Get Your Photos To Me Before Monday!!

Sunday is the very last day to submit your photos to me for the contest. The contest is over at midnight September 30th. Send me a photo of any Product Body product along with you, your pet, on a skyscraper, whatever for a chance to win a goodie box full of Product Body goodness. I will be announcing the winner on October 5th.

Don't let this slip by!

Mail all photos to me at jo@productbody.com.

Have a great weekend!!

Attention Beauty + Product Junkies!

Anyone who has a plethora of soap, shampoo, body products that you don't want, here is a place you might want to send them to. I share this letter from Outside In that I received and I think you all may have something in your bathroom you can give up if you feel this is a cause you'd feel good about. I know I will.


Dear Get Product,

The experience of being homeless is frightening, debilitating and fraught with risks. Access to basic survival needs such as food, clothing and shelter are daily challenges. The added challenges of neglect and abuse in early childhood, medical and mental health needs and emotional trauma make a life off the street seem almost inconceivable. But if given the chance, and offered the right resources, building a sense of confidence that moves homeless youth into employment, college, stable housing and improved health occurs every day.

Outside In’s mission is to address the changing needs of homeless youth and other marginalized people as they work toward self-sufficiency and improved health by providing them innovative social, medical and mental health services and material resources. The Employment & Education Program enhanced and expanded learning and employment options for 336 youth this past year. 50 youth completed an advanced Job Readiness Training curriculum, learning critical skills to obtaining and maintaining employment. 91 youth received educational services, including 22 youth attending college. Along with extensive training and support, our Employment & Education Program provides homeless youth with basic hygiene supplies.

Any donation of soap or other hygiene supplies to Outside In would be sincerely appreciated. It would be great to get travel size soaps or a large piece and we can cut it for distribution. If you have any questions or want to learn more about Outside In, please contact me at 503.535.3866. www.outsidein.org

Sincerely,
Matt Weatherly
Development & Communications Assistant
____________________________________
Matt Weatherly | Outside In Development & Communications Assistant
1132 SW 13th Ave | Portland, OR 97205
www.outsidein.org Direct:503.535.3866


Help spread the word. Change can happen when people know about it, so post this on your blog or pass it along to someone.

Ramen Necklace?

Pretty funny. Etsy seller, Danielle, makes her own jewelry with hand crafted polymer clay/paper. This little charmer is only one inch wide. The best part is that you can order the flavor you like for the Ramen! Chicken, beef or vegetable...

Other jewelry designs and dollhouse food in her Etsy shop are food related but get this.... a bunch of it is scented polymer!! So you can get Fluffer Nutter scented sandwich necklace charms or sugared donuts, bon bons, (below, Christina Hull might appreciate that!), and she even makes a scented lime margarita charm necklace.
Danielle started making miniature polymer desserts in January 2007. All this in such a short time! According to her shop, she will be making 1:12 scale dollhouse goodies. So either go to her Etsy shop here or to her ecommerce site here. They are truly cute.

I may have to get this little marshmallow Peeps for my 10 year old daughter. She absolutely loves these!

Free Stuff Contest Deadline Approaching!

The Free Stuff Photo Contest is in its final approach and so is the Farm Sanctuary charity effort. Both promotions end on the last day of September (one more week!).

The Free Stuff Photo Contest: The most original photo sent to us with Product Body products in the picture wins a goodie box from us: Product Body scrubs, bath melts and other goodies. Details.

Farm Sanctuary Partnership: We are donating 10% of all online sales purchased on productbodyshop to Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the abuse and general mistreatment of farm animals. Details.

Chocolate Is Good For You

Chocolate is one of my favorite foods. Sarah's Candies, a gorgeous pastry and candy shop in Chicago compiled some information on chocolate that I think everyone should know. It also made me feel better about eating it as much as I do.

Chocolate stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the 'runner's high.'...Chocolate also contains a neurotransmitter serotonin that acts as an anti-depressant.

Chocolate's scientific name, theobroma cacao (\The`o*bro"ma\ \Ca*ca"o\)
A literal translation is 'Food of The Gods'.

Its feel good chemicals have long been associated with feelings of love, safety, and comfort.

Babies born to women who had been eating chocolate daily during pregnancy were more active and 'positively reactive'- a measure that encompasses traits such as smiling and laughter. And the babies of stressed women who had regularly consumed chocolate showed less fear of new situations than babies of stressed women who abstained.

Research reported cocoa powder and chocolate contain a relatively high amount of phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant properties that may be beneficial in reducing the risk for coronary heart disease.

The finer varieties [of chocolate] provide a range of valuable nutrients....vitamin E, iron, and magnesium... and can help lift your mood.

It is the hidden substances [of chocolate] that are being craved as they are an antidepressant and help create a state of euphoria. This is why some people crave chocolate when they are feeling down. Chocolate also contains substances which act as stimulants thus giving energy.

Research indicates a possible antioxidant benefit in chocolate, similar to that found in red wine.

Chocolate contains vitamins A, B¹, C, D, and E, as well as potassium, sodium, iron, and fluorine. Now, researchers say those creamy chocolate confections may actually help us live longer, too. Harvard researchers tracked nearly 8,000 males... Those men who enjoyed chocolate and candy lived almost a year longer than those who did not.

Antioxidants, flavonoids and the subgroup called catechins, are found in dark chocolate four times the amount that it is found in green tea.

So, if you are in Chicago, go see Sarah at her shop and tell her I sent you. And have a cupcake for me.

Review: Full Moon Candle

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I am a dessert lover. So when Joy Castaneda contacted me and sent me 3 gorgeous pillar candles I almost fell off my chair!

Joy contacted me back in July inquiring about carrying some of our products in her retail store, Full Moon Candle. Her shop is located on the Pacific Olympic Peninsula in Sequim, Washington and it's adorable! Joy complimented me on my blogs and after reading the reviews of soap on my other blog: The Soap Bar blog, she was hoping that I might write a review about her candles.

Candles? I am a sucker for them (among other things). My thrills: cupcakes, dessert, gourmet food, good wine, the sound of the ocean, humor, art and all things smelly-good. After I told her to drop a small candle in the mail for me to burn and review, I didn't expect to see three entire 6 inch pillar candles in the most delicious smells. You all know if you've ever tried my products, that I love all things citrus, so the Grapefruit was perfect for me! It was a peachy glowing pink, but smelled like tart grapefruit, not the sweeter cousin, the pink grapefruit. When I burned the gorgeous candle it smelled up my room (good throw), but it was a mild form of the direct put-the-candle-on-your-nose-sniff. That candle is now almost gone... :( I will have to place my order with her before the holidays deplete the mother-load of goodies.

The Creme Brulee candle was brownish in color and smelled sweet, sweet and brown-ey warm. It brought back warm sugar memories... I closed my eyes, whiffed, and I was immediately catapulted to every handmade candy shop I've visited. The candle was perfect with a brown sweet confection tease that when you want to smell gourmet candy ... This is the perfect mix of caramel, hint of chocolate and gooey praline goodness. The Creme Brulee was sweet and more heavy in scent throw, but not overwhelming at all. It kept my bedroom smelling nice for days, even after blowing it out 3 days before!

I haven't had the right moment to try the Jamaican Spice. That's for another day. I'll have to report on that later.


Now I want a candle in every room of the house because with Joy's candles, the scent lingers for days, which is something I NEVER get with other candles. Usually, you can light a candle and it smells good, but within 12 hours of blowing it out, the scent retreats and remains dormant until you remember to light it again.

I recommend everyone getting at least a few before the holidays. She makes them all herself and has been doing this for years! She has worked hard and it shows. Her candles are a delight!! Thanks, Joy for sending the lovely candles. I'll be back.

This photo looks tempting. Pumpkin.... mmmm. Just in time for October.

Xenomania

I received this invite from Sheila, who used to work at Bust magazine. Sheila was responsible for the most wonderful review we got in the Dec/Jan. issue with Parker Posey on the cover. Sheila left Bust and moved to England. Here is her letter:

I hope this e-mail finds you well! Some of you know me from beloved BUST magazine, or via Cha Cha Charming, record fairs, junior high gym class. Last year I packed up my NYC livin' and moved to London, England, where I work as head of A&R for Xenomania Records--the hit factory behind two of the UK biggest girl groups, Girls Aloud and Sugababes. We're currently working with Franz Ferdinand, Norwegian pop gal Annie, as well as developing new artists. I feel like I'm working at the Motown of the 21st century. It's so awesome.

I'm heading back to NYC from October 1st through the 22nd for the sole purpose of finding new artists for Xenomania, and we're holding open auditions for female singers the weekend of October 13 + 14th. I'm writing to ask for your help in spreading the word to your friends, sisters, cousins, daughters, neighbors, co-workers, fave unsigned bands/singers, everyone and anyone you know who wants to make it in music! I've attached the flyer below, and all the info can be found on our MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/xenomaniausa.

Lemme know if you need any other deets, and feel free to send MySpace links, demos, etc my way!

Thanks so much!
xo-Sheila
______________________

Thought I'd share this since most of you are women and some of you may know women artists who might benefit from this audition. You never know.

Cupcake Heaven

I've always loved cupcakes. Cake is overwhelming, because of the size. It's hard to moderate oneself with portion control. Cupcakes are really a perfect treat. Perfect sized portion, and cupcakes have every element of what every dessert should possess. Presentation, color, frosting texture and taste, embellishments, exterior cake-eyness, and then there is the moist interior. Of course, it can be eaten any old way, but it is always important to maintain fosting on every bite for the full effect.

I found Perfect Fairy Cakes with the most beautiful cupcake photographs and I knew I had to share them. This artwork in cupcakery shouldn't be missed. I know that when it gets stressful during the day, I can look at any one of these photos and instantly go to a peaceful and confectionary state of bliss for a moment.

Feast your eyes.

I'm In The Beauty Blog Network

Yay, yay. I can't really believe it! All of those amazing beauty bloggers that I admire are a part of this beauty movement and I am so honored to have been asked to join by Elke Von Freudenberg, super famous and highly respected celebrity and editorial makeup artist who has really made a name for herself in this industry. The Beauty Blog Network (BBN) is a priceless resource of information and the undying support between bloggers is shown on a daily basis.

Photo of Elke, founder and creator of BBN...

BBN quote says it best: "She started the Beauty Blog Network, feeling that beauty deserved as big a forum as fashion."

Very smart women I must say. I am proud to be a part of it.

Barefoot Shoes

I love fashion and high heel boots, stylish trends and on the edge style in general. I found these shoes on Squidoo and I think I've fallen in love with them. I have a pair of Royal Elastics Chedal Mules just like these in Marshmallow/Iris and I love them. Get compliments all the time. It kind of feels like a combination of a mule and a flip flop, because the big toe and the other toes are separated as you can see with the elastic "piping(?) Royal Elastics have rotating visual clips if you'd like to see the whole 360 degree view of any show they make. I've had them a year and they don't even look worn and all my friends want to try them on. Go figure.

Now, I found a new funky sandal I like. I do not like to wear what everyone else is wearing and I happen to be attracted to the unique, I suppose. This shoe/sandal looks so neat. I just wonder if it's comfortable. It's all about comfort for me. They are the Vibram FiveFingers and it's supposed to feel like you are barefoot without compromising support and safety. The shoes are cute but I'd have to say the boots are a bit awkward, but according to Vibram, they are a highly effective shoe for boating, Tai Chi and Yoga. Ah Ha.

They kind of remind me of big foot with a wax job.

Now Available Online

As I spoke about my fear of being copied or taken advantage of, I had removed my ingredient list of each product from our website. I didn't like the idea of things being stolen. Recipes....but the reality is, no one can know my recipes, they can just guess and try to replicate. As Anne-Marie (from Soap & The Finer Things) states, "...imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." This I know, but thank you Anne-Marie for reminding me. In fact, I try to remind myself of that but sometimes my brain fails me. AND, I have to help my daughter understand this concept, too, when her little brother runs around doing what she does (even though sometimes he can be parrot-like).

So now, vegans can know if a formula is vegan, or natural or both, or not. Because of our Farm Sanctuary charity donations and involvement, we have had many vegans asking me what the ingredients are. Funny, how that came up after months of me not thinking about it, and then it becoming an issue for me just days before the emails.

Here is the link to the ingredient page. Each product has a link at the bottom of the description of each product, too. This will make it easy for everyone to know what they are really looking at.

I had some temporary insanity regarding removing the ingredients, but I am back and completely sane and together.

Ingredients Listed Or Not Listed

Because I felt that a couple of my competitors (which shall remain nameless) were "copying" some of my popular products, I removed the ingredient lists of each product from the website. Instead, if they really wanted it, they'd have to buy it and read the label just like everyone else.

After cruising along other sites, I found that I wasn't so interested in going much further with the company if no ingredients were listed with each product. I would instantly jump to the conclusion that their stuff must be full of unmentionables and that if it wasn't listed, why would I want it? Okay, watch out... This is me being a consumer. Not pretty and I am full of contempt for companies that are untruthful or slippery.

I look for blatant honesty and I respect those that expose themselves whether or not they will be accepted. So I asked myself if I was just being short sighted. My customers should know if they want. Period.

Okay, now I will have the ingredients put back, hopefully in a week's time, AND I am hoping to make some vegan products and notify what products are vegan or organic or natural, etc... Unfortunately, honey is NOT vegan, because it is produced by bees. Although the apiary that I purchase the Tupelo honey from "farms" the honey from free range bees (is that really a term?) along a river in northern Florida. No cages. No cruelty.

Ingredient lists will be replenished. Sorry to have kept you waiting.

Anyone wants to say anything about honey and honey collecting? I am very curious to know your thoughts!

A Happy Customer

An email I recently received....

"Hi! I placed an order with you which I just got today! I was going to write and tell you how much I absolutely LOVE my order, and when I saw that I could write and tell you how much I love your stuff, plus get 10% off just by telling you how I found you, I was thrilled!

So here's my story of how I discovered you, and the story behind the story. :)

Let me begin by saying I am a certified, registered, qualified bath & body junkie. BIG TIME. I could start my OWN store with the stuff I have. My house is frequently referred to as the bath and body outlet.

I have ordered from hundreds upon hundreds of bath & body shops. Overall, I was very happy! Discovered lots of new items and great scents. Only problem? I didn't like the ingredients I was seeing. After looking up those scary ingredients recently (took me long enough!!), researching them in depth, I said that is IT - if I can't pronounce it, I'm not putting it on my body!

So...on to how I found you...I actually did hours and hours (days and days..about 2 weeks worth) of searching on Google, MSN and AOL using search terms such as "tropical whipped butter", "organic whipped shea", "whipped body balm" and other terms to find some really unique, natural, organic body products. Eventually, after going through pages and pages and pages (and pages...) of bath & body sites (and saving maybe a handful of them) I found yours, and was instantly impressed by your earthy, bright & fresh products and website!! Hence, the order came quickly!

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go put on some delicious body butter! ;) A new member of the Product Body Shop Family I am! ;)

Warm regards,
M
___________________________

Next email....

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the whipped shea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is my favorite!!! I am so thrilled with my order. :) I just love your stuff. I am officially addicted. Thank you so much.
M
____________________________

I love my customers!

Farm Sanctuary Gala

Farm Sanctuary had a Gala last night at the Beverly Hills Hotel in order to raise money for their cause and I am hopeful that they raised a LOT of it! As I mentioned in my last post about Farm Sanctuary, they are a not-for-profit organization that’s fighting to stop the abuses of industrialized farming and trying to bring awareness and understanding about farm animals.

In addition to regular folk, their are many celebrities that are a part of the cause. To name a few: Alicia Silverstone, Margaret Cho, Ashley Judd, Gillian Anderson, Kevin Nealon, Joaquin Phoenix, Ellen DeGeneres, David Duchovny (excellent in Californication), Forest Whitaker among others. The Gala was hosted by Emily Deschanel of the show "Bones".

Cheers to all that supported them! Do not forget that 10% of proceeds of every online orders during the month of September at productbodyshop.com will be donated to Farm Sanctuary. So treat yourself and feel good about where your money is going at the same time. Stock up on gifts, start taking lovely baths, buy Mom a gift becasue you love her, whatever!

Get and give at the same time! And if you aren't familiar with our products, we make them fresh every day so you know it hasn't been sitting on some shelf in a hot warehouse for months. We make it just for you... :)

The Winner Is.....

Marci G!!! She has won the itty bitty give-away game this week. Congrats, Marci. My son picked a number randomly and I corresponded it to the same numbered comment, and there you go. Our winner was revealed. Marci will be sent a goodie bag filled with generous samples of our Crush On You, Pumpkin Scrub, new bath melts and a surprise gift. Lucky you!! I have been on a serious roll with new formulations so you will be the first to try some experimentals that I think you'll love.

Marci G. Email me at jo(at)productbody(dot)com when you get a chance and give me your daytime address so I can ship your yummies.

Everyone else, don't forget there is a much bigger prize to win, but I need photos of you or your kids or cats or your car or whatever with a Product Body product . Contest ends September 30th!

Linus!

It is ready. 9.5 ounces. $19. Pumpkin-y goodness. As my husband brilliantly came up with:

sugarpumpkinbodymagic

It says it all...
Product Body Shop

I Even Confused Myself!

Let's all get these fun free gift games in order. I gave the wrong date in one of the comments, so here it is all s-p-e-l-l-e-d out (I need this as much as you, trust me!)

Product Body sample give-away ends September 7th. A winner will be picked randomly. I'll employ my daughter to pick a number between one and ...whatever the number gets to. THAT will be the winner.

The other fun thing going on is the Product Body Photo Contest. I am hoping to receive a gazillion photos of you or your friends with a Product Body product in the pic. I have received some weird ones, but they all count. The most original photo I get, wins a big yummy box of stuff spelled out in this post. All photos must be sent to me by September 30th - I have been asked to extend it from the 21st, so I did. I still haven't gotten the number I was hoping for. Don't let "original" throw you off. Send me what you've got. You never know what I'll like! It's totally worth a shot, and I need some entertaining, so send them in....

Artwork A La Cake

I am sharing these gorgeous photographs of some very cute cupcakes. I saw these at Nothing But Cupcakes, an online cupcake shop, or, as they call it, "a Web-based Cupcakery". Yum! My favorite name of one of their cupcakes is called "Worm Wishes", chocolate cake with chocolate chips topped with chocolate buttercream finished with "dirt" and gummy worms.Gorgeous. I want to dive into the photo for some of that frosting.....

Can I Just Say....?

... I am having a very hard time NOT eating my Pumpkin Scrub as I mix and scoop it into jars. It does smell like pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice cookies, cake, I don't know, but it smells good enough to eat.

Maybe I should eat lunch. ;)

Happy Labor Day and if you ordered the Pumpkin Scrub, it'll be going out in the mail tomorrow freshly made!

It's Ready, It's Ready!

Okay, pumpkin lovers, the Pumpkin Scrub is ready and finally posted on the website for purchase, as promised on September 1st. I know that some of you are very excited.

Enjoy!