Mama B's Apothecary

05/07/2026

Seed update! These guys popped up yesterday, they were started 5/1. I've had them sitting on a seedling heat mat, and now they're sitting happily under some grow lights enjoying the wind in their leaves from a fan (it's like hitting the gym for sproutlings 😉)

If you'd like links to the heating mats or lights I've been using comment Starter & I'll send em over

05/07/2026

Seed update: these were started on 5/1, covered loosely and sat on a seedling heat mat & now they are under the lights. It's also important to use a fan to strengthen their stems as they grow.

Seedling Mat: https://amzn.to/42W2G7C
Lights: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QFPBQDR/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_apa_gl_i_1GZXTXJNZN3VZ0RFEKGZ?linkCode=ml1&tag=mamabsapothec-20&linkId=fdf655fd5c58ac53b77d6603838076b5

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

I'm a bit behind on my seed starting this year, but I figured I might as well get a few going, especially with the temps being so yo-yo.
Prices of everything are up (side note, this is not a political post, just a, get ish ready so you can grow your own 😉). I have loved having a garden for quite a few years now & I love that I still learn new things all the time to make gardening easier, better, more efficient, etc.Last year was the first year I tried using bubble wrap to start seeds and I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked. Simply put your bubble wrap down, I folded it in half just so there was a little more space between layers. Add a thin layer of dirt and roll-up. Use tape or rubber bands to hold it. Sprinkle seeds on the top end of the roll and cover with a bit more dirt, per planting guidelines. I have a heating mat I set them on, and I think last year I covered them til they started to sprout. When it's time to transplant simply unroll and gently separate the roots. Have you heard of, or tried this technique??

04/29/2026

W**dy Wednesday Recipe: Dandelion Mocha, this is the recipe I followed over the weekend after harvesting roots from the garden. Let me know what you think if you try it!!

Dandelion Mocha (original recipe by: Kami McBride)

2 C milk (whatever type you prefer)
2 C water
3 T roasted dandelion root
1 T cacao nibs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 chopped date
1 T maple syrup
dash of nutmeg powder
dash of clove powder

Instructions:
1. Put milk, water, dandelion root, cacao nibs, date & cinnamon in a pot & bring to a boil with the lid on.
2. Turn temp to low and let simmer for 5 mins (watch so it doesn't boil over)
3. Turn off stove, let everything steep for 30 mins
4. Strain herbs & reheat if needed to serve
5. Garnish with maple syrup, nutmeg & clover powder

*I also added a chunk of candied ginger to the pot after removing from heat

04/27/2026

W**d of the Week! DANDELION!!

Any guesses what I did last week while the weather was nice?? That's right, I cleaned out the garden. My goodness were there a TON of dandelions!

Dandelion is such a useful weed/herb, it's really a shame it has such a bad rap. Who doesn't love seeing those poofs all across a yard, and who hasn't blown on them as a kid making 100's of wishes?
All parts of the dandelion can be used for something. I've wilted & diffused the flowers in oil to use in soap, you can eat the young leaves (older/bigger ones get more bitter), and the root can be used as a coffee replacement. WHICH, was my reward for getting my garden all weeded. I enjoyed a dandelion mocha on Saturday, I'll be sharing the recipe later this week.
Dandelions are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and potassium. They are considered one of the most nutrient-dense greens you can eat 🌻
Do you find this plant a friend or foe?

04/26/2026

This verse is a tough one, it's so easy to get wrapped up in things negatively that it's easy to spew insults or hatred. For a long time I held onto that defensive position, always ready to fire back, not wanting anyone to think less of me, or think they were better, knew better, etc. It was something I saw a lot as I grew up & I've found it a really hard habit to break, to take the extra minute to realize we don't have to be so harsh, not everything needs to be taken personally.

Often times I've found that when someone is throwing insults, it's actually because they're insecure. We have a really good way of throwing things out that we actually know bother us about ourselves.... that whole "do as I say, not as I do" thing comes to mind.

I definitely don't want to make it sound like I have it all figured out, far from it. BUT, I know it's something I've been working on. It's amazing how negativity, in any form, is so easy to grasp onto, yet makes you feel so bad afterwards.
I pray the next negative interaction you come across, you choose to take the high road and send up a prayer. He's always listening 💞

04/19/2026

Have you ever stopped to think about how much thought God puts into our lives? The beauty around us, the people we meet, the sounds we hear? Take a look at this verse, Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

It says God is with us, that reminder we all need, He is always on our side, ready to fight for us. And then it says "He will rejoice over you with singing"... especially this time of year I love going out and listening to all the birds sing, so many different songs come together to wake us up in spring. Maybe those birds, the cool breeze that rustles the leaves, the water babbling in a creek, kids laughing & having fun, maybe all those sounds are Gods way of singing over us daily. So often it's those little things we overlook.

I pray you can take the time to appreciate the little things, & maybe the big things too, perhaps the sunset will burst with color and take your breath away. There are so many things I know I take for granted daily, we truly are blessed. 🙏🏻

04/17/2026

I've talked about our Facial Cleansing Oil a lot, but it is one of the products we make that I use every single night. After brushing my teeth, I use this as my makeup remover & to moisturize my face every night. The blend of oils used is good for most skin types, not too heavy, not too light. It soaks in quickly & has the benefit of the herb infused oils.
As we age our skin changes, there have been times where I use less of the oil (2 pumps), and now as I'm in my 40s I use 3-4 pumps nightly, it really is personal preference. The beauty of oil cleansing is that it doesn't dry your skin out. It washes the dirty oils we get on our face throughout the day and balances it out with healthy, beneficial oils.
Have you tried this product? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

04/15/2026

How to Prune Herbs for Maximum Production

When: Prune in the morning after dew dries; regular light pruning throughout the growing season encourages bushiness.

How much: Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant at once; this prevents stress and keeps growth vigorous.

Where to cut: Snip just above a set of leaves or a node (the spot where leaves join the stem) to encourage two new shoots.

Tools: It's best to use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears—sterilize between plants with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease spread.... although most times I end up using my thumb nail to pinch off the stems 😆

Herb-specific notes:
Mint & Lemon Balm: cut heavily in late spring and again mid-summer to prevent legginess; trim roots or divide containers yearly.

Rosemary & Sage: prune sparingly—shape after flowering and avoid cutting into old woody wood.

Basil & annual herbs: pinch flowering tops frequently to prolong leaf production; harvest from the top down.

Perennials (thyme, oregano, lavender): light shaping after bloom; avoid hard cuts in late fall.

Aftercare: Water lightly and, if needed, feed with a balanced organic fertilizer to support new growth.

***Harvesting is pruning—use picked herbs in the kitchen to reward yourself and keep plants productive.