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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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:
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!
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.
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.
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
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. . .
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. . . .
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!
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!
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
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…
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
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
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
Crafted in brass, our vintage-style Scent Charms hang on velvet cords and make delightful gifts. We fill these gorgeous lockets with your choice of Black Cat or Rose Jasmine solid eau de parfum – delicious scent is just a touch away!
Bees in the Perfumer’s Garden are always very busy and the result is luscious honey that I use in Velvet & Sweet Pea’s perfumes… and in the bathtub! One of my favorite beauty regiments is a honey facial when it’s cold and dry out – it’s so easy and soothing – a special, all-natural treat for my skin. Here’s what you do: Draw a bath, sit back and relax. Take two tablespoons of honey and mix with about 1 tablespoon of hot water from your bath. Pat the honey-water mixture all over your face – it’s going to be drippy and goopy, that’s why I do this in the bathtub! Let it soak in and mix with the steam from your bath for 15 minutes. Rinse. Many of my friends do a honey facial before a night out on the town – it’s an inexpensive way to soften your skin and ease wrinkles. (And, it’s kind of fun to play with honey in the bathtub!)
Or, call me for an appointment if you want to escape the holiday frenzy altogether! You can sink into a plush sofa with a cup of tea and my exquisite jasmine and orange blossom chocolate truffles, yummy frankincense & rose Russian tea cookies, and sniff and sample to your heart’s content. I am available all month for appointments – just call or email and we’ll find a time that works for you. And I have a special treat for my Purrfumery visitor’s – a sample of my newest Jasmine Tuberose solid perfume – the perfect scent accessory to tuck into your purse or pocket. It’s rich and smooth and utterly opulent! I also have my refreshing Bulgarian rose and California lavender hydrosols, for $10. each – they offer a spritz of “ahhh” at the beginning or end of a busy day. Hope to see you soon…
From the packaging, to the bottle, to the perfume inside, everything about our products make them a sumptuous gift to treasure. My aesthetic harkens back to a bygone era, from ancient times to about the 1950s, when a bottle of perfume was a unique gift enveloped in romance and mystery. When you order a gift from the Purrfumery, you can delight in knowing that it will arrive exquisitely packaged and tucked into a fanciful pouch or gift box. Packaging my products is one of my favorite things to do, and I set aside extra time to make everything elaborate and gorgeous! And, I’m proud to say that I use recycled paper and packing peanuts for all my shipments. We are all about sustainability here at the Purrfumery! I hope you enjoy this magical season! If you have time to spare, the Purrfumery awaits! Until next time… Peace, love, perfume, and kitty cats, Laurie
RSVP here and I will send you the studio address and driving directions. It’s super exclusive, so plan to stop by and enjoy the art, aromas and ambiance! Hope to see you there! I’ll have aromatic treats for my Purrfumery friends, too! Until next time… Peace, love, perfume, and kitty cats, XOXO~ Laurie