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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 Orange Salt and Orange Pepper: Festive Seasonings for Winter Cooking
Discover how to make Orange Salt and Orange Pepper, perfect festive seasonings for winter cooking. Learn how to make Orange Salt and Orange Pepper easily.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Flavoured Chocolate Milk: 5 Simple Variations
Learn how to make flavoured chocolate milk at home with five easy recipes using cinnamon, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg and chilli. Simple, cosy and delicious.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


7 Herbal & Spice-Infused Winter Drinks to Boost Immunity and Wellness
Discover seven easy herbal and spice-infused winter drinks that naturally support immunity and wellness. Simple recipes using everyday botanicals.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Zesty Lemon Pepper Seasoning Blend: A Fresh, Homemade Gift Idea for the Holidays
Make your own lemon pepper seasoning with dried zest and cracked pepper. A bright, aromatic DIY spice blend that’s perfect for everyday cooking and Christmas gifts.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


5 Easy DIY Spice Blends You Can Make at Home
Discover five easy DIY spice blends you can make at home — from garam masala to za’atar. Fresh, customisable, and perfect for gifting at Christmas or birthdays.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Spice-Infused Mocktails with Health Benefits: 3 Refreshing Recipes to Try
Discover 3 spice-infused mocktail recipes that taste amazing and offer natural health benefits. Featuring turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and clove blends.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


7 Healing Spices to Add to Your Smoothies
Discover 7 healing spices to add to your smoothies — from turmeric and ginger to cardamom and fennel. Easy ways to boost flavour, balance digestion, and support natural wellness.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Foraging Hawthorn Berries: A Guide to Identification and Use
Learn how to forage hawthorn berries safely. Identify ripe haws, discover their folklore, and make simple recipes like syrup, tea, and simmer pots.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer: A Taste of Autumn in Your Coffee
Indulge in autumn with our Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer. Discover how to make a creamy, fragrant Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer at home.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Healthy Watermelon Smoothies: 3 Quick Recipes & Real Benefits
Discover the benefits of Healthy Watermelon Smoothies with 3 quick recipes. Enjoy refreshing, nutrient-packed Healthy Watermelon Smoothies today!
Astrid van Essen
3 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


Scent Layering: Herbal Body Oils That Layer Beautifully
Discover the art of Scent Layering with herbal body oils that beautifully complement your favourite perfume. Master Scent Layering today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Incense Cones at Home: Easy Natural Recipes & Tips
Discover how to make incense cones at home with easy recipes & tips. Learn how to make incense cones at home using natural ingredients today!
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


Natural Remedies to Reduce Puffy Skin and Under-Eye Circles
Discover effective Natural Remedies for Puffy Skin and Under-Eye Circles. Learn simple herbal solutions to refresh and soothe tired skin today!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


DIY Highlighter Sticks for a Natural Summer Glow
Create your own DIY Highlighter Sticks for a natural summer glow. Easy, eco-friendly, and customizable, these DIY Highlighter Sticks are perfect for any occasion.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


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
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