Bittersweet and the little soap company

blossom buds

The spring air is filled with the gentle perfume of the peonies! I don't recall how long it's been since we've had such an earthy wet spring. So much rain has fallen here in Missouri and the extreme weather just doesn't seem to want to let up. Feeling empathy for those who have lost their homes from tornadoes and flooding. The peony blooms help, if not for a moment, to focus your mind on pretty, smell good natural articles of affection.  

My heart is filled with joy when a customer shares stories about Bittersweet products they are using and how they've improved their skin. My focus has always been to share my skincare knowledge with others by manufacturing top-notch products that are made with the highest standard of ingredients. The bar is set high! Choosing healthy food over unhealthy food filled with preservatives is a great metaphor for the skin care that Bittersweet makes. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy! Please keep sharing your stories because this is why we do what we do!

We just got these new tee shirts in! I guess it would be safe to say that I'm an outdoorsy type and an indoorsy type. Can you be both? I think so. When I was younger I loved to go camping. Now that I'm older I prefer a B&B over a tent. Love the shirt and customers are loving them too!

We're launching a new apothecary line called White Garden. The nouveau line is gradually hitting the shelves and will spread its wings in June. 

We'll also be bringing back some old lines, Lake House and Country Fair. Both were inspired by my childhood days.

Our new order online, pick up at the shop is gaining popularity. I'll be honest in saying that I was on the fence with this new option, but now I'm happy we're on board. Even though it's an experience to take in the scents and explore the weekly new arrivals. If you've been in Bittersweet before and have used our skin care products then you typically know what you're needing. Whether that be Face Creme, Lip Balm, Soap, Toner, Scrub, etc., the option of paying ahead and picking up at store is quite handy, indeed. 

It's the Saturday of Memorial weekend and the shop is closed today. All the many years I've been in business have taught me that this weekend and this particular day should be spent at home catching up. It's usually a slower day than any other Saturday, and I'm grabbing all the Saturdays I can get because they are rare. 

Our bathroom is coming along nicely. The tiling is almost finished and we're refinishing vintage heat registers and stripping our old medicine cabinet. I'm not sure what kind of wood it's made from, but I'm about to find out. I'm hoping it comes close to matching the dresser I stripped last year. Wouldn't that be grand? Then after the dirty work, choosing a toilet and new flooring. We're also going to have our tub and sink refinished by professionals. They have kits now and you can do it yourself, but I'm going to lend a hand to the folks that do that for a living. We don't have a clawfoot tub, but it's probably dated from 1930, something. It's oversized and I love it! It's also gratifying to incorporate some of the old pieces into the new. At least, that's what I love to do. Believe it or not, I love bits and pieces of modern mixed with old. It's kinda sweet to take in the once was with the once is. Don't you think?

Switching over and wanting to yell on the mountain how much I'm in love with the new Summer Perfume! Tones of lavender, coconut, grapefruit, amber, make this my all time favorite perfume to date!

The Goat Milk Soap is curing and I have two more pints of fresh goat milk in the fridge. Today I'll be mixing the creamy milk into another batch of Bittersweet! The fresh from farm goat milk adds a soulful ingredient, pure and natural, perfect addition to our recipe. 

Switching again to cake! This was my Mother's day gift. Patrick made from scratch, this decadent chocolate cake with rich buttercream icing. 

Colorful wrappings and pretty pink peonies kind of go together. 

One of my shop orchids is blooming, again! It's so funny how after all these years I've figured out the secret of blooming orchids. I stash them in the cold back room and barely pay any attention to them, and next thing I know, the buds are forming. Once the buds start popping I place them in the sunny south window. I love the orchid blooms because they grace you with their beauty for weeks on end. 

Little things are still my favorite things. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

grazing and calm...

I've been grazing while relishing in the quiet and calmness of a winter pause. 

We've been whipping up new recipes and nibbling along the way. Some of the recipes were over the top, while other ones were simply mediocre. A pile of keepers, and a pile of losers in the recycle bin.

 Cream Puffs

 

I'm packing in a number of projects during my break. It always works out this way! 

Mr. Carpenter (aka Lennis), installed new flooring in the back area of the apothecary shop and then we opened up the room so that it flows evenly with the rest of the shop. It took me a while to figure out the layout because the room is oddly shaped, but after looking at it over and over and sleeping on it, it came to me. I'm one of those people that wake up in the middle of the night with answers to my questions! There's a metaphor between sleep time and break time. I can see and feel similarities between the two. Mainly, creative similarities. I'm definitely a left-brainer!  

Have you looked at our website? Not one bar of soap listed! I'm hoping to resolve that good problem soon...In fact, we've got the revolving soap door thing going on. New soaps ready, while other's soon will be. 

Our annual "Fill Your Bag" soap sale begins on January 12, our grand re-opening. We sell out fast! Hint, hint...

Along with a soap sale, I'm having a Winter Clearance on clothing and accessories. Time to clear the old to make room for the new!

New packaging ideas are in place and my excitement continues to grow as we approach number twenty-two years in business on April 15, 2019!

I strive to make pretty things, but sometimes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

every day gifts

This time of year always seems to appear overnight! I've mentioned time and time again about how being a shop proprietress is a career that runs at warp speed. Once the holiday season rolls around it cracks the whip even more!

I'm getting ready to strand pine cones for our live shop Christmas Tree. The Holiday Soap Mounds, or should I say, Mountains are forming and Bittersweet and the little Soap Company is excited about the upcoming season. It's the most wonderful time of the year. This soap maker will be burning the midnight oil to keep a healthy shop stock of Christmas Soap and Apothecary. I ordered in some warm and wooly sweaters, and new necklaces, scarves, and other yummy winter essentials. 

It's super cold here in my little town, already! We even had a touch of snow. Now if there's anything that gets you into the spirit of the season it's snow! Right?

I'm introducing some new products and packaging and we're steady ahead. 

There are mountains of labeled soap and pillars of unlabeled soap. 

Soon, soap, soap, everywhere. The fruit of my labor will be displayed and tucked, gazed at and fondled, and then just like that, gone!

I'm sorry we can't list our Holiday Soap on our webshop. They sell out too fast to list! I'd also like to say it's the nature of handmade. The soap is one of a kind and special, making it rare and briefly adorned. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

Spice Attar

We're heavy into the aroma of autumn. Cinnamon, Allspice, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Cardoman, Apple, and an auxiliary of spicy blends. The holiday soap manufacturing has commenced too!

I admire each Missouri season, but autumn glows the brightest with her crimson and golden hues. 

We've ordered some super cute denim skirts and my latest obsession, ruching! 

If I weren't a soap maker, I'd strongly consider taking up fashion design. Often times, I can see it, but it's not available. We're working extra hard to bring you unique styles of clothing and accessories at the Bittersweet shop. 

I'm eager to trade in my shorts and sandals for pants and long sleeve ruching tops!

The past few weeks have been spent researching a new herb. Arnica.

I'm not sure how this amazing herb hasn't surfaced to the top. Its medicinal properties are bounteous. My interest is, particularly in the anti-inflammatory abilities of this precious herb possesses. Introducing Arnica Muscle and Joint Tincture. 

Pure, Clean, Simple, Ingredients. 

A few months ago I retired from coffee. The next best thing to drinking coffee must be smacking it on your lips! Just say'in. 

It's that time again when we release our signature Fizzy Balls! Three simple ingredients minus artificial coloring or added ingredients. Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, and H20. 

Fall officially rolls in on Saturday, September 22, 2018. We're so ready for it!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

fall fling

Fall, glorious fall! The season come and goes so fast, and we really love to embrace the moment for as long as we can. Even though it's the middle of August our mood is surrounded by autumn. Since opening the shop, my days spin by fast. The hours seem to turn into brief minutes, and the days seem like a few hours. It's demanding, but I love it.

The other day I went searching for a fall wreath for the shop door. Many of you know that I'm not a fan of artificial flowers. I prefer real ones. Case in point. The door basket was created by using a variety of dried flowers, branches, and everlasting foliage. Fairly inexpensive to construct and I love the contrasting browns, reds, and golden hues mixed together.

We've opened Bittersweet Botanical earlier then planned. Sometimes it works out, while other times it doesn't. This time it worked and everything fell into place. The room is filled with a variety of dried flowers and blooms. Snowberry, Cinnamon Sticks, Cedar, Broom Corn, Lavender, must to name a few of the offerings available for picking.

I also put together assortment bouquets. The small arrangements' are popular at the apothecary shop. It is nice to simply pick out your favorite and stick it in a vase. Instant fall icing for your home.

We just received the first of our fall clothing shipments. Love, love, love this top! The colors shout fall. I've been noticing the clothing manufactures are making a lot of smocked dresses and tops. Love smocking too!

This little number is simple, but the tie detail really makes it stand out from the crowd. Did I mention how the fabric is super pajama soft? Oh my!

Along with early fall frocks comes new apothecary. Introducing Blushing Spice.

Yeah baby!

Keep the faith.

Jill

 

 

Honey to the bee...

Few things shine brighter than a flowering zinnia! This was the first year that I planted purchased seeds instead of leftover recycled ones. I have to tell you, I'm a bit disappointed with the purchased seeds. The package read Giant, but the flowers are not. This fall I'll resume the process of harvesting the flowers and letting them dry. I have an extra large stash of dried blooms, seeds from years past. They are indeed flower coated eye candy, even if they're on the small size. 

The soap cafe is blossoming too! If you can't locate your favorite scent amongst all the choices. Well, I'd imagine that wouldn't happen, because we have oodles upon mountains of blooming summer soaps to choose from at our brick and mortar. 

I'd ponder it's safe to say that Bittersweet Soap is honey to my beehive!

I'm so forever grateful that my passion still runs wild after twenty-one years. Grateful...

We're getting in the start of our fall lines of accessories and clothing. Handpicked with fastidious methods that offer unique and special things. A new line of leather belts and bags arrived yesterday, and I couldn't resist the urge to also order a few straw hats. Summer is in full swing, although we're not enjoying it because it's so darn hot! I shouldn't say that. I love summer! I'm also grateful for air conditioning. Both at my shop and home, car. Whew! I've never liked hot. 

 My little lavender potted plants that sit on the shop porch are thriving in the heat. It's been fun to pick tiny bundles. 

Miss Woodness is holding Alice Bracelets. Simple displays are my favorite. I picked up the stick from the front yard. Wood to wood, to wood. If you count the beads. H'm...

This soap smells amazing!

We've ushered in the famous Pumpkin Spice for our Christmas in July celebration. We'll be offering it wrapped and ready on July 21! I'll make a couple hundred more bars, in September, but this soap sells quickly and is available for a blink of the eye. 

We have several events coming up at the shop, and I'm putting together some sample packets for guests. I'll share later. One of the ideas is my current obsession!

Keep the faith. 

Jill  

 

 

 

pink clay day

We're really into pink clay! You know, the stuff that makes calamine lotion a cooling and effective ointment against poison ivy. The pink clay soap is still in their molds, but it's ready to be cut and then cured. I added tea tree oil since it carries fabulous antibacterial properties. 

The soap machine is spinning. That's me!

Then we have a Juicy Peach Lip Balm waiting for their labels and then they'll be stuck in a shiny Juicy Peach Jar. 

Introducing two new guy products. Lucky Man Beard Conditioner, and Lucky Man After Shave. Both a long time coming. Simply because it seems I leave the guys out sometimes. Sorry guys. 

Oh yeah, A spray before you go too. This train is rolling round the bend with its spin. Ha!

Strike the iron while it's hot. Isn't that an old saying. I understand what it means. 

We've made brownies, and pies, and this dish that was out of this world tasty fab! 

We have new neighbors moving in, and the weather is finally breaking towards warmer more seasonal temperatures. It's about darn time! I've put oodles of outdoor plans on hold, thank you. 

This basket of sage really draws folks in. Just say'in. I've ordered tender sweet grass starters to plant so that I can cut it and offer it at the apothecary shop. Sweet Grass and Sage two peas in a pod. 

The shop is getting a makeover and before you know, May Day Celebration hits in a few short weeks. 

Patchouli Soap, just because I love it so. 

Introducing Prayer Notes courtesy of my sweet friend Angela. She's donating the proceeds of sales to someone in need. Sharing and caring we call it at Bittersweet. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

new formulations and patchouli

The past few days have been spent researching clays, powders, and enzymes. What an exciting avenue to visit, and just when I believe that there's nothing new to learn, bam! 

After the research and the arrival of the new ingredients comes a prototype. Then there's a test period on actual people. Usually, family members that willingly offer their skin for me to test new products.  Typically and after twenty-one years into this, they're kind of used to it. 

Do you remember a while back when we were working on an eyelash conditioner? We've decided not to manufacture this product. I'm leary on offering a consumer product that the application is close to your eyes.  Sometimes you just need to trust your gut. It's always right. 

Pink clay has been on my mind for a few years. It's what makes calamine lotion pink, and the main ingredient. I've been wanting to incorporate the rosy pink clay into a soap formulation, and my idea is that it will be beneficial for poison ivy. The rich clay offers a cooling effect to the skin. 

Also on my formulation list is a variety of flowers and herbs. Dried Jasmine petals top the list, and calendula petals follow. I've always added calendula powder, petals to all skin care products that are explicitly created for sensitive skin. Calendula is super easy to grow, and are in the marigold family. I use an old-fashioned mortar and pestle to grind the flowers to a fine powder, and then incorporate the powder into a variety of products including French Clay Mask. 

   It feels good to use this old-fashioned tool to perform such tasks. Feeds my soul, and the aromatic scent bellows above the wood bowl. 

We just finished completing the May Day Baskets for our upcoming May Day Celebration. The construction and making of these are my way of saying thank you to my amazing customers. I can't disclose what's inside, it's a surprise! A little hint, butterflies, and hummingbirds, strawberries, and may flowers. 

I used to go crazy baking for two days for this event! I've kind of cooled it limit the confection menu to just a couple of home-baked goodies. This Mayday we'll have lemon cake and chocolate covered strawberries and a spring punch. I shared the lemon cake recipe a couple of posts ago if you're interested in making it. 

While I'm on the subject of baking. We've been making and eating these! Definitely not on the low carbohydrate menu, but man oh man is that homemade pie crust tasty. I double the pie crust recipe and roll enough dough into a ball and then freeze. Once you have the pie dough made they're super easy to whip up. Blueberries are reasonably priced right now, and probably my favorite bite-size fruit, so we went with that fruit. Some recipes call for jam from a jar, but I would encourage you to make your own. Super easy and fast, and fresh tasting. 

We are enjoying a few days of early summer weather, and then the weather people have said it's turning back to winter for a few days. Ugh! I just ordered sage plants, and vanilla marigold seeds, and anxious to plant some tiny starters. Elderberry and a slew of succulents on my plant list. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

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biscuits and papery

Feeling love and admiration for this beautiful handmade papery. When I'm shopping for soap wrapping paper it's easy to be mesmerized by the wonderous selections. The bumpy texture and feel of the papyrus pulp make my heart happy. 

Wrapping the many varieties of handmade soap is a constant chore at the apothecary shop on water street. 

I'm working on a new prototype for a lash conditioner. A mixture of rich oils will be blended to create a nourishing and conditioning serum for the lashes. A big box of empty tubes and wands sit at the bottom of the studio stairs. 

I'm also researching ingredients for a new facial polish. The new herbal polish will contain pineapple enzyme and rice flour. I'm needing to do more research before creating a prototype. 

It's supposed to snow!

That means we're baking up some homemade biscuits for breakfast. 

New Honey Soap smells amazing!

I'm leaning towards making it the new scent of the month for April. 

Again, the paper is eye-catching and easy on the eyes. 

I'm on the hunt for packets of wildflower seeds. They're always tucked inside the May Day Baskets that are handed out to guests during our May Day Celebration. 

The little paper baskets have small bittersweet tokens of appreciation. 

Lemon Cake and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries will be included in the confection menu. 

I'm chomping at the bits to work outside in the gardens! If only the weather would cooperate. Soon, it will be spring. Sometimes she arrives a little late. The slow arrival of spring only gets me more excited for it to get here!

I really want to grow a garden of flax. I love the pungent blue flowers. Elderberry is also on the planting list. If nothing else, I'd like to make elderberry syrup, and possibly jam or preserves. I'm setting aside time away from soap making and managing the shop for this anticipated domestic goodness. Little things...

Keep the faith. 

Jill  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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hot topic

Duck love.

Duck love is recognizable in any language.

Edmond Manning

Atticus and family surprised me with a special little visitor on Thursday. How often does a shop owner receive such a splendid guest? Feelin the love. 

I'm working on several new product prototypes this week. Introducing New Hair Shine infused with Monoi. Honestly, where have you been all my life? Words can't describe the yummy natural scent of this oil! Excited to introduce this amazing oil to my Liberty Apothecary shop. I'm considering an entire line of Monoi products, including a body polish, and incorporating the aromatic scent in lip balm. Just when you think you've been introduced to all that nature has to offer, and along comes a humble little thing. 

Many blessings seem to come abundantly and freely, and I'm forever grateful for each. Life is short. The tiny things sometimes transform into much bigger ones. 

Getting ready for another bus tour. Lots of preparation needed for a short but fast-paced fifteen minutes of shopping frenzy! We'll need three registers open and running. 

Soap, soap, and soap!

I've introduced so many new soaps, it's hard to keep up with them all!

Life as a soap maker...

Keep the faith.

Jill 00

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