and it began to bloom right after it was dug into the dirt. I was amazed that it bloomed. When I was walking up the rocky path yesterday morning I noticed it was spreading and starting to bloom. The pathway is one of my favorite spots in our yard. Directly above the aromatic Lily of the Valley is a Lilac bush.  The combined scent of the two is divine! A little snip of both plants is being enjoyed inside.

We've been in clearing mode. Closets are getting turned inside and out, and windows are shiny. The picture of jeans is actually in a small spare bedroom that I made into a closet. I was tired of not being able to find my favorite jeans. I purchased the setup here.  This design is one of my favorites and solved my problem of not being able to find my jeans. Spring bouquets here and there and a new lavender wreath for the front door. We're making headway on the many home projects. We had the deck posts replaced and I ordered new black caps for the posts. In fact, I just got home from the hardware store with black screws. Do you know how hard it is to find black screws? At least one that is the correct size.  I managed to make these work, but they weren't quite long enough. Enough of the tip is inserted in the cedar post so it will be secure. 

When the rain stops the flowers bloom.

That's also a metaphor for life.

Happy Mother's Day!

Jill  

A Fine Day In May...

Happy May Day! I was browsing through archive pictures on my computer and noticed under the file name May Day, past invitations were several pages long. I guess we've had twenty-five May Day Celebrations over the years at Bittersweet. The day is special to me for many reasons, but I believe the stand-out feelings are wrapped in love and memories. When I was small and as it got closer to May Day my mom would wonder about our yard picking tulips and violets and sprigs of spirea and pussy willow, and all of the flowers and bushes that mom planted in our yard to create a hand-crafted May Day basket. She would usually place the flowers in tin cans or assemble a construction paper basket. Her creativity and resourcefulness didn't go unnoticed by her daughter. In fact, her young daughter was always impressed by how she could create something so beautiful with such little. The more profound part of this story is after she'd made the paper cone flower bouquets she'd ask me if I wanted to go with her to deliver them. I can remember as though it was yesterday my curiosity over the question she'd just asked.  We drove down the street of our small town and knocked on several doors delivering the handmade baskets to elderly ladies that mom knew. These May Day moments have stuck with me all of these years only to urge me to realize how a simple kind gesture is always appreciated and cherished. This is why we celebrate May Day at our shop! If you'd like to read more about Bittersweet's May Day celebrations simply type the word May Day in the search box. 

We celebrated early at our shop as we also ushered in a twenty-five-year anniversary celebration. My Saturday was not yet complete until Mrs. Foxworthy whom I'd never met paid me a surprise visit. Mrs. Foxworthy was my aunt Vivian's 8th-grade school teacher. She is ninety-seven and the kindest most gentle woman I believe that I've ever met. She also brought her daughters and granddaughters to meet me and visit the shop. Mrs. Foxworthy's visit was the highlight of my day- and topped off the day with my memories of May Day pasts. It was a grand moment indeed!

Whenever I call to order flowers for the shop my sweet flower delivery girl Heather always goes down the flower list and details the colors and varieties that they have in stock. Speaking of stock! When she said that they had red, purple, and pink stock my mind envisioned a large bouquet of all three colors. Honestly, my vision didn't hold a candlestick to what they looked like in person! Yes, I love flowers almost as much as I love making soap! It's one of those things where you really can't have one without the other. At least that's how I feel. 

The construction assembly of specially packaged soap for Mother's day fills the baskets. I have a large roll of riveted cardboard that we use for special soap packaging. It offers a different look than any other packaging, but one that mixes nicely with our floral paper and plain white. It's all about balance in packaging. Not something that has come naturally, but rather a learned process that is a matter of time. The flower tucked inside the string that ties the soap are rice flowers. They are a great flower to use to make everlasting bundles. They also come in a variety of colors. Usually pink and white. 

One Day At A Time...

I absolutely love this phrase and feel like it's a bonus to be able to share it on an organic cotton tee. 

Those rain boots are, well honestly, I have no words! They are lined in memory foam so they're super soft and comfy to wear on a rainy day. Mom would love them! Hint, hint. 

The Essentials Shine...

We've introduced a line of yummy essential oil soaps that mingle and blend ever so perfectly. Lavender and Sweet Orange is one of the tantalizing blends that are available. Hurry, it will go quickly!

A new soap, Moon Flower. I made this soap several years ago, and feel like it deserves another showing. The new soap has top notes of pink grapefruit while middle notes of violet create a somewhat spicy floral combination. Its scent is different but in a great way!

We've been spending a lot of time on our deck. Sundays are usually my favorite day to take in a deck day, and as you can see, Elle loves basking in the sun. Little things...

I love our downtown this time of year!

Happy May Day!

Jill