Cactus & Ivy | New Label Design

Hey y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. It has been so long since I've posted anything and I do apologize. Our vacation, Slug Fest '09, was so relaxing and I actually 'unplugged' for a week.....because the hubby forgot to pack the power cable to the laptop. It was a blessing in disguise.

Our label re-design is finally over and now it is time to print, apply and take product pictures. The new design completely reflects Cactus & Ivy and the direction it is headed. Each product line has a different design background with bright colors to coordinate with the aroma. The dark grey face and white text just add to the clean and spirited feel I wanted. I'm stoked that the Cactus & Ivy logo is a focal point, which helps with brand recognition. The graphic designer really hit the nail on the head. Here are a few for the unveiling. I'd love to know what you think!

Moisture Body Lotion

Cactus Body Wash

Body, Bath & Massage Elixir

Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

My Love of Eucalyptus

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you having a fantabulous Friday!! I have an absolute love of Eucalyptus for the beauty of the tree bark, the odd shaped leaves and its fresh, clean and vibrant aroma. I was devastated when one of our trees died last year.


Eucalyptus Globulus - Indigenous to Australia and Tasmania, today it is cultivated in some subtropical regions of America, Asia, Africa and southern Europe. Eucalyptus oil is traded in three different categories: perfumery, industrial and medicinal. To harvest eucalyptus, trees are cut down and then dried in the shade. The oil is obtained by steam distillation and then followed by rectification (purify or refine) of fresh branch tops and leaves.



Eucalyptus oil is highly anti-microbial and is fabulous to use during the winter months. It stimulates circulation and warms the body, increases concentration, and is helpful for relieving rheumatic aches and pains. To relieve congestion from cold and flu, use it in a steam sauna or shower. Eucalyptus oil is useful as an insect repellent and as a treatment for athletes foot and lice. You can find eucalyptus oil in our Back Acres Rub, Spearcalyptus Body Soap and Body Bath & Massage Elixirs.

Thanks for stopping by y'all and hope you have a wonderful weekend!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Spearmint is an Oxymoron?

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well. The weather is actually looking good in my neck of the woods and I don't want to talk about it much. I am afraid if I say too much, the sunny skies and warm temperatures will disappear. Enough said.

Spearmint is a fabulous aroma and I use it a good bit while formulating Cactus & Ivy cruelty-free goodies. During a massage, I love the intense aroma of Mint Jasmine. It has a rich, floral burst with a sweet blast of mint that immediately relaxes me while also invigorating my senses. Is that an Oxymoron? Anywho.

Spearmint oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the mentha viridis plant and grows well in most climates but prefers partial shade. Believed to be an excellent oil for alleviating fatigue and depression, it can be used at bedtime to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that spearmint oil is an Oxymoron in itself. It is an uplifting yet calming oil.

You can find spearmint oil in our Spearcalyptus Body Soap, Cocoa Mint Scrub, Moisture Body Lotion, Mint Lip Service Lip Balm and Body Bath & Massage Elixir. Yep, as you can see, I like spearmint!

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


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