Bittersweet and the little soap company

Fall Fashion Show

We've been planning for months and it's finally here! 

The weatherman predicts buckets of rain on Saturday, but the show must go on!

We're going to pack our shop porch with oodles of Fall Fashion Show Attendees. 

I believe we're ready. I've typed out the model and credit lists. The PA system is sitting on my dining room table. The model's outfits are hanging on the clothing rack with their names attached. My friends are coming to help with the shop. The narrator, a slash friend, has confirmed, and the photographer too. The checkoff list has been checked!

Now, all we do is wait until Saturday arrives. I'm hoping she arrives with a few moments of dry weather. 

It's been fun putting this show together. So much, that I'm planning on hosting another Fashion Show next year. As with any event, the first one always assists one in learning what works and what doesn't work. 

We've had the shop closed for five days! The only other time that happens is after Christmas. I did drive up on Saturday after receiving information that my security cameras weren't functioning. I made it short and sweet because although our street was not busy the downtown was overstocked with festival bystanders. You could hardly get to one street to the next. The entire moment gave me peace of mind to know I'd done the right thing by having Bittersweet closed. 

 

 We launched a new product last week! I am in love with this essential oil blend. The guys should love it too!

Fresh Bars of Pumpkin Spice. We introduced the spicy soap back in August, and have two-hundred more bars available while it lasts. We won't be making any more until next season. 

Fresh bundles of dried lavender are here! We love incorporating the herb in with our fall and winter arrangements. Some things never get old!

 

The new atomizer bottles are in and we're launching our new Perfume of the Month with a yummy layered blend. 

We're also beginning to offer pre-made packaging. These organza bags are filled with Bath Salt and created for gift giving. 

Keep the faith.

Jill  

Fallever

Autumn seems to appear and disappear so quickly. I always try to extend the season by introducing it early at both our home and the shop. 

I visited our local garden center to pick up some mum plants and they had small baking pumpkins. It seems practical to fill my basket with baking pumpkins since I can cut off the tops and bake them. Then I place the meat of the pumpkin in the freezer. It's handy for baking, stewing, and cooking. You most never notice the taste of pumpkin but it enhances the flavor. Typically when I purchase large pumpkins they end up going to waste. What's that saying?   Waste not, want not. Have you ever wanted to know what that really means? I have. We are a wasteful society. I'm guilty but making every attempt to not be. 

The Velvet season is approaching! Crispy Scarlett leaves, orange pumpkins, and chestnut landscapes have me taking a deep breath in anticipation of their natural beauty. 

This past week I gathered a few of the new shop items and captured some images for some fall marketing. I'm a huge fan of shooting outside. Even better, it was the cloudy and rainy day that seems to summon such projects.

Warm and wooly mittens, scarfs, and leggings are making their way on the shop shelves. 

I'm taking it in, and treasuring its brief stage. 

The pumpkin shot was taken a last season at the pumpkin farm. One can not help but smile when they're surrounded by pumpkins. 

"I can not endure wasting anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."

Nathaniel Hawthorne - The American Notebooks

-----

I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion." - Henry David Thoreau

Slow down, don't move so fast...

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

Color Me!

Wouldn't it be nice to know that you're wearing the most flattering color? We think so. Through the month of September and October included with your purchase a handy reference card to assist you in choosing your season. We're excited! Whether you're a Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn we'll help you to decide.

Our new Fall line of clothing is taking shape. We're getting more and more excited about hosting our first ever Fashion Show! The mood is happy and filled with anticipation.

We're handing out lots of postcards and have posters throughout our shop.

Lennis and I will be heading to the mum farm soon, once it cools off. I'm going to line the runway with mums!

I'm asking everyone that wants to attend the show to byolc, (bring your own lawn chair)

I spy the photographer's sneaker! Woops.

A wicker basket filled with "Alice Bracelets." On my Favorite Thing list...

Love these jeans, tassel necklaces, and that red button black shirt. Oh and the bag!

We're not just a soap shop!

Keep the faith.

Jill

 

food, flowers, and farmers...

Have you ever made these?

You'll need piping tips for the shape and size. They are not difficult to make and your kids, grandkids will love you!

Moon Flowers throw an amazing perfume! Super easy to start by seed. Be patient. Mine don't bloom until late summer. Once they start blooming, they don't stop! They're actually a vine, so be prepared for the hardy green foliage to climb and cling. My aunt has told me stories about how when her sisters were young girls they would sit and await the blooms to open. Then the wind would blow their lovely scent in the summer night. 

Rain has come, some, but I'm afraid the farmers have already taken a hit on their crops. I feel bad for them. Can you imagine there disappointment and despair? So much blood, sweat, and tears go into farming. It's not an easy job, especially in this day and age. 

We're twisting and shouting at the shop! So eager for fall to begin showing her vibrant hues, pumpkins, and mums, cider, and jeans, boots, the list goes on and on. 

New fall soaps have arrived! Blushing Spice and Indian Summer top the fresh menu. 

New lines. Fond of OlFactory. The "Spot On" scent will transport you to a quiet and calming place. On a hot summer day like the one we're having today, hold it behind your neck. You'll actually get goosebumps. Refreshing and cool, invigorating and calming. 

I rose early this morning to make an assortment of skin care products. Saturday has snuck up on me like it often does. It's a busy day at the shop and we want to have a healthy inventory of Bittersweet. 

I sat down and got into my Alice Bracelet mood the other day. Have I told you how soul-satisfying it is to make these bracelets? I know that I have. Any creation inspired by a family member holds a unique mold of feelings. 

New fall scarves, and bags, and jewelry, and the coolest jeans I've ever seen have arrived at our modern apothecary and sundries shop. 

I'm really beginning to get excited about the fashion show. It's turning out some great feedback and anticipation. Lot's of work involved, but the event will mark a milestone and offer great shop memories down the road. 

We've got a great lineup of models, and I'm distributing postcards about the event like there ain't no tomorrow!

Word of mouth, always your best form of advertising. 

We're coming along nicely. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

closer

It is true, I love making things! In fact, I was just thinking the other day about how come one is supposed to retire once they reach a certain age? My thought is, why would you stop doing what you love? No matter what your age, doing what you love keeps you alive. A thought...

Again, I'm not one to follow along in a single file. 

We're getting closer to Autumn! The hot sultry days have decided to pick up and move to the west. Such heat! My aunt has been sending pictures of the flooding in New Mexico and it seems our weather turns to drastic measures to let us know who is in control of the weather wheel. 

My heart aches for the families involved in the duck boat accident. I'm not sure it was an accident because it could have been avoided. Those type of tragedies is the worst kind because your mind travels to how it could have been avoided. I'm praying for the families left behind. I also believe good will come from the tragic bad. 

Bittersweet life is fast and slow. I know that doesn't make sense. This time of year is fall, winter production, and the shop is peppy. You'll find me behind the counter wrapping soap! We're headed into August. A transition time. Early autumn in shop life. 

Bittersweet is hosting a Fashion Show the first Saturday in October. 

My mind is filled with apprehension, while my mood is overfilled with excitement. This will be our first fashion show! That's where the apprehension comes from. My experience with "first anything", usually understandably brings along some apprehension. It's normal. Kick it down the road, and let the excitement and anticipation override. 

 She has a sunny disposition.

I picked up this book at my local bookstore. Quite often I'm disappointed in such books, but this one is quite good. 

You have Bee-Beautiful lips!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

winter, almost...

I've mentioned how I'm fond of each and every season. Winter is a favorite! The food, clothing, and atmosphere, changes and our home becomes a cozy refuge. Candle light dinners, the scent of fresh evergreen, tiny little sparkly lights, and packages neatly propped under the Christmas tree. Little things, but soulful feelings, and gratitude, living simply, and being thankful for all that we have, regardless whether it's more or less. 

We live on a large hill. When it snows, we go sledding on the hill. A tradition, that at least is performed two or three swipes, and depending on how cold it is. By the way, I can predict when it's going to snow. Possibly because I love snow! I can feel snow coming!

I'm digging out the prairie quilts, and making sure we have dark cocoa in stock. Little things...

We're also taking up our old 1920 flooring. We had vinyl layers, and just completed the removal of the layers. I've been researching flooring, and since Lennis is a builder, we kind of have insight on which brands are better than others. I searched online and found a local supplier for the flooring we want. It's been a pleasure working with  this company, and I would highly recommend them. Ask for Donna, because she is a genuine jewel! Guess what, I also learned they're opening a store in Liberty! 

We chose laminate flooring, and it's called Farmhouse Plank, Rugged Brown. Since I'm painting our cabinets white, I wanted a natural wood flooring. 

With both of us being super busy, it's hard to fit in home repairs, but we're doing a little bit here and there, and eventually we'll get it done. 

I have found it's actually good to take your time, and plan out things. 

After Christmas the shop is going to get a major makeover! It's taken me several months to plan and create in my mind exactly what I want. I'm really excited about it, and don't want to spill the beans quite yet. First, we're settling in for a long winter, nap, Christmas. 

Our Christmas Eve menu is pretty much finished. 

Once again, I'll be diminishing my low carb diet. 

Beef Brisket

Roasted Potatoes

Pan Seared Carrots 

Spinach and Pear Salad

Angel Biscuits

Frog Eye Salad

Rum Cake with homemade ice cream

Warm and Frothy Vanilla Toddy

 

Keep the faith...

Jill 

 

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in my blood

Back from my morning walk, and during the two mile hike my mind often travels in different directions.  That's what I like about walking. I always take Elle with me, so sometimes my mind is preoccupied with her business, but most often, and in between all that sniffing around, I'm focused on spiritual thoughts, prayers, and life in general. Realizing each day is a gift, and to be treated as such. The human side of me, sometimes doesn't allow those thoughts to take center stage, but that's the battle as humans we all face. We are human, and sometimes that gets in the way of spiritual growth.  Okay, I'm getting off on another one of those philosophical discussions. Not my plan this morning...

My plan was to tell you about a new Bittersweet jewelry line. It's been awhile since I've felt this much excitement over a hand crafted creation. These ideas usually flow all at once, so I'm holding my hands up in the air to catch them all! I know, but that's how my mind works. Anyway, during my walk this morning I began to ponder my art years and how I loved making things even back when. It's always been a passion, and honestly in my blood.

So those thoughts and surprisingly a recent disappointment led me to believe, if I can't find them, I'll make them! It all started while on the search for wooded bracelets. During my search I located lots of them, but none spoke to me. When I began exploring the world of wood beads, it all became clear. I'll make my own. Isn't that ironic how inspiration can come from disappointment? Sweet!

Last evening I began searching through the amazing world of wood bead selections. It helps to know the look I'm trying to achieve, so I was focused on certain colors and size. I can't wait to strand my first beaded bracelet! I'm naming them, Bittersweet Bracelets! We're on a roll!

This is the time of year for change. New packaging ideas are floating, and landing. Holiday soap wrappings have been determined, and The Twelve Days of Christmas will arrive in November. The hand made wrappings are nothing short of amazing! You will be awed, for certain. 

Meanwhile, healing thoughts are mixed in with other's. Keeping the faith, is a mandatory requirement nowadays. 

Our annual Fall Festival begins tomorrow. I love exploring the festival, but not fond of being a shop owner during the three day event. As with anything, locate the good, and you'll find your zen. During the three day festival my Zen will be achieved by not extending our hours. Zennnnnnnnnnnnnn....Perfection...

Keep the faith...

Jill  

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fall for it!

This shop girl is yearning for a season change. Love, love, living in an area where the seasons transform and change. When you live in the Midwest, all bets are off when it comes to the forecast. Fall, glorious fall, is always a show stopper! The smell of the freshly fallen leaves touching the dewy earth on an early fall morning is, well, a memory that lingers through one's life forever. Of course, since I'm a scent girl, that memory sticks. 

When I was a young girl, once Autumn grew close, I'd change my bedroom decor and give it a good cleaning. I can still recall how that made me feel balanced. I'd hang my new fall school clothes neatly on the hanger, and polish my shoes with saddle soap. It was an every season ritual that made me feel appreciative. 

Now that I'm a shop girl, those same feelings are wrapped around my downtown adobe. Hey, I like that name, Downtown Adobe! Great name for a shop, I think. 

Earlier this week, I began digging into displays as if I were a archaeologist. You know, by the way, I've always wanted to be an archaeologist. So, now that the shop looks different, and I've moved in the new soaps and sundries, kimono's and wool hats, I'm really falling for it!

Feeling the Bittersweet love with the new tee's!

This post will be continued...

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

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I can safely say, this project is nothing but a labor of love...

I can also safely say, no one in their right mind would go to the trouble of such a project. 

The reason I'm saying this is because there's no way of knowing until I get down to the wood, whether or not it will look like what I imagine. I've already discovered wood patching, grain variation, and a few other interesting things about this door. that could make or break the plan in hand.  However, it is the original door, and I believe it's oak, and sometime's you just need to go with your gut, and follow your heart. Hopefully those thoughts will open new doors. No pun intended.

Boy, oh boy, have I been gathering up remodel plans.

The entry seemed the perfect starting point on this old house projects, and honestly I hadn't planned on stripping the old door, but a little voice said do it!

After the entry remodel. we're moving straight into the kitchen. However, I know all of these endeavors will take a very long time to complete, and I don't really have a time frame on when everything will be completed. That means our home is going to be in disarray and  messy for awhile. That's okay with me. I enjoy seeing change and progress. 

It's been about thirty years since we've done any major remodeling, and I'm ready!

Having this attitude helps. I'm also not going into any of these projects with debt. They'll be a pay as you go. So if we don't have the money to finish something, it will have to wait until we do. 

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

On to my latest obsession, vintage cutting boards. 

I could easily have an entire kitchen wall display using these hand made boards. You can make them. The hardest part about making them would be finding old wood. 

I'm drawing out some patterns. Guess who is going to be making cutting boards. May even offer them in the shop. 

Apron Sink...

Need I say more? Well, I could tell you their pricey, but I won't because I found affordable one's here. 

You remember the banquette pics I shared awhile back? That small vintage table? I'm on the lookout for the iron or metal leg, or bracket. I've seen similar type tables at restaurants. Once again, another Lennis project. 

Photo from Pinterest

I think the old iron form completes this look, in addition to the cushions. We're really building this banquette for our dog, Elle. Our layout is exactly like this kitchen, and she's going to be able to sit at the window and look out. She's going to love her new spot!

Photo from Pinterest

Love, love white blended with natural wood! Minus the tile, it's my taste. 

So my friends, in between apothecary work, I'll be a painter, carpenter, and wood finisher. All with help from the Master Carpenter, Super Lennis. 

Now, I'm really anxious to get that old door stripped and sanded so I can begin painting and laying tile. 

Soap is cut, and I'm headed outside to start on the other side of the old door. Hopefully, fingers crossed, the opposite side is not going to be such a challenge as the first side was. 

Feeling determined. 

Later Gator, 

Jill 

Twenty shades of White

I'd been searching for banquette pictures on Pinterest, and then low and behold, I found this one. Amazing in the fact that it's the same scale as our small kitchen and would fit in so well. 

Lennis took a look, and said we can do it. First, the door. 

It has been a long time since I've refinished anything. Let's just say...

A front door never, and once I began stripping away the layers I soon realized this was going to be the project of projects. I'm guesstimating at least twenty layers of paint on this old door! I've never removed this many layers. It's as though they just keep on coming. Painstakingly slow and not much progress, even though I'm working on it every day in between soap manufacturing. 

I am in awe on how you start into such a project and the stories begin to unravel. 

I keep envisioning what it will look like when the paint is gone and the beautiful oak showcases the beautiful brass hardware. That's my inspiration. I'll have to be honest and say, since it's such an old door, it may be somewhat of a disappointment once it's all stripped. I've already noticed there's been some patching in areas. I'm hoping there's no more. It's hard to cover patching. It will show through some. However, it's an original, and I believe that stands for something. 

That picture is about two hours into it. The next picture is several hours into it. Not much progress. Once I get to the brown reddish color, I'm going to sand. 

So you carefully paint on the stripper and allow it to sit for the required time, and then much needed elbow grease to chip away all those layers. Slow going, but I kind of have a method developing as I go.

We're going to lay new tile, paint and add new lighting to the small 5 x 5 entry.

I started it, I'm finishing it!

That's the spirit!

Happy Days.

Jill 

 

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