3 Ways to Reuse Your Mason Jars

How adorable are flowers arranged in mason jars? When these flowers in jars arrived from FTD, I couldn’t wait to set them up on my dining table! The mix of daisies, petite purple flowers and sunflowers is a combination made for this season. Follow this Ftd Flowers Coupon and save 50% OFF Sunflowers (12 Stems, Vase Included)! Valid through July 10. 2015!

These jars can be kept and re-purposed in a multitude of ways. Here are three creative and summer-focused ways to reuse those adorable Jardin collection jars!

Summer Bucket List

This idea is simple, and ideal for a family with kids, but could also be translated to summer date nights for couples! Come up with a list of activities you want to do with your family during the summer. Using these jars will provide a way to stay organized, and have a jar full of memories by the end of the season.

Materials:

• 2 Jardin Jars
• Popsicle Sticks or Tongue Depressors
• Paper and Tape
• Permanent Marker

Instructions:

1. Write out your family bucket list.
2. Copy one activity onto each stick.
3. Label the jars with “Do” and “Did.”
4. Place the sticks in the “Do” jar.
5. Choose one and go have a fun day with family or friends.
6. When you return, place that stick in the “Did” jar.

Succulent Garden

Planting succulents in a mason jar is a combination of a modern, trendy plant and a rustic, homemade look. These would be perfect as a centerpiece for outdoor dining. Reusing the mason jars as a succulent garden is easy and inexpensive.

Materials:

• 3 Jardin Jars
• 3-5 Succulents ($2-4 each at a garden or home improvement store)
• Rocks or Pebbles
• Soil

Instructions:

1. Place 2 layers of rocks in the bottom of each jar.
2. Follow with soil (leave a few inches at the top of the jar).
3. Add 1-2 succulents to each jar.
4. Water lightly.
5. Place in a spot that allows plenty of sunlight.

Summer Essentials Gift Jars

Mason jars are a great vehicle for gifts and organized storage. These Summer Essentials jars can be used for a gift, or simply something to keep handy around the house. One is composed of snacks; one for summer sun protection and beauty; and one for a fun, colorful and summery table decoration. These are perfect for spontaneous trips to the beach or pool, or for a backyard party.

Materials:

• 3 Jardin Jars
• Packaged Snacks (gum, granola bars, nuts, candy, crackers, etc.)
• Sun & Beauty (mini sunscreen, tanning lotion, makeup remover wipes, hair ties, nail polish)
• Summery Table Decoration (lemons, limes, colorful straws, mint)

Instructions:

1. Group the related items together.
2. Place each group into a jar.
3. If using as a gift, tie a bow around the jar, or add a gift tag.

Those mason jars from the Jardin collection can be reused in such a wide variety of ways! Get creative and enjoy them throughout the summer.

Source: ftd.com/blog

The Power of the Sunflower: 3 Health Benefits of Sunflowers

Wild sunflowers color the earth, bring joy to flower gardens and ornament homes as a cheerful bouquet. The color yellow, especially natural yellow, is proven to be a mood lifter that energizes a space and enlivens your spirits. The health benefits of sunflowers are endless. Here are just a few to point out.

Mind Body Green shares how bright flowers are a wonderful way to color your life with positive energy, and yellow sunflowers in particular, increase happiness. The bright blooms of these golden annuals offer more value than the color of sunshine and mood-enhancing radiance, though. Our October flower of the month produces seeds that are not only delicious and healthy to eat, but able to be pressed into sunflower oil.

Welcome Spring Sale! Redeem this FTD Flowers Coupon March 2015 and save 15% OFF Sitewide! Offer valid now through March 31.2015!

Sunflowers provide confection sunflower seeds (as opposed to non-oil sunflower seeds), which create natural sunflower oil. This oil is an amber, light and healthy oil rich in Vitamin E used for cosmetics and health. Embrace the beauty of the sunflower and welcome the golden oil into your everyday lifestyle. Plus, going au naturel is the de rigueur.

So, What Is Sunflower Oil?

Sunflower oil is a nutrient-dense food that provides healthy fat in moderation. As Livestrong.com explains, it’s a mixture of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with mostly unsaturated fat levels, which means it’s good for you. (Polysaturates reduce bad cholesterol.) One tablespoon serving of sunflower oil contains 8.9 grams of linoleic acid, an omega-six polyunsaturated fatty acid and an essential part of a healthy diet. Sunflower oil is low in unhealthy saturated fatty acids and naturally free of cholesterol, sodium and trans fats.

 

Sunflower oil also is an excellent source of alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), which is a nutrient that acts as an antioxidant (always a healthy buzz term). The Vitamin E found in sunflower oil can strengthen the immune system, lower risk of certain diseases and aid in healthy skin and eyes.

Glowing Skin

First, adorn your kitchen table with a charming sunflower bouquet to make you smile every morning. Yellow flowers elevate moods and brighten spirits, says Gardening News Today, and a happy girl is a beautiful girl.

 

Next, invite sunflower oil into your beauty regimen. Because of sunflower oil’s nutritious composition, it serves as a beneficial application for healthy, glowing skin. StyleCraze advocates sunflower oil because of its calming and emollient properties, which help retain skin moisture and treat dry, dehydrated skin. Sunflower oil’s high amounts of Vitamin E also protect against skin cell damage, help prevent scarring and smooth wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties aid in the preservation of your skin and prevent signs of aging. You can even mix the sunflower oil with castor oil to use as a cleanser to remove dead cells and impurities.
Lustrous Locks
The beauty of sunflower oil is its versatility, which means you can downsize your cosmetics collection and give your credit card a break. Sunflower oil not only makes a smooth skin moisturizer, but it also hydrates dry hair and gives those tresses a shimmering sheen. Use it as a lightweight natural conditioner to tackle frizz and prevent breakage. For gals with thick hair envy, apply sunflower oil to prevent hair from thinning. Sunflower oil is an excellent source of gamma alpha linolenic acid, which can help treat hair loss.

Home Remedy

For centuries, Native Americans have relied on the sunflower for its medicinal purposes—the golden oil serves as a topical anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Taken orally, the oil can treat infections, help heal ulcers and relieve constipation. And, it doesn’t end there. Sunflower oil can aid in the treatment of athlete’s foot and soothe symptoms of a sore throat. Called oil pulling, sunflower oil even remedies toothaches and promotes good oral health, according to Natural Society. Slowly swish a tablespoon of the oil in your mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes to relieve pain.

 

At this point, you may think you might as well drench yourself in sunflower oil to benefit from its beautifying, nutritious and healing properties. Just keep in mind, moderation, like everything in life, is key. Just add a little sunflower oil to your daily routine and a bright sunflower bouquet as cheery home decor. Sunflower oil and a floral arrangement will provide a natural boost in wellness and aesthetically create a happy and blithe energy for your living space.

Source: ftd.com/blog