Bittersweet and the little soap company

designed to design

I'm just going, to be honest, and declare from the top of the hills that I can't wait for fall! We've carefully curated our fall clothing collection and we believe it is by far the best that's ever been presented. You may not know it, but there's a lot of time that goes into choosing clothes for our shop. Since we're an Apothecary shop and not a clothing store, all of our pieces need to stand out with both quality and content to match the products that we make. We always look for style and originality without being over the top. The clothing industry is fast moving and trends and looks come and go almost as fast as they appear. Bittersweet is fastidious and believes that textile pieces should not only stand the test of time but offer a put-together and polished appearance when on the body. When you wear that new Bittersweet trousers or top and enter the room you're going to get noticed! Refinement and dashing can play off of each other pretty well. Hello, Uptown Girl! 

While my mind is advancing towards fall the shop is wavering back and forth between summer and autumn. We'll soon be switching out some of our perfume fragrances to more warm and spicy tones. Our soaps will be dipped in apple and pear, vanilla, and pumpkin. The wrappings will be beautiful and the transition into the leaf-dropping sweater-wearing mornings. I always hope for an Indian Summer to arrive a bit early. Plum hues and toasty brown fill my head, and the design of fall lines has already been put into motion behind the scenes. 

Bittersweet is honored to have been chosen by the community as Best Kept Secret and Specialty Shop. Thank you for voting for us.  We kind of like our shop being a secret. Meaning we would never be comfortable having our shop in a strip mall or high-traffic spot. We prefer our artisan shop to be quaint and quiet. A place where when you walk in the door for the first time you notice immediately it's different than any other shop you've ever been to. That the vibe is relaxed and peaceful. The nature of our business is designed to stand out.  Our collections are crafted by hand and curated with admiration for the good things in life. Not in a snooty way, but in a natural at ease way. We love that both our shop and business carry this manifesto.  

The last of summer's glory!

We welcome you to visit and discover our aromatic shop. Relax and kick up your heels on our huge front porch! Tour a downtown museum or dine at one of our five-star eateries.  Take the shop tour too, and explore the over thirty boutiques and shops. Our beautiful downtown awaits you! We're small-town America with perks! Summer just got better!

Jill   

 

 

 

 

taking it in...

It's a rainy back- to- being- spring morning. The wind is blowing from the north and all is well this Sunday. We've been experiencing a heatwave in May. Most people that I talk to including myself are not a fan of so much heat taking over our normally mild temperature spring. I'm going to take the cooler rainy days in because all of the heat we've had will soon come back. 

I started preparing for the June 3 porch sale and shortly after I began sorting through the items in my back room I quickly realized that it was a good thing to start early. So much stuff, not stuff, great pieces that whoever attends the sale will likely find some treasures at a next-to-nothing price. We always enjoy having the sale and visiting with you. We're looking forward to it!

Early Saturday morning I took a stroll through our downtown. The farmers' market was scattered around the square. I picked up a few things and headed back to the apothecary shop. As I was walking back I captured a few Saturday images. The square was filled with folks picking out their weekly ration of vegetables, jams, and jellies.  I always walk by the Bank Museum on the way back from the square, and as I was stepping past the little courtyard I smelled the Lily of the Valley that blooms alongside the museum. The annual Lily of the Valley experience always brings joy to my heart. It's hard to believe that the outlaws' mom planted the lily so many years ago, and it's still flourishing next to the building that her sons robbed on that bright summer day. I often wonder if she planted the aromatic flowers as a peace offering. She probably never imagined that a shop owner in the twenty-first century would be enjoying her endeavor. Most people don't even know that it's there or the story behind it, but this soap maker treasures the scent that blows in the wind accompanied by the story. When I'm sitting on my porch and the wind is blowing from the south I can smell the amazing Lily of the Valley perfume. Little things...

Just so you'll know that guys love  Bittersweet too!

We've brought back Bug Spray! This carefully curated essential contains thirteen essential oils that we know without any doubt bugs hate. 

We're launching new lines that will glide into summer graceful and quiet. 

Our tried and true skincare essentials feel like my children. Each new product that enters the apothecary doors is carefully curated and designed to not just satisfy your expectations but exceed them. That's been our thing yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and we hope to continue to discover many new ideas and creations to come!

I'm going to work on entering recipes into Taste and Eat today. It's funny how a rainy day can encourage you and motivate you to attend to such things. The deadlines that have been set will be here before you can say Jiminy Cricket! I feel like if I work on content a little each day it will soon come together. I want to get both books to the editor long before the deadline and have a publishing date soon after. Keep in mind, that those are my ideas, not the editor or publishers. At least this is what I'm shooting for. It shall be a learning experience as this is new territory. Exploring new territory is one of my favorite pastimes. Don't ever be leery of trying something new. I can guarantee whatever it might be that you decide to try will surprise you and even urge you to expand your unknown territory realm. I promise. Sometimes it takes a person many years to realize this. I'm a perfect example and that is why I encourage you to reach beyond your comfort zone, always. Life can get pretty exciting when you throw caution to the wind! You will not only learn new things, but you'll build confidence. This is all part of the plan.

Jill   

 

   

 

summer soul...

The Mercantile sale was a huge success! I can safely say that past sales didn't hold a candle to the Merc sale. Thankful. I still have a few items left, but I'm contacting the Veterans association to come and pick it up. They will be thrilled to receive quality new clothing and tables, chairs. I'm thrilled to have empty spots at both my home and shop. It's hard to organize and create a Zen space when there's no room to roam! Beginning to fill the love...

My tape measure has been my best friend the past few days. I've been measuring windows, hallways, table heights, among other things. 

The little country bouquet came from my garden. Cone flower, chocolate mint, Gerber daisy, and even flowering cilantro. Snippets of summer greens and goodness to admire and share.

Peaches, peaches, fuzzy skinned ripe and juicy. The Missouri Peaches are ready for consumption! They're a bit pricey at our local farmers' market, but I indulged, and picked up a couple of baskets. They're ripe and ready!

We're gearing up for this event! 

I'll be working the apothecary shop, but how nice it will be to lend an ear to live music playing on the shop porch. Fun day for all. 

We'll remove the porch swing, and that will be the stage area. It it's hot I'll place a fan on the porch and we'll be ready to rock and roll. 

Kate Rose, is such a talented artist! Love it when she plays the Ukulele! Kate performed last year at Bittersweet and she's returning again. Yippee!

Just because I love home grown flowers, here's some more garden pics. 

Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers. 

Officially, the first day of summer arrives on Tuesday. It's kind of confusing on when the day actually arrives because of time zones. Here's how they determine that. 

So I guess if you reside on the East coast, the first day of summer falls on Wednesday over Tuesday. No matter, it's a grand day and a reason to celebrate!

Summer well wishes, 

Jill 

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Downtown Liberty is the place to be this summer!

https://www.facebook.com/Bittersweetsoapco/videos/vb.255884860298/10154932503765299/?type=2&theater

The shop is my summer happy place.

It's passing by so very quickly. Summer, that is...

This apothecary girl is breaking every now and then to stop and smell the flowers.

Excited to bring a special Jill & Jules show today. Amazing guests lined up for today's show. It will be a full house in that little studio!

Rachel will be filling in at the shop. She's a whiz at most everything! Thank you Rachel for reserving Thursdays from your super busy schedule. It is much appreciated. I hope you will encounter some sweet memories. I know you will.

It's hotter than a fire cracker and July hasn't even arrived yet!

Anxious for the new frozen yogurt shop to open. I have a feeling I'll be spending some time there. Especially since it's a hop, skip, and jump from the apothecary shop.

Slow down, don't move so fast, you have to make the summer last, now.

Feeling Groovy...

Remember to treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Jill 00

 

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beautiful fall liberty

Photos Compliments of Chris Harris of Zebrina Photography

How about some pretty fall pictures of our sweet land of Liberty? My friend Chris captured the stunning fall images. The bottom picture is the old Liberty High School. Now a middle school since Liberty has grown into a much larger town. The school sits just down the street from our home. I have fond memories wrapped up in this town. Across from the school sits a buckeye tree. Every fall about this time the buckeyes fall from the old tree onto the leaf covered ground. You have to be careful when you pick them up because they have little prickly shells surrounding the buckeye. Usually the shell is cracked because the buckeye is trying to hatch from its shell. Don't you just love nature? It's pretty darn amazing! I would say Liberty trees are at there peak, if not peaking, only days away. The fall season seems to fly away with the north wind. Soon those north winds will be blowing strong and with them, that white stuff referred to as snow! If you frequent my blog, you must know already how we've lived on large hill and every first snow I did my old blade sled from under the porch and take a couple, several swipes down the hill. It's tradition around here.

I took this picture a long time and it continues to be one of my favorites. I'm not a professional photographer, but rather a "hands on" type girl so it's learn as I go. Over the years I've managed to figure out some interesting photography tid-bits. I enjoy learning new techniques and methods of picture taking.

Another favorite picture. Little Lily was the best dog ever! She would chase me down the hill on the sled. A fun winter game. Girl and dog. Living simply and treasuring the simple blessings each day at a time.  

This holiday season it's all about the wooden trees and pretend deer. They're taking center stage.

We have a big pot of ravioli soup on the stove and I'm getting ready to prepare some crusty garlic bread. Thinking about making this... Pumpkin on my mind.  

In between shipping out holiday orders and the finishing touches on soap production. We're winding down with manufacturing on soap. Soon, manufacturing will turn to scrubs and lip balms, crèmes and stockings, hand made @ the hand made shop that sits on water street.

I hope you're enjoying a peaceful & joyful Autumn.

With all good wishes,

Jill 00

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Our  downtown hosts a number of events throughout the year. This past Saturday both Lennis and I, Tom & Jules, had the pleasure of attending a special event. Let's go back a bit.

 Missouri typically serves up a number of hot & sultry summer days! Planning an outdoor event this time of year and those hot thoughts are always on folks minds. Especially the folks that are behind the scenes working hard to make it happen.  Each and every one of our downtown events rally for one significant reason, volunteers.  This event, a "farm to table" picnic was held in the parking lot of my shop. As I gazed out my shop window, midday, in the heat of the moment, (no pun intended), the volunteers, were hard at it assembling tents and tables, place settings. The heat goes on, but the beat was consistent and soldier like as I watched those volunteers fulfill their duties. Kudos to each of you! I have an enormous appreciation for all that you do to help make our downtown a magical place.  The tables comfortably and strategically sit sixty guests. The farm to table, farmers market menu was delivered by the same volunteers that worked to set up the event. Each volunteer wore little black aprons when serving the most delicious foods. Our chef introduced himself to the crowd and detailed the menu. Anticipation was on high level. We were not disappointed. We were seated among friends and chatted between entree's. Little was spoken though, as we were served new savory summer dishes. A more than occasional, hum and yum echoed through the outdoor setting.
Enjoy caring and sharing summer days, downtown!






With all good wishes,

Jill 00

 

 

 

 

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I'm down with that!

So much going on and coming up at the soap shop on water street. Farmers market is in full summer speed offering fresh melons, tomatoes, corn, Peg's organic gourmet garlic. Grab a cuppa of that fresh ground coffee from the coffee shop below Bittersweet. Stock up on some natural, good for your skin soap. I also made fresh lavender laundry soap for you this morning. At three o'clock you can indulge your taste-buds with a variety of beers. We're having a beer crawl. Why the heck do they call it that? Bad wording, I believe. How about beer tasting adventure! Tonight the fun continues with a Samantha Fish performance. The shop won't be open because we'll be at the concert!

The shop is taking on some autumn hues. Adding new things for fall. 

Hope to see you on this beautiful day. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

turn around...

There's a quick turn around at the soap shop on water street. Fresh Marula Smoothie in the house stamped with a compound date, love that...really do... You know, so you'll know when the stuff was made and doesn't that make sense?

I thought you might enjoy watching this little video about my sweet Star Hollows like town. 

 

kind of like Stars Hollow

We ran down to the square to watch the parade. An old fashioned patriotic parade it was. This is the fourth year we've had a fourth of july parade. I could smell the barbecue smoking every now and then when the wind blew my way. Our little town resembles a tv town most of the time. If you drop by Ginger Sue's you'll get a feel for what I'm referring to. A spin-off of Luke's for sure. I often wonder if the producers of the show visited Liberty before creating the once popular series. They must have...

It feels like Saturday only it's Friday, h'm. The shop is busy. Summer thoughts of getaways and autumn designs already in the works. Flights booked. A summer trip with a dear friend to visit a dear friend. Something so good and feelings of sweetness wrapped into this summer. Birthday celebrations coming up soon after.

Happy Summer!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Warmly,

Jill 00 

Spring on the Square

I'm fortunate to live in a town that appreciates and values arts and crafts. We are also blessed to have a great group of folks that generate events for the heart of our fine city. I salute you!

In addition to the museums, boutique shopping and eatery's we have a top rate farmers market and monthly events.

So if you haven't been downtown in awhile you're missing out on some fun. You can find out more here. Note: They're working on the web site so you may have to come back to the site for an update on some of the upcoming events and happenings. 

Don't forget to drop by the shops on water street when you come. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00