Goodbye 2008 - Wordless Wednesday

Design Your Valentine's Day Line

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds y'all doing well! Woo-hoo!! I am so stoked about this opportunity that I can barely stand myself! I am actually beside myself with so much enthusiasm that I wish I could bottle it up!

Cactus & Ivy has teamed up with Chic Shopper Chick for an awesome contest, if I do say so myself! We are offering one lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader the chance to work with me to create and design our Valentine’s Day Line. Not only will you get the chance to take home some of your fab new products but you'll also have bragging rights. What? That's right!

You have to visit Chic Shopper Chic for the official rules for entering this contest, which ends at 11:59pm CST on January 6, 2009! Good Luck!!!

Thanks for stopping by y'all and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

No Animal Testing Here

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. The countdown has begun and as the saying goes, "out with the old and in with the new". I still can't believe that another year has passed by so quickly.

What does it mean for Cactus & Ivy to be cruelty free? It means that we have not, nor will we ever test our products on animals. Furthermore, we do not engage in business with suppliers that test their products on animals. Cactus & Ivy began with this standard and we have absolutely no intention of ever changing it.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love animals! Our friends say that when they die, they want to come back as one of our four legged family members. That's right, they aren't considered pets around our house, they are family! I couldn't imagine using the lovable, furry creatures as anything other than a warm and soft cuddle bug!

Every year, Cactus & Ivy signs The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program cruelty-free standard. We also list our suppliers, and they must recommit to the standard as well.

We are also a member of PETA's Caring Consumer program. Feel free to visit both sites to see that Cactus & Ivy is listed. If you have any questions about Cactus & Ivy being cruelty free, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Thanks for stopping by y'all and have a fantastic day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

The Moon - December 24, 2007

Prevo took this through his telescope

Finally Friday

Hey Y'all!

Wow.....it's finally Friday! This holiday season has been a mad dash and I am almost to the finish line. How about y'all?

Today is one of my rambling posts because as I write this, I feel like I could sleep for a week! My mind is having a hard time just wrapping around the fact that I am awake and I am doing good to form complete sentences! Hah!

Yesterday on Twitter, I was chatting with a gal from Canada and she tweeted that someone made a comment about her accent, for which she replied that she didn't have an accent. Everyone else had the accent. It reminded me of what my mother told me this week. First, my Mother was born and raised in South Carolina. Even when we moved around with the military, she never lost her Southern Accent. That is why I found this next part to be so hilarious. My Mom said that when she gives voice commands to her car to dial the phone or move the seat, it does not recognize her voice, so my Father has to do the talking. Hahaaaa!! That is just too funny to me!

Here's a little update on our new kitties, Bungee and Fritz. If I could bottle up their energy, I would be able to retire at a fairly young age. They have grown so much and are in to EVERYTHING!

Bungee is seen below chilling out in their kitty tower hammock. He just finished a wrestling match with Fritz and was waiting on round 500!! Ugh!


Fritz, on the other hand, was hiding out on the other side of the kitty tower, waiting on Bungee to get off the hammock so he could swoop in on him and put him in the figure four hold. The look on his face even says he is up to something. "What? What did I do"?



These two wide open, furry, four legged creatures sure have breathed new life into our home. Our other cats are just now starting to get used to them so.......Life is good!

Treat yourself to cruelty free and vegan Cactus & Ivy creations. Your skin will love you for it! Don't forget that free shipping ends tonight at midnight. Also, The Animal House Jamaica Auction ends today as well.

I hope I didn't bore y'all to death with my ramblings. It's been a long and crazy week! As always, thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day and a wonderful weekend!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Macadamia Nut Oil

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. It's one week until Christmas.....are you ready? You better get ready because Santa will be here!!

Today I am talking about Macadamia Nut Oil. I love to eat Macadamia's and the way the oil feels on my skin!


Macadamia Nut Oil (INCI: Macadamia Ternifolia) is a very cosmetically stable oil with a high content of palmitoleic acid, is an effective anti-oxidant and it penetrates and hydrates the skin. It is suitable for all skin types but is particularly good for mature or dry skin because of its high percentage of palmitoleic acid. The palmitoleic acid protects the skin just like human sebum, which is the oil naturally produced by the skin to protect it. This oil has been used successfully in treating sunburn, minor wounds, healing scars and other skin irritations.


Macadamia Nut Oil is native to Australia and grows in the sub-tropical forests of Southeast Queensland and Northeast New South Wales. The kernel is contained in a hard brown shell with a green outer husk. It has a low rancidity (the oxidation of fats), naturally contains tocopherols (anti-oxidants), is expeller pressed from the meat of the nut. It also contains a 1:1 ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which are essential to your health.

Used in cooking, Macadamia Nut Oil may reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and lower cholesterol levels because of its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, which is found in avocados and nuts. And, Macadamia nuts are great right out of the bag as a snack, especially when they are covered in chocolate! Ooops, did I say that? Yummo!!


You can find Macadamia Nut Oil in our Butter Me Up Body Balm, Serene Face & Body Soap and Cocoa Mint Scrub. Give your skin a treat with cruelty free and vegan creations from Cactus & Ivy!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Wordless Wednesday

Holiday Savings

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well!



Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Goodbye Sweet Gin Gin

Hey Ya'll!

I hope this post finds you doing well. As I write this post, I am fighting back the tears swelling up in my eyes. While it is difficult to write, laughter through tears is a powerful emotion. The weekend proved to be a very difficult one for me and Prevo. On Saturday morning, we had to call the Vet in to look at our goat Ginny. She had stopped eating and didn't want to move.

Ginny 1996 - 2008

After an examination, it was determined that she had a tumor obstructing her uterus and urinary tract. The only option we had available was to put her to sleep. The tears immediately began flowing because I didn't want to let her go. However, it was the humane thing to do and I did not want Ginny to suffer one more minute on this earth.

Ginny was a feisty old goat with a great deal of spunk, character and personality. She had a different relationship with both of us. With Prevo, she knew he wouldn't run if she tried to head butt him so she had to practice the art of sneaking up behind him. I, on the other hand, had been hit in the butt and legs on numerous occasions and always walked briskly around her. She thought of it as a game and I was just trying to prevent another bruise.

Every morning and evening we did our dance. I would bob and weave while she rared up to strike what she thought was a gentle blow. After a good rain, it would always be problematic for me to have fancy footwork since the ground below me was always slick. Ginny was smart and she knew I was at a disadvantage. I have landed on my butt several times while making my getaway. I should have let her head butt me. It probably would have hurt less than both feet slipping out from under me and hitting the ground with a loud THUD!

Gin Gin loved to curl up in old hay while taking in the warmth of the sun. She grew up around two horses that loved her dearly and were very protective of her. I think Ginny thought she was a miniature version of them. Ginny was the best belly scratcher the horses ever had. She would stand directly under them and scratch their bellies with her horns. We will miss you dearly Gin Gin, may you rest in peace!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Peace, Hope And Love

Hey Y'all!!

I sure hope this post finds you doing well and that you are dry! In the past 48 hours, we have had 5 1/2" of rain. Our yard could pass for a pond. I always wanted one on our property but this isn't exactly what I had in mind! Ugh!!

For those that know me and Prevo, they know that animals are near and dear to our hearts. Our friends would joke that our animals are treated better than they are. Hah!! Not true. Well.....maybe just a little! :) That is why I am so honored to be a part of The Animal House Jamaica Holiday Auction! Awww....and just look at the lovable, huggable pictures of the animals below!


Founded in the 1990's because of serious concerns about the plight of animals on the north coast of Jamaica, The Animal House Jamaica has been helping stray, injured, abandoned, and feral (wild) animals and their owners for more than six years. They provide food, shelter, medical care (including spay and neuter), and adoptive services to both animals and owners in need. They are a non-profit, non-government organization that now operates a shelter in Lydford, St. Ann, just outside of Ocho Rios.

We are supporters of many organizations that help animals of all kinds and when I came across this opportunity through Help A Reporter Out, I knew I wanted to take part in changing the lives of these animals.


Cactus & Ivy has donated a gift set that includes:

• Cran Citrus Body Polish
• Peppermint Tree Foot Balm
• Soy Milk Lip Balm
• Pink Grapefruit Body Bath & Massage Elixir
• Mint Jasmine Body Wash
• Lavender Moisture Body Lotion
  

The Auction began December 9th and goes through December 19th. They have 45 awesome items to bid on. Jump on over to The Animal House Jamaica Holiday Auction to help offer peace, hope and love to the 4-legged friends of Jamaica!

Thanks for dropping by y'all and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

12 Years and Sweet Almond Oil

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. Today is my 12th Wedding Anniversary....woo-hoo!!! Happy Anniversary to me!

Did you know that silk or linen are the gifts for 12 years? Since I do not wear silk, nor do I use it in my products, I will tell you about an ingredient that feels silky smooth!


Sweet Almond Oil Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis is a high quality nut oil that is a great emollient for conditioning and softening the skin and hair. It is well suited for psoriasis, eczema, dry and itchy skin. Sweet Almond Oil is rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E, is light, penetrates easily and is suitable for all skin types. Sweet Almond Oil soothes sunburned and inflamed skin.


The almond is native to an area stretching from Pakistan to Turkey. Over the years, humans have spread the almond to the Mediterranean, southern Europe and more recently, California. There are two varieties of almond plants. One has white flowers and produces sweet almonds. The other has pink flowers and produces bitter almonds.

Almond Oil is obtained from the dried kernel of the plant. The brown powder on the outside is removed and then the kernels are milled. Once this process is complete, the mill is exposed to hydraulic pressure for which the expressed oil is the end result. The oil is then filtered and bleached by light exposure. The fixed oil of Almond is extracted from both the bitter and sweet . If intended for external use, the oil must be obtained from the sweet variety.


You can find Sweet Almond Oil in our Body Bath & Massage Elixirs, Peppermint Tree Foot Balm and Walnut Body Glaze.

Thanks for stopping by y'all and hope you have a fantabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

The Thinker

Thinking Lemur

My 15 Minutes

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well! First, if you received my "Share the Love" post again, I do believe my blog had a mind of its own. Even though I did not post it intentionally for a second time, I am happy to share the love!

(This is Me)

Now, on to the matters at hand. On Friday, December 5th, a trial run of Indie Shopping Network took place and Cactus & Ivy Soy Indulgence products were used during the test. Donna Maria of Indie Beauty Network has given the indie community an opportunity to showcase their products. It is the first e-shopping portal designed especially for Indie Business owners and will stream live from the Indie Shopping network set. The video from the trial run is below.

(Regina as Me)

Since I was unavailable to play the part of me, Regina Mowrer, owner of Dr Flowers Essentials, Inc., played me. I met Regina on Twitter and let me tell you, she did a fabulous job being me. While I was away from my office, I did not pick up on the fact that another fabulous lady that I met on Twitter, Jennifer Kirkwood, owner of La Dolce Diva, was busy taking my profile picture and lending a crafty photoshop hand to it. Since Regina did such a fabulous job, Jennifer decided to place Regina's face under my hair. I haven't laughed so hard in my life!

(Jennifer - The Crafty Photoshop Culprit)

In addition, another fabulous lady I met on Twitter, Shelley McNamara, owner of System Bath, just had to see what she would look like with all my hair on her head! Again, the laughter just about brought me to my knees! There is nothing better in this world than a good ole' laugh until you cry moment! It is so good for the soul!

(Shelley as Me)

While both of these women are beautiful, it's hilarious to see your hair on someone else's face. I do believe they could pass for my twin, or is it triplet?! What a hoot! Thank goodness I am not eating or drinking while I write this post! Otherwise, Prevo would be calling 911!

Whew!! I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. I had every intention to make this my Monday post, however, the DSL powers that be were not cooperating.

Now, back to Indie Shopping Network. Please join us all to connect and learn more about this fabulous opportunity. Below is the video of the trial run that took place this past Friday! While Indie Shopping Network is under construction, you can visit Indie Beauty Network.

Thanks again for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Fruit of the Spirit

Hey Y'all!

It's FRIDAY!!! Woo-Hoo!! I hope this post finds you doing well. We have 20 days before Christmas. Are you ready?

Yesterday I received an email from a friend and I immediately felt it would be my post for today. Now, my parents always told me not to discuss politics and religion because you are bound to offend someone and you don't want to do that. This is different and I hope you enjoy the following content taken from my inbox.


"UNUSUAL GIFTS

It was my daughter's idea. She told me she had been thinking about the Advent devotions and how to prepare her heart, not just her home, for Christmas. And she had a great idea!

She decided to give fruit away. Oh, not the apples and Christmas oranges that you see in the store. No, she told me she was asking God for opportunities to give away the "fruit of the Spirit."

The "fruit of the Spirit" is comprised of nine qualities that the Bible says will show up in our lives as we daily ask the Holy Spirit to fill us. This fruit shows a watching world we are different because we follow Jesus.

Here is the list of fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self control, gentleness, goodness and faith" (Galatians 5:22).

Each day, until Christmas, choose one fruit off the list and ask God to deposit this gift in your heart in extra measure. Then ask Him to provide an opportunity to give that fruit away in a specific act that day. It is both a rewarding and a challenging experience.

When we focus on allowing the Holy Spirit to overflow in our lives He may use the opportunity to highlight how very much we need Him. This fruit cannot be mustered up in our own strength with enough to give away. No, it is His work in our lives.

I'm taking her idea and asking the Holy Spirit to prepare my heart in a deeper way this Christmas. As a Jesus follower I want His fruit to be in abundance in my life. I want those around me to see the difference He makes as I choose to ask Him to fill me up every day. Why don't you join me? Let's ask Him to fill us afresh today. Then watch for opportunities to give it away. Together we'll prepare our hearts for Christmas.

Father God,

I thank You that You do not leave us to try to live this Christian life alone. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to fill us and flow through us to those around us. Today I ask that You would fill me afresh with Your Spirit. Cultivate Your fruit in my life today. Help me to be aware of Your deposit in my heart and show me an opportunity to give that fruit away today. Thank you for the amazing help of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray, amen". Author Gail Rodgers

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Time Flies

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. For my 40th birthday in August last year, I was given a book of all the things that took place on the day I was born. Even though today is not my birthday, I thought it would be neat to look back to see what happened today, December 4th.


December 4th is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar and we have 27 days left until the end of 2008. Here are a few facts about December 4th in history:

1619 - 38 colonists from Berkeley Parish in England go to ashore in Virginia and give thanks to God. This is considered by many to be the first Thanksgiving in the United States.

1791 - The first issue of The Observer, the worlds first Sunday newspaper, is published.

1881 - The first edition of the Los Angeles Times is published.

1902 - Charles Dow, the founder of The Wall Street Journal, died.

1954 - The first Burger King is opened in Miami, Florida.

1959 - A monkey returns safely to Earth, after being launched 55 miles into outer space by the United States.

1971 - The Montreux Casino in Switzerland is set on fire by a flare gun during a Frank Zappa concert and would be noted in the Deep Purple song "Smoke on the Water".

1973 - Tyra Banks was born.

1976 - Elizabeth Taylor is married for the 7th time to John Warner.

1980 - The rock band, Led Zeppelin breaks up, 2 months after drummer John Bonham dies.

1991 - Journalist, Terry A. Anderson, is released after 7 years in captivity as a hostage in Beirut.

I hope you enjoyed this little history lesson. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Wordless Wednesday

Wildlife Photographer

What is Horsetail?

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. It's so hard to believe it is already December and Christmas is just around the corner.

Today's post is about the herb horsetail, botanical name, euisetum arvense. Horsetail grows throughout Europe, Asia southwards as far as Turkey, the Himalayas, Iran, central and north China and Japan. It also grows in North America from Greenland and Alaska to Texas.

The dried green and fresh sterile shoots of horsetail are used for medicinal purposes. During the year, horsetail appears in two forms. From March to April, the red-brown to yellow stem develops with leaves in a number of levels on the stem in whorls. The leaves are brown, fused to a sheath at the lower level with black tipped, sporangia cones at the tip sprinkling a greenish spore powder. From May to June, the sterile form high stems and many branches arranged in whorls at the nodes. The stem and branches are deeply grooved and are usually square and rough.

In folk medicine, horsetail is used for poorly healing wounds, ulcers, swelling, fractures and for brittle finger nails and loss of hair. You can find horsetail in our Cactus Nail Balm. Strengthen nails and nourish cuticles with this blend of oils and horsetail. Perfect for everyday moisturizing for healthy digits and is packaged with an applicator brush in the cap. This is a Cactus & Ivy favorite!



Here is what a customer had to say about our Cactus Nail Balm: "Lisa - I seriously, truly love the Cactus Nail Balm. My hands are a mess from soapmaking and in just one day, noticeable difference. I can't stop using it, I love the concept, it's so clever, it smells amazing, and my hands feel so much better. I would heartily recommend your stuff to anybody." Michelle G.
Cleveland Heights, OH

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

World Aids Day 08

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well and you had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday! Today is World Aids Day and I am doing my part to bring awareness. The following information was pulled directly from Aids.gov and CDC.gov websites.

According to Aids.gov, there are over one million Americans living with HIV/AIDS today. Worldwide, the figure is over 33 million. Effective HIV care, including antiretroviral drug therapies and regular access to primary health care, can help people manage their HIV disease and live longer.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers.

HIV is not transmitted through day-to-day activities such as shaking hands, hugging, or a casual kiss. You cannot become infected from a toilet seat, drinking fountain, doorknob, dishes, drinking glasses, food, or pets. You also cannot get HIV from mosquitoes.

HIV and AIDS are life threatening conditions. The transmission of HIV occurs through three well documented means:

1) having sex with someone infected with HIV;
2) sharing needles and syringes with someone infected with HIV;
3) being exposed (fetus or infant) to HIV before or during birth or through breast feeding.

HIV transmission can be prevented through avoiding behaviors that expose someone to the means of transmission and by taking preventive measures if identified risk behaviors occur.

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS yet despite the large efforts underway to develop a preventative and therapeutic vaccine. However, research has advanced HIV/AIDS treatments greatly since the early days of the epidemic, and HIV drugs can slow down the virus’s attack on the human immune system. People with HIV/AIDS can now live healthier, longer lives.

Living with HIV/AIDS requires consultation with an HIV doctor who can help individuals with treatment and drug decisions. The decision to start drug treatment is a very personal decision and one that should only be made in consultation with a health care provider based on clinical status (symptoms), immune system health (CD4 count and viral load), whether a diagnosis of AIDS has been made, and whether a treatment plan can be maintained (treatment adherence). While treatment has its benefits, it also has its risks, such as multiple side effects from HIV drugs and therapies, potential toxicity from drug treatments, as well as possible resistance of HIV to drugs over time.

In August 2008, CDC published the first national HIV incidence (new infections) estimates using new technology and methodology that more directly measure the number of new HIV infections in the United States. Check out the Center For Disease Control (CDC) to learn more about HIV's incident data.

HIV/AIDS affects us all, regardless of race, gender, income, or even where we live. Please take the time to become more educated on HIV/AIDS and help to educate those you know and love. Cactus & Ivy was honored to be a part of the WTT Smash Hits that raised over $400,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund. Hopefully, one day, there will be a cure for HIV/AIDS.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Happy Thanksgiving

Hey Y'all!

This little guy was just too cute to pass up! Even though I am a cat person, he's still cute as a button!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Give Thanks

Hey Y'all!

Long time no write. I do apologize for falling down on the job. Last week the dreaded stomach virus jumped on me and it took me all week to shake it loose. I am back now and feeling like a champ and I hope this post finds you doing well and preparing for family, friends and food!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. My appetite has never been more prepared for a day full of yummy goodness. As I sit here thinking of all the things I need to do to prepare for the big day, I can't help but include in my thoughts, those who will not have family to gather with, much less, a Thanksgiving meal.

As I mentioned in my post on poverty, Prevo and I give to the Harvest Hope Food Bank throughout the year and during the holidays, we always give more. I couldn't imagine living a life without the bare necessities of comfort, food, water and home. It crosses my mind frequently why I have never won the lottery because I could and would do so much for so many. Until or if that day ever comes, Prevo and I will continue to do our part to help those who are less fortunate than us.


Every day, I am thankful for much in my life. The words I speak at night, before I lay my head down, are those of thanks. I am thankful for the sun and the moon, the air that we breathe. I am thankful for my husband, family and friends. I am thankful that I was raised by two loving parents. I am thankful for the roof over my head and the clothes on my back. I am thankful for the food that we bless at each meal for the nourishment of our bodies. I am thankful for the hard knocks, for they have helped mold me into the individual I am today. I am thankful for my health and the health of my husband, family and friends. I am thankful for Harvest Hope Food Bank, for they feed so many. I am thankful to all the new people I have met online through Twitter and Indie Beauty, to name a few. I am thankful to be living in a country where I am free to own my own business. I am thankful for each of you reading this post. I am thankful for my customers. Without you, Cactus & Ivy would not be a reality.

I have so much to be thankful for and I pray that one day, there will not be an individual on this earth that has to spend Thanksgiving or any day, without the ones they love, food on the table, a roof over their head or a house to call home.


Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Jasmine Sambac Absolute

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you well and that you had a wonderful weekend! Today I am introducing you to one of my favorite oils - Jasmine Sambac!


Since ancient times, Jasmine has been referred to as the King of oils. Apparently, this is because Jasmine is the most masculine of all the floral oils. It takes 8,000 hand-picked blossoms to produce 1 gram or about 1 ml. of Jasmine Absolute.

Jasmine Sambac is an wonderfully intense aroma that is very floral, yet more masculine and musky than the Jasmine Grandiflorum. Generally, Jasmine Sambac works with all oils and is regarded as an aphrodisiac. It helps to round out scents, and tends to work well with other aphrodisiac oils, Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood are two examples.

** Please note that all absolutes are extremely concentrated by nature. They should not be evaluated in this state unless you are accustomed to the undiluted fragrance. If trying absolutes for the first time, it is strongly recommend the oils be evaluated in dilution. Otherwise, the complexity of the fragrance - particularly the exotic and rare notes - become lost.



You can find Jasmine Sambac Absolute in our Mint Jasmine blend, which is used to scent our Cocoa Mint Scrub. Cactus & Ivy also offers the Mint Jasmine in our Moisture Body Lotion, Body Bath & Massage Elixir and Cactus Body Wash.

I love to receive a massage with our Mint Jasmine essential oil blend. It has a way of awakening my senses while keeping me completely relaxed and calm.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Soy Indulgence

Woo-Hoo Y'all!!

It is here...finally! I worked through the night and early this morning to make it happen! Don't count me off as crazy just yet, since my last post said the launch was changed to Monday. Yes, I may have counted my chickens before they hatched but I was determined to meet my original deadline.

Cactus & Ivy has a new line and it's called Soy Indulgence! This line caused me so much stress while in creation. After test driving each product, one in particular just didn't feel right so back to the drawing board I went. In the end, I am so stoked at the outcome and I hope you will be too!

The Soy Indulgence line consists of:

~ Creamy Coconut Soy Luster
~ Shea & Soy Body Melt
~ Soy Milk Lip Balm
~ Coconut Soy Bath Grains

As the name reveals, all the products contain ingredients derived from soybeans. Soybean Oil is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, a good source of Vitamin E (antioxidant), easily absorbed, helps retain the skins natural moisture and soften dry, damaged skin. Soybeans are high in lecithin, which is active in skin repair and regeneration.

Creamy Coconut Soy Luster

18oz $30.00

With ingredients including organic sugar cane, virgin coconut oil, shea oil and soy butter, you are sure to feel exfoliated, moisturized and smoothed all over. The captivating aroma of an essential oil blend of vanilla, ylang ylang, sandalwood and key lime is sure to awaken your senses.

Coconut & Soy Bath Grains

8oz $12.00

Soaking with grains containing coconut milk powder, organic sugar cane, soybean oil and a refreshing and calming essential oil blend of vanilla and sandalwood. Cactus & Ivy.....take me away!

Soy Milk Lip Balm

$3.50

This is, without a doubt, the smoothest and creamiest lip balm I have created. Soy wax was incorporated into this lip balm. Add in shea butter and virgin coconut oil and you have a nice feel with a slick glide, with just a hint of vanilla. Your lips will love you for it! Yummo!!

Shea & Soy Body Melt
2.5oz $14.25

Soybean oil, shea butter and soy wax give this balm a fantastic glide and creamy feel. Perfect for an after shave balm or to be used as an everyday moisturizer for dry, damaged skin. The essential oil blend of vanilla and sandalwood are perfect for a light, pleasing aroma to captivate your skin.

Well...there you have it! Even though this line brought me a great deal of stress, it was totally worth it. I am very pleased with the end results.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Happy Friday

Hey Y'all!

I hope this posts finds you doing well. I have been working really hard to launch our new line today but it just didn't happen. However, it will officially launch on Monday, November 17, 2008.

The final tweaks of adding the product line to our site is still ongoing. Creating a line is sometimes the easy part and then everything after is very time consuming. I appreciate your patience and promise all will be revealed on Monday morning!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Wordless Wednesday

Hey Y'all,

I hope this post finds you doing well. This is my first time participating in Wordless Wednesday. A picture says a thousand words. Here is mine......

"Freedom"

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Duty, Honor, Country

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. Today we honor all military veterans, past and present. This day is especially dear to my heart because of my strong military connections.


My father served 22 years with the U.S. Navy and is a Vietnam veteran. My husband, Prevo, is presently serving active duty in the U.S. Army National Guard and is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. My two favorite men on the face of this earth know about sacrifice. They know about Duty, Honor, Country.

Today I am honoring all of those who served and fought for their country. Spoken by General Douglas MacArthur at his farewell speech, "Duty," "Honor," "Country" - those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you want to be, what you can be, what you will be".

When Prevo was deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006, his unit was given the task of Route Clearance. For those that do not know what this means, his unit was responsible for clearing routes of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's). Talk about being on pins and needles every minute of the day until I heard from him.


Prevo has many nicknames and one of which is Shrek. He took a Shrek figure with him to Iraq and pretty much carried him everywhere he went as his good luck charm.

“The training a soldier receives before leaving home can never compare to the experience learned in battle but it helps to increase the chances that the soldier makes it back home.” ~ Prevo Rodgers, Jr.


While in Iraq, Prevo had a favorite place to go to unwind, write music and sing songs that reminded him of home. Before he left for Iraq, we went to the local bar in town to gather with all of our friends and members of our community. We took several shirts for people to write well wishes for Prevo. He is pictured above on that rooftop in Iraq, wearing a shirt signed by many who attending the gathering.


May we always remember the fallen and continue to pray for those in harms way. Take some time today to honor all veterans, past and present. They have sacrificed all to provide the umbrella of freedom we sometimes take for granted.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

It's Soy Good For You

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. The weekend was relaxing and I'm ready to face a new week! Cactus & Ivy is launching a new line this week and it will contain 4 products. All I can tell you is the common ingredient is soybean oil.

Soybean Oil is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, a good source of Vitamin E (antioxidant), easily absorbed, helps retain the skins natural moisture and soften dry damaged skin. Soybeans are high in lecithin, which is active in skin repair and regeneration.

Our new product line is set to launch on Friday, November 14, 2008. And, as always, thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy