Gift Sets Are Now Available!

Just wanted to let you know that our gift sets are up and our shipping is very straightforward:

If you order anything from us by midnight on December 16th, your order will ship by the 19th ensuring that your package will arrive before Christmas Day. if you live in the contiguous Untied States.

So shop away!

Here's a photo of the new sets that are available:

Holiday Gifts Sets 2011

 We also have redesigned our website a bit (thanks, Brad!) and have some new items listed there as well which we are very proud to offer. We have a limited supply as things are flying off the shelves very quickly and when the Limited Edition Soaps are gone, they're gone. Others will be re-stocked sometime in January.

Flowers From An Angel

I received these gorgeous long stemmed roses from an organic flower shop in Miami. The person who sent them to me was Teresa of Life, Homesteading and Everything!!!! What an unbelievable generous sweet thing to do!

I did a little bitching and felt sorry for myself the other day on this blog and I certainly didn't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I was just airing my pathetic laundry.

Thank you, Teresa. It really touched me.

New Find : Eco-Friendly Beauty Tools

Eco Tools. Brushes and bath accessories. Earth friendly AND affordable!!

All of their brushes are synthetic (good for saving the animals) and they work so well. They are quite soft in comparison to many brushes on the market and honestly, they feel like the real thing.  I am not a big make-up gal, but when I wear it, it has to look good.  These brushes do a good job of evenly applying foundation, blush and eye shadow. The large make up brush is a mere $8.00, which is a fraction of the cost of makeup brushes at Sephora.  You can even get 5 brushes of varying size for only $11!

The handles on all of the brushes are made of lightweight bamboo, which is a wonderfully fast growing, renewable resource. (I love bamboo plants, floors, handles....etc. It is the wonder wood.)

The bath accessories, such as the sponges, mitts and buffs are made of cotton, ramie or loofah and are nice in the bath.  Soft and pretty.  Look at the pictures.  These are pictures I took at home.  This is my "set" and I am so pleased with it all.  I haven't had a chance to use every single item yet, but I am sure having loads of fun trying!

Get Your Feet Ready To Be Naked

If you haven't tried Sugarfoot, I urge you to get your feet in shape before those new toe revealing sandals arrive in the mail that you ordered.

When I lived in NY, I didn't see my feet unless I was bathing. Socks, boots, fuzzy slippers...whatever kept my feet warm. So the lack of sun, moisture, and touch made my feet so limp, sad and fugly for Spring. When it was time to let my feet breathe and finally see the daylight, I was blinded by the white pastiness. I wish I had had Sugarfoot then.

So, I created a foot scrub that is light and fluffy, with exfoliating power to scrub away the callouses and dead skin that clings on. The scents are pure heaven: Cookie and Ruby Red Grapefruit. Cookie, for those who want sweet smelling feet (smells like a real cookie) and the Ruby Red for the citrus people like me (tart and mouth watering indeed).

Get your feet ready, because they will need to be covered again and those poor feet will suffocate in those socks if you leave them there too long. ;)

Top 20 Hottest Publications To Watch

Pierce Mattie PR Names the Top 20 Hottest Publications To Watch In 2008

Written by Shannon Nelson for Pierce Mattie Public Relations 

Pierce Mattie Public Relations (www.piercemattie.com) has comprised a list of the hottest magazines ranging from industry leaders, quickly emerging stand outs, as well as publications that will be launching in 2008.

 1.     Vogue: Not having Vogue on the list would be a crime. Under Anna Wintour’s guidance, Vogue continues to remain a publication with an old fashioned sense of sophistication that is still able to capture women’s attention and create buzz among it’s demographic.

 2.     Esquire:  Not only can Esquire boast a circulation bordering on the 1 million mark, but their website is ranked #2 by MinOnline.com for achieving the highest page views (4,417,927) and unique visitor count gains for a magazine brand in 2007.

 3.     Domino:  With home magazines on the rise, Domino is emerging as a stand out publication. Under the helm of Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman, Domino has found success in relating to readers who are just as savvy about the style of their home as they are to the fashion that they wear.

 4.     Brides:  Bridal magazine titles have increased 96% since 2002 and Brides magazine still has remained a powerhouse with the highest circulation, leading the way among their competitors.

 5.     Cookie:  Parents who aren’t looking to compromise on style and aesthetics have found the perfect outlet in Cookie. Increasingly popular among fashionista’s who have graduated on to motherhood, Cookie’s focus on style, beauty and home décor has resonated with a sophisticated audience. 

6.     Real Simple: Time is a luxury and Real Simple has struck a chord with female readers looking to simplify their hectic lives. In this fast paced society, this easy to read publication continues to surge in popularity bordering on a circulation just shy of 2 million.

 7.     W: The fashion bible of the industry has been and will always be a must-read magazine. Those in the know are readers of W.

 8.     Genlux: Regional magazines are among the fastest growing in the publishing industry; in fact they were king in 2007 as the largest magazine category while Luxury magazines had the second highest launch rate in 2007. Genlux is the best of both worlds as a Los Angeles luxury-driven magazine; it’s the one magazine that has both editors and consumers raving.

 9.     Conde Nast Portfolio: This business publication for the influential executive trendsetters already has a circulation of 350,000 and it’s only been on newsstands less than 12 months. The business community is applauding Editor in Chief, Joanne Lipman, for this must-read that is sure to continue being hot in 2008.

 10.  Nylon:  Nylon is the thinking fashionista’s style magazine. Consumers respond to Nylon’s smart writing and substance-based editorial.

11.  Lucky: Despite an impending recession, women love to shop.  Lucky brings the best style to the consumer from all price points, who right now, are all about knowing their options.

 12.  O, The Oprah Magazine: This goes without saying, whatever Oprah touches turns to gold. With a circulation of roughly 2.5 million, O magazine remains hot with no signs of burning out.

 13.  Garden & Gun: Amazingly the Evening Post Publishing Co. found a way to mix sporting life and southern landscapes as if it were completely natural. Being southern never looked so good.

 14.  Martha Stewart Living: Covering a broad spectrum of topics, Martha Stewart Living defines the home décor category. To date, Omnimedia’s hit publication is unparalleled in circulation (just over 2 million) and website traffic.

 15.  ZooZoom:  As digital publications are becoming more prevalent, ZooZoom’s cinematic editorials are catching the eyes of those who view fashion as art. Visually appealing for the fashion intellectual, ZooZoom distinguishes itself from other digital magazines as the original online glossy.

 16.  Organic Spa: Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Mary Bemis has created a quite fervor among spa lifestyle enthusiasts. Just launched in January of 2007, Organic Spa has found its way onto the shelves of Whole Foods reaching a circulation of over 40,000 of those looking for the true meaning of Spa.

 17.  New York Look: Just launched at the end of November by New York Magazine, consider New York Look your supplement to Fashion Week. The imagery is mesmerizing with an insider’s view backstage, front row and even atop the runway.

 18.  IQONS: Following the success of the fashion industry’s answer to social networking, IQONS.com is launching its namesake magazine internationally in February during New York Fashion Week. Iconic fashion designer, Diane Pernet, will be Editor-in-Chief and with contributions from the IQONS community, the magazine is sure to be a success.

19.  On Makeup Magazine: The February 2008 launch of On Makeup Magazine from The Powder Group is sure to catch the eye of makeup artists (both current and aspiring) as well as consumers with a love for the cosmetics industry.  Positioned as distinctively pro-driven and consumer-friendly, we’re sure this quarterly publication will have readers rioting for it to be published monthly.

 20.  Latina: Ethnic magazine titles rose by 52% in 2007 and Latina, since 2003, has become one of the top ten fastest growing magazines in America. Its growth continues to surge and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

About Pierce Mattie Public Relations:  visit www.piercemattie.com

 

 (Product Body has been featured in GenLux #8 - yay!)

 

Having A Fabulous Face: DIY Masks

Having A Fabulous Face: Masks and Creams 

(guest blogger, Vicky Zhou)
 
One of the best ways to improve the condition of your face is to use a combination of masks and creams to rejuvenate the skin, restoring moisture that has been lost. 
 
When it comes to selecting masks and creams, you will really want to take into account the type of skin you have, so you can be sure that the mask and cream you choose matches your exact needs.
 
Often, the types of masks and creams you will run into include ones for dry skin, irritated skin, oily skin, regular skin, combination skin, or acne prone skin. 
 
By selecting one that matches your current skin condition, you will ensure that it provides the greatest improvement to you.
 
Here are some masks and creams that you can make to use when you are really in the mood to pamper yourself. 
 
Yogurt Face Mask For Sensitive Skin
 
This is a terrific and easy to make mask to use on sensitive skin when you want something that feels both cooling and refreshing. You can alter it to suite other skin types by adding a couple of drops of lemon or lime juice if you have oily skin, or a couple of drops of honey for those with dry skin. 
 
1 cup natural yogurt
½ cup oatmeal (preferably non-sweetened)
 
Simply combine the two ingredients together and then dab it on to the face. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes and then wash off with a warm washcloth. 
 
Oily Skin Oatmeal Face Mask
 
If you are prone to oily skin and want a simple to make mask that delivers great results, consider an egg white oatmeal face mask.
 
½ cup oatmeal 
1 egg white
1 drop of lemon juice. 
 
Mix the oatmeal and the egg white together first, then stir in a tiny amount of lemon juice. Spread this mixture (note that it will be thick) over your skin and let sit for about five minutes.
 
Once the time is up, simply rinse off by splashing the face with warm water and then laying a steamed washcloth on top of the skin for a few minutes. 
 
Banana Face Mask For Oily Skin
 
Another great way to treat oily skin is with a banana face mask.
 
1 ripe banana
1 tbsp honey
lemon or orange juice.
 
First mash up the banana. Once it's turned into a paste-like consistency, mix in the honey and blend until distributed. Finally, stir in the orange or lemon juice and then apply to your face for 15 minutes.  To remove this mask, use a cool washcloth or splash water over the skin. 
 
Clay Face Mask For Anyone
 
If you want a generic clay face mask that will improve the condition of your skin, this is it. This mixture will keep for up to an entire month so make a large batch at a time and then store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. Try and apply at least once each week. 
 
1 ½ tsp green French clay
1 tsp kaolin clay
1 ½ tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tbsp rosewater
2 drops lavender oil
 
Begin by mixing the clays together first, then add in the remaining ingredients. Spread over your face and let sit for about 10 minutes or until dry and skin feels slightly tighter. 
 
Carrot Face Mask For Oily Skin
 
If you're looking for a good natural face mask, this one is the perfect fit.
 
2-3 large carrots
4 ½ tbsp honey
 
First, cook the carrots so that they are soft enough to mash.  Once you've drained the water, mash them up and then mix with honey.  Spread over your face and let sit for about 10 minutes. 
 
Rinse the face mask off with cool water and then follow it up with a thin layer of moisturizing cream.
 
So, next time you are looking to improve the condition of your skin, give a face mask some consideration.  They are very simple to make if you do not wish to purchase one and often use ingredients that you'll typically find in your home pantry or fridge. 

About Guest Blogger: Vicky is a freelance writer, editor, relationship expert, and soon to be author.

Mama Bomb - KA POW!

Expecting?  A new mom?  A woman?  Check out Mama Bomb, our newest line of completely all natural bath and body goodies specifically geared towards the ever changing needs of a mother to be.

We are starting our launch with four simple body treats:

The Original Mama Bomb

Lemon Bomb

Tangerine Whipped Dream

Coconut Milk Bath Soak

Take a look at Mama Bomb.  Sold at Product Body Shop here.

So Pretty And Blue

I need this in my hand right now.  Where is the nearest cupcake shop?  Damn, I miss NYC!! There are no cupcake factories or bakeries within miles here! Although, I saw a sign the other day of a new cupcake shop coming soon about 2 miles from my house.  I will take my camera on opening day.  

Can't wait!!

Lip Balm Disappointment

I have been pretty disappointed with lip balms in general for a number of years.

• Lip gloss is too sticky and when it isn't, it vanishes too quickly.
• Lip balm generally feels either too greasy and un-conditioning or too waxy.

I am not big on huge brands like Vaseline, Chapstick, Nivea etc. Carmex was good for me in college, but that was umpteen years ago and my lips need more. I need to not have it sit on my lips like a pile of melted candle wax or slip off my lips like a slip-n-slide.

Every so often, I find a brand I like, but before I get through the pot or stick, I realize the bad parts I hate about it. If I taste anything, I am grossed out. If it is too smelly or too icky smelling, I'll throw it out. The scent is super important to me, too, so if it smells like Cheetos or Root Beer, count me out even though I am a foodie gal.

Because of my curmudgeon-like attitude, I think I will have to torment my family again and whip up more goodies in the kitchen, but this time for the lips.... until I find a formula that will really speak to me, or rather sing to me. Tis the season.... Winter is upon us and I owe it to the folks who feel the same way I do.

Regarding lip plumpers. I have despised the tastes of the ones I have tested. What the heck are they seeping into the goo? Any thoughts?

Two Very Hip Chicks

Last night I watched a Quentin Tarantino flick: Death Proof. Loved it! Zoe Bell, real stuntwoman (now actress) and Rosario Dawson, recently on the cover of Bust mag with the brass knuckles, were both great and the movie as a whole was even better.

Rosario Dawson:

And introducing Zoe Bell

I am not here to write a movie critique, but this one is unique. I like the style, the story and I have to say, Kurt Russel is dynamite; his best work. I don't think the movie was well received by the general public, but it's my favorite of Tarantino's since Pulp Fiction.

Correction: Not "Offbeat", more "Indie"

I recently started a Pretty Women series (not finished yet). Part One was focused on The Top Three Women Of External Beauty. Then Part Two was Pretty Women: More Offbeat. Corrected by my big brained husband, Brad, my 3 choices were not necessarily "offbeat". "Robin Wright Penn?", he asks me. I think about it. I guess I meant more INDIE, more un-spotlighted, more unique in nature. Physically do I think Robin Wright Penn is offbeat? No. But the movies she's been in are less blockbusters and more independent films. My kind of movies. Anyway, so I correct myself and call it Part Two: More Indie.

My hub also noticed that all the women I chose are all blonde and that Debbie Harry looks a lot like Michelle Pfeiffer and Kelly Carlson looks a lot like Marilyn Monroe. Hmmm. OK, there seems to be a beautiful blonde theme in my brain. I guess I could have blonde envy....maybe I'm a blonde wannabe.

Or I could be Jean Harlow reincarnated.

(Isn't that the most beautiful photo of her?)

Pretty Women Part 2 - More Offbeat

More absolutely gorgeous women.... Debbie Harry, then and now...

When I was 7 years old, I wanted to be Debbie Harry. Most of my friends aspired to be Barbie or Mrs. Casper (my 1st grade teacher). Me? No.


PINK. She is so stunning. Does she even know how pretty she is, or how pretty I think she is?
One of my favorite actresses is Robin Wright Penn. Also stunningingly beautiful.
More to come in this series....

Pretty Women - Part I

These are the most beautiful women to me.
This is Part 1 of a 3 part series of physical beauty. We'll get to the other part later.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Marilyn Monroe

Kelly Carlson

Comments.... Tell me who YOU think is the fairest of all.

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.

My New Favorite Thing

I have been on a mission to find a coconut scent that I like from well over a dozen different vendors of mine. They never smell like coconut, though.....not even close to the real thing. It is kind of like every candle that claims it's vanilla, smells like this gross bleck. I actually love the smell of real vanilla but can't stand vanilla in general because it smells heavy, musky, yucky and fake.

So I still haven't found the perfect coconut fragrance oil, but I finally bought some organic virgin coconut cream oil and when I popped that cap off.... Wow! Gorgeous coconut smell wafted from the rim. It was a perfect blend of coconut and coconut. Not a strong smell, but a true scent. I had to pry my nose out of the opening. I could have breathed it in like that all day. Well, it really goes to show ya that the real thing is key.

I might have to play around with some coconut products very very soon. More concoctions, I love it!

I have 4 of these coconut trees a-swaying in my backyard and they are bursting with coconuts! I should get a machete to hack off the shell to get to the goods. (Knives don't work. We've also tried smashing on concrete, cracking, hammering....those are hard suckers)

The Beauty Addict: Kristen Kelly

Kristen is the beauty blogger that has written about us more times than anyone, and definitely helped put us on the map. Beauty Addict is a favorite of mine, one I go back to time and time again. She is a true authority on aal things beauty related, and she's funny.

Without even telling me, I found a post (The Itchy & Scratchy Show) on her blog about moisturizing her arm which has been in a cast for weeks. One of her 2 picks for moisturizers was Product Body's Mama Bomb. So I publicly thank her and ask all of you to check out her blog if you haven't already.

Kristen, thank you again for your kind words!!

Another Interview

The interview with Cheri at Beauty Buffet blog just got posted on her website. I interviewed months ago and forgot I revealed my addiction to Haagan Daz chocolate peanut butter ice cream. (I ate a half a pint just last night ;-0).

You should check out the blog when you get a chance. She has product reviews, beauty tips, diy recipes and more.

OK, OK, I will create honey for you

I got an overwhelming response when I asked you all whether you were interested in a semi-sweet coconut dough scent or a sugar honey scent and the poll has bent the scale towards the honey. So, I will get back to work on my honey concoction and you will have your honey, honey....

I have a few things in m pocket and I am ready to share come Fall.

Oh, Peony!

I have fallen for the gorgeous packaging and intoxicating scent of Henri Bendel's Peony candle. I was browsing through Bath And Body Works yesterday, looking at some of my competition, and I arrived at the candle section. You know how much I love candles. Henri Bendel really has outdone themselves with simplistic, colorful and appealing packaging for their candle series. There are many many scents to choose from, but some of the scents are absolutely foul, but most are lovely so definitely sniff before handing over your plastic. My favorite flowers to look at are pale pink peonies. They are so delicate and sweet and perfectly shaped. Now I can enjoy peony in a candle. I wish the candle was soy or beeswax, but Bendel says the wax is vegetable based which is far better than paraffin.

Then, sort of off the topic of Bendel but on the topic of candles...Thought I'd share some interesting information about paraffin candles that everyone should know:

Soy vs Paraffin

SOY

• Soy wax is made from soybeans and vegetables, both renewable resources.
• Soy wax burns much cleaner and purer as it is all natural, non-toxic, and non-hazardous.
• This wax is biodegradable leading to reduced landfills.
• Soy wax residue can be washed away with warm water and soap.
• Purchasing soy products supports the soy farmers of America, which stimulates our economy and lessens dependence on international resources.

PARAFFIN

• Derived from petroleum, a limited resource
• The burning of paraffin wax contributes to indoor air contamination by emitting petro-chemicals causing soot deposits and carcinogenic particulate matter.
• This wax contains petroleum by-products and additives that inhibit biodegradability.
• Paraffin wax residue is quite troublesome, often impossible, to remove.
• Purchasing paraffin products not only supports our dependence on this crude oil but also supports an industry riddled with environmental faux pas.

If you find yourself at that store instead of my website buying home fragrance or other products, smell the Henri Bendel candles. Some are very pleasing.