Watkins skin and body care products

http://www.WatkinsOnline.com/


Watkins carries several lines of natural products, including spices and extracts, body care products, home remedies, and plant-based cleaners.

I am most familiar with their line of personal care products: hand and body lotions, body creams, daily cleansing cream, gentle pore scrub, day cream, night cream, hand and cuticle salves, beeswax lip balms, lip tints, foot creams and scrubs, body oils, and bath soaks. Products are available in different fragrances: aloe and green tea, lavender, lemon cream, mango, and vanilla.

If you don't understand (or cannot pronounce) the chemicals present in your cosmetics and self-care products you would probably be better off using natural products such as the ones formulated by Watkins.

While I've enjoyed using most of their skin and body care products, one of my favorites is their hand and cuticle salve in the lavender scent. It comes in a generously sized 2.1 ounce container and has a beeswax base. When your hands are in and out of water all day--and especially if you are doing heavier housework--your nails, cuticles, and hands may suffer. I use this product every night before going to bed. Shortly after I started using it I noticed a marked change in the health and appearance of my hands and nails. Just a few moments, at night, helped to undo the damage done throughout the course of the day. In these days, when one is so often disappointed in products that promise much more than they deliver, it is indeed refreshing to come across a line of self-care products such as those created by Watkins.

At $7.49 the cuticle cream is also good value for money. I'm sure there must be any number of pricier brands, with flashier and more expensive packaging, that don't do the job nearly as well.

I've been so happy, in fact, with their line of creams, cuticle salves, and other products that I have, on occasion, made "gift baskets" for birthday presents, grouping together several products of a particular scent. I was sorely disappointed when I realized my local Duane Reade was discontinuing this line of products--it's not often you find products free of sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, chemical sunscreens, pthalates, dyes, and propylene glycol.

However, after Googling them, I was pleased to find that they have both an online presence and a printed catalogue (which introduced me to their other product lines).

Watkins Incorporated
P.O. Box 5570
Winona, MN 55987-0570

1-800-928-5467

http://www.WatkinsOnline.com/

Back to School

Well, it is already August, and time to start thinking about "back to school" purchases. I've been looking for a "Clone Wars" lunchbox/thermos and think I may have found just what I am looking for--for quite a reasonable price--at http://www.diapers.com $7.99 (not including shipping and handling, of course).

I still have to tackle reviewing the boy's wardrobes and seeing what each of them will need. In any case (as always) I'll be on the lookout for bargains!!

One source of frustration for me has been the holes torn in the knees of (practically new) jeans. What to do with these?? Patch them? Let them disintigrate further?? Cut them down into shorts? What I suppose I really need to do is find jeans with reinforced knees.

My adventures in stain removal continue.....the last being black marker "drawn onto" a pair of khaki pants. No, I didn't get the stain out, but I gave it my best try.....plenty of hot water, OxyClean, Tide, and, as a last resort, bleach. No dice. You can still see the marks.....

It's been a busy summer so far. Visitors, doctor appointments, the fundraiser at the Hawthorne Country Day School, a christening......

I'm looking forward to the fall, though, and to cooler weather and my birthday in October, and (dare I say it) our two older boys returning to school (the structure is good for them) and to planning for our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

I'm hoping to find replacement cushions for the sofa, maybe a new slipcover as well, to brighten up the livingroom.

Well....I'll close for now.....

Socks

I don't know why it is, but I never seem to have a sufficient quantity of socks on hand. It matters little how many packages of socks I purchase....10 packs, 12 packs......they seem to magically disperse into some alternate universe populated by socks gone AWOL. Maybe they keep company with lost keys and single gloves.....I don't know.

However, I do know that I find it enormously irritating not to be able to find the socks I want to find when they are needed. Another irritation is socks that wear out too quickly. Socks, after all, are not finely spun stockings.....they should last a decent amount of time and service the foot well before being relegated to the rag bag for cleaning cloths.

This being said, I have to say that I have found that Hanes socks are better quality -- and thus better value -- than many of the "economy" socks one might find, let's say, in an establishment such as National Wholesale Liquidators. In this case, yes, you get what you pay for. Purchase cheap socks and you will, no doubt, be unhappy with their performance.

I have found that the Hanes socks weather the washing machine much more tolerably than cheaper bargain socks. You may pay a little more, initially, but, if I may reiterate....that, at least in this case, you get what you pay for.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of socks, check out "One Hanes Place" at:

http://onehanesplace.com/


They also -- aside from socks -- carry a wide variety of bras, panties, activewear, and "shapewear" (what were once called girdles!!!). Thankfully, the modern "girdle" is far more comfortable than their rubbery antecedents......but that is a subject for another post!!

QC Supply

I recently ordered a pair of navy blue rubber boots from QC Supply, a catalogue offering products for those who work in agriculture and with livestock.

After many fruitless searches for a decent, plain, durable pair of waterproof rubber boots, I very fortunately came acoss QC Supply.

The pair I chose was the Women's 14 inch choreboot with a plain toe (a steel toe is also available) item number 71805 for $17.87, available in women's sized 6 - 11. They are blue and have a yellow cleated sole. So far I haven't experienced any instances where I was afraid of falling, they have such a good grip on the pavement/grassy/snowy areas. I was a little concerned that the footbed might not be that comfortable, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even if I am walking for several hours, doing errands and such, my feet do not tire in them. They are durable, but not overly heavy.

If you are looking for a good, serviceable pair of boots, they are well worth checking out. I know that I am very happy with mine and have already recommended them to several of my family and friends.

QC Supply
http://www.qcsupply.com

Well, it's that time of year again........

Time for lists of school supplies, new shoes and coats, and all manner of equipment for the new school year. What's on your lists?

Baby Gifts

Nothing, I find, is more thoroughly enjoyable than shopping for a baby gift. Here are some ideas for baby gifts that I recently came across and thought worthy of mention:


Barrons
1-800-538-6340
www.barronscatalog.com

Peter Rabbit Nursery set by Wedgwood- a three piece set consisting of plate, bowl, and mug in fine china ($42.95). Wallace Silversmiths sterling silver baby cups in the Grand Baroque ($69.95) and Plain ($49.95) patterns as well as a sterling silver dumbell rattle suitable for engraving ($59.95). Reed and Barton "Safari" flatware set, silverplated, featuring an alligator knife, a leopard spoon, and a giraffe fork ($39.95). Wallace Silversmiths has six different patterns available for infant feeding spoons ($29.95) and two piece baby sets of a spoon and fork ($59.95). Patterns: Towle Old Master, Reed and Barton Francis I, Lunt Eloquence, International Joan of Arc, Gorham Chantilly, and Grand Baroque.

Ross-Simons
1-800-344-6011
www.ross-simons.com

Ross-Simons has a very nice collection of sterling silver baby cups, including: William Roberts Classic plain cup (4 ounce) $49.95, Reed and Barton double-handled pot-bellied cup (5 ounce) $69.95, Lunt Eloquence (5 ounce) $49.95, Reed and Barton Beaded (5 ounce) $69.95. English porcelain mug-dish-plate sets in pale blue or pale pink ($39.95). Sterling silver brush and comb sets: Boys- $39.95, Girls- $49.95. Spode classic Winnie the Pooh clock ($59.95), Pooh dish set (plate-bowl-mug) in pink or blue ($49.95) or a two piece set (plate and mug) for $34.95. Baby Zoo Musical Carousel ($49.95). Lunt Sterling Baptismal Shell ($99.95), Limoges First Tooth Boxes in blue or pink ($79.95 each). Royal Worcester "days of the week" china: plate ($29.95) and mug ($19.95). These last may be personalized with name and date of birth.

Cashs of Ireland
1-800-223-8100
www.cashs.com

"Annie's Ribbons" Baby Blanket ($39.00) and pillow ($25.00). The blanket and pillow may be purchased together as a set for $55.00. Galway Crystal Christening Mug ($45.00). Irish Christening outfit: robe/bonnet/booties for $155.00 in a poly/cotton blend to fit babies of up to 26 pounds. Belleek Baby Cup and Cereal Bowl (bowl and spoon $39.00), (cup $45.00), (three piece set $75.00).

Shannon
1-800-223-6716
www.shopshannon.com

Aran stroller blanket (52 inches x 32 inches) in 100% pure new wool. Free booties included ($49.00). Waterford baby cup (3 1/2 inches high) $59.00. Royal Worcester three-piece "Days of the Week" breakfast set (mug-bowl-plate) display the children's rhyme that begins "Monday's child is fair of face......." ($49.00).

Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

Valentine's Day, of course, is not only for the ladies; we cannot reasonably forget the gentleman in our life whilst he is showering us with sweets and flowers! Here, then, are a selection of items which might, just possibly, fit the bill. It is difficult to surpass a Brooks Brothers for classic style, quality, and selection. Some particular favorites of mine are the Woven Medallion Silk Ties (A182) in dark green, gold, rust, navy, or dark red, Pinpoint Cotton Dress Shirts with a forward point collar (761E), and their Italian Camel Hair Sport Coat (167M). www.brooksbrothers.com If your fellow is an outdoorsy type, why not try L.L. Bean? How about a pair of their Scotch Plaid Flannel Pyjamas in Dress Campbell or Black Watch (KL11001)? They may not be very glamourous, but they will keep him toasty warm! www.llbean.com Does he have the dreams of an aviator? Smithsonian's Leather Flight Jacket (2845) is adapted from a World War II A-2 jacket on display in the National Air and Space Museum. www.smithsoniancatalogue.org Is he perhaps a bibliophile? The Daedalus Book catalogue is well worth checking out for interesting volumes which are deeply discounted to boot, including "The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World" by A.J. Jacobs (49545). www.salebooks.com Is he, perchance, a lover of fine wines? Check out Pop's Wines at www.popswine.com for a great selection of wines and spirits at deeply discounted prices. My personal favorite, the 2000 vintage Croft Porto (846920007) sounds simply delicious. To keep him "traditionally" warm, why not give him Creative Irish Gifts Aran Sweater in Merino Wool (CG028). The sizes go up to 2XL and (they say) it may be machine washed or dry-cleaned. Personally, I would prefer the latter, given my experiences with washing machines. www.shopirish.com For the organizationally challenged a thoughtful gift might be Red Envelope's Standing Valet (150127) on which he can hang a suit, tie, belt, and has a handy shelf for his wallet, telephone, and any other electronic accessories. www.redenvelope.com If his wardrobe needs to be attended to in an, ahem, more basic fashion, you might scan the pages of the One Hanes Place catalogue. A three-pack of Hanes Classic briefs goes for just under eight dollars (988OL). Boxers are also available, of course, in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They also have great walking socks with a cushy reinforced heel (991E) in White, Navy, Khaki, and Black to fit shoe sizes 9-12. www.onehanesplace.com If you have a fisherman or hunter in your life, grab the Cabela's catalogue and settle down for a good long read. They have absolutely everything, from lures to catch fish to the waders to don before casting out your line, to the Lodge cast-iron skillets to use in cooking your catch of the day, as well as smokers and dehydrators and all sorts of neat stuff (even for those of us who do not hunt or fish!). Their "gifts" section offers a number of charming items with a rustic touch, including "Sportsmen's Signs" such as: "Business Hours Subject to Change During Hunting Season" (CF-61-9203), wildlife prints, elk and whitetail dinnerware collections, wall murals, and, surely a great conversation piece, reproduction-antler chandeliers. I didn't see the mounted Jackelopes in this particular catalogue, but they are also not to be missed. www.cabelas.com I wish all you ladies out there the best of luck in finding that perfect gift for your sweetheart!!

Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

It's that time of year again! Time to ponder what might be the perfect gift for your sweetheart! Luckily, our mailbox (newly enlarged, such an improvement) has yielded a bumper crop of new Spring catalogues these past few weeks. It's hard to go wrong with jewellery -- Cash's has a gold heart locket (726402) decorated with a pearl and crystals on an 18 inch chain. www.cashs.com I couldn't help but smile when I saw the "Sweetheart Valentine Bear" (AV137385) on the cover of Gump's Spring 2005 catalogue--very cuddlesome on those cold February nights. www.gumps.com In the mood for a cooking project? Williams-Sonoma has a molten chocolate cake batter (10-6517072) that promises a delectable treat (sweets for the sweet!). If you can't keep your sweetheart warm yourself, try one of Ben Silver's cashmere cardigans (LSLC, black; light blue; peony; and pink) from Scotland. I have to admit these look even more delectable than the chocolate cake (plus, they are non-caloric!). www.bensilver.com If a romantic, relaxed look is more your style, take a peek at the Pyramid Collection's two piece linen ensemble in "thistle" (P9-480X) comprised of a kurta-style top with bell sleeves and very attractive openwork above the cuffs and a straight-ish skirt with an elasticized waistband (it's nice to see, too, that they go up to size 14-16). www.pyramidcollection.com Jewellery again. You know what they say about diamonds? Well, I don't know that I agree, exactly, but Ross-Simons sparkling white gold and diamond heart did catch my eye. Ross-Simons has a number of items with a heart motif.....bracelets, pendants, keychains, frames, even cufflinks....all in a wide variety of styles (puffy hearts, flat hearts, curvy hearts....you get the picture) and price points to fit every pocketbook. www.ross-simons.com The Vermont Country Store may seem like an unlikely place to look for a Valentine's day gift, however, the VCS offers much more than Bag Balm and sensible brassieres (though these certainly have their place and time)! You might just find that special cologne or perfume for your sweetheart, as the VCS has a nice selection of harder-to-find fragrances: Evening in Paris (39712) Eau de Parfum and Cologne (43363), Blue Grass Parfum (29765), and, one of my personal favorites from years ago, Tweed Parfum Spray (37586). www.vermontcountrystore.com Your sweetheart can mark the minutes until she sees you again with Shannon's gold and silver plated Claddagh heart watch. The time will fly by! www.shopshannon.com They say that pearls symbolize tears, but I don't think anyone would cry at receiving Red Envelope's pearl pendant necklace on an intricate silver chain (156202). www.redenvelope.com A "sweet" though non caloric gift is J. H. Breakell's Candy Heart Pendant (PD024). You have a choice of sayings, including Maybe, Say Yes, I'm Yours, or Forever. Also worth mentioning is their line of "pierced heart" designs, which, to me, resemble metal lace, including a pin, pendant, bracelet, and earrings, all in sterling silver, which, as well as attractive, are very affordably priced. Their "lovebirds" pin too, is a lovely design. www.breakell.com

However, sometimes the best gifts are those that cannot be wrapped, for example, sleeping in late while your sweetheart makes breakfast for the kids! That's the tops--and you won't even need wrapping paper or a ribbon!

First Entry

I hope, in this blog, to provide information on the different goods available both in traditional printed catalogues and on online catalogues, and to note both my favorite catalogues as well as items available from the same.