Bittersweet and the little soap company

don't go with the flow

It's been another productive and busy week at Bittersweet. I have to laugh sometimes and ponder thoughts of break time with a realistic view and know that the mere words aren't what they say that they are! I'm thinking of re-naming it to "work harder than you ever have time". Little did I know, and I never, ever plan too much ahead, thoughts of organizing and clearing and getting ready for a June porch sale in between soap making, painting, writing books, and contemplating new products, etc., etc. would end up chiming in the new year with its array of opportunities. All good, but I'm going to require a break after the so-called break!

So the new year brings to the table a smorgasbord of thoughts. Some are completely out there, while others hit the nail on the head. I'm forecasting slower-than-normal growth this year. An observation that is not hard to recognize when prices reach an all-time high on just about everything that you purchase. I've even noticed a tremendous increase in the pricing of furniture, toiletries, and let's just be honest just about everything. So.

In the weeks to come I'll be implementing some changes to some of our products. These changes are centered around the fragile economy and the increase in prices of almost everything that you purchase nowadays. The changes are a positive solution to accommodate our customers and hopefully take some of the edges off of inflation. Ugh, we hate that word! I'm excited to bring to the table a collection of products that are not only economical but also made with the very best ingredients that money can buy. We're launching this new alternative offering starting with our huge soap sale on January 21. The sale is an opportunity to stock up and receive a tremendous discount on your favorite unwrapped and uneven soaps. We're looking forward to an exciting new year, and we're eager to share our ideas, styles, artisan creations, and books! Books! I can't wait! 

Have I ever told you that the soap that we offer at the soap sale weighs in at over two-hundred pounds? Probably not, maybe so. I compare myself sometimes to a warrior woman. A woman lifts heavy objects that are not suitable for the weaker of hearts. Once again, it's a good thing. The heavy lifting, soap making, and physical activities required to maintain this business would make a young person flutter. I'd imagine hearing things like, I'm not doing that! Passion. It runs deep. The biceps back it up!

I absolutely love soaps that mimic forest scents. The new soap, Cedarwood + Amber falls into that lovely category. It's arriving on Saturday when we re-open the shop. 

Round dish soap, a new hair treatment, coming. I'm still in prototype mode. We ordered some new display pieces and they're taking forever to get here. So some of my projects have been put on hold. Have you experienced this problem? Items take forever to get to their destination. A sign of the times, I'm afraid. 

I'm really into bringing back simpler times. Part of that thinking is wrapped around thoughts of spending less time on social media and more time designing and creating. That's my jam! 

How about you? Don't you feel that social media can sometimes rob you of your joy? The bombardment of overloaded reels and stories makes my head spin. Selfie this, and that, and shots of my hair, fingernails, and anything else deemed necessary to share. Everything is under the sun. Sometime's too much, and other times not enough. I don't feel like it's a demographic thing either. It's popping up to those who recognize it.  Here's to twenty-three and a slower approach to life! Three cheers to that! 

Spring is on my mind. Once February rolls around I begin to dream about green grass and flowers. 

We've been having Sunday dinners at our house. It reminds me of when I was a kid and we'd go to grandma's house for dinner. She would always make fried chicken and potatoes and gravy. Since she owned a restaurant during the depression, and her cooking was amazing. Her granddaughter has fond memories of those Sunday dinners. 

My dad is dropping by tomorrow to help me repair a plant shelf at the shop. I picked up a couple of matching brackets so that we can add more plants! Ha!

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a wrap!

Oh, boy oh boy,  has it been busy around here. So much for break time! This happens every year. I think about a slower pace and some downtime and low and behold the opposite happens. I'm delivering a back-to-our-roots method of advertising. One book is done, and another is almost finished, and then I'll start on numbers 3 and 4. I feel like a big part of this book's writing process is knowing what you want to write about.  The cookbook was sent to the editor today! 

We've received our shipment of outsourcing goods. I am in love with the Turkish towels and bed cover! I've always loved Turkish towels. What's not to love? The quality of the weaving is by far top-notch and the aesthetics are nothing short of perfect. 

I've been working at the shop cleaning, painting, and remodeling. I'm inching my way back to the dreaded back room or a storage area. It's compact and small and not much room is allowed to store hardly anything. When you own a shop you typically have a large number of merchandising items. Most I use depending on the time of year, but I desperately need space to store the items. I love my shop, but it is lacking in storage space. I'll make it work. I dropped by my home goods store and purchased plastic bins so that I can stack and store them. Knowing before I even begin it will be challenging to get it organized. I'm at a point where the merchandising items that I now own are ideal and perfect in every way. I'd be hard-pressed to shop and find anything that compares with the hand-picked items. A few years ago we had a huge porch sale and I sold almost everything at a discounted price. Now that I've picked through and selected the best of the best that opportunity has narrowed. The pieces that we have now are useful and timeless. 

We're having our huge soap sale coming up! If you love Bittersweet soap then you don't want to miss this sale. Talk about bargains! This one wins the bargain prize! We usually have a long line waiting to get in. One year during a snow storm we had the largest line ever. It's no wonder you can easily get your cloth bag filled with up to fifty-sixty dollars of free soap! This year we have a reserve of about two hundred pounds for the sale. 

New books, products, and designs are coming! I've even planned out our Valentine's designs. I think you're going to love the scents and the packaging. 

So you see there's always something going on around here, and usually, I'm tackling three or four projects at once. Don't hold it against me, it's just how I operate. I've had folks tell me that I'm an overachiever. I really wanted to look up that definition. A person who does more than they are expected to do or who is more successful than others: I don't really believe that this is who I am. I simply love to do what I love and live life to the fullest. I definitely do not believe that I'm more successful than others! I've always considered all people to be equal in abilities, and let me proclaim if I can do it anyone can! My goal in writing the books that I'm currently working on our centered around that thinking. I want others to be encouraged to go for it in life!

Jill 

 

 

frozen in time...

Winter has sunk its heels in the midwest with brutal cold. I kind of know what it feels like to live in Antarctica after experiencing this unusual long wave of extreme winter weather. It makes me yearn for spring even more!

We've been doing a lot of baking and cooking at our house, along with movie marathons. A pile of books sits on our living room coffee table and they seem to call my name as I walk by them each day! I've started one and have my thumb on another. The one I'm reading is from a series that I'm absolutely obsessed with! I will admit that I've only read the last two and the one that I'm currently reading is book number eight. In between, I've obsessively watched the series as well. I almost feel as though there should be an addiction group for this series! Maybe my love and admiration stem from my Scottish lineage and my equal love for history, I'm not sure, but my feelings are strong and real.

In between my book reading and baking, I'm drawing my attention towards my store and spring. I browsed through the garden catalog briefly and began plucking a flower seed list. 

Bittersweet is expanding our green line of products and excited to introduce some other ground zero vendors at our apothecary store. The new line is appropriately named, "Spring Green 21".

We just launched a new line of denim as well. We're sharing some of our favorite things at our store. Cuffed jeans, Wood Bowls, Cotton Throws, French Market Bags are on our favorite list but the list is long! It's a joy to offer these items. 

Along with the new green lines comes an array of fresh new soaps! I'm as busy as a bee making new soaps! The wacky winter weather however does have an effect on soap making. Soap making has always been finicky, and when you toss in below zero temperatures it gets even fussier. Soap making is not for sissies! Those thoughts stand out if you're a soap maker. 

I also have a few new products I'm working on that I'm excited about. I have a ways to go, but the packaging and formulations are coming along nicely. I was on the hunt for a certain color of jars that turned out to be a half a day search, but I was finally able to locate what I was looking for. I always allow extra time when launching a new item because I have learned that more often than not unexpected things happen to slow down the progress. It's best to take your time and get it just as it is imagined in your mind or on paper. If you settle for anything else you won't be happy with the final prototype and waste even more time changing it. Welcome to my world!

It's funny how sometimes I go back to past designs simply because I've never grown tired of them. Those models seem to be timeless. 

Soap wrapped in cloth comes to mind. Bracelets built from soulful memories and herbal blends that never waver in their timeless beauty. 

 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the groove

Simply said, but the phrase holds true. You will encounter creative blocks every now and then, but just as with anything else, you rally on and discover your creations evolve just like you do, not without failures and inconsistencies. It's also a metaphor for life!

We're in the deepness of winter. Having lived in the midwest most of my life I've learned to embrace it. I love the coziness and solitude that winter brings. 

It felt amazing to be back at the store on Saturday! Little did I envision the clusters of folks that would welcome me back after our long winter's nap. The soulful memories of Saturday are still ever-present and rushing through my mind. My heart is once again filled with gratitude and joy.   Our Soap Sale lasted but a few hours before we sold out.  The Cowboy Cookies didn't last long! Of all the cookie recipes this one is atop my cookie favorite! Folks could also refer to this dense cookie as "a kitchen sink cookie", simply because it has a number of ingredients. If you haven't made a Cowboy Cookie, I think you should. 

In keeping with my Great Grandmother Lucy's approval, I'm launching a line that's centered around items that, well, she'd approve. Chunky blocks of dish soap, (zero waste), natural bristle dish soap brushes, and the most adorable Irish linen looking aprons that you simply slip over your head. Wool dryer balls with an assortment of essential oils, lavender laundry soap, and cotton dish towels combine to create the soulful Bittersweet line. 

I mentioned in my last post about how it's an honor to be recognizing the talented and resourceful women in my life that have guided me in ways that I'd never imagined. My sweet soft-spoken mom is included in my appreciation. I have a fragrance named after her and every time I make an Alice bracelet I'm reminded of her gentleness and gracefulness. 

The sign guy dropped by on Thursday and delivered two new signs. 

I'm thrilled with both and always happy when something turns out better than imagined. We've talked about expectations many times. It's best not to have any, but it's sure hard not to!

 Fresh Gardenias arrived on Thursday! Their aromatic perfume filled the store! When I was a young girl my mom and dad dined at a Polynesian restaurant that served fresh gardenia on a cocktail. My mom would always save the gardenia and bring it home. I was in awe over this beautiful and enchanting flower. One sniff transforms you to a happy place! The memories that associate with this beautiful creamy flower are grand!

We're braiding some amazing scent combinations and believe it or not pondering new fragrances for spring. I'm still relishing in winter, but it won't be long before I begin dreaming of spring and all of her bounty. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill  

 

whip

 

 

We're getting a dose of wintry weather today in between a few spring like days. The spring like days are much appreciated, and are much more pleasant to hang out with than ice and cold. Hot cocoa topped with fresh whipped cream is a must have on these cold winter days, along with the tea I shared on my last post.  

I'm taking the next few days off from the shop and enjoying some winter down time along with market shopping for the shop. I've spent hours looking at a vast supply of clothing manufacturers, and designers, and I'm super excited to bring their unique brands to the shop on water street. 

I'm also anxiously awaiting the time when I can dig in the dirt, and work in my garden. 

I've been receiving seed catalogs in the mail, and nipping back the pages of my favorites. 

I can't wait to fill my shop pots with herbs and flowers! My mind also ponders thoughts of this plant, as mentioned in my last post. I'd like to harvest the berries and make jelly or this pie. 

My garden is filled with peonies, and a few years ago I experimented with drying them. They turned out great, and I'm looking forward to doing it again. I hung bunches upside down in our basement closet. They don't take very long to dry, and really add to an arrangement. 

My neighbors, The Jesse James Bank Museum has been closed for a couple of months. I miss looking out my shop window and seeing lights and glimpses of tourists. I don't recall them ever closing before. Hoping all is well, and they'll be back up and running soon. 

There have been posts about the museums enchanting court yard, and how in June, the lily of the valley flourishes and grows along side the brick walls of the building and fills the spring air with its bouquet. It the wind is blowing from the south, I get a whiff of the sweet perfume. Can't help but wonder who planted it, and how it brings joy to others. 

Bringing back the tinted lip balm. The popular balm is tinted with a root called alkanet root. The root produces a stunning rose colored hue that enhances your natural lip color.  When I began working on the label, I just couldn't imagine not incorporating a days gone by graphic. 

A friend came in the shop a few weeks ago and mentioned a local lavender grower. The lavender farmer dropped by a week or so ago, and I really enjoyed chatting with her. I love having fresh lavender at the apothecary shop, and what better than to offer local. I'm inspired to create numbers of lavender bouquets scattered throughout the shop. 

Since Atticus began delivering his fresh farm eggs, I really wanted to make this. 

Fresh Lavender and Farm Fresh Eggs...Little things mean a lot. 

A few months ago I turned a spare bedroom into a closet, and I'm so happy with the results, and use of the space. If you need extra closet room, and have an unused room, I'd highly suggest doing it. I purchased most of the items at Ikea, and spent little on the transformation. If you're interested I posted information about the remodel on a post. You can put the word closet in the search box and it should pop up so that you can read about it. I detailed all the sources and prices. Love those jute rugs! I have them throughout our home. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

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winter blues

I snapped this single zinnia bloom last summer. I believe shorts, sandals, and humidity were popular that hot summer day! Let's bring it back, soon. Do I have the winter blues? Probably...

Back and forth on the weather totem poll. Wintry mixes mingle with super cold temperatures. A weather cocktail that taste somewhat bitter. 

I've been researching herbs, and planning my spring garden. A little piece of spring that helps to get through the long cold Missouri winter. 

Winter home sweet home. Yes, I love white decor! It's my preferred palate. 

Aunt Vivian is in town from Santa Fe!

Aunt Vivian is also known as in these parts as "The third generation soap maker!" If not for her sending that beautiful hand made soap some twenty plus years ago, the no. four generation, and I believe it safe to say, would not be. Little seeds. Plant them with consistency.

This amazing hand made paper Valentine garland was delivered in person by the sweet family that also delivers our farm fresh eggs. There's a story behind it too, but I'm short on time this morning. Promise to share, as I do believe the story to be a soulful Valentine blessing. Seeds...I'm also learning a considerable number of interesting facts about eggs, chickens, and such. I had no idea! Do I have your complete attention? You probably know about chickens, but I certainly did not, and it's ever so interesting. 

 I'd kind of like to start a collection of these little clocks. They're so cute! The turtle shell that Patrick discovered while on a walk in the woods. It's been a treasured piece for many years. He was just a little guy when he found it. 

Last, but certainly not least, and to get you on the path for spring, White Flower! If you take in its floral perfume you can't help but think of spring!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

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songs, birthdays, and the first day of winter...

 

What a special birthday treat to have Christmas carolers perform on my shop porch. They were amazing! Thank you to their music teacher, Michelle whom orchestrated the event today. 

My aunt Mimi sent me the beautiful flowers, and my son hand delivered a hand picked flower arrangement. I can enjoy both, as I have one at the shop, and the other at home. 

Super fast paced at the shop. Yesterday I believe we sold two-hundred lip balms in just a few short hours. Today, almost the same. Tomorrow, I would think it safe to say, and until the jars are empty. Soap inventory is at a all time low, and we're scrambling to create Bittersweet gift favors. Ready for a winter break. Movies, books, and magazines will fill some of my days, along with doing nothing. Nothing is most rewarding when you work year round, full speed ahead. Grateful and thankful for a successful, growing business, but at the same time, I realize it's the little things in life, the quiet moments that help to balance it out. 

If you gaze through the shop window on Saturday a little after five, you will see me dancing to Christmas music. 

The first day of winter, and since my birthday falls on the day is special to me. When I was a child and in school this day meant early release and the beginning of winter break. How special to get a day off from school on your birthday. Maybe that's why I enjoy a winter break from the shop. Probably is, and sometimes it just feels good to honor those old memories. 

Really, really, looking forward to Christmas Eve with my family, and Christmas day is spent  opening presents, and doing nothing, nothing. Even keeping my pajamas on until twilight, taking a warm bath, and once again, doing nothing. Well eating, probably a whole lot of that too.  

I happened upon this magazine, and briefly browsed through it only to realize it's inspirational and interesting.  

The issue I picked up contains articles about cleansing your space. We'll get me in the mood for the intense work in the studio. 

Wishing you the Merriest of Christmas and a Happy, Happy New Year.  

I'll be breaking from social media and blogging for a spell. My time will be also spent making final preparation for the changes at the shop, and working in my studio/warehouse, getting it in tip top shape. One year of fast and crazy manufacturing can create a chaotic environment, and it drives me crazy when I can't locate something. Not to mention, wasted time, which in turn, is the most valuable commodity when you own your own business.   

I'm also remembering the reason for the season...

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

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orange and navy and Mr. Jeff Black

 

I can always tell when Winter begins to get old and I begin yearning for SPRING. Color begins to pop back into my surroundings. Dreams are in color and thoughts are whipped around navy and for some reason tangerine?

I'm searching through the clothing manufacturers for navy attire to offer at the shop.

Navy and white seems to be right.

Then onto the subject of my latest obsession, these plump everlasting beauties! This company has some nifty items. You'll have fun browsing.

This week at the Soap House on the Hill we're creating new Green Apple Lip Balm, and hundreds of bars of aromatic new soaps.

This past Thursday on the show we were graced to have an amazing musical artist, Mr. Jeff Black. If you're not familiar with Jeff's amazing talents you can take a listen. Just click on the arrow and the show will commence. It's an hour show, and we're live. I pod the show for folks to be able to listen at their leisure. You will love to listen to Jeff perform, promise.

We have some new bamboo shades on the shop bays. Super Lennis installed the shades and I love the look. Fits in with the live plants and Bo-Ho attire.

Many blessings to you.

Jill 00

 

 

chillin'

Baby it's cold outside!

I took a picture of our zucchini boats, but for some reason the picture never arrived in my in box. H'm, I wonder whom received the pic?

Today was a major production at the apothecary studio. Lavender and Peppermint smoke rings fill the home sweet home. In between, those zucchini boats. I don't use a recipe. They're thrown together. I am craving veggies and salads.

4 small zucchini washed and sliced long way in half

Cook ground chicken in skillet. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, fresh garlic, chopped onion. Add 1/2 cup or so of chicken stock, one can of tomato paste, and smidgen of water. Then after it's cooked add cheeses of your choice. I used mozzarella, and Parmesan. A half cup of each. Blend. Pour chicken blend over uncooked zucchini boats. Although they're not really boats because I don't hollow them out. Sprinkle with more cheese. Lightly spray with olive oil, and top with a few bread crumbs. It's yummy! Especially tasty on a cold, not really winter, but feeling like it night.

The phrase above. Don't you forget it!

Really into the fabric necklace! Have a feeling the style will be trending soon. Just a feeling. The black dress is sleeveless, but has a built in cape. It's hard to tell by this picture. It's a great party dress. Again, possibly coming to your local department store.

Christmas is coming!

Christmas is coming!

A long winter's nap is music to my ears. I've been burning the midnight oil. It's flickering a bit with a small flame.

Peace on earth, Goodwill towards men and women.

Jill 00

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garnished

I've discovered over the years, that my mood dictates my creations. That is, if I'm focusing on several different projects at the same time, it is reflected in my work. That holds true for everyone, you say. What I mean to say, my designs are represented by my moods. Sometimes I'm in a modern mood, while other days reflect a days gone by appearance. I believe it's good to have a signature look while maintaining a variety of styles. Sometimes that's tricky to pull off and the entire concept is reflected by my moods. Does that make sense?

Currently my mood is even and in between.

The sunshine peeked out from the gray winter sky and Elle and I enjoyed a quiet walk through the neighborhood. There's still icy clusters here and there along the roadway, but they're fading quick.

We're making these for dinner. My favorite veggie burger recipe!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/06/spicy-black-bean-burgers-with-chipotle.html

We also top them with lettuce, onion and tomato. Homemade fries cut from Yukon Gold Potatoes. Can't wait to dip them in ketchup!

Busy week at the shop. It's felt satisfying to stay away for a few days. Heavy production time! In between cooking.

Enjoy caring and sharing winter days.

With all good wishes.

Jill 00

 

 

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