Most people use mason jars for canning their meats and produce, but there are many other uses that are great for the environment as well as the pocketbook. Mason jars can be used for food storage, soap dispensers, herb garden containers and more. You can even make a mason jar into a cocktail shaker.

Soap or Lotion Dispenser

A soap or lotion dispenser made from a mason jar adds a unique decorative touch to your kitchen counter. You can use the pump from any lotion or soap dispenser or purchase a new one at your local craft store. Cut a hole in the lid of your jar so that the dispenser goes through but does not fall in. You can fill it with your favorite lotion or soap, either homemade or bought in bulk from the store. These dispensers also make great gifts for holidays, birthdays or housewarming parties.

Smoothie or Guacamole Server

Some bottom caps on blenders have the same thread count as the neck of a mason jar. This means that you can blend anything that you would normally use your blender for and store the contents in the mason jar. Just make sure that a mason jar will fit on your blender and attach it slowly and carefully so you don’t break anything. Using a mason jar for blending eliminates the hassle of having to transfer the contents of your blender to another container and clean the blender before blending a different item.

Garden Containers

Container gardening is a wonderful way to ensure that you have freshest possible herbs in your kitchen. Mason jars can be used for holders the same way that you would use any other container for your garden. It works best to secure the jars to a board using pipe clamps. The board can easily be moved indoors or outdoors as necessary when you are growing your herbs. Make sure you bring them into the kitchen at night when the weather cools down so that they aren’t damaged by frost.

Food Storage

Using mason jars for canning is common, but they can also be used for storing many types of food. Mason jars are excellent for storing leftovers in the refrigerator. Their clear glass design makes it easy to see the contents of each container. They can also be used in the pantry to store bulk items such as flour, sugar, rice and pasta. Small jars are excellent for storing spice mixes that you have created in your kitchen. Be sure to label the jars well so that you don’t have to guess the contents of each jar.

Salad Dressing or Marinade Containers

Making your own salad dressings or marinades is a great way to control which ingredients your family is putting into their bodies. You can mix your own marinades or salad dressings in your kitchen and store the contents in pint size mason jars in the door of the refrigerator for easy access whenever you need them. The jars can also be used to store sauces or other liquids. Heck, you can even make a whole salad in a mason jar.

Cocktail Shaker

One of the most creative uses for a mason jar in your kitchen is creating your own cocktail shaker. Most inexpensive cocktail shakers tend to leak, but you can make your own from a jar with a lid and it’s likely to last for a long time. Simply drill small holes in one side of the lid with a 1/8″ drill bit. Use your cocktail shaker the same way that you would use a commercial shaker for making drinks.

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Remodeling your bathroom can be a fun project with a fresh and satisfying outcome. But just like any remodel job, there are ways to go about it incorrectly that will just end up costing more money down the line. How can you avoid making those common mistakes? Well you can start by reading this list of things NOT to do.

1. Don’t Do It Yourself- Plumbing and wall fixtures can be complicated construction projects, and if you’re an amateur at plumbing, even if you’re a carpenter in other ways, than you should always hire a professional. Some parts of the remodel you can save money by doing it yourself, such as painting, organizing or wall papering, but for anything major it’s much more cost effective to get it done properly the first time instead of having to redo it over again later on.

2. Don’t Budget Too Low- When you’re planning, take into account everything that’s being done: walls, flooring, the plumbing, medicine cabinets and the like. The average budget for remodeling a bathroom is about $16,000. It’s better to have more money and time saved up to be used than not enough. Stopping in the middle of the project due to lack of finances or no more time can be a hassle and an inconvenience, so budget both your schedule and money well.

3. Don’t Design Illogically- When you’re designing, think about what you can afford, and how it’s going to function practically. Don’t turn into Michael Scott from The Office and come up with all of these grandiose ideas that are just going to cost much more money than you have or make the bathroom dysfunctional. Remember to give yourself space, so avoiding putting bathroom cabinets where the door will slam into them, or crowding the toilet area with vanities and furniture.

4. Don’t Focus on the “In” Look- What is the hottest thing on the scene now may be completely out of style 3 years later. So remodel your bathroom in a way that will remain good looking a decade, two decades from now. Neutral and clean colors, like blues and beiges, will give it a tranquil look and yet remain classic. Creating a bathroom you don’t have to style up every 5 years can be a huge money saver.

5. Don’t Go Cheap on Essentials- Saving money is a good thing, but sometimes it’s important to spend a little extra to get better quality equipment. In the long run, it can save a fortune. Skimping on shower fixtures, water valves or flooring may result in water damage, water temperature issues and having to replace shower heads and equipment regularly. To avoid continual repurchasing of bathroom supplies, or to stay away from water and plumbing issues, make sure you install good and lasting fixtures during the remodel.

6. Don’t Forget Ventilation- Ventilation is important in the bathroom because of the constant water running, and having the room be either freezing or burning up when you step out of the shower can be a major inconvenience. Get your ventilation system looked at, and if you find that your house has any issues with mildew or mold, you’ll want to get that checked out and eliminated immediately. Even if it takes calling in a specialist, it’s important to be rid of this issue for the health and safety of everyone living in the home.

Learning these pitfalls and common mistakes means that you don’t have to make them yourself. So budget correctly, design practically, keep the future in mind and make your home a safe place for everyone. Good luck!

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Use Paint Well

The easiest way to make a big splash with color is to paint the walls. Paint is also a very inexpensive method of redecorating a room. You don’t need much of it. A can or two can make a big difference.

The important point here is to get low-VOC paint. VOCs are volatile organic compounds, organic materials that evaporate easily at room temperature. Unfortunately, organic does not mean safe in this case. Paint can contain formaldehyde, toluene, acetone and other VOCs that irritate eyes and skin and, worse, cause respiratory distress. Luckily, there are a number of low-VOC paints on the market. Get a water-based, low-VOC paint and cleaning up will also be nontoxic.

Try painting one wall. Make it a focal point for the room. Arrange prints, vintage magazine ads, album covers or pages of pressed flowers in interesting combinations. Add a stand of potted plants. Having live plants indoors helps cleanse the air.

Repurpose Your Furniture

Keep your redecorating sustainable by reusing what you already have. An armoire in the bedroom can be refinished or repainted to provide a cabinet for your entertainment center in the living room. Keep the low-VOC rule in mind. Paint removers and varnishes that smell strongly are releasing VOCs. Read the labels to get a safe product. Use with the windows open, always.

Another idea is to reupholster a sofa. Choose a fabric made with natural fibers and dyed with safe, organic dyes. There are many companies that make sustainable fabrics.

Some companies work with indigenous peoples around the world to market their traditional designs woven of wool, cotton and linen. These make great throws or can be made into throw pillows.

Collect Nature

Do you have a habit of picking up shells as you walk on the beach? Perhaps you pocket smooth river stones when you’re hiking. Whatever you collect, show it off. Display the stones in a wicker basket to make a side-table arrangement in your dining room. Add a wicker hamper for linen napkins. Arrange a centerpiece of greenery, which can be collected at any time of year. Holly branches, with their berries, are perfect for the holidays. This provides a fragrant, sustainable and natural touch to your entertaining.

Accent With Natural Fibers

Carpeting is one of the worst VOC offenders. The smell of new carpeting will go away eventually, but until it does, it’s irritating and potentially harmful to breathe. Go for a cotton, wool or silk area rug that has been dyed with sustainable colorants.

Fair trade companies will give you ethical options from around the world. Peruvian weavers, for example, still use natural yarns and dyes in their work. These artisans continue a tradition thousands of years old.

Another option is to look for accent rugs made of recycled materials. They look good, wear well and can be quite pleasant underfoot.

Do With Less

It’s fun to scavenge for used furnishings at thrift shops or on Craigslist and eBay. Institute an in-and-out policy to keep your home sustainable. Don’t collect more than you give away. Declutter now by going through your objets d’art and letting go of the things that no longer suit you. Someone else will make good use of them.

You can give away your unwanted items to community organizations. You can sell them on eBay. In many communities, you can leave them on the curb on pickup days and let passersby take what they will.

It’s pleasant and freeing to make your home sustainable. Surround yourself with an artfully arranged, uncluttered space full of natural materials. Give nature her due.

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With minimal effort, you can easily create an inviting outdoor living space for entertaining your friends and family as the summer comes to a close. This living space can be simple, containing only a few of the basics or it can be as elaborate as you desire.

Often times, as homeowners, we develop and dream up several ideas for turning our backyards into a more appealing and fun place to spend time at home. We often tell, our friends, neighbors and family how great it would be to build a cozy little place for “getting out of the house”. Here are just a handful of ideas of great ideas homeowners can consider for their outdoor living space:

Covered picnic areas

Having a shaded place such as a Pergola or a Gazebo to bring the food outdoors is perfect for small and large backyard gatherings. Of course, there are low cost alternatives like a patio umbrella or gathering of shade trees if you’re running low on available space. The goal is to add a place that provides escape from the heat with a touch of character.

Outdoor Kitchen and Grill

If you plan on going out another important aspect of any outdoor space is the cooking station. It’s pretty simple to set up an open aired dining room with a grill and a few tables. You can also check out local surplus stores for some old cabinetry with a sink that you can refurbish and convert to an outdoor bar. A lot of times this kind of cabinetry can also be bought for next to nothing from homeowners who are in the process of remodeling their kitchens.

Don’t forget the furniture

A word of caution about outside furniture, you will want to cover your furniture or bring it indoors at night if you plan on using plump fabrics. With that being said, the craft loving homeowner will undoubtedly find this simple for the most part. However, for us un-crafty homeowners, secondhand cast-offs are perfect to use outdoors since there’s no need to worry if they come with a few dents or scratches.

A little Décor doesn’t hurt

Adding visually appealing elements to your yard can be money well spent. Planting fruit trees, plants and flowers in just the right places can really enhance the aesthetic impact of your home and provide an added boost to its curb appeal. Window boxes are an excellent ways to infuse your yard with nature, color warmth. Another way is to throw flowers into the mix is by adding borders to the front of your property along the fence or in strategically placed plant beds or raised bed gardens.

Conclusion

Remember, when it comes to home improvement projects, always make a plan before you start doing any work. There are several details you’ll need to plot out first like allotted room for cooking and recreation areas among others. Once you have everything planned out you can start the construction phase.

Your property is a space where you can create a unique kind of space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come; the kind of space where all your neighbors want to hang out and relax. Of course your budget must be considered, and you’ll have to decide whether or not you will do the work yourself or if you’re going to hire a contractor to do it. Reaching your goals and having your dreams come true takes planning, organization and thought, but the end result will be worth the effort.

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