Your Mason Jar Is Now a Radio

Oct 02, 2014

Mason jars are timeless superstars. Y’all know they’ve crashed our weddings, grown our herbs and maybe we made them carry our cocktails to a picnic once or twice. We use the indestructible old standby for projects aplenty, but here’s one we would have never dreamed of in a million years — a single-station mason jar radio, aka The Public Radio.

Back in February we alerted you to this mason marvel, and we’re bringing it up again because the two Brooklyn engineers who created it are now taking it to Kickstarter, and their fundraising goal has already turned it up to eleven. The radio comes pre-set to your favorite station, in what the designers refer to as radio monogamy. The Public Radio features a pared-down design with just one knob button that turns it on/off and controls the volume. Loyal radio listeners won’t miss unnecessary buttons. The simplicity of having your go-to station in a jar is what makes it so awesome.

DIY enthusiasts can get the Public Radio maker kit with all the necessary parts and instructions to put it together for $35. For $13 more, you can get it assembled and tuned to your station. Rawk.

What station would your Public Radio play? Tell us in the comments!

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.

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

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!

mason jar lunch recipes

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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celebrities celebrity news celebrity breakups celebrity couples

83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.