Posted by LAURIE STERN on August 04, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
I just returned from a rustic camping trip with friends and the Purrfumery Garden welcomed me with lemons, lavender, purple sage, and roses! The lemon tree branches are heavy with fruit and offering me and the kitties a little bit of shade. Meanwhile, the roses are vibrant and happy—when they get really warm, their smell is intoxicating! I am making mead this year and will soon add rose petals to it! Summer is a gorgeous time of year at the Purrfumery, and it has put me in the mood for…
A Fabulous Summer Blowout Sale! 25% Off!
This is your opportunity to stock up on your favorites, or try something completely new. Through August 10th, I am offering 25% off all perfumes and solids, a delightfully fabulous value for these rare, sumptuous natural treasures. Peruse our Signature Scents, Limited Editions, Eau de Parfums, and Crème Collection and select a scent that will complement your mood and make you feel beautiful from the inside out! Right now, I am loving Fleur de Caramel with its warm caramel accord infused with rich cognac and night-blooming frangipani. It’s complex and luscious! Of course, there’s Honey, always a Purrfumery favorite, with orange blossom and Moroccan and Bulgarian roses on a throne of deep vetiver, with antique clove, pomegranate and pink grapefruit… A royal, opulent scent! Treat yourself, or someone you love. Make sure to type in SUMMERLOVE in the discount box!
Tell me your favorite places to shop The Purrfumery has been growing in (tiny kitty cat) leaps and bounds and I am thrilled to have several product lines at Tigerlily in San Francisco. I’d like to expand to other retailers across the Bay Area and beyond. I’d love your ideas, my dear Purrfumery friends! Please email me the names and locations of your favorite retailers—I think Velvet & Sweet Pea’s is a perfect fit for boutiques and gift shops. I’m very open minded, so share away! I’d also love to offer my Black Cat eau de parfum at cat cafes, animal shelters or hospitals, to help them raise money. If you know of a shelter that might be open to something like this, please let me know.
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…
Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on April 29, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends,
I hope you’re enjoying spring as much as I am! The kitties love the season, too—they spend the day lounging in the Perfumer’s Garden when it’s in full bloom. Come see it for yourself! Call or email me to make an appointment and try out something new for your heart, soul and spirit this spring.
Mother’s Day is May 10
Where would we be without our mothers? I love to celebrate my mom, and all the women who are like a mom to me, with a little gift of thanks. Our moms are there for us and we love them for it! From May 1 to May 6, I will include a free rose or lavender hydrosol with any perfume or eau de parfum order. It’s my way of sending my love to moms everywhere! Make sure to indicate which hydrosol you’d like when you place your order.
Taming beards across the land
The kitties and I have been so pleased with the response to our new Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm. Beardsmen friends everywhere say they love the earthy, forest scent and the way it softens their beard and puts it in order. If you know a beardsman who needs some help with his beard, send some Mr. Whiskers his way! A soft, smooth, orderly beard can help make the world a more snuggly place.
Enjoy the Purrfumery in Spring!
If you’re looking for a new scent to celebrate the season, or if you just want to stock up on old favorites, give me a call or send me an email and schedule an appointment. I’d love to see you here at the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and scent-sniffing session! Call me at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.
Until then,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
Xoxo, Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on April 08, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity with plenty of change and unexpected joy at the Purrfumery. The most obvious place to see the change is in the Perfumer’s Garden—the landscape is bursting with color and texture. The jasmine, wisteria and lemon blossoms have pushed their way into the spring air and their scents—sweet, fruity and light—welcome us each morning when we step outside. And the roses! They are full and gorgeous, opening and exhausting themselves while nearby buds linger and wait for their turn. It’s paradise here this time of year. I happily invite you for tea in the garden!
I'm a wisteria!
From perfume to… beards!
My line is also changing—I recently added Mr. Whisker’s Forest Beard Balm, a new product to help guys keep their beards neat and smooth and their skin soft. It all started when Gary asked me if I would whip up something for his beardmen friends who were totally into their fabulous beards! I stepped into my magical Purrfumery and blended French cypress, juniper, rose hip and avocado oils into a naturally anti-viral and anti-fungal beard balm. The beardsmen loved it so much, I decided to make more! I took it on the road to Tigerlily Perfumery in San Francisco for their Valentine’s Day event and Antonia took all that I made! Guys like its smooth, pliant texture and earthy scent, and their kitten loves (that’s what Gary calls me!) like it even more. It takes just a small dab of Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm to transform a rough and scruffy beard and deeply moisturize the skin. If you know beardsmen who need some attention, send them to the Purrfumery for some beard therapy!
Spring Fling Sale—25% off all perfumes for 1 week!
If you want to indulge—or just replenish your perfume collection—now is the time! From now until April 14th, I’m offering my Purrfumery friends 25 percent off on all perfumes, eau de parfum, Kittylicious perfume oils, and solid perfumes. Just type in jewel in the discount box. This is a great time to purchase the Fleur de Caramel solid perfume—the sterling silver jewel boxes are a rare find and in limited supply.
Get in the spirit of spring with Honey, a regal composition of French orange blossom and Moroccan and Bulgarian roses on a throne of deep vetiver, Madagascar vanilla, honey, the Purrfumery’s own beeswax, and propolis. Or try my Jasmine Orange Blossom eau de parfum from my Kittylicious line. This is the perfect scent for those spring days (and nights) when you want something that’s fruity, sweet and infinitely complex. Or try Bed of Roses, available in perfume and eau de parfum. This incredible scent features my exquisite, nine-rose distillation with accents of aged sandalwood, tuberose, boronia, orange blossom, and green mandarin.
And, if you can’t make up your mind, come see me at the Purrfumery and sniff and sample to your heart’s content! I’d be happy to help you find the perfect scent for the season.
The Purrfumery wins top honors at the Artisan Fragrance Salon
It was fabulous to see all my Purrfumery friends in March at the Artisan Fragrance Salon in San Francisco. It was a great day and I was thrilled to take home a Gold Award for Best Packaging, two Silver awards for Most Unique and Top All-around Product Line, and a Bronze Award for Top Artisan Perfumer. Thank you, Salon organizers, for arranging such an excellent event!
I also participated in the creation of “The Fragrance Designer’s Primer” by AK Crump, which can be found on Amazon. This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the business of designing perfumes. It’s a must read! Very practical and informative.
Adding roses to honey—a delicious scented treat
My roses are in full bloom and I am always looking for new ways to put them to use. I distill and tincture them into my organic alcohols, but sometimes they smell so incredible, I just want to eat them! Last week I made my first rose-infused honey of the year and it is so delightful in tea and on scones that I just have to share it with you, my dear Purrfumery friends. Here’s how you make it:
Step 1: Pick some of your richest-smelling roses (use organically grown roses).
Step 2: Using a mortar and pestle, finely grind a handful of rose petals. (I use one or two roses that have many petals.)
Step 3: Stir the rose petal mixture into a container of honey and mix well. Let it sit for a few weeks to infuse. It is divine!
Enjoy this gorgeous season of love and renewal!
Until next time. . .
Peace, purrfume and kitty cats,
XOXO~ Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on February 06, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Hello, dear Purrfumery Friends!
Valentine’s Day at the Purrfumery is all about kitties and hearts, chocolate, and of course, luscious scent! This year, I’m taking it all on the road! I will be the Featured Perfumer at Tigerlily Perfumery, 973 Valencia Street, San Francisco from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 13.
Come and experience this incredible shop and some of my rarest ingredients from around the world. I’ll have my incredible 100-year-old sandalwood in all its rich warmth for perfumistas to sniff. I’m also packing my selection of rose essences—some dating back to the 1800s. My ethereal bouquets are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. Bring a date or bring a friend, and get ready to inhale deeply!
Tigerlily is celebrating love and the promise of spring. I’ll have my new eau de parfum line and Kittylicious favorites available for sample and purchase. Our host, Antonia, will be showcasing Natural Lipstick Color Consultations by Elizabeth Street Cosmetics, Natural Eyeshadow Color Consultations by Savage Jenny, and Valentine’s Day Dresses by Sweetrocket69 Vintage.And I will be whipping up a batch of Jasmine and Orange Blossom truffles for your sweet tooth. See you in San Francisco, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Until then,
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO~Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on January 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!
I just returned from Mendocino, where Gary and I took a glorious break. We hiked, we watched whales, and we enjoyed the fresh air. . . Now we’re home and I’m thrilled to see the Perfumer’s Garden is starting to show signs of spring with irises blooming, milkweed flourishing and birds chirping. It’s time to get ready for my favorite day of the year, a day when we can show our love in the most unabashed ways.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Will you Be Mine?
High dose of romance
The Purrfumery is brimming with beautiful, romantic options for you and yours this Valentine’s Day, and I will be offering free shipping until February 9th. Please type in BUNNY in the discount box.
We’ve just unveiled our new line of eau de parfum scents—highly dosed versions of our Signature and Limited Edition perfumes—in the most adorable 4 ml and 15 ml spray bottles! Each eau de parfum arrives tucked in a velvet pouch adorned with flowers and its own custom Victorian scent card.
Our eau de parfum line—and our newly redesigned Kittylicious line—are gorgeous and affordable luxuries that make the perfect gift for you or someone you love. Take a look! Did you know our Mojito scent has a reputation for making sparks fly?
Maybe you’d like roses this Valentine’s Day? Wrap yourself in Jewelry of Heaven, a true classic that blends organic jasmine grandiflorum and Turkish and Himalayan roses. Or indulge in an accord of nine rose distillations from all corners of the globe with my Bed of Roses perfume or eau de parfum. My Honey scent is glorious in all its forms—solid, liquid perfume and eau de parfum—and makes an incredible gift. The Purrfumery bees work very hard to make the honey and propolis that I add to this regal composition of orange blossom, Moroccan and Bulgarian roses, antique clove and pomegranate.
Go ahead, get carried away! Happy Valentine’s Day, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Did someone say chocolate?
This just in! TasteTV and the International Chocolate Salon are offering Advance Purchase Tickets through January 31 for the 9th annual San Francisco Chocolate Salon. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, so mark your calendars! Discounted advanced tickets are available for a few more days. I hope to see you all in San Francisco in March for this deliciously fun event!
Lavender linked to trust
I have witnessed the most incredible, transformative moments during my Perfumery Adventures and Custom Perfume Experiences, where visitors are surprised and delighted by how they feel when they inhale certain scents. I know scent has the power to unlock our hearts and minds, so I was intrigued when I read this story about lavender on Nova Next.
Researchers have found that subjects who played a trust game in a lavender-scented room exhibited signs of interpersonal trust more readily than those who played in a peppermint-scented room, or in a non-scented room. The study was published in Frontiers Psychology journal. Very interesting!
Palomacy is pigeon diplomacy!
You all know about my pet rescue pigeons Polka Dot, Pansy, King Lou, and Sprite. Since Polka Dot walked through my cat door three years ago, I have connected with a great group of animal welfare workers at Palomacy. This incredible group of people has made it their mission to rescue and find homes for injured feral and abandoned pigeons and doves and save them from an untimely death. Palomacy is pigeon diplomacy, and they give these lovely, sweet birds a second chance through advocacy and education. They’re based in San Francisco, so check them out!
Palomacy has wonderful, lively fundraisers—I attended one over the holidays and had a blast!
Dinky’s legacy
I want to thank everyone who has reached out to share their condolences about our Dinky. He went to a better place on Christmas Eve after a brief illness. Dinky was Gary’s garden kitty and he spent many hours working in the yard, doing his part. We love him and miss him, but know that he is out of pain now. His sweet image will be forever memorialized on our Terrain packaging. . . He was such an outdoorsy little guy! Love you, Dinky!
Until next time. . .
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,
XOXO~Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on November 30, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The kitties and I had a Thanksgiving feast with family and then another magnificent dinner a few days later with friends—we are so grateful for the generosity and love that is all around us! It got me thinking about giving back and how we can all make a difference to the people and charitable organizations in our lives. This is the season for giving and sharing, and I don’t want to get so caught up in the holiday rush that I forget to lend a hand. Here’s what the Purrfumery is doing this season:
Type LEAPINGBUNNY at checkout and receive 15% off your order
You all know that the Purrfumery is certified by Leaping Bunny, right? Leaping Bunny is the organization that ensures none of my ingredients or my suppliers ingredients are tested on animals. When you type LEAPINGBUNNY in the code box at checkout, you will receive 15% off your order through December 15th. And, I’ll be contributing a portion of December sales to two very important organizations: the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS), which seeks humane alternatives to animal testing; and to Kindness Ranch, a Wyoming sanctuary and rehabilitation place for animals who have been used in laboratory research.
I support these organizations in honor of Velvet and Sweet Pea, my two precious cats who I rescued from a life of lab testing. They changed my life forever and paved the way to a new consciousness about the horrors of animal testing and the use of animal musks in perfumes. Ultimately, the lessons Velvet and Sweet Pea taught me became the principles of the Purrfumery. . . and my life! Thank you for being a part of this mission, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Free shipping until Dec. 2
I am offering free shipping for just another 2 days, so save a little extra on your holiday shopping when you place your order by Dec. 2 at midnight.
Free Daphne Face & Body Frosting while supplies last
I made a batch of daphne enfleurage that is just gorgeous! I was enjoying the lovely scent of the daphne when I suddenly caught a whiff of the Chinese osmanthus bush that’s blooming outside the Purrfumery. The scent from its tiny blossoms is glorious this time of year. I blended the daphne enfleurage into a frosting and added osmanthus absolute and aged sandalwood. The result is an incredible Daphne Face & Body Frosting! It’s super moisturizing for winter-chapped skin—I will add a .25 ounce container to orders while supplies last. It’s wonderful for your hands, too.
Shop local—visit the Purrfumery!
Where else can you sink into a plush sofa, sip tea with sweet Purrfumery honey, and nibble neroli blood orange truffles while you shop? I look forward to seeing you—give me a call or send me an email and let’s make an appointment! Come sniff and sample the magic of our natural world! Purrfumery products are $10 and up, and I’m happy to help you find the perfect gift.
Thank you for your love and support!
Until next time. . .
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,
XOXO~Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on November 18, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Greetings dear Purrfumery friends!
I was walking through Berkeley the other day and I noticed all the holiday magic in the windows, and the gold and purlpe twinkle lights on the trees. The holidays are here again! It’s such a fun and festive time of year – a time when you look for just the right gifts for the people in your life, whether they’re your friends, family, or co-workers. Often, holiday shopping means running around town in a flurry and finishing just in time. It doesn’t have to be that way, my dear Purrfumery friends! I offer scent lovers near and far many options for shopping and gift giving!
Here are a few ways you can give the gift of natural perfume this season. . .
Visit the Purrfumery
All my products, from perfumes to the newly redesigned Kittylicious line, are available for sample. And, I’ll have my newly blended eau de parfums – all the perfumes you love will now be available in adorable eau de parfum sprays! The choices are endless! Hydrosols are perfect stocking stuffers. Oh, and the Whipped Frosting Face and Body Butters are back in stock! Fresh as an orange blossom, and ready to sooth and hydrate your dry winter skin! I’m happy to help you create the perfect gift and add a touch of whimsy with gorgeous packaging.
If you’re looking for something experiential and completely unique, give the gift of a Perfumery Adventure or Custom Perfume. No two Perfumery Adventures or Custom Perfumes are alike. . . .
Free Shipping until December 2nd!
For my Purrfumery friends who prefer to shop online, I’m offering free shipping from until December 2nd. Just type purrfume in the discount box. You will love the convenience of receiving gifts that are wrapped in gorgeous fabric bags with ribbons and scent cards!
Corporate Events with Fl’Air!
Florist Pat Gibbons and I recently launched Fl’Air Events, a unique hands-on program that combines flower arranging with the art of perfumery. If your organization is looking for a fun and interactive holiday event, give me a call! We can set up in a conference room or other meeting place.
Our interactive, two-part program begins with Pat's floral demonstration where she uses color and texture to create different combinations. Then, we set you loose with piles of flowers and clippers to make your own seasonal centerpieces to take home.
Once the centerpieces are complete, I take you and your group on a journey into the heady world of scent where you’ll experience flowers and plants on a whole new sensory level. I’ve collected some of the rarest and most expensive natural perfume essences in the world – including Bulgarian rose and Assam oud – it’s all here for you! Inhale deeply! You’ll also learn how I combine these precious materials to create a perfume. Depending on which program option your group chooses, each person will either learn how to make a bath salt, or an aromatic room spray, or a see a demonstration on how I make solid perfumes.
I’m thrilled to be working with Pat on Fl’Air Events! She is an incredible florist, an excellent teacher and a great friend!
One more thing… my Budapest travel log!
I just returned from a retreat/vacation to Budapest, where I indulged in an incredible spiritual and physical journey! Gary and I decided to go to Prague and Budapest on a whim – we departed out of New Jersey after seeing my mom and dad, who just built a new home. The home I grew up in, that my dad built, was in bad shape even before Hurricane Sandy. The new place is a testament to my dad’s determination and spunk! He’s shown me you are never too old to do something big time!
We landed in Prague completely inspired and stayed on the beautiful square where we met up with our friends. We played in fairy tale Prague for a few days before heading for Vienna and finally Budapest. In Budapest, we booked an AirBnB near the Great Synagogue and joined the party! Budapest is a big party. Young people are taking over the gorgeous buildings that were shot out and burned during World Wars I and II and they’re turning them into Ruin Bars. Art nouveau and music are everywhere and this city, which is still emerging from communism, is vibrant, alive and beautiful. I’d always wanted to see Budapest. My two grandfathers were from there and my sister and I had always wanted to visit together. Sadly, she passed away eight years ago, and we never had the opportunity. I carried her in my heart as I traveled, and relished the surprises of this gorgeous city – the new emerging from the old!
I’ll save the best for last: We have never seen anything like the baths in Budapest! The city has more thermal springs there than any other city in the world! There are huge public baths where people of all ages frolic together to their hearts’ content! My favorite was the Rudas Thermal Bath. It was built during the Ottoman Empire in 1550. We bathed under a huge dome that has bits of colored glass in it – the color-flecked light shines in rainbows as you bathe – it’s glorious. It felt mysterious and magical. That’s my kind of religion!
We walked all day, every day and ate the most delicious handcrafted desserts and pastries. Cafe Gerbeaud has been making deserts for royalty since 1858 and they take their work VERY seriously. They use the best ingredients and go way over the top, with gold leaf and fruit foams. Velvet & Sweet Pea’s has the same philosophy and uses the best natural materials and blends the richest, yummiest fantasies to indulge our senses and spirits! I am happy to be part of an ancient artisan tradition, and I honor it in others.
Come see me and I’ll show you how I do it!
Until then…
Peace, purrfume and kitty cats,
XOXO~ Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on October 16, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
The crisp air and crackle under my feet can only mean one thing: Fall is finally here! The kitties and I spent the summer working on custom scents, and decided to spruce up a few things, too. Just in time for Halloween, we have a little something for your pillowcase…
Sale on Kittylicious (in its fabulous new packaging)!
I’ve had such a great response on all our roll-on products that I decided to offer our Kittylicious line in these cute, convenient bottles, too. I also gave Kittylicious a new look – the new labels, pouches and scent cards are dazzling and colorful and delightfully fun... perfect for this super-popular line that features sexy Mojito, sweetly warm Jasmine Orange Blossom, beguiling Black Cat and classic Rose Jasmine. Through October 31st, I’m offering Kittylicious at $36 per 4 ml roll-on bottle (regularly $55-65 for 5 ml), or all four gorgeous scents for $130. It’s my way of saying Happy Halloween, my dear Purrfumery friends, and Happy Fall! The prices will be going up a little on all of the Kittylicious scents in November.
Change is in the air… just in time for the holidays
Kittylicious isn’t the only line I’m changing – I’ve also been working on some new versions of your old favorites, like Fir~ever Young and Bed of Roses. I’m just planting the seed with you for now… look for new products and sales next month as we deck the halls and get ready for the winter holidays!
Purrfumery honey wins Best of the East Bay
The Purrfumery bees are dancing in their hives! We just heard that our honey won Best of the East Bay at the Biofuel Oasis Harvest Celebration on September 27th in Berkeley. I heard the competition was fierce, so… wow! Gary and I send a big thank you to Sienna for submitting a jar and to Harvest Celebration tasters, too. Our bees work very hard and we reap the rewards when we put honey in our tea, on our scones… and in our perfumes!
Visit the Purrfumery
Even as the weather turns cooler, the Perfumer’s Garden is a vibrant, inspiring hideaway. The roses are gorgeous and the hydrangeas are a sight to behold – I invite you to make an appointment and come see for yourself! We can have a cup of tea with some honey from our recent honey harvest – Gary and I are convinced that this year’s honey is the best ever – the flavor is very warm and sweet and floral. Very different from previous harvests!
And, if you’re considering a custom perfume for yourself or someone you love for the holidays, now is the perfect time to visit! You can sniff and sample and explore the mysteries of scent… it’s a marvelous journey that begins at the Purrfumery.
Hope to see you soon!
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO~Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on August 28, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
It’s been a beautiful summer, with plenty of time for friends, and new projects! I went camping for the first time in years and it was great to be a hippy again, swimming in the river and sleeping under the stars, but with thick foam pads this time and incredible gourmet food! I hope your summer has been glorious, too. Fall is on the horizon and the kitties and I are just as busy as we could be, stocking the shelves with yummy new treats and all your time-tested favorites, too.
10% off all orders until Sept. 15! Just type in Mojito in the discount box!
Sometimes a perfumer and her kitties need to step away and turn inward for a bit, and that’s exactly what we will be doing from September 15 through October 15. I’ll be retreating to my perfumer’s world and inhaling deeply, and will be shipping only once a week during this period. So, I thought I would give you all a little nudge to get your orders in early! You are welcome to place orders anytime, of course, but I just want you to know we’ll be shipping only once a week for a few weeks.
And, don’t forget to check the Rare and On Sale section and spoil yourself even more! The 10% discount applies to those items, too.
The Purrfumery featured on Rich in Love
I want to give a big shout out and a thank you to Doris Hobbs, the blogger behind Rich in Love for featuring Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery in a recent post. Rich in Love is a beauty and fashion blog that seeks out trendsetters who are doing some amazing work, so I am delighted to be a part of it! Thank you, Doris, for speaking with me about perfume in the workplace – I know it can be a point of contention for some. Most commercial and synthetic perfumes emanate “sillage,” a French word for “wake,” or the streak left behind by a boat or airplane. Natural perfumes are worn close to the body, which makes them an option for even the most sensitive wearers (and the people who work with them). There is much less sillage, or that powerful perfume cloud, with natural perfumes when they are applied lightly. Scents made with all natural wood, flower and plant essences are just for YOU (and anyone you choose to bring in close).
If you’re looking for scents for work, take a look at our hydrosols, scent charms and solid perfumes. These are marvelous (and portable) Purrfumery treats that give you a quick pick-me-up whenever you need it! Thanks again, Doris!
The joy of custom perfume
I have made a number of custom formulations this summer for Purrfumery friends visiting from near and far, and this work is pure joy for me. In a few cases, my customer sat with me while I blended the essences and oils that would emerge as their signature scent. My customers say they love to relax in the Purrfumery and inhale an array of natural materials from around the world! It is absolutely intoxicating and marvelous – the ultimate treat!
I’m offering some wonderful and innovative custom selections on Ziibra.com, as well as formulations that are inspired by art and the four seasons. The Purrfumery is a magical, ever-changing place, so take moment to see what we’re up to and get in touch! Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions about these new offerings!
Hope to see you soon, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO~Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on June 04, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
Even if I didn’t have a calendar, I could feel the early days of summer by the pulse of the Perfumer’s Garden. The roses begin to burst open and share their incredible scent with the world, the bees forage like mad, and the hummingbirds hover around the honeysuckle. Lavender grows full and tall and the rising temperatures coax the purple spikes into the world.
Roses have always been my special love, and we have quite a line up here! Cecile Brunner, with its delicate pink buds and climbing vines are my favorite, followed by Graham Thomas, Double Delight and Reine de Violette. A walk through the Purrfumery Garden in the afternoon is an incredible treat – a sight to behold! Let me know if you would like to schedule an appointment to visit the Perfumer’s Garden. It’s a summer tradition for many of my Purrfumery friends! I recently hosted a watercolorist group that focuses on flowers that bees pollinate as their subject matter. We sat in the garden, sipped freshly made lemonade, sniffed perfume and talked about bees, the plants they pollinate, and the best ways to capture them in art. It was a magical day!
A Creative Burst… and a Sale!
I am in a design mode and have been working on a new perfume for dudes, as well as some delightful new scent cards to accompany my Kittylicious line! Perfumers produced whimsical scent cards in Victorian times to accompany perfumes and colognes, and I love to carry on the tradition! I have a delightful collection of them myself! I like to tuck them here and there to add a special touch to my décor. Start your own collection of Purrfumery scent cards!
With summer on the way, I know that many of my Purrfumery friends will be on the road, visiting family and friends. Don’t forget, Purrfumery products make gorgeous hostess gifts, and they arrive to you in their own exquisite packaging, ready to tuck into your suitcase! Starting today, I will be offering 20% off on all perfumes for one week, until Wednesday, June 11- this is a wonderful opportunity to try something new! Please type in catman in the discount box. (How about Fleur de Caramel? A sensual summer treat!) Or, share the Purrfumery with someone you love.
Celebrate Dad – first 10 orders receive free Gardenia hydrosol
Father’s Day is June 15 – if you are looking for a special way to celebrate the dads in your life, look no further than the Purrfumery! Guys love Mojito from the Kittylicious line, with notes of spearmint, dark rum, Mexican lime and Tahitian vanilla. Mojito arrives in a convenient roll-top bottle, tucked into a velvet pouch garnished with a velvet mint leaf. Terrain also makes a handsome gift – I created this cologne for my husband Gary, a landscape architect who loves to get his hands in the dirt. Terrain is an invigorating mix of wild Bulgarian geranium, frankincense and Japanese yuzu, with a touch of Mexican lime. I package Terrain in a Brosse crystal cologne bottle and tuck it into a soft, moss green velvet pouch with its own whimsical scent card. And don’t forget Fir-ever Young, a rich, woodsy scent for your tree-hugging Dads! Fir-ever Young reflects upon my hiking days to the hot springs in Big Sur, and how magic a walk through the forest can be.
The first 10 people to order Mojito, Terrain, or Fir-ever Young will receive a free, 10 ml spray bottle of my new Gardenia hydrosol, distilled from fresh gardenias on our own still!
Happy Father’s Day!
Frostings at the Purrfumery
Attention, Frosting Lovers! A few months ago, I procured hundreds of gardenia flowers and made a gorgeous enfleurage for frostings. During late spring and summer, I sell these incredible moisturizing treats direct from the Purrfumery, so come see me! I won’t be shipping them again until fall, but you can still get them when you visit me. I have been packing them in ice for my Purrfumery friends (my frostings are completely natural and don’t contain any preservatives, which is why I take such special care with them). If you haven’t tried my frostings, you must! They nourish dry and dehydrated summer skin with organic oils that are rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Smooth them on and inhale deeply!
Enjoy this beautiful day, my dear Purrfumery friends!
Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…
XOXO~Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on April 11, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!
I just stepped into the Perfumer’s Garden to admire the Bearded and Douglass irises and the wisteria – all are blooming and happy as they could be! The roses are starting – they’re still tight bundles of green with tiny edges peeking out… April is such a gorgeous month here… everywhere!
Celebrate Mom
Just a quick note to remind you that Mother’s Day is May 11, just around the corner, and the kitties and I are getting ready to celebrate! Through May 5, I’m offering free shipping on all Purrfumery perfumes. Please type in Pansy at checkout! If you’re looking for gift ideas, don’t hesitate to call me or email me, or make an appointment to stop by the Purrfumery. I have something for all the moms in your life! Scent charms make sweet gifts – they arrive wrapped in a soft drawstring bag. And liquid and solid perfumes, made in small, numbered vintages, are gorgeous – a luxurious treat! If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider a Purrfumery Adventure or one of my Custom Perfume offerings. Take some time away with Mom to explore the marvelous world of scent!
Brunch and Flower Fun at The Brick House Here’s another idea… I have teamed up with my friend Pat Gibbons to launch Fl’Air Events – an exciting new venture that pairs flower arranging with natural perfumery. We will be at The Brick House on May 3 (and again on May 10) for a fun and educational afternoon that starts with a delicious brunch. After brunch, Pat, a professional floral designer and teacher with 30 years of experience, will demonstrate how to make arrangements and centerpieces. Then, you’ll create a bouquet of your own! Following Pat’s demo, I will lead you into the world of scent and the art of perfumery, and show you how to make your own natural, scented bath salts. All materials will be provided, and you'll leave with your own vase bouquet and bath salts. Space is limited, so don’t delay! Here are the details: What: Mother’s Day Brunch at The Brick House, featuring Fl’Air Events When: May 3rd or May 10th Time: 12 noon - 3:00 pm Where: Brickhouse Café, 426 Brannan Street, San Francisco; Phone: 415.369.0222; www.brickhousesf.com Pricing: $200. Includes all materials (Pricing does not include food or beverages) RSVP by April 25, 2014 to
laurie@purrfumery.com Hope to see you soon, my dear Purrfumery friends! Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats… XOXO~Laurie
Posted by LAURIE STERN on February 26, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends! Spring is near – I can feel it! It’s been an odd winter season, and the drought is on our minds here in California, but you can’t help have a sense of hope when blossoms start to coax their way into the sunshine. The daphne flowers outside the Purrfumery smell intoxicating! I love these days of transition as the natural world rejuvenates – it’s something to watch and celebrate. Speaking of celebrations, I hope you all had a lovely Valentine’s Day! I spent the day with friends and family and my beloved kitties. You all saw Buttercup in my email Valentine? Oh, that kitty! She made many of you laugh – I received so many wonderful emails when I sent that little Valentine! People from all over the world wrote to say they loved the vintage postcard images and of course, the picture of Buttercup stretching and saying good morning. So, in response to popular demand, I will be including a “Postcard of the Month” in all my newsletters! Here is a sweet March treat for you, my dear Purrfumery friends!
My collection of vintage ephemera and postcards is very special to me and I am delighted to share it with all of you. As a kid hanging out at antique stores with my older sister, a postcard was all I could afford. These sweet, funny and beautiful images of kitties, lovely ladies and flowers have delighted me my whole life. I have hundreds of postcards! They shaped my aesthetic and helped to launch my artistic career. As I grew older, I began collecting antique laces – they weren’t expensive, but they were beautiful and I found ways to add them to my work. That is what I cherish about the Purrfumery – it’s a mix of all the things I love in life. The natural world, gorgeous materials, whimsical Victorian ephemera and lace… and kitties!
3rd Annual Artisan Fragrance Salon Arrives in San Francisco
Have you bought your ticket for the 3
rd Annual Artisan Fragrance Salon? Don’t miss it! The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 1 Fort Mason, in San Francisco. I will be there with my new perfume for dudes – I am working on it a little each day. You know how naturals are – they are ready when they tell you they are ready! Even if it’s not quite finished, I will let you sample it. Stop by and see me!
One More Thing: A Honey Tip
Last month I shared my honey facial recipe and the response was great – seems many of you enjoy the luscious, delicious and soothing properties of honey. Here’s another tip for you that one of my bee guru friends shared with me… I have heard that sometimes people throw away honey when it crystallizes – they figure it’s gone bad or something. Not so! You can transform crystallized honey into liquid with two easy steps: 1. Wrap your container of crystallized honey in a plastic bag. Make sure it’s airtight. 2. Put the plastic bag with honey in a sunny window (or outside) for several hours. That’s it! The plastic bag creates a balmy greenhouse for the honey and changes it back to its liquid form. Remove the honey from the plastic bag. I think I’m ready for a cup of tea and a cookie! Until next time, my dear Purrfumery friends! Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats… XOXO~Laurie
