Bittersweet and the little soap company

paper tiger

I envisioned a flowery display for our new pheromone perfumes, using paper flowers as a timeless and vibrant decor element. Their bold hues embody the essence of spring, perfectly complementing our floral-inspired body scents. We’re adding even more flowers, though they take time to craft—this display alone took an entire day to assemble! It’s the perfect winter project while snowstorms and Arctic air make spring feel like a distant dream. But it’s coming! I always believe that the harsher the winter, the more we cherish spring when it finally arrives.

We used to have paper parasols hanging from our other location. I kind of wanted to bring them back. 

I dug out my stash of beads over the weekend and began making more Alice Bracelets. If you're new to Bittersweet, the bracelets are inspired by my mom, Alice, Hence the name Alice Bracelet. They are a blast to make, and I'm like a kid in a candy store when I shop for beads! We're happy to bring back this popular exclusive item to our shop. 

If you're not new to Bittersweet then you know how our soap inventory is depleted during the holiday season. Behind the scenes, I'm busy making soap on the days I'm away from the shop. Slowly, but surely, I'm starting to build back our soap offering. The cold weather doesn't help, as it interferes with the process. All these years of soap making have taught me so much about the days gone by craft. I'm happy to learn new things and feel like learning as we go along is a blessing to those who have the luxury of making mistakes and becoming wiser with each new challenge. Not something I've always felt, but the older I get, the more those thoughts wave through my mind. 

They're predicting a big snow to come on Wednesday, and then another coming on Saturday. We'll see what happens, but we may just be snowed in this week. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

mornings well spent

Mornings Well Spent

Golden light spills through the glass,
Soft and warm as moments pass.
Steam curls gently from my cup,
A quiet hush as the world wakes up.

Fresh-cut soap upon the stand,
Crafted purely, hand by hand.
Scents of lavender, mint, and rose,
Wrapped in care, the morning flows.

Pages turn and thoughts take flight,
Dreams take shape in morning light.
With grateful heart and breath so deep,
These moments well spent, I choose to keep.

Jill McDowell

Mondays are always a little slower around here, and even though my list of to-do's is long, I'm embracing a morning well spent regardless of my productivity. Do you ever feel like that? I know that you do. Being in the moment and not worrying about how much you're accomplishing, but rather your mood as you roll along your morning into day, and night. It's taken me a very long time to achieve this type of peace, and the road was long. Not taking the shortcut sometimes adds to the most important life learning. So the next time you're struggling to get something done, or a deadline to meet, remember those thoughts. 

We're gearing up for a busy week at both the shop and home studio. For those who are new to Bittersweet, my home studio is where I make all of the Bittersweets that line our store shelves. Early on when Bittersweet was a baby, it was important to me to maintain a sense of small. Having big dreams is great, but if those dreams never become a reality, they are but just dreams. It's medicine for the soul to dream and then fulfill those dreams. It's not always easy, but it is surely rewarding! Life is short, dream big! Don't put limitations on yourself. 

This morning well spent consists of Tallow Creme production along with soap making. Both the Tallow Creme and Soap require a slow-down process, and time is needed for them to become finished essentials. Good things come to those who wait. 

February is a transition time for Bittersweet. All of the prototypes and plans aren't quite completed but only have finishing touches. Our Spring Soaps are being made and new displays roll around in my mind like a spring garden. When it comes to just about everything that Bittersweet does it starts with a simple idea. I can see the idea take shape in my mind and even see it as though I'm looking at a picture. Once those ideas start to appear, I begin searching for the pieces needed to complete the picture in my mind. Sometimes, I'm able to bring those ideas into a touch-feel realm, and other times I'm challenged to find that exact whatever is needed to complete the picture. Before the Internet, it was more of a challenge, but now with the vast number of suppliers, export and import have been transformed in ways that quite honestly continue to amaze me! So, in the old days was faced with more challenges than today as far as locating certain pieces that are included in my vision. I've always been blessed with this method of designing, but it's grown with practice! 

When I gaze upon the colorful china saucer I'm reminded of a trip years ago with my Aunt Vivian. I've always loved this picture for that reason. There are feelings attached to it. 

I'm planning my spring into summer gardens and Calendula will be one of the flowering plants that I'll start from seed. The plant is in the marigold family and offers many healing properties. The bright yellow petals make you happy when you see them and I'm reminded of the magic of seed planting each and every time I sow the seeds. 

Our new Pheromone perfumes are taking shape and I'm planning on expanding the line with new perfumes. We offer two now, Original and Santel. Both are different in notes, but the same in loveliness!

My Grandmother Lola grew sweetpeas in her flower gardens. When I was a young girl my admiration for what I refer to as My Grandmother's Flower grew and her granddaughter has taken that admiration and cultivated those memories. So each Spring once the earth warms and the birds begin to sing, the sweet peas showcase their unique flower beauty. I feel the same about Wild Violets. Our yard provides a haven for the purple petals and even though it takes considerable time to gather a bouquet their unique beauty and the fact that they're wild feeds my soul. 

I've decided to bring back Alice Bracelets! The wood beads call out and remind me just how much I loved making these unique bracelets, named after my mom. If you've never tried beading, I'd highly recommend, it because it's relaxing and comforting to design and make your own jewelry. When I was young and in school we had a great art department. I was always impressed with the uniqueness of both our teacher and the opportunities that he presented in the class. I dabbled with both casting fine gold and silver to soldering and such. When casting you would first design the piece and make a mold. That mold would then be cast in your choice of metal. It was fascinating to me back then, and I often yearn to experiment with it once again. Rings are formed from a single piece of silver, usually flat. You shape the ring and buff and polish it until your little heart is content. If you do decide that you'd like to start making jewelry, I'd suggest that you begin with beads as the process is easy and rewarding. You might also find that the bead store is very much like a candy store. The beads are abundant and beautiful!

Our expansion of the Scent Bar is also coming along nicely. The labels are being designed or have been and the entire new line is being implemented into touch and feel, but more importantly, smell. 

I'm getting ready to re-style the bedroom, so I've updated my Amazon Store with some of my picks for the re-style. If you've never visited Bittersweet's Amazon Store the concept is simple, choose pieces that are affordable but of good quality. I'm a firm believer in making purchases that have been mulled over many times before the actual purchase. I've learned this is crucial in re-design and that when you take the time to plan, your satisfaction meets expectations. 

We're getting some warm and mild February days, and I'm getting excited about Spring returning!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

Welcome Back!

If you were to ask me how I feel when I return after a break, I’d have to say it’s like being wrapped in a puffy cloud of wellness, satisfaction, and gratitude. The sense of completeness that settles over me is almost tangible. Taking time off is a gift I cherish deeply, but there’s an undeniable pull to get back to what I love.

After all, I’ve been a soap maker for many years, and stepping back into the rhythm of creating feels like coming home. It’s a unique and genuine feeling—one that simply can’t be duplicated or replicated. Soap making is not just a craft; it’s a part of who I am, and returning to it fills my heart in ways words can hardly express.

Most of you are eagerly anticipating our return, especially with the excitement of our annual soap sale. I must admit, I share that same enthusiasm—after all, this sale is truly something special!

I've been spending time at the shop preparing for the sale and styling our expanded Scent Bar, crafting fresh bottles and jars of your favorite skincare essentials like Tallow Crème and soaps inspired by the upcoming season—Spring! Even after all these years as a maker, I never tire of what I do. Your continued support and patronage make it possible for me to embrace this joy and gratitude fully. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned a balance of contentment, and the happy moments that have emerged have grown and evolved with time. If you’re lucky enough to experience this harmony, you truly recognize it as the remarkable gift it is. I speak from my heart and have Soap Up My Sleeve! 

As I delve back into the Apothecary Groove, I find a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of scent. Scent has always played a significant role in my well-being, and exploring its endless possibilities feels like second nature to this soap maker.

We’re thrilled to introduce something new at our shop that’s sure to captivate nearly everyone who walks through our doors—pheromone oils. These fascinating oils have been cherished for thousands of years and are now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. I absolutely love when something timeless takes on a fresh, exciting purpose!

There’s a special kind of joy in taking something classic and reimagining it with modern embellishments and frills. It’s a creative process that energizes me. Over the years at Bittersweet, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this magic many times, yet it never fails to inspire me anew. We're launching these amazing Perfumes this Saturday during our Soap Sale!

We're ushering in a touch of winter goodness with a nod to spring, and this soap is nothing short of amazing! With floral notes harmoniously blended with warm musk and vanilla, it's a scent that feels like a gentle transition between seasons. Excitingly, we’ll soon be listing it on our web shop as a brand-new offering.

For those of you new to Bittersweet, you might not realize that our soap often sells out quickly during the gift-giving season. Because our purity soap requires a four to six-week curing period, rebuilding inventory takes time. This is the beauty—and challenge—of handmade. Unlike mass-produced items designed for instant gratification, our process honors patience and craftsmanship.

As a soap maker, I deeply appreciate and cherish this slower, intentional approach. Each bar carries the essence of care, tradition, and quality, making it a specialty item that simply cannot be rushed. It’s a reminder that some of the best things in life take time!

We are looking forward to seeing you at our annual soap sale this Saturday! I've been keeping an eye on our wacky winter forecast and see that it's going to warm up from the single digit temperatures. If it had not, we'd probably postpone the sale because I don't want folks standing out in that while waiting to attend our sale. 

Warm Regards, 

Jill 

Winter Prelude

As I reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, gratitude fills my heart. Over twenty-seven years ago, this little business began as a leap of faith. I could never have imagined the countless magical memories that would come from being a soap maker, managing a shop, and learning all the intricate details that come with it.

One thing I’ve learned along the way is that being headstrong and opinionated often works in your favor as a small business owner. Understanding that you can’t make everyone happy—or be liked by everyone—is a hard truth, but it’s part of the journey, especially for a woman-owned business. It took me a long time to accept this because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be liked by everyone?

Here’s the reality: life doesn’t work that way. Let your success be your reward, and don’t waste energy worrying about what others think of you. Focus on treating others the way you’d like to be treated, and if someone doesn’t honor that, simply move on.

These are my thoughts as I bid farewell to 2024 and embrace the promise of a shiny new year. Cheers to growth, resilience, and staying true to yourself! 💛

Winter break always has a way of feeling overwhelming at first. There's so much to do—cleaning, prepping, introducing new products, getting ready for the annual soap sale—the to-do list seems endless. This time, I started to feel that familiar tug of stress creeping in, but somehow, it’s shifted into something entirely different—a winter prelude. It’s a change that surprised me, but one I’m truly grateful for.

As the years have gone by, my responsibilities have grown significantly, and it’s easy to feel buried under it all. That’s why setting a steady pace has become so important—not just for my well-being but for creating a balance of yin and yang in my life. Does that resonate with you?

It’s all about finding harmony, even in the busiest of times. For me, it’s the secret to turning overwhelm into opportunity. I also feel like those thoughts are a metaphor for life. Do what you can, and don't sweat the small stuff. In reality, duties are duties and they do need your assistance to be completed, but your mindset is crucial for receiving that balance in both work and life. 

The New Year brings a wonderful chance to hit refresh, and my creative side is already off and running. I’ll admit, I was a little worried when those creative sparks didn’t appear right away, but then one morning, they came flooding in. Sometimes, all it takes is some downtime and a little getaway for rest and relaxation to reset the mind.

We had such a great time on our winter vacation! But, as always, I was ready to return home—just in time for the New Year’s snowstorm. This one’s shaping up to be a real humdinger! (Does anyone still use that word?) It’s not our first snow of the season, but it’s definitely going to leave its mark.

Here’s to a fresh start, snowy adventures, and embracing creativity as it comes! ❄️✨

That saying wisdom comes with age holds true. 

I’ve updated my Amazon Store with some of my winter favorites! After a lot of research, I’ve found a water filtration pitcher that stands out as one of the best, offering both top-notch quality and great value.

While Bittersweet creates our own Peppermint Laundry Soap (which I adore), I occasionally switch things up. Those laundry pods I’ve shared are my current pick and trust me, I’m meticulous about laundry! Synthetic fragrances in most detergents? Let’s just say my sensitive olfactory senses (soap maker and aromatherapy enthusiast here!) don’t appreciate them. You get the idea.

If you’re looking for functional and thoughtful winter finds, these are some of my top recommendations! 🌿✨

I hope that you're easing into the New Year. Take it slow and make time for you. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

shop talk

Being a shop proprietress entails many job titles some of which are put off until time has entered to the very end while other shop tasks are looked forward to and allow a buffer for the unloved chores of shop ownership. Bittersweet is unusual compared to other shops because we make most of our inventory so those thoughts expand and grow. One of my all-time favorite things about owning a shop is styling. Whether that be designing a new product label or changing the layout of our shop. I never grow tired of upgrading our shop and bringing in unique pieces. Offering exclusive items is our thing and always has been. 

I remember many years ago long before the Internet and when Bittersweet was a baby how I'd walk into a shop only to walk into the next and see the same items that the first shop carried. At that time it seemed common practice for shops to carry the same inventory. I believe it's since improved some, but it still happens simply because most shops get their stock from the same vendors. Most of the time it's by accident as each shop does not want to carry the same thing, but if you purchase from a vendor and that vendor doesn't have guidelines about exclusive offerings of their wares you run into this more often than not. 

Since that time and all those years ago I told myself that I never wanted to be that shop. That's the reason Bittersweet chose to make most of their inventory. 

It's trendy now to offer unique items in your shop, but unless you make your items you're still going to run into this now and then. 

Our annual Fall Festival is coming up this weekend, and Bittersweet has been part of it for many years—both as a vendor and as a shop. While it's always been a positive experience for a time, our perspective has shifted. We're still positive, but now in a way that works best for our business. This year, our shop will be closed on both Friday and Saturday during the Liberty Fall Festival. I’m looking forward to the downtime. 

I'll be switching up my shop days making soap! 

I was thinking today how wonderful it is to have the knowledge of soap making. The words super-fatting and saponification have become my favorite words.

Today is a sourdough bread-making day. There again, having the ability to make soap and homemade bread is one of life's simple pleasures. 

Another simple pleasure that I've enjoyed this summer is the raised beds and arbor garden. The "Long Hots" are thriving in the garden! I'll keep at least one pepper for seeds next year. I started these from seeds of peppers from last year.  They are kind of unusual peppers. Most people saute them with meats. 

I've restocked my Amazon Store. I can't help but think how we live in an amazing time. With the click of a mouse, you can order just about anything your heart desires. I love that, but I also love shopping small and supporting other businesses like Bittersweet. That is important. The Yin and the Yang of shopping. 

We love adding texture to our style designs. There's something about texture that can transform a room almost instantly. Whether that be invasive plant foliage like pinecones and dried flowers or wicker and hand-loomed towels, we're all in when it comes to texture!

I'm still picking zinnias and lavender out of my garden. I always miss those two once the first frost visits, which will be soon. 

We wish you a joyful week filled with all things good. 

Jill 

 

 

 

turn the page

 

We're head over heels in awe with our new scents for our holiday collection! Every year when the calendar turns over to July my mind begins to think about the gift-giving season and how our soaps will soon be celebrated with family and friends and shared amongst many. The holiday season is but a blink of an eye for a manufacturer so it feels as though it arrives quickly and then departs just as fast as it came. 

It's that time of year when we bring candles into our shop. A hand-selected assortment of aromatic fall blends with the help of olfactory assistance chart the way to the next season's chapter.  The candles help to enhance your mood and wrap you in warmth and glow as we approach the crisp days and blanket nights. That starts tomorrow at our shop. 

My brown eye Susans are hanging on through the dry summer days, and I always feel like since they're late bloomers they're getting me ready for the next season with their colors of goldenrod and earth brown. I'm fond of the color brown. It's best blended with neutral hues of cream and sand. Little things. 

Our new Tallow Skincare Essentials continue to shine brightly. The Tallow Soap is what I consider to be a special on top of special offering, as making it is quite different than our tried and true olive oil soap and requires a link in our soap manufacturing schedule. I've managed to slip in the links, but it's safe to say that as holiday soap production is underway, those links will be fewer. The nature of handmade and its multi-level levels. 

The fall soap menu has been released! We've been sharing it often because our posts get lost sometimes. So many of our customers don't even visit our social media posts so if it seems redundant that's the reasoning behind repeat posts. 

A pleasant perk of an old home is glass door knobs. Years ago when we first stepped foot in this old house the doorknobs stood out to me. All these years later, and they still do. There's something uniquely special about everyday fixtures in an older home, especially when they're original. 

I'm getting ready to order fall garden seeds. Plants like parsnips, onion, spinach, and Swiss chard are on my list for planting in a few weeks. Typically there's a sixty-day period before fall produce matures, and since this is all very new to me, I'm excited to throw caution to the wind and experiment with these little beds of goodness. I've learned so much up until this point and in awe of the produce I've been able to grow in such a small area. This morning someone posted about how you can extend your tomato crop by picking the green tomatoes right before a frost and placing them in paper bags in a cool dark room. They told me that they enjoyed tomatoes through Thanksgiving and beyond. 

Jill 

 

 

Peachy

It's peach season at our local farmers market! I'd heard from a couple of farmers that the extreme cold we had in early spring destroyed the buds and there weren't very many peaches this year. The ones that I picked up weren't quite ripe but I sat them on the kitchen table for a couple of days and they ripened up and got juicy and sweet. Lately, I'm all about preparing foods that are simple and fast. When the  Midwest humidity and heat settle in like it does this time of year, I'm into easy food preparation. A drizzle of fresh honey on those peaches almost leads me to believe that those thoughts hold true. 

Our retail shop is anticipating the arrival of autumn! The season is so very short at the shop as we dive straight into the holiday season. In fact, July marks the time when fall and winter soap manufacturing starts. Being a few months ahead allows one to appreciate the seasons even more. Our outsourcing, which we offer very little, has been chosen and ordered. We'll start sprinkling it in. Sprinkle away! 

This is the first year that I've had raised bed gardens and I'm in awe over the start-to-finish growth of each and every vegetable. This morning I walked down to check on the progress of cucumbers and I noticed some new growth. It took me a while to know what the small round fuzzy things were and then I remembered how I tossed some bottleneck gourd seeds down.  We're going to have a bounty of them! It's kind of cool to know that one tiny seed has transformed into a touch-and-feel hanging gourd since there are so many we'll offer them at our shop. I'm pondering next season's planting, and I'm thinking that loofah gourds would be cool to grow too. I'd use them in our handmade soaps. Little things. 
Some of the last of the summer soaps are on the shop shelves. Pineapple Mango and Summer Breeze shine bright this time of year. 

I want to mention how sad it made me to witness the recent assassination attempt and the brutal killing of innocent bystanders. To think these folks attended a rally to support their candidate and did not return home to their family breaks my heart. I'm also questioning just how it could even happen. The division created by the media and social platforms has ugly written all over it. In light of the horrific tragedy, I no longer have tolerance for hate and slander directed at our presidential candidates. When I was growing up we never witnessed this type of thing. The parties were always separated in their views, but there was unity knowing that regardless of their political views they treated each other with respect. I blame the media for this. There needs to be an overhaul on how they report the news and go back to being unbiased and kind. Stepping down. We are each responsible for our actions. 

I can't help but think that my great-grandmother Lucy would love using our back-to-basics line. Her handmade soap was put to use in a variety of duties. When she made soap the intention was to produce a multi-function essential. She was the Queen of Zero Waste! Going back. 

There was never a time when a scarf wasn't appealing. We've carried scarves of all shapes and sizes for many years. I love the way a scarf transforms an outfit, and it brings style to your wardrobe. Our fall collection of scarves is starting to arrive and we love the textures and designs. 

My editor contacted me on Monday letting me know that my book was sent to the publisher. Anytime you have a book published there's a sense of Christmas morning attached to it! I had no idea these emotions were wrapped in the book, but they are. It's a cool feeling and one that does not compare to other life feelings. It stands on its own! Experiencing these new feelings adds to the process. New things. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Days

While I ponder how fast the seasons come and go, I'll also take a moment to be thankful for each one, regardless of how short they may seem. Right?

I've been thinking about our fast-paced society and how those feelings prompt me to slow down and even do things the old-fashioned way sometimes.

The shop is getting a summer re-style. I've already begun digging into the change of scenery, and I'm inching my way to the room in the back of our shop. No matter how many times I change things—and it happens frequently at Bittersweet—I never get weary or tired of seeing change. It's always a refreshing experience!

My raised beds are starting to show progress. I shot a reel sharing some of the veggies that are popping. This entire project has been and continues to be a learning experience, and I'm enjoying each and every day. I love walking down the brick steps to the beds and witnessing the daily growth. My neighbors if they're watching probably think I'm a bit obsessed, but hey, when was the last time I cared about what my neighbors think? You get a certain age and you realize this. Politely speaking of course, but what you do in your yard is your business. Ha!

When I think of summer I can't help but think of strawberry shortcake with a huge dollop of fresh cream! Summer in the kitchen means less time cooking and more time planning. The slow cooker becomes a helpful tool and I can avoid heating up the oven on hot and humid days. This morning I made Broccoli Beef. I added a few ingredients like fresh ginger and a bit more broth because I love the broth soaking over rice. I used a recipe similar to this one.  You can adjust the recipe to your liking. I used stir-fried beef over chuck roast or skirt steak. I prefer the smaller pieces of meat in the dish. I'd kind of like to write another cookbook detailing slow-cooker meals. A Slow Summer Cooker! I wonder if that cookbook name is already in use. When I was working on my books I was curious about same name titles. I learned that titles on books are not required to be copywritten. However, choose your title carefully, because if someone else has the same or similar one it could make or break you.  Things I've enjoyed learning. 

I ordered in Mood Rings! We had so much fun on Saturday with the rings. The photo depicts two hands, two sisters, and two mood rings. We were amazed at how many times the ring color changed before capturing the image. I'm fond of this ring because it's stainless. The rings will be available at our shop soon. The two sisters were the first to see them on Saturday as I hadn't even got them out of the shipping box. I've also ordered more because I can't help but think that since they're back around again I get a second chance to admire them all these years later. Little things. 

I've ordered a few outsourcing pieces for our shop. If you're familiar with Bittersweet you know we're quite fastidious about our outsourcing.  The things we make are made with the best quality ingredients. We expect other brands to deliver just as we do. 

I had a customer come in a few weeks ago, and we got to chatting about outsourcing. She made a comment suggesting I must think that I'm perfect. Whoa! Not by any stretch! However, the products and items we make are crafted with the intent of offering the best ingredients and craftsmanship.

When one person makes everything, they are aware of every step that goes into the process. This attention to detail ensures that every product meets our high standards. Having a single person oversee the creation process also means they have a keen vision of what should and shouldn't be included, resulting in superior quality and consistency. This is what I explained to her. Sometimes folks don't even realize or contemplate that concept. I'll leave it at that. 

One of the outsourcing items that recently arrived at our shop is the dried flower bouquets. After a thorough inspection, and what I refer to as a Bittersweet inspection I'm pleased as a pudding with the everlasting arrangements! We have several other outsourcing items that I'd like to share in another post and time. 

We shared a post about the large baking bowls on our social media platforms. Many years ago before our original hardware store was closing the owner invited me to the basement where in amazement my eyes witnessed a treasure grove of days gone by essentials. I purchased a couple of those baking bowls only to wish that I'd picked up a few more all these years later. Boggess Hardware is and was a destination in its day. I'm old enough to remember the old wooden drawers that were filled with varieties of nuts and bolts of all shapes and sizes. I remember being fascinated by that spool drawer. I must have been in my early thirties when Boggess closed their doors. What a sad day that was! Recalling these moments helps to keep history alive.  Good things. 

Our summer collection of soaps is starting to arrive! If you've kept up with our summer blog posts then you know that I made Tallow Soap a few weeks ago. The Tallow Soap recipe was designed around frothy lather and lots of moisturizing suds! That means the soap also contains coconut. Coconut oil is the lathering buster in all soap! I'll start wrapping the Tallow Soap soon. The bars will be a bit more than our olive soaps simply because Tallow is trending at the moment and the suppliers are taking advantage of raising the price. I've discovered a few of our already suppliers carry tallow, but it's not grass-fed and finished. This is an important component in making the soap. 

Happy Summer!

Jill 

 

 

 

 

June is flying!

I'm always amazed at how quickly my gardens grow once the heat of summer arrives. After a refreshing overnight rain, my raised bed veggies seemed to expand their growth within a few hours. I love getting up early and walking around, checking their progress.

I planted a hollyhock from seed last summer, and this season it has sprouted beautifully, showcasing soft pink stacks of blooms. The peppers and tomatoes are still small, but it's such a joy to see their progress. I can't wait to taste them!

I have a couple of Plumerias that always surprise me with their beautiful, fragrant white flowers. If you've never grown tropical flowers before, I encourage you to give them a try. You won't be disappointed. 

We have a new product that's coming! SugarKiss Lip Scrub smells and tastes amazing! 

I'm getting ready to summer-up our shop! It will be added to our other new summer collections in a week or so. 

We're also dedicating an area in our shop to Tallow Skincare. I've tried the new Tallow Soap and I'm impressed, to say the least. The lather surpasses our olive oil soap! Honestly, I did not see that coming! Good things. Since I've been using our Tallow Creme on my face I've noticed an improvement in the appearance of my skin. I'm convinced that tallow is a must-have in skincare products. Don't take my word, try it for yourself and you'll witness it for yourself!

Last week I wore the Cicada tee to the shop and received several requests to carry it in our shop. I'm happy to announce that it's available. I only ordered in a few, and if you're familiar with our out-sourcing then you know we seldom reorder items. 

June is flying!

Jill 

 

 

Not keeping up with the Joneses

In a world that often prioritizes instant gratification and virtual connections, it's refreshing to take a step back and consider where we truly belong. For me, I've always found solace in marching to the beat of my own drum, preferring authenticity over conformity.

While shiny new cars and lavish homes may be enticing to some, they've never been prerequisites for my happiness. That's not to say I don't appreciate nice things, but I've always believed that true contentment comes from within, rather than from external possessions or validations.

Funny enough, I was reflecting on this very topic during my morning walk today. It's a simple truth that happiness isn't found in material possessions or social status—it's cultivated from within, nurtured by self-awareness, gratitude, and authenticity. And while it may sound cliché, it's a timeless reminder that bears repeating in a world that often overlooks the value of inner peace and contentment. The word Faith comes to mind. 

May is unfurling its beauty right before my eyes! Our shop is adorned with a stunning array of artisan soaps, while my gardens are bursting with signs of new life. It feels like we're experiencing a classic, old-fashioned spring, and I'm reminded of the simple joys that make life so precious—like cutting a fresh bloom or getting lost in a good book.

It may seem peculiar to some, but I've always considered my shop to be a sanctuary, a place where people can escape the chaos of everyday life and indulge in a moment of tranquility. When you take the time to curate your surroundings and cultivate the things you love, you tap into a kind of resilience that can weather any storm, financial or otherwise!

So here's to the little things that make life big and the simple pleasures that bring us joy, even when times are tough. After all, as they say, it's not about what you have, but how you make the most of what you've got!

I've previously shared insights on the intriguing world of back rooms. If you journey back through a few posts, you'll uncover how my small town boasted some of the finest back rooms in its shops! Far from fancy, these spaces were often designated for storage purposes.

Mother's Day is approaching and I'm reminded of how blessed I've been to have two amazing moms! While one is in heaven the other has become a dear, dear, mom friend. Stepmom's have a magical way of doing that. At least mine does. 

That picture of the old oak table which I later found out through sanding that it was hickory reminds me of the significance of taking something old and worn and transforming it. People are the same. 

My manuscript is sitting on the dining room table. I've read it through for the second time. After a quick read of my editor's notes, we're super close to publishing! Yeah! I haven't really felt the urge to work on my third book, but I can't help but feel that once this one is completed I'll be ready. Before I worked on two books at once. Surprisingly that felt right too. Isn't that the way it works? When you attempt something new you think that you know how you'll feel or react, but you're always surprised. I love that! The spice of life I'll call it! In other words, You Be You! 

I'm cutting it short this morning because we've been experiencing storms that take out our electricity and I'm afraid this post won't get saved. 

I'm looking forward to seeing my Mom customers this week at the shop. 

Happy Mother's Day! I hope that your day is filled with all that you love.