Getting Crafty with Mason Jars: Holiday Edition

Hello lovelies!

What better way to kick of December, than a good old DIY! I love Mason Jars and I think that there is so much you can do with them. I have an exciting post for you today: how to get crafty with mason jars for the holiday season. Enjoy :)

1) A Jar of Hot Chocolate Mix: This is the perfect gift Idea for your friends, family, or even co-workers. You can customize this however you so please. I decided to put in some Carnation hot chocolate mix, along with some mini marshmallows. I also decided to add some crushed candy cane bits to make my hot chocolate mix all the more festive! Finish you mason jar with a cute little gift tag and a plaid ribbon, and you are all set!

As an alternative, you can also put some of your favourite pre-packaged hot-chocolate mixes and/or teas that you enjoy for the holiday season. This would also make a great gift!


2) A Jar of Joy: fill your decorated mason jar with things you accomplished in the new year. Then once it is full, you can look back on all the wonderful things you have done over this past year. Each note is a little memory that you can keep with you <3 Feel free to also include some of your favourite pics from 2016! Can't wait to look back and see what I have done in 2016.

3) A Candle Holder: Everyone loves a good candle. I have decided to use my mason jar as a candle holder. You could go simple and decorate the outside of my mason jar, and then put a tea light in the bottom of it. This makes for the perfect custom Holiday candle. I think it would be cool to get some spray on snow (available at Michaels) and spray the outside of your mason jar, to give is a winter effect. You could top it off my adding a bow and some mini mistletoe for decoration.

You can take it a step further and make your own candle! I am not that outgoing, but I would love to try it one day. You would need melting jar wax, a wick, a scent, a pot, and a thermometer. The materials for to make your own candle are a bit more expensive, and I am doing this based off a student budget....therefore, I picked the simpler route! It's simple, yet festive!

4) A Candy Jar: Candy is a must have during the holiday season, and why not store your favourite sweet treats in a mason jar! The mason jar makes for the perfect storage solution, and your candies will look so festive! I chose to fill mine with my holiday fave: Candy Canes!!

5) Mason Jar Mug: I have seen this done at a few trendy restaurant, and I think it is such a cute idea! Instead of serving drinks in normal glasses, or cups, serve them in a mason jar. To customize each mason jar mug, you can buy little chalkboard stickers and stick them on the mason jars so your guests can write their names on their mug. Now no one will forget who's mug is who's. This is perfect for holiday house parties! Don't be afraid to mix it up!

6) Have S'more Fun!: I love this idea, especially if you have a fire place. Include in your mason jar, all your favourite s'mores ingredients! I put in milk chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and some graham crackers. It looks so festive and makes for a great gift if you are going over to a friends, or family's house. This would also make a great idea for a secret santa present on a budget! It's festive, delicious, and fun!

Where I found my materials:

Michaels: ribbon, mason jars, bows, straws, jar decorations
Grocery Store: Candy Canes, graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows
Bath and Body Works: candle (the scent I picked was called "Flannel")


I hope you enjoyed this Holiday post on getting crafty with mason jars! Let me know if you re-create any of them!

<3

10 Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer and Kindness this Year!

Hello lovelies!

As Christmas, and the holiday season is fast approaching, everyone is super excited about giving gifts, getting together with family, and

As the holiday season is fast approaching, everyone is decorating, baking, wrapping presents, and bringing forth their holiday spirit! I believe it is important to spread kindness and cheer throughout the holidays as well. Spreading kindness and cheer can definitely brighten someone's day, and can even brighten your day!

Here are 10 ways you can spread holiday kindness and cheer this year:

This was me singing Christmas carols with my school's Chamber Chorus to raise money for the Arts Program. 

                        

1) Volunteer: 
I always think it is important to give back and volunteer, especially during the holidays. Volunteering can range from helping at a food bank, to volunteering at the salvation army. This act of kindness will  hopefully help in brightening someone's day! It's time that we give back and provide for people who really need it. It's time to pay it forward!

2) Write Personalized Holiday Cards for your Friends and Family 
I love the idea of wishing your loved ones well, and what better way to do this than a personalized holiday card?! This little act of cheer goes a long way. This lets your friends and family know that you are thinking of them this holiday. Spread some cheer and write a card!

3) Buy Food for Someone Homeless
I can say from experience that this is one of the best way to spread kindness. One time, my dad and I saw someone on the side of the street downtown and he looked miserable. My dad decided to stop and get him slice of pizza. They joy in his face was priceless. Little gestures make a huge difference.

4) Send a Care Package to Someone in Need
I have done this one in the past and it makes the Christmas season that much more special. I have sent some Christmas boxes across the world through Operation Christmas Child, and knowing that I've helped a little boy or girl by bringing joy to their lives, fills me with joy. Again, it's a simple gesture, but it really means a lot to the children you are sending it to.

5) Buy Coffee for a Stranger 
I have wanted to do this for so long....I don't know why I haven't done it! When you go to pay for your coffee and muffin, pay for the next person's order. This will make their busy morning all the better, and will put a smile on their face!

6) Bake Christmas Cookies for Your Neighbours and Friends 
This treat will add a little sweat to someone's day. It might make them feel appreciated and loved. You could do all sorts of cookies: gingerbread, sugar cookies...whatever floats your boat! Bring on the Christmas baking!!!!

7) "Singing Loud for All to Hear" - Buddy the Elf 
In the wise words of my favourite elf, "sing loud for all to hear". Nothing says Christmas and the Holidays like some festive tunes and jingles. Don't be afraid to sing like no one's listening! I love a good Christmas song or carol. I am definitely one of those people who sing Christmas songs all the time during the holiday season, whether that be on the radio, in my car, or around my house! "Have a holly jolly christmas....."

8) Shovel a Neighbour's Driveway 
I know that this is extremely helpful, considering I live in Canada (way too much snow....). I am over the moon when one of my neighbours shovels my driveway without me knowing. It is an awesome little present to see your driveway all shovelled when you come home from school. I know my parents appreciate it too. I definitely want to try and do this more often this year for my neighbours. It is one less thing for them to have to worry about!

9) Decorate Your House! 
I am a sucker for decorating not only the inside of my house, but the outside! The feeling you get when you house is decked out christmas lights, and decorations, makes me so happy during the holiday season. Maybe even help decorate a friend's house! It leaves you with that extra little bit of Christmas cheer.

10) Host a Dinner for your Family
I love doing this for my family. Preparing meal for them would show how much you care about them and how much you appreciate everything they do for you. It is also a nice surprise for them, to come home to a home-cooked meal. The dinner can be as simple or complex as you want. If I were making a holiday dinner, I would maybe do some roasted chicken and potatoes. I would pair it with a nice spinach salad. Do whatever you enjoy cooking!