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Jill McDowell Lincoln
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.
I believe in less is more, and that the best inspiration usually comes from simple things. Case in point...Those bright and pale pink peonies. Peonies, Peonies, it was love at first site!
I picked up that little vase for just a few dollars several years ago and love it. It holds three single stems.
We had a little cool front come through this afternoon, and it absolutely feels like heaven on earth outside.
This is baking in the oven, and flowers blooming in the garden. I love Spring, Summer! I didn't have sour cream, so I used plain yogurt.
Another pleasant surprise bloom that popped out yesterday at the shop. I've always yearned to know the secret to getting an orchid to bloom. The blooms are long lived, and I'm fond of them. This orchid was blooming when I purchased it long before the holidays. After it stopped blooming I figured, since I've had no luck getting them to bloom, that there would be no more blooms on this orchid. I stuck it in the back room of the shop. The back room is cold and drafty especially during winter months, so I kind of also figured it would probably die being in those poor elements. Low and behold a couple of weeks ago I notice it's sprouted a whole new arm with blooms, glorious blooms! The shock, the shock. Who knew? I did not, but now I do. Happy orchid dance. I actually have another orchid that I placed, guess where?
I've always been drawn to simple inspiration. So many ideas come from pulling inspiration from these simple blooms.
Dried Hydrangea from last years bounty crop. They're everywhere! Some seasons they don't bloom, so they're treasured for years to come.
Mark it with a B for Bittersweet!
I use stamps for all kinds of shop projects. This one was purchased at this shop for $1!
I'm always looking for ways to save money, but offer unique packaging. Stamps fit the bill. They really fit the dollar bill! Sorry, couldn't resist.
The past few days have been spent outdoors planting flowers. I'm always amazed on how long it takes to plant and transplant flowers.
This year I'm planting a variety of peppers and squash in big pots. We tried the garden thing a few years ago, only to realize our old established trees block too much of the sun. We didn't want to cut down our trees,so instead of planting a garden we're using big pots. I'm anxious to watch them grow into produce!
A few weeks ago we went in on a grass fed beef. We purchased a small freezer to store the beef. So now I feel like a homesteader!
I have to admit it's nice to simply snatch meat from the freezer and not have to purchase it at the store. The first night we got the meat I made Swiss Steak. I pulled the first package from the freezer which happened to be sirloin. Normally, not a great cut of beef. Kind of tough, unless you marinade or tenderize it. However, by preparing it as Swiss Steak also makes it tender. The actual meat flavor is considerable more tasty than that of the store, I believe. We typically don't eat a ton of red meat, so the quarter will probably last awhile.
Now this homesteader family will enjoy grass fed beef, and home grown squash, peppers, oh, and herbs and tomatoes.
I mentioned how we plant lots of flower seeds a few posts ago. I dropped by my favorite hometown nursery the other day and carefully chose this seasons seeds. Moon Flower, Bachelor Button, and a variety of Zinnia.
I picked up that cable spool at the recent flea market for $3. It's kind of handy to use as a plant table.
Lennis created these built in planter boxes along the brick stair steps. I have them filled with bee balm and herbs. I poke a few nasturtium seeds in with the sage and chives. They'll climb down the sides of the wood planters and produce a colorful backdrop.
I've been on the hunt for planters, but during my search, I never found the right ones until spotting these at the red store the other day.
They're kind of a concrete material, and I love the shape and size. I filled two of them with herbs and placed the pots in front of my shop. Anymore before starting new projects, I'm fastidious about finding exactly what I'm looking for. Anything else, and it's a waste of money.
In another week or so, I'll be moving my home office upstairs into a spare bedroom. I'm pondering office ideas. Thinking about using some old wooden file cabinets as a base and then laying a butcher block or distressed wood of some sort on top as an office desk. Ideas still floating, but I'm one of those people that needs to see it rather than visualize. There are two windows in the small bedroom. Windows can sometimes pose a dilemma in a small space. I don't want my back to the window, and I'm really into Feng Shui, so I can see how this might pose a challenge as the two windows are on opposite walls. I'll definitely share all the Feng Shui progress once I get started. I'm a PC girl, so there's also a cord, wire, cable, issue. Out of site, out of mind.
Right now my home office is just right our kitchen and it's housed in an old Hoosier cabinet. We're going to take out the and build a banquette in its place.
You may remember my post about the banquette. When finished it will look something like this picture. The layout is exactly like ours, so it should fit perfect. It is handy to be married to a carpenter when planning such home projects.
I'm on the hunt for an old metal base like the one in the picture. I believe it's an old restaurant table base. I'm fond of this ratio of old mixed in with the new.
We made strawberry shortcake topped with rich homemade whipping cream for an after dinner snack. Of all the shortcake recipes available, my favorite is on side of a Bisquick box. We don't top them with another biscuit, but instead we pile on fresh strawberries and a large dab of homemade whipping cream.
This is a picture of my shop entrance. What you can't see is the bird nest that the wrens built in the eucalyptus wreath. This is an annual spring ritual, as wrens typically come back to their original nesting place year after year. Poor little birds, because when the shop door is open they fly into the shop. It happens every spring! A few days ago Mr. Wren flew in and landed on one of the herb wreaths inside. I turned off the shop lights and opened the door hoping he'd find his way back outside. A few minutes later he did just that. Not typically that easy, but I was re leaved that he did.
Let's see, snakes, squirrels and wrens tend to take up residency at the apothecary shop. A few years ago it was Ralphie the Squirrel. In this video I was baby talking, until he came back, time and time again and chewed off thirteen tassels off of a coverlet. If only you could have seen me chasing that squirrel off the porch. No more baby talk either. I was serious. I also really wanted to check out his pad, as it must have been plush with those thirteen tassels. His, her, babies must have rested quite comfortably.
It's lilac blooming time at the apothecary shop and home sweet home. I ventured out this morning in the rain, wind and cold yucky day to cut a few branches. It's suppose to get below freezing Friday night, and I'm afraid the blooms will be short lived. So I'm making every attempt to enjoy their amazing aroma and lovely lilac beauty.
Their little flower clusters aren't fully opened yet, but each plume is sweet with fragrance.
This little floral blouse came in today too. It had been backordered from the supplier. I'm fond of the colors, cut out neck, and bell sleeves.
I'm taking a few days off from the door refinishing. It's been raining all day, and I'm waiting until I can remove the door and place it on saw horses outdoors so that I can begin sanding and working on it more. I have to tell you, I'll be glad when it's finished!
Plans have been initialized for this upcoming event. Last year Crawford House was one of the venue's. It was a long day, and hot, so hot, but all in all, a memorable day filled with remarkable artists, and musician's. It was interesting in the fact that Crawford House hosted a variety of talented artist's ranging from age 10 - 80. I'm jazzed, no pun intended, about this year's event. The large front shop porch makes for the perfect stage and acoustics.
This is a special event, that I'm honored to be a part of. I hope folks realize what a privilege it is, and the hard work that goes into planning Make Music Liberty Day. If you live in the Kansas City area, start making plans to attend this music day in Historic Liberty Missouri.
Before that big day, we have another.
Bittersweet hosts a special May Day Celebration every spring. Over the years, twenty to be exact. I've hosted this old fashioned celebration day. Personally, it's an opportunity to share my appreciation to my customers. I prepare a menu of confections, and make May Day Baskets for my customers. Next to Christmas, this is a big event. Actually May Day is right up there with Christmas at the Apothecary Shop. May Day at the Apothecary Shop.
Spring is a special time. A season of renewal and fresh ideas.
Lemon and Strawberry Confections shine bright and tickle the taste bud.
New Bo-Ho Styles have arrived and many more due in next week.
We're keeping the shop stocked with fresh smell good and look good goodies.
I moved the fuchsia love seat in amongst the frocks. Would make a great photo prop. H'm pondering those model thoughts. Maybe another photo shoot would be nice.
Moving right along...
Spring, lovely Spring and happy Spring thoughts spinning.
We're getting ready to remodel our kitchen and bath. Decisions, decisions... What color should the floor be, cabinets, counter top, lighting, fixtures, etc. ?
I'm leaning towards gray or white cabinets, hardware like the picture above. White, lots of white throughout. There are certain things I like about the picture above and certain things I don't like.
We also have a small pantry in our kitchen. I've been searching for the perfect closure. It's open now, and I think I'd prefer it to be closed.
I'm fond of the finish and the hardware on this door. I think you could purchase this door at your local lumber supply store.
That's the kicker, searching and tracking down the exact items you're looking for.
Back and forth with the cabinet color. Gray or white.
Anyway, lots of projects floating around, and soap making in between.
I'm getting ready to refinish some pieces and put chunky wood knobs on all of them. I love chunky wood knobs!
Lennis and I traveled to Atchison Kansas yesterday to pick up a table from an antique dealer. For the life of me, I can't believe there are no pictures!
She lived in an old hatchery, and inside were the most amazing pieces I've ever seen!
Jan, the lady I picked up the table from home was like a museum. I also purchased an old hanging ribbon display. I've never seen one of these before. I'll share once I get it placed at the shop. I would imagine it's from the early nineteen hundreds and once hung from a tall ceiling in an old mercantile. Really Cool!
Jazzing up, cleaning, sorting, organizing, shedding, clearing, and that's about right.
I painted our dining room in this color. The color compliments natural wood tones and textures. It's easy. I like it when a color is easy.
We've been grilling and planting, and painting, and cleaning windows. It must be spring!
Sprucing up the guest room with fresh clean sheets and fresh flowers. Soon it will be occupied with a special out of town guest. Might I keep you in suspense?
Little seedlings are beginning to sprout. They enjoyed the sunshine today.
The apothecary shop on water street is growing in popularity. I'm picking up new customers every day! I'm at a loss for words. Other than, I'm very thankful and it feels like Christmas!
My hard work and determination have paid off. No tooting, simply stating the facts.
New ideas and adventures await me.
A model photo shoot in the works. Hopefully we'll be able to shoot in about three weeks. Bright red lipstick on the lips and flowing frocks blowing in the wind. I can envision it all. Soon I'll put those visions to life.
I dug out and carried the pink door from the shop basement. The black door knob against the pastel pink chippy wood is a work of art. I'm thinking the old door has been opened and shut many times. What do you think?
Another Frock, this one in white cotton. How could you go wrong?
In Season early, Lilac. Both Aroma Mist and soap will be ready in the days to come. I spy, with my little eye, my reflection shining through the amber colored bottle in the picture.
Easter Egg Hunts, Treasure Hunts, Frocks, Shop Going's On, and that's about right...
I'm anxiously awaiting these beauties. I chatted with the owner of our local nursery and he advised me to feed my hydrangea plants this season. Jim was also a guest on the Jill & Jules Show. He's the most informed gardener I know and can without hesitation, answer any question you might have about botanical, planting, feeding plants. Last year my hydrangea plants didn't bud. Not even one bud! I was saddened by this. The two years before I had a abundant crop of sea foam green and periwinkle hydrangea blooms, but for some reason last summer, zip. My customers were saddened too because I offer the dried flowers at the apothecary shop. To this day I continue to get requests for the blooms. I had to tell them there were none. You could tell by their expressions that they were just as let down as I was.
I have been working, clearing, cleaning, pruning, digging, planting, spreading seeds for two days. It feels good to get dirty and it feels even better to plant. When it comes to planting, I'm partial to seeds over mature plants. I love to watch the tiny seedling pop through the moist dirt and the quickly grow to become a flower. My favorite seed to plant, zinnia. They have a variety of candy colored blooms. I happened upon a lime green variety that when I first saw the packet, my heart skipped a beat. Now I've told you how if I weren't a soap maker, I'd be a flower shop girl! Zinnia's are simple and easy to start from seed. Throw a few seeds in dark rich dirt, water and watch em grow! Look at all those zinnia's. Seriously, this humble, but colorful picking flower is a show stopper. Tip: After the zinnia's have begun to bloom, pluck a few tops and place on newspapers in a dark room. You'll have preserved zinnia's! You can get wire stems and attach them to the bloom and make an everlasting bouquet.
I'm in soap making early summer mode. Kicking into heavy manufacturing. The shop is sprouting and growing similar to my flower garden growth. I'm maturing and expanding in more ways that I ever imagined and the lessons I've learned along the way are indeed priceless. The human contact resource one acquires when owning a shop is beyond any put into words feelings. I guess making a living from doing what I love is almost as rewarding. I'm thankful and appreciative, and ponder those grateful thoughts each and every day.
When I grow old, those shop owner and soap maker memories will surely put a smile on my face and touch my old soul as I ponder.
Clay pots filled with pink impatient. A humble little flower that spreads a bountiful beauty. I'm also fond of the white's. Impatient's are considered an annual in my region of the country. I don't mind at all re-planting her!
Why do I love old chippy posts? I have no answer other than, I simply love their architecture. Possibly my attraction stems from my wood working days. I know how much work is involved to make these posts. A lathe is used to form the pillars. The one's in the picture were probably made using a very old lathe. Not one of modern day. Okay, I'm pretty sure that's why I love them!
Lilac bouquets are taking center stage at the apothecary shoppe. For the life of me, I can't imagine why they would not. Their tender aromatic blooms embellish any space with their beauty. A simple pleasure that can not be duplicated. Except possibly if the fragrance was available in let's say, a bar of moisture rich soap! How could I not!
I have white lilac bushes too! I picked a bouquet to give to Jules. The old fashioned spirea is blooming. I prefer old fashioned over the more modern variety. Rather than clusters of blooms, the old fashioned have petite blooms, almost rose like. I believe gardeners call the vintage flowering plant, "bridal wreath."
I've mentioned how I'd be a flower shop owner, if I weren't already a soap maker, right?
Speaking of more flowers... I am excited beyond excited for the herbal wreaths to arrive. I picked up a long dowel. The wood dowel will be used to gently retrieve the wreaths from the wall in which they will cover the shop walls like living wallpaper. Oh my! I'm picking out a couple of wreaths for my home and little garden shed door.
I anticipate the wreaths selling quickly. That word, my favorite word, anticipation. Sometimes the feelings associated fill my soul with blooms. It's always a soulful feeling to anticipate, and then upon arriving it's better than you could ever have imagined. Of course, it can have the opposite effect. For the most part, my anticipation feelings have been above rather than below. Does that make sense? I think so. Don't read too much into it though.
Please tell me you're not getting tired of visualisation the vintage white rack.
In love with little trio blossom vase!
Mountains of moisture rich olive oil soap await you!
Julie and I are performing at our shops. We're spring cleaning and painting and prepping for our May Day Event. The shop is busy and spring has sprung! A happy time indeed.
New cuffs...
A new spring arrival. Hand made with modern vintage touches. So stink'in cute with summer attire, if I might.
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