Healthy Vegetables

Vegetarian 101

This is day 7 of my grand experiment of being a vegetarian for the month of March. Why would I want to test the waters of vegetarianism? Working on a Cardiac IMC unit in the hospital I noticed some “Common Denominators” of the patients that come to the floor.

The The “Top 3″ were:

1. Overweight (moderate to severe obesity)
2. Diet (high saturated fat)
3. Exercise (lack of)

Seeing these common connections between people with heart problems (coupled with heart disease in my family) & a few other reasons; in April 2009 my wife and I changed our eating habits. I avoid using the word “Diet” intentionally. I’ve been on “Diets” before. They are typically short term & ineffective. I did some research and chose a “Program” to follow. In our case the “Swank Diet” is the eating regimen we chose to follow. What did we give up? The main changes to our diet were the elimination of fried foods and the reduction of saturated fat. *Side note: Be careful what you make fun of. I used to laugh at people in the grocery store that read product labels; now I’m that person! So how much saturated fat is o.k.? We went with avoiding anything with more than 2.5 grams of saturated fat. The results: after three months we had both lost 30+ pounds (and have kept it off for 11 months & counting). While our reasons for changing our eating habits was not to lose weight, but instead to eat healthier; it’s still kinda nice wearing clothes that 10 years ago wouldn’t fit. I have a low-fat simple recipe site here: Recipe Resource. Most of them are “Swank Friendly”, but they are all tasty, simple to prepare and low-fat.

Healthy food is yucky! This is what I used to believe. You know, to eat healthy it’s all celery sticks & tasteless rice cakes. Boy was I ever wrong. We found a community of people committed to following the “Swank Diet” who generously and selfishly shared their favorite tasty recipes. Now the Swank Diet was designed for a specific medical condition that I wont go into here. And while the medical evidence for it’s benefits aren’t overwhelming, we knew that the healthier lifestyle change was something we wanted to adopt. The health benefits from eating delicious healthy food was our primary goal, and in this we succeeded.

Watkins Natural Products

October 2009 I was introduced to Watkins. I received some samples in the mail and was flabbergasted. I was one of those people that had never really heard about Watkins Vanilla, Watkins Black Pepper & Watkins Cinnamon. OMG!, this stuff was awesome. Seriously, just doing a simple cinnamon taste test between the cinnamon I had in the cupboard vs. Watkins Cinnamon opened my eyes to a world of flavor I had been missing. I had no idea that there could be such a difference in the flavor and quality in spices. Now, 5 months down the road with my involvement in Watkins, I’ve found that all of their products are top notch. They feature natural and green products that are good, and good for you and your family. It was great when I realized that a simple change from chemical laden shampoo, soaps & deodorants to natural Watkins products would be better for me and the environment. With over 350 products, Watkins has something for everyone.

7 Days as a Vegetarian

So how did I end up experimenting with vegetarianism? A little soul searching and a lot of fact finding. Just as before when I went with the Swank Diet, I did some research. I remember years ago hearing about a Dr. Dean Ornish who had a revolutionary way of reversing blockages to the heart WITHOUT surgery. The parallels I saw between his Clinically Proven way to reverse heart disease (eat low-fat vegetarian diet & exercise) and the patients I see coming to the Cardiac unit (unhealthy diet, overweight & no exercise) were an epiphany. “Yeah but”, why does it have to be vegetarian? Why not? #1 it’s proven medically to reverse blockages to the heart. Secondly, have you ever considered why it is you have the eating habits you do? Just because that’s the way you were raised should not be the one thing that stands between you and living a healthier life. “Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner” Ever heard that one, or have you ever got a McDonald’s jingle stuck in your head. Could we as a society be so malleable as to be susceptible to the marketing marvels who promote an unhealthy diet? I was. What vegetarian recipe could compete with McDonalds? Check this out if you love the McRib.

Vegetarian Recipes

After researching more about Dr. Dean Ornish and his “Eat more & lose weight” healthy heart eating regime, I decided to see if I could find any good recipes. Yep, sure enough I did! Here are a few great resources to try. AllRecipes.com then search for vegetarian recipes. Another awesome site for info on vegetarianism and recipes is goveg.com. Start here with Vegetarianism 101. Being a guy, I’m a visual creature. That’s just one of the reasons I love VegTV.com. They have videos showing you how to prepare some wonderful vegetarian and vegan recipes.

In conclusion. I’m not trying to scare or guilt anybody into being a vegetarian. My goal is to supply share our story and offer resources. I’m looking for helping the person who has an open mind & is looking for better health. Thanks for stopping by.

To order Watkins online click here.

David Blalock
Bronze Trailblazer Consultant #386886
E-mail me

Toxic H2O?

Testing the Home Business Waters

As a child I can still remember my mom cautioning me “Don’t drink the water!”. I loved playing outdoors and not want to come in the house for water, what is the logical thing to do? Drink out of the water hose of course. I asked her why I couldn’t drink water from the hose and she told me about pesticides or chemicals that might be on the hose. Things we couldn’t see, but could still be harmful. At that young age, I’ll admit I couldn’t really understand her caution. Now did she mean to never drink water? Of course not, but to make informed choices about where I chose to drink from. Choosing a home business to earn extra money should be made after careful consideration also.

Due to the current economic situation, many people are looking for ways to earn extra money in their own home business. Before testing the waters however, caution should be observed. Unfortunately there are people who make a living off scamming others. It is an unfortunate reality we all have to deal with. It is especially prevalent in the home business opportunity community. Many people desperate to earn extra money for their families tragically fall victim to these scoundrels. If anyone is promising instant riches, beware. That being said, don’t let a few bad apples keep you from drinking the water of a home business opportunity. Be aware and use common sense. Too often the “Newest” opportunity is the one we consider. There is something to be said for watching for new opportunities, just use your head.

While new is fine for some, I chose to go “Old School”. My Watkins home business is building off of a legacy of 141 years in business. With failure rates for businesses at over 50%, makes you think they “might” just now what they’re doing! Watkins products have been used by families to help enhance their health and natural living for over a century. Watkins pioneered the “Money Back Guarantee” along with the Direct Selling business model. For as long as families have trusted Watkins natural products, entrepreneurs have been earning money. Watkins now carries over 350 products. While most people may be familiar with Watkins vanilla, black pepper & cinnamon, that is not all they offer. Besides Watkins natural and organic spices and extracts, they now also have natural body care, natural home remedies and natural plant-based cleaners. While natural and green products are now “in fashion”, Watkins has been in the natural and green business for 141 years.

When it comes to “Green” Watkins puts it’s money where it’s mouth is. Besides having green and natural products, they work daily to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the earth. For example:

• Eliminate waste by utilizing Lean business and manufacturing practices and streamlining operations
• Each of Watkins vendors is encouraged to use renewable energy and to cut waste
• By using lighter weight product packaging, Watkins has saved thousands of pound of plastic from waste
• Watkins uses a gravity fed filling process to fill their bulk dry mixes. This conserves energy that would normally be used to power a conveyor or pneumatic system
• Watkins uses e-communications and encourages customers, Associates and vendors to obtain information online instead of print
• Soy-based ink is used in printed marketing materials
• Biodegradable packing materials are used
• Watkins also adheres to a strict paper, plastic and aluminum recycling program

So as you continue your search for a home based business, please consider the longevity of whatever opportunity you find. If you can find a greener more natural business that has been in business longer than Watkins, give it careful consideration. If not, consider the Watkins opportunity.

David Blalock
Watkins Independent Associate #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me

Free samples & catalog upon request.

“Is a Watkins Home Based Business Right For You?” Click Below to find out

Post Holiday Blues

The “Cure” for the Post Holiday Blues

Many people find this time of year to be stressful. Trying to meet all of your social obligations along with the money that is needed for gifts. If you find yourself wondering what you can do to earn a little extra cash, consider this. Watkins has a wonderful business opportunity available. If you would like to earn just a little cash working part-time, this business opportunity may be for you. While it is true that you can earn a full-time income working with Watkins, you don’t have to.

For those that right now can’t commit the time or energy to work towards a full-time income with a part-time home business, retailing Watkins products is a great way to make some “quick cash”. Typically all that is necessary to start retailing Watkins products is to show the Watkins catalog to friends or family. Watkins now has over 350 products, all of which we use daily in our lives. No inventory or “minimums” is required. Once your customer places an order, you either fax, phone or input it online. WatkinsOnline.com is also a wonderful way for friends or family that don’t live close to you to order. All they need is your associate id# and they are set. Very simple, and very easy.

The categories of Watkins products are:

Watkins Natural Gourmet:
A complete line of natural and organic spices for the discriminating cook. This is where you will find the Watkins signature product: vanilla. In 1895 when Watkins introduced Vanilla Extract made with Madagascar Pure Vanilla, it quickly became one of Watkins most popular products. Watkins world reputation came when in 1928 at the International Exposition in Paris, (France, not Texas) Watkins was awarded the Grand Prize Gold Medal for Highest Quality. This distinction was placed on several of Watkins products: the vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon and other ground spices.

Watkins Natural Personal Care:
Be sure to look for the Natural Products Association seal on many of the Watkins Natural Apothecary products. To earn the NPA seal, products must be formulated with at least 95% natural ingredients from renewable resources. Watkins is proud to be one of the first companies to gain this certification. The diversity of these products is immense. They include: hand and body lotions, body creams and oils, bath salts, hair and body wash, facial care, foot care and more. For full descriptions and a detailed accounting go here.

Watkins Natural-Based Remedies:
In 1868 when Watkins began doing business, the Minnesota prairie didn’t have easy access to doctors. Not that many people could have afforded to use them even if they had been available. This is the reason families have counted on Watkins for over 140 years. Watkins Apothecary has been there to provide quality products that people could rely on to make them feel better. Of course wasn’t the only Apothecary company in the 1860’s, they just happen to be the only one left. From the past to the present, Watkins provides tried and true products with the original money back guarantee. Some of the favorites you may know: Watkins Pain Relieving Liniment, Watkins Methol Camphor Vapor Rub, Watkins Petro-Carbo Salve and of course their full line of Watkins Supplements.

Natural Plant Based Home Care:

For well over a century and a quarter, Watkins has been delivering environmentally, high quality products. With that, Wakins is proud of their plant-based line of cleaning products. These Watkins products adheres to their commitment of helping our families live naturally. Watkins natural cleaners include the most popular cleaning products. These natural products are non-toxic, plant-based formulas that are phosphate-free and biodegradable. And probably the biggest news is what you DON’T get.
Natural Freedom Code-Plant based formulas are:

• Sulfuric Acid Free
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free
• Propylene Glycol Free
• Phthalate Free
• Phosphoric Acid Free
• Phosphate Free
• Petrochemical Free
• Paraben Free
• Non-Toxic
• Never Tested On Animals
• Mineral Spirit Free
• Kerosene Free
• Isopropanol Free
• Formaldehyde Free
• Dye Free
• Diethylene Ether Free
• Butyl/Ethyl Cellosolve Free
• Boron Free
• Bleach Free
• Biodegradable
• Benzene Free
• Animal Ingredient Free
• Ammonia Free

And like all of Watkins products, the legendary 100% satisfaction guarantee applies!

David Blalock
Watkins Independent Associate #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me

Free samples & catalog upon request.

Watkins Cinnamon Spice Cookies

Watkins Recipe for Cinnamon Spice Cookies

This wonderful holiday recipe came directly from WatkinsOnline.com If you’ve not gone there yet, you need to. The recipes are wonderful and best of all: FREE! While on the Watkins website you can also browse the wonderful products Watkins has. Over 350 in fact! Just remember that when you find something you need, my associate # is 386886.

While your checking out the products, notice how many of them are using natural ingredients. Watkins has had a reputation since 1868 of providing top notch natural products to enhance the lives of American families. They were also the 1st company to offer a money back guarantee on all of their wonderful Watkins products. P.S. (Made in America, also) 

Ingredients you’ll need:

1 tsp Watkins Purest Ground Cinnamon
2 cups of all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp Watkins Organic Nutmeg
1/2 tsp  salt
1 1/2 cups  sugar
12 tbsp butter (1 ½ sticks), softened (use “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” for reduced fat & calories)
1/2 tsp Watkins Original Double-Strength Vanilla
1/4 cup  molasses
1 eggBaking

Baking Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon,  & salt in a medium bowl. In a shallow bowl set aside 1/2 cup sugar.

Beat butter, remaining sugar, egg, vanilla, and molasses until well blended w/electric mixer. Combine with dry ingredients until dough forms. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and dip in 1/2 cup reserved sugar.

Arrange on a baking sheet, about 3-inches apart. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Makes 3 dozen.

Hope you enjoy this recipe. FYI, I have another website that is filled with wonderful recipes. Check it out: Recipe Resource.

David Blalock
Watkins Independent Associate #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me

Free samples & catalog upon request.

Grandma Bea's Watkins Vanilla

Watkins Vanilla

Made quite the discovery today while visiting mom and dad. Mom put in her order for Watkins Vanilla and asked me if it still came in the old timey bottles. I asked “what do you mean?” She then showed me a bottle of Grandma Bea’s Watkins Vanilla. I was blown away. The bottle is in excellent condition. The original box is just missing the top. How wild. There is a family tradition of using Watkins Vanilla that I was not aware of. I’ve got it in my spice cabinet, mom’s used it in the past and has just ordered more. But my Grandmother appears to be the originator. NOW I know why her cooking tasted so good! 

My Grandparents were frugal people. They didn’t believe in wasting money. My Grandfather was fiercely loyal. If he “traded” (as he called it) with a business, he did it exclusively. If the grocery store did not have what he wanted, he talked to the manager to see if they could get it. If they could not (or would not) he did without. He was a rare breed. My Grandmother was one of the nicest people I knew. Even though she has been gone many years now, I still have people tell me how much she meant to them. It really comes as no surprise now to know that she was a fan of Watkins Vanilla. Both of my Grandparents believed in getting the best of what they needed. That sounds contradictory to them being frugal, but it is actually not. Their reasoning (and it must be genetic because my dad and myself are the same way) that you would actually save money by having a superior product. Common sense really. As the old adage goes: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” ~Ben Franklin

Surprisingly Watkins Vanilla (along with the other Watkins products) don’t cost more. The inferior (IMHO) McCormick Vanilla actually cost 20% more than Watkins Vanilla at Walmart. Thanks for indulging my reminiscing of the past.

David Blalock

Watkins Independent Associate #386886
Order Watkins Products
E-mail me