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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.
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
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
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
What Is a Herb Sachet? Everything You Need to Know
Discover what a herb sachet is and how to use it in cooking, tea, and wellness. Learn everything about what is a herb sachet and its versatility.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract: A Simple Guide
Discover how to make homemade vanilla extract with simple ingredients for a rich, pure flavor. Learn how to make homemade vanilla extract today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
Air Fryer Dried Apples with Ginger
Discover how to make Air Fryer Dried Apples with a hint of ginger. Perfect for snacking or tea blends, these Air Fryer Dried Apples are a must-try!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
How to Make Cranberry Syrup at Home (Plus Benefits, Uses & Colour Inspiration)
Learn how to make cranberry syrup at home with our easy guide. Learn the benefits, uses, and color inspiration of cranberry syrup.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
How to Make Pomegranate Syrup at Home (Plus Benefits, Uses & Colour Inspiration)
Learn how to make pomegranate syrup at home and explore its benefits, uses, and color inspiration. Discover the art of pomegranate syrup crafting!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Add Natural Colour to Winter Cooking with Botanical Fruit & Vegetable Powders
Discover how Fruit and Vegetable Powders can transform your winter cooking! Add vibrant colors and nutrients to your dishes with Fruit and Vegetable Powders.
Astrid van Essen
5 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
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
5 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
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
How to Create a Balanced Lifestyle Through Awareness
Discover how a balanced lifestyle can enhance mindful living. Explore practical tips to maintain a balanced lifestyle every day.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Simple Practices to Bring Awareness to Your Daily Routine
Discover mindfulness with these tips. Embrace mindfulness in your routine and enjoy the benefits of mindfulness every day.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Practical Ways to Bring Mindfulness into Your Daily Routine
Discover mindfulness with these simple tips. Learn how mindfulness can transform your daily habits and improve your well-being.
Astrid van Essen
4 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
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
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