Bittersweet and the little soap company

quiet now...

It's been quiet today. These willow soft early summer days are appreciated and cherished. I don't know if it's ever going to stop raining! Every time I make plans to finish getting my herbs and flowers into the ground, it rains! I spoke about this on my last post. I imagine it will calm down and the summer heat will be with us as we head into June. 

I captured the downtown Liberty shots last summer, and I absolutely love the flowers and the old buildings that sit in the backdrops. Our historic downtown is unlike any other town and these photo's remind me of that. My shop is just around the corner! Our downtown farmers market will soon be sharing its bounty. The rain has probably stunted things a bit, but we should start seeing a healthy dose of fresh fruits and vegetables on display. 

I had been wanting to paint the decking of our porch forever, and the rain had been stopping me. I finally bit the rain bullet and managed to get the job done no sooner than, yes, you guessed it rain came a falling! It managed to dry though and all was well. Today the sun is shining and Elle took advantage of the rays. She loves laying out in the sun! I know she gets hot with her little black body, so I make her move to the shade after awhile. 

We have planted a lot of trees in our backyard, so it's not ideal for a garden. I've tried to plant a garden before in our shady yard, but it's always slow to thrive and produce. I did manage to have yellow squash, and jalapenos, but everything else bombed.  I've decided that container gardening is the next best thing, and have pots filled with lettuce and peppers. I've never seen so many peppers on such a tiny plant! They won't get real big, but they'll be the perfect size for salads and snacking. I've trimmed the spring lettuce at least twenty times, and it's still going strong since we've had mild days with rain. 

The Bittersweet Apothecary Shop is anxiously awaiting our big six day sale! I'm having second thoughts about hosting such a mega sale, but I also know it's the best option. I have a few surprise announcements to make regarding the sale, but I'm going to wait until the day before. June 3, 4, 5, and the following Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It's going to be a six day sale! Oh my! Thank goodness we have cavalry coming to help!

I've been tweaking placement of things in the freshly painted and cleansed living room, dining room. The office got an intense cleaning and I'm slowly moving my way, room to room. It feels great to clear clutter and make spaces more functional. I'm not used to that! That huge brown leather chair is well, HUGE! I love the chair, but not the size. It drives me crazy to see one piece throw off the scale in a room. This is the case, and I believe there's a new home in the basement. 

Someone nominated Bittersweet to be featured in this magazine. I thought the article was perfect and to the point and detailed the operation of this modern apothecary business that I've so happily managed for twenty-four years! If you are the person that put in the good word, I thank you!

Sea Salt Soap...

If you only knew how labor intense that it is to make round soap! I'll share one of these days. At any rate, I love round anything, and especially soap, so I've bitten the bullet to make it once again. This I do for you! It's called soap love... An interesting story about round tables... Did you know this?

We made our favorite chocolate cake last night. 

I mentioned that it's quiet at the soap house on the hill. I'm taking advantage of the stillness to get this post in before the three day weekend arrives. We don't have a lot planned, just some quiet time with family and friends. A summer barbeque and brunch on the shop porch with Patrick. I feel like summer has officially arrived once Memorial day comes! Today was the last day of school and it feels so different that last year. In a good way, of course. I don't even remember this time last year! I guess I've blocked it out! 

Gray skies are gonna clear up Put on a happy face Wipe of the clouds and cheer up Put on a happy face... Who knew that old song would resonate a new meaning? At least this past year comes to mind when I hum it. 

Here's to summer sailing and moonlight walks while the crickets chirp and the warm breeze hits your face. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

No stone unturned...

The clock is ticking and this soap girl is whipping around like there ain't no tomorrow in preparation for The Big Porch Sale!

It's been a few years since I've hosted a sale at the shop so I'm a little out of practice, but things are falling into place and we're getting closer to being ready. I'm excited and freaked out at the same time! My excitement grows from having the opportunity to cleanse the shop, while the freaking out comes from the knowing how fast paced and busy it's going to be. That's when I take a deep breath and say to myself relax and know that it will run smoothly and that all is well. A delightful way to deal with stress if you have learned this. It takes practice, for sure. I am a testimony to this. 

My amazing friends Rita and Debbie are coming to help! I'm most thankful for them, as I could never pull this off without them. I'm also looking forward to creating some new memories with the two. 

All of my home projects have been placed on the back burner for the next couple of weeks until the shop sale is over. Over the years, I've developed a talent for starting one project and quickly moving to another, and then coming back, taking on one more, and then coming back. That's how I seem to roll, and believe it or not, how things get done around here. Unorthodox as it is, it works.  

We received a shipment of super cute linen tops. Some adorned and some simple and timeless. Our shop offers a blend of cotton and linen garments that you'll love pulling from the closet for summer. We're mostly a white store, so we stock a large collection of neutral colored textiles. Our favorite hue that we love passing on to you!

Last weeks New Soap, White Ginger. Softly scented to perfection, if I don't mind saying...This weeks new soap is undecided. I'm contemplating several, but have yet to choose. It happens, and considered a luxury to have soap choices since the labor intense soap making and planning ahead is wrapped up in every bar! The curing period of four to six weeks outlines every long term soap making plan. Therefore, if I have four or five to choose from that means I'm on schedule with manufacturing. A method that I've grown accustomed to the past twenty-four years. Happily accustomed, I should say. Feeling blessed... There's not a bar that isn't planned!

I ordered the pink nasturtium seed online. I love this flower and especially fond of this color in a flower. They are super easy to start from seed, and they vine and grow incredibly fast. You will love them! You can eat them too! They turn a garden salad into a masterpiece! 

I have six containers of lavender and two Ruby Hydrangea to plant. It's been raining for weeks. I don't know if you've ever tried to plant in the mud before, but it just doesn't work. You have big mud clumps to deal with and the poor seeds or plant are screaming how they hate their new home! I love the feel of dry fine black dirt passing through my fingers! There's nothing like that feeling!

Keep the faith. 

Jill xo

 

 

 

 

 

spring events

 

There was a day when Bittersweet hosted fashion shows and special events!

We're happy to announce that we'll be hosting our May Day Celebration this year!

I just ordered postcards for this event and if you frequent our apothecary shop you can pick up a postcard at our shop. 

It feels good to bring back at least one of our events. Between our May Day event and our Porch Sale coming up we'll rolling right along. Hopefully we won't encounter any speed bumps along the way. 

I haven't yet decided on a date for the sale, but it will be coming up sometime soon as well. 

We just got these belt bags in and I absolutely love them! They're made of a soft leather and are going to be a great bag to carry you through spring and summer. 

I ordered some purple iris from the flower supplier this past week. Every time I looked in their direction a smile came to my face. 

 We also received some of our new soap wrapping papers. I'm loving this one! 

Our new soap for next week is Vanilla Rose and it will be wrapped in this pretty paper. Sniff, sniff...

We also launched a pretty paper line for Easter. It will be here briefly and only available for a week or so while inventory lasts. The little Easter Paper Pouches present a great gift!

Our Scent Your Own Department awaits you!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

the looking glass...

The other day a friend sent me a copy of an ingredient label from a jar of body cream that another friend of hers was raving about. She was asking my opinion on whether the ingredients in the cream were safe. The list of ingredients was long as they often are, but in between the pure ingredients was a long list of chemical ingredients that caught my attention. You know, the chemical names that you can't pronounce and have no idea what they are until you look them up. There were lots of those! She told me that her friend was selling this cream through a network marketing company and folks were purchasing it like crazy. She had told her friend that she didn't think the chemical ingredients were good for her skin and her friend replied that the people buying it didn't care. They loved the way that it felt on their skin so it didn't matter what was in it. Not what I'd like to hear, but in the business of skincare I used to hear this often. Nowadays, I hear it less, and I'm thankful for that. 

As we got to talking she mentioned to me how she felt that Bittersweet should boast more about the transparency of the ingredients in their soap and skincare products. I often take these transparency thoughts for granted since it's always come naturally for me to create a pure and chemical-free product for the skin. Taking thoughts for granted happens sometimes when you manage your own business. You somehow think that everyone should just automatically know what's good and what's not, but this just isn't the case, and her comment helped me to be more aware. 

Over the past twenty-plus years Bittersweet has not only taken great pride in creating a chemical-free line of body essentials and we will never waver in those pure thoughts. After all the time it takes to make a skincare product from the ground up it has never made a speckle of sense to pollute that product with harmful ingredients. In fact, I've always used myself as a guide. If I wouldn't put something on my skin, I'm sure not going to offer it to a customer! 

I believe that this manifesto is why Bittersweet has been successful. Rest assured, I will never abandon these thoughts! I also believe in offering the best skin care at an affordable price! So often there are too many fingers in the cream! The topic of wholesale, retail, etc. comes to mind and I'm not going to touch on that, but in a nutshell, less is more!

It's challenging to make folks aware of this, and I feel fortunate that my shop is pioneering the wave of clean products to the consumer. 

Boy oh boy, am I loving the new shop layout!

It is funny how my shop really isn't very large, but the placement of furniture and objects of attraction seems to be endless! We love having our Scent Station in the back room. The new space offers more room for the unique department. 

I'm working on yet another new line. Honestly, it's becoming a challenge to keep up with all of them! This is the most recent and will follow, Bedtime Bath. At least that's the plan for now. 

We're getting ready to bring these back! I'll be putting together the diffuser formulation next week and introducing them at the shop. I'm making this old, but new aroma tool part of our Scent Your Own so you'll be able to choose from our large menu of essential oils and fragrances to scent your diffuser. How fun is that? 

A few years back my Aunt Vivian visited me from Santa Fe and we visited one of my favorite Missouri antique shops. She spotted these pretty china saucers. I purchased them and then captured this image alongside a bouquet of seeded eucalyptus. It's one of my favorite pictures and makes me think of my aunt and spring! The flowers remind me of how much I love them! I'm yearning to pick up our fresh flower orders again. We offered fresh bundles of seasonal flowers at our shop last year. There's nothing better to surround yourself with better than flowers! Well, maybe artisan soap and apothecary! Feeling it! Lucky Girl! I hope that the feverfew is available. It's one of my favorites. It may be a tad bit early. The fresh seeded eucalyptus can be hung from the showerhead to help clear nasal passages. If you've never done it, you should!

What is it about the two of these? Linen and Indigo, love! We're getting in our spring/summer lines and they are blowing us away! It's an exciting time at Bittersweet!

Our Zero Waste line is humming a happy song! Have you ever used wool dryer balls? If not, you may wish to start! Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the balls, or not, if you prefer unscented. Their main job is to control static. They are amazing! My only issue is that if you have a dog, you may very well find some missing!

It's time again for this Lip Balm! I'm obsessed with anything peach! Looking forward to bonding with a new Peach Soap soon!

Another collection! I'm kind of fond of collections...That little coffee or teacup sold fast! I believe we have two left at the store and we're not able to order any more. I'm finding that to be the case in our wholesale ordering. Items are here, and then they're not. At least you don't need to worry about that with Bittersweet products because Jill will make more!

I made a lot of fresh Car Spice before I left the shop yesterday. It's coming at that time of year when we want to freshen our cars and closets and spaces with scent. 

Now just look at that rich and frothy moisturizing lather! Take a close look. Then think to yourself how it's chemical-free and so yummy for your skin! I enjoyed taking this picture. I grabbed an enamel basin from the back room and filled it with warm water. Then I took a bar of Bittersweet and swooned it around in the water. The lather filled the bowl!

Our newest Bittersweet addition, Rosewater Face and Body Creme made its debut last week! We almost sold out! No worries, I'll make more!

Then the hats... The summer hats are coming!

I've never been more excited to share our collections!

Keep the faith and spread some love...

Jill 

 

 

Sit by the fire, and sing me a song...

Boy oh boy! Or in this case, girl oh girl! We're scurrying around moving fast and each move that we make has a purpose and completion. It feels like as soon as the calendar turns the page to November so does the frenzy and fast-paced goings-on of a busy soap manufacture! Every year it seems to sneak up on me. It's a fun sneak up, though. One that I've enjoyed for the past twenty-three years. 

We're bringing back some things, and we're taking away others. The Lavender Sticks have been away for a while and I'm happy to announce that they're back exclusively for this holiday season. 

I've made the final adjustments on the packaging and I believe we're geared up for what just might be the shortest season to date. In fact, our store is only open twenty-two more days before Christmas! Since we've shortened our hours at our door store to accommodate this corona climate this season is going to be brief. 

We're updating our web store and all of our social media sites and in the next couple of weeks, they'll be everchanging as we present our custom allotment of Holiday Soaps and special artisan collections. I had mentioned in my last post that we're keeping it simple. Sometimes, less is more...

 The white pinecones are strung and the fluffy lambswool adds the perfect drop! Hints of brass and twinkling lights center our holiday stage. 

We've fallen back and enjoyed an extra hour's sleep this morning. 

 

A Partridge In A Pear Tree and Two Turtle Doves will be arriving on November 13. That's two weeks away but it will feel like tomorrow as I work steadily on getting each bar wrapped in its beautiful paper. Then I'll change displays to make room for all of our artisan creations! 

Ever since I discovered this origami fold I've been enchanted with its simplicity. The small paper pouches display our cabin in the woods motif that we're incorporating into all of our holiday packagings. I've had the hand-drawn image for several years and have always been fond of it, but this Christmas I was compelled to make it our focus design. The simple sketch conjures up warmth and coziness and I even believe a sense of well-being. It felt right to choose this image for this season's offerings. 

I'm waiting for Norfolk Pines to arrive and fresh evergreens to line the store porch. 

Wishing you peace and happiness. 

Jill 

harvesting the artisan

I started harvesting the lavender! It was a joy to cut fat bundles that filled my arms with their perfumed goodness! I'm going to mix and mingle the bundles into our holiday designs at the store. If you frequent the soap maker's blog then you know how fond I am of blending in natural elements into all of the designs that we create. It just feels, well natural, to do that. 

The store was closed this week to finish holiday manufacturing and put the final touches on all of our new seasonal designs. The time designing and working out creative elements that complete the final prototype is best done in isolation.  It's kind of what I'd imagine a writer to do. Long walks and quiet time help lend a hand to a burst in creativity!

This year I've changed the labeling on our Twelve Days of Christmas Soap. I love the cabin nestled in amongst the tall pines. The image conjures up feelings of safety and security. Both of which, we could all use. It's always exciting to design around the holiday and gift-giving season. I love sharing my artisan designs with everyone!

I'm headed to the store to begin our holiday merchandising. I'm keeping it simple this year and have planned out in my head the ideas and materials needed to complete those thoughts. The freshly picked lavender was one of those ideas. We will also add to that, pine cones, and lengthy cinnamon sticks. Brass and white will be our layering. 

I heard through the grapevine that snow was in the forecast! A bit early, but nevertheless not surprised given the way the year has played out. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

 

the colors of fall...

We've gathered the swatches and picked our favorites for fall inspiration. These muted autumn tones will be incorporated into packaging, ideas, and store design.  

It feels good to have a starting point and colors to pull for designing. 

We'll also be casting oodles of texture! I'm fond of adding texture to a room. It reflects a warm welcoming atmosphere. 

My zinnias are fading and I'm predicting early autumn here in my little town. The mushroom hues are combined with terracotta with snippets of sand as we reflect our color choices. 

Treasured driftwood from a recent lake getaway helps me to recall how summer was spent, and wooly Indian print kimonos begin to appear here and there at our door store. 

Large bags of Sea Salt fill the studio so that we can mix aromatic blends for our customers. It won't be long before I'll ponder warm candlelight baths scented with lavender. The flicker of a candle while soaking in the tub is one of life's simple pleasures that must not be taken for granted.  The ritual allows for relaxation and a great way to release stress. 

We're gathering inspiration from a time when less was more while all along slowing down to take in each day as it comes. Expectations are moved to the side while we simply go with the flow all along enjoying that concept. 

We enjoyed a new recipe that gathered the ingredients from stock that we had. I get satisfaction from creating a dinner without going to the store! It's keeping warm on the stove. 

Life is different, but it is good and it is constant.

I'm finding myself appreciative of every moment and making every attempt to put a positive spin on it all. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

and the north wind blows...

I can't believe it's August! This month is usually reserved for upcoming thoughts about autumn, but considering the north wind that's blowing through my office window, I find myself pondering those thoughts early. I say this with a throw draped over my cutoffs! 

Late summer, early autumn is always eager to assist me in thinking about dreamy blends of vanilla spice and cinnamon! Yep, that's what a soap maker does. Since Bittersweets' method of soap making requires a four to six week curing time our seasons arrive much earlier than usual. It's ironic how all of that extra time to plan soap menu's and store designs rushes by in what seems like a blink of an eye! The many years of seeing this transformation of time moving at warp speed have convinced me that time does not standstill. I am sure that if it did I would not be fond of time. Time, it's an interesting thing...

I'm beginning to get my mind wrapped around our new store hours. Being open exclusively on Saturdays brings back some sweet memories. I can honestly tell you that this new method of managing Bittersweet feels right. 

The other day I passed by a post that said they were going to introduce their team. Those words made me immediately think of the Bittersweets team. We've always been a one-woman team! 

It boggles my mind some time to think about the duties this team is responsible for. 

Please don't think me to be arrogant. I am not. I am however very proud of the work and admiration that goes into running a growing and successful business!

Web Developer

Marketing Director

Shipping Manager

Photographer

Merchandising Designer

Soap Manufacturer

Skincare Manufacturer

Packaging Consultant

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Payable

Buyer

Store Manager

New Design Coordinator

New Product Coordinator

Tax Consultant

Clerk

Inventory Management

Email Responder

It's interesting how this team of one manages all that! I feel blessed and honored to have the knowledge of learning the steps through trial and error! I didn't start out knowing about how to do any of it, but out of necessity and a lean budget, creativity and productivity are born! I am a firm believer in this is the best way to learn and that these feelings help to develop an amazing passion and determination that is only achieved by this method. 

There isn't a week go by that someone doesn't drop by the store and ask me questions about assisting them with their business endeavors. Depending on the questions, I usually explain about how I could share my knowledge with them, but that it would take the fun out of their journey. My journey began many years ago and each day brought with it new challenges. I think back on the one-hundred dollars that I had to launch Bittersweet some twenty-three years ago. The gratification that was born from that insignificant amount of money is priceless!

I also believe that each person is assigned their personal journey long before it begins. Some journeys involve more than one team while others prefer the solitary method. There is no right or wrong way, but in only trusting your instincts and keeping a focus on your vision all along the way. 

It used to be an infrequent process of checking and double-checking the many processes of whether my methods were functional and productive. Nowadays those fast checks are almost weekly and my team visits with their teams (giggling),  to make sure that what we're doing is working and the best possible way to gain productivity and growth.

Today marked the first day of fall, winter manufacturing! 

I can hardly believe it to be here!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

  

 

HomeGirl

I'm beginning to settle in to this new "Home Girl" way of life. My errand list is getting longer by the minute! It's quiet time and an opportunity to reflect upon one's self, which by the way, isn't too bad. As with anything new, it takes time to adjust, and I'm starting to appreciate the time at home. 

Elle and I are enjoying spring walks through the neighborhood and taking in the patchy spring-like weather. 

I've been digging out favorite recipes that I normally don't have time to make because of their time-consuming methods. Years ago my friend Gayle made these and I loved them! I doubt that this was the recipe, but it does sound close. I remember she used dried onion and that made a huge difference in the flavor of the roll. There are other recipes that use fresh onion and I have made them, but after testing several different recipes I found that dried onion gives the rolls the best flavor. This recipe sounds good too. I did have a little problem finding yeast at the market. All of the bread was gone so I'm assuming lots of homegirls are making their own bread. You see, good things are forming from something bad. 

We made these biscuits last night for dinner. This is a great recipe!

We have lavender plants and butterfly bushes coming! Those thoughts are encouraging in themselves. I'm going to plant lettuce and Swiss Chard in pots on our kitchen porch. 

The humble little marigold is on my flower list. 

I love this! Well, of course, I've known all along, but it's been a challenge to convince others. Until now!

A great little video by Alton Brown...

Thank you, Alton!

Tomorrow I'm going to start digging around in my studio. I don't use the word dig lightly! The manufacturing area has been neglected for some time. I know it will feel good to get in spruced up, and I have plans to organize my spice cabinet in my kitchen. Are you like me and have one-hundred spices? I love experimenting with new ones. Mustard seeds and Coriander, Clove and Cinnamon, Nutmeg Nuts. Fresh Nutmeg, nothing compares...Add a pinch to macaroni and cheese. 

Our customers have been very supportive since we temporarily closed our store. I've been packing orders daily and I feel fortunate to not only have supportive customers but am grateful for my mailwoman. We process the shipping online and have the boxes picked up at our studio. We're limiting hand contact and making sure our studio is clean and sterile as we pack your orders. Thank you! I was unsure about how all this would play out. You are not only building moral but reassuring me that we're going to be just fine.  

Yesterday I was sharing posts about the virus on our social media platforms. Tomorrow I'm planning on sharing more creative and upbeat ones. What a difference a day makes! Right?

It is also comforting to know that each one of us is in this together. There isn't one human that won't be impacted in some way. If you see someone that needs a helping hand nows the time to lend it. Simple kindness will never grow old. 

I'm hunkering down!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

bringing it in...

If spring doesn't come to us we're going to offer a dose of her in our shop! Fresh flowers always add the perfect topping to a home or shop. 

Preparation has started for the dreaded gathering of expenses and paperwork needed to calculate taxes. Ugh! At least I can find beauty at the apothecary shop and my mind can be free of the dreaded task.

Small business pays its fair share of taxes. I will leave it at that... Moving on to more pleasant topics.

The soap studio is brewing up some amazing New Spring Scents! The apothecary cabinets are beginning to be filled after our winter break and we're playing catch up on manufacturing. 

Thoughts of spring always encourage me to make changes in our home. I'm always impressed with how a few changes can make a huge difference. Right now I'm sorting through an army of cookbooks. It would seem after unloading several stacks of cookbooks that I have a fondness for food. Tomorrow I begin sorting and finding a nook for them all. I already began looking through some of them and certain recipes bring back some sweet memories.  Some of those recipes are still served at our table while others are reserved for special occasions. I can't find myself parting with any of the cookbooks so I'm going to tidy them up for safekeeping. I am one of those people that typically don't hang feel a need to hang on to things, but cookbooks would be an exception. Even nowadays when you have access to millions of recipes online, I still love to open a cookbook and browse through its pages. I'm going to make a point of choosing a new recipe each week from the collection. 

We're continuing to mix and create some amazing scents at our door store. Our new sign has helped to encourage you to formulate a custom body scent, and we love that!

 

I have this thing for bowls and pestles! We actually use them to mix dry herb blends. Patchouli and Chamomile are two of my favorite blended powders and we add them to our formulations and soap recipes. Some are used for color, like alkanet root.

I have always enjoyed planting borage in an herb garden. It's bright blue blooms are fuzzy and unique. It's not only a functional herb but an attractive one as well. 

My spring thoughts floating amongst a meadow of herbs. All is well with the world when you're in your herb garden. At least that's what I believe. 

Slow down, don't move so fast... That's what I keep needing to say.

Keep the faith. 

Jill