Posted by LAURIE STERN on November 27, 2020 · Leave a Comment
|
A quick note to let you know about the holiday treats I am offering!
10% Discount + A Free Gift!
Great news! I am extending the 10 % off discount through December 7th! Type JOANBAEZ in the discount box.
And each order comes with a free gift! Your choice: I have beautiful, soothing Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol, or Breathe, a new, scented roll-on oil I blended this season. Breathe is a treat for your respiratory system – I blend it with natural materials from trees, like fir and juniper. Just let me know what you would prefer in the notes section with each order!
|
|
|
Need Gift Ideas?
Luminous Lemurs Perfume
NEW! If you are looking for a unique gift that will make a difference a world away, try my new perfume, Luminous Lemurs! This scent will transport you to the forests of Madagascar with notes of ylang ylang, 20-year-old Madagascar vanilla and sandalwood, antique clove and nutmeg. I am giving half the proceeds from Luminous Lemurs to Centre ValBio, led by Dr. Patricia Wright, who is working to save Madagascar lemurs by replenishing the forests with native trees.
Read all about it! Thank you Jodi Battershell of Solidly Scented for the review!
Luminous Lemurs Bath Salts
NEW! Lavish your body and senses with a ylang ylang scented soak in the tub. Just like the perfume, a generous portion of the proceeds from the sale of these bath salts go directly to Centre ValBio to help our lemur friends.
Luminous Lemurs Whipped Frosting
NEW! A beautiful new addition to the Frosting family! I hand blend this ylang ylang and carnation frosting with organic oils that are rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Great for a scented pick-me-up that will drench dry, wind-burned skin. A generous portion of the proceeds of this frosting go directly to Centre ValBio.
Luminous Lemurs Gift Set
Together at last! This luxurious gift set combines Luminous Lemurs Perfume, Bath Salts, and Frosting. More help for Madagascar lemurs!
|
|
|
Lilac Enfleurage Whipped Frostings
To create natural lilac enfleurage, a perfumer must immerse bushels of lilac flowers in organic vegetable fat to draw the vapors out of tiny flower petals. They continue this process for 33 days, watching the flowers vigilantly, and quickly removing wilted flowers to replace them with new flowers. The result of their labor is exquisite enfleurage, a rare jewel that costs $1,000 an ounce. My Lilac Enfleurage Whipped Frosting is not a slather-it-on kind of moisturizer. It’s a glorious treat to savor for its temporary scented rush, and that moment of bliss and pleasure.
I hand-blend all of my Whipped Frostings with organic oils that are rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – they’re super-hydrating and ultra-nourishing. My other lovely Frostings include Black Cat, Gardenia, Kashmir Rose, Orange Blossom, and Luminous Lemurs. I make the Gardenia enfleurage with 150 fresh gardenias! Try them all and find your favorite! But don’t wait – they sell out fast!
|
|
|
Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms
Beardsmen will love our line of Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms in Juniper & Cypress, Piñon Desert, and Vetiver Breeze. These super-nourishing and ultra-soft balms soften the beard and the skin underneath.
|
|
Kittylicious Eau de Parfum
Black Cat, Mojito, Jasmine Orange Blossom, Rose Jasmine, Eze and Rose Ensens! These are among my most popular scents for adults and teens too. Kittylicious scents arrive in a roll-on bottle, tucked into a luxurious gold box with their own scent card. These make gorgeous gifts and stocking stuffers!
|
|
|
Need Assistance?
If you have questions or want to brainstorm gift-giving ideas, let me know! You are also welcome to pick up your treats at the Purrfumery! I can set up a table outside with testers and we can socially distance for a short visit. Call me at 510-334-8824 or laurie@purrfumery.com
Until then. . .
Peace, love, purrfume, social justice and kitty cats,
Laurie
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on November 09, 2020 · Leave a Comment
|
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
In these moments of uncertainty about pretty much everything, I’m comforted by the seasons that never fail us. Like clockwork, fall followed summer and the plants and flowers in the Perfumer’s Garden tucked themselves in for a well-deserved rest before they emerge again in the spring. And the Purrfumery is always a source of delight for me. Truffle, Kitty Magic and Buttercup are so reliable – they show up for work every day to help me get your orders ready. Thank goodness for kitties!
|
|
|
10% off EVERYTHING + a Free Gift with Every Purchase
We’re extra busy right now with the holidays coming up. People are starting to place their orders, and I think that’s a good idea, given some of the shipping delays I’ve seen. With the shelter-in-place and social distancing, you may not be doing as many in-person gift exchanges with family and friends this year. To make things easy for you, I am offering 10% off EVERYTHING in the Purrfumery until November 30th. That means you can order individual gifts and have them shipped to each of your loved ones. You’ll save 10% on each order you place. Type JOANBAEZ in the discount box.
I am also including a free Breathe roll-on with every order. Breathe is a treat for your respiratory system – I blend it with natural materials from trees, like fir and juniper. Humans have been using these materials to relax and soothe their souls for thousands of years. Go ahead and take a deep breath to get you through!
Best of all, everything you order from the Purrfumery is custom-wrapped in beautiful packaging – everything we do is a gift from the inside out. I take special care with each and every one of your gifts!
|
|
|
A Gift that Helps Lemurs of Madagascar
Lemurs are native to Madagascar, and they have been threatened by deforestation. I don’t want to imagine a world where lemurs are extinct! I am doing something to help, and you can too!
My new perfume, Luminous Lemurs is a beautiful, juicy, and complex scent I mixed using ylang ylang that my friend Susan brought me from Madagascar and my 20-year-old Madagascar vanilla. I also used other spices that grow in Madagascar, like antique clove, nutmeg, and my rare and amazing 20-year-old sandalwood. I am giving half the proceeds from Luminous Lemurs to Centre ValBio, led by Dr. Patricia Wright, who is working to save Madagascar lemurs and help indigenous people through research and education. Centre ValBio has created jobs for the people of Madagascar that include planting vanilla orchids that farmers will eventually harvest and sell. Centre ValBio workers also plant native trees that will replace what has been overharvested so lemurs can have their home in the trees again.
The center has been hit hard by COVID and travel cancellations, and the money that the Purrfumery and others are donating is helping them to continue their work to help lemurs thrive.
Thank you for sharing Luminous Lemurs and helping the lemurs of Madagascar! I’d also like to give a shout out to award-winning writer Ida Meister for her review of Luminous Lemurs in CaFleureBon! Thank you, Ida!
|
|
|
Gift Ideas to Warm the Heart
Everywhere I look, I see emotion. This is such an emotional time for so many of us. We may want to enhance some of our emotions, and quiet others. I create my perfumes with our emotional well-being in mind:
Highway: This is a scent that speaks to the roaming heart and to new beginnings. I find this scent very indulgent with its winding road of citrus, berries, cedarwood, vanilla, and blue spruce.
Fir-ever Young: I find serenity in the forest, and this scent takes me to a wilderness of Douglas fir, silver fir, grand fir, blue spruce, juniper, and more. There, they entwine with green and fruity florals, juicy citruses and black currants, and with frankincense and agarwood for just a hint of smoke. This scent is a limited edition, and I don't have much of it left -- try it now before it's gone fir-ever!
Rose Jasmine: Rose soothes and comforts the soul and jasmine helps to calm stressful feelings. This is one of my most popular scents for a very good reason!
Bed of Roses: This is the ultimate rose perfume. I find it both deeply restful and completely inspiring! I created an accord of nine incredible roses and cushioned it with aged Tamil Nadu sandalwood, dark chocolate and rich cognac. You’ll also find accents of tuberose, Boronia, orange blossom and green mandarin here too.
|
|
|
Meet Monica Miller
I would like to introduce you to my friend Monica Miller, a poet and fellow natural perfumer. She wrote a poem about Luminous Lemurs, and I am so honored! She asks…
If you could save just one thing
To honor and to cherish
To gaze at and adore
What would it be?
You can read the rest of the poem here.
Monica makes beautiful botanical products, available on Etsy. I have her Healing Herbs Face Balm, Pink Pollen Lip Balm, Aromatic Healing Balm, and Kama Deva Love Potion. I adore them all! She sustainably grows her own herbs, makes her own tinctures, keeps bees, and puts so much care into her products. She's amazing and her products are fantastic! Be sure to check them out this holiday season! You can find her on Etsy here.
|
|
|
Here to Help
If you have questions or want to brainstorm gift-giving ideas, let me know! Call me at 510-334-8824 or laurie@purrfumery.com
Until then. . .
Peace, love, purrfume, social justice and kitty cats,
XOXO
Laurie
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on September 02, 2020 · Leave a Comment
|
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
I hope this email finds you safe and well. This has been a scary and very challenging time here at my Purrfumery. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area and wildfires caused by recent lightning storms are not far away. The smoke is thick and the air quality has been hazardous to breathe. I know many folks who have been threatened by the fires, and I hope they stay safe. It's a weird time to be launching a new perfume, but I’ve created a scent that has a larger purpose: to help the lemurs of Madagascar. Here’s the latest on how I’m using my art to help wildlife.
Did you know that male ring-tail lemurs attract their mates with a scent gland on their wrists that exudes a lovely, fruity floral smell? I love this! And, while we’re all getting ready for autumn here in the U.S., it’s spring in Madagascar and time for lemur babies to be born! These are some of the fun facts I’ve learned in my quest to help these incredible animals. I’m delighted to introduce you to my new perfume, Luminous Lemurs, a scent that was born from a gift, and will in turn become a gift.
|
|
|
Inhale Deeply to Save the Lemurs of Madagascar
Late last year, my friend Susan Wheeler brought me ylang ylang essential oil from a distillery that she visited in Madagascar. She told me about the lemurs she saw on her trip, and how the dense forests where they live and raise their families are being lost to deforestation. But there is hope! Centre ValBio, led by Dr. Patricia Wright, is working to save Madagascar lemurs and help indigenous people through research and education. Before COVID-19, Centre ValBio was doing ok. Now, with tourism and study abroad programs put on hold, the center could lose decades of progress it has made in the community. Susan loves lemurs and is raising money for Centre ValBio – she asked me to help with her fundraiser, and I got to work on a new perfume to raise awareness!
A generous portion of the proceeds from the sale of Luminous Lemurs will go to Centre ValBio to help Dr. Wright continue her work. Purrfumery funds will help build tree corridors for lemurs and other wildlife to roam, and help girls from remote villages attend high school. These funds will also help local villagers who work at the center so they can continue their efforts.
Luminous Lemurs is a beautiful, juicy, and complex scent I mixed using the ylang ylang Susan brought me and my 20-year-old Madagascar vanilla. I also used other spices that are found in that part of the world, like antique clove, nutmeg, and my rare and amazing 20-year-old sandalwood.
|
|
 |
| A lemur poster that I have had for over 25 years, given to me by a lemur researcher! I have always loved lemurs! |
|
|
Dosing and Packaging
Luminous Lemurs is available in eau de parfum and solid perfume strength. The solid is more highly dosed than the eau de parfum, but only by a little. I created the packaging with those fabulous lemurs in mind – I imagine them jumping and running through the forests of Madagascar, branches and leaves flying!
Solid 3 ml and 5 ml Starlight boxes are packaged in purple velvet pouches with lush, luminous leaves. The sterling, opal-esque jewel boxes are stunning and I’ve tucked them into petite Luminous Lemur boxes. Eau de parfum is available in 4 ml, 15 ml or 30 ml atomizer spray bottles. Eau de parfum bottles are packed in purple velvet pouches with lush, luminous leaves. I am also offering a limited edition, 30 ml Brosse crystal flacon. The perfect gift for collectors, it arrives in a one-of-kind, handmade, large Luminous Lemurs box.
I bought the little lemurs that adorn the collectors’ boxes in San Francisco’s Chinatown more than 25 years ago. I bought just a few – I knew I would find the perfect use for these magical whatnots one of these days. And here we are! My husband Gary just shook his head. This is a word to all the collectors out there: You will spend a lifetime collecting whimsical curios and magical delightful whatnots. They will be the perfect thing you need someday! Trust yourself!
Thank you for indulging in my latest scent and making a difference for animals and people, my dear Purrfumery friends!
|
|
|
Making a New Perfume Is…
Someone asked me the other day what it’s like to make a new perfume. It’s a magical challenge! It’s a delicious disappearance into a world where time doesn’t matter anymore. The only thing that matters is my intuition, and listening to my inner voice when the perfume tells me it’s done.
I talk about this magical world in this video that my dear friend Ruby Solomita, a wonderful and creative artist who I have known since she was born, made during her recent visit. Thank you, Ruby!
And, you can visit me on IGTV on Instagram – I’m doing some fun things over there and would love for my Purrfumery friends to follow me! My handle is @velvetandsweetpeaspurrfumery. See you there!
|
|
|
One Thing Leads to Another
It’s funny how life works in a circle. I have always been in awe of the natural world, and my life-long mission has been to protect the Earth and animals from harm. When I researched how to respect the planet and help animals, I learned about sustainability. Almost 20 years ago, I heard about the overharvesting of sandalwood and chose not to buy any more. More recently, the perfume world is talking about the overharvesting of Frankincense and Madagascar vanilla. I stopped buying these materials many years ago too – instead, I am carefully using what I have.
Sustainability and conservation go hand-in-hand. Today, so many animals are suffering from humanity’s push to have everything we want and everything we think we need. I want to be part of the solution. COVID-19 has made it even more clear to me that the purpose of my work is to help animals and indigenous communities. I have a few other ideas for scented treasures I am making in the name of conservation – more to come soon!
Until then. . .
Peace, purrfume, social justice, lemurs, and kitty cats,
XOXO
Laurie
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on April 22, 2020 · Leave a Comment
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on February 04, 2020 · Leave a Comment
|
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
If I had to guess, I would say the winter holidays are the kitties’ favorite time of year. There is so much to do in the Purrfumery with all the gift wrap, bows, and magical whatnots, and of course they want to be right in the middle of it all. They’re very helpful!
|
|
|
20% off Everything at the Purrfumery
The Purrfumery has something for everyone on your list, and it’s all 20% off until December 5th. You don’t need a discount code, it will automatically be in your cart! Looking for recommendations?
New Lilac Enfleurage Frosting: Subtle and sublime and light as a cloud! I sourced this rare lilac enfleurage from the only person I know of in the world who makes it. The Purrfumery’s Lilac Enfleurage Frosting is made with fresh, true lilac pomade and absolute. It’s a true lilac scent that is extremely rare for natural perfumery! The scent is very soft—perfect for those of us who prefer a light scent when we moisturize. I have a very limited supply—don’t wait to order.
And, all my other Frostings are back, too. Treat dry, chapped, cold-weather skin to a dose of moisture with Black Cat, Gardenia, Kashmir Rose and Orange Blossom Frostings.
|
|
|
New Corsage Perfumes: All of my new perfumes—Flame Brocade, Moonlight and Mystère Dévoilé—are adorned with a hand-tied corsage or ring that you can wear. I make each corsage and ring with my collection of antique French ribbons and velvet flowers—each one is unique!
All of my new perfumes are exquisite and rich, but I am partial to Flame Brocade on a wintery night! It’s warm and transporting with its mix of tuberose, frangipani, and antique cinnamon in a yummy vanilla sandalwood base. Moonlight is a spicy warm homage to the opulent Oriental perfumes of the 1920s. It indulges the senses with a floral, citrus opening and a heart set in an accord of Indian jasmine, Madagascar ylang ylang and Egyptian carnation. And Mystère Dévoilé… A mystery unveiled! Lush and floral, Mystère Dévoilé unfurls generous notes of Indian jasmine, Lisbon lemon, and Italian blood orange before finding its heart in fruity Chinese osmanthus and Orris butter. Flame Brocade, Moonlight and Mystère Dévoilé come in sterling silver jewel boxes or Starlight compacts. Don’t forget to tell me when you make your purchase if you want a ring or pin-on corsage, or if you have a color preference!
Eze and Jasmine Orange Blossom Kittylicious Perfumes: These are two of my most popular scents, and I am now offering them in sustainable and refillable bottles. When you run low, I will refill them!
Named after the famed French perfume village, Eze is a blend of lemon, lavender, rose geranium and jasmine that finishes with the healing warmth of Labdanum rock rose. And Jasmine Orange Blossom... this is one of my personal favorites. I set French orange blossom and narcotic night-blooming jasmine in a base of Tahitian vanilla-infused organic jojoba oil. Divine!
Bed of Roses Parfum or Eau de Parfum: A holiday favorite! I hand-blended nine distinct roses to form an accord—a harmonious and opulent new rose scent. This accord is part of what makes Bed of Roses so special... and so toasty warm. Indulge in the rose and you’ll find notes of aged Tamil Nadu sandalwood, dark chocolate and rich cognac, and accents of tuberose, Boronia, orange blossom and green mandarin. This is a deep and mysterious rose creation that contains some of the rarest natural treasures on earth.
|
|
|
Affordable Delights To Inhale Deeply!
The Purrfumery is a perfect stop for stocking stuffers, or for those special occasions when you want to give a little something.
Here are a few ideas for fun, affordable gifts... and they are all 20% off until December 5th.
Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms: Beardsmen will love our line of Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms in Juniper & Cypress, Piñon Desert, and Vetiver Breeze. Tame the scruff!
Hydrosols: Hydrosols come in a spray bottle and deliver an uplifting burst of gorgeous scent. Keep them with you to refresh and hydrate your skin, anywhere. Available in Organic Lavender and Bulgarian Rose Water.
Bath Salts: Give the gift of sumptuous, relaxing scents for the tub! Our trio of bath salts is a delightful introduction to the Purrfumery, and we also have small and large containers of your favorites.
Happy Holidays, my dear Purrfumery friends!
|
|
|
Sharing Perfume Lore with the World
One more gift idea for you! Perfume lover and collector Creezy Courtoy has released her new book, The Perfume Roads, a thorough history of perfumery from ancient times. This gorgeous, hard-bound coffee table book is beautifully illustrated with images from Creezy’s own perfume collection, and it will take you on a journey from ancient times to our modern day. This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves perfume, design, art, history... I love to get cozy in the evenings with a cup of tea and flip the pages! Here is a link where you can buy it: https://www.perfumefoundation.org/the-perfume-roads.html
|
|
|
Visit the Purrfumery
Please let me know if you’d like to visit this holiday season! I would love to see you and help you select gifts for yourself and everyone on your list. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.
Until next time,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats
XOXO
Laurie
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on January 13, 2020 · Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
Happy New Year to you all! In just a few short weeks we will be celebrating the wonders of love and friendship, and our cute little friend Cupid! Valentine’s Day is my favorite day of the year. It’s a day when we open our hearts to love – and not just romantic love, but the fondness and care we feel for everyone in our lives. It’s a perfect day for a sweet treat, and a lavishly wrapped gift from Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery!
|
|
|
20% off all Purrfumery products
From today until this Sunday, January 19th, I am offering 20% off all Purrfumery products. There is something for everyone you love at the Purrfumery, and here are my top recommendations for you! Type in CUPID in the discount box.
|
|
|
For the Guys
Beards are still hot and Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm keeps them soft and neat. Does your guy have a favorite beard balm? Or do you want to spoil him with a sampler of all three? Your choice!
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.
If cologne is more his thing, try the Purrfumery’s Terrain or Firever Young, two incredible scents I created from deep, rich, earthy materials. I created Terrain for my husband Gary, who is not a “perfume guy,” and spends his days digging in the earth, planting, and building. Terrain is a blend of Mexican lime with wild Bulgarian geranium, Japanese yuzu, frankincense and rare sandalwoods, including Tamil Nadu from India. Firever Young, mentioned in Oprah magazine a few years ago, blends the woodsy scent of Douglas fir, silver fir, grand fir, blue spruce, and juniper with green and fruity florals and juicy citrus. The great outdoors is always inspiring!
|
|
|
For the Travelers and Ramblers
Solids have become more popular for people on the go – you just tuck them into a purse or pocket and hit the road. My three new solid perfumes – Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade – arrive with a lovely little corsage you can wear, made from antique ribbons, flowers, and magical whatnots! Be my lovely Valentine?
Moonlight is intensely floral with Indian jasmine, Madagascar ylang ylang and Egyptian carnation and inspired by the magical, luminous Orientals of the 1920s. Mystère Dévoilé – or “a mystery unveiled” – is also lush and floral, with notes of Indian jasmine, Italian blood orange, Lisbon lemon and a heart full of Chinese osmanthus and orris butter. And Flame Brocade… it opens with the spicy warmth of antique cinnamon and black pepper and evolves into a narcotic blend of sultry frangipani and tuberose. Inhale deeply!
|
|
|
For Anyone with Dry Skin!
The combination of cold winter air outside and heated air inside can cause dry skin that stubbornly resists many lotions. Have you tried the Purrfumery Frostings yet? Purrfumery friends have reported that they are the only moisturizers that work for extreme dryness. My newest is Lilac Enfleurage Frosting, made with fresh lilac pomade and absolute. Subtle and sublime and light as a cloud! The scent is very soft—perfect for those of us who prefer a light scent when we moisturize. I have very few left – don’t wait to order.
My other deeply moisturizing Frostings are Black Cat, Gardenia, Kashmir Rose and Orange Blossom.
|
|
|
For Honey Connoisseurs
Opulent and rich, Honey parfum is one of the Purrfumery’s most popular scents. What makes it so special and beloved? For some it’s the French orange blossom opening, for others it’s the whiff of Moroccan and Bulgarian roses. Everyone seems to agree that you can’t go wrong with Madagascar vanilla and a base of rare Tamil Nadu sandalwood. If you love Honey, you want to share it. It’s an incredible gift, and it’s 20% off until January 19th, this Sunday. Available as a liquid parfum or solid.
|
|
|
Sniff and sample to your heart’s delight
Let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea and a shopping spree. I’m around and would love to see you. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.
Thank you all, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Until next time,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats
XOXO
Laurie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on July 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on April 12, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!
The Perfumer’s Garden has gone wild! Talk about a Super Bloom! The irises, tulips, freesia and jasmine are fluttering their petals in the wind and sharing their glorious scent with the world. The 30-foot wall of jasmine along our driveway is in full celebration and I swear to goodness their scent has the power to transform my state of mind. This spring, let’s all rejoice in the uplifting and soul-healing gift of scent!
Inspired by my driveway
Our wall of jasmine not only transforms my state of mind, it also inspires me. Years ago, my cousin stood there surrounded by jasmine, inhaling deeply, and she said, “Oh my god Laurie, you need to make a perfume and call it Driveway!” Mystère Dévoilé is that perfume. “A mystery unveiled.” It’s lush and floral, and unfurls generous notes of Indian jasmine, Italian blood orange and Lisbon lemon before finding its heart in hints of fruity Chinese osmanthus and orris butter. It’s a perfect springtime perfume, and it’s a solid, so very easy to carry in your purse or pocket.
Spring Fling 15% off of your order! Mother’s Day is May 12
From now until April 25th, I will be offering 15% off on your orders! Type in LILAC in the discount box.
This is the perfect time to shop for the mothers in your life and the people who share their love the way only moms can.
Order now, my dear Purrfumery friends! I will be taking a break from shipping from May 1-23 to tend to a creative project that needs my full attention.
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.
Request for Spirit Perfumer Classes
I’ve had a few Purrfumery friends ask me about my Spirit Perfume class and when I might be teaching it again. I’m thinking of doing something at the Purrfumery in June—this would likely be a 4-hour class and we’d take a break for lunch in the Perfumer’s Garden. We’d be making our own Spirit Perfumes in liquid form, conjuring the scents that speak to us most from my collection of rare and exquisite natural materials. I’m thinking maybe we could do a Phase 2 later in the fall where we’d create a solid perfume using concretes and unique materials that, once they’re gone, will never be available again. What do you think, my dear Purrfumery friends? What dates could work for you in June for a Spirit Perfumery class? And how many of you would be interested in continuing with a solid perfume class later in the year? Send me some dates, and stay tuned!
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’m around and would love to see you. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.
Thank you all, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Until next time,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats
Posted by LAURIE STERN on January 22, 2019 · Leave a Comment
|
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
There’s a chill in the air, rain in the sky and love in my heart as we get closer to Valentine’s Day! February 14 has always been my favorite day of the year. It’s a day when we open our hearts to love – and not just romantic love, but the fondness and care we feel for everyone in our lives. It’s a perfect day for a paper Valentine, a bouquet, a sweet treat, or a scented treasure from Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery!
|
|
|
Free shipping on your early Valentines!
Celebrate someone you love this year with my hand-crafted scented delights – maybe it’s just a little something, like a hydrosol, beard balm, or something Kittylicious. Or maybe it’s a luxurious anddecadent bottle of Honey parfum or a gift certificate. I will wrap whatever you choose in gorgeous, elaborate packaging… and ship it free until January 31. Just type CORSAGE in the discount box.
Let’s all toast to love! I love you my dear Purrfumery friends!
|
|
|
New solid wins praise with Cafleurebon
Late last year, I unveiled three new solid perfumes – Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade – at Perfumariē in Soho, New York. Moonlight is intensely floral with Indian jasmine, Madagascar ylang ylang and Egyptian carnation and inspired by the magical, luminous Orientals of the 1920s. Mystère Dévoilé – or “a mystery unveiled” – is also lush and floral, with notes of Indian jasmine, Italian blood orange, Lisbon lemon and a heart full of Chinese osmanthus and orris butter. And Flame Brocade… it opens with the spicy warmth of antique cinnamon and black pepper and evolves into a narcotic blend of sultry frangipani and tuberose. What a thrill it was to read the review of Flame Brocade by Ida Meister, Senior Editor and Natural Perfumery Editor at Cafleurebon. Thank you, Ida for your beautiful writing!
I have all three of my new solids available as samples for you to try. Already know which one you love? Well I have news for you! Keep reading…
|
|
|
A bouquet just for you!
For years I have been collecting rhinestones, baubles and all kinds of ornaments for my fancy-work projects. The other day I was packaging one of my new solids, and I pulled out my fancy-work boxes and started daydreaming about all the corsages I made when I had my flower business. Before I knew it, I had a sweet little corsage in my hand, and I decided to make more!
It’s a little gift just for you, my dear Purrfumery friends… Each order of Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade arrives with a lovely unique little corsage you can wear, made from antique ribbons, flowers, and magical whatnots! Enjoy!
|
|
|
Sniff and sample to your heart’s delight
Let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea and a shopping spree. I’m around and would love to see you. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.
Thank you all, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Until next time,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats
Xoxo,
Laurie
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by LAURIE STERN on December 20, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Dearest Purrfumery friends,
Thank you so much for your love and support of Velvet & Sweet Pea’s this year. It’s been a turbulent year for me and for many others, and it heals me to create and share my work. I hope that my perfumery treats have brought you peace, relaxation and pleasure – that is my greatest desire! I am deeply grateful to you for being a part of the Purrfumery.
Hugs and best wishes for a lovely holiday and a fabulous New Year!
XOXO ~ Laurie, Buttercup, Truffle, and Kitty Magic
Posted by LAURIE STERN on December 05, 2018 · Leave a Comment
|
|
|
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
I’ve returned from my trip to New York City and whew! It was an excellent trip and I want to give a big shout out to all my New York Purrfumery friends who visited me at Perfumariē in Soho! It was wonderful to meet some of you for the first time. Thank you for coming to see me!
Before the trip, the kitties and I enjoyed a creative breakthrough. We launched three new perfumes, and we made a new version of Fir-ever Young – a solid that’s just divine. And, with the help of our wonderful graphic designer Emerald, we created Grateful Dead-style Purrfumery posters that I took with me to New York. It was a blast! I will tell you more in a minute, but first…
|
|
|
We’re having a SALE!
From now until December 12th, I am offering 15% off on all Purrfumery products in honor of the holiday season. Just type SPRUCE in the discount box. This is an excellent opportunity to share the Purrfumery with friends and family… and don’t forget about yourself! You like holiday gifts too, don’t you? All purchases over $100 will receive a Purrfumery poster too!
|
|
|
Our glorious new Limited Edition solid perfumes
So much to explore! Let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea to sniff and sample these or other Purrfumery treats! Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.
I use my beautiful antique millinery collection to package my new Limited Edition perfumes – delicate violets and leaves adorn all the pouches. And all of these perfumes are available in my new Starlight box, as well as the sterling silver jewel box. Here we go!
Flame Brocade : I worked on this for years! It is a true labor of love…and a truly limited edition – very small batch. Flame Brocade opens with the spicy warmth of antique cinnamon and black pepper and evolves into a narcotic blend of sultry frangipani and tuberose. A vanilla sandalwood base mingles with heady floral and spice notes and completes this luscious and unforgettable scent. I am offering Flame Brocade in liquid and solid – all are parfum strength.
|
|
|
Mystère Dévoilé : This perfume honors Gary, my landscape architect husband. Years ago he planted a 40-foot wall of jasmine along our driveway. In the spring and summer, our driveway is an incredible place to be – the scent from our lemon tree mingles with the gorgeous aura of jasmine. My cousins told me I should make a perfume that captures the magical, completely over-the-top scent of my driveway when everything is in bloom. Mystère Dévoilé is that perfume. “A mystery unveiled.” This perfume was my coming home after a difficult period. It’s lush and floral, and unfurls generous notes of Indian jasmine, Italian blood orange and Lisbon lemon before finding its heart in hints of fruity Chinese osmanthus and orris butter. I love this perfume and I hope you will too!
|
|
|
Moonlight : This scent was inspired by the Orientals of the 1920s. It is rich, magical and luminous, and reminds me of that incredible era of artistry and luxury. Moonlight is intensely floral, with a citrus opening and a heart set in an accord of Indian jasmine, Madagascar ylang ylang and Egyptian carnation. A base of aged patchouli and deep, gorgeous sandalwood mingles with spicy carnation notes to carry this perfume to its lavish finish. It’s warm and rich and very beautiful!
|
|
|
Fir-ever Young solid perfume, first ever!
I have made a Limited Edition of Fir-ever Young in a solid perfume for the first time ever! This is one of my best sellers and gorgeous for this season. It’s based on fir balsam, black currant buds, and jasmine. Divine. It was in Oprah Magazine a few years ago!
|
|
|
New batch of Jewelry of Heaven solid perfume!
There is also a new batch of Jewelry of Heaven solid perfume, and this one is an even richer version than the original!
All of these new solid perfumes are about 25% less expensive than the other solid perfumes on my website because they are not on the collectors website yet. They will be available at this price only for a limited time.
|
|
|
Whipped Frostings back in stock, get them while they last!
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!
|
|
|
My life today and tomorrow
Life changes mean we must ebb and flow. Over the last few years, I discovered my true passion – to develop limited edition perfumes andcustom, signature scents for my Purrfumery friends. These are incredible opportunities for me – they are luscious creative journeys. And when I start these journeys, whether it’s mixing a limited edition or creating a custom scent, I need to step away for a few days, sometimes longer. That means some of my other Purrfumery tasks, like packaging and shipping, move a few days down the line. It’s all me, my dear Purrfumery friends! My staff consists of the kitties (they’re the muse, but not great at tying ribbons, only running off with them!) and Emerald my graphic designer. In 2019 there may be some weeks where I am not shipping because I am on a brief creative journey. I will always let you know on my website if there is going to be a delay. And if you have a perfume emergency (these happen – I have clients who can’t be without their Jasmine Tuberose solid, or their Rose hydrosol!) you know you can always email me and I will help you!
|
|
|
Helping the Camp Fire victims
I left for the East Coast while the fires were still burning. I was horrified to see the smoke in the air – we were scrambling to see if there was some way to protect our birds in our outdoor aviary. And I was overwhelmed by the casualties I heard about. I’m so sorry this happened, and I want to help. For the month of December, I am donating a portion of all Purrfumery purchases to help the animal victims of the Camp Fire. Hundreds of animals were injured and need homes, and shelters are working hard to help them. This relief effort will be going on for some time – I’m sure this will be the first of many donations from the Purrfumery.
|
|
|
Thank you all, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Happy Holidays! Wishing you great love and joy!
Until next time,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats
Xoxo,
Laurie
|
|
|
|
|
|
