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Simmer&Stir Blog – Natural Scents & Botanical Recipes
Welcome to Simmer & Stir — a place for seasonal inspiration, natural home fragrance and simple botanical recipes. Discover simmer pots, potpourri, herbal drinks, homemade syrups and easy ideas for bringing the scents and flavours of the season into your home.
How to Make Reed Diffusers at Home: Easy Recipe + Refill
Make your own reed diffuser with the right diffuser base, essential oils and reeds, plus an easy homemade reed diffuser refill.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
How to Make Room Spray with Essential Oils: Easy Recipe
Make your own room spray with essential oils, alcohol and distilled water for an easy, customisable home fragrance.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
How to Use an Oil Burner with Wax Melts or Fragrance Oil
How do you use an oil burner? Learn how it works with wax melts, fragrance oil or essential oils, how much to use and the basic safety points.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
7 Autumn Simmer Pot Recipes for a Cosy, Naturally Fragranced Home
Try 7 autumn simmer pot recipes with apple, citrus, herbs and spices for a cosy, naturally fragranced home.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
How to Make Scented Pinecones Naturally for Autumn and Christmas
Learn how to clean, dry and scent pinecones for a simple natural autumn or Christmas decoration, with blend ideas and essential safety advice.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
How to Tell if Essential Oils Are ‘Therapeutic Grade’ and What That Really Means
What does therapeutic grade essential oil mean? Learn why the phrase is not a regulated quality standard and what to check when choosing essential oils.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
Do Essential Oils Expire? Shelf Life, Storage and Signs They’ve Gone Off
Do essential oils expire? Learn how oxidation affects them, typical shelf-life differences, warning signs and the best way to store opened bottles.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
How to Mix Essential Oils: Simple Blends, Ratios and Tips for Beginners
Learn how to mix essential oils by scent family and note, with simple ratios, beginner blends and practical tips for diffusers and home fragrance.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
Natural Autumn Home Fragrance: 7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Amazing
Create a natural autumn home fragrance with 7 simple ideas, including room sprays, reed diffusers, simmer pots, potpourri and scented sachets.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
Spiritual Cleansing Bath: Herbs, Ingredients & Rituals
Create a simple spiritual cleansing bath with herbs, salt and a reusable bath sachet. Discover which botanicals traditionally symbolise cleansing, calm, protection, love and renewal.
Astrid van Essen
8 min read
DIY Lavender Bath Salts with Lavender from the Garden
Turn properly dried garden lavender into homemade bath salts with a simple recipe, safe essential-oil dilution, storage tips and easy variations.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
7 Best Essential Oils for Sleep & Relaxation
Discover the Best Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation, including lavender and chamomile, plus tips and blends for a peaceful bedtime routine.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
DIY Nail Oil Soak: A Natural Treatment for Dry, Brittle Nails
Discover the benefits of DIY Nail Oil Soak for dry, brittle nails. Learn how to create a nourishing DIY Nail Oil Soak at home for healthier nails.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts or Sachets – Handmade Autumn Home Fragrance
Discover the charm of Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts for a cosy autumn vibe. Handmade Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts bring warmth and a hint of spice to your home.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
How to Make Autumn Equinox Potpourri with Epsom Salt
Discover how to make Autumn Equinox Potpourri with Epsom Salt. Create a soulful, scented atmosphere with these easy, customisable blends.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
Pulse Points Explained: Where to Apply Essential Oil Perfume for Best Results
Discover the secrets of pulse points for applying essential oil perfume. Learn how pulse points enhance scent longevity and amplify fragrance.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Moulding Magic: How to Make Herbal Beeswax Candles by Hand
Discover the art of slow living with "How to Make Herbal Beeswax Candles by Hand." Craft beautiful, aromatic candles with ease and creativity.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Transforming Your Space with Natural and Inviting Scents
Explore natural scents for your home. Natural scents can create a calming and inviting space with botanical-inspired fragrances.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
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