Friday, May 30, 2008

Green Clean Up




Here are a few simple tips to Green up your cleaning efforts using Watkins natural cleaning products. Not only will your home thank you... your family will thank you for leaving those harsh chemical concoctions at the store.

Watkins%20Natural%20Lemon%20Polish
Living Rooms: Using J.R. Watkins Lemon Furniture Polish and a good microfiber cloth dust all the surfaces in your living room. This gentle polish is perfect for finished and unfinished wood, formica, particle board and vinyl. And because it is made from natural olive oil, it gently loosens and removes fingerprints, smudges and dirt. Here's a quick tip: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. It sucks up dust particles and doesn't spit them back out, so you don't have to dust what you have already dusted!

Watkins%20Natural%20Dishwashing%20Detergent
Kitchen: Many dishwashing detergents have a dirty little secret — they contain phosphates. These agents find their way into our lakes and ponds where they endanger our fish. Have a phosphate intervention with your dishwasher, J.R. Watkins Automatic Lemon Dishwashing Detergent* can help. Its 100% phosphate free. The concentrated power will make your dishes and glasses sparkle without the need to overflow your dishwasher's detergent cups.

Watkins%20Natural%20Laundry%20Detergent
Bedrooms: We spend one third of our lives in bed. Make it time well spent with J.R. Watkins Liquid Laundry Detergent. Wash bed linens and small rugs with this ultra concentrated formula. It is gentle enough for baby clothes, so you know it won't irritate sensitive skin. Quick tip: Vacuum your mattress. The common mattress harbors dust mites, these critters feast on dander and dead skin and really like to hang around. Vacuuming won't eliminate them, but it will cut their population.

Watkins%20Natural%20Tub%20and%20Tile
Bathrooms: Do you have to hold your breath when cleaning your shower? If you answered yes, it's time to ditch your cleaner and come to the greener side with J.R. Watkins Citrus Tub & Tile Cleaner. Just a light mist on your shower walls will drive away hard water stains and soap scum. And since it is naturally derived you can finally inhale when cleaning in small spaces. Simply spray, let sit and wipe. Quick tip: A small scrub or tooth brush will help clean grout and corner areas.

And one final tip we would like to mention that applies to your entire home.

Watkins%20Natural%20All-Purpose%20Cleaner
Check dirt at the door. The soles of our shoes meet a lot of toxic pollutants throughout the day. Make it a habit for you and your family to check their shoes at the door. And when you find dirt has been tracked in, a quick sweep and mop with J.R. Watkins All-Purpose Cleaner will do the trick!

*Not available in Canada.

Direct Deposit With Watkins!

I am so excited with Watkins introducing Direct Deposit for their associates July 1 2008 Woohoo! Also this is another way Watkins is doing their part to be a earth friendly company!

Good & Green!

What is Green?

"Green" living is a way of life that considers the consequences of ones actions on the environment. It is a way of conducting life in an effort to preserve environmental quality.

It doesn't take much to fit Green living into your life. Sometimes all it takes is a little creative thinking. How about reusing the J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care bottles? Here are some great ways to put them to use.

Use them to mist water on delicate indoor plants (after they have been rinsed clean).

Planter — Make your own planter by cutting off the top 1/3 of the bottle, poke holes in the bottom and enjoy your new planter. This is a great activity for children; they love to watch their plants grow!

Bug House — Reuse as a container to collect bugs and insects for your child's bug collection. Once bugs are inside place a cloth around the top of the bottle and secure with a rubber band.

Cooler Ice Packs — Fill bottle 2/3 full of water and freeze. That way you always have ice packs on hand.

Ocean in a Bottle — Fill ½ the bottle with oil and half with water. Add food coloring and glitter. Makes a fun and mesmerizing toy.

Substitute Funnel — Cut off the bottom 1/3 of the bottle and keep it in the car for adding oil or window washing fluid.

Textured Paint — Dilute latex interior paint 1 : 1 with water and spray onto walls for a decorative finish.

And when you've run out of uses, clean and recycle!

Note: Rinse bottles several times with soap and water before using them for any other purpose.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Do You Remember....

Monday, May 26, 2008

Iced Orange Chai Latte





Watkins Chai Latte isn’t just for winter! The flavors of
tea and spices—especially brightened up with a bit of
orange!

1 can Watkins Chai Latte
4 cups/1 liter hot water
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Orange Extract

Add Chai Latte mix to hot water; stir. Add extract;
stir. Chill in refrigerator (do not add ice until ready to
serve). Serve over ice or add ice to chilled beverage
and mix in blender until smooth. Serves 6 to 8.

Strawberry-Kiwi Shortcake

1 package Watkins Good Tastings Bread Mix
1 can (355 mL/12 fl oz) strawberry-kiwi soda
1/2 cup/125 mL Watkins Vanilla Dessert Mix
1/3 cup/80 mL sugar
1/2 cup/125 mL water
2-1/2 cups/625 mL milk
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Strawberry Extract
1 cup/250 mL fresh or frozen strawberries
3 kiwifruits

Add soda to bread mix. Shape into circle on a 9”/23-cm
pizza pan. Bake at 350°F/180°C for 30 minutes or
until very lightly browned. Cool and cut into wedges.
Mix dessert mix, sugar, water and milk according to
directions on Dessert Mix can. Add the strawberry
extract to pudding.

Slice strawberries and kiwifruit and mix together.
Cut shortcake in half, spoon pudding on bottom half,
top with other half of shortcake. Spoon additional
pudding on top and garnish with the fruit mixture.

Makes 8 servings.

Variation: Instead of making one pizza pan-sized
shortcake, make 12 individual free-form rounds
on a baking sheet. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.

Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad

12 oz/170 g penne pasta
1/4 cup/60 mL Watkins Garlic & Parsley
Grapeseed Oil
1/4 cup/60 mL water
3 tbsp/45 mL Watkins Tomato & Basil Snack &
Dip Seasoning
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Onion & Garlic Pepper
1 cup/250 mL cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup/60 mL green onions, chopped
1/4 cup/60 mL sliced black olives
4 oz/113 g mozzarella cheese, cubed (or fresh)
1/4 cup/60 mL Parmesan cheese
Watkins Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper,
to taste (optional)

Cook pasta according to package until al dente.
Rinse with cold water and drain.
Mix oil, water, Snack & Dip Seasoning and Onion
& Garlic Pepper together in small bowl. Set aside.
Combine vegetables with pasta and dressing and
mix thoroughly. Add cheeses, adjust salt and pepper
if desired and chill for at least three hours to
allow flavors to develop.

Makes 12 servings.

Did You Know?

Approximately 80% of skin aging is believed to be
due to sun exposure rather than age. The extent
of aging is directly related to the amount of sun exposure
throughout life. Since more than half of a
person’s sun exposure occurs before the age of 20,
it’s very important to protect children from the sun,
as well. Watkins PABA-free Aloe Vera Moisturizing
Sun Block SPF-30 is fragrance-free and safe for children
and adults. Aloe Lip Balm SPF-23 protects sensitive lips,
and Aloe & Green Tea Moisturizing Gel, Nourishing Hand & Body
Lotion and Aloe Vera Burn Cream provide cooling, soothing relief
after the sun.

Plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and
spices can also help to slow aging. They contain
antioxidants that protect the body’s cells from damage
that can lead to aging. Serve Watkins Mandarin
Orange Fruit Dip with all types of fresh fruits, and watch
your family go bananas over fruit!

Time in a bottle . . .

Do you ever wish you could bottle up a formula to slow the aging process? Well, it seems that European
winemakers have done just that. After centuries of throwing away the grape seeds left over from winemaking,
vintners many years ago began extracting the oil from those seeds. Not only was this oil fantastic for cooking,
but researchers have found that it has wonderful anti-aging benefits…from lowering cholesterol to reducing
the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!
Top chefs cook with grapeseed oil because of its amazing effect on enhancing the natural flavors of food, and
health-conscious consumers cook with it to help reduce the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol while raising the “good”
(HDL) cholesterol. Watkins’ pure, all-natural Grapeseed Oils come in three varieties: Original, Garlic & Parsley,
and Citrus & Cilantro.
You’ll also find grapeseed oil in high-end cosmetics, used for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines
and wrinkles. Watkins Pure Beauty Oil, with pure, all-natural grapeseed oil and a unique blend of natural plant
oils and vitamin E, can be applied to the face and eye area for smooth, vibrant, younger-looking skin.

Triple Chocolate French Silk Pie

1/2 cup/125 mL butter
3 oz/85 g unsweetened baking chocolate
3 eggs
1 cup/250 mL granulated sugar
2 tbsp/30 mL cornstarch
2 tbsp/30 mL Watkins Pure Cocoa
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Original Double Strength Vanilla
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Chocolate Extract
1 cup/250 mL heavy whipping cream
1 baked pie crust

Melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Combine
cornstarch, cocoa, and sugar and then stir into
chocolate mixture.
Beat eggs with a mixer until frothy, about 2 minutes.
Stir eggs into chocolate mixture and cook over medium
heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in
Vanilla and Chocolate Extracts. Let cool 15 minutes.
Beat whipping cream in chilled bowl until stiff.
Carefully stir chocolate mixture into whipped cream
and spread in cooled pie shell. Cover and freeze at
least 3 hours or until firm. Garnish with chocolate
shavings before serving. Makes 12 servings.

French Onion Soup

5 medium onions
3 tbsp/45 mL butter or margarine
1-1/2 quarts/liters water
1/4 cup/60 mL Watkins Beef Soup Base
3 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Onion Soup Base
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Watkins Black Pepper
Pinch of Watkins Cayenne Pepper
Pinch of Watkins Thyme
6 slices French bread
Butter or margarine
1 cup/250 mL (4 oz/113 g)
shredded Swiss cheese,
preferably Gruyère

Peel and thinly slice onions.
Heat the 3 tbsp/45 mL butter in
a heavy 3-quart/liter saucepan
over low heat; add onions and
cook slowly, stirring until golden
in color, about 10 minutes. Gradually blend in water,
soup bases, and seasonings. Bring to a boil; cover
and simmer about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toast one
side of bread under broiler until golden brown. Butter
untoasted side and sprinkle slices with 1/4 cup/60 ml
cheese; broil until cheese is melted. To serve, place
hot soup into oven-proof bowls or mugs; float French
bread slices on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese;
broil until cheese is bubbly and brown. Serves 6.

A Slippery Solution!

Did you know that a can of Watkins Cooking Spray in your cupboard has other uses you may have
never considered? You can spray it on measuring spoons before measuring sticky foods like molasses
and honey and they will easily slide off. You can also spray your knives before chopping dates or other
dried fruits. Also, it can be sprayed on cheese graters to prevent the cheese from sticking.

No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Crust:
1-1/2 cups/375 mL pretzels, finely crushed
3 tbsp/45 mL sugar
1/3 cup/80 mL melted butter

Filling:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup/60 mL cold water
3 packages (8 oz/227 g each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup/250 mL sugar
1 cup/250 mL sour cream
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Lemon Extract
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Original Double-Strength Vanilla

Coat a 9-inch/23-cm springform pan with Watkins
Cooking Spray. Crush enough pretzels to make
1-1/2 cups/ 375 mL of fine crumbs. Combine crumbs
with sugar and melted butter.Press evenly into bottom
of pan and bake crust for 12 minutes at 350°F/180°C.
Set aside to cool. Sprinkle gelatin over water in small
saucepan; let stand 1 minute. Place over low heat and
stir until granules are completely dissolved and mixture is
clear. Remove from heat.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with
an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in sour cream.
At low speed, beat in dissolved gelatin mixture and
extracts. Pour into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate
at least 4 hours or until firm. Loosen cheesecake
from pan and cut into slices. Garnish with lemon
slices, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Variation: Also works in a 9" x 13"/23 x 33 cm
baking pan served in squares.

Did You Know? (Rosemary)

The name “rosemary” is derived from Latin,
and means “dew of the sea”—appropriate
because the herb thrives in the dry climate and
salty sea spray of the Mediterranean shores. Its
pungent minty/evergreen flavor is a favorite in Italy
and Provence, especially with poultry and pork
and in dishes simmered with wine, olive oil and
garlic. Its high place in the world’s most romantic
cuisines is no surprise when one considers the
effects of its essence on the human mind.
Rosemary is beneficial for the mind and the
body. It stimulates the heart and brain, helping
to improve vitality and memory, and may help to
fight afternoon fatigue. Rosemary is credited with
arousing ambition and drive, balancing intense
emotions and controlling mood swings, and
can also help to prevent some vasoconstrictor
headaches because it can help keep blood vessels
dilated. It aids in digestion and contains a high
amount of antioxidants which researchers believe
may help to slow the aging process...so, if you
want to stay young and vibrant, eat rosemary and
other herbs and spices on a regular basis.

Cantaloupe and Kiwi Salad

1 cantaloupe, cut into julienne slices
2 kiwi, cut into small pieces
1 cup/250 mL chopped macadamia nuts

Dressing:
1 tbsp/15 mL lemon juice
1 tsp/5 mL lime juice
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Watkins Orange Extract
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Watkins Lemon Extract
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Watkins Vanilla Nut Extract
1/8 tsp/0.6 mL Watkins Ginger
2 tbsp/30 mL yogurt
2 tbsp/30 mL granulated sugar

Combine dressing ingredients and pour over fruit.
Marinade for a few hours or overnight. Sprinkle
macadamia nuts on top before serving. Serves 6 - 8.

Did You Know?

The darker and more colorful your fruits and
vegetables are, the more nutritious they are.
Dark green, yellow, red and orange fruits and vegetables
not only tend to have more vitamins and
minerals than those with less color, but the pigments
themselves that provide the color are responsible
for an array of health benefits. These pigments
contain phytonutrients (phyto means “plant”) that
scavenge up the chemicals in your body that can
lead to disease and aging. In essence, dark-colored
fruits and vegetables can help you look and feel
young and vibrant!

Did you know that washing fruits and vegetables
extensively can wash away vitamins? Vitamin C
and all eight of the B vitamins are water soluble,
so these can be washed down the drain with water.
Watkins Fresh Wash® can help to maintain these
vitamins while washing away impurities. Fresh
Wash® is proven to work 400% better than rinsing
with water alone, and because it’s so effective, you
can use less water to eliminate impurities, helping to
maintain the nutrients in your fruits and vegetables.

Orange Frosted Cookies

1 cup/250 mL brown sugar
1 cup/250 mL granulated sugar
1 cup/250 mL shortening
1/2 cup/125 mL butter
12 egg yolks
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Baking Powder
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Orange Extract
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL freshly-ground Watkins Sea Salt
1 tsp/5 mL baking soda
3-1/2 cups/850 mL flour

Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Cream sugars with
shortening and butter; add egg yolks and stir. Mix
in baking powder, extract, salt, baking soda and flour.
Roll in a ball and roll in sugar. Flatten with a glass or
fork. Bake for 7–12 minutes. When cool, spread with
orange frosting. Makes 4 dozen cookies.

Frosting:
2 cups/500 mL powdered sugar
4 tbsp/60 mL soft butter
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Orange Extract
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Orange Peel
2 tbsp/30 mL milk
Mix well and spread on cooled cookies.

Note: You may also use Watkins Lemon Extract
and Lemon Peel in place of the orange in this recipe.
This recipe can also easily be cut in half.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

A Perfect 10


If you're tired or have gained weight, you could be missing your "Q." Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is found naturally in the body, and is the spark of energy for the entire body. After age 40, we don't produce as much CoQ10, which means everything slows down--our heart and brain are not as efficient and even our skin doesn't produce new cells as rapidly, making skin look older. Low levels can also lead to fatigue and weight gain. Recently, CoQ10 was shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease and may hold promise for other brain disorders. CoQ10 supplements are recommended for everyone over the age of 40 to strengthen the heart, protect the brain, and energize the entire body. Score a perfect 10 with Watkins E + CoQ10. It combines CoQ10 with all-natural vitamin E, selenium and hawthorn in a softgel that provides 273% greater absorption than a dry tablet, for exceptional benefits. As with all dietary supplements, consult your healthcare provider to make sure this supplement is right for you.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Catch the Latest Buzz…

June marks the official start of summer activities—fishing, camping, boating and mosquito slapping. With disease-carrying mosquitoes just itching to grab a bite to eat, they're no longer just a pest; they're a real threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most effective repellents for protection against West Nile Virus and encephalitis-carrying mosquitoes are those that contain DEET. In a test conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine, non-DEET products offered little or no protection, while DEET-containing products provided full protection for several hours. DEET has a remarkable safety record after 40 years of use and remains the gold standard for protection from disease-carrying insects—it also protects from Lyme-disease carrying ticks and other pests. Watkins Insect Repellent Spray contains 23.75% DEET—the amount that provided the most protection in this study—just enough to keep insects from being a pain in the neck.

Hot News!

If you want to cool off and burn some extra calories this summer, here's a hot tip: A meal that includes hot peppers can boost your metabolism for several hours, helping to burn extra calories. Ironically, hot peppers can also help you stay cool by stimulating the cooling center of the brain. They can also help to lower blood cholesterol and reduce blood clots, cutting the risk of heart attack and stroke. As if that weren't enough, they might even make you feel better by stimulating the release of endorphins, substances in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Watkins offers a variety of hot sauces, salsas and hot spices.

Who's Your Daddy?


Whoever the father or father figure is in your life, let him know how much you appreciate him, not only on Father's Day, but throughout the entire year. Watkins has a variety of gift ideas for the outdoorsman and the businessman---but one item that sportsmen and businessmen can't seem to live without, is Watkins Vanilla Cologne Rollette. Golfers and fishermen tell us that the Vanilla Rollette is great for keeping gnats away--and they won't leave home without it! The handy pocket-sized rollette fits perfectly in his tackle box or golf bag. Of course, we recommend Watkins Insect Repellent with DEET for protection against mosquitoes, but if he'd rather swing at golf balls instead of gnats, Watkins Vanilla Cologne Rollette will help Dad score big with his teammates and he'll be a hit on the golf course.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

No Selling Required?

No Selling Required

Can You Make Money With Watkins If You Don't Like To Sell?

YES!!!

What Could An Extra $941 Per Month Mean To You?

• Bigger House
• Vacation
• New Car
• Children’s Tuition
• Nest Egg
• Pay Off Debt
• Help Charities

Before I tell you how that can be, let me ask you something. $941 a month. What would an extra $941 a month do for you? Car payment, retirement savings, mortgage payment—there’s lots of things that you could do with an extra $941 a month, right? I mean we’re talking over $10,000 EXTRA each year! You could take the family to Disney World two or three times each year if you wanted! Do you have kids heading to college soon? That extra $941 per month invested
for a few years could cover it! Obviously an extra $941 a month is a significant amount of money to anybody. Now, if you only had $941 a month to live on, that’s a different story, but an EXTRA $941 a month for doing the same things we already do, buying the same stuff we already have to buy, is a pretty exciting thing, would you agree?

To find out more about the Watkins Summit Group 9-4-1 Plan
Visit http://www.tsginfo.com/index.php?rc=CG6499

How soon would you like to get your first bonus check?

Monday, May 19, 2008

Don't Get Burned…


Aloe Vera Moisturizing SunBlock SPF-30

Sun Facts: What You Should Know

• 50-80% of a person’s lifetime skin exposure has
been received by age 18.
• As much as 90% of wrinkles and age spots are
directly attributable to sun damage.
• UV exposure has been linked to a weakening in
the body’s immune system.
• Reflected sunlight from water and snow will
cause sunburn also—yes, you can burn in winter,
so protect your face!
• Using sunscreen decreases your core and skin
temperatures, helping you stay cooler during
exercise and other strenuous activity.

• PABA-free sunscreen blend: Blocks harmful
UV-B (burning) and UV-A (tanning) rays
without negative effects.
• Waterproof: Stays on the skin, even while
swimming or perspiring from physical activity.
• Moisturizes while it protects.
• Fragrance-free, tested safe:
No skin irritation
No eye irritation
No facial discomfort
Non-toxic
Safe for children

Essential Ingredients
• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone 3): Blocks UV-A
high end.
• Octinoxate: Blocks UV-A low end and UV-B.
• Octisalate: Blocks UV-B.
• Homosalate: Blocks UV-B.
• Aloe Vera: A pure, natural ingredient obtained
from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. A natural
moisturizer.
• Cocoa Butter: Helps retain the skin’s natural
moisture by preventing it from evaporating.

What Is:
• UV-A/UV-B? There are two types of UV (ultraviolet)
rays: UV-B is the more infamous, being the
variety that burns your skin and can lead to skin
cancer. But UV-A is a deeper-penetrating ray that
pierces into the developing layers of the skin,
disrupting its normal functions and scarring it
forever. This leads to premature signs of aging as
these layers emerge—age spots and wrinkles.
• SPF? The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a sunscreen
determines its level of protection. An SPF
of 30 means that it will take your skin approximately
30 times as long to burn as it would with
no sunscreen.

Friday, May 16, 2008




Not all Ginseng is created equal!

Watkins Balanced Ginseng contains Panax
ginseng, considered the “Crown Jewel” of
Chinese medicine. It has been used for
thousands of years as a tonic, energy booster,
and stress reliever. There are many types
of ginseng, but they do not contain the
same properties and benefits of Panax ginseng.
As an adaptogen, Panax ginseng is
noted for its ability to enhance energy while
providing a calming effect in times of stress.*

What to look for

The greatest health benefits are shown when
Panax ginseng is taken as an extract containing
4 to 7% standardized ginsenosides—the
main group of active compounds in ginseng.
In an independent analysis of ginseng
products on the market, 60% were considered
worthless because they did not contain
an adequate amount of ginseng or ginsenosides,
and 25% contained no ginseng or
ginsenosides at all. Health experts advise
those who are looking for quality herbal
products to purchase only from a reputable
company that they know and trust. Is there
any name more trusted than Watkins?

Why Watkins?

Watkins uses Panax ginseng, which is the
most revered herb in Chinese medicine and
the most extensively studied form of ginseng.
Watkins Balanced Ginseng is standardized
to contain 7% ginsenosides, the highest
amount of ginsenosides recommended to
provide the greatest health benefits.
Benefits of Panax Ginseng:

Anti-Stress: allows the body to adapt and
react more efficiently to stress.*

Energy: Panax ginseng is noted for its ability
to enhance energy and is also used to
combat fatigue and anxiety.*

Improved Mental Function:Recent studies
have shown improved thinking ability, alertness,
concentration and reaction times with
regular use. Some studies show an additional
benefit in slowing down mental decline.*

Anti-aging: acts as an antioxidant; protects
the cardiovascular system, liver, and lungs
from free-radical damage.*

Blood Sugar Control:helps bring blood
sugar levels into a balanced state.*

Immune Function: stimulates and strengthens
the immune system.*

Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi)
contains nutrients that work synergistically
to support the energizing and stress-reducing
action of Watkins Balanced Ginseng. Take
them together for optimal benefits.

Watkins’ traditional Chinese
support herb blend
In Chinese medicine, herbs are rarely used
alone. Rather, they are used in combination
with other herbs to enhance their
function. Other herbs in Watkins Balanced
Ginseng which complement and enhance
the function of ginseng include:

Astragalus Root: known to stimulate and
strengthen the immune system. It promotes
general well-being by increasing
stamina, vitality, and resistance to harmful
toxins. Modern research shows that it acts
as a diuretic to help flush the system and
can help to maintain normal blood pressure,
dilate blood vessels, and improve
circulation. Taken regularly, it provides
ongoing immune system support.*

Licorice Root: helps the body deal with
long-term stress. It is often prescribed by
naturopathic doctors for general burnout
and weakness. It is also helpful for
relieving symptoms of PMS and menopause,
as well as some skin problems
and liver conditions.*

Reishi Mushroom (pronounced REE-shee):
shown to maintain normal blood pressure
and blood flow. When taken regularly, it may
also help to calm anxiety, balance mood,
build vital energy, stimulate immunity, relax
muscles, and ease general discomforts.*

Schisandra Berry: known to improve
mental clarity and memory and is used to
lift spirits and reduce irritability. Research
shows that in combination with Panax
ginseng, schisandra helps the body adapt
to stress and helps to tone the kidneys and
sexual organs, protect the liver, strengthen
nervous system functions, and cleanse the
blood. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting
cells from damage.*

Watkins Bio-Activator™ Blend

(black pepper, ginger, cellulase plant enzyme):
Black pepper and ginger have been used
for thousands of years to stimulate digestion
and circulation, and to enhance the
effect of medicinals in the body. Scientific
studies strongly suggest that black pepper
and ginger may help to protect and maximize
the potency of vitamins and nutrients
in the body. Cellulase plant enzyme aids in
the breakdown and digestion of herbs and
dietary constituents.*


*Please contact your Dr before taking any new supplements*

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Bet'cha Didn't Know!

Protect Your Summertime Pucker!


Summertime weather wreaks havoc on sensitive lips. Not to worry, protect your pout and enjoy the comforts of J.R. Watkins Natural Beeswax Lip Balm. This all-natural lip balm is perfect for the entire family, with a lightweight beeswax formula that protects chapped lips and goes on smooth without a waxy feel. Naturally flavored with pure peppermint oil.

But we didn't want to stop there. In a few short months we will be expanding our natural lip balm line to include two new flavors. With J.R. Watkins natural lip balms you get formulas that are free of synthetic preservatives, synthetic sun screens and other agents that are potentially harmful. So sit back, relax and soak up all the natural goodness of Watkins protection.

Keep on the lookout for Medicated and Weather Proofing lip balms, coming your way soon!

Weatherproofing Lip Balm — Raspberry
Naturally guard your lips from nature's harsh elements.

  • Lightweight formula with natural raspberry flavor
  • Ideal for use during outdoor activities

Medicated Lip Balm
Menthol and camphor combine to help heal and hydrate severely chapped lips.

  • Unbeatable protection
  • Soothes chapped, cracked, wind-burned lips

What's The Buzz?

If you've turned on the radio or television lately, you've probably heard the term Green more than once. Seems that these days everyone is going Green and reducing their carbon footprint. But what do these terms really mean? They are buzzwords that we are going to continue hearing a lot about, so let's find out what all the BUZZ is about!

Green is a shorthand phrase referring to sustaining Earth's resources. It is a vague term that can be used in many different contexts. But footprints are a bit of a different story. Think about the way you live your life. How much water does it take to support your actions each day? Do you enjoy half-hour showers or are you a get-in and get-out kind of person? Doesn't seem like it makes much of a difference, but it does add up and the longer your showers the bigger your ecological footprint. Ecological footprint, what's that? It is the amount of water and food needed to meet your daily needs throughout your lifetime. Now, what about your carbon footprint? This is another term we hear about almost on a daily basis. What it boils down to is really very simple, it is the amount of energy you consume to conduct your life. Imagine how much electricity, natural gas, and gasoline you use to run your home, power your car and even get that morning bowl of cereal to your table. It all adds up and just a few small steps can help to reduce it.

We can go into an in depth discussion about footprints and being Green, but lets focus on carbon footprints.

Your carbon footprint is the amount of energy you use to live day-to-day. By reducing your footprint, not only are you conserving energy and the planet, but you are also saving money. Checkout these simple carbon footprint reducers…who knew cutting your carbon footprint could also save you money?

  • Turn off televisions, stereos, home theater systems, and other electronics when not in use. Try this: plug your televisions and other home theater electronics in a power strip with an on/off switch. When you turn your television and other electronics off for the night, flip the switch on the power strip and totally eliminate wasted power.

  • Save over 50% on your homes lighting cost when you replace a standard incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb. They last longer too!

  • Always wash clothes in cold water. Not only does this preserve the color longer, it saves you money and conserves energy.

  • Use your consumer power! Support companies that are making an effort to improve communities and the environment through Greener manufacturing practices, charitable support, and product offerings that are safe for your family and the environment. Watkins offers a full line of natural, eco-friendly spices and extracts, personal care and home care.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Caring for Your Family, Home & the Environment...

The need for companies to practice
“green” manufacturing is more
important than ever. Watkins has
been a pioneer in natural living,
utilizing the finest natural ingredients
since 1868. They continue
their commitment to you and the
environment by implementing
processes that reduce waste and
conserve energy. How does Watkins reduce waste and
make a positive impact on the earth?

• Offer a full line of plant based home care products that
are free of pollutants and biodegradable.
• Offer a full line of USDA certified 100% Organic Herbs
and Spices and All-Natural Pure Extracts.
• Adhere to a strict paper, plastic, and aluminum recycling
program.
• Utilize biodegradable packing materials.
• Use soy-based ink in our printed marketing materials.
• Employ e-communications and encourage customers,
Associates, and vendors to obtain information online
instead of in printed form.
• Gravity fed filling processes: Watkins fills the bulk dry
mixes using time-tested gravity feeds. This allows Watkins
to conserve energy that would normally be used to
power a pneumatic or conveyor system.
• Use lighter weight product packaging. Simply reducing
our plastic bottle weight for various products has saved
thousands of pounds of plastic from waste.
• Encourage vendors to use renewable energy and cut
waste.
• Utilize Lean business and manufacturing practices to
help eliminate waste and streamline operations.

BLEACH…Yuck!

The common household disinfectant cleaner that many of us
have come to rely on can make us sick - who knew? The
fact is bleach can damage eyes, skin and lungs and is registered
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as
an antimicrobial pesticide. That’s right, a pesticide. Not
only is bleach considered a pesticide, it also releases dioxins
and mercury into the environment during production of it.

Yuck! Research is showing that while bleach might whiten
whites, it doesn’t always disinfect surface areas like countertops
and fixtures. In fact, in order for bleach to disinfect
these areas, it needs to sit for 30 minutes, and if the area is
dirty or hasn’t been cleaned in advance those 30 minutes
you just wasted letting it sit are for nothing! Take into consideration
the recent uprising in bacteria that are anti-biotic
resistant (believed to be linked to the over use of bleach and
other anti-bacterial products) and the risks are simply not
worth it.

Bleach Alternatives

Disinfecting Surfaces
Minimize dirt on hard surfaces with frequent mini-cleanings
using a naturally derived cleaner, like Watkins Natural All-
Purpose Cleaner. Not only will you limit bacteria accumulation
and clean-up dirt, you will refresh your soul with the
natural scent of Lavender, Aloe & Green Tea or Lemon.
Here are some other ways to limit bacteria in your home -
beware of the sponge:
• Clean your cleaning tools: Regularly wash your kitchen
sponge in the dishwasher or zap it in the microwave for
about 10 seconds and let it dry.
• Drop the sponge: Use a clean micro fiber cloth to wipe
down countertops and other hard surfaces - using a
sponge will just redeposit the bacteria you are trying so
hard to clean-up.
• Keep it clean: Before and after you prepare food on a
hard surface, use a good all-purpose cleaner, like Watkins
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner, and a clean cloth to
wipe down the area.

Laundry
Remove stains, whiten whites and conserve the environment
at the same time with Watkins Lemon Liquid Laundry Detergent.
The three times concentrated power makes this detergent
a Green alternative to many major brand detergents
& bleaches and it reduces waste by using less than half the
plastic of traditional 100 oz. bottles.
• Pre-treat stains with Watkins Liquid Laundry Detergent.
• In the summer use Mother Nature to your advantage,
good old fashioned sun-light offers the same whitening
power as bleach and it’s free!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Clean & Fresh ~ Smells Like Lemons!


I just love cleaning with this product. It works like a charm and the fresh smell of lemons leaves my house smelling fantastic.

I cleaned the inside of my microwave the other day (hubby heated up some nachos~imagine the salsa and cheese spots). I didn't notice it right away so it was kinda a hard and stuck on. So I sprayed the inside with the lemon all purpose cleaner, closed the door for a few minutes. When back and it just wiped out so nicely. Plus it smelled wonderful to boot! Cleaning with this product is a breeze!

Love the Shea Butters!


One of my many favorite Watkins products is the Mango Shea Butter. The scent is fantastic. Every time I use it I close my eyes and the smell takes me away to a tropical place for a few seconds as I am applying it. Another great reason I love this product is that you don't have to use a large amount of it and or keep reapplying it. My second favorite one is the Lemon Shea butter, oh how it reminds me of lemon meringue pie.

If you are looking for a special treat for yourself or a wonderful gift for someone. This is it!

Peppercorns


As with coffee beans and wine grapes, varieties of peppercorns can have different flavor characteristics that are dependent on climate, soil and growing conditions.
  • Malabar peppercorns, from India, are small, full-bodied, strong, aromatic, and a favorite of many.
  • Tellicherry peppercorns, from the Malabar region, are larger and milder, and considered the best for grinding fresh in a peppermill.
  • Lampong peppercorns, grown in Indonesia, have a very bold and pungent flavor - even stronger than Malabar.
  • Muntok pepper, a relative of Lampong, is grown exclusively for making white pepper.