Bittersweet and the little soap company

moonflowers, mom, and may

There are several species of flowers that are always included in my spring seed planting. One is a moonflower and the other is a hyacinth bean. Both plants are climbers. Moonflower opens her aromatic blooms at dusk while the hyacinth bean loves showcasing her blooms in the hot summer sun. Soak both types of seeds in water before planting. Our lavender crop from last summer is bundled and tied. Bittersweet is unusual in that we grow a lot of the dried flowers that we offer at our shop. I love looking at those bundles with that in mind. The details of the harvest are still fresh in my mind. The bumblebees swarmed around me as I cut the lavender. The perfume echoed its lovely blossoms with a scent that is unlike any other. A couple of years ago my dad broke up some of his lily of the valley and gave me some starters. I planted it and am now taking in its simple beauty. The mock orange is also blooming. Both are considered old-fashioned plants, but both are also timeless favorites. The mock orange gets its name from the orange blossom because of the lovely scent the blooms provide. 

We brought back a popular perfume called Bella Blossom.  We've had so many requests for this perfume that we offered it in a swag bag several years ago. I thought it would be nice to bring it back. 

We have several new lip balms and I'm getting ready to put together a summer soap menu. Our soap manufacturing is fast-paced and continuous. Soft organic cotton facial cloths feel amazing to the skin, and we're anticipating a shipment of new dresses and summer tops to wear with your cutoffs and denim. 

We are also constructing some unique packages for moms' special day. 

Our porch sale is fast approaching and I'll be preparing for this two-day sale in the weeks to come. This is a great offering of merchandising pieces and clothing. Pillows, rugs, lamps, baskets, and a lot of really cool items. If you're just starting out on your own or wanting to add to your decor our porch sale is a great opportunity. I have to clear out things because we're constantly changing things at our shop. Save the date. 

Our early summer temperatures have cooled and I sowed some of my flower seeds. The pesky squirrels love to dig up my freshly planted seeds. It happens every year! What to do?

Our downtown is pretty this time of year. The flower planters are filled with fresh blooms, and the farmers' market launched their return. We'll soon be plucking fresh tomatoes and the strawberries will be appreciated as we make shortcakes and fresh whipped cream. Little things. 

Many blessings. 

Jill  

 

 

wildflowers and birthdays

 

The life of a soap maker isn't for the faint of heart. I'm not saying this with a better-than-you attitude I'm simply sharing that having a soap-making business is body-building physical and challenges you every chance it gets. If you would have told me twenty-six years ago that I was going to be a soap maker and manage a soap business I'd probably not believe you.  I don't recall even thinking of soap making. That all changed after receiving a holiday package from my aunt.  My aunt Vivian sent me goat milk soap that she made in her kitchen. It was carefully wrapped in tissue and as I unveiled the shipping box the aromatic fragrance went directly to my nose. If my nose could smile, it would have!  I remember running my fingers over the silky bars and sniffing them until I could sniff no more. That was in late 1996. I had a day job that I'd had for 8 years. Immediately after receiving my aunt's hand-crafted soap, I began searching for the ingredients to make my first batch. I remember that it was challenging to locate supplies, and the Internet was pretty much useless in 1996. There was one book available at the time that instructed on how to make modern-day soap.  I was determined and focused on learning the craft of soap making and nothing was going to stand in my way. Don't hate me, it's how I roll. I finally found the ingredients that I needed to make my first batch of soap and off I went. I remember making that first box of handmade soap as though it was yesterday! I carefully poured the liquid soap into a shoe box and placed it under our bed. I covered it with an old quilt, and could not wait to uncover the box the next morning to see it turned out. It in fact did, and that was the beginning of a soap maker's life. I quit my day job along with a huge leap of faith and began filling a suitcase with my soap and a few other apothecary items that I'd made. I'd get Patrick on the bus for school, and then head out to explore the local shops thinking that they might want to carry this beautiful artisan essential. I was on top of the world! There wasn't a shop that didn't want to carry Bittersweet! I realized that I needed to expand my methods so my next thoughts lead me to hire sales reps to build volume orders and sell more soap. Which in turn meant that I would be needing to make more. My mother named my soap business, Bittersweet. Little did I know at that time how the name would take on a completely different meaning.  So it began! I started making more and more soap and selling it all over the country! It all happened so fast and I was starting to have trouble keeping up with the demand for Bittersweet. I increased my manufacturing and picked up many more accounts by selling wholesale. I sold to other shops for just a couple of years and then decided that this is not the direction that I wanted to go. It helped that the Internet was forming about that time, and a door filled with oodles of opportunity swung open wide. I did a few shows and didn't enjoy that either. My mom was always telling me to open my own shop, but I saw fault in that idea too. I did not want to be stuck in a shop all day. At least those were my thoughts at the time. Things change. My mom had gotten ill and was dying. My brother and I looked after her and cared for her and during that time soap making and dreams were far, far away. After my mom passed away I kept hearing in my mind her saying that I should open a shop. I realize now that my grief from losing my best friend in all the world was urging me to stay busy just to keep my mind off of her absence. I also realized that the best way to achieve that goal was to open a shop. How on earth was I going to do that? I had no money and no idea even of where I'd have such a shop. I was what the trade refers to as green. Boy or boy was I green! Actually green is good because it helps you to learn and learn fast. Mistakes are good too. You learn from those as well. I jumped in my car and drove to our downtown in search of a building for my new shop. I found one! It was a huge old brick house with a big front porch. I was excited knowing that this would be the perfect spot for Bittersweet. I met with the owner and we settled upon rent and move-in date. Remember, I had no money. At least no money to invest in a silly dream. That is what some thought. A silly dream. I knew all along that it was not just a dream, but that it was going to be my new livelihood. My family supported me with open arms and I'm forever grateful for that, but there were others that did not. I read once that the best way to prove your success is to be successful. I believe it to be true. This story is filled with so many soulful moments. Most of which I can't begin to cover in a blog post. Twenty-six years is a long time, and there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful and appreciative of this soap maker's life. The enormous lessons that I've learned about running a business are priceless. I'm writing another book so that I can share Bittersweet's unique and soulful story. 

Jill 

A Modern Apothecary

Full spring ahead! We're digging our new spring style at the shop. So many new and exciting things are happening all around us! Some of which I can share and others not quite yet. Book number two is done! I sent the finished manuscript to the editor and publisher. It is a unique feeling to finish a book that you've written. I would say that these feelings stand on their own. To best describe it would be that it feels like the prelude before giving birth. You know that each time you write you're one step closer to holding your book in your hand. It is definitely a process, but one that I'm fond of, and will continue to write books. It makes me happy.  

Meanwhile back at the apothecary shop. I'm knee-deep into a re-style. It's coming along and exceeding my expectations. It always starts with one little idea, and the next thing you know you're vamping up the entire shop. I felt like it was a good time to organize our facial and skincare displays. I'm retiring a few pieces or at least switching them out with pieces that we already have but updating them and re-purposing them. I love to re-purpose pieces. Sometimes I'm surprised to find out that a far-out idea actually turns into a great one! 

I mentioned earlier how as a soap maker I'm constantly changing things. The rugged and herb-dipped soaps are kind of cool. One of the main reasons that we wrap our soap is so that the scent holds. When you wrap a bar it secures the scent nicely. 

I made a new citrus sugar scrub that is absolutely lovely! It's scented with sweet orange and litsea cubeba. Are you familiar with this essential oil? 

It's a nice scent! It kind of reminds me of lemongrass but in a more mellow way. I'm highly allergic to lemongrass, and it's not unusual to have allergies to this grass. In fact, it's in the citronella family and contains the same culprit oil that can easily produce an allergic reaction. I use the oil in soap, but I'm very cautious and always warn customers that of all the essential oils lemongrass can be an irritant. It's not common to have a reaction when it's in the soap. 

We're always at least one season ahead at our shop so our spring take is being designed to transform into summer easily and smoothly. 

I received a shipment of super cute tops over the weekend. Hello Bittersweet girl!

Sweet Grass, Sweet Grass, Sweet Grass! I absolutely love this scent! It's popular with the American Indians along with white sage. Both offer medicinal properties. 

It was snowing a while ago. I had to shut the door and pretend that I didn't see it! 

A stack of flower seeds sits on my dining room table, and I'm digging out my peat moss and black dirt to start some seeds indoors. 

Since it's winter outside I'm making a big slow-cooker pot of navy beans tomorrow and some homemade cornbread. I love homemade cornbread. The effort it takes to make it is minimal. Flour, honey or sugar, flour, cornmeal, and an egg are poured into a cast iron pan. My aunt makes her cornbread without any sweetener. Some prefer hearty cornbread over sweet. The mixes usually contain a lot of sugar., and that's why I like making my own. 

Elle is due for a haircut, but I keep waiting until it warms up. Her beautician gives her a good trim and I feel like her extra hair is keeping her little body warm. 

Did I tell you how much I love the muslin facecloths? I know that I did. Worth repeating. 

I've been thinking about the word perseverance.

noun

steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

 

The word caught my attention when I wrote the final chapters of My Beautiful Faith and the third book that I just started. I believe that perseverance is crucial in all aspects of life. Marriage, work, and happiness are wrapped around this word. 

We've been streaming the Bee Gees at the shop. Honestly, who doesn't love the Bee Gees? Young, old, and in between love this musical family. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

Focus on create

I've felt a need to post a bit more frequently because our turnaround time on everything seems to move at warp speed. I've come to realize that I don't have to work at warp speed, but the shop life around me sure does. The world of retail is different than any other platform of business. It's constantly evolving and turning and changing. Since Bittersweet is also a manufacturer it blends together very nicely. Thankful. 

Our new hair repair butter is the bomb! If your flocks need a little pick-me-up we've got you covered. This is an intense hair treatment that doesn't mess around. It's formulated with pure ingredients, mostly rich butter, and oils. I know what you're thinking. You really don't want to put oil on your hair. Let me answer that by saying sometimes it's the best ingredient. It grabs ahold of and digs into follicles with a super intense enrichment that honestly nothing else can. Shampoo as you normally would after allowing it to set on your hair. Rub into roots and tips, and thank me later. All joking aside, this is one of my favorite products to date. 

As a soap maker and as a soap maker that's been a soap maker for over twenty-five years it's motivating to experiment and evolve with new ideas emphasizing creating new styles and designs all of which are intertwined and wrapped with a focus to create. Not just whip something together, but draw near to your style while branching out in directions that are shiny and new. If not for those thoughts I'd get bored with soap making. When you allow new ideas to enter you're expanding your creativity. It gets fine-tuned and overhauled. When I look back on past designs I'm surprised by some of the designs that ended up on store shelves. Knowing that there's always room for improvement really does have an impact on your business. Try to not stay dormant in your style. Reach out and explore new ideas and never stick with the same old, same old. Well maybe certain things, but typically keep that revolving door swinging! The moment you stop doing this is when you get burnt out and discouraged. Oh, that's another important tip. Never give up!  I can't wait to get started on a fourth book that details all of these thoughts. I feel like there is a need or demand for this type of knowledge. Business plans. Ha! Have never had a business plan. I focus on hard work, determination, and perseverance. I consider that to be the three most crucial requirements for operating and running a successful and profitable business. 

We love the round May Day invites! In case you're wondering where I shop for such things. I usually design the cards and then send them here for print. I've been using this company for a long time. I love the fact that we can do the designing or if I'm in a hurry can use one of the premade designs. 

I mentioned in my last post that Rose Clay was back. It's wrapped and ready! Here's a link if you wish to order on our website. We also offer a rose clay mask. If used together you're going to love how soft and glowing your skin is!

Our clothing department is stocked and getting some amazing new pieces. We're really into cotton, linen, silk, and leather textiles. In fact, it's safe to say that those are our go-to choices when stocking our store. The fabrics stand through the test of time and offer a timeless take on styling. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

Spring Fresh

One thing that I can honestly say about our shop is that it's never stale or boring. I've always had this thing about presenting a fresh showing of unique items on a super frequent level. So much that I even have a hard time keeping up! Since we offer a new handmade soap each week that in itself presents a powerful message of just how important it is that we share new and exciting pieces and essentials with our amazing customers. We love that about our shop!

In the days of Amazon and online shopping, I can't help but feel as a manufacturer and retailer that it's almost a requirement. Keeping up with the Joneses so to speak. Well maybe not that, but you know what I mean. It's a lovely thing to walk into a shop or boutique from week to week and it's always fresh and new. At least that's what I've always thought. Years ago when I sold wholesale and before the Internet, I learned that. Good lessons to learn. 

Once the weather warms a bit more I'm headed outside to construct some dried flower arrangements. The process is messy, but the results are gratifying. I can't remember a time when I wasn't fond of everlasting flowers. Spring and summer months are usually when we release a variety of our favorites and share them with our customers usually in small bouquets. 

If you receive our emails then you might notice we're changing up the way we correspond and market via email. We will only be sending a monthly newsletter and as challenging as it may be to make sure we're including all of our new items, I'll give it a go. Since we introduce so many new things it will be challenging, but I'm up for the challenge. 

Vetiver and White Jasmine along with amazing Sweet Grass both new this week. Let's just say that the Sweet Grass Soap is a bonus soap! 

We have an incredibly high turnaround on all of our soaps so saying that they're here today and gone tomorrow is not exaggerating. 

The Sky Blue Collection has me on notice. I was inspired by the color. Simple inspiration always is my favorite. Little things. 

I'm so happy March has arrived! This morning it was cold and rainy, but by afternoon it warmed and the sun came out. This was the first day that I could feel Spring pushing her way forward. 

We have an update on the books that I'm writing. Book number one is a cookbook and it's called Taste & Eat, Season Everything With Love. It's being proofed, proofed, and proofed, and then I'll send it off to the publisher. Yippee! Book number two is almost finished. I keep adding what I believe to be valuable content. My editor requested that I go ahead and send it even though it's not quite finished. She will get started on font size, style, etc. and once I finish the content it's off to the printer. A few copies and then another proofing, proofing, proofing. My third book has yet to be started, but it will be called The Widows Club, and I'm really excited to put my thoughts into a book. The fourth book is titled Soap Up My Sleeve. I consider this one to be my precious baby, even though it's only in my head! Honestly if feels very much like giving birth when you write. The entire process is time-consuming and a lot of waiting and anticipating, and then one day out of the blue, you hold your book in your hand and realize the book is born. I wish that I'd started writing years ago, but I'm making up for the lost time. Writing is by far one of the most rewarding things that I've ever done. Feeling thankful. Feeling blessed. My gratitude shines like a bright star!

 

 

 

Trending Spring

Since we're an apothecary store it makes sense that we would examine scent trends especially once Spring gets closer. Typically the popular scents of today are the popular scents of tomorrow only with a few variations. Maybe a different top note, or a twist in the middle, but most of the time the base stays true and withstands the test of time. The season of spring not only ushers in new scent thoughts but also introduces new colors. This spring seems to be all about pastels. I love muted shades of violet and plum, ecru and sage green, and the list goes on. It's fun to incorporate those color thoughts into our shop. We're usually on the neutral fence, but we also love to add splashes of color every now and then. This season's soft hues blend nicely with neutral. I love that! I'm not a bright-color girl, rather a faded vintage color wheel is my jam. Our spring 23 scents do not disappoint! They're fresh and new and thoughtfully curated. I know that you're going to love each and every new soap flavor that's coming! The only problem is they sure don't last long!

We're also taking deep breaths when we open our latest shipments of tops and denim. If I were asked what one of my favorite clothing pieces is in my closet I'd answer, denim! This is a great time for denim. The wide leg is hot on my mind, while the skinny is fading, it seems to be hanging with the big boys. Cuffed jean is sassy and fringed jean shouts independence.  The girlfriend jean has always felt like Saturday jean and the flare definitely cries out a statement all on its own! With all those denim thoughts comes the inspiration for a dedicated hangout at our shop! I can see the new display in my mind, but I've yet to put it together. I'm going to be working on it tomorrow. I've been searching for some specific pieces of styling hardware, but just haven't found the pieces that I'm looking for. I'm a firm believer that the satisfaction that comes from using what you already have exceeds rewards and expectations so I'm digging in the stash of merchandising pieces in the back room to complete the design. Little things. 

The phrase about surrounding yourself with women that are true and confident isn't new, but I believe that it's super important. Jealousy is an emotion that I've been blessed to never have, but I have seen it raise its ugly head. It's not hard to recognize, and even easier to walk away from. Comparing yourself to others is a great way to set yourself up. You may not experience jealous feelings, but you should not compare yourself to her or him. It's one of my golden rules. It's easy to have comparison feelings nowadays with social media smacking you in the face. You be you and be confident in your skin. Everything else great will follow. 

I say this because I've been adding content to the second book that I'm writing and it kind of goes with the biblical aspect of the book. 

Our back porch tree house. That's what we call it. Once the weather begins to warm it calls my name! It calls Elle's name too! Last year I ordered a baby pool and filled it with water on the porch. We would have guests over and be sitting talking on the porch and Elle would flop down smack down in the middle. Everyone would laugh. Little things. We have wrens that return every spring to their forever home. You can sit and watch the babies chirp their way to flying the coop. Little things. 

I'm happy to announce that Taste & Eat is being edited and will soon be sent to the publisher! It's been a process of writing two books at once, but I'm happy that I did it. It's actually working out and I'm anxious to start on books three and four. I'm anxious to start writing down all the thoughts that scurry into my mind. It's been a constant yearning and tugging ever since I started writing. Good things. 

Jill 

 

 

 

Style Me Spring!

We're capturing bits and pieces of Spring at the apothecary shop. I'm making room for our new cookbook that's coming, and a re-style of shop corners. We're slipping in cherry blossoms every chance we get. 

The linen aprons were intended to accompany my cookbook. I believe that they blend well. Do you wear an apron when you cook? In the olden days, a cook would grab her apron before baking or cooking anything. She's have it hanging on a hook in the kitchen. In fact, she would have several aprons hanging on a hook in the kitchen. Back then a home-baked meal was common practice. I'm afraid nowadays, it's not so common.  It will come back! 

I'm emphasizing our home collection. Items that we make that our centered around my home that I believe you'll love too. Turkish towels, essential oil cleaning essentials, incense, beeswax candles along with new coconut oil candles, and my favorite, wool dryer balls! The scented products transfer into your space in a lovely way. They offer a sense of cheer and happiness. 

A couple of new spring soaps were released. Lemon Grass + Orange along with last week's soap, Lavender + Grapefruit. Our spring soaps are here today and gone tomorrow. 

I'm loving what we did with the new Lemon Nail Creme packaging! If you frequent the blog then you know how we're constantly making improvements to our packaging. I can't imagine keeping the same labeling and look that we had twenty-five years ago. Everything evolves in one direction or another. As does life. Don't get going on another philosophical discussion! I'll bore you to death!

The soap wrapping papers that we've selected are blowing us away! We plan and choose our soap packaging papers months before the soaps arrive. I mentioned in my last post how readily available papers are. When Bittersweet was born all those years ago, it was a challenge to find anything. I remember knowing exactly what was needed, but could not find it. The Internet was just born as well. Now you can find anything you want. I guess that's a good thing. I remember giving up trying to locate certain things in the old days only to settle on something which is not our method. So the new world of online shopping did open doors for exploration and discovery. 

I guess we have what some call a Big Game on Sunday! I've grown up surrounded by Chief fans. My family and friends support our hometown team. They're the best! Not only are they talented on the field, but they're also blessed with humbleness and kindness. They are indeed a team and perform like a team. I've always said that if you want to win or be successful you must play like a winning team. Sometimes that method of thinking works and other times it does not. Speaking of politics involved in local government. Pettiness amongst fellow business owners, etc.  If only the walls could talk! I'll leave it at that. I used to go to each and every meeting and was active in our downtown activities. Even launched a few events, but nowadays, I prefer working solo. Every now and then I'll get a wild hair, but the many years that I spent going to meetings and working on projects left me disenchanted. Have you ever been on the PTA?  Sad but true.  

It's warming up, and we're anxious for Spring. We have our May Day celebration right around the spring corner, and we're already working on our June porch sale. Retail moves fast and it's constantly evolving. I love that!

Go Chiefs!

Jill 

 

 

Smile Scrooge, Smile

I wish that we could bottle the amazing holiday scents that roam around the shop this time of year! 

Our holiday open house was delightful and we enjoyed seeing and visiting with everyone. Deb my right-hand girl commented at the end of the day how amazing my customers are. She is absolutely spot on! We had a visit from Scrooge. What a cranky old guy he is. When I captured a picture and asked him to crack a smile, he refused. No matter Mr. Scrooge, we're going to keep on smiling and spreading good cheer regardless of your negative disposition. 

We're up to number seven and eight of the Twelve Days of Christmas Soap. I can hardly believe how quickly the holidays arrive and exit. 

My editor dropped by on Saturday, and I told her how excited I was to get the books finished. I'll be working on them during winter break. Then I'm going to start the third book and dabble in a fourth. I've already settled upon a title for both books. It's a bit of a motivator when you choose a title before starting to write the guts. I kind of believe that's my method.  When you decide on a title, it feels comfortable in knowing what the context is going to be. Kind of yin and yang for sure. I'm a firm believer in happy balance and how sometimes the easiest way to achieve is to simply keep it simple. 

We're already into week two of December at the shop.  The next eight days that our shop is open will be super fast-paced and I'll be burning the midnight oil until break time. It's how we've rolled for twenty-five years and a familiar feeling. 

We made an old-fashioned Sunday dinner tonight. Beef roast cooked low and slow with carrots and mashed potatoes. It was so good! I feel like if I don't cook I'll lose my talent. Cooking is practice makes perfect kind of thing. I remember when I used to shoot pool, and I also remember that when I didn't practice every day I would lose my talent for bank shots, etc. There was a day when I'd spend the entire day at the beer joint playing pool. Who knew? The good old days. 

I'm making fresh jars of orange vanilla polish and cleanse cleaning essential before heading back to the shop along with a few or several other popular winter essentials. Folks will be stocking up on their favorite skincare creams and serums knowing the shop will be closed for the break. 

Wishing you the best that the holidays offer. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

Saturday to Saturday

We're traveling from Saturday to Saturday winding around projects and holiday assembly. A continued effort to construct an assortment of holiday gift packages like scrumptious soap and lip balm, soaking salts, facial serums, and the merry list goes on. I'm in love with those travel bags! We offer a variety of styles and colors at the shop. They would make an amazing holiday gift, hint, hint. 

Bringing back some of your bittersweet favorites, like nail creme and shower spray. Both essentials have been improved with even more healing and natural ingredients. This week I'll be working on a new body polish and hair treatment that I mentioned a few posts ago. 

The holidays feel different this year. Do they to you? I believe we are approaching our busiest holiday ever and that there will be challenges to keep items in stock. Folks are definitely shopping early, and I believe that's a great idea. Bittersweet is so very different than a shop that stocks premade items. We make up about eighty percent of the inventory that we sell at our store. From the very beginning those twenty-five-plus years ago I saw a need for stand-out inventory. Items that are fastidiously crafted by hand with a steady eye on detail and quality. I can't tell you how many times I've purchased something only to be disappointed and disenchanted. When you make your inventory you don't have to encounter this simply because you are able to guarantee that it does and is what it says it is. Blessing. The years come and go, but that has always been front and center in all that Bittersweet does and is. We don't want to meet your expectations, we want to blow you away and exceed them! 

I must confess this little one that started as a soap business and birthed into a modern apothecary has blossomed and transformed into a beautiful gift. The most precious gifts are those that stand tall with glory and admiration, and mostly thankfulness. Being thankful for each and everything no matter the size or shape. Little things. 

Hard work and determination are still very much a common denominator in life's undertakings. 

We're expecting a rush of holiday shoppers from now until December 23. Our holiday open house is on December 2 and 3. In between and after wrapping several thousand bars of soap in record time, on December 23, I'll do what I always do at the end of the day. Turn down the lights and take in the memories of the moments that were presented to me this holiday season. Then a long winter's nap is on my Christmas list.

Wishing you peace and joy as the holiday approaches.   

Jill 

 

 

 

passing through

I'm just passing through. Things are moving fast around here, and I relish the downtime to post a few lines. I've been working on books and after doing a major clearing and cleaning of the homestead, my nourishing nesting motives are paying off as I look around and it's clutter-free. I'm a firm believer in if you have too much clutter in your home, you will also have clutter in your mind. This is a challenge for some to part with things. I get it. The reward is coming home and walking through my door to see empty spaces and organized corners. 

We have freshly made jars of face creams and serums. Next week I'll be switching out a few lip balms with different flavors. Hello, Marshmallow! One of your favorites. We've been burning one of our herbal candles at the shop and everyone has been asking if that is what they smell when they walk in. That's a challenging question to answer, because of all the different fragrances that we blend daily. Some of the time the dominant aroma in the air is the Cleanse that we use to clean our shop. I love that stuff! Not only does it clean and disinfect it smells amazing!

That tweed jacket is the cutest!

Building boxes and getting ready for a non-stop holiday season.

Peace

Jill