Bittersweet and the little soap company

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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simple inspiration

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. 

Enjoy Spring, glorious Spring.

 

 

 

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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. 

 

Happy Spring!

Jill  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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lilac love

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.

Jill  

 

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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!

Off to gather needed supplies for refinishing.

Happy Spring!

Jill

 

 

Into May

May, Sweet May...

I love you

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'm hoping you're having a merry May.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Jill 00

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