Bittersweet and the little soap company

In and out

Are you an outdoorsy person or an indoorsy one? I'm an outdoorsy girl, but I also enjoy spending time inside my home. The word balance comes to mind. I've been spending lots of time outside planting, mulching, digging, and watering. I'm increasing my cut flower gardens, but I'm starting it from seed. I love starting gardens from seed! The reward is much bigger than when you start with established plants. Just saying. All this garden work in between soap making of course. Today I made an oldie but a greatie, Lemon grass + Grapefruit. 

I also ordered and put together a couple of metal raised beds. The frames were super easy to put together but took a considerable amount of time because of all the screws to put it together. I'm proud to say that I conquered that task and moved on to filling the bins. First a layer of cardboard, then a layer of mulch, and then soil and compost. One bed will be peppers and tomato, while the other will be vines of cucumber, and a couple of different squash including zucchini. 

My editor dropped off my manuscript on Thursday and I did a re-read before turning it back over to her before it heads to the publisher. We're coming upon excitement time! I'm realizing the average time for a book to be completed is around two years. I've learned a few things along the way only to help me to be more knowledgeable about book writing and publishing. We'll be getting an ISBN and once this is completed it will be published and available at a few different outlets like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. One of the learning lessons is that a writer should hold tight before marketing their book. Since it's out of the writer's hands when the book is completed there's no way of knowing the time frame. I feel like it's best to wait until you have the book in your hand before marketing your book, but hey, everyone is different and has a variety of preferences. Aren't you glad?

It's still early spring here and my spring blooms like columbine, mock orange and lily of the valley are all blooming. They loved the rain we just had. There's more rain coming and I'm trying to get all of my seeds out so that I can take advantage of the spring rains before summer kicks in and they'll be few and far between. 

I make sourdough bread each week. It's the only bread we eat anymore. A couple of small loaves each week fits the bill. It's so good.  It takes about two hours to make simply because of the rising time. Well worth the effort and time. I can already invision fresh peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, and squash to accompany the homemade bread. I share with neighbors when we have an extra loaf. I could tell that my neighbor was very appreciative of receiving the fresh from-the-oven loaf a few weeks ago. After all, sharing makes bread-making and gardening even more rewarding. 

I hiked through the woods yesterday hunting morel mushrooms but didn't find any more. I guess the season is about done. It was fun going with my brother and dad. It reminded me of the olden days when my family used to take rides through the country. Some things never grow old, and I believe that is one of them. The rivers and creeks were way up because we just had a five or six-inch rain the day before. It was kind of cool being in the woods with the sound of the roaring creek. Little things. 

We made Taco Hand Pies last week. So good, and super easy. I didn't use a recipe so this is how we made them. 

Simply roll out two puff pastry sheets. Cut each into 8 rectangles. Top one with taco meat and some cheese. Place the top piece on and Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes. Top with salsa, sour cream, green onion, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, just like you would a taco. They were really good and I ended up freezing some. They are really handy to reheat in the oven. I don't do a microwave so I warm everything up in my oven.

Did you know that eighty percent of our garlic here in America comes from China? I sure didn't know that!  A great reason to grow your own. Once my veggies have died out I'll plant some heads of garlic. I love Spanish and Thai Garlic! It has a kind of kick to it. You plant garlic in the fall in my neck of the woods and then harvest it the following summer, around July.  

The shop is bustling with new soaps and arrivals. I fixed a glitch on our website and added a few items including a new soap every week!

See you at the shop!

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll be in the garden

I took some of the week off from Bittersweet to work in my gardens. Honestly, my happiness builds when I'm wrapped up in seeds and flowers. This year I'm building some new cut flower gardens. So that means I'll be getting physical with my shovel and hands! 

I have a bunch of Angel Trumpets coming up voluntarily. I'm going to wait until they get a little bigger thin them out and transplant them. I have a couple of designated spots for the soulful bush of white aromatic blooms. 

My once vibrant lavender doesn't look so good this year. I believe the extreme cold took them out. I've ordered some replacements because I love growing lavender. My mower always comments on how he can smell the lavender when he mows. 

I love that print! It's one of my favorites because I can so relate to that girl lying in the meadow after picking blueberries. So relate! Little things. 

We went foraging in the woods on Sunday for the much-wanted morel mushroom.  The guys waited in the truck at our last spot and I came out with a good mess of the tasty mushrooms. It was kind of fun to hold my bag up as I was walking towards the truck. We had enough to split three ways and I fixed mine last night savoring each bite. Some people dip them in egg or cracker crumbs. I prefer mine to be cooked in butter doused with flour and lots of salt and pepper. I think we're going again this week as we're supposed to get a lot of rain and cooler temperatures. I can't help but think that the season will be extended. I haven't gotten my fill yet! 

Our shop proudly sports white clothing. Denim and tops that scream warm weather and simple, timeless style. 

I've been digging out my cushions and pillows for the back porch. Elle loves hanging out on this porch. I stained the deck on Monday. It always makes me feel great after doing that. The cedar decking and rails always look so nice after it's done. I also hired a guy to powerwash it before I stained it. It needed a good cleaning. 

I have this thing about old watering cans! I have a few of them that I've picked up along the way at flea markets and antique stores. When it comes to watering plants there's nothing that compares to these old metal watering cans. Those are the bachelor buttons in the backdrop. I picked up some seeds that I'm going to plant this year because I love them. The blooms are the prettiest shade of blue. They are super easy and fast to start from seeds. You can find the seeds at any home improvement store. 

We have freshly planted herbs at our shop. The small clay pots are great but you have to stay on top of watering them because they soak up the water. If they don't sell at the shop, I'll bring them home and plant them in my porch railing baskets. Last summer I planted herbs in the baskets and loved them. I planted peppermint, and thyme, and tossed in some baby's breath seeds that sprouted quickly and dangled from the herb pots with their tiny white blooms. 

We're gearing up for Mother's Day at our shop. 

Re-stocking your favorites and adding a few new items that you'll love too! 

The essential oils needed to make our new perfume have arrived, and I'm eager to put it together. If I have time in the morning I'll mix up a few bottles. The perfume is going to be well received by most as it contains some great notes and it's a clean fragrance meaning no synthetics. Esther will be available by Mother's Day. Mom will love the way that it smells!

When we came home from mushroom hunting I was famished and M. J. had fixed sloppy joes and the best lemon cake I've ever eaten! I'm getting ready to call her and get the recipe. She used this flour. M.J. Told me that Southern cooks swear by this flour.  

Take in some spring!

Jill 

 

 

A Soap Shop On Water Street

This morning, I found myself reflecting on the vast array of products available at Bittersweet, our beloved shop. It's remarkable to think that it all began with a simple bar of soap! Soap takes center stage in our apothecary store for good reason—it's a craft deeply ingrained in my family's history. The revelation came to me when I first opened a box containing the velvety goat milk soap my aunt had lovingly crafted in her kitchen twenty-seven years ago. Sometimes, in life, you don't immediately recognize your true calling until a moment of clarity hits you like a bolt of lightning. It's as if your passion suddenly kicks into high gear, propelling you forward into your destiny. The key is to seize that moment and act upon it with unwavering determination.

While our shop now boasts an array of skincare, fragrances, clothing, and other handmade treasures, the heart of our passion lies in soap making. It's a passion fueled by the soulful tales passed down through generations, from my great-grandmother Lucy, the original soap maker in our family, to my Aunt Vivian, who ignited the flame within me. This deep-rooted connection to my heritage is what drives me, what fuels the spirit of Bittersweet.

I remember a fellow soap maker once remarked that our shop, nestled on Water Street, was a fitting location for a soap emporium. The cleverness of her observation struck me—indeed, a soap shop on Water Street! It seemed almost destined.

Above all else, my faith in a higher power shines brighter than any star in the sky. It's a faith that may be difficult to grasp if you're not a believer, but for those who share my conviction in Christ, you understand the profound impact of God's supernatural workings in our lives and businesses. I firmly believe that every blessing, every unexpected joy that graces our shop, is a gift from above. It's a sentiment that fills me with boundless gratitude for how my faith, my business, and my life have been guided.

If you ever wish to hear more about the story behind my faith, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm eager to share because I want you to experience the same sense of wonder and magic that fills my heart each day.

With love, 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

Lucky Number

 

As we mark this special milestone today, I've been pondering what truly lies at the heart of a successful business, and here's what I've come to realize. While hard work is undoubtedly a key ingredient, the unwavering support of friends and family is what truly propels me forward on this journey.

Reflecting on the past twenty-seven years, I'm filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who has stood by my side. Throughout the highs and lows, the births and farewells, your support has been an invaluable source of strength and inspiration.

Whether you're a close friend or simply someone who relies on Bittersweet for your skincare products, please know that I am genuinely blessed to have you in my life. This sentiment is woven into the fabric of every product we create and every birthday we celebrate.

From the depths of my heart, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more years of growth, joy, and shared memories together. Our birthday Bash resumes tomorrow and we're hosting giveaways at this milestone event. I'll be randomly grabbing tickets next Wednesday and announcing the winners of our giveaways. I'm planning on having twenty-five or so gifts in this giveaway. Good luck! I hope you win! 

Behind the birthday scene, I made Sweet Grass Soap last week. There's something magical about this scent that I love. I grow sweet grass in one of my gardens. Elle, my little dog loves laying in the cool green grass during the summer months. After she lays in the aromatic goodness she smells like sweet grass! This new soap will be available in mid-May along with several others. I've mentioned before how a new soap each week is a feat since every bar requires a four-six week curing period. 

I brought in another spring soap favorite, Lilac. Our Midwest wonky weather has taken a toll on a lot of our flowering plants. My lilac only produced a few sparse buds. Typically I'll have all kinds of blooms. I noticed last fall that it was suffering due to the lack of rain. Then we had a late frost, and I believe that between the two of those things, the poor lilac struggled. 

I'm designing a new perfume. It's in the beginning stages, but the essential oil blend smells out of this world! I'm waiting on a few essential oils and bottles to complete the new product. I'm calling it Esther. The prototype has been designed and it will fall quickly together. I can't wait to have it at the shop. You're going to love this perfume!

I visited our local greenhouse a few days ago and purchased small clay pots and a collection of herbs to offer at our shop. Gardening is something my soul craves. I chose cinnamon basil and chocolate mint along with sage and a few other small herb plants. Which by the way, will be big in no time! I've ordered coconut liners for some of my herbs that hang off the back porch. 

The shop below Bittersweet makes the best coffee and gelato! I don't toss out compliments unless I'm Wowed by the product. 

Rose Clay is back on our soap menu, and it has a release day of May 15. This is a popular soap at both our door store and web store. We scent it with rose geranium. If you've never smelled rose geranium its scent is unique and special. 

We're going mushroom hunting on Sunday. It's going to get hot and I'm afraid the season is going to be cut short. I'll be spraying my clothing with tick spray and wearing my thick boots. The snakes will be out in abundance when it gets that hot! Yes, it's true, they don't call you a mushroom hunter for nothing! Ha!

I've updated my Walmart store with a few of my favorites. I love a good hibachi! They're compact and great to keep on your deck for grilling. They're the perfect size for two. 

We're looking forward to a busy day at the shop tomorrow with our birthday event. If you didn't have a chance to visit today we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucky Number

 

As we mark this special milestone today, I've been pondering what truly lies at the heart of a successful business, and here's what I've come to realize. While hard work is undoubtedly a key ingredient, the unwavering support of friends and family is what truly propels me forward on this journey.

Reflecting on the past twenty-seven years, I'm filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who has stood by my side. Throughout the highs and lows, the births and farewells, your support has been an invaluable source of strength and inspiration.

Whether you're a close friend or simply someone who relies on Bittersweet for your skincare products, please know that I am genuinely blessed to have you in my life. This sentiment is woven into the fabric of every product we create and every birthday we celebrate.

From the depths of my heart, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more years of growth, joy, and shared memories together. Our birthday Bash resumes tomorrow and we're hosting giveaways at this milestone event. I'll be randomly grabbing tickets next Wednesday and announcing the winners of our giveaways. I'm planning on having twenty-five or so gifts in this giveaway. Good luck! I hope you win! 

Behind the birthday scene, I made Sweet Grass Soap last week. There's something magical about this scent that I love. I grow sweet grass in one of my gardens. Elle, my little dog loves laying in the cool green grass during the summer months. After she lays in the aromatic goodness she smells like sweet grass! This new soap will be available in mid-May along with several others. I've mentioned before how a new soap each week is a feat since every bar requires a four-six week curing period. 

I brought in another spring soap favorite, Lilac. Our Midwest wonky weather has taken a toll on a lot of our flowering plants. My lilac only produced a few sparse buds. Typically I'll have all kinds of blooms. I noticed last fall that it was suffering due to the lack of rain. Then we had a late frost, and I believe that between the two of those things, the poor lilac struggled. 

I'm designing a new perfume. It's in the beginning stages, but the essential oil blend smells out of this world! I'm waiting on a few essential oils and bottles to complete the new product. I'm calling it Esther. The prototype has been designed and it will fall quickly together. I can't wait to have it at the shop. You're going to love this perfume!

I visited our local greenhouse a few days ago and purchased small clay pots and a collection of herbs to offer at our shop. Gardening is something my soul craves. I chose cinnamon basil and chocolate mint along with sage and a few other small herb plants. Which by the way, will be big in no time! I've ordered coconut liners for some of my herbs that hang off the back porch. 

The shop below Bittersweet makes the best coffee and gelato! I don't toss out compliments unless I'm Wowed by the product. 

Rose Clay is back on our soap menu, and it has a release day of May 15. This is a popular soap at both our door store and web store. We scent it with rose geranium. If you've never smelled rose geranium its scent is unique and special. 

We're going mushroom hunting on Sunday. It's going to get hot and I'm afraid the season is going to be cut short. I'll be spraying my clothing with tick spray and wearing my thick boots. The snakes will be out in abundance when it gets that hot! Yes, it's true, they don't call you a mushroom hunter for nothing! Ha!

I've updated my Walmart store with a few of my favorites. I love hibachi! There compact and great to keep on your deck for grilling. They're the perfect size for two. 

We're anticipating a busy day at the shop tomorrow with our birthday event. If you didn't have a chance to visit today we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

assembly required

This morning, as I reflected on our shop's offerings, I realized that almost everything we provide requires assembly. We begin with formulating the product, then design packaging tailored to it, create prototypes, and only after perfecting the sample do we produce it in small batches. Unlike many others who simply slap a label on a wholesale product, we refuse to take shortcuts here at Bittersweet. We're meticulous not only in selecting high-quality ingredients but also in ensuring that our handcrafted soaps, creams, and specialty items deliver positive results. It's a process that's both simple and intricate in its execution. We take great pride in offering the consumer a trusted product that stands out from the crowd in quality and price. 

As someone deeply entrenched in manufacturing and retailing for twenty-seven years, I can't help but notice the financial strain many of us are feeling amidst the current state of the economy. While some may downplay it, I'm convinced we're not just facing a stagnant economy but also an uptick in the prices of everyday essentials. I won't delve too deeply into the details, but I can't ignore the wishy-washy climate we're experiencing. It would be dishonest of me to say otherwise—I'm genuinely concerned about the challenges ahead.

I find it fascinating how everyday life changed drastically during World War II due to shortages and rationing. Basic items like cooking pans, rubber for tires, and even sugar were scarce commodities. People had to adapt and make do with what they had on hand. One remarkable aspect that has always stood out to me, even since the beginning of my soap business, is how communities came together and persevered through these challenging times. Most of us have not faced challenging times like this so we're unaware of how it could even happen, but I'm convinced it could happen and it might be sooner than you think. 

 

“For Beauty on Duty” - The Power of Lipstick in WW2

During the Second World War, almost all everyday provisions from food to clothing were rationed and in short supply around Britain. Despite shortages, makeup - lipstick especially - was not rationed and played a key role in keeping morale high across the country and on the front lines.

Through government messages and advertising, women in Britain were bombarded with the message that their beauty was their duty, and they should strive to look beautiful and wall-kept to play their part in the war.

Maintaining appearances was something the British government strived for during the war. They were extremely concerned that a lack of interest in one’s appearance could indicate low morale in the public, which would be a severe detriment to the ongoing war effort. Showing strength at home by keeping standards high with beauty and fashion despite the ongoing conflicts showed that the country had resistance and that its people had not broken!

To keep morale and standards high with women’s appearances, the British government emphasized that looking beautiful was a major way in which women could play their role in contributing to the war effort. Maintaining a sense of glamour in day-to-day life was portrayed as a way for women to retain their dignity and bravery in times of fear and worry - they could quite literally put on a brave face.

I've always thought this was interesting, and hopefully reassuring to this soap maker. Hmm, I'm thinking of making Lip Stick! 

While lifting my spirits and thinking about how twenty-seven years has blown by I'm reminded of just how blessed both my business and I am. There's not a day go by that I don't appreciate the success that we've encountered over the years. The future is unpredictable but one thing remains strong, my appreciation for it all. The good, bad, and the ugly. For each little thing has helped to shape and mold me in ways that only real life can be forged into creating a blessed life. At least this is how I look at it. 

We're excited to celebrate our birthday next week, and even happier to see your smiling face at this milestone event. You have enriched my life with your genuine kindness and support over the many years. If you're new to Bittersweet I'd like to take a moment to thank you as well. Thank you.

I ordered some you guessed it, assembly required metal raised beds and I'm planning on getting them constructed and my little garden of goodness planted. I usually don't plant before Mother's day, but I'm going to go ahead and plant peppers and tomato, along with green beans, and cucumbers. Yummy! I can't wait to prepare a cucumber and tomato sandwich on my homemade sourd dough bread! Little things. 

Happy Spring!

Jill 

 

Elixir Emporium 27 Years!

Celebrating twenty-seven years at Bittersweet feels surreal! Reflecting on the journey, there are days when I'm astounded by the revolving doors of challenges that have come and gone. Yet, the accomplishments far outweigh these challenges by leaps and bounds, for which I am endlessly grateful. While there were moments of doubt, they were few and far between. Interestingly, these moments often preceded something extraordinary, reinforcing my belief in perseverance.

I've learned the value of sticking it out and not giving up—it's ingrained in my nature. A touch of stubbornness, which I've come to view as an asset in small business ownership, has guided me through the ups and downs. Through it all, the most important word I associate with this journey is "perseverance." It has become one of my favorite words, embodying the essence of determination and resilience.

I wish my Great Grandmother Lucy was still around, and my mom, and oodles of other loved ones that paved the way for my success. I also feel fortunate to have my Aunt Vivian in my life. Quite simply, if it was not for my Aunt making homemade goat milk soap in her kitchen long before making soap was a thing, and then sending me the luscious box of silky bars that she crafted from scratch. I can remember as though it was yesterday opening the box and unwrapping the tissue paper to reveal the magical gift. The soft herbal aroma that came from the bars tickled my nose with excitement! It was at this moment that I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a soap maker. I had lots of support from my family which I know now was one of the important and key ingredients to help build confidence and determination. I quit my day job of eight years just a month or so after receiving the soap gift, and the rest is well, it's a great story, and I'm going to share it in a book! By the way, I should be working on it right now, but the lists of to-do's are sometimes long and writing books always gets placed on the back shelf. No pun intended. This will be my third book, so I feel like I can move a little slower this time around. 

What's a birthday without a celebration? Join us as we celebrate year twenty-seven at our shop. I'm going to make cookies and we'll share a few giveaways on both days. It's going to be an old-fashioned good time. I miss those, don't you? Drop by if you're not busy. You are the number one reason Bittersweet is here! We look forward to seeing you at this milestone event!

Warm Regards, 

Jill