May 2008 Update

John and Charlotte Willis                           Independent Watkins Associate #030517N                           http://CharWillis.com

Bring on the May Flowers!

We made it through the April Showers and we're ready for the May Flowers. Charlotte's been busy in the yard getting flowers planted, seeds in the pots, and even a couple of new bushes around the house. It's hard to believe that back in Michigan there's still snow on the ground and down here in Indiana John has had to mow three times already.

Bleach – We Can Clean Without It

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!

Everyday Meals

Triple Layered Fruit Desert

• 2 C Flour
• 1/2 C Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 C Chopped Nuts (any type)
• 2 Sticks Softened Margarine

• 8 oz Cream Cheese
• 1 C Powdered Sugar
• 1 C Cool Whip 

• 1 Can Blueberry or Cherry Pie Filling

1. Press crust mixture into a 9x13 pan.
2. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
3. Stack Layers
4. Top with Cool Whip
5. Chill until ready to serve

Thought for the Day

"I can't," "they won't be interested," "it'll never happen," and "it's impossible" are certainly phrases we think and hear all too often. It's sad when you realize that your mind controls your actions, and your actions control your results. To experience success, it's crucial that our thoughts correspond with the goals we aspire to. Here's a great story that reflects the power of your thoughts, and importance of guarding them and feeding them with positive influences.

One evening, a Cherokee Elder told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside of people. The battle, he said, is between two wolves inside of us all. One is evil and it is; anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other wolf is good, it is; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and faith.

The grandson sat there thinking and pondered. He asked his Grandfather "Grandfather, which wolf wins?" The wise Grandfather said, "Whichever one you feed."

Whatever you feed your mind controls your actions, and your actions control your results. Make sure you guard your thoughts and surround yourself with positive influences

Thank you again and we hope that you have a great April.

Char and John Willis

P.S.  Don't forget you order Watkins products online just by visiting http://watkinsonline.com/CharlotteWillis.   Thanks!

The statements made and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the Independent Watkins Associate who is the publisher of this document, and are not to be construed as the statements or opinions of Watkins Incorporated.