SIM-R

Hi, it's me!

I'm Ruth Ann, the owner and creator behind SIM-R Pot Creations, and I just wanted to pop on and say hello!

If you're new here, welcome! This has never been just about creating a product...it's about creating a feeling of warmth, comfort, and home.

Some of you may know me from my lifestyle blog, Everything Unscripted with Ruth Ann Swansburg, where I've spent the last 15 years sharing real life, supporting local businesses, raising my kids, and navigating life's highs and lows, including caring for my mom as she aged, and learning to live with dementia.

Over the past few years, I've found my way back to myself through gardening, creating with my hands, and building this little business. Today, I handcraft our all-natural simmer pot blends right here in Moncton, New Brunswick. 🍁

To everyone who's supported me in any way, thank you.

I would love for you to say "hi" and let me know where you are following from. I love seeing how far some posts reach!

Happy long weekend!
IN MY GARDEN: This zinnia just popped with the rain we had the past few days to ❤️

Every market has a special helper behind the scenes, and this one has been by my side for almost his entire life.

This is my youngest son, Clayton. Many of you know him as my market helper, but he's so much more than that. He helps set up, packs orders, talks with customers, keeps me organized, and is always ready to jump in wherever he's needed. I truly couldn't do as many events without him.

What many people may not know is that Clayton is also a young entrepreneur himself. He's had his own little business since Grade 5, creating and selling fidgets and hand sewn marble mazes, and this fall he'll be heading into Grade 9. Watching him grow his confidence and creativity has been one of my greatest joys.

For those of you who've followed me for years, you've watched him grow up too. I started writing my lifestyle blog, Everything Unscripted with Ruth Ann Swansburg, back in 2011. Many of you followed my pregnancy, watched him take his first steps, celebrated birthdays, and have been part of our journey ever since. It's hard to believe that my little boy is now 13 years old and standing beside (taller than) me at markets as my biggest helper.

Time really does fly.

Clayton, thank you for every early morning, every heavy box you've carried, every market you've helped with, and every time you've stepped in when I needed you. I'm so proud of the young man you're becoming, and I'm incredibly grateful that we get to build these memories together.

💜 Here's to many more market adventures together.

Behind the Scenes at SIM-R Pot Creations

Most people see the beautiful finished simmer pot blends... but this is what happens behind the scenes.

These dehydrator racks don't clean themselves! After every batch of fruit, herbs, and botanicals, every single tray gets washed, scrubbed, and dried before it's ready for the next round.

It's not the glamorous part of running a small business, but it's one of the most important. Keeping our equipment clean means every batch is made with the same care and attention to quality.

There are plenty of hours spent harvesting, slicing, dehydrating, packaging... and yes, standing at the kitchen sink washing racks. 😂

It's all part of creating the all-natural simmer pot blends you bring into your home.

Small business isn't just about the finished product - it's about every step that happens long before it reaches your hands.

Some of the prettiest moments in our garden never make it into a package... and that's perfectly okay. 🌸

Not every flower we grow becomes part of our botanical blends. Some are simply here to brighten our days, attract pollinators, and remind us to slow down and enjoy the season.

But a few of these blooms do become part of our process. Our vibrant cornflowers and sunny calendula are carefully harvested, dried, and added to select SIM-R botanical mixes, bringing a little piece of our garden into your home.

Every season starts here...with soil, sunshine, patience, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Which flower would you be most excited to grow in your own garden each year?

Zinnias are one of my favourites along with pansies. But honestly, anything I can plant, tend to and enjoy is worth it to me, my mental health and my business.

Slow living + mental clarity + big dreams 💜

Find us in person at the following markets!

Q***r Market with River Of Pride / Rivière De Fierté
August 8th from 2 pm to 6 pm
Riverfront Park, Moncton, NB..
Garrison Night Market
August 20th from 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Carleton St, Fredericton, NB..
Garrison Night Market
August 27th from 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Carleton St, Fredericton, NB..
Chocolate River Station Farmers Market
August 22nd from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Chocolate River Station, Riverview, NB..
Chocolate River Station Farmers Market
September 5th from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Chocolate River Station, Riverview, NB..
Chocolate River Station Farmers Market
September 12th from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Chocolate River Station, Riverview, NB..
Chocolate River Station Farmers Market
September 19th from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Chocolate River Station, Riverview, NB..

More events coming!

There was a time when I thought life was all about being productive 24/7 (or at least having my brain ON all the time).

For years, I was raising kids, working in communications & media, running online communities, teaching classes, caring for aging parents, and trying to be everything to everyone.

Now that I'm over 50, something has shifted.

I've learned that success isn't just measured by sales, followers, or how many things I can check off a to-do list.

It's measured by movie nights with my family. Road trips around the Maritimes. Watching my sons grow into incredible young men. Taking a day to explore a museum or a quiet beach without feeling guilty that I'm "not documenting it" or "checking it off a list".

The beautiful thing is... those moments don't take away from my business...they inspire it.

SIM-R Pot Creations has become part of the life we're building, not something that takes me away from it. This business has given me the freedom to create, to meet incredible people, and to appreciate the little things I used to rush past.

July was filled with family adventures, markets, creating new products, exploring our province, and making memories I'll remember far longer than any hustle inspired to-do list kinda day!

If there's one thing this season of life has taught me, it's this...

Build a life that feels good. Build relationships that make you happy and let go of the ones that pressure you or make you feel bad. Don't sweat the small stuff or the people and things you cannot control.

👇🏻Picture of my Bo and I on the deck today, taking a few moments to read my book before going back inside to work on my dream business 💕

This is simmering in my mini slow cooker right now! Watch Episode 1 of Simmer with Us, where I made this and shared tips for making a lasting simmer blend.