DIY Blooming Gifts Under $25

I have seen potted bulbs in flower catalogs sell from $60 to $90.  Even inexpensive, hardy bulbs like daffodils have been sold for hefty prices.  You can easily create such a gift by potting some bulbs in a planter of your choice.

I chose to plant some daffodils in a light weight and inexpensive 10" golden yellow fiberglass pot.  The blooming daffodils were about $3 per pack at Home Depot.  I planted a bunch closely together to get a more dramatic, rich effect.     

Double Duty Wall-Mount Jewelry Armoire

1.  Wall-Mount Photo Frame/Jewelry Armoire

Worthington Antique Walnut Photo Collage

Sick of the clutter on my dresser, I decided to chuck my eclectic collection of jewelry boxes and opt for a jewelry armoire.  I chose a wall-mount jewelry armoire that doubles as a photo frame, and I am very happy with my choice.  By utilizing my wall space, I freed up space on top of my dresser.  My jewelry is still organized, easily accessible, and neatly tucked away.

 

2.  Wall-Mount Mirror/Jewelry Armoire

SEI Wall-Mount Jewelry Armoire with Mirror, Walnut

I have a friend who has a wall-mount mirror/jewelry armoire.  She loves it.  Her wall-mount armoire stores all of her jewelry, and she can easily try on her accessories in front of the mirror.

3.  Wall-Mount Photo Frame/Mirror/Jewelry Armoire

Wall Mounted Jewelry Armoire with Photo Frame in Antique Black

Here is a wall-mount jewelry armoire that combines both photo frame and mirror. 

          

Kombucha Tea

I normally do not like green tea, but I try to drink it for its many purported health benefits (e.g., cancer-fighting properties, weight-loss aid, lowers cholesterol levels, combats mental fatigue, etc.).  My favorite green tea is Yogi's Green Tea Kombucha.  Today I was surprised to learn kombucha is a Manchurian "mushroom."  Who knew "mushrooms" could be yummy?

Kombucha is actually a combination of different elements, which include lichen, bacteria, and yeast.    The mushroom itself is not eaten.  Rather, a tea is made by fermenting the mushroom for about a week in a mixture of water, sugar and green or black tea, with apple cider vinegar or a bit of previously made tea added.  The mushroom can be kept in that mixture to reproduce "daughter mushrooms."   These daughter mushrooms can be used to produce more tea.  

Kombucha is believed to be a natural energy booster and detoxifier that may also help slow or reverse the aging process and may help fight serious diseases like AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis.  

I am happy with my Yogi Green Tea Kombucha, but for those of you who want to try brewing kombucha at home, you might want to check out the following: 

Kombucha Brooklyn sells Kombucha Home Brew Kits.   

Betsy Pryor, "Kombucha Phenomenon: The Miracle Health Tea: How to Safely Make and Use Kombucha"