Strength in Letting Go

Hey y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well and staying warm. It's been a while since my last post and there are a million reasons why I have been such a slacker.

As you may know, I injured 3 fingers on my left hand in September, 2009. Several surgeries and countless trips to the torcher chick {therapy} later, I am left with fingers that won't straighten. They are in a permanent bend, and will be for the rest of my life. I'm also experiencing nerve issues because of all the trauma my fingers have been through.

Dealing with the day to day of functioning with this slight disability, it has forced me to take a hard look at my life, both personally and professionally. The statement of "you don't realize how much you miss something until it's gone", is an understatement. I figured it was my left hand and not my right hand, which is dominant. Once it healed, how bad could it be?

There are many duties or actions I can no longer perform without my hand interfering. I'm here with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart to announce I will not be manufacturing cruelty free and vegan bath and body products as of April 1, 2011.

I'm a perfectionist to a fault and was raised to be a hard worker and put 100% of myself into everything that I do. I am no longer 100% because of my hand, and I am not one to offer any less to my customers.

Cactus & Ivy was created on April 1, 2000 and it only seems fitting to close down the manufacturing on the same day, especially since I have a little "OCD" in me that wouldn't have it any other way. The site reflects changes that have already taken place, as in the removal of products that are no longer available for retail.

Cactus & Ivy will remain a company and I am planning to have other projects under its umbrella. Once I have all the particulars nailed down, I will announce what is to be next on this journey.

I've been my own boss for close to 11 years. I know for a fact I would make a terrible employee, just because I've been doing my own thing for so long. I am taking the front seat in my other venture, Personal Care Truth, that I co-founded with Kristin Fraser Cotte with The Grapeseed Company.

Even though I will not be manufacturing personal care products, I believe in the truth and will continue to fight for all the manufacturers in the industry, both big and small. For those that know me well, know that I stand firm in my beliefs and I can be just as loud, if not louder, when it comes to standing up for the truth.

Thank you for making my dream a reality. For the business, feedback, comments and press for the past 11 years. I've met some fabulous people and gained valuable friendships over the years. I'm confident that the trail I blaze will always be associated with the cosmetic industry. It's in my blood. This decision would be unbearable if it weren't for the love and support of my husband, family and friends.

I leave you with a quote that I shared with a friend that was moving forward in her life. “Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong - sometimes it's letting go."

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

Treat Your Summer Feet to Peppermint Tree Foot Balm

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you having a spectacular day! What a slacker I have been! Time to remind you that summer is here and your feet need to be at their best.

I can't say enough about Peppermint Tree Foot Balm. The tingling and cooling sensations coupled with the moisturizing ingredients is a must have for keeping 'barking dogs' at bay. Volleyball has been wreaking havoc on my feet so Peppermint Tree Foot Balm is my BFF!



Peppermint Tree Foot Balm can be used daily to revive tired, dry feet or as an intense overnight treatment for really worn out tootsies. The oils of apricot kernel and sweet almond penetrate the skin easily, emollient and great for dry, inflamed or irritated skin. Menthol gives it the fantastic tingling and cooling kick! Includes tea tree oil and the pick me up relief of peppermint oil to round out this fabulous product.

How about a discount? Ok, here's 15% off, just because. Use promo code JB2010 at checkout, good through midnight, June 30, 2010. Also, you automatically receive an additional 5% discount when you order 5 or more products.

So, kick your tired and dry feet to the curb and pick up a tube of our cruelty free and vegan, Peppermint Tree Foot Balm today! Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a fantabulous Wednesday!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Cruelty Free & Vegan Body Products Kick Dry Skin To The Curb

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you having a fabulous Tuesday! Over the weekend, we had a burst of warm weather. Needless to say, I am no longer in stir crazy neutral. I have shoved the gears into over drive and determined to make spring appear faster. If you need help kicking dry skin to the curb, Cactus & Ivy has a couple recommendations for ya!


For tired, over worked barking dogs, our Peppermint Tree Foot Balm is just what the doctor ordered. Spring means sandals, bare feet and fun. The tingling and cooling sensations coupled with the moisturizing ingredients is a must have to keep your feet in tip top shape and feeling refreshed.

Peppermint Tree Foot Balm can be used daily to revive tired, dry feet or as an intense overnight treatment for really worn out tootsies. The oils of apricot kernel and sweet almond penetrate the skin easily and a great emollient for dry, inflamed or irritated skin. Menthol gives it the fantastic tingle and cooling kick! Anti-fungal properties of tea tree oil and the pick me up relief of peppermint oil round out this fabulous product. It is one of my faves!


Our body souffle`s are creamy, dreamy and whipped to perfection with a sweet aroma of butter cream frosting or almond biscotti. Shea butter contains a wealth of healing ingredients while peach kernel oil has high levels of fatty acids to nourish the skin. A moisture rich and intense emollient to soften, soothe and hydrate dry skin. It doesn't take much so a little goes a long way. We include a mini spatula to eliminate the use of your fingers to remove the souffle` from the jar!

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





Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Cruelty Free | That's How I Roll

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you having a wonderful day. Those of you that are familiar with Cactus & Ivy know our products are cruelty free.

We have never tested our products on animals and we never will. We also will not purchase raw ingredients from suppliers who don't adhere to the same standard. Willing family members and friends have happily stepped up to the plate to test drive Cactus & Ivy natural bath and body products.

As the CEO of Cactus & Ivy, I have signed PETA's Statement of Assurance which states I do not test our ingredients, formulations or finished products on animals. I am proud to be a part of the Caring Consumer program and proudly use the logo above on our labels, website and literature.


The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program is another organization I am proud to be a part of. Every year, I recommit to the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals, as well as my raw material suppliers do.

Being cruelty free also means something else to me. Anyone who knows me, knows I have a very soft spot for the fuzzy, cuddly and sweet. Especially when they are lost, abandoned or abused. If I can't take them in, I make it my life's mission to find them a loving place to live with plenty of food, water and love for the nourishment of their body and soul.

Wednesday, this cute little puppy was caught under the chain link fence at Prevo's office. One of the guys rescued her and brought her to Prevo's office. Naturally, my lover gene of all things fuzzy, cuddly and sweet took over. They gave me a box and Prevo found a towel. I put her in the box and told everyone to keep an eye on her. She appeared dehydrated and looked like she hadn't eaten in weeks. I rushed over to the nearest store and picked her up puppy food and a water/food dish combo.

I returned to hubs office and placed her in front of the food and water. She wouldn't eat or drink. So, I scooped her up and wiped her down with a damp wash cloth and then held her in my lap. After an hour, I placed her in the box with a few nibbles of food and walked away. When I returned a few minutes later, she had eaten. YAY!! I continued to place more nibbles in front of her and she gobbled them down. Prevo cut the bottom off a styrofoam cup and filled it with water. I placed it in front of her and she drank it all. Awe, I was so happy for the little gal my heart felt like it would explode.

Next on the to do was to find her a loving home. Our dogs died years ago and we weren't equipped for a dog. Luckily, I was connected with Denise Holcomb, Founder of All Gods Creatures Pet Rescue and Adoption in Johnston, SC. AGC is registered as a public charity 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which depends on in-kind support from donations, special event fundraisers, grants and rescue/adoption related contributions. I took the sweet pup to Denise Wednesday evening, supplied her with a donation to help for the care of the cuddly pup and also gave her the bag of puppy food and dish combo. I gave Denise a hug and thanked her for what she was doing for the creatures without a voice. As I headed back home, tears filled my eyes from knowing the sweet black puppy that captured my heart earlier in the day would be well taken care of.

So there ya have it. Cruelty free is how I roll, both in my personal and professional life and I wouldn't have it any other way! There is nothing sweeter in this world than the love you receive from an animal. Their love is unconditional. The next time you want a dog or a cat, please consider an animal shelter or pet rescue. You will find an abundance of animals ready to give and receive love.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day y'all! Hope your weekend ROCKS!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Natural Goodness Giveaway - Last Day to Enter

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you having a fabulous last day of August! Where on earth has this year gone?


Today is the last day to enter our Natural Goodness Giveaway, which is loaded with cruelty free and vegan natural bath and body products. The drawing will be held on September 4, 2009 and conducted by Random.org. Click above for the rules and entry form.

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


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Change Is A Good Thing

Hey Y'all!

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

Email

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!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Custom Blend & Private Label | Spa, Bath & Body Products

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you having a fabulous Thursday! Did you know that Cactus & Ivy offers custom blending and private label?

For our wholesale clients, we create custom blends based on botanicals, scents, and other raw materials indigenous to your area. We will also create from a particular theme, scent, botanical, etc, the choice is yours! Note: Cactus & Ivy no longer private labels its stock products.

The first step in custom blending is to complete the required paperwork to get the ball rolling. You will provide us the type of products you wish to be created and once that is completed, Cactus & Ivy then researches the various plants, trees, flowers, oils and scents indigenous to your area or your theme.

The next step is to choose a container and packaging options. If you want something other than our stock container and packaging options, additional fees will apply. We then provide a quote for the products created. Cactus & Ivy then creates samples for your review. We have minimum order requirements based on your needs and can create custom blended/private label products in runs as low as 24 products per SKU.

Next you submit your company logo in psd 300 dpi format. We will work with your logo to see the ease of manipulation on a label or tag template, based on the container options chosen. We no longer offer the option for you to print the labels on your own. Once your logo has been worked, samples are submitted for review and approval. Additional fees may apply.

Your custom blended products will never be marketed to another client, even though Cactus & Ivy maintains ownership. Should you wish to own the formulation, you may do so for a flat fee.

In addition to retail and professional products, we create items for In-Room Amenities, Bath Butler, Sales and Marketing, giveaways, etc. The possibilities are endless!

For our retail clients, Cactus & Ivy offers custom blending and private label options for Baby Showers, Wedding Favors, Birthday Favors, Bridal Showers, Engagement Showers, Anniversary Celebrations and more.

So, if you are in need of custom blended/private label cruelty free and vegan products for spa, bath and body then give Cactus & Ivy a shout. I would love to create something for you today!

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

Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

I've Got Spring Fever

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well on this fine, first day of SPRING!! Woo-hoo!! I am so excited to announce our new cruelty free and vegan, bath and body products line, very appropriately called, Spring Fever!


Spring Fever includes ingredients high in oleic and linoleic acids, and rich in essential fatty acids with a refreshing and vibrant aroma of fresh squeezed lemons, pink grapefruit, lime and kissed with a splash of spearmint. Spring Fever is sure to soften and delight your skin, all while captivating your senses. Everybody sing with me........'Good Day Sunshine'.

Citrus Mint Acai Body Glow
Moisturizing oils of sweet almond a apricot kernel, combined with sugar, lemon peel and acai, gently exfoliate while the essential oil blend of citrus oils and a hint of mint will invigorate your mind.

Lemonmint Body, Bath & Massage Elixir
The combination of apricot kernel, sweet almond and jojoba create a body and bath oil that is high in oleic and linoleic acid and Vitamin E. This emollient blend soothes dry and inflamed skin, relieves itching, helps the skin retain elasticity and is great for all skin types, including sensitive and mature. Top it off with a light, crisp, lemony fresh aroma that reminds you of a sunny spring day.

Citrus Body Meringue
The smooth and moisturizing properties from coconut, grapeseed, aloe and glycerin leaves your skin feeling nourished, hydrated and protected while the sweet scent of the citrus oils blended with spearmint will relax your mind, body and soul. To help prevent dry skin, it is recommended that you apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of exiting the shower or bath. That is how long it takes water to evaporate from the skins outer layer.

Warning: This line contains photosensitizing essential oils and should not be used within 4 hours of sun exposure.

So, there ya have it. Another scrumptious line of bath and body treats for your skin. Stay tuned because I am on a roll. I do my best creative thinking while sleeping so more goodies are on the way!

Thanks for stopping by y'all and have a great day. Sing it with me one more time.......'Good Day Sunshine'. Y'all know you know that song. It's in your head now. Woo-hoo.......Spring Is Here!!!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

What's Happening

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. I can't believe I missed a Wordless Wednesday post. It is obvious that I am slipping if I can't get a post that easy together!

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous around here and spring is right around the corner. I'm happy to say that three (3) new cruelty free and vegan products will be launching on March 20th, the first day of spring!!

Since my post on your thoughts on fragrance oils, I have started to sample phlatate free, fragrance oils that have been rated safe to use in cosmetics. I hope to have products available soon to add to the Cactus & Ivy line that will incorporate fragrance oils for those that love them dearly.


I'm stoked by the array of samples headed my way and I hope you will like the finished products. The excitement of bringing new life to old formulations is keeping me awake at night. It's hard to turn off the noggin when there is so much to be done! Stay tuned.......

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


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

Cactus & Ivy New Product Pictures

Hey Y'all!!

Woo hoo!!! I hope this post finds you doing well. What a slacker I am!! I haven't posted in over a week and I think I am in withdrawals!! Please forgive me.

As you know, I asked for feedback from the Design a Valentine's Day line contest and feedback I received. One of the comments I saw mentioned numerous times was in reference to the pictures on the Cactus & Ivy site.


Prevo, (love him bunches), has been working on taking new pictures for me since investing in a handy, dandy photo box. It lights up like a "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", (I love that movie by the way)! It truly beckons me to place something, anything under the light. I'm thinking that the cats aren't safe now....here kitty kitty. I just want to see how everything looks under the beautiful glow and to see if I have an ounce or two of photography skills in my genes.



Now I need your help. I took the pictures you see here and I'd love to get your feedback. Keep in mind that I am an amateur. When you own a business, you do whatever it takes to keep the costs down. I like the fact that I don't have to pack products up to send to a photographer and then wait for the outcome. As long as I can remember, I've always been an impatient person, at least when it comes to things like this.


Thanks for stopping by and I hope y'all have a wonderful day!! Oh, and don't worry, I can take it!! Give me the "no holds barred" feedback that I appreciate so much!!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Happy New Year Y'all!

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well and you had a wonderful holiday season! As 2008 has come to a close, I welcome 2009 with open arms!!


I look forward to this year bringing ideas, discoveries, more sustainable and eco-friendly changes to Cactus & Ivy. I will be working hard on new cruelty free and vegan creations, all while keeping them natural. I can't wait to see what unfolds in 2009 and I hope you will hang around to find out! Any and all feedback you wish to provide is welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Here's to you and all the success, hope and happiness this new year brings. Have a fabulous day and I look forward to many more tomorrows with y'all!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

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

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

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

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