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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.


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


How to Use a Candle Warmer for Natural Home Fragrance
Discover how to use a candle warmer to fill your home with natural fragrance. Learn how to use a candle wax warmer safely and effectively today!
Astrid van Essen
4 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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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
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