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New Windows: They Saved My Bank Account

I have to admit that I am very frugal, but I have to be with my large family. When heating and air-conditioning bills were just becoming too much to bear, I finally caved in and bought new windows that I was told were more energy-efficient. They weren't as expensive as I thought they would be, which was great news. I had them installed just before winter began, and I received the lowest heating bill for the month of November that I had received in years! I was so happy that I had those windows installed, especially after being so hesitant to spend the cash on them. I created this blog to help other frugal people like me realize that sometimes spending money on home improvements really does pay off in the long run! I am now looking into new home insulation to save even more cash!

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New Windows: They Saved My Bank Account

Make Your Own Votive House Lights Using Pint-Sized Mason Jars

by Michelle Davidson

If you have a party or get-together coming up soon, you may be planning on making your own. If so, create these homemade votive house lights using pint-sized mason jars and sand.

What You Will Need

Before you make a basic light, you will need to gather the following supplies.

  • One pint-sized mason jar
  • One-half cup of sand
  • One-eighth cup of water
  • A small bowl
  • A plastic or wooden spoon
  • One votive candle

Directions For Making A Basic Light

Now that you have what you need, follow the directions below for making a basic mason jar light.

  1. In the small bowl, mix the sand and water together until the sand is moist and firm. If it is too dry, add another tablespoon of water. If it is too wet, add another tablespoon of sand. Repeat this until the consistency is right.
  2. Place the candle in the center of the jar.
  3. Loosely surround the candle with the sand until it reaches the top edge.
  4. Use your fingertips to tamp it down.
  5. Repeat steps three and four until the sand is packed tightly to an eighth of an inch below the top edge.
  6. Wipe the outside of the glass off with a damp towel.
  7. Decorate it as you wish using your own ideas or those in the next section.

Ideas For Personalizing Your Light

After making a basic light, decorate it to personalize it with your own unique touch. Below are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Use colored sand to coordinate with your home. If you want to use more than one color, alternate them while packing the sand around the candle.
  • Tie a ribbon and bow around the jar's lid. Make sure the material does not fall into the opening of the jar so it does not catch fire.
  • Place glittery or foiled stickers on the outside of the jar. Place it below the sand line to prevent the flame from melting the adhesive.
  • Wrap the jar up to the lid with a sheer fabric to create a colored glow in your home. Do not use nylon or rayon since this fabric could melt when exposed to the flame's heat.

These mason jar lights will add a warm touch to your event. However, if you decide you do not wish to make your own lights, you may want to find a home and garden center that offers unique lighting fixtures.

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