7 Easy Steps to Reuse a Candle Jar

I'm a candle fanatic! So what's a gal to do once she gets down to the bottom of the wick? Oh no!

No worries. Don't throw out the pretty glass candle jar! Give it new life and reuse it! Here's a step-by-step that will take you only about 10 minutes! Easy peasy :)

Step 1. Your candle may have burned all the way down with wax splattered along the glass. Not to fear! Cleaning it off and shining it up will be a breeze!

Step 2. Fill your glass jar up with warm water to the lip. Pop it in the microwave for about 90 seconds.

Step 3. Remove the jar from the microwave and carefully pour out the water. The wax will soften and can easily come out in a few big chunks (I used a knife, ha).

 

Step 4. After removing the remaining wax and rinsing it out again, you will need to buff the inside of the glass to remove the rest of the splattered wax along the sides. My FAVORITE is Goo Gone. Simply dab some on a paper towel and polish the inside!

Goo Gone is also heaven sent to remove those pesky labels that stick to the glass jar! Don't spend time trying to peel off or boiling, just use some Goo Gone!

 

Step 5. Let the Goo Gone sit for a few minutes if the label is tough. Rub. Wipe. Repeat.

 

 

Step 6. Wash off with water...and voila!

 

 

 



Step 7. Reuse your sparkly fresh jar! The possibilities are endless! I picked up a bag of decorative rocks at the Dollar Store. And filled two of my jars.

 

One jar I'll reuse for patio evenings or place next to some indoor plants to compliment the earthy themed look.

 

 

The other I reused as a spring vase. I poured in the other half of the bag of my decorative dollar rocks, fake flowers I picked up from the Dollar Store, and tied cute string I saved from some leftover packaging.

 

Simple. Easy. Green.

Fast Fun Crafts!

 

Super Weekend in CLE

Working Saturdays is always tough after a long work week, but I am happy to say that it surprisingly turned into a SUPER weekend (in more ways than one!) Saturday afternoon we had the great surprise of Jordan's best friend from home and his girlfriend come up to Cleveland. Although I was a bit groggy from the long week, it turned into a fun-filled evening and I am so glad that they came to visit!



Homeboys

 

What a cute (and thoughtful couple!)



Earlier in the day, they came to CLE to have a long awaited tour of Great Lakes Brewery and they brought this for us!! What an awesome hostess gift! And if you have not gone on a tour of the brewery yet, what are you waiting for?!?! It's a great taste of Cleveland history and, of course, a fantastic local and ecologically conscious brewery!



Great Lakes Growler

 We caught up, had some great laughs, and then ventured over to Paladar. Two words: holy guacamole!!! Another great restaurant to add to your list in CLE.  The Latin love they put into that guac is just spectacular! We had the traditional and the mango guacamole...yum!

After filling up on that delicious goodness, we mosied home ready for bed. We watched movies Sunday, got coffee, and just had a spanking good time. Sometimes those unexpected visits make you cherish the time even more. I sure know the bf was excited to hang with his best bud and let out his unrelenting inner goofball, providing everyone with entertainment, and appreciate the time that all of us got to spend together.

As Sunday wore on, I got to surprise the bf! While many people were gearing up for the Super Bowl, I was baking cupcakes :) Although not your typical football food, I wanted a Crohn's friendly snack that the bf could enjoy too. I found this great delicious mix from Trader Joe's (I seriously love that place!) and it was gluten free too!

 

They turned out amazing! I left some unfrosted and jazzed up some too. Definitely packed the party punch with these cupcakes!

Where's the party?

In your mouth!



We headed over to my sister's and she had even more delighful food! Her infamous buffalo chicken dip, puppy chow, and my personal favorite spinach bites! Everyone overate, yelled at the TV, and totally JAMmed out during the halftime show.



3 of my favorite artists...and check out those boots!!




A certified super awesome weekend in CLE!

Let's Get Pretty in CLE

Sure, every girl likes the occasional indulgence--wine, chocolate, shopping splurge, etc. But I must admit, I have never experienced wonderful pampering like this before! Yes, believe it or not, I never had a "spa day" before. In fact, the thought of pedicures and massages previously gave me a case of the giggles. I never thought I could go untickled and endure a day of people touching my feet and rubbing oil on my back and thoroughly enjoy it. Over Thanksgiving, my bf's mom dropped the knowledge bomb on me and explained how glorious a spa day is. She was incredibly thoughtful and gave me an awesome Christmas present properly named "Indulge Spa Package" at Creative Beauty Salon & Spa. So let's get pretty in CLE!  

I was giddy and excited for my spa day, and to make it even better, it's located just around the corner from my place! So Saturday morning, I geared up and was ready to trek over to the spa, despite the crazy snow we had the night before!

Pretty badass boots (thanks JMK)

I arrived at the spa, with coffee in hand, and chill on my coat, and got to stick my feet in this amazing contraption. (Girls, forgive me, this is my first spa day remember?!) Anyway, it was divine, the chair massaged and vibrated as my feet soaked and girated in the color-changing jet tub. I was swaddled in an oversized fleece robe and kicked back with my eyes closed feeling like quite the princess.

                                                  

Next, Masha, the Russian nail technician, did a bang up job on my toes. Hear me out, feet definitely weird me out. Actually if humans evolved to have hooves as a prettier and more effective means of transportation, I would be one happy centaur.

 image courtesy of horseclipart.com

Those are some pretty hot hooves...



But Masha was terrific and entertaining and made me reconsider the evolution and mythology of pedicures... and now I am hooked! 

Pretty pink piggies in yo face!

Right after my pedicure, I had my hour long relaxation massage. Although I got a massage from a Russian dude, he was very professional and worked tension out of my back I wasn't even aware that I had (and I managed not to awkwardly laugh too much.) One recommendation to spa DJs though, please don't play the flute rendition of "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston during a deep tissue massage, because it will only make me chuckle.

Pretty awkward

So after my day at the spa, I came home and my lovely man had surprised me with my favorite...PORK CHOPS! Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a special place in my heart for pork chops. The bf cooked these outstanding chops (courtesy of Whole Foods Chagrin) that were stuffed with delicious cornbread along with garlic mashed potatoes and apple sauce. I was so smitten and truly felt like queen for the day. He always makes me feel pretty special!



Pretty porker



And to top off the perfect day of pretty pampering. The sweet bf took me to go see Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol.  For an action movie, it was entertaining with some good stunts...and let me also add that Paula Patton is pretty kickass and pretty gorgeous!

Pretty Paula Patton in Mission Impossible

She held her own in the movie and it was an awesome way to end the day feeling pretty, pampered, and positive!  As Larry David would say, "Pretty, pretty, pretty...pretty good!"

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/beer-shirts-and-beer-merchandise/curb-your-enthusiasm-pretty-good-larry-david-black-t-shirt

*A very special thanks to the JMK family for such a great weekend*

Upcycle Christmas

So when I found out that the area in which I currently live does not recycle, I started thinking of ways I could try to reduce my waste. I began poking around online about creative ways to upcycle items--taking no longer used items and repurposing them into a new good. Pretty cool stuff. So I decided that I could contribute my tiny part and turn my copious amounts of empty wine bottles into something crafty for the holidays. (See I knew red wine was good for the heart and the environment!) You can turn your empty wine bottles into an assortment of repurposed household goods. (Who would've thought!?) Here are some awesome examples of the snazzy ones I found:

I decided I would start the easy route and create some holiday vases with my old bottles. So I emptied my cupboards and holiday decorations, then began crafting some easy to make holiday gifts. All you need is a little bit of patience, a Sunday afternoon, and a glue gun; you'll be able to whip these great hostess gifts up in no time!



Materials used: fake flowers, ribbon, white rice, holiday spray



fake flowers, ribbon, scented pine combs, glue gun



These are very easy to make-- you can make them as fancy or as simple as you like, you can use fake flowers to last the whole holiday season or give fresh flowers to brighten someone's day! There are so many products we encounter on a daily basis that we simply dispose of after one use. Use your creativity and upcycle the holidays with a green gift!

                        

Another easy and fun craft to make with your gal pals (or by yourself) are homemade candles! Lord knows, I am a candle fanatic, but they can certainly be pricey (cough, Yankee Candle). Try making them yourself. Again, a very easy craft for any beginner. I picked up a kit first to learn the ropes (about $15 at Michael's) and had a blast! You can choose your own wax preference, candle oil scents, and even candle dye! Check out these cool holiday gifts I made by using my old spaghetti sauce jars and glass jars. It's a manageable project and fun to customize to your exact liking! Slap some ribbons, ornaments, and foam stickers on there and it is a thoughtful gift for family, friends, or co-workers.  

 

Keep me posted with any upcycle ideas or gifts you have! You begin to look at products in a new light, you turn on the creativity and turn up the arrows!