The Home Farming Movement

Hey y'all -

I hope this post finds you doing well. In addition to being an animal lover, I love nature. I'm also a novice composter, thanks to my dad. This year we did not plant a garden because we couldn't decided where to put it and by the time our location was chosen, it was too late to plant.

The fact we could not decide on a location should not have prevented me from planting a few container or raised bed gardens. This fact reminded me of a great site, Home Farming.



So what is Home Farming? I'll let the creator of the Home Farming site tell you. "Triscuit has created this site with help from Urban Farming, a non-profit organization, to help build a home farming community where both beginners and more seasoned gardeners can dialogue and gather information towards their common mission: to reap food that is deliciously fresh, penny-wise, healthier for themselves and the planet. It’s about home farming, and the everyday joy that grows out of it".

So what can you do on Home Farming?

• Put your garden on the map
• Connect with other Home Farming members in their forum
• Get expert advice from Paul James, their resident expert
  
• Explore their crop guide - vegetables and herbs no home farm should be without
  
• Watch videos on starting and tending to your bountiful harvest

There's nothing in this world like fresh vegetables and herbs. Join the movement today! You'll be glad you did!

Thanks for stopping by y'all. I hope you have a fabulous fall day!

Wordless Wednesday | Lazy Days of Summer are Over

Wordless Wednesday | Best Buds

Wordless Wednesday | Fire and Ice

(photo care of Istockphoto)

Wordless Wednesday | Bear Hug

Container and Closure Changes

Hey Y'all!

I hope you had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. It is Monday again and time to get cracking on another work week.



I have made a few changes to our containers. The Cactus Body Wash is not packaged in a flexible LDPE (low density polyethylene) bottle with a polypropylene (PP) snap cap lid and pressure sensitive liner to provide a tamper evident seal, as well as protect the product contents during shipment.

Our Moisture Body Lotion now has a funky spiral pump that locks into place to prevent accidental discharge. Keep your eyeballs peeled for a few other changes in the coming weeks.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

It's Independence Day!

Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th of July!

Wordless Wednesday | Cat and Mouse

Cat In The Headlights - Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday......Work Smarter, Not Harder!!

Cactus & Ivy on Indie Shopping Vignette

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well and having a fabulous start to 2009! I wanted to fill you in on something awesome. As you may know, I am a member of the Indie Beauty Network. Donna Maria, or dM as we refer to her, has created the Indie Shopping Network.

Just a little background on dM, from my perspective. Donna Maria is a true champion of the Indie Business owner. She works tirelessly on keeping on top of legal issues related to our industry, providing cost effective products for our business, as well as creating other avenues for the cosmetics/toiletries small business owner to participate.



dM has been doing vignettes, or short highlights of 3 companies, in between her full blown shows, and above is the vignette dM did on December 31, 2008. I feel so honored to have Cactus & Ivy included with the creative talents of Bidwell Botanicals and Soapylove. Thanks again dM!! You rock gal!

Subscribe to dM's Indie Business Blog to keep up with what's happening on Indie Shopping Network, as well as joining the site.

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

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