Often described as red hot (definitely with temperatures this year as high as 97!) July is sun-drenched, sun-soaked, and is absolutely the heart of summer. Filled from beginning to end, it’s a month for spectacular fireworks, backyard picnics, and hometown parades. For me, those parades are one of the best things about July…who can resist tapping their toes as the band passes by? Then it’s time for fancy floats, riders on horseback, baton twirlers, and antique tractors. Maybe the best part? Little ones pulling red wagons or riding bedazzled bikes…usually with a tail-wagging dog close at hand!
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Love all your Mason jar ideas Mary! July can definitely be a doozy of a hot month here in Ohio. We’ve just spent a week at the Jersey shore in hot temps. It is so nice to come home to the high 70s though today is to warm up again.
I so enjoy your blog and always look forward to reading what you are up to.
I used the layered mix idea for my daughter’s wedding shower. I thought it would be nice for her to have some simple things ro cook starting out.
I use them for layered salads for lunches and gifting cookie or brownies pre mixed with the recipe written on a small card.
I love your candle ideas! Especially the chicken waterer since I have all those things handy. Also some blue jars I have picked up here and there. Do you have any of the old jars with the wire bale closure? A friend gifted me lots of those when she moved. I use them for decoration. Never have tried to can with them.
I hope the rest of you July is fabulous.
Cheers,
Denise
Good morning Denise, hasn’t this month been a scorcher? I know some gals just love the heat, but not me! Wow, the layered mixes are a great idea for a shower gift-how perfect for a new bride. If everyone brought several, her pantry shelves would be full! Let me know if you make the light-it’s really so simple. Yes I have some of the jars with wires, they’re so nostalgic, and I love jars with zinc lids, too. I fill them with all sorts of things, but wouldn’t preserve food in them – the guidelines for safety have changed so much. Enjoy the rest of your Jujy – and keep cool!
What beautiful scenery! I have a touch of mason jar madness as well 🙂 I use them for storing my buttons in my sewing room. I have herbs and spices in them in the cupboard. Fresh flowers, pencils and pens, and I also use them for ice cold drinks such as tea and lemonade. I also use them for canning and pass out Christmas treats in them. Most of mine are the “new” jars. I need to start keeping a look out for some nice old ones to make some candles and lights! I love those – thank you for sharing your creations.
Wow Heather- you have oodles of ideas! New ones are great – I saw some with stars for the 250 celebration and I “had” to have them. I’m sure you’ll find some… check yard sales and flea markets for the best prices. Thanks for stopping by!
July is a hot one. As a displaced New Englander and now a Kansan, I laugh at myself when the weather is going to be in the 90s – oh not too hot, I can handle that inside with the ac running – lol! Your farm scenery is so beautiful and calming. The blog about Mason jars was so interesting and informative – great ideas. I just loved the blue Mason jars because of the color-blue is my favorite. So interesting to read the history behind the color. I have some jars with the metal fasteners and now it is time to get them out and use some of your decorative ideas. Thanks for taking the time sharing your great ideas and pictures with us.
You couldn’t be more right Pamela – this summer’s heat has been unbelievable…we’re supposed to be at 95 for the rest of the week! So glad you liked my bit of Mason jar madness this month – and blue is my favorite color, too! Let me know how you use your jars – there’s so many ideas we can share. Keep cool in Kansas!
Thank you so much for the mason jar ideas! I have a lot of caning jars plus the sauce jars that I can’t toss. So fun! Love the magazine and your blogs! Although I am about five miles from the city line, we live on two acres that have a rural feel. My gardens, all eight of them, are full of pollinaters of every kind right now, plus birds and critters. I just found four swallowtail eggs on the fennel and a bakers dozen pipevine caterpillars on the Dutchmans Pipe plants. We are a designated Monarch Waystation through the University of Kansas. I have been raising monarchs, tagging and releasing them for migration to Mexico for several years. I am truly blessed to be able to give back.
Thanks for your kind words Terri – so glad you stopped by. 8 gardens, birds, and critters – my kind of spot! Being a Monarch Waystation is so inspiring – I’ll have to read more. What an amazing way to spend the summer months – thanks for all you do for those lovely butterflies!