Brew City Botanicals

Snowbells

2012-01-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

I found these lovely snowbells (Leucojum aestivum) in the backyard today. They are up a month earlier than in 2011. Snowbells always remind that the days are getting longer and that spring is on it's way!

Common Ailments Class

2012-01-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

In this fun & informative class, we will create natural items to help combat against common ailments such as headaches, coughs, fevers, and nausea. Space is limited so please call 414.223.1500 to register. This is a hands-on class and each person will be leaving with their own items. Cost of class is $20.00 per person. Instruction given by Kristine Stein, Owner & Operator of Brew City Botanicals.
WHEN: Saturday, January 28th 10AM-11:30AM
WHERE: Whole Foods Market
Whole Lifestyle Center
2305 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Brew City Botanicals wishes everyone a happy & healthy 2012!

Warm December

2011-12-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful, warm, & rainy December day. It is unseasonalbly warm for this time of year. The quiet rain and fog created some lovely views for me as I made Aromatherapy Spritzers today.

Our Milwaukee Buy Local Event

2011-12-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

I had a great time vending at the "Our Milwaukee Buy Local Gift Fair" event. I met and saw amazing businesses & items created here in Milwaukee. Thanks to all who came and support local businesses!

Next Show of the Season

2011-11-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

Brew City Botanicals will be vending at "Our Milwaukee Buy Local Gift Fair" this weekend.
Come support Milwaukee businesses while they showcase their goods & services! A perfect event to get locally made and unique holiday items.
Where: Lakefront Palm Garden at Lakefront Brewery
1872 N. Commerce St.
Milwaukee
When: Sunday, December 4th
12PM-4PM
For more info, please visit: http://www.ourmilwaukee.net/index.php?/local_first/

Art vs. Craft

2011-11-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

3 days until Art vs. Craft and my birthday! I need to make a few more items and make sure everything is packed and ready for the show. For more info on this unique, awesome shopping event, please visit http://www.artvscraftmke.blogspot.com/.
In the spirit of my birthday, I will offer 10% off of purchases made at Art vs. Craft if you wish me a Happy B-day ;)

California Bay Tree

2011-11-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a visit to Northern California. When I lived there, I fell in love with the California Bay Tree. The leaves have a fresh, spicy scent with a little hint of evergreen. It is a lovely tree. I use the infused leaves in two of my products, Bay Brandy Aftersplash and Walk in the Woods Spritzer.
The nuts of this tree are edible and are usually roasted. They taste similar to, but not as strong as, coffee beans.

Autumn in the Garden

2011-10-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

New pic...

2011-10-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy Shower & Bath Bombs

2011-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Check out my new shapes of aromatherapy shower & bath bombs. I also added a new color/scent-eucalyptus!

Walk in the Woods

2011-09-22T20:36:00.001-07:00

Yay! It is official. New product by Brew City Botanicals. Try our Walk in the Woods Spritzer. My replication of walking through a damp forest. Ahhh...lovely!

Getting Ready for the Holiday Season

2011-09-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am making labels & samples, ordering containers, and making sure I have all of the necessary materials to start making product for the upcoming season.

Made in Milwaukee

2011-09-01T09:27:00.001-07:00

I am very excited to participate in the Made in Milwaukee event this weekend. This will be the first time I am vending there. The entire day will be dedicated to Milwaukee culture, arts, crafts, fashion, music, business, families and more. Come check us out. Wonderful samples and smells for free!

Cathedral Square Park
825 N. Jefferson St.
Milwaukee
Saturday, September 3rd
9AM-11PM

Arnica

2011-08-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

Recently on a trip to the Rocky Mountains, I found Arnica starting to go out of bloom. There were huge stands everywhere. It would have been great to be there just a few weeks prior. Perhaps next year.

Create Your Own First Aid Kit

2011-08-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Create Your Own First Aid Kit
Would you like a natural remedy for bumps, bruises, cuts & burns? We will create items that are essential to have in any first aid kit. This is a hands-on class and each person will be leaving with their own first aid kit.
Whole Foods Market-Lifestyle Center
2305 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee
Thursday, August 11th
5:30PM-7PM
Space is limited. Please call Whole Foods Market at 414.223.1500 to register.

Poison Ivy Relief

2011-07-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

I made 15 tins of Poison Ivy Relief Salve.

Comfrey Leaves

2011-07-07T07:25:00.001-07:00

I am making more infused oils. Today it will be with comfrey leaves!

Infused Oils

2011-06-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I had a little time to look through the garden and check on my infused oils. These oils will be made into medicinal salves. Currently I am infusing arnica, chickweed, and jewelweed. The raw herb is immersed in oil and let to "digest" in the sun for about 2-3 weeks. The heat from the sun extracts the constituents from the herb matter and they become available in the oil. The oil will then serve as the base in my medicinal salves. I will also be making St. John's Wort and comfrey infused oils this weekend.

Brew City Botanicals Demo at Whole Foods Market

2011-06-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Come check us out at Whole Foods in the personal care department.
We will have samples and goodies for you to take home!
Whole Foods Market
2305 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee
Saturday, June 25th
1PM-3PM

2011-06-16T17:12:00.001-07:00

New Pics

2011-06-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

It was a great day to take some pictures of my new labels. Enjoy!

My New Lotion Labels

2011-06-05T19:38:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Tig!

2011-05-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my sweet cat Tiger. She is 20 yrs. old today and still going strong. My little catty, I love you so much!

East Town Market at Discovery World this Weekend!

2011-05-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Join us at Discovery World and enjoy locally homegrown and handmade products from artists, craftspeople, and farmers.

East Town Market at Discovery World
Discovery World
500 N. Harbor Dr.
Milwaukee
Saturday, May 14th
10AM-2PM

Make your own body care products!

2011-05-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

Create Your Own Personal Care Kit Class at Whole Foods Market this Saturday from 10AM-12PM! Please visit www.bcbotanicals.com for more details.

Rosemary & Cedar Skin Lotion

2011-04-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Old Man Winter Still Abounds

2011-04-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been very spring-like except for today. Old man winter still abounds. Here are some photos taken. Enjoy!

AirTran GO Magazine-Handmade in Milwaukee

2011-04-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Check out our mention!
http://www.airtranmagazine.com/features/2011/04/handmade-in-milwaukee

More Spring Pics

2011-03-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Spring Snowbells

2011-03-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Bridal Shower

2011-03-10T16:09:00.001-08:00

Creating bridal shower gifts for my friend. Just got done with the lip balm. Flavors include spearmint, vanilla, and chocolate!

Back Yard Photos

2011-02-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

The snowbells are peeking up. That is a good sign that spring is near. Other photos include rosehips and fern seed heads.
Enjoy!

Whole Foods Market Demo-This Weekend!

2011-02-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

Come check us out at Whole Foods in the personal care department. We will have samples and goodies for you to take home!
Whole Foods Market
2305 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee
Saturday, February 19th
12PM-2PM
Hope to see you there!

Apothecary in Christiansted

2011-02-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to visit St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. I stopped at the island's apothecary which is located in Christiansted.
The Apothecary is now a historical museum, it was pretty interesting.

Aromatherapy Spritzers

2011-01-13T08:13:00.001-08:00

Today I am making aromatherapy spritzers to deliver to Riverwest co-op.

Cocoa Butter & Rose Lotion

2011-01-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today I am making new stock for the new year. I am starting out with Cocoa Butter & Rose Lotion. My lotions are certified cruelty-free. Enjoy!

One More Holiday Show

2010-12-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Just one more holiday show for me and then I can relax a little bit before the holidays are upon us. This Saturday I will be at the Riverwest Random Recyclable & Gifts Fair (RRAGS) which is a winter festival featuring handmade art & products created by artisans from the Riverwest neighborhood for sale. The festival is located at the Falcon Bowl: 801 E. Clarke St. from 1PM-6PM. Hope to see you there!

Busy Day

2010-12-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

I had such a successful show at Art vs. Craft in Milwaukee last weekend. So successful that I ran completely out of certain items! Today I am making hand & body lotions-three varieties. This upcoming weekend I will be at Discovery World for their Holiday Artisan Market. The event is on Saturday and Sunday 10AM-4PM each day. Hope to see you there!

Warm November

2010-11-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

As the gardens winds down and prepares to slumber, I discovered violet seed pods, rosehips, and Artemis in the sun.

Jack Frost

2010-10-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like frost may hit tonight. Time to bring in my tender herbs and make room for them in the house. However, we have had a nice run of pleasant weather.

Chickweed Oil

2010-10-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Last chickweed oil batch of the season. Hopefully it will last through the winter.

Today

2010-10-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

Working on formulating new products...very exciting!

Brew City Botanicals in Milwaukee Magazine

2010-09-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

Check out Brew City Botanicals in Milwaukee Magazine's feature 'Best of 2010' in the October Issue!

Brew City Botanicals-Safe for people, animals, and the planet.

2010-09-17T07:37:00.001-07:00

Not only is Brew City Botanicals a proud signer of The Compact for Safe Cosmetics, we are also certified "Cruelty Free" through PETA! YAY!

Boerner Botanical Gardens

2010-09-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day to be at the gardens!

Art in the Gardens

2010-09-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Come join us this Sunday for Art in the Gardens!
An eclectic mix of unique & handmade art.
Boerner Botanical Gardens
9400 Boerner Dr.
Hales Corners
Sunday, September 12th
10:00AM-3:00PM

Some Duties of the Day

2010-09-03T08:34:00.001-07:00

Preparing orders for Discovery World & Chartreuse. After that I will be making bath bombs. Yup, it is that time of year again...

Slight Transition to Fall

2010-08-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

I took a trip through the garden today. Due to the booming mosquito population this summer, I have not spent as much time as I like. The goldenrod and white snakeroot are in full bloom, dominating the garden. I also came across some St. John's Wort that has snuck into the garden (yes!) and a one late blooming marshmallow flower accompanied by a spider.

Craftacular Summer 2010

2010-08-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

Had an awesome time at Craftacular in Madison this weekend. You couldn't have asked for a more picturesque venue and day!

Summer Craftacular 2010

2010-08-12T10:05:00.001-07:00

Come join us at the Summer Craftacular!!
An indie craft event featuring handmade items from over 70 vendors!
East Side Club
3735 Monona Drive
Madison
Sunday, August 15th
10:00AM-5:00PM

Making Spritzers on a Rainy Day

2010-07-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am working on Brew City Botanicals. There has been a nice, steady rain falling this morning with some quiet thunder. Very therapeutic. I am making aromatherapy spritzers and so far have been pretty productive.

This Saturday!

2010-07-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Come check us out at Whole Foods in the personal care department. We will have samples and goodies to take home.
Whole Foods Market-Milwaukee
Saturday, July 10th
11AM-1PM

Whole Foods Market Demo

2010-06-10T11:50:00.001-07:00

Come check us out at Whole Foods in the personal care department. We will have samples and goodies to take home.
Whole Foods Market-Milwaukee
Saturday, July 10th
11AM-1PM

Chickweed Infused Olive Oil

2010-06-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Now I wait and let the sun do the work.

Morel Mushroom Hunt

2010-05-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

I went on a morel mushroom hunt over the weekend. I ran into some herbs I do not see that often such as Conopholis americana, Partridge Berry, and Skunk Cabbage. Very nice indeed!

Boerner Botanical Gardens

2010-05-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful day for the gardens! I had a great time at Boerner Botanical Gardens! Thanks to everyone that came!

de Hortus Botanicus

2010-04-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

I had a great time visiting de Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam. Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. Originally, it was a medicinal herb garden, founded in 1638 by the Amsterdam City Council. At that time, herbs were of vital importance as the basis of medicines and the city had just experienced a plague epidemic. Doctors and pharmacists trained in the preparation of prescriptions at the Hortus.

Posted are a few photos-enjoy!

Making Lotion Day

2010-03-22T13:08:00.001-07:00

I just finished making 24 jars of Cocoa Butter & Rose lotion and 20 jars of Shea Butter & Orange Blossom lotion. Now I have to deliver and order to Whole Foods Market. A very productive day indeed!

More Spring Pictures

2010-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

We have been spoiled with unseasonably warm weather lately. However, we had a little snow last night. These are some images I caught.

Spring is in the air!

2010-03-13T19:28:00.000-08:00

My comfrey getting a head start.

The wonderful healing colors of nature!

2010-03-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

It's official!!

2010-03-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

Itch Relief Salve!!
Useful in the relief of itchiness and inflammation due to eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and hives.

Mission Accomplished!

2010-02-25T16:10:00.000-08:00

FINALLY-updated prices. DONE!

Upcoming Events

2010-02-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

Brew City Botanicals will be doing a demo at Whole Foods Market on Saturday, March 13th from 12:00-2:00. Come check us out!!

EAST TOWN FARMER'S MARKET AT DISCOVERY WORLD

2010-02-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

Join us for an indoor farmer's market! All products sold are handmade or locally grown.
Saturday, March 27th
10AM-2PM
Discovery World
500 N. Harbor Dr.
Milwaukee

2010-02-14T13:45:00.001-08:00

Itch Relief Salve-my new item that will be coming out this spring. Useful for the relief & healing of itchiness and inflammation due to eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and hives.

New Label

2010-02-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

I redesigned one of labels. I love the new color! Oops! Bad image, it is suppose to be circular.

Websites, Blogs, & Advertising

2010-02-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today I am trying to decide on how much time to dedicate to various internet media. It can be extremely overwhelming and time consuming.

Business Plan

2010-01-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

Later on today I will be working on my business plan. I will be focusing on the not so fun part, the sales forecast. Crunching numbers... Hopefully it will be completed by today. Then reassessing my costs. Even though some parts are not fun, I am learning so much.

All on a Saturday night

2010-01-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

Here I am at home thinking on a Saturday night. All of these great ideas for Brew City Botanicals have come to me and I am frantically writing them down, trying to implement them.