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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.


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


How To Create Unique Loose Incense Blends at Home
Discover how to create unique loose incense blends at home for a personalised aromatic experience. Learn to craft unique loose incense blends today!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot – A Naturally Cosy Scent for Any Season
Discover how a Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot can fill your home with a cosy scent any season. Learn to create your own Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Pumpkin Spice Syrup: A Year-Round Favourite for Lattes, Baking & More
Discover how to make pumpkin spice syrup at home with this easy recipe. Includes sugar-free options and creative ways to use pumpkin spice syrup all year round.
Astrid van Essen
7 min read


Beltane Simmer Pot: A Fragrant Celebration of Fire, Fertility & Fresh Beginnings
Celebrate Beltane with a fragrant simmer pot. Discover its meaning, ingredients, and how to set mindful intentions with this joyful seasonal ritual.
Astrid van Essen
6 min read


Herbal Teas to Boost Your Immune System
Discover the benefits of herbal teas to boost your immune system. Learn how to grow and brew these herbal teas for better health today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Slow Living: How to Thrive by Slowing Down
In a world that runs on deadlines, notifications and never-ending to-do lists, it’s no surprise many of us feel like we’re constantly...
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Lavender Recipes, Tips & Summer Inspiration
Discover delightful Lavender recipes perfect for summer! Elevate your culinary creations with these beginner-friendly Lavender recipes today.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Ditch the Detergent: Why Natural Home Fragrance Hacks Are the Safer Choice
Explore why Natural Home Fragrance hacks are the safer choice for a beautifully scented home. Discover Natural Home Fragrance alternatives today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Dry Herbs at Home: Best Times to Harvest, Dry, and Store Your Herbs
Discover how to dry herbs at home effectively. Learn the best times to harvest, dry, and store your herbs with expert tips on how to dry herbs at home.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Full Moon Ritual And Simmer Pot Recipe for Setting Intentions
Discover the Full Moon Simmer Pot Recipe to set your intentions with ease. Create a calming ritual with our Full Moon Simmer Pot Recipe today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Scent with Purpose: Simmer Pot Recipes for Every Intention
Explore the magic of Simmer Pot Recipes to transform your home with natural scents. Discover intention-driven Simmer Pot Recipes for every mood.
Astrid van Essen
6 min read


Epsom Salt Potpourri: 3 Beautiful DIY Blends for Natural Home Fragrance
Discover the magic of Epsom Salt Potpourri with 3 DIY blends for natural home fragrance. Epsom Salt Potpourri is easy, affordable, and customisable!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


How to Make Herbal Salts: 7 Simple Recipes for Everyday Cooking
Discover how to make herbal salts with 7 simple recipes to elevate your cooking. Learn how to make herbal salts for unique flavours today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
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