So Much to be Thankful For

During the holiday season, it’s time to reflect on the good things that have enriched our lives.

This morning, on Dec 21, we attended a local gathering to mark the winter solstice. It was a time to stop the hectic pace that always seems to envelop the holiday season, to marvel at the amazing order of the world around us, and how we all fit into something much greater than ourselves.

As was pointed out by a native American Indian who helped facilitated the event, there’s so much beauty in nature we take for granted. We live in one of the most beautiful areas in Southern California. Big Bear is located in a pine forest with towering trees all around us. There is a manmade lake reflecting a perfect blue sky free of the pollution that hovers over the big cities down the mountain. But even here, we get caught up in the push and pull of daily pressures, trying to improve our “quality of life.” That phrase has taken on a meaning of amassing material things that will make our lives more successful. But material success does not guarantee happiness. Happiness comes from doing what you love to do, and helping enrich other people’s life in the process.

What does all this have to do with a Watkins home business? Quite a bit. We are fortunate to be associated with a company that is cognizant of protecting the environment while at the same time producing an array of all natural products for consumers. Very few Watkins managers will become millionaires through their home business.  But there is a feeling of satisfaction one receives knowing you are promoting an all-natural life style to customers.

We’re also in the business of helping others establish their own Watkins businesses. As we like to say, “Our best product is our business opportunity.” We help other men and women be the best that they can be. Watkins has become known as a company that has been producing quality products for some 145 years. Many times, we encounter individuals at our public events, who remember the Watkins man coming by the house on a regular basis to sell their parents and grandparents an array of all natural foods, body care, apothecary and home cleaning products. In some cases, those individuals are in need of additional income for their households, and we can offer them the opportunity of taking that first step to becoming a Watkins salesperson for only $39.95.  For those who don’t see themselves as a salesperson, we point out that the $39.95 also gives them 25% off all the Watkins products they buy. So we are showing them they can switch to an all-natural way of living for about the same cost they spend on the products they currently buy on a daily basis.

This time of year, we can look back and realize we are doing what we love to do, and enjoy helping enrich other people’s lives at the same time. If you think you might be interested in becoming part of this process, call us at 888-881-7372, and then visit us at the All Natural Country Store online at www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com to see the vast array of all natural products that we carry. You just might find that 2014 could become the year that you achieve one of your life’s ambitions – establishing your own home business. 

You can’t keep a good man down

Bill Porter, well-known disabled Watkins consultant, was an inspiration to many out to build their own Watkins businesses.

Because he touched so many lives and was a great friend to Watkins, Chief Executive Officer Mark Jacobs informed the organization that long-time Watkins Consultant Bill Porter passed away December 4. He was 81 years old.

Jacobs, who had the honor of meeting Porter during his Watkins career, called him “a man of great character.” His amazing perseverance in the face of a challenging physical disability inspired countless Watkins consultants throughout the United States and Canada. They too became successful by following in Porter’s footsteps.

The award-winning movie Door to Door about Porter's struggles brought his story to the public, and moved people all over the world. Well-known actor William Macy played Porter in the movie. His mother, who never doubted her son’s capabilities, was played by Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren. Porter’s caregiver was played by Kyra Sedgwick, lead actress in the TNT crime drama The Closer.  The film is available through Netflix.

Because of his disability, many questioned if Porter could become successful in building his own Watkins business at a time when the majority of company sales came from “pounding the pavement” and ringing many doorbells. Porter proved the naysayers wrong by not only succeeding, but by being selected as Salesman of the Year at an annual Watkins awards banquet.

“I am honored to have known Bill,” said Jacobs. “He will be missed by many.”

Scents of the Season

These hand soaps were created just for the holidays.  Get all three scents before they run out of stock. 

When Watkins releases a new product with the disclaimer “Limited Supplies Available,” they mean it. Topping the list of new products this holiday season are the Holiday Hand Soaps. Brighten your holiday season with the nostalgic fragrances of White Pine, Spiced Gum Drop and Sugar Cookies in Watkins Hand Soaps. These fragrances from winters past are presented in handsome glass bottles with an elegant label design sure to inspire the holiday spirit in every home.

Knowing that you will want to give these to the loved ones on your list, Watkins is offering a special price when you purchase a case containing four of the same fragrance. You receive four 16 fl oz hand soaps for $26.97—that's a savings of $8.99! These will display beautifully on your counter-tops, make the perfect host gift, teacher's gift, and everyone else on your gift-giving list.

These limited edition Holiday Hand Soaps will go fast, so be sure and order yours today! This special offer applies to the purchase of four bottles of the same fragrance. In other words, no mix or match. So buy one case of each scent. Certainly you have 12 friends on your list, who would be delighted with this gift.

To order these gifts today, go to www.AllNaturalCountryStore. Click on “Shop With Us,’’ then “Home Care” and then “Bath.” There you will find the product listed.

The Hostess With the Mostest

You can usually spot them in your circle of friends. They are the type of individual, who attracts people without even making an effort to do so.

It was a few weeks ago that a good friend of ours hosted her first Watkins party. It was a tremendous success. She went well beyond what is expected in a hostess. We only ask a hostess to open her home to friends, and then email them invitations to attend. Making follow-up calls the day before the event is also helpful to assure a good attendance.

Carol explains a little bit about her interest in Watkins.

Carol has many interests, and each one seems to have a club or organization that attracts individuals, who have the same interest. Carol lost her husband a few years ago, and after the grieving subsided, she decided that life is not about mourning the past, but rather looking forward to the road ahead of you. As Sarah Ban Breathnach phrased it so eloquently, “When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives, but are grateful for the abundance that is present, we experience heaven on earth.”

With such a philosophy of life, it’s no wonder that Carol has built up a large circle of close friends, the type who support you in every endeavor you attempt to do. We became acquainted with Carol when she stopped by our Watkins booth that we stage every Tuesday throughout the spring and summer. Carol tasted a few of our food samples, and quickly became a regular customer. Carol is active in her church here in Big Bear.  One of her regular volunteer projects is collecting donations for the annual church auction. When the annual event rolled around a few years ago, Carol asked us if we would like to donate a basket of Watkins products. We did so to support Carol. Because of her love of Watkins products, Carol kept bidding up the price of the basket. She finally put in a bid that no one could touch.

Because of our support of her church, Carol asked us one day how she could return the favor. Eventually, we hit upon the idea of hosting a Watkins party. She jumped at the idea, knowing that she wanted to spread the word about Watkins to a number of her friends. Not only did she invite them to her home, she printed out professional-looking name tags, and brought in additional tables and chairs for guests when 95% of the people she invited accepted her invitation. It was her decision to even serve up an impressive brunch. We were in attendance to offer up samples of some of our food products, and explain the benefits of the body care, home care and apothecary lines Watkins produces.

When it came time to write up the orders, nearly everyone of the guests decided to buy several of the products. We were overwhelmed by the result. Some $1,000 in products was ordered by 27 of the 31 in attendance. Carol was surprised as well, but gave us the credit for our presentation. We knew better. Hostesses receive 30% of all sales of $500 or more achieved at a Watkins event. Yet that wasn’t the reason Carol put so much effort into her party. That’s just the type of lady she is, and we love her for it.

Consultant Kim Briones and Watkins Manager Alan Lukes
show off Watkins products display at Carol's party.

If you live within a 50-mile radius of Big Bear, CA, and are interested in hosting a Watkins party of your own, call us at 888-881-7273 to learn more about it. We can help you every step along the way. It certainly doesn’t have to be as elaborate as the event Carol staged. If you live outside the 50-mile radius, consider hosting a catalog party to earn free Watkins products. Call us for more details.

 

Watch What Your Kids Collect This Halloween

Studies show that food dyes may cause harmful reactions in children with ADD and other problem behaviors.

 

You won’t need a decoder ring or a biochemist to help you read the ingredients lists for J.R. Watkins products.
Back in 2008, the company pledged its commitment to the J.R. Watkins Freedom Code. “We constantly evaluate our formulas and products to make sure they are at the very highest standard, and are as natural as they can be, according to Marc Jacobs, president and chief executive officer. “We’re sure you can find the petrochemicals, bleaches, synthetic dyes and colors elsewhere if you really want them. With our products, though, you’re free to enjoy things the natural way.”

This is particularly important to know at Halloween when young children are ringing doorbells and chiming, “Trick or Treat?”  You can be certain that attractive-to-look-at treats like candy corn and multi-colored M&Ms contain food coloring dyes that make them look very tasty to youngsters. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been looking into the effect that food colorings may have on certain susceptible children such as those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and other problem disorders. The data suggests such conditions may be exacerbated by artificial food colors.

“There are thousands and thousands of foods that use artificial coloring,” according to Michael Jacobson of the Center for Science and the Public Interest. “That makes it very difficult to avoid them.” It all comes down to profit, believes Jacobson. “Dyes are cheaper than natural coloring, and that’s why they are used,” he said.                                              

Makers of “colorful” candies disagree, stating that the results of these preliminary studies are not conclusive. However, so many individual cases of heightened childhood disorders have been reported to the FDA that officials state further tests are underway. The agency expects that new findings will be issued by the beginning of next year.

Until that time, high volumes of those colorful Halloween treats might be curtailed. No one doubts that excessive consumption contributes to child obesity in this country. At the same time, you can be sure that all 350+ Watkins products in all four product lines contain no artificial color dyes. You can scan the entire Watkins product line by going to our website: www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com.

National Study Points Out Billions Spent on Back Pain Treatments

Pain management was the basis on which J.R. Watkins founded his company back in 1868.

A recent study by the National Institute of Medicine revealed that $560 billion dollars are spent annually for back pain relief. That equates to $2,000 for every person living in the United States. The study also pointed out that employers pay $7.4 billion dollars each year to help their employees age 40 to 65 manage their back pain.

“I am amazed by the number of customers stopping by our Watkins booth, who ask if the company has a product that can help relieve their lower back pain,” said Alan Lukes, co-manager of the All Natural Country Store. "I love to tell them that the first product introduced by J.R. and concocted in his kitchen sink was created to relieve chronic pain. Today it remains one of Watkins top-selling products because individuals learn about the Watkins Pain Liniment from their parents and grandparents.

Adding to the long-standing history of the liniment is the labeling that appears on the bottle. It has not changed much from the original label that appeared on the Pain Liniment bottles J.R. Watkins sold from the back of his horse-drawn buggy.  “This is part of the Watkins long-standing tradition of offering its customers the most natural of products at a fair price,” according to Alan. “The bottle also carries J.R.’s money-back guarantee Trial Mark a few inches down from the cap. Customers are asked to use the liniment for 30 days, and if they don’t experience any relief from their pain, they can return the bottle to our booth, and we will give them a full refund,” said Alan. “It’s extremely rare that we have refunded money, not only for the Pain Liniment, but for the hundreds of other products we sell directly to our customers.”

The 11-ounce bottle of the Watkins Pain Liniment sells for $12.99. The formula contains camphor spruce oil and capsicum red pepper extract, which gives the liniment its natural red color. Combined with other ingredients, the product is 96.5 percent all natural. 

Later introduced to the Watkins apothecary line was a white pain lotion designed to reduce swelling as well as relieve pain. Whereas the red liniment is to be dabbed on lightly, the white lotion is to be gently rubbed into sore muscles. It also comes in 11-ounce bottle that sells for $14.99, and contains the active ingredients camphor and turpentine oil.

Because customers reported difficulty in dabbing on the red liniment in the proper amount, Watkins introduced a 4-ounce spray bottle that is available for $9.99. The fine mist covers a wider area, with less of a tendency to drip. The spray is more expensive per ounce than the original bottle, yet customers like its convenience, as well as being the perfect size for traveling.  Alan pointed out that when flying, travelers need to put the spray bottle in their luggage since it is more than 3 ounces, and could be confiscated if discovered at airport security check points.

To order any of these products, go to www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com.

Prepare for the holidays now by ordering these popular products

If previous years are any indication, many of these items quickly go on back order because of demand.

Watkins is not unlike many other companies in one respect. More products are sold during the last quarter of the year than in the first three quarters combined.

Now is the time for Consultants to take advantage of this increased buying trend by ordering a stockpile of Watkins products, some well-known favorites and other new items that show promise of flying off the shelves of Watkins Distribution Center.  Watkins Double Strength Vanilla is a given. In the first six months of 2013, this well-known staple was #1 on the list of US Top 50 Products.  You can order these products by going to www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com or call 888-881-7372.

Other popular food items are up there as well, and are sure to be used in kitchens across America and Canada as home chefs prepare some of their favorite holiday dishes and treats. The Double Strength Clear Vanilla is the sixth most popular product, and is sure to be used in recipes for white cakes, cookies and other baking creations. Don’t forget other baking staples such as the All Natural Granulated Black Pepper and the Ground Cinnamon.

When it comes to main dishes, stock up now with the Beef Soup and Gravy Base, and the Onion Soup and Gravy Base. Speaking of the onion-favored products, many of our public event customers have purchased the powder after tasting it as the base for a dip mix. Also showing promise at our public events is the new Guacamole Dip seasoning powder. However, the number one dip mix on the list of top US products is Cucumber and Dill. It also is the perfect topping on salmon and other fishes. 

Another recently-added item to the Watkins product line is bound to become an instant favorite, not only for its great taste but also its economical size. The one-time use packets are available for turkey gravy, brown gravy, chili seasoning and taco seasoning, all for less than $1.40 each. These should sell well, not only for the holidays, but all year long.

　
Watkins Cooking Spray is Perfect for the Holidays
 
 
 Don't waste valuable time cleaning up your kitchen by scrubbing those pots and pans.

  

If you are one of those people who loves to entertain during the holidays, but hates the idea of cleaning up your kitchen after your guests depart, Watkins has the product made just for you. Its Cooking Spray can be a major timesaver when cleaning up those casserole, baking pans and frying pans. It eliminates the need for a multitude of harmful scouring products as well. Spray your pasta pots and colanders, and they will wash up in a jiffy. If you have a self-cleaning oven, when the cleaning cycle is over, spray racks with Watkins Cooking Spray, as well as the oven. The result will be a very clean and shiny oven.

One reason for the quick clean up with Watkins Cooking Spray is the finer spray that covers more completely. In addition, the consistency is more dense, which prevents the spray from running down the sides and settling on the bottom of your pans. Want proof? Admit it. You have a can of Pam Spray in the back of your cupboard. Just hold up one of your cookie sheets vertically; spray some Pam at the top of the sheet, and watch the Pam start to run down the sheet. Watkins Spray doesn't do that.

If you are one of those industrious people, who bake pies from scratch, spray the pastry sheet when rolling out pie crusts. Same thing with the rolling pin itself. If you are making holiday cookies, breads or other dishes, spray your beaters of your electric mixer before using the appliance. If you are kneading the dough in a bowl, don't forget to spray the bowl so the contents don't stick. Another hint: spray Saran Wrap or other plastic wrap before covering a meringue pie, and the meringue will not stick to the covering.

 

Watkins Cooking Spray is also a better buy when compared to the leading brand of cooking spray. It is less than one half the cost of Pam Spray. One can will last you through the holidays and all the way until those late summer barbeques. Speaking of barbeques, before you turn on the gas or light the charcoal, put a light spray of Watkins on your grill rack. It will keep foods from sticking, particularly foods that tend to fall apart, such as fish. When making kabobs or grilling shrimp or vegetables on metal skewers, spray the skewers, and removing the food will be a snap.

We know that you will be so impressed with the Watkins Cooking Spray, you will want to recommend it to all your friends. For those watching their calories in preparation for the upcoming holidays, they will be happy to know that the spray contains zero calories and zero fat grams. Imagine how much healthier it is for you than using butter or other high calorie spreads.

We have all sorts of reasons why you should include Watkins Cooking Spray the next time you are placing an order for other Watkins cooking products in preparation for holiday baking. You can purchase online at www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com. Click on Shop, then Gourmet and then Baking & Desserts. There you will find the product. Click on the product and enter quanity wanted. Add to cart and follow the check-out procedure. If you are difficulty in placing orders online, please call our toll free number at 888-881-7372, and we can place that order for you.

Add a bit of spice to your holiday entertaining

No need to live in the Southwest to know of the growing popularity of guacamole and salsa. Watkins satisfies the taste with new dips.

 

Watkins is putting a fresh spin on snacking with our new Snack & Dip Seasonings. Homemade guacamole and salsa add new variety to your favorite Watkins Snack & Dips Seasoning line. The same convenience you love in our current snack dip line is taken to another level with the fresh taste of avocados and tomatoes. We're sure these dips will quickly become some of your new favorites.

Guacamole Snack & Dip Seasoning

Just what your avocados have been waiting for...made with lime juice, garlic powder and other natural spices. Create a creamy dip your taste buds can't refuse—easy to prepare directions on the label. Serve with chips and enjoy.

06700 (3.88 oz/110 g) $9.99

Salsa Snack & Dip Seasoning

Made with minced onion, garlic powder and a hint of jalapeño pepper that adds just the right amount of heat. Prepare using label directions for a simple, easy and delicious salsa.

06701 (3.88 oz/110 g) $9.99

Looking for a quick way to add these to your shopping cart, as well as have your questions answered about these new dips? All you have to do is call the toll-free number of the All Natural Country Store – 888-881-7372. A friendly store manager will quickly be on the line to provide the same down home customer service your grandparents enjoyed at their corner general store. Or you can order online at www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com.

Training is key to success in any venture

Alan Lukes is ready to help you every step along the way.

Just as it took constant training to shape what was a lovable pooch into a talented service dog, so too does it take consistent but patient training to help new consultants down the path toward success in the direct sales business.

“I have to admit,” said Alan Lukes, “I had my doubts when we took Peggy Sue to her first few training sessions. “People would coo at the bundle of blond fur, and wonder why does something so cute have to be anything more than just a wonderful pet.”

But Alan, who heads up training of new Watkins consultants for the All Natural Country Store, had a heart condition that required a dog with a keen sense of smell and taste to warn him when he might have an angina attack. Then he takes a tiny dose of nitro he always carries with him so that he doesn’t suffer a severe pain that might cause further damage to his heart that already has a stint in one its main arteries.

“I learned to have patience with Peggy, while she learned some of the basics such picking up things that I dropped, even to bark to gain someone’s attention should I feel it was necessary for more intense medical intervention.

Just as Peggy learned to be a service dog by watching other dogs in her training class, Alan was able to learn to train others by following the example set by his upline manager Tracy Palmer in Florida, as well as others in the Watkins organization, who were successful in what they were doing to recruit and train new consultants. Alan became such a good learner that at the last Watkins Annual Conference he was honored as the third most successful total downline sponsor in the entire company.  "It was nice to be recognized, but I gain much more satisfaction when one of my recruits has a successful in-home gathering, or experiences a very productive direct sales event.”

“I come from a background of counseling and personal development of others, which I truly love to do,” continued Alan, who also spent several years being a top salesman for Tupperware. But when the opportunity arose for Alan to follow a new path, he remembered Watkins as a company that produced excellent spices, body care and apothecary products that his mother would purchase from a door-to-door Watkins salesman. Alan, who also has become somewhat a techno wiz when it came to the computer and the Internet, knew that selling had taken on a whole new avenue of development with the advent of online network marketing.

“Sure, I also heard of all the pyramid scams out there where the sole basis of the organization was to bring on new recruits, who would then devote their full attention to bringing on even more recruits,” said Alan. “But the Watkins business model is founded on promotion of the four products lines, and how direct sales is the core to building your own Watkins operation.

Interested in learning how you can plug into Alan’s low-key, one-on-one counseling to a successful part-time career with Watkins? All it takes in a phone call to his 888-881-7372 number to learn even more about how easy it is to launch your own home-based Watkins business.

Just Give Us a Ring

It takes punching in 10 numbers. But we’re here to help you place your Watkins order or provide info about joining our team.

In our last blog, we wrote about the tradition of excellence that Watkins has promoted by reformulating its product line to make the items more all-natural, yet retain the goodness that generations have come to expect from Watkins. In this blog, however, we delve a bit more into those computer bugs with the corporate website that have prevented consumers from ordering their favorite products through the All Natural Country store website.

“We realize we have to be adaptable until these inconveniences are worked out,” said co-country store manager Alan Lukes. “It means that our customers may just have to talk to us over the phone just like our grandparents and parents had to do when they placed orders by dialing various businesses.”

Alan stressed we do everything possible to fill orders promptly. As soon as an order comes in, it is immediately relayed directly to the Watkins shipping department in Winona, Minnesota. The order is processed within 24 hours, and then shipped out to the customer. Delivery takes from two days to a week, depending on how far the customer lives from Winona. All orders arrive by UPS, and are delivered directly to the customer’s front door.

Once the corporate website glitches are worked out, customers will once again be able to order products directly through the All Natural Country Store website. By so doing, a few days may be shaved off the fulfillment process, but for now, it just means there is more personalized service being generated by the All Natural Country Store managers.

We like to say our country store provides the same quality customer service that previous generations came to expect from their door-to-door Watkins salesperson. Now, we are backing up those words with real service to make the whole Watkins experience a pleasant one, just like what J.R. Watkins expected from his entire sales team. You can contact us at our toll-free number 888-881-7372 for friendly, courteous attention to your Watkins needs.

A Tradition of Quality for 145 Years

For nearly a decade and a half, Watkins has been producing products that have stood the test of time.

 

One of the most thrilling moments in the Broadway musical “Fiddler on the Roof” is when the main character belts out the song, “Tradition.” It tells of the rich history of his family and the roots of his religion that have helped create a special bond through the years.

So too it is with Watkins. Many other companies have come and gone during the last 150 years, but Watkins continues to serve generation after generation with the type of products that have kept customers wanting more.

Back in the horse and buggy days, early Watkins salesmen would fill their wagons with a growing array of quality products and peddle them to farms throughout the Midwest. Today, Watkins men and women use the Internet to grow their businesses from coast to coast and into Canada.

It’s through this kind of international reach that consultants continue to achieve record-breaking results. When our Watkins team was recognized at the 145^th Watkins conference in Winona last month, we were well aware that it was our involvement with Internet marketing that helped bring about such a great year for us.

As all of our consultants and customers know, this has been a challenging time since the Watkins corporate website is being reconstructed. With the website partially down, many of the previous functions – such as purchasing products through our All Natural Country Store website – has become impossible. Therefore, many sales are currently being taken over the phone by Alan Lukes, our country store’s lead manager.

Despite this challenge, we were still able to record more than $2,000 in sales during the month of July, primarily because of the need to restock our country store shelves after a series of public events. They began with the local Big Bear Elk’s Lodge Peddlers Market held throughout the Independence Day weekend, and continued every Tuesday when we manned our weekly Big Bear Farmer’s Market booth.

“Even though the volume in online sales dropped significantly during July, we realize that direct public contact with our customers is an important part of our business,” according to Alan. “When given the opportunity to taste and smell our gourmet food products, or feel the soothing sensation of our body care and apothecary products, customers respond by making a purchase. It all goes back to those early days of Watkins when products were sold door-to-door or in a Watkins general store. It’s a tradition that grows stronger with every passing year, and accounts for many of our returning customers.”

Keep Cool This Summer

With Watkins

While temps climb across the country, here’s some suggested products that will keep you and your customers cool, calm and collected through July and August.

Sure, you and your customers may be grumbling about the stifling heat, but it’s also your opportunity to make hay while the sun shines.

When was the last time you promoted a soothing plunge into a cool bathtub, made even more luxurious with the introduction of Lavender Bath Salts. The aroma is intoxicating, and your customer will tell her friends about the experience, which will snowball into even bigger sales.

There’s also the cool feeling that comes when applying the White Cream Liniment to sooth away those aches and pains that come when over-exerting oneself trying to get all those flowering plants in the ground in one day. Shower them with cool water in the early morning or evening so that you don’t rush to do the impossible. Your back will thank you for it.

Keeping cool also means staying out of the kitchen, or at least keeping the oven turned off when preparing snacks and meals. While some like the spicy hot taste that comes from the Blazin’ Cajun Snack and Dip Seasoning, the flavor that tops the charts during the summer months has always been the cool Cucumber and Dill or the Garlic and Dill. Who needs to bake chicken in the oven when a chicken salad made with pre-cooked diced chicken makes the perfect base on which to top with some of the new grinder seasonings, and a light dressing made with Watkins Grapeseed Oil and the dip mixes.

All it takes is a little bit of advance planning and ingenuity to tackle those sizzling temperatures thanks to Watkins and its fabulous product lines. You’ll have your customers cooled down in no time.   Feel free to take a look at our entire product line at http://www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com.

New Products

A Growing List of Grinders

A Lemon Pepper Grinder and a Garlic Sea Salt Grinder are two of the latest Watkins new grind-it-yourself products.

 When it was announced last month in the Watkins kitchen that the 145-year-old company was bringing back its lemon and pepper spice combination at the Watkins 2013 Open House Celebration, there was a round of applause from the audience. Why? The powder was very popular product for many consultant customers. But product developers had something up their sleeve. They had plans to make it better. They did so by bringing back the popular spice combination in a Lemon Pepper grinder format. The result just became available, along with another new combination that is bound to be equally popular – a Garlic Sea Salt grinder.

These two new grinders are the latest in a line of grinders that now include a variety of some 10 glass containers. You can’t beat the fresh flavor from a grinder. The simple way of dispensing their content has helped customers season to taste. And this has added to their popularity.

Here’s how the Watkins website describes this growing grinder trend:

“Satisfy your craving for seasonings with Watkins grinders. These disposable grinders have a unique, eye-catching design, and the top-quality ingredients inside will please your palate. The grinders are convenient and easy to use – just twist to grind.”

Now, you are probably asking yourself, “Self -- How can I use these two unique flavor combinations Simple! In fact, we made it easy for you by digging through the vast collection of Watkins recipes to find one that calls for all four of grinder ingredients – lemon, pepper, garlic and sea salt!

Spice Scented Grilled Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

2 ½ to 3 tbsp of lemon juice

Freshly ground Watkins Lemon Black Pepper to taste

1 tsp of Watkins Garlic and Sea Salt Grinder

½ tsp of Watkins Curry Powder

¼ tsp of Watkins Cinnamon

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions

Combine lemon juice with all the spice ingredients; mix well. Add chicken and turn to coat all sides. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. Grill or broil chicken for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

The product number for the Lemon and Pepper Grinder is Item #0053, while the Garlic and Sea Salt grinder is Item #0039. Simply go to www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com, and shop for “Grinders.” Shop under “Herbs and Spices” for your Curry Powder and Cinnamon ingredients. Get your order in now before too many bloggers discover this recipe, and these hot grinders go onto a waiting list!  ~

A Way to Give Back to Veteran Families

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor all those special heroes who donned a uniform to serve our country.

They say every man is more handsome in a uniform. But this is a fellow I’m particularly proud of every Memorial Day. He’s my dad, Leon Gurzenski, who died when I was 11. He was in World War I – the “Great War to end all wars.” Then along came a tyrant by the name of Adolph Hitler, who brought about World War II. The U.S. has had its share of fallen heroes with a series of conflicts leading up to the current combat in Afghanistan. So many men and women have sacrificed their lives so that we can continue to live in freedom. Just one day seems terribly inadequate to honor them all. But honor them we do, not just those who have died, but those in active service today, as well as thousands of veterans, who returned with permanent physical and mental scars of their time in battle. All those medals acknowledging their bravery isn’t enough either.

Those of us at the All Natural Country Store, proud distributors of J.R. Watkins’ 250+ “made-in-the-USA” products, try to do a bit more. The Watkins Company has been around since 1868. That’s 145 years if you care to count. That’s long before my dad was old enough to fit in that sailor’s uniform. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as soon as possible, and served until he returned from overseas with a broken back and an honorable discharge. He lived with back pain for the rest of his life, dying prematurely at the age of 60. As I said, I’m very proud and eternally grateful that he was my dad, and served his country so long and proud, even though his life was cut short because of that service.

Because Watkins has been around through all those wars, many of those wives and husbands left at home while their spouses fought on foreign soil had to do what they could to make ends meet. The perfect part-time job for them was as members of the J.R. Watkins family of sales people. Some of them steered horse-drawn wagons across the plains. Later, many of them drove some of Henry Ford’s first models from farm-to-farm across this country’s heartland. Today’s Watkins sales team can be found at farmers markets and peddlers markets across the country. In fact, we managers of the All Natural Country Store “worked” the Big Bear Lake Elk’s Club Peddlers Market this Memorial Day weekend. We use the word “worked” loosely because of all the neighbors and holiday weekend guests, who are drawn to this ideal mountain lake community covered with pine trees, and only a short drive east of San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles. Frequent customers have become friends, the kind you can talk with over the back fence and catch up on their busy lives. We extend an additional 10% off the retail price to all veterans during the Memorial Weekend.  That’s on top of the 25% we extend to anyone who joins our Watkins All Natural Country Store Wholesale Shoppers Club for just $39.95.

I can’t help thinking that somewhere up there dad is looking down proudly, not only because we have established our own Watkins business, but because we have helped many other veterans and surviving spouses build their own home-based Watkins businesses. That’s the kind of reward that we consider priceless.