homemade hand sanitizer recipe

Once again, I couldn't believe how easy it was to make this. And, although I am a firm believer that germs have their place in our world, there are times when I can't wash my hands...

I'm a little unsure about the alcohol because of the drying properties, but I like the idea of knowing one of the ingredients would definitely kill germs. Some of my research has led me to the notion that just tree oil, witch hazel and aloe vera gel would be enough, but being this was my first attempt, I was feeling a slightly neurotic about the process/ingredients.

• 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup grain alcohol (Everclear)
• 1 Tablespoon of witch hazel
• 20 drops tea tree oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops lemon grass essential oil

homemade lavender dream pillows -- how to...

This was so quick and easy to make.

• Satin Chinese Brocade Fabric
• Rice
• Garden Lavender (dried from last summer)
• Funnel (for filling the sewn pillow)
• measuring cup (for pouring into the funnel)
• And of course, my handy-dandy, sewing machine.

2012 summer garden

I'm waiting for my herbs to come in a bit more on the left before I finish mulching that side. My lavender and chard are huge and lovely this year. My cat nip was doing great, but I think my neighbors cat is peeing on it :(

Update: I trimmed the Spruce at the end of the garden and placed the trimmings on the areas that weren't mulched... so far, this seems to be a pretty good deterrent for the cats :)