Bittersweet and the little soap company

one bloom at a time

My gardens are beginning to show signs of rebirth. I planted some late radish seeds and gazed over to my rock gardens to see this single bloom of sage. It's a pretty bloom, I've always thought. One bloom shares magic just like hundreds. At least that's how I feel. The past few days have been spent working around our home. I spent four hours searching for real cedar mulch, only to discover a new supplier that fulfils almost all of the big box stores, and they're all what I would describe as inferior mulch. I accidentally purchased a few bags last spring, only to remember how inferior this brand was. I was not going to make the same mistake twice. The crappy mulch, says Cedar Blend on the bag, and a mix of plastic shavings of some foreign substance a few cedar clippings, and I mean a few, and the rest is pine and whatever else they throw in including rocks. At least they're being honest and calling it a blend. Who knew? I finally found pure cedar mulch at this place. Keep in mind, I searched five different places before finding it. The reason I prefer cedar is that it repels insects. I've always felt that spreading any other mulch around your home, minus plastic, is like having a megaphone and screaming, Come on down, termites! Ha! I was glad to find the cedar, needless to say.

Chives are one of my favorite herbs. It grows back strong each spring, and it's used regularly in cooking around here. It's also easy to grow and rewards you time and time again with new growth after cutting. If you're searching for an herb to plant, give chives a try. I even cut the purple blooms to place in bouquets. 

I'm really enjoying spring this year. We're having what I call an old-fashioned spring that lingers on and celebrates with new blooms each day. 

I've cut back three bunches of romaine in my little raised beds. Have I told you how rewarding it is to munch on a fresh head of lettuce that you grow? Oh, I know that I have, but it's worth repeating!

This year I planted yellow squash, zucchini, an assortment of peppers, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and cucumbers. I mentioned how I wanted to try some different varieties of cucumbers in my last post. They started popping up yesterday and continue to sprout from seeds that I planted a couple of weeks ago. I've also mentioned many times how gratifying it is to start a garden from seed and watch it grow and expand. 

This spring, I dug up some new spots for those annuals. Zinnias are one of my favorite cut flowers, and they shine throughout the entire summer into autumn. I always start them from seeds. Easy to grow, by the way, if you're new at gardening. There are different varieties, but I prefer the California Giant. Their blooms are huge and showy. They are candy colored and a unique summer bloom. 

Last summer, I planted Hollyhocks along a lattice wall, and they're another flower to have. I started them from seeds, too. They get tall and produce a stem of blooms. They're considered an old-fashioned flower, too, which I love. This was a hybrid variety that I was drawn to by its pale pink blooms. 

One of the other simple pleasures of life, at least for this soap maker, is hanging my linen sheets in the sunshine and spring breeze. When you climb into your bed at night, the crisp texture that the sun and wind produce is like nothing else! I love the smell of fresh linen, sunshine sheets, too. I shared the info about my clothes line a few posts ago. You can live green like they used to in the olden days. Not new, but old. All of the things that they did in the old days were green. Those thoughts are food for thought. 

I made homemade hamburger buns yesterday. This is the recipe that I used, but I didn't want to draw out the process, so I added a teaspoon of yeast. They were so good that I had one warm with butter. I would add the yeast to the recipe so that it doesn't take two days to make them. The honey adds just a touch of sweetness most delightfully. 

I'm changing subjects. Our new Coconut Oil Moisturizer is available at our shop and website. We love everything about this moisturizer, everything! If you're on the hunt for a pure coconut oil moisturizer, this is for you. 

The shop is picking up as new customers are discovering our shop. We're excited for summer to arrive and are enjoying the in-between. New soaps are hitting the shop and website each week, and we're feeling the love from our customers as they drop in and share feelings about how special our shop is. We've always known it, but when a customer comments or details what they like about Bittersweet, it makes us happy, and I feel like this speck of the world here at Bittersweet is making a difference in people's lives. 

 

 

We've fastidiously started to choose our outsourcing items to offer at the shop. I've always been drawn to straw hats and bags. We have a shipment of them coming, and we're eager to share them with you. I believe every girl needs at least one straw hat and bag to get you through summer. 

We've also chosen some other special and unique outsourcing pieces that caught my attention, and I can't wait to share those with you, too. Coming soon! One of the most exciting things about owning a shop is ordering items that stand out. It's been a thing since day one, twenty-seven, and 364 days ago!

It's time to plant your Angel Trumpet seeds! If you haven't picked up your pack yet, they're available at both the shop and the website. 

I'm making fresh jars of Tallow today, and I'm happy to share that I've increased the production number so that we can keep up with demand. Happy thoughts!

Our local farmers' market kicked off the start of the season on Saturday. I ran down Saturday morning before opening the shop and picked up some rhubarb and radishes. Then I made the best rhubarb cobbler. I used this recipe, but read the recipe wrong and added 3/4 cup of butter instead of the stick, so I added a cup more flour and one more egg, and it was so good! I was concerned that the rhubarb was not ripe because it was pretty green, but it was perfect after it was cooked in the cobbler. 

I'm planning a low-key Mother's Day as I've been working hard outside this week at both the shop and at home. It's always gratifying to witness the fruit of one's labor. Hard work always pays off in feelings of satisfaction. I hope your day is filled with all things special and satisfying. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Springtime at Bittersweet

Spring signifies a time of rejuvenation, and at Bittersweet, we wholeheartedly embrace this opportunity to unveil new soaps and skincare products that amplify the essence of the season.

Our shop is abuzz with creativity as we draw inspiration from blooming flowers, fresh herbs, and the gentle warmth of the sun.​

There's something timeless and deeply satisfying about the ritual of hanging freshly washed linen sheets on a clothesline, letting them bask in the sun and sway gently in the breeze. After many years of faithful service, my old clothesline finally gave way, prompting me to invest in a new one. This simple act has rekindled my appreciation for the understated joys of line-drying laundry.​

We're developing a new coconut oil-based skincare product that promises to leave your skin glowing and soft. ​

Our commitment to freshness means we introduce a new soap each week, ensuring a diverse and exciting selection for our customers.

 

Yesterday afternoon, a kind and thoughtful customer stopped by and asked me what my favorite dish was at our local Italian restaurant. She explained that she gathers with her close friends every year around this time, and since I couldn’t be there with them, she wanted to bring me lunch on Saturday—her treat.

I’ve been reflecting on her sweet gesture ever since she left, and it reminded me just how powerful small acts of kindness can be. They leave a lasting impression, often far greater than we realize.

We sometimes think we don’t have the time, or we wonder if it will even matter—but nothing could be further from the truth. I truly believe we’re here to share love and light with one another, and these simple, thoughtful moments help make the world a little softer, a little kinder.

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” —Harold S. Kushner

Let’s never underestimate the beauty of a kind gesture. 💛

May is shaping up to be an exciting month at our shop as we unveil the arrival of new soaps and skincare. It's been a while since I've introduced new skincare, and I feel like Spring is the perfect time to share. 

This unique plant oil has a scent that stands out from the essential oil crowd. 

We believe that you're going to love visiting our shop and exploring the new arrivals, as well as the tried and true products. 

Happy Spring!

Jill 

 

 

Slow Monday

In 2001, a week after September 11, I lost my mom. During her final days, I found myself telling her that she was departing during a tumultuous time, as the world seemed to spiral into chaos. Oddly enough, those words brought a strange comfort, as I held onto the belief that the next world would offer solace and happiness.

Reflecting on history, it's clear that humanity has weathered numerous tragedies, including wars and famines. I can't help but think that those who lived through such trying times might have felt a similar mix of hope and uncertainty, clinging to the belief that brighter days lay ahead. That's one of my favorite pictures of my mom. 

Our gentle castile soap for washing dishes is gentle to the skin but fierce on cleaning dishes. My great-grandmother Lucy used her handmade soap for laundry, dishwashing, bathing, and probably a few things in between! Back in those days, handmade soap was a valuable commodity for that reason. She probably stored the soap in the cellar or back room. I can envision it stacked neatly in a wooden box or enamel bowl. 

The picture of our bathroom. I refinished the dresser. It was painted white. It turned out better than I expected. I didn't apply any stain but left it natural with a coat of tung oil. Have you ever finished furniture with tung oil? It's a great alternative to poly. 

Mondays live up to their reputation around here. I've learned to work at a much slower pace on Mondays as it seems that if I don't I'm forced to, so I've decided over the many years of operating a small business that's the golden rule. 

I've emphasized many times how much I adore the simple peasant shirt pattern. Years ago, I crafted these cotton tops for our shop. If you've ever delved into sewing, you understand the significant time investment it requires. Whether you're searching for the perfect pattern or creating your own (which I personally prefer), the process can be quite time-consuming. However, once you begin cutting out the pieces and sewing, the sense of reward and satisfaction is abundant and incomparable. Truly, creating your own clothing, not to mention designing each piece, stands out in ways that are difficult to articulate.  If I were to share that I hated sewing classes in school, you'd probably be surprised. It wasn't until a demand for sewn pieces came about in my business that I turned those feelings around. Sometimes in life, we have a concrete decision on what works for us and what doesn't only to be surprised when we end up turning those thoughts upside down. 

Another past design, The Alice Bracelet, was named after my mom. There's also something special about beading that brings peace to the soul. Naming these handmade items after people that I love feels right too.

Little Elle is a constant companion! So much has changed in my life since we first traveled over the hills and through the woods to bring this fur baby into our family. She's been a faithful friend through all of the lows over the past few years and has transformed those lows into highs in many ways that only a dog can do. 

I've been wrapping cookbook orders and every time I package one of these books it brings joy to my heart. Thank you for your support and patronage. Writing a book, even a cookbook is always a luck of the draw moment as you never know if other people will find it as special as you do. My next book also carries those feelings.  So much goes into writing a book not to mention the time involved and the money. Most don't think about that. You see the book and that's all you see, but if you were to witness the beginning-to-end process of writing a book, I think that you'd look at it in a different light. I know that I have. 

My simple kitchen holds a special place in my heart, and when I stop and ponder the many meals that I've prepared over the years in this simple kitchen a smile comes instantly!

They, meaning city officials and county have made so-called upgrades to our quaint downtown district. Some of which I find a waste of taxpayers' money, but there are a few that stand out as cool. The street markers fall under that latter feeling.

We have a collection of citrus soaps coming later this month. I'm working on something new that I believe everyone that comes into our shop will love. I'll try and share it in the next post. 

My peonies are in bloom! The season is short, but sweet! I didn't have as many blooms as in years past, but I'm taking in the few blooms that I have this year. Little things. 

I mentioned in a past post how I wanted to build an arbor over my raised beds. I have one bed that is nothing but climbers. Yellow squash, zucchini, green beans, cucumber, and melon, and the idea of saving ground space is an appealing thought especially since I have very little sun in my backyard. I ordered the cattle panel here. It was the only place that offered the exact measurement. I also ordered the t-posts. Four of them. They come with metal grasps, but we opted for plastic zip ties. My brother and dad took me to pick up the panel and posts and my brother hammered the post into the ground. I got the idea from another gardener and he shared a video on how to make the inexpensive arbor. The panels themselves were $34, and the posts were $5 each. Ha, now they're on sale!  I spent a whopping sixty-something! My dad was freaking out that it was so inexpensive. I'm really happy with it. It's one of those projects that turned out better than expected. I have a variety of flower seeds planted around the beds. I can't wait until the veggies and fruits start to vine. I have clips that I'll use to clip the vines onto the panel. If you are considering such a project, I'd highly recommend it. It was easy to put together too.  I'll definitely be sharing the progress of this up-garden! I'm sharing some of my recent purchases for both my yard and home. I use all of these items and have given them a five-star rating as they each live up to my high standards for outsourcing purchasing. Tip: Both the owl and the deer and rabbit repellant have kept the squirrels and rabbits out of my beds. Knock on wood. 

Happy Spring!

Jill 

 

 

A Soulful Spring

The past few days have been filled with reflection on past springs, enriched by simple yet deeply rewarding experiences. I reminisce about gathering wild violets from my yard and crafting tiny purple bouquets that brought joy to my heart. I remember dusting off my flower press and journaling about my favorite botanicals, adding little notes beside the dried blooms. And there's the memory of gathering white sage and crafting bundles for burning, filling the air with its soothing scent. These moments hold a special place in my heart, and today, I'm journeying back to those soulful moments in time, bringing their essence back into my life.

As I journey back through memories, I'm drawn to a soulful period of my life: the moment I made my very first batch of soap. Even after nearly twenty-seven years, the passion still envelops every bar I cut and wrap. It's not magic, but it feels akin to it—something even more profound. The blood, sweat, and tears, though cliché, formed the very foundation of this business. It's the perseverance that has guided every step I've taken.

There have been countless moments when I've contemplated throwing in the towel over the many years. No pun intended, but the relentless urge to persevere has always overshadowed any doubts or negative voices. This resilience is key to unlocking your full potential. Never let the naysayers deter you. I'll never forget the time a family member on my husband's side asked me if I knew how many soap makers there were. The question felt insulting and hurtful, and I now realize it was intentional. I've never understood jealousy or envy, but I've witnessed it many times—unfortunately, it's part of the journey of forming a small business. The trick is to let it slide, and do so swiftly. Your success will be the ultimate reward, especially when faced with naysayers trying to bring you down. I am sharing this to prepare you because they will come! Never waver in your trust and faith. Those two human gifts are the foundation for a firm house that no one can tear down, not even the big bad wolf! Ha!

As we draw closer to spring we celebrate its arrival by introducing aromatic new soaps and clean skincare essentials. I get excited when a new product sells out in its first week of introduction! Our tallow cream and magnesium balm have sold out twice! Honestly, I completely understand because they contain darn good ingredients that perform. Always important to Bittersweet that our products do what they say they are going to do. We don't offer any crafted product that doesn't. 

 

As I reflect on old favorite pastimes that have become new favorites, baking, and bread making hold a special place in my heart. Many years ago, I dabbled in sourdough bread making after a co-worker shared some starter with me. I vividly remember the months spent crafting loaves, but eventually, the demanding nature of the process wore me out.

Nowadays, I've adopted a different approach, focusing more on sharing the joy of sourdough with friends and family. I bake two loaves each week, and it's become the only bread I consume. Store-bought bread, with its myriad of chemicals, no longer finds its way into my kitchen. I prefer to refer to it as "so-called" bread due to its artificial additives.

A couple of years ago we propagated our fiddle figs at the shop and shared starters with customers. The process is time-consuming and typically takes about six weeks before the plant starts to root, but it's worth the time when you hand the starter over to a new caretaker. If you want to do this simply cut a stem off of your existing fig dip it in root hormone powder and place it in clean distilled water. Don't use tap water. Change the water out every week with fresh. Once it starts to root it takes off. This is when you place the single stem in the dirt and watch it grow. I love getting plant starters from friends. A few years ago a customer shared a starter with me and now it's a healthy flourishing plant. Little things. 

Last spring I planted a variety of herbs in my planters on my deck. I planted peppermint and thyme along with a few other favorite herbs. We made peppermint tea and used the fresh herbs in preparing meals. It was a joy to simply open my kitchen door and grab fresh herbs. More little things that create a soulful spring. 

When Patrick was a small boy he'd ask me when I baked or prepared dinner if I seasoned the dish with love. The phrase has stuck with me over the years and I've learned that there's some truth to it. When we bake and cook meals from scratch it's a token of love to the recipient. Love is wrapped into each and every ingredient that is added to create the dish. I remember sitting at my grandmother Christine's kitchen table writing down her chocolate pie recipe when I was a young girl. I didn't know at the time that the moment would forever stay forged into my heart and memories, but I'm thankful that it has. I know that you have similar stories that help to create not just a soulful spring, but a soulful life. 

I've been a forager before I could walk. My mom used to strap me on her back when I was a wee one and hunt for her favorite fungi. She'd then take her bounty of morels home and soak them in salt water before cooking them in butter and serving them to her much-appreciated family. I skipped a few years of hunting, but last year I took my brother and dad to one of my favorite mushroom locations and we came home with a mess and enough for all of us to enjoy. We're planning on going again once the ground warms up a bit more. 

Your spring might not look like mine, but it's yours! Your stamp is on it!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

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