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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.


Natural Ways to Remove Damp Smell: Vinegar Cleaning Tips That Work
Discover how to Remove Damp Smell Naturally with vinegar cleaning tips. Transform your home with these simple, natural solutions to Remove Damp Smell Naturally.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Safflower Secrets: Tea, Skincare & Home Uses for This Underrated Herb
Discover the versatile world of Safflower in tea, skincare, and home uses. Discover how safflower can enhance your natural beauty and wellness routine.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Cute Travel Essentials: Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri with Essential Oils
Discover the ultimate travel essential: Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri. Perfect for freshening up on-the-go, this Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri is a must-have!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Simple Autumn Bath Rituals for Slow Evenings
Discover the magic of Autumn Bath Rituals for slow evenings. Unwind and relax with these simple Autumn Bath Rituals to welcome the season.
Astrid van Essen
3 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 Reed Diffuser Recipe: Naturally Scent Your Home with Essential Oils
Discover a simple DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe to scent your home with essential oils naturally. This DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe is easy and toxin-free!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make an All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaner – DIY for Kitchen, Bath & More
Discover the magic of DIY Vinegar Cleaner for a natural, eco-friendly clean. Perfect for kitchen, bath & more, this DIY Vinegar Cleaner is a must-try!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Greek Herbal Baths: Healing Waters with Timeless Benefits
Relax and restore with ancient Greek bath rituals. Learn how to use thyme, bay, and lavender for a nourishing soak.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


Roman Bath Ritual at Home: Recreate Ancient Wellness with Hot & Cold Therapy
Recreate the Roman Bath Ritual at home with hot & cold therapy. Discover how the Roman Bath Ritual can boost wellness and relaxation today.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Cleopatra’s Milk & Honey Bath: A Glowing Skin Ritual That Still Works
Recreate Cleopatra’s iconic milk & honey bath at home for radiant, nourished skin using natural, skin-loving ingredients.
Astrid van Essen
2 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


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


Simple Practices to Cultivate a Peaceful Mindset Every Day
Learn how to embrace a peaceful mindset. Discover simple ways to achieve a peaceful mindset and improve your everyday life.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Simple Practices to Cultivate Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Discover mindfulness with simple practices. Learn how mindfulness can enhance your everyday life. Embrace mindfulness today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Use Essential Oils in Ayurvedic Rituals for Mind-Body Healing
Discover how to use Ayurvedic essential oils in daily rituals to balance your doshas, reduce stress, and enhance holistic wellbeing. Explore scent-based healing now.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


How to Make Herbal-Infused Oils At Home
Discover how to make herbal-infused oils at home with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to make herbal-infused oils for healing and beauty.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Herbal Shower Bundles: Simple Rituals with Botanical Benefits
Discover the botanical benefits of Herbal Shower Bundles! Transform your shower into a spa with Herbal Shower Bundles and enjoy natural relaxation.
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


Embracing the Lavender Girl Lifestyle: A Soft Minimalist Approach to Mindful Living
Discover the Lavender Girl Lifestyle: a soft minimalist approach to mindful living. Embrace Lavender Girl Lifestyle for a serene, curated home.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
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