New Product | Body Souffle

Hey y'all!

I hope this post finds you having a fabulous Friday and that your Thanksgiving was the best! Last week I created a new product and I absolutely love it! Drum roll please........




Creamy, dreamy and whipped to perfection with the sweet aroma of butter cream frosting or almond biscotti. I chose shea butter and peach kernel oil as the main ingredients for this goodness in a jar. 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. A little goes a long way and is packaged with a spatula to eliminate the use of your fingers to remove the product from the jar.
8.1 fl oz | 100% Vegan | 98% Natural

Receive a 15% discount on your entire order with the customer code SOUFFLE!

Y'all voiced your opinion about fragrance oils and I listened. This is the first body product that uses fragrance oils. Butter cream frosting and almond biscotti were chosen for their light and absolutely delectable aromas. Rest assured, they are phthalate free and approved for use in cosmetics.

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


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Natural Body Products & Donuts

Hey Y'all!

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!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

What's Your Thought On Fragrance Oils?

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. Today, I need your feedback on fragrance oils. More and more customers are asking about various fragrances. Aromas that are not made in nature are man made and there are several grades to choose from.

The usage rate for fragrance oils is anywhere from 2-5% of the formulation. Cosmetic and Premium grades are available, they contain no alcohol, diluents, water or surfactants. More importantly, they are approved for use in skincare. Fragrance oils, however, do not offer therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

Cactus & Ivy has been using fragrance oils in our Reed Diffusers, since it is quite difficult to find the right blends of essential oils to make the aroma of banana. Recently, I blended various essential oils and I couldn't believe how much the blend smelled like bubble gum. I thought, WOW.....this would be great in a product for young girls. The initial whiff is quite intriguing, however, the linger of the aroma is somewhat sickening. That is not the end result I am looking for.

If a fragrance oil is used, our products would be 95-98% natural (using the formulation rate mentioned above). Now, I don't want you to think I am considering abandoning essential oils completely. I am interested in hearing your voice on adding fragrance oils to the options available in Cactus & Ivy products. Ultimately, in the end, it is you, the customer who makes the final decision of what you put on your skin.

Thanks for stopping by y'all! Don't forget to leave me your comments on this topic. As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Have a fabulous day!!


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

Fabulous Cocoa Butter

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well and my apologies for not having a post with words in a few days.

Working with ingredients for Cactus & Ivy creations, Cocoa butter has to be one of my favorites! It is a natural, edible vegetable fat, pale yellow in color, and is extracted from the cacao bean to make a variety of products, such as cosmetics, ointments and oh yes....chocolate.


Theobroma Cacao, the botanical name of Cocoa Butter, is from the Mexican word "cacauati" meaning cacao and the Greek word "Theobroma" meaning food of the Gods.

Cocoa trees generally grow in Central and South America and produce a brown fruit with about three dozen long seeds or cocoa beans. The seeds are ground into chocolate liquor and then pressed to separate the cocoa butter from the cocoa solids, which is also referred to as cocoa powder.

Cocoa butter has a low melting point of 34 to 38 degrees Celsius, is solid form at room temperature but melts easily at body temperature. It contains natural antioxidants that prevent rancidity and has a shelf life of 2 to 5 years, which makes it a highly popular ingredient in skin care products and cosmetics.


You can find Cocoa butter in our Body Scrubs, Butter Me Up Body Balm, Shea & Soy Body Melt and Lip Balms. Cocoa butter protects and softens dry skin, helps to reduce stretch marks, is a super emollient and aids in reducing wrinkles and fine lines around eyes, mouth and neck. Cocoa butter is just plain fabulous and smells heavenly!

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

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

It's A Conspiracy!

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well. This post was inspired by an email I received from a friend. It's a conspiracy!

"This is happening right here in our own country! We must put a stop to this immediately! Have you noticed that stairs are getting steeper? Groceries are heavier? And, everything is farther away?


Yesterday, I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long our street had become! And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up, they just jeep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face! What do they think I am, a lip reader?

I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognize me!

I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own reflection. Well, REALLY NOW......even mirrors are not made the way they used to!

Another thing, everyone drives so fast these days. You're risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them. All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.

Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they suddenly start labeling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20? Do they think no one notices? The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank. Do they think I actually "believe" the number I see on that dial? Hah!! I would never let myself weigh that much. Just who do these people think they are fooling?

I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on, but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too! They've printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in there!

All I can do is pass along this warning.........We're under attack!! Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon everyone will have to suffer these awful indignities.

P.S. I am writing this in a large font size, because something has happened to my computer's fonts. They are smaller than they once were".

Ahhh......I needed a little laughter today. The sad thing is, I can relate to a few of the above mentioned items. Ugh!!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to enter the Design a Valentine's Day line contest at Chic Shopper Chick. You have until 11:59pm CST tonight to get your entry in!

Have a fabulous day and good luck!!!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

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

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

Design Your Valentine's Day Line

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds y'all doing well! Woo-hoo!! I am so stoked about this opportunity that I can barely stand myself! I am actually beside myself with so much enthusiasm that I wish I could bottle it up!

Cactus & Ivy has teamed up with Chic Shopper Chick for an awesome contest, if I do say so myself! We are offering one lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader the chance to work with me to create and design our Valentine’s Day Line. Not only will you get the chance to take home some of your fab new products but you'll also have bragging rights. What? That's right!

You have to visit Chic Shopper Chic for the official rules for entering this contest, which ends at 11:59pm CST on January 6, 2009! Good Luck!!!

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

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

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

It's Soy Good For You

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. The weekend was relaxing and I'm ready to face a new week! Cactus & Ivy is launching a new line this week and it will contain 4 products. All I can tell you is the common ingredient is soybean oil.

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.

Our new product line is set to launch on Friday, November 14, 2008. And, as always, thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

What's In A Name?

Hey Y'all!!

Wow....it's November and I can already smell the good holiday food that will surround my family in a few weeks.

What's in a name? Hmmmmm......lets see. Everything! Your parents thought long and hard what name to give you, just like you did with your own children. I take the same consideration when I name a product. For instance, Cactus & Ivy has a rub called Back Acre's. Some people thought I didn't know how to spell the last word correctly. On the contrary. I named our back rub Back Acre's for a reason.



When my family moved to South Carolina 30 years ago, the acres where my parents built their house, had to be cleared. Being the military family that we are, we cut every tree down by hand. Then we dug up every stump by hand. The trees left brush behind as well. The remnants of the trees had to be dragged to a pile, which was moved 15 times until we finally found its resting place. The labor of clearing the acres gave us all back pain, hence the name Back Acres Rub.

Now I need your help naming two little incredibly lovable creatures. My husband and I have never paid for an animal. We take in the lost, lonely, unwanted and damaged animals that cross our path.



These sweet kitties took their first trip to the vet on Saturday and received a clean bill of health. I also needed help in determining their sex. They both happen to be males and are in desperate need of a name.

Both are very lovable, rambunctious, curious and down right full sweetness. The gray loves to jump and the multi colored loves to climb. They are so much alike that it's hard to distinguish individual personalities.

We love to extend nicknames to our cats. Our other cats, Smokey and Maggie are also called Monster Man and Mag Pie. So, what's in a name? Will you please help us name our newest members of the family? The person with the winning names will receive a box of Cactus & Ivy goodies. I will choose the winner on Friday, November 7, 2008.

Thanks for stopping by y'all!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Your Voice, Your Choice - Bath, Body & Beauty

Hey Y'all!

Brrrr.......it is a crisp 30 degrees in my neck of the woods. I am beginning to wonder if fall just dropped by for a small visit and winter is now here to stay!

Something I haven't talked much about in my personal life is the ordeal my husband, Prevo, has been going through. Since December, 2007, he's had vocal cord paralysis. After using our voice to request a second opinion, he is now being treated by a top notch physician that specializes in vocal cords. After having permanent implants injected into his vocal cords in July, Prevo is now on the path to healing. Prevo had his third appointment with a speech pathologist yesterday and he is making strides in getting his voice back. The road Prevo is traveling brings me to this post.


Small businesses like mine are at risk if the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 draft discussion is voted into law. Among the provisions in the draft legislation that adversely impact small cosmetics manufacturers:

- up to $12,000 in annual FDA registration fees

- stringent and burdensome paperwork and reporting requirements that would make it impossible to run a small business

- requirements for compliance with "one-size-fits-all" manufacturing guidelines that small businesses could not possibly comply with

Lend your voice to the many small businesses that so desperately need your support. Please take a moment to visit the Indie Business Blog, watch the video and sign the petition.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! Stay warm!!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Sharing the Love - All Things Indie

Hey Y'all!

Here's hoping this post finds you doing well and embracing the cooler weather.

Variety is the spice of life! I believe in supporting your fellow woman owned business. Today, I am supplying you with the links to my fellow "indies" and some happen to manufacture bath and body products. Yes, I said bath and body products. This group of women show so much support, love and comradorie.

Through social networking on Twitter, I have been introduced to and connected with the following group of amazing and talented women. I am a realist. I know that Cactus & Ivy products will not appeal to everyone. Don't get me wrong, I would be stoked if Cactus & Ivy were in every bathroom, purse, suitcase, pocket, spa, boutique, hotel, resort, and the list goes on. That's not to say I'm not working hard every day to make that a reality!

Below, you will find a vast array of women owned companies that make everything from handmade scarfs, jewelry, desserts, and of course, bath and body products. So, without further ado, here is my list, alphabetically.

A Dorana Design
Adore By Nat
BL Soaps
BabyCakes
Baby Fish Mouth
Back Porch Soap Co
Bath Desserts
Bella Lucce
Blue Moon Candles
Body Systems
Cobweb Corner
Criket's Creations
Cutie Booty Cakes
Dhara Holistics
Dr Flower's Essentials Inc
Faerie Made
Flower Peddler
GCDSpa
Goode Scents
Hello Bath & Body
Hello Crafty
Hemp Essentials
Honey Bee Soaps
I Sew Cute
Klean Bath & Body
La Dolce Diva
Lily Gulch Soaps
Lisa Ann Skin Care
Mineral Silk
miSpa
MollyCoddle Soap
Nahia Creations
Nidasii
Palm Beach Soaps
Patisserie Jolie
PRIIA
Sarva Soap
Sevi Organics
Shea & Company
Simply Shells Designs
Soapy Love
System Bath
The 27th Element
The Bath Project
The Grapeseed Company
Three Ravens
Twin Birch Bath & Body
Villainess
Wild Woozle Soap Company


So, what do you think? Please take the time to provide me your thoughts. Feedback is greatly appreciated - good, bad or indifferent! In the end, it is always about the consumer.

Before I leave, I want to mention one last site that is responsible for shaping me into the type of business woman I have become. Donna Maria is the CEO of the Indie Beauty Network and is a true champion of the Indie Business Owner!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Pumpkin Seed Oil - A Natural Treat For Your Skin

Hey Y'all!

I hope you are all doing well on this chilly Tuesday morning! Today I am providing information on the benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil. The INCI name is Cucurbita Pepo.

Pumpkin Seed Oil is dark green in color and cold pressed from the roasted, hulled seeds of Styrian pumpkins. The oil contains valuable vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, calcium, zinc, magnesium and has over 60% unsaturated fatty acids, second only to flaxseed. Sterols and antioxidants are also found in Pumpkin Seed Oil.


Originating in the southeast region of Austria, from Styrian pumpkins, the seeds of this pumpkin variety are hand cultivated, washed, dried, mashed and roasted at low temperatures for oil production. To produce one liter of oil takes approximately 30 pumpkins.

The many benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil are it restores skin tissue, protects the skin from UV damage, absorbs quickly into the skin and supports the healing of sores and wounds.

Pumpkin Seed Oil is sometimes referred to as "Green Gold". Including Pumpkin Seed oil in a massage blend, it is believed to relive headaches, muscle pain, tension, sprains, redness and rheumatic problems. Using "green gold" as part of a cream or lotion formula is said to help prevent stretch marks and relieve dry skin.

Aside from the benefits to your skin when applied topically, we can't leave out the fact that pumpkins make an awesome dessert. Yes, the ever adorned Pumpkin Pie that will soon be on most of our tables during the holiday season.

If you'd like to try some really cool bath and body products containing Pumpkin Seed Oil, look no further! Cactus & Ivy's Indian Summer Fall Line has this beloved ingredient in all three products.

• Pumpkin & Shea Body Soufflé -Shea Butter, pumpkin and walnut oils whipped to perfection to produce a rich and creamy emollient for your skin. Shea Butter contains an abundance of healing ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins and a unique fatty acid profile, and is a superior active moisturizer and enables your skin to absorb moisture from the air. As a result, your skin becomes softer and stays moisturized longer. A little soufflé goes a long way.
  

• Walnut Body Glaze -Your skin will love you for this body glaze! High in vitamin e, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, helps to regenerate, tone and moisturize damaged or dry skin. Along with the intoxicating blend of sweet and spicy essential oils, it is sure to bring the Fall season to mind.

• Spiced Sugar Body Polish -Begin your skin regiment with our creation of turbinado, shea butter, apricot kernel, walnut and pumpkin oils to refurbish and exfoliate your skin. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, your skin will love you for exfoliating and moisturizing, with the aroma of sweet spices.
  

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

You're The Balm Bag - Cruelty Free & Vegan Natural Body Products

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. It is a crisp 36 degrees in my neck of the woods. Brrrrr!!

Today, I am excited to announce a promotional opportunity for Cactus & Ivy with the Eco-Office Gals Relaunch and I have supplied 'You're The Balm' Bags for a giveaway.


You're The Balm Bag consists of:

• Peppermint Tree Foot Balm - Our signature balm! A soothing blend of oils and vegetable waxes to create a balm perfect for daily moisturizing of your feet. Use this balm as needed or for an intense overnight treatment.

• Butter Me Up Body Balm - A combination of soothing oils and cocoa butter give this balm a nice glide on your skin. Perfect for after shave use, soothe sun burned skin or an all over intense moisturizer for dry, itchy skin, especially on the knees and elbows.

• Lip Service Lip Balm - Creamy blend of oils, candelilla wax, grapefruit seed extract, vitamin E, plain or essential oils of spearmint and peppermint.

So, what do you have to do to win one of our 'You're The Balm' Bags? Go to Eco-Office Gals and follow their instructions. But you've gotta hurry, the winners will be announced this evening!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator & Guinea Chick Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy