GUILT RIDDEN

Okay, is it just me or is anyone else overcome with guilt when they throw away glass jars? With my extreme idiosyncrasy of purging everything without an immediate use, I cannot force myself to just 'save' glass jars. But then I think about those freakin' jars for hours, even days sometimes - consumed with thoughts of 'what if'.  It just seems heartless throwing away such a versatile and useful item.  Oh, the good and the bad - the vice and the virtue! What's a Gemini to do?
I've taken opportunities to watch for ways people use their jars.  The ideas are endless and impressive! So impressive that I have decided to conquer this ying-yang dilemma and save 'some' jars.

I've experimented and inquired about leaching from the lids.  Seems as though simple elbow grease and cleansers can remove smells and stains from the used lids. Boiling the jars, soaking them in hot soapy water, nail polish remover, goo-gone, zippo lighter fluid, etc. are great for removing the labels.
Here are some of my favorite uses: 
make mini sewing kits,  store cold drinks in the fridge, water for the dog when you're on the go,
drink shakers/ add some lime juice, fresh ginger, basil or some cucumber to a jar of water, put the lid on and give it a little shake. Then stash in the fridge until you need some refreshment, or use one to make your cold-brewed coffee and teas, 
Breakfast to go: add oatmeal, dried fruit and a little flax seed to a jar and toss in your pack. Once you're at work, at some hot water, mix well and enjoy, 
leftovers/Great for soups,  storage of bulk foods like sugar, flour, grains, rice, etc.,

votive holders for quick party lights,
Organization: screws/nails/buttons/coins/marbles, 
Gifts: who doesn't love a 'mix-in-a-jar' gift, they're homey and crafty and just shows someone cares, 
Make your own flavored olive oil: fill a jar with oil, add some herbs like rosemary or lemon verbena, cap tightly and let sit for a few days, then enjoy over salad or on pasta
ribbon or string/yarn/twine storage: cut a hole in in the top for a twine dispenser or slit for ribbon dispenser, piggy banks,
lined up along kitchen windows with colorful candles, seedling starters, candle holders, drinking glasses, cotton and q-tip jars, decoupage the jars to it any room in your home for any purpose needed.
but my favorite idea of all (so far): Glue a large hardware nut to the inside of the lid, and another on the side of the lid. Put taper candles in the jar, and some matches.When the power goes out, open the jar, stand a candle in the nut in the lid, light with matches. The nut on the outside of the lid acts as a handle so you can carry candle around.

PLEASE COMMENT, AND SHARE WHAT YOU USE YOUR JARS FOR!!!