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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.


Why Is Sage Used for Cleansing? Traditional Uses and Ethical Alternatives
Discover why sage is used for cleansing and explore ethical alternatives. Learn about the history, benefits, and how to practice respectfully.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Herbal Baths Benefits: A Natural Way to Relax and Rejuvenate
Discover the soothing power of Herbal Baths Benefits. Learn how Herbal Baths Benefits can relax your mind and rejuvenate your body naturally.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make Your Home Fragrance Mist with Essential Oils
Create your own home fragrance mist with essential oils! Discover how to make natural, customizable home fragrance mists with simple ingredients.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Wedding Blessing Ritual with Herbal Smoke Wands
Discover how to create a memorable wedding smoke blessing ritual with herbal smoke wands. Perfect for unique ceremonies and vow renewals.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Herbal Cleansing: The Meaning Behind Flowers and Herbs
Discover the meaning behind cleansing flowers and herbs and enhance your rituals. Learn how cleansing flowers and herbs add depth and purpose.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make Solid Perfume Using Beeswax and Essential Oils
Discover how to make solid perfume with beeswax and essential oils for a natural, pocket-friendly fragrance. Learn how to make solid perfume today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Signature Scents: 7 Unique Essential Oil Blends for Natural Perfume Making
Discover 7 Unique Essential Oil Blends for crafting natural perfumes that are personal and chemical-free. Dive into Unique Essential Oil Blends now!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make the Perfect Potpourri Blend: A Year-Round Natural Guide
Discover how to make the perfect potpourri blend with our year-round natural guide. Learn how to make the perfect potpourri blend today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make Herbal Salves and Balms for Skin Healing
Discover how to make herbal salves and balms for skin healing at home. Learn step-by-step methods to craft your own soothing remedies today!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Build Your Home Apothecary: 10 Essential Herbs to Get Started
Discover 10 Essential Herbs for a Home Apothecary and embark on your herbal healing journey. Build a home apothecary with these versatile herbs.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


10 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends to Help You Sleep Better Tonight
Discover 10 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends to Help You Sleep Better Tonight. Unlock restful sleep with these 10 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Top 10 Herbs to Grow for Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Discover the Top 10 Herbs for Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks and transform your garden into a haven for fresh, flavourful beverages. Explore now!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


The Best Herbs & Flowers for Dried Potpourri (and How to Grow Them at Home)
Discover the best herbs and flowers for potpourri to fill your home with natural fragrance. Learn how to grow the best herbs and flowers for potpourri.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make Citronella Incense – Naturally Beautiful & Bug-Repelling
Discover how to make citronella incense at home for a natural, bug-repelling aroma. Learn how to make citronella incense and enjoy outdoor bliss.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Mood-Based Simmer Pot Recipes: Natural Scents for Every Feeling
Discover how mood-based simmer pot recipes can naturally transform your home! Find classic, exotic, and creative simmer pot ideas to suit every feeling.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Essential Oil Simmer Pot Recipes Inspired by the Garden
Discover Essential Oil Simmer Pot Recipes inspired by the garden to naturally scent your home. Dive into Essential Oil Simmer Pot Recipes today
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Create Your Personalised Stovetop Pot Pourri: Natural Scents for Unforgettable Moments
Discover how Personalised Stovetop Pot Pourri can create unforgettable moments with natural scents. Learn about crafting your unique potpourri today!
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


Easy Seasonal Simmer Pot Recipes to Fill Your Home with Natural Fragrance
Discover easy Seasonal Simmer Pot Recipes to naturally fragrance your home. Explore Seasonal Simmer Pot Recipes for each season's unique aroma!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Harvest and Dry Flowers for Potpourri, Simmer Pots, and Natural Home Décor
Discover how to harvest and dry flowers to create stunning potpourri, simmer pots, and natural home décor. Discover the art of harvesting and drying flowers effectively.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


5 Tasty DIY Syrups You’ll Want to Pour on Everything
Discover 5 tasty and easy DIY syrup recipes bursting with natural flavour. Perfect for elevating your drinks, desserts, or as a gift for friends and family.
Astrid van Essen
6 min read
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