Posted by LAURIE STERN on December 11, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!
I hope you are enjoying the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! The kitties and I have been very busy decking the halls with scented treats for you and yours, and we have some wonderful new perfumes to share with you. We also have our longtime favorites and lots of ideas for how you can spoil your friends and family this season!
Free shipping this week!
Don’t you just love free shipping, especially this time of year? From December 11th to the 18th, I will be offering free shipping on all orders, so take your time and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. And remember, everything you order from Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery is always beautifully packaged, so you can order online and ship directly to the lucky recipient. Your holiday shopping could be finished with the click of your mouse! Type in HAPPYHOLIDAYS in the discount box!
Introducing The Velvet Collection
Want to try new versions of Purrfumery’s favorites? Check out my newest line… The Velvet Collection!
The Velvet Collection is Highway, Honey and Black Cat, all in eau de parfum. Labeled and wrapped in luxurious new packaging, these Purrfumery favorites are available in two new sizes – 15 and 30 ml. This is the debut of Black Cat in a base of organic, vanilla-infused alcohol! Previously, Black Cat was only available in a jojoba oil dilution. Experience this gorgeous collection for yourself, or share them with someone you love. You can also find this collection at AveParfum.com.
Beat the chill with Whipped Frostings
I just hand-blended a new batch of Whipped Frostings to help you banish dry skin this season. These luxuriously scented Whipped Frostings moisturize your skin with a combination of organic oils that are rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for regenerative, anti-aging power. I love to spritz on a hydrosol first and then lock in the moisture with a frosting. We have Black Cat, Gardenia, Orange Blossom and Kashmir Rose Whipped Frostings—try them all!
Men’s Grooming – the perfect stocking stuffer
Want to help a beardsman tame the scruff? Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm, available in three memorable scents, keeps his beard neat and smooth. We have 10 ml and 1 ounce jars.
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 fragrant 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.
Scent lockets—get them while they’re still on the site!
Over the next few months, you may notice some of your old favorites are no longer on the site. That’s because I am editing, my dear Purrfumery friends! I’m taking a few things down, but there’s a good chance I may still have them when you visit me. Scent Lockets will be one of those Purrfumery treats that I will be removing from the site, though they will still be available here at the Purrfumery. Scent lockets make beautiful stocking stuffers and gifts, and they come in a range of styles and scents. We have ornate, vintage style lockets and they are selling very fast. Take a look! There are only a few of the Honey Cat, The Moon and the Stars, and Pigeon Perfume lockets left!
Still not sure?
I’m available for private appointments, so give me a call at 510-334-8824 or drop me an email at laurie@purrfumery.com and let’s get together at the Purrfumery! You can sniff and sample to your heart’s content and find the perfect gift to awaken the senses.
Until next time. . .
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,
XOXO~ Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on October 26, 2017 · Leave a Comment
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Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
It’s been an amazing few months and I have so much news to share!
Signature Scent and Limited Edition price changes coming soon
My newsletter subscribers are the first to know! I will be raising the prices of my Signature Scent and Limited Edition liquid and crème perfumes. It’s the first price change in 10 years, and I need to do it to meet the cost of my materials, which have gone up. Imagine that it takes 60 roses to make 1 drop of rose oil! The cost of labor has gone up, too, and many of the materials I use are processed by hand around the world.
Also, I am running very low on jewel boxes, and may not have these again, as the cost of silver has gone through the roof. So, if you have been eyeing a crème perfume, now is the time, my dear Purrfumery friends!
The price change will not affect Kittylicious or eau de parfums.
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Introducing The Velvet Collection at Avé Parfum
I’m delighted to introduce you to Avé Parfum, a beautiful new web-based perfume boutique that carries fragrances from perfumers who promise never to use cruel animal musks in their products. I met the proprietress, Elizabeth Rose, when she took my Spirit Perfumery class at Homestead Apothecary in Oakland. Elizabeth and I had a meeting of the minds—we are both dedicated to animal protection and had a dream of bringing niche and artisan perfumes from around the world to perfume lovers who wear only cruelty-free and animal musk-free scents. She asked me to create new dilutions of her favorite Purrfumery scents. I’m thrilled to support Avé Parfum’s mission of education, awareness, charity and compassion for animals.
Visit Avé Parfum and find these sumptuous Purrfumery favorites:
The Velvet Collection: Highway, Honey and Black Cat
Labeled and wrapped in luxurious new designs, these luscious Purrfumery favorites are all in eau de parfum and are available in two new sizes – 15 and 30 ml. This is the debut of Black Cat in a base of organic, vanilla-infused alcohol! Previously, Black Cat was only available in a jojoba oil dilution. Experience them in their new packaging for yourself, or share with someone you love.
The Velvet Collection will launch on Black Friday! I suggest visiting Avé Parfum’s website and subscribing to their newsletter (make sure it doesn’t go to spam), as they will announce a special offer for the launch. Samples will be available for purchase as well as full bottles of both sizes.
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Honey Harvest is complete
Gary and I, along with my cousins, just finished the honey harvest. I was dragging my feet a bit because it was so hot and smoky out, but the honey can’t wait! Now it’s done, and I have plenty of honey, beeswax and propolis for my perfumes (not to mention sweet goodness for our tea when you visit me)!
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Lending a hand in tough times
The day of the honey harvest was one of the worst fire days. We could see and smell the smoke from the tragic fires burning just north of our home. So many people and animals were displaced, and we continue to look for ways to help. We heard that the Milo Foundation, which is based in Point Richmond, had to evacuate their sanctuary in Willits. They were seeking people in safe locations to take in dogs and cats. For the month of November, the Purrfumery will donate a portion of all sales to support the Milo Foundation’s Fire Evacuation Fund. We’re pitching in to help wherever we can!
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New role with International Perfume Foundation
I am thrilled to announce that I have been named the new Director of Animal Conservation for the International Perfume Foundation (IPF), a non-profit organization based in Brussels. The IPF’s Mission is Education, Protection and Revitalisation of Culture and Perfume Heritage to Reconnect Human Society with the Beauty of Natural Fragrances and the Healing Power of Nature.
As IPF Director of Animal Conservation, my role is to ensure the development of animal cruelty-free and animal testing-free natural perfumes, provide guidance for IPF gorilla and bee research projects, and participate in IPF events.
The civet cat, musk deer and beaver suffer when musks are harvested for use in perfume. This has to stop. We have botanical replacements for musk, and cruelty to animals is unnecessary. My role with IPF is to educate perfumers about how they can use plants, seeds and other botanicals to create musk scents, and spare animals their current anguish. I believe that education is the best way to raise perfumer and consumer awareness.
Three IPF projects I will be involved in are the World Heritage Program, the replanting of flower fields for the bees, and gorilla olfactory research. Bees are disappearing in part because farmers are growing genetically modified flowers for market. These flowers are visually flawless, but they lack scent. This has become a huge problem for bees, an insect with an olfactory system that depends on scent. It has also become a problem for natural perfumers. Gorillas, other primates, and humans share similar olfactory senses. The difference is gorillas use their sense of smell to cure themselves instinctively with plants and flowers. I’m excited about the possibility that IPF research could lead to a better understanding of how plants and flowers could be used in cures for cancer and genetic diseases in humans.
When you’re looking for ways to implement change a world away, you need all the inspiration you can find! In October, I attended the World Conservation Expo and listened to the heroic stories of people who work with governments and communities to keep animals like lions, giraffes, cheetahs and elephants safe from harm. I met my hero, Jane Goodall, who has opened the world’s eyes to conservation and protecting chimpanzees.
In the few moments I had with Jane, I shared my own message of conservation and my new role with the IPF. It was an incredible experience to meet her – I have listened to her and learned from her for as long as I can remember! Her vision and drive give me hope.
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Pictured above: Meeting my hero Jane Goodall, IPF Director Creezy Courtoy studying gorillas in the field
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Visit me at the Purrfumery!
I look forward to carrying on the tradition of conservationists in my work with the IPF… and of course, with the kitties in the Purrfumery! My kitties and pigeons also encourage and inspire me! I attended and helped at the Pigeon Palomacy and Dove Adoption Fundraiser a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time! And, I am also thrilled to say that when I met Jane Goodall, I gave her a Pigeon Palomacy locket as a gift.
Please let me know if you would like to hear more about the work I’m doing with the IPF. Or, if you’d like to stop by the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and chat! The holidays are coming up, and I’m happy to meet with you and help you find something beautiful for your friends, loved ones, and for yourself.
Until next time!
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO~ Laurie
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Posted by LAURIE STERN on September 04, 2017 · Leave a Comment
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Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
Fall is around the corner! Soon, the flowers and plants in the Perfumer’s Garden will turn inward and begin to slowly rebuild for the next season. It’s a marvelous creative process and one that we mimic as humans, whether we realize it or not. We are constantly growing, changing and tapping into newfound creativity. This fall, I am teaching two classes that are stepping stones on the path to Natural Perfumery, a very unique and personal pastime that engages our intuition and sense of delight. I invite you to join me and indulge in the exquisite experience of turning inward.
Here are the classes I will be teaching:
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Spirit Perfumery Series at Homestead Apothecary, Oakland
Three classes –10/15/17; 10/22/17; 10/29/17 – Enroll in the series, or take just the class you need
In this series, you will experience a palette of natural materials, and learn the basics of making three kinds of perfumes: solid, liquid oil-based, and alcohol-based. Enroll in the series and get an overview of a range of perfume carriers; or take just the class you need. No experience is necessary, though the alcohol-based perfume class is more advanced. Curricula include lessons about top, middle and base notes; how accords (a series of notes that make a new scent) are made; how a natural perfume without isolates or petrochemicals is constructed; and how a botanical perfume evolves over time. You’ll also learn about some safety issues to consider when working with essential oils for perfumery. And, I will cover the ethics of animal testing and methods for avoiding materials that harm animals.
Small classes ensure plenty of personal attention.
Register for the class here:
https://homesteadapothecary.com/perfumery-spirit-series-laurie-stern/
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Fall & Winter Floral Scents and Arrangement Classes at Filoli
This fall and winter, master floral designer Pat Gibbons and I will be teaching dual classes that start with creating seasonal, decorative floral arrangements. During my part of the classes, you will have the opportunity to relax and inhale rare natural perfume essences and then blend your own room spray using natural wood and spice essences. Learn more and purchase your tickets at
https://filoli.org/event/new-series-floral-scents-and-arrangements/
A tip: These classes give you a unique and relaxing way to spend time with family and friends! Classes fill up fast, so book early.
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I look forward to seeing you in class, my dear Purrfumery friends!
If you’d like to make an appointment to visit the Purrfumery, contact me at 510-528-8040 or laurie@purrfumery.com
Until then,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO,
Laurie
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Posted by LAURIE STERN on July 31, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
Today I heard the “pop!” of a wisteria pod outside the Purrfumery! When the weather warms up, we often hear the wisteria’s velvet-soft pods snap and release their seeds, ensuring more vines and beautiful flowers in spring. It’s a fun and startling reminder that everything in nature is always changing. And that includes me!
Celebrating summer (and my birthday) with 20% off Kittylicious
I’m getting ready to have a birthday! I’d like to celebrate summer and my upcoming big day with a sale—20% off Kittylicious perfume from August 1 to August 7. Just enter the code LEOLOVE at checkout to receive your discount. It’s my way of saying “thank you!” Celebrate this amazing season with a new scent for you or someone you love.
Need help selecting? Make an appointment to visit the Purrfumery! We can have a cup of tea and you can sniff and sample to your heart’s content. Feel free to call me or email me, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Upcoming perfume-making classes
I’m getting ready to teach several Spirit Perfumery classes later this year. Won’t you join us? Spirit Perfumery classes are fun and deeply introspective. My students often tell me the class takes them to places they’ve never been. I’ll teach you the basics and then it’s up to you and your intuition to blend your own natural perfume.
Here are the details:
Spirit Perfumery Series at Homestead Apothecary, Oakland
Three classes – 10/15/17; 10/22/17; 10/29/17 – Enroll in the series, or take just the class you need
In this series, you will experience a palette of natural materials, and learn the basics of making three kinds of perfumes: solid, liquid oil-based, and alcohol-based. Enroll in the series and get an overview of a range of perfume carriers; or take just the class you need. No experience is necessary, though the alcohol-based perfume class is more advanced. Curricula include lessons about top, middle and base notes; how accords (a series of notes that make a new scent) are made; how a natural perfume without isolates or petrochemicals is constructed; and how a botanical perfume evolves over time. You’ll also learn about some safety issues when working with essential oils for perfumery. And, I will cover the ethics of animal testing and methods for avoiding materials that harm animals.
Small classes ensure plenty of personal attention. This class isn’t posted on Homestead Apothecary’s website just yet, but you can sign up for their newsletter to stay up-to-date on all of their classes. Learn more about classes and sign up for their newsletter at https://homesteadapothecary.com/
Fall & Winter Floral Scents and Arrangement Classes at Filoli
Are you looking for classes that satisfy all your senses? Have you been to Filoli? It’s a sprawling country estate and garden in Woodside and a wondrous place to roam… and learn. This fall and winter, master floral designer Pat Gibbons and I will be teaching duel classes that start with creating seasonal, decorative floral arrangements. During my part of the classes, you will have the opportunity to relax and inhale rare natural perfume essences and then blend your own room spray using natural wood and spice essences. Learn more and purchase your tickets at https://filoli.org/event/new-series-floral-scents-and-arrangements/
A tip: These classes give you a unique and relaxing way to spend time with family and friends! Classes fill up fast, so book early.
Spirit Perfumery at Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery
I’ve had several customers say they would be interested in Spirit Perfumery classes here at the Purrfumery. These classes are perfect for 6 to 10 people—let me know if you have a wedding party, or a work or social group that is looking for a unique activity.
Rates are $125 per person for a 2-hour class and $250 per person for a 4-hour class.
Creating a gorgeous, ethereal natural perfume by following your spirit and intuition can be life-changing. Take a personal journey using your intuition as your guide!
Let me know if you’d like to schedule a class. I hope to see you here!
Contact me at 510-528-8040 or laurie@purrfumery.com
Until then,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO~ Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on May 30, 2017 · Leave a Comment
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:
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Creating a structure: How to build your perfume’s top, middle and base notes using natural materials and volatility.
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Producing your perfume: How to blend your materials with organic alcohols and jojoba oil.
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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
Posted by LAURIE STERN on April 13, 2017 · Leave a Comment
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Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
The rain and sun have transformed the Purrfumery Garden into a wondrous maze of color and scent! I’ve watched the tiny yellow Lady Banks roses take over the garden and our other varieties aren’t far behind. The wisteria is starting its bloom and the irises are going wild. Now is a great time to make an appointment to come see me and witness the Perfumer’s Garden in spring.
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Place Your Mother’s Day Orders Early!
Free Shipping & Free 1 ounce Rose Hydrosol from now until April 25th!
The kitties and I will be unavailable for several weeks in May, so place your Mother’s Day orders early, before the end of April. My mom’s favorite hydrosol is Orange Blossom and I have some ready for her, and for you, too, my dear Purrfumery friends! I also have a gorgeousYlang Ylang hydrosol—this is a rare treat, so don’t wait to order this one!
For free shipping and hydrosol type in 'April Showers' in the discount box!
Need other Mother’s Day gift ideas? How about indulging Mom in ourKittylicious perfumes or one of our Scent Lockets? Or going with the “best gifts come in small packages” idea and wowing her with our Fleur de Caramel crème perfume? This is one of our most popular scents… and no wonder! I hand-blended Fleur de Caramel with some of the most exquisite materials anywhere, including jasmine, tuberose and rare Tamil Nadu sandalwood. Let me know if I can give you more gift ideas for the moms in your life. I am offering free shipping until April 25th, so place your orders and save!
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The Purrfumery at Skunk Works
I was delighted to be a part of Tigerlily’s first annual Skunk Works on April 8 in San Francisco, and share my perfumes with some of the world’s top Indie perfumers, like Andy Tauer, Jeffery Dame and many others! Skunk Works featured 13 perfumers, and each selected one fragrance from their collection that best embodied their “One Thing” statement. My one thing was “Exquisite, Whimsical, Botanical Perfumery,” and the perfume that best makes that statement is Jewelry of Heaven, with its heady mix of organic jasmine grandiflorum and Turkish and Himalayan roses. Perfume lover Ashton K. shares her perceptions of our work here… what a pleasure it was to work with her! Thank you, Ashton K., Antonia Kohl of Tigerlily, Jeffery Dame, and all the innovators who participated and shared their stories!
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Kyoko of Yumi Interiors Gives Me My Kitty Museum
We recently hit a major reset button on our house, in search of a fresh start. Interior designer Kyoko of Yumi Interiors has been a big part of that transformation, and I highly recommend her. She is a magician with color. I showed her things that I liked and she came up with colors and styles I would never have thought of! I told her I loved an ethnic, modern, and Victorian décor—very eclectic, for sure. She made it work! The house feels incredibly artistic, unusual, and luxurious. And, best of all, I finally got the Kitty Museum I have wanted my whole life! Kyoko chose these beautiful modern cabinets for my museum. Check them out, and if you want to make a change in your home or office, call Kyoko.
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Visit the Purrfumery
Looking for a new scent to welcome spring? Give me a call or send me an email and let’s schedule an appointment. I’d love to see you here at the Purrfumery for a cup of tea! Call me at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.
Until then,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO, Laurie
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Posted by LAURIE STERN on January 09, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Happy New Year, my dear Purrfumery friends!
We’ve kicked off 2017 at the Purrfumery, and I can only imagine the new scents we’ll explore together this year. I’m also starting to plan some new, fun projects and events… first on the list (drumroll, please) is TasteTV’s 1-Day Popup Shop from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 4 at Zinc Details, 1633 Fillmore Street, San Francisco. The Purrfumery will be there with other artisan, custom, niche and premium fragrance designers. Stop by and say hello, and find a new scent to inspire you in 2017! Perhaps it will be Rose Encens, which just received a fabulous review on CaFleureBon. Or maybe you’ll sample a scent locket of The Moon and the Stars, named Best Natural Perfume of 2016 by FragranceBellesLettres! Thank you CaFleureBon and FrangranceBellesLettres for acknowledging our perfumes and writing about your experience with them!
Perfume Sale is a Valentine’s Day Delight
Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday of the year. It’s a day where we all say “I Love You!” What could be more fun and whimsical? I always celebrate in a big way, and this year is no different! Until January 31st, I’m offering 20% off all Signature and Limited Edition liquid and crème perfumes. Make sure you type in Valentine's 2017 in the discount box! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience my most exquisite scents, hand-crafted from some of the most incredible and unique natural materials in the world. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Mojito’s first date powers… and other Kittylicious news
It’s been reported by several Purrfumery friends that Mojito has enchanting first-date powers. This could get interesting! Check it out <link to mojito> in its brand new packaging. We’ve created a new look for the entire Kittylicious line. Gold boxes tied with a bow? Yes, please! A bottle of Kittylicious is a gorgeous gift from the inside out!
For the beardsmen (and women, too)!
Looking for an excuse to get close with your guy, but dreading the bristle brush? Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms help guys keep their beards neat and smooth and their skin soft. Available in organic Juniper & Cypress Forest, Pinon Desert, and Vetiver Breeze. Get cozy!
And… I’m thrilled to hear women are using my beard balms as a hair treatment! It’s just light enough to give your hair a little burst of moisture and scent. No more frizzies for you!
Whipped Frostings banish the chill
It’s cold out there! Nourish your wind-chapped, thermostat-dried skin with my Whipped Frostings. Light and luxurious, Whipped Frostings are infused with incredible Purrfumery scents, like Black Cat, Kashmir Rose, Gardenia and Orange Blossom. Purrfumery friends near and far love this 100% natural combination of organic oils rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Don’t deny your skin the moisture it needs!
Time for Tea?
If you’re looking for a new scent, or if you just want to indulge in something new, 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
Posted by LAURIE STERN on December 08, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
The last few months have been so chaotic, haven’t they? Between the election and the dialog that’s followed, I’m channeling my sister more all the time. Gail was an art historian and curator at the Balch Institute for Ethnics Studies in Philadelphia and spent her career educating people through art. She used to say she didn’t like the word “tolerance” because it wasn’t strong enough. It didn’t go far enough. In Gail’s memory, I encourage you to embrace every culture and learn all you can about people who appear to be different than you. I believe you’ll find that we are all the same beneath the surface. Peace on Earth, my dear Purrfumery friends!
The kitties have been busy…
Thank goodness for my top-notch staff! While I was wringing my hands over the news, the kitties were hard at work getting ready for the holiday season. We have some beautiful gifts for you and yours…
New scents!
Evoke new beginnings with Highway, a warm and winding road of citrus, berries, cedarwood, vanilla, and blue spruce. Get romantic with Rose Encens, a deep, rich scent of rose that mingles with tart Italian blood orange and sacred Frankincense. Or, take a little trip to a faraway place with Eze, the scent of the Mediterranean… it beckons with lavender, rose geranium, myrtle and jasmine.
Scent lockets – so many choices!
Purrfumery scent lockets make beautiful stocking stuffers and gifts, and they come in a range of styles and scents. We have ornate, vintage style lockets, Honey Cat and Pigeon lockets and gorgeous floral lockets. Take a look!
For the man who has everything… and a beard
Don’t forget the beardsmen! Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms help guys keep their beards neat and smooth and their skin soft. Available in organic Juniper & Cypress Forest, Pinon Desert, and Vetiver Breeze. Banish the bristle and get cozy!
Kittylicious line gets even cuter!
Whew! I told you we’ve been busy! We’ve created a whole new look for our super popular Kittylicious line—check out the darling gold book boxes that shimmer in the light. Perfect size for stocking stuffers, or as a gorgeous gift on its own!
Free Organic Bulgarian Rose hydrosols with your purchase over $50
Who doesn’t love a pick-me-up spritz? Hydrosols are light and lovely and add just a hint of scent. I’ll be including a free 2 ounce rose hydrosol ($25.00 value!) with every purchase of $50 through December 18th. Beautiful, romantic smelling rose-water is traditionally used to ease stress and tension, encourage sensuality and openness, and as a toner for mature skin. It’s my way of saying Happy Holidays, my dear Purrfumery friends!
I’m available for private appointments, so give me a call at 510-528-8040 or drop me an email at laurie@purrfumery.com and let’s get together at the Purrfumery! You can sniff and sample to your heart’s content and find something to soothe your soul… or awaken it. Your choice!
Honoring our precious Luma
On a very sad note… We lost our beloved kitty, Luma this week. She was a really quirky girl and has lived on our kitchen counter for the last year. That’s what she wanted and we respected that. Her adorable face is on our crest and all of our perfume labels. I called her the Velvet & Sweet Pea’s spokesmodel. Here’s a picture of her a few months ago at a lunch I had for some friends. Lisa—Luma’s kitty fairy godmother—folded her napkin on her plate and Luma crawled up and fell asleep. Lisa just ate her Cheese Board pizza on the side and Luma was luminescent and the centerpiece of the soiree. We will deeply miss her.
Until next time…
Peace, love purrfume and kitty cats,
Xoxo, Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on October 28, 2016 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by LAURIE STERN on October 05, 2016 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by LAURIE STERN on July 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Summer in the Bay Area is always a surprise, especially for visitors. It may be 100 degrees on one side of the Bay, while it’s misty and cool in the hills overlooking the Golden Gate. The Perfumer’s Garden flourishes in our cool summers, and today I am standing in awe over the roses, irises, yarrow… and listening to the bees buzzing. If you’re entertaining family or friends this season and want to share a unique and experiential scent adventure with them (and beat the heat), give me a call or drop me an email to make an appointment.
And, until August 1st, I will include a free lavender bath salt with all purchases over $50! Come see me, my dear Purrfumery friends!
New perfume! Highway celebrates our collective wanderlust
I’m thrilled to announce my newest perfume, Highway for men and women! Blogger Beth Schreibman Gehring describes it as “that elegant gypsy of a scent, the perfume that’s arrived in my life just in time for all of my new adventures.”
Highway expresses my passion for life, love, and the wanderlust that we all feel now and again. It’s a perfume inspired by a song… I had been listening to The Highwayman, sung by Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings… It’s a song about reincarnation and life’s changes and heartbreaks. That rambling, roaming change and the fluid nature of our lives is at the heart of this perfume.
The Purrfumery hits the road
Speaking of roaming, the Purrfumery will be on the road this summer.
Woodside, CA
I will be at the Filoli Summer Surprises event from 3-4 p.m. on August 5 for Sweet Intoxication: The Magical Union between Bees, Flowers, and Natural Perfumery. I will be presenting with Filoli Instructor Pat Gibbons and sharing flower and plant essences and the art of natural perfumery. Join us for a fun and informative day at beautiful Filoli!
Oakland, CA
Then, on September 11, I will be at Homestead Apothecary teaching my class “Perfumery for your Spirit, or trusting your nose to know what’s good for you!” We will start with a mini-Perfumery Adventure, and you will have the rare opportunity to smell aromatic treasures from around the globe including Bulgarian Rose Otto, 100-year-old Indian Sandalwood, night blooming jasmine and Oud. Using what you learn during the Adventure, and guided by your intuition, you will create your own natural, organic perfume that speaks to your heart.
This is an excellent class for people who want to understand the technical and ethereal aspects of perfume-making. You will learn about top, middle and base notes, how a natural perfume is constructed and how it evolves over time. You will also learn some safety issues to consider when working with essential oils for perfumery.
Email me at laurie@purrfumery.com if you are interested, or contact Homestead Apothecary. I look forward to seeing you there!
Have you tried the Purrfumery’s room sprays?
A fragrant room can set the mood and delight every visitor. The Purrfumery’s Natural and Organic Scented Mists are perfect to spritz in the air, on pillows and sheets, and even on your skin! Forest Mist, a mix of fir, pine and cedar essences, brings the forest to any room. These earthy, fresh essences are naturally beneficial to the respiratory system. Lavender Rose Geranium combines a trio of complementary flowers and plants, perfect for promoting a restful sleep. Put one in every room in your home and inhale deeply!
Your thoughts?
I am thinking of doing a Fall Spirit Perfume Workshop here at the Purrfumery. What do you think? Drop me an email and let me know if you’d be interested in a workshop at the Purrfumery. Hope to see you sometime soon!
Until next time…
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,
XOXO~ Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on June 06, 2016 · Leave a Comment
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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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