Bittersweet and the little soap company

silent night

Our customers represent the best of the best! It's food for the soul whenever I gather the images of Shop Small. Your smiling faces are the sweetest eye candy! Thank you for braving the first snow of the season and Shopping Small. 

I'll continue working at the Northpole until December 21, and then I'll be ready for a long winter's nap. 

There were a few extra moments to update my Walmart Store with items that helped to enhance the season. Linen sheets, furry hats, and gloves, warm and cozy slippers are some of my favorites!

We're hosting our annual Holiday Celebration this Friday and Saturday! The most asked question is, am I making cookies? Yes, the cookies and punch will be there too! After all, what would a Holiday Celebration be without homemade sugar cookies and punch? I'll fit it in!

Relaxing day today and I'm eager to settle in on this cold winter's day into night. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

Giving Thanks

I'm constantly reminded of my many blessings as I gaze upon my shop and home. Having a heart of gratitude is never out of style. As we approach the holidays I'm reminded of this more each day. 

The Pumpkin Bread Recipe is the best! It makes two loaves so you can share with friends and family too. 

The next few weeks are going to be fast-paced and over before I can say Merry Christmas! 

Here at Bittersweet, we're anticipating a sold-out season much earlier than ever before. When this happens it means that shoppers are picking up their gifts early and planning Christmas ahead of time. 

I'll keep making up to a certain point, but our Holiday Soap will soon be gone and due to the nature of handmade, curing time, etc. our inventory will be zero. 

I hope that you're able to drop by and pick up a few bars before it's gone. 

Happy Thanksgiving. 

Jill 

 

 

a season

The Holiday Season wouldn't be so shiny without the beauty of our handmade soaps and soulful collections. Those are my thoughts today, yesterday, and tomorrow. Those thoughts dig deep into my soul and always wrap themselves in love and thankfulness. Some things never change, and I'm grateful that they don't. 

We released our Holiday Soap Collection on November 1st, and within three days, we sold a huge chunk of our inventory. This has never happened so early, but the nature of handmade and soulfully made series of hand-forged soaps and other creative notions reaches out to folks who appreciate quality and originality when gifting.

As a soap maker skincare manufacturer and shop owner, the season shines bright and encourages me to never lose hope and appreciate life for the wonderful blessing that it is. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill  

 

A December Week

As the weeks fly by, new opportunities keep cropping up. Amid the whirlwind of crafting soap and managing the shop, moments of gratitude and fresh business ideas continually emerge. Change is constant; nothing remains static. Recently, a sizable corporate order has taken over the shop, and I find myself contemplating the switch from a compact to an SUV, hoping the lovely lady picking up her gifts has ample space! Although I typically avoid undertaking large orders during this bustling time, this one feels right.

The holiday rush often speeds by, leaving me little time before my winter break. Sometimes, I barely notice the days slipping away until thoughts of winter break and holiday cheer fill my mind. Operating a shop open only three days a week might seem unusual, but for Bittersweet, it's essential. Unlike most shops with teams and employees, Bittersweet is a one-woman show, standing as a unique establishment without comparison.

When you design your business always keep your preferences and requirements at the top of that design list, and always trust your instincts. I sound like a broken record, but as your business grows you start to develop a sense of what is right and what is wrong. What works and what doesn't? Always listen to that little voice because it will never steer you in the wrong direction. 

It's a typical December week at Bittersweet. Orders, soap wrapping, gift boxes, and bags, all swirl around like a winter storm! Customers drop by to gather their favorites to share with family and friends. 

It's a December week!

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

Gifting

I adore receiving handmade gifts—there's a certain charm in knowing someone put their heart into creating something for you. Sometimes, amidst the superficialities, the most meaningful gifts come without a price tag. With our shop open for just nine more days before a brief hiatus, the rush behind the scenes contrasts with the serene atmosphere at the storefront. It's the perfect balance—most of the work is already done when I'm there, allowing for some well-deserved downtime.

Approaching Christmas, I find myself appreciating my blessings. This past week, I've crafted something new: an Oatmeal and Goat Milk Bath, intentionally unscented to evoke a pure, comforting aura. While fulfilling a substantial order, I'm reminded of the beauty of handmade goods—the meticulous packaging, the search for nature's treasures like evergreens and pinecones—all filled with a joy and love that's incomparable.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the pre-holiday season, I encourage everyone to find moments for themselves and to ease off the pressure of achieving perfection. After all, it's the heartfelt gestures that truly matter.

The old-fashioned cocoa recipe is a keeper. I'll add a few sprinkles of cinnamon to the final cocoa while it's piping hot. 

I've picked up a few of my favorite things for gifting. I discovered this marmalade a few months ago and love it. It's especially delicious on the homemade sourdough bread that I shared a few posts ago. Which by the way, I'm addicted to that bread! It's so good!

I ordered these, and am gifting them aside from my handmade gifts. They've been around for a long time and I've ordered before and am always happy with my purchase. 

I opened a new Walmart store too!

My second book is being placed on the back burner. I'm just too darn busy right now and my spirit is telling me to wait and get it published after the holidays. I love it when my spirit guides me. It's the spirit of God. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is that snow I smell?

We had a great Thanksgiving! The turkey breast that I soaked in brine tasted amazing! I made sourdough bread yesterday. I added yeast because I wasn't sure that my starter was quite ready. That's a good recipe! If you're impatient like me, try this recipe.  Then I made a homemade pie crust with the discard of the sourdough. I used my fresh pumpkin to make a pumpkin pie. Whenever baking pumpkins start showing up I nab a few and roast them. Then I dig out the meat and freeze it. If you've never made a pumpkin pie with fresh pumpkin try it. You won't believe the enhancement of taste that the fresh pumpkin brings to the table. You can also add pumpkin to stews and soups. You won't even know it's there, but it adds to the flavor as well. 

On the last post or maybe it was the one before I shared the little crock that I picked up to store my sourdough starter in the fridge. I'm getting close to putting it in the crock and in the fridge. 

This week's hours were posted and I'm gearing up for a non-stop weekend. We're hoping here at Bittersweet to beat all SBS attendance records on Saturday. 

The Peppermint soap is stacked and a yummy new holiday soap accompanies it at the shop. We already sold out of inventory on our website. Winter Wonderland is packed with lovely notes, and I believe it's one of my new favorites!  If you want to order online and pick it up at the store here's a link. We can't offer shipping on this collection because of its popularity. I list the new holiday soaps as soon as they get wrapped. We're up to our last two of the collection, but don't fret, I've doubled manufacturing this year so we should have plenty to go around. 

I gathered my manuscript from my dining room table after reading it. I'll go back to another reading before sending it back to the editor, and then it's off on a happy trail to the publisher! Fingers crossed, I'm hoping to have it available by Christmas. I've learned to not rush things though so time will tell. The most important thing right now is that the book is fine-tuned and meets my expectations. It's good to set the bar high. 

The signs of Christmas are starting to appear! The air holds a crisp chill, and I sense snow on the horizon. At Bittersweet, we're gearing up for a bustling weekend, anticipating enthusiastic shoppers eager to infuse their holidays with the charm of handmade delights.

Crafting a small business requires resilience and unwavering determination. It's a journey of highs and lows, where some weeks flourish while others pose challenges. Your support is the backbone of our existence! As the holiday season arrives, I urge you to embrace shopping small and championing local businesses. We're here, eager to assist, and prepared to extend a warm welcome as we roll out the red carpet for you.

Happy Holidays! 

Jill 

 

 

 

November Forever

 

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on past celebrations, recognizing that it's the small moments that weave the tapestry of the larger ones. Behind the scenes, I've been hard at work, getting our shop ready for the enchanting Christmas season.

Our handmade soaps have been crafted with care, and intended to elevate your gift-giving experience with an abundance of love. We are thrilled to extend an early invitation to you for a sneak peek of our Holiday Soaps and soulful collections this year. Join us in celebrating the magic of the season!

This year, we're delighted to introduce a range of distinctive soaps. Some come wrapped in our time-honored traditional papers, while others embrace a minimalist aesthetic that shines brightly. Regardless of their outward appearance, rest assured that once you add water to any of them, our lather buster will work its magic, leaving your skin softened and moisturized.

I'm excited to share that I'll be baking my Grandma Lola's Hermit Cookies for our two-day premiere. If you've already acquired a copy of my cookbook, you'll find the recipe included. However, if you haven't, I'd be delighted to share it with you.

A word of caution: the enchanting scent of aromatic cookie spices will waft through your home, and your little ones may find it nearly impossible to resist the allure before these delectable treats even make it out of the oven!

Join us at Bittersweet this Thursday and Friday as we provide an exclusive preview of our meticulously handcrafted holiday collection. To make the occasion even more special, I'll be baking my grandma Lola's famous Hermits, and we'll be serving our festive punch as well. Let's celebrate the onset of the season with these heartfelt, handmade gifts.

Warm Wishes, 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

summer breeze

It's challenging to put into words the transformative sensation when a shop proprietor revamps their store for the seasons. It's as if our shop is reborn, embracing a fresh perspective that brings a sense of renewal. The changes unfold, rewarding us with new discoveries in every corner.

This week has been quite a whirlwind! We kickstarted the launch of our new line, Summer Breeze, and we're almost finished curating our summer lip balm collection, with the delightful addition of Honey Peach. It's simply irresistible!

Our beloved Lavender Vanilla is back in stock, though it tends to fly off the shelves quickly. Within days or a week, it finds its way into the sanctuary of showers and baths, cherished by our customers.

Ah, the sweet peas are blooming! In my grandmother Lola's backyard, sweet peas adorned an old shed. I must have been a young child when she invited me to gather these fragrant blossoms. As we approached the shed, the pink flowers twined around it, captivating my senses even then. That's why I decided to plant sweet peas in my garden, to evoke the memories of my dear grandmother and the precious moments we shared. She was a unique soul who taught me invaluable life lessons. I consider myself blessed that fate bestowed her as my grandmother.

We recently acquired a captivating new scent that has stolen my heart: Clean Cotton. I've incorporated it into our range of Laundry Soaps, but I also believe it would be a wonderful addition to our assortment of indulgent skincare essentials.

Each time I catch a glimpse of the wooden spoons, they serve as a poignant reminder of the inspiration they sparked for my cookbook. Before I even started writing, I purchased those spoons, and their engraved phrase became the focal point of the book cover and theme. "Season everything with love." When baking or cooking a meal, I believe that the most vital ingredient is love. My son used to exclaim, "Put some love in that cooking!" The spoon brings back those cherished memories. It's the little things that matter.

As the summer breeze whispers through the jasmine of my mind, it evokes a feeling of tranquility and contentment.

The Soap Shop Poem

In a quaint corner of town, where dreams unfold,
There lies a soap shop, a treasure to behold.
Its scent-filled air dances with fragrant delight,
A haven of cleanliness, a pure and soothing sight.

Within those walls, a symphony of soap is born,
Crafted with passion, each bar expertly adorned.
From lavender fields to ocean's gentle breeze,
A kaleidoscope of scents, the senses to appease.

Bubbles of joy, swirling in a rainbow hue,
Whisper tales of freshness, as they softly imbue.
Handmade with love, with care and devotion,
Each soap a masterpiece, a potion of emotion.

The shelves are lined with nature's purest gifts,
Oils and butters, blended in perfect shifts.
Aromatic herbs and flowers, petals gently pressed,
Transformed into bars, where cleanliness is blessed.

For in this soap shop, magic lingers in the air,
A sanctuary of cleanliness, beyond compare.
Where dreams are captured in fragrant embrace,
And every cleansing moment is a moment of grace.

So step inside, let the scented journey begin,
Where soap becomes art, and cleanliness a win.
Discover a symphony of fragrances, untold,
In this magical soap shop, where dreams unfold.

Jill McDowell Lincoln

White Christmas

The frosty arrival of winter has arrived with all her bells and whistles. We're also entering the final day that our store is open for this year! It doesn't seem possible, and where did the time go?

I made shortbread cookies and shared them with family and neighbors and the festivities of Christmas are beginning to take shape. The recipe will be included in Taste & Eat which will be arriving in a few short months. Yippee!  

Winter break starts tomorrow and my family is coming over for Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow. Something I always look forward to each year. Little things. I'll be setting the table and making bread pudding. Yummy!

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas and the joyous reason for the season. A child is born and his name is Immanuel. Glory to God. 

Merry Christmas!

Jill 

 

A fresh new day

It's a fresh new day! A huge thank-you to everyone that shopped in our small shop yesterday. The truth is we can make it, but if nobody shows up to purchase it, we would not be here so thank you for supporting us and loving our products. We are truly grateful. I have to be honest and tell you that I get annoyed with small shops that feel like they are obligated to lower prices and discounts during both black Friday and shop small day. We don't offer any discounts or as some call, deals, however, our pricing is lower than any of our competitors and our competitors do not offer quality ingredients. At least most do not. I can't honestly speak for all. A personal pet peeve and I guess that I feel this way is because I'm aware of just how much work goes into making the products that line our shelves. I'm not telling you this for any particular reason other than it's true. 

The Twelve Days of Christmas Soap is flying high! We will be up to numbers five and six next week. I'm always in awe of just how quickly the holidays come and go.  I think about the time invested in wrapping thousands of bars of soap, and how quickly it disappears. Again, thankful. 

We're hosting our Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday. I always look forward to this event simply because it offers a more laid-back vibe at our shop than the past two days. Our customers are the salt of the earth, and we love visiting with them this time of year. When I looked at the calendar and saw that we're only open for eleven more days it shocked me. How does this happen? I realize that some families are struggling this year. The cost of living is high and some families are struggling to make ends meet. This makes me sad, and I think about it often. What is supposed to be a happy time, turns into a sad time for some. What can we do to make it better? I'm so happy that you asked that! Donate to the Salvation Army or any organization that helps the less fortunate.  I've always felt like the Salvation Army was a reputable and honest company. Their beginnings are humble, and I see often how they come to people's aid when they're down. 

Winter break is also fast approaching, and this soap maker already knows what she's going to be doing. I'll have my head buried in book writing. The finishing chapters are already being tossed around. I've come to realize that writing is a gift that keeps on giving. Not in a materialistic way but rather in a soulful heartwarming way. I believe that's the attraction. At least it is for me. Always remember, if you are thinking of writing a book that there will always be critics, but there will also be folks that love your stories. Even the not-so-great books that I've read have brought something to my table, so always read a book with an open mind with those thoughts tucked in the back of your mind. 

Seasons Greetings!

Jill