Do marketers dictate consumer behavior?

As our Christmas festivities were winding down I sat down and the television happened to be on. And when I saw my first commercial for some weight loss scheme I was thoroughly disgusted. Can't we revel in the enjoyment of the holidays before laying a burden on consumers that they now have to get back to obsessing about appearance? This obvious shift in retailer marketing from buying gifts and decorating your house for the holidays to organizing, weight loss, and cleaning has always fascinated me. It's like which came first? Consumer demand or marketers creating awareness of "need" by their marketing strategies.

The idea that marketers influence our culture to such a high degree really bothers me. But they do. Do you know anyone who has not now moved to considering a new diet or new way to organize their life? It's a sad but true state of consumer behavior. I have to admit, I am also contemplating going on a detox diet. And I'm considering how to reorganize my gluten free pantry to make all my flours more accessible and easier to work with. I think it's natural to emerge from the busy days of holiday preparations and festivities with a desire to clean out the old and bring in the new. But honestly do we have to let retailers dictate and influence our behavior to such a high degree?

I want to rebel! How should I do this? By not going on a diet and living in a messy cluttered house? I haven't figured out exactly how to rebel, if you have any ideas let me know. But one thing I know for sure, I do not look forward to all the extra people showing up at the gym in January. It makes it hard to get my spot in Pilates. Maybe the frenzy will wear off sooner this year. It's not nice for me to be so cynical about the new members new years resolutions. I AM very supportive of people trying to work out more, but the efforts never seem to last past the month of January. Perhaps I'll see you at the gym?

Shopping ideas for the women in your life

Hey guys:

I'm getting ready to host a men's shopping night featuring my product line of naturally good soaps and bathing essentials. This shopping guide is broken down into two sections. One section is for gifts that would be great for any girl: moms, daughters, co-workers, someone who works for you, etc. And then there's suggestions for your significant woman, the one and only!

Any girl gift ideas for under $10:

A bar of soap made from luxurious all natural ingredients and replete with awesome aroma will be sure to please. Several soaps have a free gift wrap option, consider Candy Cane, Mint Chocolate Chip, Idaho Mossmint, Lavande Bleu or consider the two soaps gift set for $14.75, your choice of two luxury soaps come already packaged and ready for gift giving. If you have no idea what aromas your girl likes, stick with Lavande de Bois' tried and true customer favorites: Lavande Blue or Mint Chocolate Chip or Orange Spice.

A gift for the hands that help you: a naturally good soap paired with a hand salve provides practical yet luxurious care for her hands. Lavender soap with a Lavender Hand Salve or try Lemongrass Poppy Seed with a Lemon Drop Hand Salve. These will also make great stocking stuffers.

For your honey:

Bath Rx kits contain everything a woman needs to create a personal spa experience. Lavender essential oil, known for it's calming influence on the mind is the star player in the Relaxing Bath Rx. This kit contains an assortment of lavender bath products and our Relaxing Massage Oil blend which unites lavender with a hint of mint and cedarwood to create an aroma that relaxes and sooths the mind and body. The Happiness Bath Rx incorporates orange essential oil which is known to encourage feelings of happiness and creativity. The Ginger Passion Massage Oil marries citrus essential oils with ginger essential oil to create stimulating and energizing aroma.

Bath Rx Kits are $38.00 and include the following all natural handmade body essentials encased in woven mesh bag:

Salt Scrub

Handcrafted Soap

Wood Soap Dish (to extend the life of her soap)

Massage Oil (can be used as a bath oil or massage oil)

Spa Salts

What? Your honey doesn't take baths? In that case I can adjust the kit to contain only products that are suitable for the shower. And well you can provide the massage.

Have you ever thought of treating her with gifts for the 12 days of Christmas? Twelve gifts arrived gift wrapped for you to surprise her with. Please order by December 8th so you can start the gift giving on December 14th. Not so organized? Then fill her stocking with 12 pre-wrapped gifts. Kit includes: 2 Lip Balms, 2 Hand Salves, 2 Therapy Salts, Wood Soap Dish, 5 Handcrafted Soaps. All items are different. Retail value: $61.25. Kit price: $54.95.

To place an order call me at 208-761-9775 or email me at susanne@lavandedebois.com. Most of these items can be purchased individually on the webstore. However the Bath Rx and 12 Day of Christmas kits have to be ordered via phone or email. These kits can also be placed in a gift basket and wrapped beautifully for your honey.