8 Gifts That Take Your Love of Mason Jars to the Next Level

Oct 18, 2015

Whether we’re using ’em to make salads for work, creative not salads for the weekend or decorations for a spooky time, mason jars reign supreme in our hearts. And while a regular mason jar is a great standby, there’s more than just one type of jar out there, especially if you’re poking around the Brit + Co shop. Not to pick favorites, but these are totally our eight favorite finds in the jarring world of jars. Hardy, jar, jar.

1. Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker ($29): Sorry, salads. This is our new favorite use for a mason jar. Shake, shake, shake your way to a delicious cocktail, while looking so hip and cool.

2. Gold Mason Jar Mugs + Straws ($62): While drinking out of mason jars isn’t entirely new, this set is just too cute to pass up. You get 12 jars, complete with multi-color paper straws and funky lids. We see a picnic in our future.

3. Complete Soy Wax Mason Jar Candle Kit ($70): The heat is on with this DIY kit. You’ll have everything you need to make 12 scented candles in a bunch of colors. With the holidays fast approaching, this could be the best investment ever. It would be soy much fun to gift your loved ones a cool candle.

4. Garden Jars ($80): Our green thumb is green with envy over this fresh spin on jars. Grow your very own basil, parsley, cilantro and oregano in these colorful, vintage mason jars. All you have to do is add water, and then it’s herb time.

5. Expletive: Seaglass Wooden Wick Soy Candle ($40): We swear you’ll love this candle’s multi-purpose usage. First step: Burn the candle to fill your house with a fresh ocean scent. After you burn it all down, clean the jar, and it becomes your very own handy swear jar. It even has a lid to insert your money.

6. Kombucha Home Brew Kit ($45): Gone are the days of $4 kombuchas. This brew kit is everything you need to get started at home, so you can end up with delicious kombucha you just can’t find in stores.

7. Mason Jar Speaker ($65): We hear ya loud and clear: Music is your jam. Speaking of jam, this jar is jammin’ in your non-traditional mason jar jam kinda way. This portable speaker is great for your phone, laptop and even your electric guitar amp.

8. Party in a Jar ($22): The name says it all. Bring this jar anywhere to get the party started (and then some). With a velvet crown, balloons and confetti, we bet you’ll make up any excuse to bust this mason jar out.

How do you use your jars in cool and creative new ways? Tell us in the comments below.

56 DIY Mason Jar Crafts and Hacks to Try This Summer

We know, we know, Mason jars again? Believe it or not, this uber-versatile craft goodie is still being reinvented. From summer cocktail glasses to hanging planters and even mosquito-fighting candles, your collection of mason jars can take on a new meaning with just a simple dip of paint and a bit of creativity. Check out these whopping 56 DIY mason jar crafts to repurpose your jars and put them to good use.

1. Polka Dot Jars: A few dots of puffy paint go a long way. Allow the adorable, fruit-inspired jars to dry overnight and you are ready to go. (via Whipperberry)

2. Hanging Macrame Vase: Show off the knots you learned back in Girl Scouts and string up this one-of-a-kind vase. (via Brit + Co)

3. Key Lime Pie: No bake and already divvied up? This is the perfect summer dessert to impress your guests. (via A Million Moments)

4. Vertical Herb Garden: Take your herb garden to new heights with this vertical planter tutorial. (via Brit + Co)

5. Summertime Sun Tea: Assemble the drinks and let the sun do all the work for you. Your guests will thank you for it. (via Thirsty for Tea)

6. Fabric Flower Vases: Raid your scrap pile and you’ll have cute new vases in no time. (via Dwelling In Happiness)

7. Mason Jar Aquarium: Have the kids each make their own underwater creation and take the opportunity to do a little Oocean lesson. This project is so much fun they will never suspect they’re learning at the same time. (via Hello, Wonderful)

8. Balloon-Dipped Jars: No messy paint or tape required here — just good old-fashioned balloons. (via Brit + Co)

9. Fancy Tumbler: Now you can drink your iced coffee in style. (via Pretty Providence)

10. Superhero Bank: Get your little sidekick excited about saving with a super cool bank they helped make. (via Fireflies + Mudpies)

11. Chalkboard Lid Labels: A simple coat of chalkboard paint will let you know what’s in stock at a single glance. (via Momtastic)

12. Cocktail Gift: This is one favor you’ll want to give out at the start of the party. (via Something Turquoise)

13. Citronella Candles: Add a little mood lighting and keep those pesky insects away at the same time. This one is an all-around winner. (via Marty’s Musings)

14. Picnic Caddy: Use it as a silverware caddy or stick a few flameless candles in the jars for instant ambiance. (Clean and Scentsible)

15. Storage Shelf: Give yourself a little extra storage without actually sacrificing your counter space. You will be amazed you didn’t think of this sooner. (via Poofy Cheeks)

16. Cozies: These cozies only take a few minutes to make and would be a great thank-you gift for any summer party. (via I Heart Naptime)

17. Layered Crayon Candle: Don’t toss out that pile of broken crayons! Reuse them to make a new colorful layered candle instead. (via Hello Giggles)

18. Cupcake Holder: We’re suckers for pretty packaging, and this one takes the cake ;) (via Nellie Bellie)

19. Painted Succulent Planter: Place a few rocks in the bottom of each jar for added drainage and remember not to overwater. Even the most novice gardener can keep these babies flourishing. (via Lolly Jane)

20. Cupcake Wrapper Storage: Instead of shoving all your cupcake wrappers in the back of the cabinet, put them on display and add color to your countertop. (via Table for Two Blog)

21. Glitter Vase: Every day is a good day when you have a glittery vase full of fresh flowers on your table. (via Perfect Wedding)

22. Hair Station: Mismatched knobs and hanging jars make this storage solution as practical as it is pretty. (via Nefotlak)

23. Lego Head Jars: Throwing a LEGO party this summer? Save your jars and make these adorable decorations to add a bit of flair to any table. (via Beau Coup)

24. Upcycled Belt Lantern: Run to the thrift store and buy every (faux) leather belt you can find. Then come home and make a few of these lanterns for your patio makeover. (via Nothstory)

25. American Flag Jars: Perfect for all the upcoming patriotic holidays, these painted jars are easy to put together and make a big impact. (via Mason DePax)

26. Monogram Light: Is there anything you can’t do with a mason jar? (via Oleander and Palm)

27. Bride and Groom Jars: These would look adorable at a bridal shower or on the dessert table at the wedding. You’ll be looking for every excuse to display this dapper pair. (via The 36th Avenue)

28. Gold Stripes: Gold spray paint can do no wrong in our books. (via Your Homebased Mom)

29. Match Stick Jar: Holy match sticks! You’ll never have to dig through your junk drawer for a lighter ever again. (via The DIY Playbook)

30. Mini Pies: Use the lid to cut out crusts for individual chocolate pies. These little gems are *almost* too cute to eat. (via Brit + Co)

31. Pallet Wood Planter: Grab the next pallet you find and let your kitchen table make a huge statement. (via I Heart Nap Time)

32. Patina Paint Job: With just a few simple steps, you can make your jars looks like they’ve been around for decades even though you just took them out of the box. (via Suburble)

33. Picnic in a Jar: If nothing else, this is a surefire way to get your kids to eat their vegetables so they can get to that cookie at the bottom. (via The Gunny Sack)

34. Salt + Pepper Shakers: In under an hour, you can have a pair of salt and pepper shakers to perfectly match your kitchen decor. (via Landeelou)

35. Gold-Dipped Planter: Hang your favorite herbs from a tension rod by the kitchen window for easy access during the dinner rush. (via Sincerely, Sara D)

36. Dirt Pudding: Made of layers of chocolate pudding, cool whip and crushed Oreo cookies, these pudding are so good even the adults will love them. (via Better in Bulk)

37. Utensil Holder: The buffet line will move with ease once you put out this DIY utensil holder. Attach it to the fence for a more permanent solution if you constantly eat al fresco. (via Design, Dining and Diapers)

38. Soap Dispenser: Throw out that old plastic soap dispenser (but save the pump!) and give your kitchen a straight-from-the-magazine look. (via Love Grows Wild)

39. Solar Lamp: These are perfect for adding a warm glow to any outdoor get-together. (via Creative Cain Cabin)

40. Terrarium: Get your hands dirty and make a living terrarium. Your kiddos will love putting in each layer and watching it thrive on the windowsill. (via Parent Pretty)

41. Toothbrush Holder: Now even your toothbrush can get the Mason jar treatment. (via Country Chic Cottage)

42. Tinted Jar Candle: It’s like getting two tutorials in one! Learn how to tint your jars and then make a candle inside. (via Something Turquoise)

43. Twine Holder: Does your ribbon and twine end up a tangled mess? Well, not anymore with this bad boy. (via ‘a Casarella)

44. Rainbow Cake: These cakes are baked right in the jar and will add just the right amount of whimsy to any party. (via Lovely Little Details)

45. Craft Kit in a Jar: Know someone who likes to get their DIY on? Give them a customized craft kit in, you guessed it, a Mason jar! (via The Gunny Sack)

46. Easy Buffet Service: Create a grab-and-go station so guests get their napkin, silverware and cup at the same time. Everything will be streamlined so you’re not running around looking for extra forks at the last second. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

47. Whipped Cream: Now you can have whipped cream that’s better than the store-bought stuff with just a few flicks of the wrist. (via Saveur)

48. Storage Jars: Gather a few different knobs to make a collection of storage jars that double as decorative art. (via Lolly Jane)

49. Air Freshener: If there’s one room in the house that could use an air freshener, it’s the bathroom. At least this one is nice to look at. (via Creek Line House)

50. Pin Cushion: Whip up a quick pin cushion and corral all your loose sewing needles before you have to find them the hard way. (via Wait Til Your Father Gets Home)

51. Ice Cream: Pre-scoop ice cream and set out a buffet of toppings like sprinkles and chocolate chips for a refreshing summer dessert. (via Pen and Paper Flowers)

52. Kids’ Table Favors: Fill the jars with things like crayons, a snack and a small toy, and the kids will be happily entertained all afternoon. (via Brides)

53. Makeup Jar: Are you a glass-half-full kind of girl? Then this one’s for you. (via Birchbox)

54. Red Velvet in a Jar: Bake your favorite red velvet cupcakes, then take them apart and stuff them in a jar. Attach a wooden spoon and you’re done. (via Cakies)

55. Sprinkles Pen Holder: Here’s a simple and unexpected new use for sprinkles. (via The Farm Chicks)

56. Glitter Vase: A layer of pink glitter makes this iridescent vase stand out from all the rest. (via My Common Slice of Suburbia)

Which of these DIY mason jar crafts are you going to try repurpose your jars?

Talk to us below or explore creative DIY pins on Pinterest!

This article has been updated from an original version.

7 “Impressive” Whole Foods Deals Will Save You Major Cash On Your Grocery Bill

I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.

Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!

They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.

Lukas / PEXELS

2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)

You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)

Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)

Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.

Pixabay / PEXELS

5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)

This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.

Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS

6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)

Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.

Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS

7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)

The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more deals!

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This Mason Jar Lasagna Recipe Is What Lunch Dreams Are Made Of

Lasagna has to be the biggest temptation in the world for going-back-for-seconds (and thirds?), right? A huge tray of meaty, cheesy pasta that’s just asking to be picked at, even when you’re way past full! So let’s prevent the meagre leftovers and too-tight belts by portioning that lasagna up mason-jar style. Use fresh pasta sheets that can be cut to the shape of your jars,and add in some sliced zucchini for a splash of color. Finish it off with lots of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a super satisfying dinner. Prefer a veggie version? Try the mason-jar style with one of these veggie lasagna recipes.

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and diced
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 Tablespoons tomato puree
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 x 14 ounce cans chopped tomatoes
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 heaped Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 packed cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 packed cup shredded mozzarella
3-4 sheets fresh lasagna
1 zucchini, sliced
4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook on a medium heat for 5-6 minutes, until the onion starts to soften. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up any pieces, until browned.
Add the garlic, tomato puree, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir together, then stir in the canned tomatoes. Bring to a gentle bubble and simmer for 15 minutes.
Take your four mason jars (we used squat, 16.5 ounce mason jars), and cut circles out of the lasagna sheets that will fit the jars. You need 2 lasagna circles per jar.
Now make your white sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Stir with a whisk to let the flour and butter cook slightly for one minute. Add in the milk, a splash at a time, while stirring with the whisk. Incorporate each splash of milk before adding the next, until you have a smooth, thick sauce. Stir in a good pinch of salt and pepper, plus a quarter of the cheddar and quarter of the mozzarella, and turn off the heat.
Divide one third of the meat sauce between the mason jars. Top the meat with slices of raw zucchini. Spoon on a heaped tablespoon of the white sauce and top with a lasagna circle. Repeat.
Top the second layer of lasagna circles with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining white sauce. Divide the cheddar and mozzarella between the mason jars. Place the jars on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is browned and the sauce is bubbling.
Carefully remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly before serving topped with sprigs of fresh thyme.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook on a medium heat for 5-6 minutes, until the onion starts to soften. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up any pieces, until browned. Add the garlic, tomato puree, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir together, then stir in the canned tomatoes. Bring to a gentle bubble and simmer for 15 minutes.

Take your four mason jars (we used squat, 16.5 ounce mason jars), and cut circles out of the lasagna sheets that will fit the jars. You need two lasagna circles per jar.

Now make your white sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Stir with a whisk to let the flour and butter cook slightly for one minute. Add in the milk, a splash at a time, while stirring with the whisk. Incorporate each splash of milk before adding the next, until you have a smooth, thick sauce. Stir in a good pinch of salt and pepper, plus a quarter of the cheddar and quarter of the mozzarella, and turn off the heat.

Divide one third of the meat sauce between the mason jars. Top the meat with slices of raw zucchini. Spoon on a heaped tablespoon of the white sauce and top with a lasagna circle. Repeat.

Top the second layer of lasagna circles with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining white sauce. Divide the cheddar and mozzarella between the mason jars. Place the jars on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is browned and the sauce is bubbling.

Carefully remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly before serving topped with sprigs of fresh thyme.

Do you have a favorite mason jar recipe? We’d love to hear!Tweet us @BritandCo with a pic, and follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

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Elle Fanning "Uncontrollably Sobbed" During One Of Dakota's Movies As A Kid

As much as I love celebrity couples, I love celebrity sibling relationships even more. And Elle and Dakota Fanning are two sisters I've grown up watching since I first saw Dreamer in 2005. Considering Elle Fanning is only five months older than me, and I have a sister of my own, this is one relationship that feels particularly familiar. And while Elle has also watched Dakota Fanning act since we were kids, Dakota just revealed seeing Elle onscreen is just as special for her.

Here's why Dakota & Elle Fanning get emotional seeing each other onscreen.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."

You can see Elle Fanning in A Complete Unknown, in theaters December 25, and you can also stream Dakota Fanning's new show The Perfect Couple on Netflix now.

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13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

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