I hope this post finds you having a fabulous Friday! Cactus & Ivy is having a Summer Sale where you can save 15% off your entire order and receive FREE Priority Mail shipping on orders of $75 or more (after discounts are applied). So stop on by and get your cruelty free and vegan, Cactus & Ivy goodies!!
To take advantage of the 15% discount, use promo code SUMMER and choose free shipping in the drop down box if your order is $75 or more. This offer is good through midnight on June 30, 2009.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
I hope this post finds you doing well. Apricot Kernel Oil is found in several Cactus & Ivy products because it happens to be one of my favorite ingredients.
Apricot Kernel Oil - PrunusArmeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil - Originating from Asia, the apricot kernel is a transitory tree that can grow to 30 feet tall, withstands colder climates and the oil pressed from the kernels can be used in cooking.
An emollient oil high in oleic and linoleic acids, is light, penetrates the skin easily and is highly sought after for its skin softening properties. Apricot kernel oil prevents water evaporating from the skin, helps retain the elasticity of the skin, contains a high amount of vitamin E and provides great slip to massage oils. Flat out, it's a fabulous oil to incorporate into any skin care regiment for mature, dry, sensitive or troubled skin.
I hope this post finds you having the ending to a great week and the beginnings of a fabulous weekend!
A week ago today, I was contacted by the advertising agency that is producing Mutual of Omaha's aha moment campaign. They came across my story and wanted to know if I could go to Columbia on Monday the 15th or Tuesday the 16th. I immediately wrote back and said most definitely, I'll be there on Tuesday!
The process took all of 30 minutes to complete from beginning to end. After I signed up and answered a few questions from Juliana, I entered the portable studio and was greeted by Brett. I followed him to take my spot where I was introduced to Katie. After recording my aha moment, Brett took a few still shots of me and then I was on my way. I am so grateful for this opportunity because it gave me another avenue to tell my story. Creating Cactus & Ivy over 9 years ago was a risk and one I am glad I took!
The Mutual of Omaha website describes an aha moment as - 'A moment of clarity, the aha moment is a defining moment where you gain real wisdom - wisdom you can use to change your life'. What a fabulous opportunity to share my moment and see the moments of others! We live in a great, big world and everyone has a story. My parents met me so we could go to lunch after my aha moment and Juliana ended up getting my Mom to record hers! Woot! I will share my aha moment with you once it is posted on Mutual of Omaha's website.
A big thanks to Katie, Juliana and Brett for making me feel right at home in the silver recording studio and it was a pleasure to meet y'all!! Safe travels!!
What's your aha moment? Check out Mutual of Omaha to see if the tour is coming to a city near you. You can also follow the crew on Twitter @ahamomenttour and the aha moment blog.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope y'all have a fantabulous weekend!
I hope this post finds you doing well. It has been a crazy busy week and I have definitely neglected The Southern Accent. My apologies!
Do you know what the numbers stand for on the bottom of your plastic bottles and jars? I thought I do a little deciphering so we can 'sort' it out together!
#1 - Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) This is the most commonly recycled plastic and is used for soft drink, mouthwash, water, juice, salad dressing and beer. When PET or PETE is recycled, it is used in comforter fill, strapping, food containers, drink containers, molding and carpets. Cactus & Ivy jars and bottles are made of this material.
#2 - High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Know for its chemical resistance, this plastic is used for bottles that house bleach, milk, shampoo, detergent, liners of cereal boxes and grocery bags. When HDPE is recycled, it is used in motor oil containers, household cleaner containers, recycling bins, plastic picnic tables, flower pots, garden edging and outdoor decking. Cactus & Ivy is switching to a HDPE bottle for our Body Wash due to its flexibility.
#3 - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Can be both rigid and flexible. This plastic is used for shrink wrap, blister packs, railing, medical tubing, wire and cable insulation. When this plastic is recycled, it is used in outdoor decking, traffic cones, cassette trays, paneling, mud flaps, plumbing pipe, garden hose and gutters.
#4 - Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Flexible and tough, this plastic is used to make bags for produce, bread, dry cleaning, newspaper, as well as shrink wrap, squeezable bottles, cold beverage cups and toys. When this plastic is recycled, it is used in trash cans, landscape timber, garbage can liners, furniture and shipping envelopes. #5 - Polypropylene (PP) With a high melting point, this plastic is used in containers for take-out, deli, yogurt, medicine bottles, syrup bottles, bottle caps and closures. When this plastic is recycled, it is used in oil funnels, battery cases, shipping pallets, garden rakes, ice scrapers and storage bins.
#6 - Polystyrene (PS) Also known as Styrofoam, this plastic is used for protective packaging for electronics and furniture, packing peanuts, egg cartons, clamshells, plates and hot drink cups. When this plastic is recycled, it is used in protective packaging for electronics and furniture, camera cases, egg cartons, thermometers and thermal insulation.
#7 - Other Made with a plastic resin other than the above mentioned. This plastic is used in oven bags and 3 and 5 gallon reusable water bottles. When this plastic is recycled, it is used in plastic lumber and bottles.
According to Earth911, recycling one pound of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles, which include soft drink and water bottles, saves approximately 12,000 BTUs (British thermal unit) of heat energy. And, producing new plastic products from recycled materials uses two-thirds less energy than is required to make products from raw (virgin) materials. WOW!!!
For more information on recycling and to find a recycling center in your neck of the woods, visit Earth911.
Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a fantastic day. I leave you with this - "One thing you can't recycle is wasted time" - Author Unknown
I hope this post finds you having a fabulous Friday! Changes are coming to Cactus & Ivy and I am so excited!
Just as the seasons change, opportunities, desires and the direction you would like to take your business also change. Cactus & Ivy will always be a cruelty free and vegan manufacturer of natural spa, bath and body products.
We have obtained a toll free number as an added convenience to our fabulous customers. I will be producing a monthly newsletter for our retail and wholesale customers that will provide new product information, feedback requests, special discounts and more.
Our labels are getting a face lift. A graphic designer is working on a few options, while keeping them bright and colorful. I have also decided to make minor container and sampling changes.
All of this comes from a determination to reduce, recycle and reuse. I hope you will enjoy the changes coming to Cactus & Ivy. As always, please provide your feedback 'cause you know how much I love it!
If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, please sign up here or on the home page of Cactus & Ivy
Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a fantabulous weekend! By the way, I haven't said it in a while, Y'all ROCK!
I hope this post finds you doing well. Today is National Donut Day...who knew? The first Friday in June is the day we celebrate the sweet, doughy, melt in your mouth bliss known as the donut.
Now, you are probably asking yourself what National Donut Day has to do with natural, bath and body products. Hmmmm.....let me see. Oh yeah, I've got it. Cactus & Ivy uses oil, cocoa, sugar, salt, vanilla and baking soda in some of our products so I guess there is a connection after all.
The other reason is I love a good donut and wanted to pass along what today represents.In honor of today, receive 15% off your Cactus & Ivy order with code DONUT09, good through midnight on June 7th.
Now, to the matter at hand. According to The Salvation Army website - "Donut Day was established in 1938 as a means to raise much-needed operating funds for The Salvation Army, and also as a tribute to Army 'lassies' who made and served donuts to thousands of soldiers during World War I. While the spelling of doughnut has shortened to "donut" over the years, the popular donut has been the trademark of The Salvation Army ever since WWI. While Donut Day was observed fairly extensively, especially following WWII, by The Salvation Army throughout the United States, the Army in Chicago has the longest continuous and most successful tradition."
I'm a huge fan of donuts whether they be powdered, glazed, chocolate covered, boston cream filled, fruit filled, twisted, round or the ever so easy, pop in your mouth, donut hole. I could eat my weight in these delicious, delightful, mouth watering treats, however, my hips, thighs and stomach would not be kind to me in the long run. I can actually hear a donut say "through the lips and over the gums, look out hips, here I come"! Hah!! So, I will have to settle for the occasional purchase unless my metabolism jumps through the roof and requires me to munch on a donut or two or 10. Yummo!!
If you are near a Krispy Kreme today, pop on in to get a free, yes FREE, scrumptious donut. Dunkin Donuts is giving away a free donut with purchase of one of their beverages, while supplies last.
Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a fantastic Friday and wonderful weekend!
I hope this post finds you doing well and you had a fantastic weekend! I love to use herbs in Cactus & Ivy creations. We use botanicals and herbs like marigold petals, spearmint leaf, horsetail leaf, blue poppy seeds, vanilla powder, eucalyptus leaf and the list goes on.
There are many forms that can be used to add color, exfoliating and medicinal purposes to bath and body creations. Most botanicals and herbs come in solid (leaf or seed) and powder form. All of Cactus & Ivy products are created with ingredients that will result in a product with a purpose.
When I created Cactus Nail Balm, I searched for an herb that would be beneficial to the health and growth of fingernails. Horsetail - EquisetumArvense- In folk medicine, horsetail is used for poorly healing wounds, ulcers, swelling, fractures, brittle fingernails and hair loss. It is rich in silica and silica acids, which are very beneficial to healthy hair and fingernails.
I continue to research botanicals and herbs to offer you the finest bath and body products that will add benefit to your daily routine. If you have a particular botanical or herb you would like to see me incorporate into a product, bring it on! You should know by now that I love feedback of all forms!
Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a wonderful Monday!
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