Bittersweet and the little soap company

Sunday Best

I'm old enough to reminisce about Sundays when we dressed in our Sunday's Best. Those memories are etched in my mind, especially because I was quite the tomboy. My mom would fuss over me, adorning me in frilly dresses and itchy slips before heading to church. In those days, "Sunday Best" meant pulling out your finest suit, dress, or hat—the pinnacle of elegance.

I've always admired the simplicity of that era, where possessions were scarce. Most families owned only a few cherished garments, stored in small closets. Our home, built during the Depression, bears witness to this frugal lifestyle with its modest closets.

Even as a child, my wardrobe wasn't vast. My mom, skilled with a needle and thread, crafted many of my clothes. I'd select patterns, and she'd bring my visions to life. I cherish memories of favorite halter tops and special leather boots, treasures from a time when caring for what you had ensured its longevity.

It's amusing how those little details stick with you. Yet, I'm grateful for the lessons they imparted. Today, as I reflect, I can't help but wonder if the changes we've witnessed are always for the better.

My dad grew up during the Depression. The stories he's told over the years help me to realize just how lucky we are. Or are we? I guess it's a matter of perspective. I won't get distracted by this topic, but it's an interesting one. 

Over the past weeks, we've been highlighting some beloved spring pastimes to infuse even more joy into the season. These are simple pleasures, harkening back to cherished notions from days gone by that we've always cherished and savored. These soulful ideas don't require a lot of money. I've found that my favorite things usually don't cost a lot of money. That makes them even more favorite! 

This week, I treated the shop to a mini makeover, with our new spring soaps taking center stage. I'm thrilled to share that after four years, our Scent Bar is gaining momentum. It seems to be a matter of demographics. Introducing a niche can be perplexing for those accustomed to the same routine. I don't mean this negatively—it's just a natural aspect of human behavior at times. I'm happy that it's gaining popularity. This was my goal four years ago. Good things come to those who wait, right? 

 

I've refreshed my Walmart Store and am excited to share some of my recent finds with you. Just like at Bittersweet, I only share items that I wholeheartedly believe are worth purchasing and that I'm completely satisfied with. I'm grateful for this approach because, honestly, what's the point in sharing something if it's not truly exceptional or doesn't wow? Quality and satisfaction are key, both at Bittersweet and in my personal recommendations.

The back rooms of shops are often overlooked, but I've always found them fascinating. As a kid in the small town where I grew up, I have vivid memories of trying on clothes in the back rooms of general stores. These spaces were typically plain and simple, often filled with stacks of extra merchandise and odds and ends stored by the shop owner.

While our shop doesn't have a traditional back room, it's close. A few years ago, I decided to give the room a makeover. I updated the flooring and added cedar planks to the walls. It was a happy transformation. I opted for simple cedar fence planks because they were inexpensive, yet they added texture and dimension to the room. The finished look surpassed my expectations, and I ended up loving the rustic charm it brought to our space. I also remember how great they smelled when we first put them up! It's always about good scents for this soap maker. Smelling good is an attribute! At least I believe it to be. You smell good! When someone tells you that you tend to smile, right?

This past week has been non-stop, and my manufacturing list seems to keep growing. There's something truly uplifting about selling out of items. After all, a shop with the same old merchandise on the same old shelf is uninspiring. When our handmade items fly off the shelves, it not only motivates me to restock but also inspires me to create new ones. It's the essence of being a maker—constantly innovating and evolving.

Thank you for your love and support for the products we create. We take immense pride in crafting items that stand out from the crowd, and our ultimate focus is always on your satisfaction.

We started a series of lives and reels about styling your home and shop. I shared a few tips that I've learned along the way. Number one is to add a piece of black to your space. It helps to ground the look. Second, Style a shelf or area with odd numbers. I always start with three. Third, take a picture. It's fascinating how a picture reveals things that you typically can't see with your eye. What's that phrase? A picture is worth a thousand words. I'm not sure the creator of that phrase had that in mind, but it works for me!

I've ordered seed packets like Zinnia and White Marigold. I love the notion of switching a traditional color with an odd man out!

Happy Spring!

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh and Local

Bittersweet is on the brink of celebrating a momentous birthday! Time truly has a way of slipping silently away. My fascination with Sari bags endures, largely because of their exquisite beauty. These silky bags, when paired with a bar of our artisan soap, transform into a unique and cherished gift for under ten dollars—a testament to affordability meeting elegance.

The vision of our soaps arranged to form a perfect square resonates with me on a deeply soulful level.

This morning brought a significant milestone: I handed over the manuscript of "My Beautiful Faith" to my editor. While I'm already making progress on book three, the journey feels surprisingly swift.

Having three books published within a year was beyond my wildest dreams. It's a vivid reminder that dreams do flourish on the twin pillars of faith and determination, in exactly that order. The moment I hold those books in my hands will be my cherished reward. Reading the manuscript of "My Beautiful Faith," filled with personal reflections on death and sacrifice, moved me to tears. It's a raw exploration of life's harsh realities and its inherent beauty.

We're also introducing new canvas bags and signage, and I must say, I'm enamored with the canvas wall hangings. Their bold sayings really pack a punch, and I've always had a soft spot for things that make a strong statement!

This week I'll be ushering in a bit more warm-weather merchandise. The arrival of spring is just a few days away, and I'm feeling it. 

If it's been a while since your last visit, our shop is now brimming with beautifully wrapped soaps and essential skincare products that are sure to delight you with every purchase.

Our shipping department is working hard to get your orders out promptly. AKA, Jill is working hard to get orders boxed and shipped on time. Ha!

 

Happy Shop Fresh and Local!

 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Ahead

I used to make those tops. The pattern is timeless and honestly, I don't believe that this style has ever been considered a past style as it has strong staying power over the years. I even remember wearing this pattern when I was a teenager. That's one of the reasons that I love fashion. The cuts or layout of the pieces are usually the same, and it's likely the fabric will change before the pattern does. I wish that those days were back sometimes, but sewing, if you've ever done it takes quite a bit of time. 

Have you ever used a simple beeswax finish on a piece before? I love the low shine and feel of a beeswax-finished piece. Bittersweet used to make a beeswax finish a few years back, but it was slow to go. Whenever a new product doesn't fly, we typically discontinue it and replace it with something else. 

Do you worry? A lot of people do. I stopped worrying when I became a born-again. There's something supernatural in the way that a human overcomes worry through their faith. I wrote a book about it. The manuscript is sitting on my desk along with my editor's notes and such. I just finished my tax preparation work and turned in my findings to my accountant. Now, I feel like I can put the finishing touches on this book of faith and get it to the publisher. I can't wait to hold it in my hands. This is the second book that I've written, and let me just say when you hold the finished book in your hands it's like holding a newborn for the first time. So many emotions run through your mind. Especially when a book is about personal experiences that line the path with the story behind the story. 

Our spring soaps are rolling, rolling, rolling along. It's hard to keep up with the new arrivals as we introduce a new soap each week. That's a feat considering it takes four to six weeks for Bittersweet Soap to cure. The pH becomes gentler as the weeks roll. 

Now and then I come across something that captures my heart. The Sari Bags are indeed one of those things. I'm not sure if it's because I am a fabric girl and quilting girl or if it's simply because the silky sari cloth intertwines with colorful color blocking. I think that's it. Either way, we offer these unique handmade bags at our brick-and-mortar and webshop. They are the perfect size for a bar of our beautiful soap. I have a few that I use for stashing jewelry. They've taken a few years to gain popularity, but folks are starting to realize the craftmanship involved and the stand-out style.

I'm loving the photo shoots using the bags. It's kind of fun to color-match shoots now and then with the products that we make.  

So I'm doing some spring garden planning. This year I'm going to get some raised beds and plant, squash, green beans, tomato, jalapeno, and cucumber alongside a small bed of cilantro so that we can have fresh pico de gallo. I feel like I'm inching my way to a seasonal garden alongside the homemade sourdough bread that I make every week. I could easily live off of cucumber and tomato sandwiches the entire summer. Just add some iced coffee and this girl is happy. 

I've also ordered seedlings for pussy willow, forsythia, and elderberry. All three of those plants can easily be started by tender plants because they grow fast. If you cut a stem from a pussy willow it will take root in no time. Once it roots stick it in the ground and watch it grow! The forsythia is the slowest growing, but I'm just throwing that in so that I can have lemon-yellow bouquets in early spring. I can envision the pussy willow blended in the bouquet too. I also like it on its own. My mom used to have a couple of large bushes in our yard when I was growing up. I remember her trimming the bush and bringing in fresh cuttings in the spring. They are one of the first plants to bloom along with the forsythia. 

I'm going to ask my dad to plant my tomato plants as he's an expert on growing ripe red tomatoes. I'm not sure exactly what he does, but he's got secrets. 

With the first day of spring just a couple of weeks away, I've got a dose of spring fever! I'm also going to order my zinnia seeds. I use a lot of seed pods from last year's bounty, but I add a few fresh seeds too. The result is a beautiful mound of candy-colored blooms! I happened upon a unique marigold that is white. I believe it's considered an African Marigold.  I'm sharing links to my sources. 

I'm on the lookout for a person to deliver a truckload of black dirt. I'm spreading some around my foundation before cedar mulch and the rest will go in my new veggie beds. I think that I found a farmer who has some great fertile soil that will give my veggies a jump start. 

I'm also needing some pavers to switch out a few cracked bricks on the patio. My spring is looking like it's going to be action-packed between soap-making, home projects, and shop goings-on!

Happy Spring!

Jill 

 

A Soulful Spring

The past few days have been filled with reflection on past springs, enriched by simple yet deeply rewarding experiences. I reminisce about gathering wild violets from my yard and crafting tiny purple bouquets that brought joy to my heart. I remember dusting off my flower press and journaling about my favorite botanicals, adding little notes beside the dried blooms. And there's the memory of gathering white sage and crafting bundles for burning, filling the air with its soothing scent. These moments hold a special place in my heart, and today, I'm journeying back to those soulful moments in time, bringing their essence back into my life.

As I journey back through memories, I'm drawn to a soulful period of my life: the moment I made my very first batch of soap. Even after nearly twenty-seven years, the passion still envelops every bar I cut and wrap. It's not magic, but it feels akin to it—something even more profound. The blood, sweat, and tears, though cliché, formed the very foundation of this business. It's the perseverance that has guided every step I've taken.

There have been countless moments when I've contemplated throwing in the towel over the many years. No pun intended, but the relentless urge to persevere has always overshadowed any doubts or negative voices. This resilience is key to unlocking your full potential. Never let the naysayers deter you. I'll never forget the time a family member on my husband's side asked me if I knew how many soap makers there were. The question felt insulting and hurtful, and I now realize it was intentional. I've never understood jealousy or envy, but I've witnessed it many times—unfortunately, it's part of the journey of forming a small business. The trick is to let it slide, and do so swiftly. Your success will be the ultimate reward, especially when faced with naysayers trying to bring you down. I am sharing this to prepare you because they will come! Never waver in your trust and faith. Those two human gifts are the foundation for a firm house that no one can tear down, not even the big bad wolf! Ha!

As we draw closer to spring we celebrate its arrival by introducing aromatic new soaps and clean skincare essentials. I get excited when a new product sells out in its first week of introduction! Our tallow cream and magnesium balm have sold out twice! Honestly, I completely understand because they contain darn good ingredients that perform. Always important to Bittersweet that our products do what they say they are going to do. We don't offer any crafted product that doesn't. 

 

As I reflect on old favorite pastimes that have become new favorites, baking, and bread making hold a special place in my heart. Many years ago, I dabbled in sourdough bread making after a co-worker shared some starter with me. I vividly remember the months spent crafting loaves, but eventually, the demanding nature of the process wore me out.

Nowadays, I've adopted a different approach, focusing more on sharing the joy of sourdough with friends and family. I bake two loaves each week, and it's become the only bread I consume. Store-bought bread, with its myriad of chemicals, no longer finds its way into my kitchen. I prefer to refer to it as "so-called" bread due to its artificial additives.

A couple of years ago we propagated our fiddle figs at the shop and shared starters with customers. The process is time-consuming and typically takes about six weeks before the plant starts to root, but it's worth the time when you hand the starter over to a new caretaker. If you want to do this simply cut a stem off of your existing fig dip it in root hormone powder and place it in clean distilled water. Don't use tap water. Change the water out every week with fresh. Once it starts to root it takes off. This is when you place the single stem in the dirt and watch it grow. I love getting plant starters from friends. A few years ago a customer shared a starter with me and now it's a healthy flourishing plant. Little things. 

Last spring I planted a variety of herbs in my planters on my deck. I planted peppermint and thyme along with a few other favorite herbs. We made peppermint tea and used the fresh herbs in preparing meals. It was a joy to simply open my kitchen door and grab fresh herbs. More little things that create a soulful spring. 

When Patrick was a small boy he'd ask me when I baked or prepared dinner if I seasoned the dish with love. The phrase has stuck with me over the years and I've learned that there's some truth to it. When we bake and cook meals from scratch it's a token of love to the recipient. Love is wrapped into each and every ingredient that is added to create the dish. I remember sitting at my grandmother Christine's kitchen table writing down her chocolate pie recipe when I was a young girl. I didn't know at the time that the moment would forever stay forged into my heart and memories, but I'm thankful that it has. I know that you have similar stories that help to create not just a soulful spring, but a soulful life. 

I've been a forager before I could walk. My mom used to strap me on her back when I was a wee one and hunt for her favorite fungi. She'd then take her bounty of morels home and soak them in salt water before cooking them in butter and serving them to her much-appreciated family. I skipped a few years of hunting, but last year I took my brother and dad to one of my favorite mushroom locations and we came home with a mess and enough for all of us to enjoy. We're planning on going again once the ground warms up a bit more. 

Your spring might not look like mine, but it's yours! Your stamp is on it!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

Then and now

Reflecting on Bittersweet's Scent Bar, it's remarkable to witness its evolution over the years. This modern apothecary service has been a source of profound learning, particularly in nurturing my passion for scent. Understanding demographics has been pivotal; it's not merely about location but about offering a distinct niche. In today's landscape, having a niche is imperative to navigate challenges successfully. It's a game of strategic planning and forward-thinking. I speak from firsthand experience when I say that nothing comes easy. The scent bar encapsulates all these reflections and more, serving as a testament to the journey's lessons and the gratitude I hold for the inspiration and growth it has brought. The pinnacle of joy at the scent bar is when a first-time customer creates their own signature scent, witnessing their delight as they discover the perfect combination and seeing their beaming smile of satisfaction. It's a moment that encapsulates the essence of our service – bringing happiness and personalized beauty to each individual who walks through our doors. This is my reward!

If you happened to visit our shop this week, you'd witness a bustling scene of soap wrapping, a true sign of spring's arrival. Alongside nature's renewal, our shelves are adorned with a delightful array of new soaps, each bursting with freshness. Our Magnesium line of products is receiving glowing reviews, bringing a sense of fulfillment to my heart. Additionally, our luxurious Tallow Creme is flying off the shelves; we sold out last week, keeping me busy crafting fresh jars to meet the growing demand. It's a wonderful whirlwind of activity, filled with lovely things indeed.

I think we're going to have an early spring. At least it seems that we are. A little bit of up and down, but all in all, spring will burst through. 

I've added new items to my Amazon Store. Once the weather starts to warm I start planning for porch styling and outdoor recreation ideas. Don't you? Last season I planted herbs in the planters just off my kitchen porch. It was a joy to step out my kitchen door and have access to fresh herbs. We made mint iced tea!

I'm slowly, but surely getting caught up on soap manufacturing. You may not know, but we sell out of soap during the holiday season. We also sell out most of the skincare products that we make. So it's like starting over. I wouldn't have it any other way! It brings joy to my heart to make and offer clean soap and skincare nutrition! 

We're anticipating a fast-paced Saturday! 

Warm Regards, 

Jill