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.


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


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


Epsom Salt for Natural Fragrance: 7 Ways to Use It in Your Home
Discover 7 creative ways to use Epsom Salt for Natural Fragrance in your home. Enhance your space naturally with Epsom Salt for Natural Fragrance.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Herbal Tea Series: Rosemary Tea Benefits: A Brew for Mind & Body
Discover the stimulating power of Rosemary Tea Benefits for the mind and body. Learn how Rosemary Tea Benefits can boost focus and soothe digestion.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Herbal Baths Benefits: A Natural Way to Relax and Rejuvenate
Discover the soothing power of Herbal Baths Benefits. Learn how Herbal Baths Benefits can relax your mind and rejuvenate your body naturally.
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


How to Make Solid Perfume Using Beeswax and Essential Oils
Discover how to make solid perfume with beeswax and essential oils for a natural, pocket-friendly fragrance. Learn how to make solid perfume today!
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


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


Slow Living: How to Thrive by Slowing Down
In a world that runs on deadlines, notifications and never-ending to-do lists, it’s no surprise many of us feel like we’re constantly...
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
bottom of page