Bittersweet and the little soap company

laid back

It's been pretty laid-back around here. With the exception of preparing for our annual porch sale, we're on a summer schedule and taking in the bounty of the flower seasons. With each little sprout comes a smile. Our summer soap menu has been released! We always add quite a few more blends to our menu. In fact, I just made white jasmine that's not even on the list. Baby birds and wood bees are buzzing. The milkweed is planted along with wild bergamot and angel trumpets. It all started from seed. One of my favorite things about gardening is it's different each year. Sometimes the hydrangea bloom, and sometimes they don't. I have learned to appreciate whatever comes or doesn't because it always balances out quite nicely. I am eager to see the angel trumpet seeds pop through the dirt. I ordered the seeds special. They're hard to find. When I used to grow them I always had seeds because the plant produces seed pods in late summer, early fall. These are not the typical moon flowers you might be familiar with. Here's a link to order. They are more of a bush than the traditional moonflower vine. Some people confuse the two plants and they're quite different.  My mom used to grow them and I loved them because they're a fair weather flower that opens at dusk and bellows an amazing scent that travels through the garden like nothing else. 

Our home is getting some tender loving care. We had a guy make some much-needed repairs on the exterior of our home, and he did a great job. Now I'm Interested in a mini-kitchen makeover. We're planning on new countertops, tile, sink, fixtures, and appliances. Baby steps it seems are in order because it's hard to find good people to do the installation. Anyway, I've been searching for the right items to complete the makeover.  

I've spent an entire year working outside on projects that had been overlooked. When you allow things to sit and wait it seems that there is a price to be paid. It feels good to finally get things cleared out and organized and painted, repaired, and in order. 

We received a shipment of beautiful dresses! I love having dresses at the shop. I'm picky though. The fabric, fit, and quality are not chosen half-heartedly, but rather fastidiously and with intent. 

In between the home, life is soap making, always. We have intense schedules to follow as a manufacturer. There are days of picking up supplies and there are many days of manufacturing such products as soap, lip balm, shampoo bars, and the over one-hundred skincare essentials that Bittersweet proudly makes.   

Elle got her summer haircut, and I'm on this micro-green kick. I've ordered trays and seeds. As with anything new, I'll develop my own system of harvesting these superfoods. I've been adding a few greens to Elle's breakfast. She loves them. I've often seen her eating green things in the yard, which tells me she's lacking some nutrients. The greens should fix those cravings. The greens are great to add to salads, sandwiches, and just about any food. You could juice them too! Easy to grow and if your yard is sunshine skimpy I'd highly suggest growing microgreens. Kids will love growing them too. A great fun summer project. 

We've been making dishes from Taste & Eat. 

I hope that you're experiencing a laid-back spring and summer. 

Jill  

moonflowers, mom, and may

There are several species of flowers that are always included in my spring seed planting. One is a moonflower and the other is a hyacinth bean. Both plants are climbers. Moonflower opens her aromatic blooms at dusk while the hyacinth bean loves showcasing her blooms in the hot summer sun. Soak both types of seeds in water before planting. Our lavender crop from last summer is bundled and tied. Bittersweet is unusual in that we grow a lot of the dried flowers that we offer at our shop. I love looking at those bundles with that in mind. The details of the harvest are still fresh in my mind. The bumblebees swarmed around me as I cut the lavender. The perfume echoed its lovely blossoms with a scent that is unlike any other. A couple of years ago my dad broke up some of his lily of the valley and gave me some starters. I planted it and am now taking in its simple beauty. The mock orange is also blooming. Both are considered old-fashioned plants, but both are also timeless favorites. The mock orange gets its name from the orange blossom because of the lovely scent the blooms provide. 

We brought back a popular perfume called Bella Blossom.  We've had so many requests for this perfume that we offered it in a swag bag several years ago. I thought it would be nice to bring it back. 

We have several new lip balms and I'm getting ready to put together a summer soap menu. Our soap manufacturing is fast-paced and continuous. Soft organic cotton facial cloths feel amazing to the skin, and we're anticipating a shipment of new dresses and summer tops to wear with your cutoffs and denim. 

We are also constructing some unique packages for moms' special day. 

Our porch sale is fast approaching and I'll be preparing for this two-day sale in the weeks to come. This is a great offering of merchandising pieces and clothing. Pillows, rugs, lamps, baskets, and a lot of really cool items. If you're just starting out on your own or wanting to add to your decor our porch sale is a great opportunity. I have to clear out things because we're constantly changing things at our shop. Save the date. 

Our early summer temperatures have cooled and I sowed some of my flower seeds. The pesky squirrels love to dig up my freshly planted seeds. It happens every year! What to do?

Our downtown is pretty this time of year. The flower planters are filled with fresh blooms, and the farmers' market launched their return. We'll soon be plucking fresh tomatoes and the strawberries will be appreciated as we make shortcakes and fresh whipped cream. Little things. 

Many blessings. 

Jill  

 

 

Honesty

Somewhere in the early month of April, I realized just how fast it was scurrying along. Bringing along stormy twilights and hot summer days in between winter hanging on for dear life. My grass has turned green and the daffodils are in bloom! 

The shop is filled with a shadow of favorite old products and an assortment of new ones. We're expecting some new denim jackets to arrive next week. Our white denim has arrived and even though all is not right with the world it's buffered at our shop. 

Yesterday someone asked me how I could be so busy and have such peace. I guess it shows. The answer was easy. I have the power of the Holy Spirit living in me. Needless to say, we had a detailed conversation and it brings me joy to share my faith with other people including folks that I meet for the first time. I do have peace and joy regardless of whatever situation comes my way. It's taken me many years to achieve it, but I have to say it was worth the wait! Thank you, God. 

It's official! Bittersweet is happily celebrating our twenty-sixth year in business. I wish that I could bottle all of the moments and pour them out one by one. The highs, the lows, the in-betweens, and the now. I guess that I'm working on it. 

Sharing some home repair and fix-up stories. So I've been jumping in head-first on home projects. Let me just say that when you jump in head first you either float to the bottom or float to the top. I'm a firm believer that a person should expand their knowledge of the unknown. There's only one way to learn new things and that is to jump right in! I've especially learned this recently. Most of the time I surprise myself and actually exceed my expectations, but sometimes I fail. I get right back up and do it again. This process of perseverance is what instills purpose into one's life. At least it's true for me. By the way, perseverance is one of my favorite words, and the meaning behind the word is too. 

Our little low-key birthday celebration is coming at the end of the month. Today my to-do list includes finishing the goody bags for the event. I love getting goody bags, don't you? This year's bags are great and filled with useful and smell-good, garden-loving essentials. 

I'm getting ready to print soap labels for Patchouli Musk. I dipped this soap in ground vanilla beans. Not only did that smell amazing, but I'm quite the fan of patchouli and musk so I'll be stashing a few bars to stock in my bathroom. 

Our popular headache sticks are back in stock. The time-consuming process of making these sticks along with our Lip Balm is tremendous. I don't use that word loosely. Step one involves the healing formulation and step two gathers around labels and other what I refer to as trivial tasks that require time and more time. I value time simply because my business involves so much of it. All in a good way, don't confuse what I just said with nagging or complaining. Simply put, all good things take time!

If you need me I'll be on the porch! We're coming upon that favorite time again! 

I really wanted to plant some Honesty plants this spring so I ordered some seeds. Some people call the plant a Money Plant. It's interesting because I did not know that the round silver dollar that the plant forms were the actual seed pods. Did you know that? You probably did. I love it when I learn something like that! So the plant blooms in the spring and then in the fall form round translucent pods.  Here's a link to where I ordered the seeds. I believe that the plant is a biennial. I can't wait to plant the seeds and watch them grow. 

It feels great to be back at the shop! My dad always says that I'll get some time off when I go back to the shop. We laugh and then I realized he was right.  After staining my deck, carrying heavy pots to storage, digging up a large patch of I don't know what, dismantling a broken sofa and loading it for pick-up, making two-hundred bars of soap, and blowing the drive in one day! I guess that he's spot on. I'm not saying this to brag or boast, but in an appreciative tone of just how fortunate I am to be able to work so hard. I love hard work! 

On that note, I'll exit. 

Looking forward to seeing your smiling faces this week! I always miss you!

Jill 

 

 

Pink Clay and Rose Milkweed

Boy oh boy do I have an extra big dose of Spring Fever! I bet that you do too. I've been planning some spring beds that are specifically attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. I'm going to start a few seeds inside and them transplant once the weather warms. Always plant all my flowers on Mother's day. This year it falls on May 14. That seems like a long way off, but I know just how fast the days fly by so I'm getting a jump. Here's the link to the seed supplier that I'm using this year. I don't always use the same seed company, I like to switch them up. This one was prompt in their delivery and the packaging was well done. 

I absolutely LOVE the new cotton and woven facecloths that we got in today. They are so plush and soft and the perfect size for cleansing the face. At least I think so.  

Rose Clay Mask re-stock or as some say, French Pink Clay. Pink Clay or Rose Clay is the main ingredient in calamine lotion. It's super soothing and helps to reduce inflammation. Rather than offer a mask made with water I've chosen the option of dry so that you can mix it fresh each time that you use it. Allow the mask to dry completely before removing it with warm water. It's amazing! I don't have the luxury of using it nearly as much as I'd like to. 

Soon the brown eye Susans will be blooming and all will be right with the world. 

I've been clearing and organizing the studio and have cleaned our shed to accommodate store merchandising items. We have an overflow. Some of the items will be offered at our June porch sale. This year's sale will produce a large variety of lighting, rugs, and clothing. When you own a shop things accumulate quickly and I always feel bogged down when it starts to take over my home. 

I found the perfect rabbit and dropped him in my cart at the checkout.  Easter is kind of early this year. It's on April 9. We're turning our clocks back this weekend and I can't help but have spring on my mind at every turn, turn, turn. 

The soap curing room is packed with stacks of soaps that will soon be wrapped and available. I've been whipping up a few soaps infused with things like crushed vanilla beans, and dried herbs. Every soap maker has a different take on making soap. I've been making soap for so long now that it's fun to switch up the norm. 

Jill 

We Love It!

I'm turning my calendar over to March! When I was a kid we used to fly kites in March. We had a large field across the street from a park and I have fond memories of flying kites in that vacant lot. You hardly see kids flying kites nowadays. I find that a little sad. I remember how challenging it was to get the tail just right to adjust to the wind. Eventually, I'd get it just right and my kite would fly high. I also remember that being kind of cool. Once you got your kite as high as it could go you had a sense of accomplishment. Little things. 

I've constructed and planned ahead for our annual May Day Celebration. I actually designed round invitations, and that one is an early-release invitation for this popular event.  It's a way off, but we move pretty fast at Bittersweet so it feels satisfying to have the planning done. 

My aunt Charla was a genuinely cool person. She wore Prince Matchabelli and hiking boots. Need I say more? She taught me to crochet. It was a fast lesson, but I remember making a hat as soon as she showed me a few stitches. That was one of my favorite hats when I was a young girl! I remember wearing the blue hat walking home from choir practice and feeling like the world was on my side. Do you ever feel like that? If not, practice it. We need those moments in our life. 

We've expanded our denim department. We offer an assortment of wide-leg, skinny, cuffed, girlfriend, and flairs. Dark and light, distressed and pristine. 

Patchouli is back! I actually made a few new patchouli blended soaps. They will start hitting the shelves in a few weeks after they're completely cured. 

I've been working on Taste & Eat and I'm happy to say that proofing is almost complete and it will be headed to the publisher very soon. I can't wait to hold the cookbook in my hands! There are one-hundred and fifty-two recipes in this book! Each recipe is tried and true. I was happy to borrow and share my great grandma's and grandmother's recipes as well as family members'. I was fastidious in choosing recipes for this book. In fact, there is not one recipe that we don't love. The entire process has been a labor of love, and I believe that the cookbook will be well received. 

Are you familiar with Hermit Cookies? If you aren't it might not be a bad idea to get to know them on a more personal level. My grandmother Lola used to make these cookies. I would not have known this, but I had a conversation with my Uncle Richard and we chatted about how his mom, my grandmother used to make Hermits. He said the aroma was beyond anything he'd ever imagined. He couldn't wait until they came out of the oven and would ask my grandmother if he could have a Hermit! We made them, and those cookies were here and then gone, lickety split! Little things. 

The world of photography has made so many advances over the past few years. I couldn't help but dub in the spring backdrop! 

Jill  

 

 

They say it's spring...

This has been a fast paced spring week! Boho Bouquets, Mushrooms, May Day, New Product Packaging, Home Remodel, and New Plants for our home. 

I'll start from the beginning. The recent addition of the the Boho Bouquets at our shop has put a big smile on my face! It's ironic how I've offered dried flowers at the shop for many, many years with little or no interest and then just like that since I began making the pre-made everlasting bouquets I find myself not able to keep up making them! This is always a great problem in my line of work, but it fascinates me to know how timing plays such a role in the popularity of something. I've never been fond of trends too much, I've always simply chosen what I love and thought that other's would love too. Bittersweet, and not to be in any way arrogant, believes that we set trends in our shop. I can't tell you the number of times that I've introduced something only to find that there is zero interest, and then three or four years later I'll bring it back and all of a mysterious sudden it's super popular and flying off our shelves. I always get a feel for which item or items are ahead of their time, and have learned that when the timing is perfect I'll once again introduce it to folks. The case of the Boho Bouquets...

We received a new shipment of jumpsuits this past week, and I selfishly pulled one from the box to wear. Typically, I'm not a tie dye person, but for some reason I'm in love with this pattern. I think it's the color. I have always been fond of the color plum. Not purple, but the hue of a ripe plum that has brown undertones that add a certain richness. We have a few left if you're a local, but they're going quickly!

Oh yeah! Those golden melt in your mouth fungi that are a rare treat were devoured in no time! A nice little mess of morels that we shared with my dad. Delicious, and one of my favorite spring delights!

You can call it nostalgia if you like.  It's also what I would refer to a gift from above. The Lily of the Valley starters that dad and M.J. shared a few weeks ago bloomed. That is not usual, but rather quite unusual for lily of the valley to bloom after it's been freshly transplanted. I have these little garden miracles happen every now and then, and every time they do I treasure the moment. 

We have old fashioned Spirea bushes in our yard. I remember this bush in my grandma Lola's yard. We dug up the bushes years ago at an old farm. Most of the plants in our yard and garden have been transplanted over the years from farms and friends flower beds. This topic could take up an entire post, so I'll save it for later. 

We dropped by our local home improvement store and that dracaena plant was screaming my name! I've always had good luck with this variety of plant. It loves the new sunny spot in our dining room. We're lucky enough to have lots of windows in this room. 

The home makeover is sporadic! The shop is beginning to get busy and my time will be invested in Bittersweet for the next few weeks. The furniture refinishing projects will have to sit on the back burner for awhile. I'm taking on huge home projects, but I'm also not beating myself up if I don't reach a certain level of completion. 

The wall sconce that you see in the picture is my latest obsession! I recently discovered a fascinating way to use them without hard wire install. I feel like a how-to post should be limited to them because the technique is quite amazing and the results even more satisfying. I'll try and share the super easy directions on my next post. If you can't wait, you can always visit my social media pager where I've detailed how to.  You will need to scroll down the page some to find it. 

Bittersweet is constantly evolving and looking for new packaging for our products. When I spotted the milky white bottles and the bamboo droppers it was love at first sight! 

There is never a good time to change product labeling and packaging, but it always feels good when I do. Just imagine if it looked the same for twenty years! I look back on Bittersweet designs that were created twenty years ago and often whisper to myself, what the heck was I thinking? Then there are occasions when I find a picture of a past design and whisper, that still looks great today! The latter is rare, because most of the time packaging needs to be updated. 

We celebrated May Day at our shop. I'm happy to announce that we broke an attendance record! It was a fast paced weekend! One that I'll hold onto for awhile and my gratitude is overflowing. Thank you!

Our next big event is coming, June 3!

I'll share the details later. I'm waiting on postcards to arrive and my brain to slow down this week. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill xo

 

 

 

Spring it On!

 

Oh yes, it's beginning to look a lot like SPRING! Both at the shop and the landscape. The golden yellow forsythia is blooming and the lilacs are in line to follow their lead. It's always a surprise when Easter is here!

Today the menu called for a blend of lavender patchouli soap. It's so funny how in twenty-one years I've never whipped up a batch of lavender patchouli soap! The two essentials play nice together and offer a mild perfume. 

We dropped by the greenhouse yesterday and picked up some fiddle leaf figs and a few starters of produce. I couldn't resist the young lettuce plants and there are so many pepper varieties to try. They will be planted in big pots and then live on our porch that sits off the kitchen. It's handy to have the fresh garden edibles within a short jaunt. So often a recipe calls for fresh rosemary or thyme and it's handy to have them within snipping steps. 

The lavender topiaries that I picked up a few weeks ago our thriving in the sunny shop bay. I'm not sure how long they will continue to thrive, because they really want to be outside, I'm sure. 

Elle and I took a spring break today after making soap. The temperature the past few weeks has been picnic weather. We sat outside and basked in the glorious sunshine.  

I'm in the middle of manufacturing and anxiously awaiting supplies to arrive. It seems manufacturing orders are moving at a snail's pace and when that happens it slows down everything. Not a bad thing this time of year. If not for the slow arrival, there would be no basking in the sun. 

Zinnia seeds are hibernating until Mother's day.  Here in Missouri, it's always best to wait and plant until then. All bets are off in early spring and most certainly there will be a frost or two before May 12. Having said that, I have an army of herbs ready to be buried in dirt.

We're finishing our spring clothing collection ordering and our button top denim jean is back in stock!

We're really into wood jewelry! Looking forward to sharing some of the new pieces at the shop. 

This week's new soap is Sweet Grass! It's not really new but hasn't been around since last summer. The grassy scented soap is a favorite flavor at the shop. 

When I spotted this book at a local shop it yelled out to me! Wouldn't it be cool to have a line of soaps inspired by Shakespeare? I thought so. As I flipped through its pages the lists of botanicals and plants were mind-boggling. Mind-boggling Inspiration, however. 

Spring it on!

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

 

 

Spring is Sprouting!

I'm so happy that the calendar has rolled over to April! 

In celebration of the month, we're introducing "Twenty One Days of Scent" at the shop. The opportunity to share with our customers the amazing possibilities and endless blends that await their fingertips is mind-boggling!

Spring is sprouting!

We're proud to announce our Soap Chronology...

A customer suggested we offer a monthly calendar to show the arrival of new weekly soaps. Great idea!

Not only do you get the heads up, but the soap maker can keep track of it too! Since we bring in a new soap every week sometimes it's hard to keep a mental record. 

The herb planting has started! I'm in love with Pineapple Sage. Every day I rub my hand along the stem and the aromatic oil transfers to my skin and smells amazing. 

We introduced Wild Violet last week to our menu. 

Our soap inventory disappears at warp speed! If you discover a favorite new soap flavor it might not be around for long. That's the way we roll. Our inventory contains a dozen or so regulars that we have year round and then each week we introduce a new yummy flavor of soap. Why do we do this? Most soap companies that produce the number of soaps that Bittersweet does have other people making their soap. This little soap company is a one-woman show.  The reason I add new weekly soap to the menu is personal and stems around boredom. If I had to make the same old soap flavors day in and day out, my interest would fade. It's exciting to offer new weekly scents. The thrill of making new soap every week is still as refreshingly zestful as it was some twenty-one years when Bittersweet was born. 

I'm working a new lotion that will be packaged in a handy tube. Prototypes are being tossed around. 

I was hoping to formulate a new bar hair conditioner, but after intense research, I discovered most of the good ones are packed with chemicals. It doesn't make sense to have a shop filled with natural, chemical free products only to offer one that does. It goes against the grain. I'm considering making a cream hair conditioner and it would be packaged in a jar where you could dip out the product. Kind of like the name Dip. I had no idea this product was still around!

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

a medley of spring

Gazing at this picture reminds me of my Aunt Vivian. I remember during her visit a couple of years ago how we traveled through the Missouri hills to take in some antique browsing and she discovered those pretty china saucers. The purple and pale pink roses baked onto the china are still some of my treasured pieces. Mainly because Aunt Vivian chose them. Little things...

Bittersweet is hosting a Spring Open House this week at the Apothecary Shop. On Saturday we'll treat our guests to lemon and Nutella hand pies from the little pie shop that's in our building. Christine, the owner, is as sweet as her pies! If you're ever in the area, drop by and indulge in one of her tasty fresh baked pies. 

Actually, this Saturday would be a great day to explore our shop and the many other's that take residence in the Historic part of our little town. We welcome you kick your heels up and relax on our huge shop porch. We welcome you, always! How about a slice of pie, a cuppa coffee and spring sunshine smacking you in the face? I sure wouldn't refuse such an offer!

Remember my furry guests from last spring? Let me say, it's quite the honor when your chicken farmers, friends, introduce you to their baby chicks!

While grocery shopping I noticed bundles of these bright pink tulips and couldn't resist grabbing a few to add to our medley of spring at the shop. 

Through the assistance of a customer, I learned some new Instagram techniques. I kind of went crazy when experimenting with all the new teachings. 

The collage thingy is one of my favorites! 

My sweet mom, Alice... Bittersweet pulls in bits and pieces of mom inspiration in new products. The little things... Love, love the phrase on the letter board! Remember that, it's important. 

My dear friend Heather captured the spring cherry blossoms and soap photo. I love this photo!

Lots of projects going on around here. We're going to be starting a home bathroom remodel soon. I can't wait for the upgrade. It's been a long time coming. 

 First things first...

Happy Spring!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

the finger...

Do you remember the topic of mannequins a few posts ago? I love this mannequin! It's substantial, heavy, and those wooden arms and hands are, well, just dandy. Notice her finger motioning you to come closer. Yes, her... She's also holding a bundle of lavender in her other hand. These mannequins are a bit pricier than dress forms but are well made, and kind of cool to change their gestures. What about a waving mannequin. My brother dropped by the shop and couldn't help but change the finger to a middle one for a brief moment when nobody was looking. Somedays are like that. Real life.

I'm also fond of these midriffs. They're nifty to wear under sheer garments of maybe poking out from a pretty blouse. Either way, they're cute. The macrame backpacks are unique too. New items at the modern day apothecary shop and we're gearing up for Spring. 

 

 The tropical plants are loving that sunny north bay! 

Time to import the whites and introduce fresh lavender soaps. 

This one is becoming one of my favorites. It's always strange how that happens. 

Those Petite Everlasting Bouquets are finding new homes. Love that! A little-dried bouquet brings joy to one's life. It certainly does!

When I first saw these chunky beaded belts, it was love at first site. They can quickly change an existing piece to an entirely different one with one click of their wooden buckles. 

Keep the faith, always...

Jill 

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