Hand sanitizers

CDC's report on antibacterial household products
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no3_supp/levy.htm

CDC's "alert" on using hand sanitizers
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol12no03/05-0955.htm

Good article on hand washing being better than hand sanitizers
http://news.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/000211.Almanza.sanitizers.html

Due to the alcohol content in hand sanitizers - article on dangers of
children ingesting hand sanitizers
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/sanitizer.asp

recipes for natural sanitizers - I discovered that the CDC states that
hand sanitizer must be at least 60% alcohol to be considered "effective"
- you can still do this by having a high grade drinkable alcohol (I know
some may be against this for children, but it is still better -in my
opinion - than Purell)...you can also just simply use essential oils
(though they won't pass in schools as "effective" due to the CDC).
Lemon, thieves, lavender, tea trea, and a few others are known to be
antibacterial...also Young Living makes a blend that is supposed to be
great as a hand sanitizer (Purification is the name I believe)
http://pepperpaints.com/2009/03/23/natural-hand-sanitizer/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2223499_natural-antibacterial-hand-sanitizer.html

Artichoke Hearts & Eggplant Galettes w/ Rosemary, Garlic, Chili & Goat Cheese

Artichoke Hearts & Eggplant Galettes w/ Rosemary, Garlic, Chili & Goat Cheese

• 1 medium/large eggplant
• 1 Tbsp sea salt
• 3 eggs
• 10 Tbsp brown rice flour (or regular)
• 1 can plain artichoke hearts, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 3 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh goat cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• sea salt & pepper

Peel and thinly slice the eggplant. Place in a drainer or bowl and toss with sea salt. Let it sit for one hour for the bitter juices to be drawn out. Rinse under running water to remove the salt and squeeze tightly with your hands to remove excess water. Place in a mixing bowl.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs with flour to make a thick paste. If paste is thin, add extra flour. Mix well till the mixture is smooth. Stir in eggplant & artichoke hearts and mix till they are well coated.

Add rosemary, chili flakes, garlic and season to taste with sea salt and pepper (be careful not to add too much salt) . Add goat cheese and mix carefully so not to cream it... you want them to be chunky.

Heat a large oiled pan. When hot, pour about 2 spoonfuls of mixture into the pan and they should form into galletes or "cakes". Cook until both sides are golden brown.

(Source: http://just-making-noise.blogspot.com/2009/11/eggplant-artichoke-heart-galettes-w.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+just-making-noise+(just+making+noise)

Little research on Seventh Generation vs. Biokleen

One girl from forum asked me if I use Seventh Generation. After browsing on their website I realized that I will NOT be using their products.

First, it looks like they are becoming (or have become) just another corporation with well written paragraphs on their website about how there is no proof that this or that toxin is harmful for you.

Second, they use sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and are going to be using sodium aurul sulfate (SLS) soon.

So no Seventh Generation for our family.