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Simmer&Stir Blog – Natural Scents & Botanical Recipes
Welcome to the Simmer&Stir blog, where scent meets slow living. Here, you’ll find a fragrant mix of simmer pot recipes, herbal blends, and natural home fragrance ideas to bring calm and comfort to your space. I also share simple, thoughtful recipes —perfect for cooking or gifting. From seasonal potpourri and cocktail-inspired botanicals to cosy kitchen creations, it’s all about making your home feel warm, welcoming, and wonderfully scented—one stir at a time.
Botanicals
A curated collection of botanical recipes using herbs, flowers, and natural ingredients. Discover beautiful ways to use botanicals in everyday rituals, from cocktail and mocktail blends to simmer pots and simple syrups.


10 Natural Ways to Get Clear Skin at Home
Discover 10 natural ways to get clear skin at home, from honey masks to green tea toner. Learn skincare tips and easy remedies for healthier, glowing skin.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Natural Ways to Remove Damp Smell: Vinegar Cleaning Tips That Work
Discover how to Remove Damp Smell Naturally with vinegar cleaning tips. Transform your home with these simple, natural solutions to Remove Damp Smell Naturally.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Safflower Secrets: Tea, Skincare & Home Uses for This Underrated Herb
Discover the versatile world of Safflower in tea, skincare, and home uses. Discover how safflower can enhance your natural beauty and wellness routine.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Cute Travel Essentials: Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri with Essential Oils
Discover the ultimate travel essential: Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri. Perfect for freshening up on-the-go, this Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri is a must-have!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Homemade Pumpkin Spice Air Freshener – Naturally Scent Your Home
Discover how to make a natural Pumpkin Spice Air Freshener for your home. Enjoy the cosy scent of Pumpkin Spice Air Freshener without harsh chemicals.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Simple Autumn Bath Rituals for Slow Evenings
Discover the magic of Autumn Bath Rituals for slow evenings. Unwind and relax with these simple Autumn Bath Rituals to welcome the season.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub: A Cosy Treat for Your Skin
Discover the perfect seasonal treat with our DIY Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub. Indulge in a cosy, skin-loving experience with Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas: Part 2
Discover more Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas in Part 2! Enjoy 5 new botanical blends, perfect for garden parties or a relaxing tea moment.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Herbal Smudge Sticks: Seasonal, Simple, Beautiful
Discover how to create your own DIY Herbal Smudge Sticks using seasonal herbs. Learn to make beautiful, respectful DIY Herbal Smudge Sticks today!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe: Naturally Scent Your Home with Essential Oils
Discover a simple DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe to scent your home with essential oils naturally. This DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe is easy and toxin-free!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


5 Refreshing Infused Water Recipes for Natural Hydration
Discover 5 simple and refreshing infused water recipes using fresh herbs, fruits, and botanicals. Perfect for summer hydration and a healthy lifestyle.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make an All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaner – DIY for Kitchen, Bath & More
Discover the magic of DIY Vinegar Cleaner for a natural, eco-friendly clean. Perfect for kitchen, bath & more, this DIY Vinegar Cleaner is a must-try!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


6 Natural Cleaning Recipes with Vinegar, Baking Soda & More:
Discover 6 Natural Cleaning Recipes with vinegar and baking soda for a sustainable, chemical-free clean. Try these Natural Cleaning Recipes today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Potpourri: A Natural Way to Freshen Your Home
Discover how to make potpourri for a natural way to freshen your home. Learn simple steps to create your own potpourri and enhance your space.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Natural Remedies: How Epsom Salt Can Help with Aches and Pains
Discover the benefits of Epsom Salt for aches and pains. Learn how Epsom Salt baths and compresses can naturally ease tension and discomfort.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Epsom Salt Potpourri: 5 Seasonal Blends for a Naturally Fragrant Home
Discover how to create Epsom Salt Potpourri with 5 seasonal blends for a naturally fragrant home. Transform your space with Epsom Salt Potpourri.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Summer Skin Care: DIY Epsom Salt Soak for Sunburn Relief
Discover the benefits of an Epsom Salt Soak for Sunburn relief! Soothe and refresh sun-kissed skin with this simple DIY Epsom Salt Soak for Sunburn.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Greek Herbal Baths: Healing Waters with Timeless Benefits
Relax and restore with ancient Greek bath rituals. Learn how to use thyme, bay, and lavender for a nourishing soak.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


Roman Bath Ritual at Home: Recreate Ancient Wellness with Hot & Cold Therapy
Recreate the Roman Bath Ritual at home with hot & cold therapy. Discover how the Roman Bath Ritual can boost wellness and relaxation today.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Create a Naturally Scented Home with Botanical Elements
Transform your space into a scented home. Explore botanical ways to create a beautifully scented home with natural elements.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
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