Bittersweet and the little soap company

Refresh

I'm often reminded of just how tender life is. When I gaze at pictures from a few summers ago, it encourages me to live life as it should be lived. Things can change at the drop of a hat, and each day is a true gift. I've always embraced this mindset, but even more so in the past few years.

I remember that trip well and how I knew it would probably be his last. When you ponder those thoughts, you tend to live only in the here and now. My "here and now" has changed dramatically, but not necessarily in a negative way. My growth is ever-evolving, and I've come to realize that nothing lasts forever except for one thing: love.

It always feels like I've been away for a long time when the first day back at the shop arrives. The busy manufacturing schedule and the complete turnaround of tasks seem to scurry by without me really paying attention. Once I'm back at the shop, my to-do list shortens, and I move at a much slower pace compared to my time at the studio designing new skincare recipes and prototypes.

It might seem odd to some that we start making Holiday Soap as soon as the calendar turns to July, but for this soap maker, it's been a way of life for over twenty-seven years. I'm accustomed to the rhythm of the soap maker's life.

Our Fall 24 Collections are already beginning to take shape, and each season the anticipation grows. I'm in awe on how after all these years my excitement gathers and grows, but I'm thankful that it does. You're going to love our curations! 

It starts with a color, and then shapes, packaging, and ideas are put into action. I love that about creating! The concept of making something from the ground up and then rounding it off with completion that satisfies and gratifies is such a delightful thing for one's soul! Sharing those artisan objects of attraction is even more rewarding. Each of us requires a reward of some type. It's part of why we're here. Reward doesn't need to be fussy either, it can be small and simple. We are philosophically speaking. 

I have been picking and plucking from my raised bed gardens! This is the first year that I've had raised beds, and so each cucumber, tomato, squash, or green bean truly fascinates me in a most rewarding way. I want to start a garden journal to record all kinds of things that relate to garden table talk. Pests and cultivation, growth records, and it's incredible to realize just how much knowledge can come from a simple garden The old timers learned from their fathers and passed their rich garden knowledge down, or maybe they're like me and don't know squat about growing a garden. You pick up on some valuable knowledge that way. Being a garden pupil. Your teacher is the garden! Cool things. 

My days are messed up when a holiday falls during the middle of the week. It feels like, I'm not sure what it feels like, possibly Sunday. Can you relate? I know you can. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

golden days

We're having a blast crafting summer spa day packages at the shop! After all, who doesn't love to indulge and pamper themselves during the hot summer months? We're updating our closet with cotton and linen textiles and dusting off those sandals that have been sitting on the back shelf for months. It's summer, and I believe these steamy, sultry days inspire us to slow down and revisit the forgotten days. This means bringing back timeless skincare recipes like tallow and herbal tinctures. That's been our philosophy for twenty-seven years here at Bittersweet, but I find myself leaning toward those thoughts even more in a world full of artificial goods and intelligence.

We're dedicating the entire month of July to these wholesome thoughts by celebrating the arrival of fresh herbs and medicinal blooms. Get ready for the golden days!

My editor dropped by this morning, and we're almost off to the publisher. I have some homework to do this weekend with my book, and each step brings us closer to actually holding a published book in my hand! Writing is so temperamental, at least for me. There are days I feel like writing and days I don't. It's not something I can force myself to do. You either feel it or you don't. I've also learned that you can lose inspiration if you don't stop and just do it. I've learned a tremendous number of significant things about myself and the process of editing and publishing during this book-writing journey. I have a great editor! She's one of my favorite people. If you've written before, you know this isn't always the case. I can't imagine having an editor you weren't fond of on a human level.

I've picked peppers and green beans from my raised beds, only to discover that Elle loves to eat fresh, uncooked green beans! I can't resist sharing some with her. I break them in half, and she gobbles them down like they're candy! Who knew?

We're making room for new items at our store, and like every year before, I'm amazed at just how fast summer goes.

I made another batch of tallow soap this morning and scented the bars with pure essential oils of geranium and grapefruit. It feels like the tallow discovery has piqued my interest even more in concocting soap recipes that exceed my expectations for pH, creamy lather, and moisture.

I took a chunk of tallow soap to my dad's on Sunday, and everyone experienced the generous suds while washing their hands. I am in awe!

When you stop and think about how a soap maker of twenty-seven years still gets excited about sap values and pH levels, it's beyond me, but I do!

We've planned a busy week at our shop.

Enjoy the golden days of summer!

 

 

Summer Breeze

A shiny new month is here and I can't help but believe that once the first of June arrives summer is here too! We have big plans for summer! Some of which I can share and some that I can't, but I can declare with all my summer mood that you're going to love it all!

Where do I start? 

Once the merry month of June arrives so do marvelous thoughts of summers past. All of these have graced my life with sweet memories that will forever be forever in my mind. Summers spent at the lake swimming and water skiing. Summers filled with swimming pools and halter tops, cutoffs, and fresh veggies from the garden. Summer doesn't mess around! It presents the best of the best and here at Bittersweet, we follow along with those same thoughts. 

A soap maker's life is filled with a garden of goodness. Not to say that there are also some not-so-good mixed in, but nurturing the things you love helps to create a life well loved. I believe that everyone can achieve this, but it takes work. There are three categories that also need to work together for the good of good that centers around your mind, body, and spirit once you achieve a yin and yang of those three, you are there. I must say, personally speaking, there would be none of the above without my faith in God. I believe that these gifts come from him. Can you call God a him? I've never thought about that before. I would have to believe he's much bigger than him! After all, he's created the entire universe. It's hard to grasp that, isn't it? It seems so far-fetched to most. The truth is, once you start to ponder that thought you come to realize just how mighty he is and how his powers are beyond anything we can earthly understand. There is nothing he can't do! Think about that with some serious thought and you start to nourish an understanding. If you're reading this then it was meant for you. 

I'm bringing back a few Bittersweet past collections. Our Summer Breeze series of products will be making a short but sweet show, and our Lake House, which by the way is one of my favorites has already returned to our shop. 

My son texted me from a recent trip and shared a shot of a Lip Balm Scrub that was packaged in a tube. I love the idea of having a Lip Balm Scrub in a tube over a pot simply because it's more convenient to apply and use. Now you see how new products arrive! 

We have a handpicked selection of out-sourcing items that stand out. A cleverly made smudge stick that is wrapped in a moonflower stone. I've always been drawn to this stone. A collection of plant-dyed linen towels also got my attention. I'm somewhat obsessive with kitchen towels! There, I said it! I'm picky and only have linen and cotton in my kitchen. The better the cotton or linen the better the towel absorbs water.  Synthetic towels just don't live up to linen or cotton. 

We also have a new Lip Balm, Strawberry Watermelon which has become another favorite for this maker!

I'm working on wedding orders and behind-the-scenes soap-making is gathering some new ideas, formulations, and designs. Hint, tallow. 

On the home front, we're celebrating big birthdays and gatherings with family and friends that help to make summer a little more special. 

However your summer breeze happens by, I hope that it leaves you with some sweet summer memories. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

A breath of fresh air

Our unseasonable cooler weather is inspiring me to pre-plan our fall collection for the shop. The season is short and sweet at Bittersweet and we want to relish in its beauty for as long as we possibly can. We're always a couple of months ahead in planning our manufacturing and seasonal offerings, so it makes sense that we'd be eager to unleash these tender fall items with you. The new pieces will begin to trickle in kind of like the way fall nudges its way ever so softly away from summer. You're going to love this curated collection!

Every day for twelve years I've been walking by my neighbor's magnolia tree while it's blooming and it's graced me with its amazing scent. I've often wanted to pick a bloom from the tree but felt that it wasn't nice so I refrained from doing so. I finally decided after twelve years that it was okay to pluck one single bloom to take home and enjoy. I placed the blossom in a bowl of shallow water and enjoyed it for a couple of days. Little things. 

A sweet, sweet soul visited Bittersweet on Friday. She traveled far from Italy with her lovely husband. I couldn't resist capturing the picture of her wearing her new denim jacket and hat. 

Our latest soap release, White Jasmine. Bittersweet has a customer named Tommy that loves this soap! I'd never imagine that this soap would be Tommy the fireman's favorite scent, but I've learned to not imagine people's favorite scents. Having said that, I do have an uncanny way of knowing what scents people like. I've never been able to figure that out, but it's kind of cool to have the superpower! We're wrapping up our summer soap manufacturing and turning to fall and winter. We're around two months ahead in our soap-making. A must for this soap girl!  Good things. 

I have always been in love with Paisley! There, I said it! I'm not sure why exactly, but I've always been drawn to teardrop shapes and muted colors. Bittersweet is excited to be offering a variety of Kalamkari cotton bandanas. When I was a teenager these patterns were being imported from India, and I remember being in awe over them. Present day and I still treasure them. I also believe that if you want to add some style to your look tie one of these on!

I ordered our fall soap wrapping papers, and the excitement has already begun to flow through my veins. Those same feelings that I had twenty-six years ago continue to rush through me, possibly even more. Simply because those feelings are like a good wine, refined and fine-tuned. Thankful. 

How do you define a breath of fresh air? For me, it might be a new customer entering our shop for the first time. Or possibly picking a flower from a neighbor's magnolia tree. Climbing into bed with my crisp clean sheets that hung in the hot summer sun. Sipping on an ice-filled glass of peach tea.  Hearing a peck on my door and seeing a treasured friend wanting to visit while on their morning walk. It doesn't matter what your definition of a breath of fresh air means, but it's important that you experience it in your own personal way. 

Jill 

 

Style

At Bittersweet, we believe that our look is not defined by a specific style but rather by a unique blend of our favorite elements. It encompasses both nostalgic elements from the past and forward-thinking pieces from the future. We embrace the versatility of style, allowing it to be shaped and customized according to individual preferences. That's the beauty of style—it can be whatever you want it to be, a reflection of your personal taste and creativity. We encourage you to explore and curate your own distinctive style that incorporates the things you love most. So often nowadays and especially with social media we're bombarded with certain looks that occasionally develop to look the same. I guess that's always the way it's been. Back in the seventies, everyone got on the avocado green kick and fondue. There's always something that hits and sticks. Sometimes it's refreshing to go against the grain. I've always felt a need to not follow the Jones, but prefer to stand apart with a personal take on style. I of course have folded with trends just like everyone else, but I've learned, and especially that I'm getting older and refined that my taste has followed. Takeaway, don't fall under trendy pressure. Design your home and wardrobe with your thumbprint. After all, you're the one that sees it most or wears it best. 

So next week we have a shipment of some cute summer dresses and flirty tops. All cotton, are my favorite fabric of life! Well with the exception of linen which would be first place. 

We've released Elderberry Soap which by the way is infused with the scent of summer. While we're on the summer kick I also made a Watermelon Lip Balm that smells and tastes amazing. I've started to incorporate a couple of Taste Lip Balms into our collection. We always have a variety of ten different Lip Balms to choose from and they are everchanging as the seasons churn. 

An update or modification on our popular Car Spice, but if you love the original we'll be happy to accommodate you. We had that happen over the weekend with a customer. She preferred the original. It's nice to have choices. Not too many like walking in the aisle of chips, but a happy balance that allows you to well, have choices. 

We also introduced a Coconut Milk Bath. I can't say enough about this new bath potion. My skin feels amazing after bathing in the rich frothy milk and the Dead Sea. Just amazing! Simple formula without any chemicals or fancy stuff. Pure to the bone. The way we love it!

Summer is here!

Happy Summer!

Jill 

 

 

Summer refresh

What an exhilarating week it has been! The pace was fast and steady, and now that our sale is behind us, I can't help but feel a sense of relief. It was truly a remarkable success, with three-quarters of our merchandise finding new homes within the first thirty minutes. If you were one of the lucky ones to snag a beautiful rug, lamp, basket, or dress, congratulations!

In addition to the sale, we had the pleasure of participating in the annual quilt walk on Saturday. It always works out perfectly that the sale concludes on Friday, making way for the enthusiastic quilters to embark on their creative journey on Saturday. The energy and passion displayed by the quilters were truly inspiring.

With the sale behind us, my focus now shifts to the vibrant season of summer. It's a time of new beginnings and exciting possibilities. I am currently immersed in the creation of a fresh and captivating summer collection. While I want to keep the details under wraps for now, I can assure you that it will revolve around a single remarkable ingredient. Get ready to be swept away by the delightful products that await you!

As the calendar flips to June, it signals a time of transformation in our shop. We embrace the opportunity to revamp, clean, and create space for the arrival of new collections and exquisite soaps. I must confess, summer soaps hold a special place in my heart. Their vibrant colors, invigorating scents, and skin-nourishing qualities make them an absolute joy to craft.

I can't wait to unveil the wonders of our summer collection and share them with you. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we immerse ourselves in the spirit of summer. It's a season filled with warmth, beauty, and endless possibilities, and we are excited to embark on this journey with you.

Thank you for being a part of our incredible week and for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and love for our products fuel our passion and inspire us to continue creating extraordinary experiences. Here's to a remarkable summer filled with unforgettable moments and the purest indulgences for your skin and senses

We're not like most soap shops.

Just like the shifting seasons, our soaps evolve to capture the essence of each unique time of year. We believe in the power of embracing nature's rhythms and reflecting them in our products. As the seasons change, so do our soap creations, offering you a delightful array of scents and sensations to accompany your journey through the year.

From the refreshing and invigorating scents of spring to the vibrant and fruity blends of summer, our soaps are carefully crafted to evoke the spirit of each season. With each bar, you'll embark on a sensory adventure that celebrates the beauty and diversity of nature.

Experience the joy of seasonal transitions with our ever-changing selection of soaps. Let the fragrances and textures transport you, as you indulge in the transformative power of a bathing ritual tailored to the time of year. Discover the magic of our seasonal soaps and let them accompany you on your journey through the ever-changing tapestry of seasons. 

 

The excitement of growth fills the air as the micro greens in our garden start sprouting. Growing your own greens requires patience, but the rewards are truly worth it. The freshness and vibrant flavors they bring to our meals are unmatched.

Last week, we indulged in the irresistible pleasure of baking chunky chocolate chip cookies. The sweet aroma wafting from the oven was simply tantalizing. And now, the oven is working its magic once again, filling our home with the heavenly scent of a gooey butter cake. The anticipation of savoring its deliciousness is almost too much to bear.

Speaking of our home, I wanted to share a glimpse of our attic bedroom with you. Its simplicity and lack of frills reflect my personal style. I find beauty in minimalism and appreciate the calmness it brings. Moreover, I take joy in organizing my jewelry, scarves, and accessories, creating an orderly oasis where everything has its place.

As we embrace the essence of summer, I raise my glass to a refreshing and rejuvenating season ahead. Here's to the moments of bliss, the vibrant experiences, and the simple joys that summer brings. May each day be filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Cheers to you and the delightful journey that lies ahead. May your summer be filled with abundance, growth, and the sweetness of life's simplest pleasures.

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulling it together

I feel like it's been a blur of a weekend! Friday as we were starting the porch sale our entire checkout system crashed! It took me a while to get it resolved. We finally got one machine working but our main register was out and we couldn't get any cash out of our drawer. Finally, after a couple of hours, I closed the shop and Debbie watched over the sale and I managed to fix the problem on my pc at home. Never in the world of Bittersweet has anything like this ever happened. As I was driving home it hit me how trivial it was, however, I'd also fixed the issue, so my mood had a lot to do with fixing it. Let me please announce how phenomenal our guests were on Friday during our crash! You guys were above amazing! Thank you for being you! Shit happens! I'm learning as I get older how everything that comes my way especially when it's something bad shouldn't influence my character or mood. It's not easy, and undoubtedly bad things will continue to happen, so I might as well make plans to mold my emotions around those unfortunate events in a way that doesn't ruin my day or make me wish that I'd done things differently. I don't like regrets. If not for your healthy and positive dispositions, I might not look at Friday's mishap with such a positive outlook. Thanks again!   Without a doubt, my customers are the salt of the earth! I am and will forever be thankful for each one of you that has ever walked through those Bittersweet doors!

The busy summer season is almost here! A lot of times retail shops see a decline in business during the summer months we are at our busiest. In July we start our holiday soap manufacturing, and in between, we're working on new collections and styling our store. I'm getting ready to dig heavy into styling our shop. We're expanding our Scent Your Own, and launching a few new lines as well. I feel like our store gets stale if we don't make upgrades and nicks and tucks every now and then. We don't have a huge space but it takes a considerable amount of work to maintain, clean, and style it in a way that stands out and emphasizes our uniqueness. 

At the shop, I gravitate towards neutral styling and prefer the look over any other. A few black pieces for grounding. Black is used in decorating as a grounding color. You should always have at least one black piece in a room. At least this is what I was taught years ago.  Nowadays you see a lot of black in decorating. I'm a fan of black and white too. If you're not sure what colors you'd like to have in your home simply open your closet door and see which color you have more of. This is the color you should have in your home. This method is a never-fail method and it's easy to choose wall colors and furniture colors by using this closet method. I have tons of white. In fact, I have a small bedroom transformed into a closet in our 1921 home, and most of the garments if not all are white. Yes, my closet is also filled with white, and I have quite a bit of black. 

Years ago we styled our store with jars filled with dried botanicals and I've never really grown tired of the old-fashioned way of styling. We're going to bring back some of that and incorporate the idea into our store once again simply because we've always loved it. 

Our apothecary cabinets are filled with curing soaps. Years ago I purchased old glass door apothecary cabinets to use for curing racks. Since Bittersweet has to cure for four to six weeks you need a designated spot to store all of those soap bars. The cabinets have always worked perfectly. One of the cabinets was in an old hotel. At least that's what the guy told me when I purchased it all those years ago. Our old wooden rack that houses wrapped bars at the shop came from a boarding house. It was used for mail. Back in the day, there were boarding houses in every town and city. Usually, a huge old house welcomed a stranger to stay for as long as they needed. You'd have a bedroom and when it was time for dinner you'd head to the kitchen to dining with other guests that were currently staying in the home. You would share a bathroom, and your mail was left in something that looks like the piece that sits in our shop. I remember my great aunt Enid talking about how she had borders in her home to make extra money. She was a single woman and lived in a beautiful old home with a huge wrap-around porch very close to Volker Park in Kansas City. 

A guest commented about our Jack in the Beanstalk Fiddle Leaf the other day. I think it's time for their annual trim as they are touching the ceiling at the shop. After we get a handle on all of our projects and styling we'll propagate a few for the taking.  It takes around four to six weeks before they start to root. We like for the starters to have good strong roots before we share them. That way all you have to do is to stick it in dirt and watch it grow. 

Blessings.

Jill 

 

  

 

 

 

refined summer favorites...

 

If you're like me you have summer pieces and products that you really, really love.  

Customers are always asking me, where did you get this and that, and I'm happy to share some of my favorite summer essentials. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find quality essentials that are tried and true to their name. That's one of the reasons I created Bittersweet Apothecary some twenty-four years ago. The purchases that I made seemed to most always let me down. I would try something, only to be disappointed and dissatisfied. When this happens you generally never purchase the item again. However, there's the opposite when you discover something that you love and continue to purchase and use it.  

A lot of my favorite things can be found at Bittersweet. Anytime that I discover something new that wows me, I try and share it with my customers. 

I'm super particular with perfumes and hair products. I sometimes feel like I could easily be one of those secret shoppers or test shoppers by the many purchases that I've made over the years. When I find something that I love, I stick with it. That's because the product or items stands up to its claims. It's also rare to find products that live up to their promises. That's one thing that Bittersweet has always taken great pride in. We will absolutely never invent or introduce a product or item that doesn't wow us first!

Enjoy looking at a few of our summer favorites...

We will have more to come.

Jill xo

 

 

 

 

 

raspberry tea

We are having a sizzling hot summer! When I went out to check the mail this afternoon barefoot my feet were on fire from the hot concrete. Elle went outside with me and I noticed she was as ready as I was to come inside. I love summer until this happens! I don't even remember what summer last year was like. Do you feel that way too? 

We've been hydrating with raspberry tea. I travel from shop home, home to shop when it's this hot. It takes the fun out of being outdoors. Can you tell that I'm not a fan of triple digit temps? On a personal note, I don't sweat! Never have, and probably never will so all of heat that I take in, stays in unless I can manage to find a super cool place to cool off. I've often wondered why I've never sweat, but sometimes it's perfectly fine to just except things for the way that they are. That being said, I do believe that since I was born a preemie that had something to do with my sweat glands not forming properly. Getting off of this subject...

The hydrangea have been plucked from the bushes and they're now happily sitting in a couple of large round baskets. One at the shop, and one at home. I'm going to add the dried blooms into some boho bouquets for fall. I love the pale and cream colored blooms, and they look amazing mixed with wood flowers and other dried flowers. We will be offering the bouquets at the shop soon. 

 

The Cotton Kantha Scarves are handmade by women artisans in West Bengal, India using 100% cotton up-cycled saris. Each piece is unique and is made from two saris that are stitched together using the traditional “kantha” embroidery technique. Featuring handmade tassels with vibrant prints and colors on each side, these handmade kantha scarves are works of art and showcase the rich textile crafts of eastern India. I absolutely love these colorful scarves! They look amazing now blended with summer white, and they will look equally amazing mixed with autumn pieces. 

If you're local and able to visit our store you're going to love our collections!

My lavender was flooded with bees this past week. I couldn't believe all of the lavender bees. Can you imagine how yummy their honey is? I love lavender honey! 

Persian Pear is in the house! This popular soap always returns in early September. The next season is filled with scents that will wow you! At least they do me. We've ordered a few new scents to keep our menu fresh and there's a few new one's that blow me away! 

Meanwhile we're still wrapping up our summer soap manufacturing. We introduced several new summer soaps in the past couple of weeks. 

Rich blues, and violets seem to capture my attention lately. It is still summer...

One of the new soaps, Honey Vanilla is addictively attractive to my nose. 

My buddy Darren dropped by this week to visit. We hadn't seen each other for at least a year. We used to be radio show friends. We both hosted shows at the same studio or station. I had my show for three years, and he had his much longer. Radio is so much fun! I really miss it. Maybe someday I'll pick it back up. No time for radio shows now! I'm too busy managing Bittersweet and making all that soap! Life seasons come and they go, and they change. They never stay the same. That's a good thing. 

I'm impressed with the scent blends that customers are creating! Our Scent Your Own Department has been busy! We love that! We'll be adding some new fall flavors to our menu. If you haven't had a chance to create your own scent we think you will love it when you do!

Jill xo

 

 

 

Eureka, Chapter Two

 

Having grown up in small town America was a blessing that was overlooked when I was a kid. But now that I'm an adult I realize just how lucky I was! We were an outdoor family so we spent lots of time outside. Summers were spent at the pool or lake and the in between time was spent climbing trees, riding bikes, and turtle races! Patrick found an empty turtle shell while hiking in the woods when he was a young boy and brought it home. I have the shell sitting at the shop. Every now and then someone will comment on the shell, and even sometimes asked if I killed the turtle to get the shell. For heavens sake, NO! The shell is one of my treasured possessions. On Saturday a young family visited Bittersweet and noticed the shell. They asked my about it, and I explained how Patrick found it in the Missouri woods and brought it home. I also mentioned how when I was a kid we used to have turtle races. I don't recall my turtle ever winning, but the memory lives on... It's surprising to me how most children don't know what a turtle race is or the idea of having a cricket as a pet. I never had a cricket as a pet, but I had a pet quail. The neighbor kids and I  were playing down the street one day and came upon a covey of baby quails. We each took home a baby quail. I would set him down under the street light and he would catch bugs like crazy. Then I'd put him back in his box and he'd climb inside the feather duster and go to sleep. 

I would imagine growing up in Eureka was very much like growing up where I did. The overall population of the town is small, but the nature that surrounds you is huge! 

During our trip to the Natural State we stayed in Tree House Cottages. We were high above the Paw Paw trees and the Arkansas Pines didn't look so tall while you were high above the ground. 

The Catholic church sits across from the Crescent Hotel or behind it. The little church is tucked away and centered around the curvy road. I've always thought it was a beautiful place. 

One of the reasons I love Eureka is that they have lovely landscapes. Everywhere you go there's flowers, flowers, everywhere. 

I've always loved walking by the Palace Bath House

The rosemary and eucalyptus are usually bellowing out the front door as you walk by. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't smell it on this trip, but it was twenty-years ago when I last visited and things change. You used to get a whiff of the herbal blend as soon as you walked around the corner. 

Back to work...

All good things must come to an end...

We really enjoyed our trip to Eureka Springs Arkansas. If you've never been I think you would love it!

Back to managing this little corner of the world. One that I feel blessed to be a part of, and inspiration flows from my getaway. I made rosemary eucalyptus soap with crushed peppermint and pumice. It smells amazing and reminds me of the times I walked by the bath house. 

We're already getting our fall lines in. If we don't start ordering now they will sell out and we won't be able to order from our favorite clothing brands. There's a pile of new fall items gathering and it won't be long before I'll start introducing them at the shop. 

The changing of the seasons is always an exciting time at the store, and one that I look forward to. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill xo