February 2012
7 posts
3 tags
Diaper Bag MVP: J.R. Watkins Soothing Baby Balm
Our new line of baby care is the perfect addition to your little one’s bath time. But our Soothing Baby Balm should win an award for most valuable product in mom’s purse or diaper bag. The 100% natural, fragrance-free balm, made with a blend of oils and extracts from grapeseed, olive, sunflower, sweet almond, calendula and lavender, nourishes, softens and soothes minor skin irritations. The...
Feb 23rd
2 tags
Get an Early Start on Spring Cleaning
Photo credit: Trip Advisor We’re sure you’ve all heard, but the groundhog saw his shadow this year – so here’s to a few more weeks of winter. As we anticipate spring’s arrival, we’ve been thinking about spring cleaning! Why wait until the weather is beautiful outside to get your major cleaning done? We’d rather clean while the weather is frosty so we can get outside as the flowers bloom. With...
Feb 21st
4 tags
5 Tips to Treat Colds the Natural Way
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com Colds and flu run rampant this time of year. Noses are dripping, throats are hurting and coughs and...
Feb 16th
6 tags
Cookies with Love
Nothing says “I love you” better than a homemade treat. And this year, with a little help from J.R. Watkins Naturals, baking for the month of love doesn’t have to be an enormous task. Two of our favorite sweet treats — Simple Shortbread and Cinnamon Spice Cookies — are perfect for any baker, from the seasoned to the newbie.  Photo credit: The Upper Crust...
Feb 14th
2 notes
4 tags
Rose Essential Oil, a Love Story
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com   Photo Credit: We Heart It What the world needs this Valentine’s Day are more essential oils. Distilled or extracted...
Feb 9th
1 note
3 tags
J.R. Watkins Lip Tints Featured in Eco Emi
Do you Eco Emi? Eco Emi is a monthly service that sends subscribers a box of eco-friendly samples for $15 each month. J.R. Watkins Lip Tints were featured in the January box.  Boxes included one Watkins tint in Scarlet Sunset, Tickled Pink, Strike-a-Rose, Simply Mauve-lous or Berry Charming.    Photo credit: See Shop Love We’ve been enjoying seeing what you guys have been saying about the Lip...
Feb 7th
2 notes
1 tag
Love Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And this year, we came up with a list of 3 things that everyone should do, no matter if you are celebrating with your significant other, family, friends or taking a night to treat yourself.  Ready to feel the love?                                             Image found at http://bit.ly/xlKWM3      Pamper yourself. We fully believe in this at...
Feb 3rd
January 2012
9 posts
3 tags
Energize With the Scents of Citrus
You might remember that last fall we did a survey of 1,000 men and women to determine how scents play a role in our daily lives.  According to the survey, men and women expect citrus scent to convey them as active and cheerful when worn, and when used in the home, men and women view citrus scents as energizing.  We also teamed up with Mindy Green, expert aromatherapist and co-author of...
Jan 31st
5 tags
Favorite Resources for Healthy Home Cooked Meals
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma (Image by foodswings via Flickr) We’ve all been there. It’s 5:00, we’re starving, and we have no idea what to make...
Jan 26th
4 tags
Dinner Plans In
                                                Image found at: http://bit.ly/Auexbk Last week we chatted about making time for YOU. This week, spend time with the people you care about and cook a homemade meal together. Not only can this be a healthier option than visiting a restaurant, it’s also cost-effective and a fun way to spend time with friends and family. You can do this several ways,...
Jan 24th
3 notes
4 tags
5 Tips for Making Your Resolutions Stick
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com We are well into the New Year and some of those freshly made resolutions are on the verge of...
Jan 19th
1 note
4 tags
Making Time for YOU
We’ve all made lists, resolutions, goals or thought about a few things we’d like to work on in 2012. Is making time for you on your list this year?                                      Image found at: http://instagr.am/p/eyXdT/ We’re taking advice from Beauty Bets to make sure we set aside time for ourselves this year and revamp our beauty regimen. For our bodies and minds, we’re resolving to...
Jan 17th
5 notes
4 tags
Beauty Resolutions for a New Year
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com  Photo credit: We Heart It Diet and exercise resolutions are soooo 2011. This year, let’s vow to treat ourselves to...
Jan 12th
3 tags
Relax With Lavender
The holidays are over and life is starting to get back into a rhythm again. Now that you may have a little extra time on your hands, make sure to schedule “me” time at least once a week.  Over the next few weeks we will help you find little ways to treat yourself and escape the wintery weather (although, if where you live is anything like Minnesota weather this year, you’re probably enjoying...
Jan 10th
2 notes
3 tags
J.R. Watkins Baby Care Line
We’re excited to announce a new arrival to the J.R. Watkins family: introducing our Baby Care line!                Because we care about your baby’s sensitive skin, we developed these products free of toxins and fragrances—allowing you to care for your little ones using gentle, natural ingredients including shea butter, olive oil and chamomile.  Our new baby care product offerings include:  Baby...
Jan 6th
3 notes
4 tags
Cold Relief
Have you caught the winter bug? We hope not, but if you did, we have a few things that might ease your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery a little faster! J.R. Watkins Menthol Camphor Vapor Rub is our naturally formulated chest rub that relieves common cold symptoms. Sometimes the worst part about a cold is the aching muscles that come along with it. Menthol Camphor Bath Soak is a...
Jan 3rd
2 notes
December 2011
9 posts
J.R. Watkins looks back…and forward!
Since the New Year is only a few days away, we wanted to share a few highlights from 2011. It was an amazing year! New Products   This year we had several great products launch in all three categories—personal care, natural gourmet and home care. If you haven’t checked them out yet, they are definitely worth trying! Coconut Sugar and Shea Scrub – This natural body scrub smoothes out even the...
Dec 30th
Celebrating New Year's Eve
(Image found at: pdphoto.org) The holidays are quickly wrapping up, and New Year’s Eve is just a few days away - are you ready to count down the last few moments of 2011? We have a few tips that will make your party plans positively perfect. If you are hosting a party Make sure your guests feel welcome and comfortable in your home. Stock your bathroom with J.R. Watkins Hand Soap and Hand Cream –...
Dec 28th
2 tags
J.R. Watkins Last-Minute Holiday Checklist
The holidays can be a crazy time of year: buying gifts, hosting and attending parties, decorating your home, baking and all the hustle and bustle! No matter what holiday you celebrate, though, J.R. Watkins wants to make sure there are a few things you remember to do this year. Spend time with the people you love. Make time to see your friends, family (crazy aunts and all) and other people in...
Dec 22nd
4 tags
Simple Tips for a Mindful Holiday
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma   (Image credit: MorgueFile) Feeling anxious about holiday gifts? Staying up until the wee hours making cookies?...
Dec 20th
5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Gift Wrap
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com [Photo used under Creative Commons from Kevin Dooley/Flickr] The holidays are rapidly approaching and...
Dec 15th
3 tags
J.R. Watkins National Survey on Scent
This year we’ve been focused on scent—how it ties into who you are, the memories you have and understanding how it affects our daily rituals. One of our recent highlights was working with an aromatherapist, Mindy Green, who helped us learn more about how scent plays a role in our lives.  Below are a few fun facts we learned throughout the entire process!                [Photo used under...
Dec 13th
4 tags
7 Winter Beauty Solutions
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com                                        Photo courtesy of The Beauty Department What do you get when it’s cold...
Dec 8th
4 notes
4 tags
J.R. Watkins Opens First-Ever Boutique!
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Watkins expanded our reach and opened the doors of our first-ever boutique located at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County, California. Available in the store are all three lines: personal care, home care and natural gourmet. In the store shoppers are able to test products, enjoy the scents and learn more about J.R. Watkins Naturals. In order...
Dec 6th
1 note
4 tags
J.R. Watkins and The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
          Back in 2004, over 1,500 companies signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a voluntary pledge where companies agree to disclose all of the ingredients in their cosmetic products, as well as avoid incorporating harmful ingredients.  J.R. Watkins Naturals was one of the many companies that participated and signed this Compact.  On November 30th, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released...
Dec 1st
2 notes
November 2011
8 posts
6 tags
Watkins Holiday Gift Ideas
With the holidays upon us (and Black Friday come and gone), we have gift ideas and shopping on our minds. If you’re still looking for just the right gift for someone special, consider some of our J.R. Watkins favorites that can fit just about anyone on your list! For the busy, on-the-go mom           Lavender Hand Salve ($8.99) This salve incorporates natural oils that moisturize, nourish and...
Nov 29th
1 note
5 tags
Thanksgiving Recipe Traditions
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma                                         Photo: Squash Gratin If there is one holiday deeply rooted in tradition, it...
Nov 22nd
4 tags
4 Ways to Green Your Thanksgiving
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com            [Photo used under Creative Commons from D. Sharon Pruitt/Flickr] Thanksgiving is a holiday...
Nov 17th
4 tags
J.R. Watkins Peppermint Foot Salve in November’s...
We’re so excited to tell you about our latest collaboration! We’ve teamed with Birchbox and are making our debut in the November Box with our Peppermint Foot Repair Salve. This is a year-round staple for us, but is perfect for soothing away the havoc winter wreaks on feet. The formula is packed with olive, safflower and peppermint oils that melt seamlessly onto your skin, instantly healing...
Nov 15th
2 notes
5 tags
Detoxifying Tricks for Post-Thanksgiving Puffery
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com                                      Photo Credit: We Heart It Forget the turkey. On Thanksgiving Day, I load up on...
Nov 10th
14 notes
5 tags
Introducing: J.R. Watkins Body Oil Mist
Something fabulous happened at J.R. Watkins, and we can finally loop you in: our new grapefruit scent has made its way into our personal care line! We’re excited to introduce our newest product: body oil mist! This amazing new oil, made with Vitamin E and Apricot Kernel Oil, locks moisture into skin as it soothes and hydrates. It’s the perfect product for the upcoming winter months, and since...
Nov 8th
4 tags
Discover Your Scent Personality With J.R. Watkins
Scent is a huge part of life whether you realize it or not, central to our lives, memories and mood. That’s why we work so hard at Watkins to make products with scents for different moments and personalities—from Calming Lavender Bath Soak to Rejuvenating Peppermint Foot Cream, and so much more!  We’re excited to offer a new, fun Scent Personality quiz on our Facebook page to provide personal...
Nov 3rd
4 tags
Keepin’ it cool
In the summer heat we scream for ice cream. Literally. Well, this fall our ice cream cravings aren’t fizzling out as the seasons change. Watkins has exciting news!  We have collaborated with Kemps to serve up a delicious, new ice cream flavor for the season: Holiday Vanilla, made with J.R. Watkins premium-quality Vanilla Extract, a staple and long-time favorite for many people. And, this...
Nov 1st
October 2011
8 posts
6 tags
Reducing Waste Around the Home
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma Photo Credit: thekitchendesigner.org via Flickr using Creative Commons Do you give much thought to the contents of...
Oct 27th
4 tags
A possibility: healthy dessert!
Apples are one of our favorite things about fall. A few people in our office have apple trees, and the apples that have come in are delicious. So, in wanting to use them in multiple ways, we decided to whip up a batch of applesauce. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe that we always fall back on. Ingredients: 4 apples – peeled, cored and chopped ¾ cup water ¼ cup white sugar (although, we...
Oct 25th
8 notes
4 tags
How to Go Green This Halloween
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com           [Photo used under Creative Commons from vdrg dansschool/Flickr] Halloween is a favorite...
Oct 20th
4 tags
Behind The Scenes at Watkins
At J.R. Watkins we love sharing who we are, our favorite products and the rich history that shapes us. So, last week, we invited a few blogger friends out to our hometown of Winona, Minn. for a behind-the-scenes peek at J.R. Watkins.  A fun group of bloggers joined us to learn more about our history, see our facilities, test new products and explore our town: Micaela from Mindful Momma Lori...
Oct 18th
52 notes
4 tags
DIY Pumpkin Face Mask
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com                      Photo Credit: http://weheartit.com/entry/15502577  I find it rather humorous that the magic...
Oct 13th
5 tags
Falling for stripes
This fall has been unusually warm for Minnesota and we absolutely love it. Since the weather has stayed nice, we aren’t quite ready to pull out the fall coats and we’re inspired by this unseasonable opportunity to pull off a few fun looks. Our favorite? Stripes. Stripes are showing up in fashion, beauty, home décor (everything that J.R. Watkins loves). Atlantic-Pacific does a great job of mixing...
Oct 11th
4 tags
Bavarian Apple Tart
Remember how we were so excited to bake with apples? Here’s one of our favorite recipes to try out this fall.   1/2 cup/125 mL butter, softened 1/3 cup/80 mL sugar 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins White Vanilla 1 cup/250 mL all-purpose flour 1/8 tsp/0.6 mL Watkins Cinnamon 1 package (8 oz/227 g) reduced-calorie cream cheese 1/4 cup/60 mL sugar 1 egg 1-1/2...
Oct 6th
1 note
3 tags
Fall to-dos
The weather is cooling off, the trees are just starting to change colors and here at J.R. Watkins, we are so excited about fall! One of the great things about living in Minnesota is that the weather brings out the best in every season, and it’s something worth celebrating.  Here’s our list for fall – what’s on yours? Visit an apple orchard, pick our own apples, try a few of the tasty apple...
Oct 4th
September 2011
9 posts
5 tags
Easy Tips for Sustainable Snacking
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma Photo Credit: Alison Maclvor on Flickr (Creative Commons) Last weekend it was our turn to bring post-game snacks...
Sep 29th
19 notes
5 tags
In Their Expert Opinion: Q&A with Micaela Preston...
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. Meet Micaela Preston, founder of Mindful Momma and author of Practically Green: Your Guide to EcoFriendly Decision-Making. Like many parents, Micaela...
Sep 27th
1 note
4 tags
5 Simple Tips to Green Your Kitchen
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com Photo credit: Used under Creative Commons from Tim Crowe/Flickr If you’re thinking of going green the...
Sep 22nd
5 tags
In Their Expert Opinion: Q&A with Lori Popkewitz...
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. Meet Lori Popkewitz Alper, founder of Groovy Green Livin, a site dedicated to sharing simple green living tips and current information on sustainable. A...
Sep 20th
3 tags
Fall Skincare 101
“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts. By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com   Photo credit: The Princess Photo Diary  Fall is such time of transition—and I love it. Leaves are turning,...
Sep 15th
1 note
4 tags
In Their Expert Opinion: Q&A with Elizabeth Dehn...
Welcome to a new series on The Clear Conscience Blog. J.R. Watkins is teaming with three bloggers who bring a special expertise to living a natural lifestyle. Each month, they’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener.  Today, we’re introducing Elizabeth Dehn, of the award-winning blog BeautyBets.com. Elizabeth, a.k.a. Bets, hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she spent her...
Sep 13th
22 notes
1 tag
The Great Minnesota Get-Together
Minnesota is known for its state fair, attracting nearly 1.8 million people every year for The Great Minnesota Get-Together, a true Midwestern tradition! We love the fair, too, and this year we documented our trip to share some of the highlights.  Food. The state fair is all about food! From corn-on-the-cob to Sweet Martha’s Cookies to deep fried strawberry shortcake and everything in between,...
Sep 8th
2 tags
Testing it out
We’ve received some solid love this summer on the web, and thought we’d share a few tidbits.  In July, we partnered with Eco Emi to include a few of our products in their monthly box. Not familiar with them? Check it out – you pay $15 per month, and get a box of chic eco-friendly products delivered to your door! We love it! You, Me & Anthropologie separated the good and the bad from her...
Sep 6th
3 tags
It’s the Sweet Things…
Are you familiar with the saying, “It’s all about the little things”? We definitely agree, but we also think it’s all about the sweet things. Last weekend, in our pursuit of making the most of the month of August, we set out for a little afternoon of relaxation.  We found a dock overlooking one of our local lakes and enjoy sitting with our feet in the water watching the sunset. And, to top it...
Sep 1st