There's a stark contrast in our designs at the shop with each season. I love that! When I dig out summer pictures of the shop they're accompanied with fresh flowers from my gardens and floral-infused soaps wrapped in summer shades and designs. After all, who wants to be stuck with the same old, same old? Even my home changes as my style becomes more refined and fine-tuned. I'm drawn to the finer things in life, linen, cotton, everlasting flowers, natural elements, and textures that really stand out in styling both my home and shop. It doesn't take much either, and I'm a huge fan of foraging! For example, I'm putting together some red and white packaging for the holidays and I took a little stroll through my backyard to get some natural clippings of pine, snowberry, boxwood, sage, lavender, white pine cones, and rosehips. All of these are compliments of nature and all of the time invested in planting and cultivating these wonderful herbs, trees, and plants share their bounty even as the days turn to winter. Gotta love it! At least I sure do! Speaking of our red and white holiday packaging, I absolutely love it! I've always been partial to the combo colors this time of year. So, I'm sharing my admiration for the two sentimental hues with you as we present our holiday packaging.
I've been breaking cinnamon and sniffing star anise, orange slices, and allspice as I construct bags of stovetop potpourri. The scents of the season shine bright. I've noticed that I'm starting to go back in time with some of my favorite Christmas loves, that really never stopped grabbing my attention.
My Amazon Store is brimming with holiday magic. I just picked up a new tree skirt to replace the one that was getting worn out. It's a knit cable type. Who doesn't love knit cable? Click on the Amazon picture for the link.
I'm thrilled to be bringing in our collection of Holiday Soaps early and share a surplus of Holiday Goodness. It makes me happy to gaze around the store and see these special soaps accumulate. However, they sure go fast. In fact, I've already pulled the first two holiday soaps from our web store because our inventory is low.
One of those used-to-do things that I decided needed to be revisited was making sourdough bread and growing a starter. Have you ever made a sourdough starter? It's not hard, but it is time-consuming. You must feed the starter each day with flour and water. I ordered it here.
I love sourdough bread! In fact, I don't eat very much bread unless it's sourdough. It's actually good for you too. Plus, and plus = good! I also picked up one of the crocks for storing the starter. I had never started a starter before and didn't realize how long it takes before your starter gets ripe so that you can make bread with it. It's going to be rewarding once my starter is ready to make bread. I would estimate a couple of weeks. The longer you feed your starter, the better the bread. Good things come to those who wait! I think baking homemade bread is one of life's rewards, and even better sharing your loaves with friends and family. I'll be sharing my progress and pictures. The wonderful world of sourdough bread crafting!
This morning I was thinking about something that I've never really thought about before. I was pondering the idea of how when I was in my forties I never imagined what I'd look like in my sixties. Just as I have never imagined how I'll look in my eighties in my sixties. Can you relate? I look at my dad, and he's almost ninety and he looks amazing. His skin is soft and young. Honestly, it should be because he has a daughter who makes soap and skincare and gifts him constant supplies. I'm also varied in thinking about the sun and other skincare products. My dad was frequently in the sun playing golf and working outside during the summer months. I was at the pool every summer day layered with baby oil. Sunscreen, what's that? Remember? When it comes to effective skincare essentials I'm a firm believer that less is more. It's really the notion of using the best ingredients that nature provides. Old-school ingredients like lanolin, vitamin E, and cocoa butter. When I launched my skincare company back in the day I knew deep in my heart that these ingredients that withstood the test of time would also change the way skincare was viewed. At least in my eyes. Then the chemicals started to come in both our food and cosmetics. Honestly, I have a hard time understanding why. Saying it straight out. There's a reason that so many folks suffer from ailments and cancers. It's a full-time job combatting the chemicals and the over eighty percent processed foods that line our supermarket shelves. Think about that for just one moment. Does it make sense to you? A toddler would recognize that something is wrong! I did not intend to get lost in this subject, but it's dear to my heart and I'm not shy about spreading the word. After all, I manage an Apothecary! I'll step down for now.
I'm headed out and to the shop. I made fresh jars of Marula this morning, and I'm going to run out quickly and forage a few more branches and twigs so that I can craft a few more gift boxes and bags.
Remain faithful in your faith.
The second book is getting closer. My Beautiful Faith will be here soon. I visited with my editor this week. Wow, it's a lot of work to write a book! Patience is a virtue for sure. I know when that book gets published and printed and I'm holding it in my hands I'm going to cry like a baby!
Jill
