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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.
All Posts


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


The Best Homemade Bath Salts: Simple, Natural Recipes for Relaxation and Self-Care
Discover the best homemade bath salts for relaxation and self-care. Learn simple, natural recipes to create the best homemade bath salts today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Epsom Salt Potpourri: Easy DIY Home Fragrance with Natural Ingredients
Discover the beauty of Epsom Salt Potpourri, a natural, easy-to-make home fragrance. Customize your Epsom Salt Potpourri for a fresh, inviting scent.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


12 Sacred Herbs for Spiritual Bathing: Cleanse, Soothe & Uplift Mind and Body
Discover the power of Herbs for Spiritual Bathing. Cleanse, soothe, and uplift your mind and body with 12 sacred herbs for spiritual bathing.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to DIY Cocktail Bitters with Natural Botanicals
Discover how to DIY cocktail bitters with natural botanicals and elevate your drinks. Learn how to DIY cocktail bitters with our easy guide.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


10 Cocktail-Inspired Potpourri Blends for Summer Vibes
Discover 10 Cocktail-Inspired Potpourri Blends to infuse your home with summer vibes. Perfect for parties or gifts, these blends are a must-try!
Astrid van Essen
6 min read


Lavender in Your Cup: How to make lavender syrup for drinks
Discover how to make lavender syrup for drinks and elevate your beverages with this fragrant floral delight. Learn how to make lavender syrup for drinks today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
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