Indie Beauty Blog Tag Party

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well. I am presently burning the midnight oil as I write this post. Donna Maria with Indie Beauty presented me with a challenge and now I am stepping up to the plate.

This post is part of Indie Beauty Blog Tag Party. dM tagged me and 4 other indies who must write a post on the topic "Ten Things I Love About Being Indie". Once we've written ours, we then tag 5 other indies. So, let's begin.

1. Freedom
Owning my business has given me the freedom to spend time with my family and friends. I make the decision as to when I take off from work. My schedule can be rearranged if a family member or friend needs my help. It's very liberating!

2. Creativity Is Not Harnessed
My creative juices are free to flow without the fear of being harnessed by an over bearing boss or co-worker. I don't have to worry about someone cutting my idea down. In the end, it is the consumer I am here to please!

3. Woman of Mystery
There are still many people in my town that don't have a clue what I do. They assume I am a kept woman. Hahahaaa! Oh sorry, I couldn't help myself. It's not because I haven't donated products for just about every function in town when asked, or the word of mouth not getting around, I just think some people don't think you can make money making soap so they don't take me seriously. That's ok. I like being mysterious.

4. Introduced to Fabulous Women
Wow!! The world is filled with vibrant, fascinating, exhilarating, intriguing, talented and wild women! Whether introduced online, on the street or a Cactus & Ivy customer, I am a better woman for meeting them! Now guys, I have met some awesome gentlemen too, but this part is reserved for the ladies!

5. Work On My Time
I am often accused of not having a real job because I don't go to a 9 to 5. Nope, my shop is about 100ft from my house. And, my hours could be 7 to 12, depending on what I have going on. That's 7 am to 12 midnight! Yep!

6. No Glass Ceiling
There is absolutely no glass ceiling when you own your business. The rise of my business is determined by hard work and discipline. I've been an Indie for 9 years now and there's no turning back!

7. Giving Creations
I'm a giver. Always have been and always will be. I love to create products that I think will not only appeal to the consumer, but also to my family and friends. There is nothing more rewarding than to have someone tell you how much they love something that you created with your own hands. Also, bath and body products are awesome gifts and I know someone who makes them!

8. Change The World
Being an Indie gives me an opportunity to change the world. After leaving a micro-managed sales job 9 years ago, I vowed that if I ever had my own company, I would never allow my employees to feel what I felt. If I have learned one thing all my years on this earth, it's all in how you treat people. My parents also raised me well! Thanks Mom & Dad!

9. I Decide My Worth
It isn't up to someone else to tell me what I am worth because I set that standard for myself! My parents raised me to be a caring individual with drive and determination. Only I can hold myself back!

10. Life Is Good!
I think that pretty much sums it up!

Now, tag....you're it!

Heather Tallman
Marla Bosworth
Kristin Cotte
Jill Jones
Regina Mowrer

Thanks for stopping by y'all!! Have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Wordless Wednesday - I Think You're Lost

History In The Making

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. It is actually snowing in my neck of the woods!! Yep, it is snowing in the state of South Carolina! Can you believe it?

Today marks a historic event in our nation's history. Almost 46 years ago, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke the words, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal."

Today, at 12 noon local time, the Unites States of America is swearing-in its first African American President, Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States.

The United States Constitution mandates the President make the following oath before entering the office of the Presidency. "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Traditionally, "so help me God" is added by newly elected or re-elected Presidents.

The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 begins, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

I am proud to be an American and to witness a monumental change in our nation's history. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be proud of "We The People" and what we have accomplished this day.

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

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Cactus & Ivy - Valentine's Day Products

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well and you had a fabulous weekend! Well.......it's here! The new line from Cactus & Ivy for Valentine's Day!

Soothing, captivating and sensual were the inspirations behind our Valentine's Day line. Each product contains ingredients to nourish, moisturize and hydrate dry and damaged skin. The essential oil blend of vanilla, patchouli and rose all have sensual properties that are sure to relax your mind, body and spirit.


Cocoa Vanilla Body Polish
Regenerate and rejuvenate dry skin with this soothing combination of mango butter, virgin coconut oil and sweet almond oil. The addition of sugar cane, salt and raspberry seeds provide exfoliation to remove dead skin while the aroma of vanilla, patchouli and rose fill your mind.



Macadamia Vanilla Body Melt
The smoothness of macadamia nut oil, penetrates and hydrates the skin leaving it nourished and moisturized. Vanilla, patchouli and rose blend well to lend a light and pleasing aroma to capture your senses.



Chocolate Bliss Bath Grains
Soak away your troubles with our bath grains, containing coconut milk powder, cocoa powder and shea oil, creating a creamy and chocolaty environment to relax. Comforting, yet spirited aroma of vanilla, patchouli and rose.

So, there ya have it. Our Valentine's Day line will only be around for a limited time, so get yours while you can. I can't wait to get Andreah's feedback, especially since she had a hand in choosing some of the ingredients!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

And The Winner Is.........

Hey Y'all!!

Woo-hoo!!! I hope this post finds y'all doing well. For those of you in the warmer climates, I am so jealous of you right now! And, for those of you that are freezing to death, I say boo......hiss to the weather and hope you are warm! I am so ready for Spring!

We have a winner in the Design A Valentine's Day Line contest with Chic Shopper Chick!! Drum roll please............

The winner is Andreah, a wife, mother and blogger who loves to review products and host giveaways on her blog. You can follow Andreah on Twitter at simplyandreah



A big thanks goes out to Erika with Chic Shopper Chick for partnering with Cactus & Ivy to bring this contest to life! The amount of feedback the contest generated is greatly appreciated and I have already made a few changes to the website. Thanks so much for posting your comments about the Cactus & Ivy website and/or blog. Feedback ROCKS and so do y'all!!

Andreah has chosen the ingredients that will be incorporated into the Body Scrub, Body Melt & Bath Grains. The aroma Andreah chose just happens to be my favorite between the selections. You ROCK Andreah!!

On Monday, January 19th, I will reveal the Valentine's Day Line, so stay tuned! In the meantime, don't fry anything naked!

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

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy