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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 Dry Flowers and Keep Their Colour
Preserve more of your flowers’ colour and shape with practical tips for silica gel, air drying and pressing.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
How to Make Potpourri: A Dried Garden in a Bowl
Arrange whole dried roses, petals and leaves into a beautiful bowl of potpourri, with an optional gentle scent.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
Can You Make Natural Laundry Perfume? What Works and What Doesn’t
Can you make natural laundry perfume at home? Learn what safely freshens washing and why essential oil should not go straight into the machine.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Towels Smell Musty, Even After Washing? Here’s How to Freshen Them Up
Do your towels smell musty even after washing? Find out what causes the stale smell and how to make them fresh again without fabric conditioner.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
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 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
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
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts with Crystals for Healing — A Meaningful Way to Share Calm and Care
Discover thoughtful Christmas gift ideas using crystals for healing and natural herbs. From calming sachets to simmer blends, explore meaningful, mindful presents that nurture wellbeing and warmth.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
How Natural Scents Can Enhance Your Home's Atmosphere
Enhance your home with natural scents. Discover how natural scents can create a calming and inviting atmosphere in your space.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
Transform Your Space with Natural Aromas
Enhance your home with natural aromas. Learn how natural aromas can create a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your space.
Astrid van Essen
4 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
Naturally Scent Your Home: 3 Simmer Pot Recipes to Try This Season
Discover 3 Natural Home Scent simmer pot recipes that fill your space with warmth and charm. Elevate your home with Natural Home Scent ideas.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read
DIY Pinecone Fire Starters: Natural, Fragrant & Perfect for Gifting
Discover how to make DIY Pinecone Fire Starters that are natural, fragrant, and perfect for gifting. Learn to craft unique DIY Pinecone Fire Starters.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
How Natural Scents Transform Your Living Space
Explore natural scents for your home. Enhance your space with natural scents and enjoy the calming benefits of botanical fragrances.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
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