Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!
Happy Spring to you! I hope you are all enjoying the wonders of this gorgeous season and the renewal that's happening all around us. I'm still buzzing from the incredible journey Gary and I made to Michoacán, Mexico to see the Monarch butterfly migration. Have you heard of this? Every spring, Monarch butterflies in the mountains of Michoacán procreate and send their next generation north to Canada, creating an absolutely amazing spectacle for humans on the ground.
We climbed at about 10,000 feet on horseback, looking up into the blue sky... Soon, we saw one or two butterflies. Then we saw a dozen or more and before long, there were millions of butterflies floating by like a beautiful, magical dream! It is truly inspiring to see these tiny, fragile creatures begin their migration – they will fly thousands of miles! We all stood there in awe, just trying to imagine the terrain the butterflies would fly over during their journey. I like to call the mountains where the butterflies stay "Woodstock for Butterflies." It's where they drink from the rivers, procreate and flourish until it's time to take flight! We must not take them for granted, though!
A study in the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity reported that Monarchs have declined over the years because of the loss of milkweed (their favorite food), land development, severe weather, pesticides, and more. We learned so much about these amazing creatures! Did I mention the wildflowers? They are everywhere in the mountains of Michoacán and they are just exquisite. This was a great little trip – the perfect way to rejuvenate and rediscover the magic of nature.
Scented Treasures Just for Mom
And now I'm ready for Mother's Day! I would be delighted to have you and your mom (or moms!) visit the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and a Perfumery Adventure or a
Custom Perfume Experience. During the Perfumery Adventure, I will take you and Mom through the history and mythology of perfume making and offer you the rare opportunity to smell aromatic treasures from around the globe. Blue Lotus, Bulgarian Rose Otto, 100-year old Indian Sandalwood, White Ginger Lily absolute… Perfumery Adventures also include a sumptuous little goody bag that I put together just for Mom!
Or, lavish Mom with a Custom Perfume Experience, which begins with a Perfumery Adventure. The essences that Mom loves most from her adventure become the basis of her very own, signature scent! This is the ultimate luxury – leisure time spent in the Purrfumery sniffing and talking about the scents she loves and why. Purrfumery friends who have chosen the Custom Perfume Experience say it's a relaxing and joyful experience, and that enjoying their own custom perfume reminds them that they are loved and cherished! I am happy to answer questions about these experiences, dear Purrfumery friends. Feel free to call me at 510-528-8040 or email
laurie@purrfumery.com to learn more.
Velvet & Sweet Pea's Gift Collections are another wonderful way to celebrate Mom! We also highly recommend our
Scent Charms, popular vintage-style brass lockets with Rose Jasmine and Jasmine Orange Blossom solid perfume. Scent Charms hang on super-soft velvet cords and arrive in a delicate organza bag – they are beautiful and fun to wear and use! I will include a free Scent Charm with all orders over $150 through May. Happy Mother's Day to all!
Art a la mode
The kitties and I have a kinship with art and artists, and we want to share the latest news with you! We are thrilled to announce that Heidi Rand, a wonderful photographer, artist (and writer!) has released her newest ebook, "
Sell Your Artwork & Crafts Online: An Insider's Guide to the Worldwide Arts Market." If you are an artist or know someone who is, this is a wonderful, step-by-step guide to selling arts and crafts in cyberspace. Heidi tapped her own rich experience as an artist and reached out to others as well, including Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery. We love Heidi's book, and not just because she featured us! Congratulations, Heidi, and thank you! And, if you are planning a wedding, we have some very creative and artistic new favors to share with you from
Pat Gibbons Floral Designs. Pat is a wonderful friend and longtime floral designer who has expanded her business with a product line called Flower Fusion. Pat's new line features decorative, hand-painted and kiln-fused glass magnets that are based on the bride's color scheme. These charming magnets make beautiful decorations and favors for your guests. A fellow beekeeper, Pat also has some yummy favors, too – 1.5 ounce jars of pure, local honey! And, if you'd like a special memento of your wedding day, Pat also creates hand-painted and kiln-fused depictions of the bridal bouquet. All are gorgeous and artful ways to remember and share your special day! Email Pat at
pat@patgibbonsfloral.com to learn more about her Flower Fusion line.
Farewell to an Icon
It's sad to talk about this, but it's time. I thought you all should know that Sweet Pea, our dear little kitty who along with Velvet inspired me to start my Purrfumery, passed earlier this year. Sweet Pea came from very dire beginnings; but she was so loving and sweet – you would never know the pain she had endured. Velvet and Sweet Pea both were lab animals – they taught me so much and are the reason why I am so dedicated to being cruelty free and animal musk free. More on that to come! Thank you to everyone who has sent warm wishes and condolences. We are doing ok, though of course, we miss her very much! Love you, Sweet Pea.
Looking for Love
One of my good friends just let me know that she recently had to turn over Sylvie and Fluffy – two kitties she had been fostering – to the SPCA. Fluffy is about 4 and Sylvie is 3 –they are both very sweet and affectionate and love to play. They also get along great with other cats. Both have been fully vetted and chipped and both are in perfect health. If you are looking for a friend (or friends!) to share your life with, ask about them at Maddie's Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 or call 415-522-3500 Fluffy: 15682727 Sylvie: 15682760 Thank you, my dear Purrfumery friends! Enjoy this gorgeous time of year! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats,
~XOXO, Laurie
