Earth Day Thoughts and Wishes


Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Happy Earth Day! It’s the 50th anniversary of this very special day when we stop and ask: What can each of us do to protect Mother Earth? While it’s usually a day for festivals and conferences, this year we will celebrate in our own quiet ways. I’ve been enjoying the plants in my garden, and have been harvesting lemon balm (Melissa officianalus) for tea—it helps reduce anxiety—and have been infusing violets in honey—a salve for the respiratory system. I’ll say more about lemon balm a little later.

This note is also my way of celebrating our beautiful world with you!

Winding Path To Awareness

My work in natural perfumery over the last 20 years has been an incredible teacher. Every day I experience how interconnected we are with the natural world. I have studied where and how plants grow, the terroir they draw from the land, and how plants can impact our lives, our moods, and our health. I’ve also learned how to collaborate with the ultimate perfumers: Bees! I use their beeswax to create several of my most beloved scents.

Sadly, there is a dark underbelly to natural perfumery. I have witnessed the promotion of animal musks and secretions that are derived from animals at the cost of horrible suffering. An animal’s suffering begins when they are trapped in the wild. It continues—in some cases for years, as with civet cats—as people harvest their bodies for their musk that will ultimately be sold to perfumers.    

It is this same logic—that wild animals possess something we must take for ourselves—that is at the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.

My Earth Day Message: Find a Solution

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of life that has resulted from this pandemic, and the loss of livelihoods from the shelter-in-place. And while I know researchers are still studying the source of the pandemic, I am saddened that there may be a link to animal cruelty and the exploitation of wild animals. Researchers have traced COVID-19 to wet markets, where wild and endangered animals are sold. In these environments, humans and wild animals are close—too close—and diseases can jump from one species to another. We are learning a painful lesson about Mother Earth, where we should tread and where we shouldn’t. 

Taking animals from the wild for our amusement puts us all at risk—can we all see that now? 

But once we acknowledge this, it is not as easy as simply stopping this practice. (Though China did recently ban the trade and consumption of wild animals for food.) There are ramifications to bans because in some countries, animal trafficking is how many people earn a living and feed their families. Finding solutions that sustain local communities and the environment is a much larger conversation that we need to be having. I have explored this in my advocacy of civet cats in the wild—I believe that if people work together, we can phase out these harmful practices. Jane Goodall has been an example to me—she inspires me with her work to help communities find solutions to animal trafficking. Jane Goodall is my hero! She is helping people explore more sustainable ways to earn their livelihoods. Learn more about her message and work!

I agree with Jane Goodall and other conservationists that we must find solutions to animal trafficking that benefit animals AND people. I think that is the only way they are going to work. 

How Can YOU Make A Difference?

I am always asking myself that question! Here in my Purrfumery, I create my scented artworks from natural treasures that are cruelty free. They do not contain even a speck of animal byproducts. I partner with groups that have a voice in the community and around the world, and I try to help them in any way I can. 

Here’s what I am working on now:

Deforestation around the world is another culprit that harms wildlife, the environment and people. I’ve been partnering with Centre ValBio, led by Dr. Patricia Wright, who is working hard to save Madagascar lemurs and help indigenous people through research and education. I created a perfume for their fundraiser—Luminous Lemurs! It is aging now and will be ready in a few months. The proceeds from this perfume will go to helping Centre ValBio build tree corridors for lemurs to live and roam. Purrfumery proceeds also support the exploration of the Lost Rainforest of Crystal Mountain, and help girls from remote villages attend high school, all through Centre ValBio.

And Masks, Lots of Masks!

I am sheltered in place like so many of you, and I have time to help! My dear friend Lisa has been helping me, buying fabrics and elastic, and I have been making masks for those in need, so I have gone back to my sewing roots, which I love. The mask pattern I made is based on this video: Watch the video after it too, for instructions on how to make the jig. Kitty Magic and Truffle love to help, as you can see!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L19YTzgEZ7I&feature=youtu.be

I recommend making it 1’ wider and washing the fabric 3 times in the washer and then the dryer so they won’t shrink. Hope it’s helpful and useful to you and yours. I am also seeing folks selling them on Etsy and NextDoor.

Back to Lemon Balm...And Free Shipping!

I would like to offer free shipping for a month, because I am shipping very sporadically right now. So, free shipping until May 22nd! Type in Violet in the discount box. And I am including a special treat from my garden with each order while supplies last. I have been harvesting and drying lemon balm for tea and would like to share it with you. Enjoy this special gift from the Perfumer’s Garden!

The Constant- Earth Day is My Every Day

The solitude of the shelter in place has given me time to think, which can be a good thing, right? I’ve experienced bursts of creativity, but there have also been hours spent in deep concern for what the future holds. While so much is unclear right now, there is one thing that has never changed:

My respect and love for the natural world and animals, and my commitment to the wellbeing and safety of all living things. I am in awe every day!

Thank you for being part of this journey, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Until next time. . .

Peace, purrfume and kitty cats,

XOXO
Laurie

Big Summer Sale & Salutations from The Purrfumery!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Cool summer breezes await you at the Purrfumery, so let’s get together! I have all kinds of summer treats for every occasion you might be planning, from the fanciest formal wedding to the most easy-going day in your backyard hammock.

Big Summer Sale!

Is there something at the Purrfumery that you’ve had your eye on? Would a big summer sale help? From today until August 26th all Purrfumery products are 20% off—it’s my way of saying Happy Summer, my dear Purrfumery friends! Just type JASMINE in the discount box.

Wedding Bell Bliss

I was a wedding florist for 15 years, so I have a soft spot for decorative, fanciful designs that celebrate our most memorable moments. With their colorful bows and blooms, corsages make us feel festive and beautiful. And who doesn’t like to feel festive and beautiful? My newest perfumes—Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade—come with lovely little corsages you can wear, made from antique ribbons, flowers and magical whatnots. Visit me at the Purrfumery and select your favorite scent and corsage design! These limited edition scents and corsages also make gorgeous gifts for brides, bridesmaids and for the Mother of the Bride, too! You can also purchase them for less in a little pouch. If you are ordering online, you can specify corsage color ranges, from green/blue, to pink/purple, to burgundy/red.

Vintage Packaging That You Can Wear

Do you ever see packaging that is so sweet and retro that you want to take it off the box and pin it to your blouse, or wrap it like a ring around your finger? Me too! I have adorned the packaging for all my new perfumes—Moonlight, Flame Brocade and Mystère Dévoilé—with art that you can wear. I make each corsage and ring with my collection of antique ribbons, flowers, and magical whatnots! These handmade decorations harken back to the days when perfume was a gift from the inside out—everything from the bottle to the packaging was cherished long after the perfume was gone. 

My new Corsage Perfumes are available in delightful Starlight boxes with whimsical corsage rings or pins, and opulent sterling silver jewel boxes with pin-on or wrist hand-tied corsages. These are perfect gifts for collectors looking for one-of-a-kind gifts that will never be available again. Adorn yourself in more ways than one! Please note when purchasing if you want a ring or pin-on corsage.

A Treat for Your Host or Hostess

Are you looking for something special for a friend or hostess on one of your summer stops? Rich, botanical solid perfumes make sumptuous gifts, and I have many scents for you to choose from. I spin my solid perfumes into a variety of containers, from cute compacts to glimmering, jewel-top boxes. They arrive at your doorstep ready to hit the road in velvet pouches with a rhinestone buckle. You will love giving these beautiful and unforgettable gifts! 

Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade solids are packaged in ornate gold boxes with a vintage corsage. They are also available in a velvet pouch.

Looking for a Summer Scent?

If you’re like me, you like to change your perfume with the seasons. I createdEze with summer in my mind and heart. Eze is a tiny perfume village high in the mountains overlooking the Mediterranean. I went there over 40 years ago—at that time I was traveling around the south of France, searching for lace for my antique camisole business. I stopped in Grasse and Eze, two perfume capitals of the world, because I loved perfume... I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become a perfumer many years later! My namesake eau de parfum captures the enchantment of Eze and the delicious luxury of a summer breeze off the Mediterranean. It opens with a fresh pop of lemon and unveils a gentle bouquet of lavender, rose geranium, myrtle and jasmine, finishing with the healing warmth of Labdanum rock rose. 

Ida Meister from Fragrantica reviewed Eze when I launched it in 2016 and she commented on its easy-going vibe. “If someone would offer me a hammock slung between two olive trees, that would be the ticket.” 

Enjoy your summer, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Visit the Purrfumery

Do you need help selecting the perfect scent for yourself or someone you love? Please let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea and a shopping spree. I would love to see you. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Until next time,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats

XOXO

Laurie





Summer Celebrations!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Summer is almost here, and the Purrfumery has been wrapped in the most delicious breezes. The kitties and I are very busy, getting ready to celebrate graduations, weddings, parties and vacations! We’d love to have you over for a cup of tea and a relaxing visit—you can sniff and sample to your heart’s delight! If you’re looking for gifts for Dads, grads, brides, hostesses (or hosts), you’ve come to the right place. And, when you make a purchase in June you will receive a very special Purrfumery Delight, a gift just for you!

Gifts for Dads (Father’s Day is June 18)



Dad likes to smell great, too! Pamper him with all natural, cruelty-free colognes—Terrain, made with Mexican lime, wild Bulgarian geranium, frankincense and Japanese yuzu is an all-time favorite. Bearded Dads will love our line of Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms in Juniper & Cypress, Piñon Desert, and Vetiver Breeze. Tame the scruff!

Gifts for Grads


Our luscious and playful Kittylicious Purrfume Collection makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift for grads in their defining moments! And everyone likes to receive a beautifully wrapped gift! Kittylicious scents are as stunning to look at as they are to sniff, packaged in shimmering gold book boxes and tied with a cute bow.

Gifts for Brides
I started my career as a wedding florist, and will always have an affinity for brides walking down the aisle in their lovely dresses, bouquet in hand. Brides looking for a unique way to celebrate often visit the Purrfumery with friends and family—a Perfumery Adventure is a poignant and very fun way to spend time with loved ones. We also have many gorgeous scents for brides (and grooms) that range from floral, to woody, to citrusy-yum! Whether you’re looking for a scent adventure or something sensual for that first dance, the Purrfumery has many opulent choices for you!

Gifts for Hostesses and Hosts


Show your gratitude for friends and family with Bath Salts and Hydrosols from our Home Spa Collection! California Lavender is a favorite among my Purrfumery friends! Room and linen sprays in natural Forest Mist also make delightful hostess gifts. Each gift arrives in its own organza bag. Very silky and elegant—lovely! Pack your suitcase and leave the gifts to us!

The Purrfumery at Filoli – June 22


I will be teaching a class with floral designer Pat Gibbons from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on June 22 at Filoli in Woodside—don’t miss it, my dear Purrfumery friends! http://www.filoli.org/education/adult-programs/floral-design.html#floralscents

Pat and I will take you on a sensory trip to the Mediterranean where lemon and honey myrtle, lavender, rosemary, and citrus are all around you. I will show you how to make a botanical perfume using these soothing and calming scents, and Pat will guide you in designing a gorgeous seasonal bouquet using flowers and foliage.

Classes are small, so don’t wait to register! See you at Filoli!

Spirit Perfume Classes – My Place or Yours?


My Spirit Perfumery classes have been a hit around the Bay Area, and I’ve had a few Purrfumery friends ask about them. I’m happy to host your group (minimum 6) here at the Purrfumery, or at your home or business. Spirit Perfume classes start with a short Perfumery Adventure where I share a palette of natural, botanical scents. We’ll cover the basics:

  • Creating a structure: How to build your perfume’s top, middle and base notes using natural materials and volatility.
  • Producing your perfume: How to blend your materials with organic alcohols and jojoba oil.
  • Playing it safe: How to work with photosensitive citrus materials.

These 4-hour sessions are a blissful way to spend an afternoon, and my students often learn something new about themselves through our experimentation with scent. Drop me an email at laurie@purrfumery.com or call me at 510-528-8040 to set something up.

Until next time,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…

Laurie

Early November Holiday Shopping 20 % discount with over $100 purchase!

Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!

The holiday season is on the horizon and I can’t wait—I have so many new, fun scents to share! Are you looking for interesting, locally made holiday gifts for friends and family? Do you want to have all your shopping done by Thanksgiving? You can! And I am going to make it easy for you. Starting today and ending November 12, I’m offering 20% off all orders over $100. Type in grateful in the discount box. Get your holiday shopping done early and save, my dear Purrfumery friends! After November 12, I will begin shipping again on December 1.

The Scent of Winter – at Filoli

Experience the scents of winter at The Garden at Filoli… with the Purrfumery! I’ll be teaching a class from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on November 9 that includes a Perfumery Adventure and an introduction to botanical perfume essences. Come experience some of my aromatic treasures, including Bulgarian Rose Otto and 100-year-old Indian Sandalwood. We will also sniff conifer oils and learn about their anti-viral and aroma-therapeutic effects. Students will leave with their own roll-on bottle of defense against winter colds and an aromatic winter wonderland room/linen spray. Register on the Filoli site. 

Visit the Purrfumery

Remember the Purrfumery when you have out-of-town guests this season! Call me at 510-528-8040 and make an appointment to visit—I’ll welcome you and your guests with a cup of tea and something sweet. All my products, from perfumes to my newest scents, room sprays and Whipped Face & Body Frostings are available to sample. The choices are endless!  I’m happy to help you create the perfect gift and add a touch of whimsy with gorgeous packaging.

Hope to see you soon!

Until next time…

Peace, love purrfume and kitty cats,

XOXO~Laurie

October Halloween Black Cat Newsletter!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Fall is finally here! It’s one of my favorite times of year… the flowers and plants that delighted us through spring and summer begin to retreat, but the bees are very busy! I’m looking forward to a very successful honey harvest in the next week or two —I’ll be blending some of the bees’ golden beeswax into new batches of perfumes for Halloween and the holiday season. I can’t believe it’s already October!

Fall into Halloween Sale!

I have a mouth-watering Halloween treat for you, my dear Purrfumery friends!

When the weather cools down, I unveil my super-popular Whipped Face & Body Frostings—I just made a new batch of Black Cat and it is positively sumptuous! Now you can enjoy a 45 ml Black Cat Whipped Face & Body Frosting and 4 ml Black Cat Eau de Parfum together for $68 (that’s $10 off) and receive free samples (this month only!) of my newest scents: Rose Encens, Eze, and Highway (a $20 value).

This is a perfect opportunity to experience a bouquet of Purrfumery scents… beguiling little Black Cat with hints of juicy blood orange, yummy cocoa and sensuous ylang ylang, with just a touch of aniseed myrtle. The frosting is glorious and deeply moisturizing, and the eau de parfum is deliciously long-lasting on the skin.

And your samples! Rose Encens, a deep, rich scent of rose that mingles with tart Italian blood orange and sacred Frankincense. Eze, the scent of the Mediterranean… it beckons with lavender, rose geranium, myrtle and jasmine. And for the roaming heart, Highway is a departure from these floral scents with notes of citrus, berries, cedarwood, vanilla, and blue spruce.

Read all about it!

Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery has been getting some fabulous press! You can read a review of the samples that come with my Halloween special, Eze, Rose Encens, and Highway, on Fragrantica. Thank you, Ida Meister for your words! After I read Ida’s review on Fragrantica, I realized that these new perfumes were what I needed as I approached my 60th birthday in August. I was longing for a rest when I created Eze, so when I inhale deeply, I’m in a hammock under the olive trees near the Mediterranean Sea. Rose Encens was about pure luxury... reclining on a bed of a million roses with Frankincense soothing my soul. And finally Highway—it’s all about my wanderlust! I love a road trip! 

Get another angle on Highway from Einsof on Cafleurebon. And you can also find a review of Rose Encens on ScentHive from Trish Vawter. Thank you Einsof and Trish!

Learn the Art of Perfumery

In August, I taught Perfumery for the Spirit at Homestead Apothecary in Oakland. Students learned about top, middle and base notes and how to construct a natural perfume using their intuition as their guide. That was really the heart of the class:  What scents speak to YOU. Students also learned about basic safety issues when working with essential oils, and then they went to work! I provided a palette of natural materials and students finished the class with their own unique perfume. Students described the class as “an unforgettable experience,” and said they enjoyed letting the scents guide them. I am thinking about another class this fall, perhaps late October or early November. What do you think Purrfumery friends? Drop me an email at laurie@purrfumery.com to help me gauge best timing and level of interest.

Hope to see you soon! I’m available for private appointments, so give me a call at 510-528-8040 or drop me an email and let’s get together!

Until next time…

Peace, love purrfume and kitty cats,

XOXO~ Laurie

Major Summer Sale at The Purrfumery!

Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!

I have returned from a glorious retreat in France that was a feast for the senses in every way. Gary and I traveled through picturesque hamlets and villages where we would wake in the morning to find fresh baguettes and croissants in the mailbox. And jam! The French are serious about their fruit jams. The highlight of the trip was our trip to the Osmotheque in Versailles, a perfume archive and museum, where I was lucky enough to get a 30-minute reservation. My heart was pounding in my chest on the cab ride through town… I had no idea what to expect of this legendary library that preserves hundreds of scents dating back to Pliny the Elder (Roman, A.D. 23–79). More on the Osmotheque later!

Summer Fun! 50% off all Signature, Limited Edition, and Créme perfumes!  

Treat yourself or someone you love to a sumptuous summer dream! From June 6th to June 13th I am offering 50% off all Signature,  Limited Edition and Crème Perfumes. This is a rare opportunity to own the richest, most lavish natural scents the Purrfumery has to offer, while they last. Type in SummerSale in the discount box. I recommend our award-winning Fleur de Caramel, a sensual bath of warm caramel infused with rich cognac and sultry night-blooming frangipani. I shared Fleur de Caramel with the perfumers at the Osmotheque in Versailles and watched with delight as they inhaled deeply! It has always been my dream to have one of my scents in their archive, and I am thrilled to say that Fleur de Caramel is there among some of the most exquisite scents ever mixed! 

 Also popular are my Honey, Jewelry of Heaven and Songbirdformulations – each distinct and beautiful in their own way. Velvet & Sweet Pea’s luscious perfumes are yours to enjoy while they last!

New scents transport you to the Mediterranean...

The Purrfumery made a splashy debut at the Filoli Flower Show in May, and I unveiled two new scents there. Rose Encens and Eze are the newest additions to the eau de parfum line! 

Rose Encens: Rose, citrus and resin essences dance in perfect harmony. Sensuous and warm, Rose Ensens opens with a deep, rich scent of rose that mingles with sweet, tart Italian blood orange and Mexican lime top notes. The mystery of sacred Frankincense resin emerges as time passes. 

Eze: I created Eze to be the quintessential scent of the Mediterranean, as soft and relaxing as a summer breeze. Named after a magical perfume village perched along the French Riviera, Eze opens with a refreshing pop of lemon and unveils a gentle bouquet of lavender, rose geranium, myrtle and jasmine. This perfume finishes in the amber, healing warmth of Labdanum rock rose. 

Packaged in elegant gold book boxes with a decorative label and bow, Rose Encens and Eze make beautiful gifts for all occasions: birthdays, graduations, or as a special thank you… just because.  

Signature Perfume Series 

Create your own custom perfume at the bench with me, and discover how scent can unlock the mysteries of your heart and soul. This is a rare and special offering that consists of three sessions. 

First…
We start with a
Perfumery Adventure where you smell aromatic materials from around the world. During your 1.5 hour visit, we will draw out the essences that surprise and delight you. I guarantee you will experience scents from the natural world that are new to your nose. 

Second…
During the second session we will gather several of your favorite scents and you will decide if you want to make a solid or liquid perfume. We work together at the
Purrfumery bench, immersing ourselves in the alchemy of scent as we blend. Witnessing the way natural materials mingle and complement each other has captivated perfumers since ancient times! Set aside 2.5 hours for this visit. 

Third…
On your third and final visit, we make final adjustments to your custom perfume. This is a 1.5 hour visit. When we finish, you will have your choice of one of these beautiful options:

8 ml perfume strength crystal flacon

15 ml eau de parfum spray

solid perfume 

If you have trouble deciding which option to choose, I can help based on how you like to enjoy your perfumes.

If you’re visiting from out of town, or have limited time in the Bay Area, we can lengthen your first appointment and make adjustments via mail. 

Awaken your senses and step into a completely different world!

Questions? Appointments?

Do you want to know more about my new Signature Perfume Series, or any of our products? Or would you like to make an appointment to sip a cup of tea in the Purrfumery and sniff and sample to your heart’s content? Call me at 510-528-8040, or email me at laurie@purrfumery.com

Hope to see you at the Purrfumery sometime soon!

Until next time…

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,

XOXO~ Laurie

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Tigerlily Perfumery Holiday Bazaar this Saturday! Stocking Stuffers Starting at $10!

Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Tigerlily Perfumery is putting the glamour back into last-minute holiday shopping with a fabulous Holiday Bazaar from 12 to 7 on December 19 in San Francisco’s bustling Mission District. Join the Purrfumery and other Bay Area scent makers at this creative little haunt and find something special for everyone on your holiday list. Tigerlily proprietress Antonia will be serving aromatic drinks and treats and the mood will be festive and fun. Don’t miss it!

What: Trunk Show

Where: Tigerlily Perfumery, 973 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

When: Saturday, December 19th, 12:00- 7:00

Stocking Stuffers & Small Gifts Starting at $10!

        

They say good things come in small packages… maybe that’s why some people plunge into their Christmas stockings last! If you’re looking for stocking stuffers, or small and elegant gifts for friends and family, the Purrfumery has some great ideas for you. We have gifts starting at $10.

Hydrosols: Give the gift of aromatherapy! A spritz of hydrosol lifts the spirit with its light and gentle scent. Available in Organic California Lavender and Bulgarian Rose. $10.

Men’s Grooming: For the beardsmen in your life! I drew on years of perfume-making experience to create my Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm line in these scents: Juniper & Cypress Forest; Piñon Desert; and Vetiver Breeze. Beard balms smooth the beard and moisturize the skin underneath. 10 ml sizes start at $16.

Sample Sets: Tuck a sample set into your loved one’s hands and let them discover their favorite! Sample sets are available for our popular Kittylicious line, see the review below.  Sample sets start at $22.

Scent Charms: I fill these ornate, vintage-style lockets with tantalizing scents created in a base of vanilla-infused organic jojoba oil with beeswax from the Purrfumery’s own bees. Whether you’re at a party, work or school, or even just running errands, your favorite scent is just a touch away. Scent charms start at $28.

Huge thanks to Jodi Battershell, at Fragrantica  for her delightful review of my Kittylicious line! She also shares my story and commitment to helping animls and my views on alternatives to ending the torture of civets for their musk.

I’d also love to share my latest review from Tammy Schuster, at CaFleureBon! I must say, it is a delicious review of Fleur de Caramel! Thank you Tammy and Micheyn!

Just a few minutes ago I saw that Trish at Scent Hive has reviewed my Beard Balms on her wonderful natural beauty blog! She is using them as a hand balm! I love it! I do that too! Thank you, Trish! If you follow scenthive on Instagram, she will be doing a giveaway of one of the Beard Balms!

In honor of thse new reviews I want to extend a 10% discount until this Friday, December 18th on Kittylicious perfumes and Fleur de Caramel! Type in KITTYFLEUR in the discount box at checkout! The Fleur de Caramel solid perfume is my favorite, in it’s emerald jewel box!

Thank you for your amazing support, my dear Purrfumery friends! All of you are so very important to me and the kitties!

Sending love and XOXO, and wishing you Happy Holidays! Laurie

Incredible Sale online and at the Purrfumery!

Incredible Sale online and at the Purrfumery!

Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has started – I can feel it in the air! It’s a beautiful time of year… a time to visit with friends and family and celebrate our cherished traditions. Here at the Purrfumery, the kitties and I have decked the halls with scented treats for you and yours. We have new scents, longtime favorites, and sales galore! 

Holiday Sales until December 10!

Some of my Purrfumery friends like to shop for just a few favorite items, while others prefer to give the gift of scent to everyone on their list.

For my Purrfumery friends who like to shop ‘til they drop, I am offering 30% off all orders over $300, online ( just type in HOLIDAY30 in the discount box), or in the Purrfumery. 

Or, visit the Purrfumery and receive 20% off your purchase of any amount.

(Only one promotion will apply.)

There is something for everyone at the Purrfumery. Here are a few ideas for you:

Men’s Grooming – Perfect Stocking Stuffers

Help a beardsman keep his beard neat and smooth with Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm! Available in three scents; 10 ml and 1 ounce jars. A big thank you to Poodle at Austrailian Perfume Junkies for this wonderful review of them!

Juniper & Cypress Forest — My exclusive blend of French cypress, juniper, rose hip and avocado oils. Juniper & Cypress Forest is naturally anti-viral and anti-fungal.

Piñon Desert — An aromatic blend of Southwestern piñon pine and aged Indian sandalwood. Rich and warm, these fine woods are grounded in ceremony and healing.

Vetiver Breeze — A soothing blend of three distinct vetivers. I finished the scent with a co-distillation of vetiver and a tropical flower, giving it a hit of sweet-spiciness. The balm gets its jeweled-green glint from Ruh Khus, a vetiver distilled in copper vats. <Link to beard balm page>

New Scent – The Moon & the Stars

My newest crème perfume, The Moon & the Stars is a ravishing blend of night-blooming tuberose and star-shaped jasmine blossoms that unfolds on an earthy bed of aged sandalwood, rich frankincense, and delectable cacao. Crowned with antique Ceylon cinnamon and red mandarin, this dreamy scent rests on a base of organic, vanilla infused jojoba oil and the Purrfumery's own beeswax. Available in Baroque-style scent charms and decorative cases you can slip into your pocket or purse. 

New Frosting – Black Cat Face & Body Whipped Frosting

It’s cold out there! Nourish your wind-chapped skin with my newest Whipped Frosting infused with sexy, sophisticated Black Cat perfume.

Shop local—visit the Purrfumery!

Where else can you sink into a plush sofa, sip tea with sweet Purrfumery honey, and nibble jasmine-scented chocolate truffles while you shop? I look forward to seeing you—give me a call or send me an email and let’s make an appointment! Come sniff and sample the magic of our natural world! Purrfumery products are $10 and up, and I’m happy to help you find the perfect gift. I have many items here at the Purrfumery that are not on my site!

Thank you for your love and support!

Until next time. . .

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,

Visit us for Purrfumery Treats at the San Francisco Chocolate Salon, November 15th!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

The crisp fall air is a wonderful reminder that the holidays are on the way! Have you ever given someone a sumptuous natural, botanical perfume or beard balm and watched the delight in their eyes when they inhale deeply?

 

Shop Scents and Sweets at the Fall Chocolate Salon!

The gift of scent is a special and intimate gift, and one that people can enjoy throughout the holidays and beyond. The gift of chocolate is pretty amazing, too, and you will find both at Taste TV’s 6th Annual Fall Chocolate Salon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 15 at the General’s Residence at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Get your tickets now! I will have perfumes and eau de parfums, beard balms, hydrosols, Face & Body Frostings (including my new Black Cat frosting), scent charm necklaces with NEW Jasmine and Tuberose perfume, and much more! You’ll find great gifts and stocking stuffers for $10 and up, so come see me, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Can’t make it? Visit the Purrfumery!

I know how busy the holiday season can be, and I am delighted to offer my Purrfumery friends a relaxed shopping experience by appointment. Where else can you sink into a plush sofa, sip tea with sweet Purrfumery honey, and nibble neroli orange truffles while you shop? I look forward to seeing you—give me a call or send me an email and let’s make an appointment! Come sniff and sample the magic of our natural world and find something for everyone on your list! Purrfumery products are $10 and up, and I’m happy to help you find the perfect gift.

Until next time. . .

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,

XOXO~Laurie

Happy Halloween from the Purrfumery!

Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!

I just returned from a beautiful and restful vacation to the east coast where I relished the salty sea air along the Jersey shore! What a treat it was to visit with friends and family, and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the beach.

Cool weather welcomed us home. Fall is here and the Purrfumery Garden is turning inward. But there are still some beauties to behold! Our roses and Datura are still blooming and the lemon verbena is gorgeous and fragrant. The change in the weather and the light inspires me to look inward, too. We did our honey harvest and it is amazing! I’ll start making mead from some of what we harvested very soon! I’m finding ways to mix sweet and spicy scents to warm things up a bit, and maybe stir some mystery…

Celebrate Halloween with Black Cat Frosting (and help animals, too)!

Perfume blogger Beth Schreibman Gehring  posted on Instagram that she wore Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Black Cat eau de parfum for the blood moon in September, and asked if I made a Black Cat Frosting. Thank you for the great idea, Beth! To celebrate Halloween and welcome the chilly weather, I whipped up a batch of this luscious, limited edition frosting that has all the magic and mystery of my Black Cat eau de parfum

This beguiling scent has been described as “almost edible” with “incredible staying power.” A little goes a long way! Feel the mystery and enchantment of mouth-watering cocoa, sensuous ylang ylang, juicy blood orange and a fun little hint of spicy aniseed myrtle. Fall is finally here!

I will be giving 10% of all sales to Alley Cat Allies, a national organization committed to humane treatment of cats, particularly ferals. There are still some superstitious folks out there and black cats feel the brunt of it. These animals are the most frequently euthanized type of cat, simply because of the color of their fur. Alley Cat Allies is known for working to end animal cruelty and promoting sensible spay/neuter rules. Thanks for all your great work, Alley Cat Allies!

Sultry and Sweet… Trick or Treat!

Everyone likes a little treat now and again, right? Indulge in glorious scent this season with Fleur de Caramel, available in liquid and crème perfumes, and highly dosed eau de parfum. I adore this award-winning scent, made with frangipani, tuberose and rare Tamil Nadu sandalwood. The perfume opens with tart red mandarin and spicy butterfly lily and comes to a scrumptious finish with my secret caramel accord. A gorgeous bloom of rich cognac and sultry, night-blooming frangipani lingers on the skin. I made the solid blend in a base of Tahitian vanilla infused organic jojoba oil, and the Purrfumery's own beeswax. Enjoy! And Happy Halloween, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms on Parade!

I’d like to send a big thank you to Jodi Battershell at Fragrantica for their review  of our Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm line! It just takes a small dab of our gorgeously scented Beard Balm to transform a rough and scruffy beard and deeply moisturize the skin. I drew on years of perfume-making experience to create my Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm line in Juniper & Cypress Forest; Piñon Desert; and Vetiver Breeze. Fragrantica’s favorite was Piñon Desert. Share some with a beardsman in your life!

Until next time…

Peace, love purrfume and kitty cats,

Laurie

Celebrate Mother's Day With A Free Hydrosol From The Purrfumery!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends,

I hope you’re enjoying spring as much as I am! The kitties love the season, too—they spend the day lounging in the Perfumer’s Garden when it’s in full bloom. Come see it for yourself! Call or email me to make an appointment and try out something new for your heart, soul and spirit this spring.

Mother’s Day is May 10

Where would we be without our mothers? I love to celebrate my mom, and all the women who are like a mom to me, with a little gift of thanks. Our moms are there for us and we love them for it! From May 1 to May 6, I will include a free rose or lavender hydrosol with any perfume or eau de parfum order. It’s my way of sending my love to moms everywhere! Make sure to indicate which hydrosol you’d like when you place your order.

Taming beards across the land

The kitties and I have been so pleased with the response to our new Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm. Beardsmen friends everywhere say they love the earthy, forest scent and the way it softens their beard and puts it in order. If you know a beardsman who needs some help with his beard, send some Mr. Whiskers his way! A soft, smooth, orderly beard can help make the world a more snuggly place.

Enjoy the Purrfumery in Spring!

If you’re looking for a new scent to celebrate the season, or if you just want to stock up on old favorites, give me a call or send me an email and schedule an appointment. I’d love to see you here at the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and scent-sniffing session! Call me at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Until then,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…

Xoxo, Laurie

 

 

Happy Spring & 25% off Perfumes until April 14th!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity with plenty of change and unexpected joy at the Purrfumery. The most obvious place to see the change is in the Perfumer’s Garden—the landscape is bursting with color and texture. The jasmine, wisteria and lemon blossoms have pushed their way into the spring air and their scents—sweet, fruity and light—welcome us each morning when we step outside. And the roses! They are full and gorgeous, opening and exhausting themselves while nearby buds linger and wait for their turn. It’s paradise here this time of year. I happily invite you for tea in the garden!

I'm a wisteria!

From perfume to… beards!

My line is also changing—I recently added Mr. Whisker’s Forest Beard Balm, a new product to help guys keep their beards neat and smooth and their skin soft. It all started when Gary asked me if I would whip up something for his beardmen friends who were totally into their fabulous beards! I stepped into my magical Purrfumery and blended French cypress, juniper, rose hip and avocado oils into a naturally anti-viral and anti-fungal beard balm. The beardsmen loved it so much, I decided to make more! I took it on the road to Tigerlily Perfumery in San Francisco for their Valentine’s Day event and Antonia took all that I made! Guys like its smooth, pliant texture and earthy scent, and their kitten loves (that’s what Gary calls me!) like it even more. It takes just a small dab of Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm to transform a rough and scruffy beard and deeply moisturize the skin. If you know beardsmen who need some attention, send them to the Purrfumery for some beard therapy!

Spring Fling Sale—25% off all perfumes for 1 week!

If you want to indulge—or just replenish your perfume collection—now is the time! From now until April 14th, I’m offering my Purrfumery friends 25 percent off on all perfumes, eau de parfum, Kittylicious perfume oils, and solid perfumes. Just type in jewel in the discount box. This is a great time to purchase the Fleur de Caramel solid perfume—the sterling silver jewel boxes are a rare find and in limited supply.

Get in the spirit of spring with Honey, a regal composition of French orange blossom and Moroccan and Bulgarian roses on a throne of deep vetiver, Madagascar vanilla, honey, the Purrfumery’s own beeswax, and propolis. Or try my Jasmine Orange Blossom eau de parfum from my Kittylicious line. This is the perfect scent for those spring days (and nights) when you want something that’s fruity, sweet and infinitely complex. Or try Bed of Roses, available in perfume and eau de parfum. This incredible scent features my exquisite, nine-rose distillation with accents of aged sandalwood, tuberose, boronia, orange blossom, and green mandarin.

And, if you can’t make up your mind, come see me at the Purrfumery and sniff and sample to your heart’s content! I’d be happy to help you find the perfect scent for the season.

The Purrfumery wins top honors at the Artisan Fragrance Salon

 It was fabulous to see all my Purrfumery friends in March at the Artisan Fragrance Salon in San Francisco. It was a great day and I was thrilled to take home a Gold Award for Best Packaging, two Silver awards for Most Unique and Top All-around Product Line, and a Bronze Award for Top Artisan Perfumer. Thank you, Salon organizers, for arranging such an excellent event!

I also participated in the creation of “The Fragrance Designer’s Primer” by AK Crump, which can be found on Amazon. This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the business of designing perfumes. It’s a must read! Very practical and informative.

Adding roses to honey—a delicious scented treat

My roses are in full bloom and I am always looking for new ways to put them to use. I distill and tincture them into my organic alcohols, but sometimes they smell so incredible, I just want to eat them! Last week I made my first rose-infused honey of the year and it is so delightful in tea and on scones that I just have to share it with you, my dear Purrfumery friends. Here’s how you make it:

Step 1: Pick some of your richest-smelling roses (use organically grown roses).

Step 2: Using a mortar and pestle, finely grind a handful of rose petals. (I use one or two roses that have many petals.)

Step 3: Stir the rose petal mixture into a container of honey and mix well. Let it sit for a few weeks to infuse. It is divine!

Enjoy this gorgeous season of love and renewal!

Until next time. . .

Peace, purrfume and kitty cats,

XOXO~ Laurie