top of page
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.


DIY Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub: A Cosy Treat for Your Skin
Discover the perfect seasonal treat with our DIY Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub. Indulge in a cosy, skin-loving experience with Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Christmas Simmer Pot: Fill Your Home with Festive Fragrance
Discover the magic of a Christmas Simmer Pot! Fill your home with festive fragrance using a Christmas Simmer Pot for a cosy holiday vibe.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas: Part 2
Discover more Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas in Part 2! Enjoy 5 new botanical blends, perfect for garden parties or a relaxing tea moment.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Pumpkin Spice at Home (And What to Use It For)
Discover how to make pumpkin spice at home with our easy recipe. Perfect for baking, lattes, and more. Learn how to make pumpkin spice today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Herbal Smudge Sticks: Seasonal, Simple, Beautiful
Discover how to create your own DIY Herbal Smudge Sticks using seasonal herbs. Learn to make beautiful, respectful DIY Herbal Smudge Sticks today!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


5 Refreshing Infused Water Recipes for Natural Hydration
Discover 5 simple and refreshing infused water recipes using fresh herbs, fruits, and botanicals. Perfect for summer hydration and a healthy lifestyle.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Aromatic Fire Starters with Natural Wax and Seasonal Botanicals
Discover how to craft Aromatic Fire Starters using natural wax and seasonal botanicals. Perfect for cosy fires and thoughtful gifts, Aromatic Fire Starters.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


5 Beautiful Herb & Flower-Infused Honey Recipes (+ A Spicy Twist)
Discover 5 herb-infused honey recipes to elevate your pantry staples. Learn how to create unique herb-infused honey recipes with a spicy twist!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each
Discover the key differences between Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt and learn when to use each for self-care and home rituals. Explore Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt benefits now!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Seasonal Simmer Pots: Summer Solstice Scents with Citrus, Herbs & Flowers
Discover the magic of summer solstice simmer pots with citrus, herbs, and flowers. Create a seasonal ritual with summer solstice simmer pots today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Easy DIY Toners Using Herbal Teas & Flower Waters
Gentle, natural toners to support your skin at any age – a calming step in your basic skincare routine When I started creating a basic...
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Preserve Summer: Simmer Pot Recipes and Homemade Jam Ideas
Discover how to preserve summer with Simmer Pot and Homemade Jam. Learn to make delicious jams and fragrant simmer pots effortlessly.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


5 DIY Epsom Salt Scrub Recipes for Glowing Skin
Discover 5 DIY Epsom Salt Scrub Recipes for glowing skin. Easy, natural, and aromatic, these DIY Epsom Salt Scrub Recipes are a treat!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


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


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 Herbal Salves and Balms for Skin Healing
Discover how to make herbal salves and balms for skin healing at home. Learn step-by-step methods to craft your own soothing remedies today!
Astrid van Essen
5 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


Top 10 Herbs to Grow for Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Discover the Top 10 Herbs for Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks and transform your garden into a haven for fresh, flavourful beverages. Explore now!
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
bottom of page