That Brainy B LLC

08/26/2026

Strawberry Hibiscus is FINALLY HERE!

Scroll to learn more and find out the where, whats, and whys of this delicious Electuary. (What is that again…?)
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Okay so here’s the story. I was originally planning a summer tea blend, since I have been working on seasonal blends.

I KNEW it had to have hibiscus since it’s my favorite herb to lean on in the summertime. I recalled the enjoyment of picking fresh strawberries in the field during this season. If you’ve been following along long enough, you’ll know I am a softie for my fruit. Some of my very first herbal videos were on the many hidden benefits of berries! I knew all the herbs I wanted together, it just was wayyy too tart for my preference and so a little road block. Add stevia and make half the population angry hehe, or try this other crazy idea I happened to have on the side….

So I listened to that crazy idea, which actually entailed of my listening to my crazy awesome customers! You see, I get it. I get that we all have seasons in life, not just physically but mentally. I get that not everyone has the time to make tea everyday, I could argue that is like making time for working out but I also deeply understand how hard it can be. I imagine someone telling me to try tea in college as I was stretched thin and stressed, and I can only imaging politely laughing in their face thinking “you think I have time for tea?”

So I went the traditional route…and what better partner for an herbalist, then a beekeeper and our hardworking bees? We’ve used honey for YEARS with herbs. An Electuary is when herbal powders are blended with honey or another sweet sticky substance. This can be enjoyed right off the spoon for a daily pick-me-up. Try mixing into your yogurt like I’ve been experimenting with at the store! Add to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, or to sweeten your tea.

This is a great way to uplift your mood and energy. It’s a wonderful way to get some extra Electrolytes, Vitamin C, and Antioxidants. Or simply enjoy like a glorified strawberry preserve on your morning English muffin 😋

Available for a limited time only at Sprouted Branch (linked) and More than Sprouts in Pine City! Message me if you are intereste

08/14/2026

Another walking stick?!? How freaking cool are these long little thangs?

~ This week with that Brainy B ~

As some of you may know, I have been working hard behind the scenes on a new product! Here is my little teaser for what’s to come hopefully this week if shipping behaves 🥰

Had to make some tough decisions to ensure the highest quality, which meant a bit more expenses. On the plus side, I have found a wonderful local honey supplier that I think folks will come to love. It’s local, floral, and filled with so much goodness. On Monday while I was working the store, I decided to try my honey in a yogurt parfait and see how they sell…They all sold out!!! This Monday I am going to make a few more, so stop in while they are here and get a little teaser taste 😋

We also have a NEW kombucha flavor called citrus hops by NorthStar Kombucha so stop on by and say hello.

08/12/2026

Did you guys get to watch the Porch Drinks & Picnic Foods short series?!

We started with the delicious limonana drink and finished strong with Persian inspired Lamb Kebabs which are definitely a new favorite!

Give them a watch and save for later when you realize how delicious everything sounds 😋

Finish planning your perfect cook-out with these satisfying main di...

08/05/2026

So close….

We are getting so close to finishing this big project, and I am so excited for you all to see the finished look! This last part is the most nerve-wracking so keep up the positive vibes if you see us out working! We LOVE hearing about the inspiration this is bringing to the community. We appreciate all the support 🥰

07/31/2026

~ This week w/ That Brainy B ~

Thank you all for voting on the snail shell color! Blue/green won and is looking awesome 🐌
This week has been full of stress honestly. It’s always hard to come back from a weekend away settling in to typical routines. The smoke has definitely been having an effect on me, I haven’t been out in the garden nearly as much as I like to…it’s very sad yes, but it’s good to get some stuff done inside too.

Have you seen my latest videos? I am just finishing up my little series on picnic food ideas and a yummy porch drink to try 😋

https://youtube.com/?si=Fgt329ja-7Ca0t_e

07/29/2026

Lookie who I saw in the garden yesterday!

These guys are so cool. They can grow up to like 2 feet long being the world’s longest insect. They often sway like a real tree, and even drop and play dead if threatened…

If they lose a limb, it can regenerate like a starfish would! Also really cool: Most species practice parthenogenesis where the female lays an unfertilized egg that hatches into identical female clones without needing a male. Anywhosies those are the cool bug facts I got for today.

Read more about them here: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/stick-insect

07/24/2026

We’ve been working on a biggg project….

If I’ve seemed a little more absent from content creation, it’s because I’ve been working on creating something for the store and community! It has been so fun to pick the paint brush up again and really challenge myself. Honestly I was always a small scale very detailed painter, larger scale was always nerve wracking. Sydney was super great with getting the outlines and scaling the painting!

The colors are another challenge with the different lighting and interesting medium for mixing but we work together! Trial and error has brought us beautiful progress, and I am so anxious to see the end result! Stop by the store to observe, take some pictures to share with your friends!

07/17/2026

~ This week w/ that brainy B ~

It was another week jam packed with activities! Hunter, the family and I had fun on the boat. My body HURT after tubing but boy was it fun to do again!
The garden is flourishing and almost all my flowers are blooming! My Great Lakes lobelia is opening up and the flowers are so fun. Chamomile is producing manyyy flowers, and I just started my tincture making!
My cool protea flower is opening up, yarrow, calendula; everything!
Last night Heidi and I hit the cities (Mill Valley Kitchen) for a Gaia Dinner Training with Susan Hirsch. The food was phenomenal, and it was overall a nice evening. Lots of announcements and goodies to come next week so stay tuned!

(Updates shared on Instagram and Facebook every Friday)

07/15/2026

Wildfire smoke has been affecting many folks lately. If you’re dealing with a scratchy throat, congestion, or coughing: this simple tea can be a comforting way to support your respiratory system. Herbs can’t protect you from poor air quality or replace medical care, but they have a long history of traditional use and are being studied for their beneficial plant compounds.

Wildfire Smoke Support Tea

For one 12 to 16 oz mug:
• 1 tbsp dried mullein
• 1 tsp dried horehound OR hard candy
• 1 tsp dried peppermint
• Freshly boiled water
• Honey to taste if desired

Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain well, especially since the tiny leaf hairs from mullein can be irritating. Add honey after the tea cools slightly if preferred.

Mullein is traditionally used to soothe irritated respiratory tissues and support normal mucus clearance. Horehound has long been used for coughs and research suggests compounds like marrubiin may help support healthy mucus clearance. Peppermint contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation that many people find soothing during congestion. Honey may also help calm a sore throat and cough.

Along with herbal support it’s a good idea to stay hydrated, keep windows closed when air quality is poor, and use a HEPA air purifier if you have one.

I love sharing practical herbal education rooted in both tradition and science. Follow along for more recipes, herbal tips, and seasonal plant knowledge.

If you’re local, stop into the shop. I’d love to help you find herbs and teas that fit your wellness goals.

Share this post, let’s help each other

07/10/2026

Another week of summer flew by! Fourth of July was over the weekend, which we thankfully had beautiful weather! Hunty took me out to Hope Breakfast Bar which was absolutely delicious. After we rushed to the lake to enjoy time on the boat with the family. We ended the night with a colorful sunset and a few fireworks glittering through.

Sunday we ran to get an ingredient sample I was trying for an upcoming seasonal tea 🤫 here’s a clue: we ran to Chanhassan to pick it up! Since we were in the area, I of course had to drag Hunter on the 3 mile walk (and then some) at the Arboretum. It was my first time seeing it fully blooming, but my GOSH did the pricing go up. It was a really nice weekend.

Monday and Tuesday I was working Branch, and set aside some time to do more recipe trials. Wednesday I have a terrible migraine for most the day, so I took it as a sign to stay away from the computer and enjoy my garden. Marshmallow is feeling extra soft right now, and so many flowers are ready to pop. It’s been super hot so if you plan to be outside, don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Plan ahead and try a yummy lemon mint infused water:

(1) Fill a glass with cool water.
(2) Add lemon slices (I freeze mine)
(3) Add fresh mint leaves, I used orange mint from my garden

Enjoy 🧊🍉