Too Tired to Cook

I can't seem to shake this drowsy, dopey feeling I've had since yesterday, so I'm opting too not use any sort of implements that could catch fire to anything today! Instead I'll pass on some awesome recipes for things you can't eat, but that are super-easy to make. These colognes are so yummy-smelling, and I have to say that in a decorated glass vial they are a beautiful gift! I'm going to be making these for Christmas gifts, and since they take about 5 weeks to "marinate" I'll just make sure I store some of my garden's herbs!

I can't even decide which of the two scents I'm making are my favourite, since I'm very "bi-polar" when it comes to things like jewelry and scent! Andrew will tell you that anytime - I'm either very bohemian with wood, beads and natural, "hippie" clothing all the way, or I'm classic, refined and simple with very little (if any) in the way of jewelry or adornment. I call it flexibility, he calls it impossible! Either way, these are two very different but equally natural scents that are a treat for anyone.

What's your favourite smell? A perfume? A baking loaf of bread? A savoury, simmering stew or roasting chicken? Or even something as simple as the pages of an old, cherished book? Feel free to let me know in the comment field!

Earth Element Cologne
Makes 2 cups worth
A spicy and "grounding", let lightweight scent that blends comforting vanilla, spices and bay leaves for an exotic, alluring aroma.
1 whole vanilla bean, scored
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
3 tbsp grated orange zest
5 bay leaves
2 cups plain vodka

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar.
2. Cover and shake well, then leave for 4-5 weeks. Shake daily.
3. Strain and bottle for gifts, or keep all to yourself!

Water Garden Cologne
Makes about 2 cups
Wonderful for those Summer days, or when you want to have a fresh aroma without smelling "perfumey". The mint helps cool you off while the lime zest and lavender add a subtle fragrance.
Grated zest of 2 limes
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1 cup lavender flowers (dried or fresh)
1 cup fresh peppermint leaves, torn
2 cups plain vodka

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar.
2. Shake well, cover and store 5 weeks, shaking daily.
3. Strain and bottle

A question on the topic of citrus - has anyone noticed a lack of bottled lemon juice in the stores lately? Andrew just stopped by drop off the last two bottles of the stuff that he could find anywhere in the Durham region! The shelves are wiped clean, and I go through about 2 bottles a week (I like my tea)! What gives? If anyone knows why that is can you please drop me a comment? I'd love to know.