Fir-ever Young

Fir-ever Young is a limited edition – I couldn’t possibly recreate it the same way again. I added bits and pieces of this and that for the last 10 years. There is nearly every kind of tree in it, so to speak, and these elements will never be the same again. Here’s why: Natural essences have their own terroir. A French word used in winemaking to describe the influences land has on the taste of grapes, in natural perfumery terroir implies that natural elements have a “somewhereness” that you can detect in their scent. For example, the land conditions that existed 10 years ago when I began crafting Fir-ever Young will likely never occur again. Those land conditions influenced the scent as it exists today. And, I have aged this scent, so its natural essences have really softened and mellowed with time.

Naming Fir~ever Young

When I discovered fir absolute 14 years ago, I fell in love with its rich, woodsy scent and decided to use it as a base for a perfume for men and women. For a decade, I added to it, creating a perfume that grew more and more complex and wonderful but was never quite done, because as hard as I tried, I just could not think of a name. I decided to invite my customers to help me name the new scent. I sent out hundreds of samples for inspiration and received more fun, beautiful, moving ideas for names than I could use in a century of perfume-making--suggestions like Forest of My Imaginings, Tree of Life, and Purr. But when I read the entry from Kyoto Jackson of Berkeley, I knew my perfume at last had found its name. Fir~ever Young captures all the elements perfectly for me. Youth, adventure, wildness, cavorting in the woods, celebrating the majesty and power of the ancient forest. The name also connects me to the Bob Dylan song "Forever Young," which spoke to me profoundly when I was a young hippie gazing in awe at the forests of Big Sur and still expresses for me the innocence and hope of that time. For all its sensuality and earthiness, this perfume really does call out a sense of openness and wonder and brings to people that sense of passion we know so deeply when we're young.

May 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

The month of May has been a whirlwind – we have been here, there and everywhere and there are still a few stops to make! In early May we took the Purrfumery on the road to the Oakland Cat Video Fest – what an incredibly fun and outrageous day! It was great to see all of us local cat people in one place, celebrating the animals we love! I especially enjoyed seeing all the guys with a beer in their hand hanging out in their cat outfits and cat t-shirts. What could be better? Great to see my Purrfumery friends there, too! Thanks for stopping by.

Get Ready for Summer Sale

It’s heating up out there! Summer is the time for leisure and love – many of us will be taking trips, visiting friends, attending weddings… There are so many summer moments when we want to feel and smell gorgeous! (And natural perfumes and bath salts make an amazing bridal shower or wedding gift.) Through May 28th, I am offering my Purrfumery friends 20% off all perfumes, eau de parfums and bath salts! It’s my way of saying thank you and happy trails! Type Buttercup in the coupon box.

Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery to Exhibit at FRAGments

Speaking of happy trails, we’re getting ready for FRAGments, an underground artisan and indie perfumer event on June 22 at MorYork Gallery in Los Angeles. West coast perfumer Maggie Mahboubian of Parfums Lalun organized this series that treats perfumery as fine art – I’m thrilled to be a part of the first event! Maggie has brought together perfume artists from across North America in a gallery setting to present a curated selection of their work. Some of the perfumers exhibiting at the June 22 event include Roxana Illuminated Perfume, Ayala Moriel Parfums and Persephenie. “Perfumery as art” is an innovative way to think about and experience scent and an example of how West Coast perfumers are changing the game.

The Art of Natural Perfumery

I look at it this way… Just like a painting hanging in a museum, a natural perfume has a conceptual idea behind it. Natural perfumers are scent artists, working alone and immersing themselves in the moment. When I sit down to create, I select my media and layer my top, middle and base notes so they evolve over time, just like a painter layers paint on a canvas! It all flows around a concept, a dream, or an idea that I want to share with the world. Whenever I make a new perfume, I imagine the scent unfolding like a flower – a new flower that no one has ever seen or experienced before. I layer and mix, breaking down the molecules and putting them together again in a new and delightful way. For example, when I designed Narcissus Poeticus, I was thinking about the arrival of spring. I used orris root – one of the first flowers to arrive in spring – and irises as the base. I added osmanthus, black current bud and natural materials that are evocative of the season of transformation and the earth coming alive again... It was a beautiful and delicious process of concentration and solitude! Wearing a natural perfume is also like wrapping yourself in a one-of-a-kind piece of art. From the moment it touches your skin, you are interpreting the way it unfolds, note by note. What does the scent of rose remind you of? How does a blend of osmanthus and vanilla make you feel? What do you find yourself thinking about as the perfume changes over time? Just like art, you will experience something unique with every perfume you wear. I talk a bit more about our individual and emotional perfume signature in my recent profile on CaFleureBon – a big thank you to Michelyn for inviting me to contribute my thoughts on American perfumery!

Homage to the People Who Inspire Us!

Whenever I think about art – and the art of natural perfumery – I always think of my sister. She taught me how to look at art and how to search my mind, heart and soul for the way art made me feel. We loved to visit art museums when we were growing up – she went on to become a museum curator and educator, and changed peoples’ lives through art. In her museum shows, she used art and history to teach tolerance and made the world a better place. She remains such an incredible source of inspiration! What and who inspires you, my dear Purrfumery friends? Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

April 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I strolled into the Perfumer’s garden this morning and spent a few moments in blissful awe. The first weeks of Spring are some of the most delicious for a gardener and perfumer – the garden is absolutely bursting with color, texture and scent! The irises are leggy and graceful and the lilacs are the most gorgeous shade of lavender. Wisteria has created a garland of floating color around the Purrfumery, and our climbing roses are in tight buds. I will try to enfleurage them… I have had great luck with my gardenia enfleurage and am working on a very special eye cream – coming soon! Spring is a time of reinvention and renewal! The bees are buzzing like mad on the borage flowers! Let’s all celebrate and inhale deeply!

Crème Perfumes Make a Splash at San Francisco Salon

In late March, I packed up my perfumes and spent a day at the Taste TV Fragrance Salon in San Francisco. It was so much fun to see my Purrfumery friends and meet some new people, too! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello! I noticed many new salon visitors gravitated to our line of crème perfumes they are so silky and luxurious and so very convenient, too… it’s easy to take your favorite scent to go, and you never have to worry about it spilling in your purse! Speaking of solids, I created a Black Cat crème perfume for a handful of gorgeous, silver- and gold-plated Scent Charms. These vintage-style lockets hang on a velvet ribbon and make delightful gifts for you or someone you love. Imagine a mouthwatering blend of cocoa, ylang ylang and blood orange with a hint of aniseed myrtle! Perhaps for Mother’s Day? I also have collector edition bottles of Black Cat eau de parfum – they are so cute and fun and I tuck them into a silky pouch with a kitty on it.

Save the Date for the OakCatVidFest!

When I saw this I couldn’t believe my eyes! It’s a kitty video fest from 3-10 p.m. on May 11 in Oakland that benefits the East Bay SPCA! It’s like a dream come true! West Grand between Telegraph and Broadway will be closed to traffic – during the day, kitty lovers can shop for cat crafts, art and pet products; and they can also adopt cats, listen to bands, enjoy local food truck fare and just PLAY! There will even be a kitty beer tent! (Gary can hardly wait.) When the sun sets, we’ll gather in front of the Great Wall to watch the Walker Art Center's collection of Internet cat videos. Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery will be at the crafts market (of course!) so stop by and say hello. I’ll have Black Cat perfumes and eau de parfum lockets for $26 – take home a souvenir from this amazing event celebrating kitty star power! Check out their website for more information and to purchase tickets.

Animal Musk Story Hits the Web

I am also very pleased to announce that after years of research and collaboration, I have completed “Animal Musks: The Dark Secret of Perfume” and posted it to the Purrfumery website. This article follows my journey to raise awareness about the use of animal musk, particularly civet cat musk, in natural and commercial perfumes, and offers ideas for how we can eliminate species-endangering practices that happen every day around the world. I invite you to share your ideas with me after you read this article, my dear Purrfumery friends! Do you know of organizations and publications that might be interested in this article? My goal with the Dark Secret of Perfume is to educate, not berate. I want to get the message out into the word and start a conversation that could lead to positive change. I know it will be a long road – people have captured animals and harvested their musk for generations! But every journey starts with a single step… For me, this article is one of many steps I will take to protect animals from harm.

Beauty Huile Finds “Newest Obsession” in Calliope Body & Bath Oil

Thank you to Nav at Beauty Huile for your review of our delightfully silky and luxurious Calliope Body & Bath Oil! It’s always such a pleasure to hear how others perceive and enjoy our products. Have you tried Calliope, my dear Purrfumery friends? I hand blend vanilla-infused jojoba, marula oil, evening primrose, rose hips, avocado oil… It’s a sumptuous treat for the shower or bath and the delicate scent changes and lingers throughout the day. I’ll let Nav tell you all about it!

The Purrfumery Wins Big at SF Salon

I have one more announcement! We were thrilled to learn that Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery captured the imagination of visitors who voted for us in a number of categories at the salon in March. Thank you one and all! We proudly accepted a Gold award for Top Artisan Perfumer. We also took Silver awards for Best Packaging, Best Ingredient Combination, Best Aroma and Most Unique, and Bronze awards for Top All-around Product Line and Best in Salon. We are honored! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Hope to see you soon – call or email me to make an appointment to visit the Purrfumery. We can lounge and enjoy a cup of tea in the garden! Or, I’ll see you in May at the Kitty Video Fest! What could be more fun? Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

March 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

Spring is nearly here – it’s a time for love, renewal and whimsical delight! Here at the Purrfumery, we are celebrating all three with...

A Tale of Two Pigeons

The kitties and I are delighted to introduce our newest Purrfumery friends, Polka Dot and Pansy! Theirs is a true love story that began when Polka Dot limped through my cat door late last year. Of course, I was thrilled to meet him and knew I wanted him to stay. He was injured, so I took him to WildCare in San Rafael, where I used to volunteer before I had my Purrfumery. While staff at WildCare nursed him back to health, he met a little roller pigeon and the two became very attached. I decided to bring both birds home, and while they were convalescing, we built them a beautiful redwood aviary on the deck in the sunshine. It is absolutely adorable to watch them out there, kissing and preening each other. Knowing that we have given these two birds – who would either be dead from injury or euthanized – a chance at love and companionship makes me enjoy my home even more! And thank you to Elizabeth, the pigeon rescue expert at MickaCoo, for getting me started with all I need to care for them!

Weaving Animal Protection with Art

Some of my friends wonder why I didn’t just shuffle Polka Dot right out the door and forget about him. Here’s what I tell them: I live and breathe animal protection, whether it’s a wild animal who needs my help, a domestic animal who needs a home, or a lab animal who needs an advocate. I live in awe of the natural world and I combine my love of animals with my work in the Purrfumery every day. In late February, I visited UC Berkeley to talk about how I have merged by passions for animal protection, natural perfumery and art. I was so excited to speak to students about this work and answer questions that will help them develop their own humane missions. I was so proud of each one of them! I was also deeply troubled to learn during the talk that pigeons are used extensively in animal research. I plan to learn more about this. I left the talk thinking about how much animals need us, and how pleased I am to be part of raising awareness on their behalf.

Artisan Fragrance Salon at Fort Mason is March 24!

Have you bought your tickets for the 2nd Annual Artisan Fragrance Salon? Better hurry! It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 24 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. This year, the event is part of the International Chocolate Salon – I can’t wait to check out all the perfumes and chocolates! It’s going to a divine and delicious sensual event – I will be holding a raffle and giving away collector’s edition bottles of my bewitching Black Cat eau de parfum, a mouthwatering blend of cocoa, ylang ylang and blood orange with a hint of aniseed myrtle. Stop by and see me, my dear Purrfumery friends!

One More Little Pigeon Story

I looked in the aviary the other day and noticed that Pansy had laid two tiny eggs. Of course, I love the idea of baby pigeons but I really don’t want more birds – one aspect of animal protection is controlling animal populations. I rarely tell folks what to do, but I can be quite pushy when I explain why spay/neuter is so important for cats and dogs! Elizabeth at MickaCoo told me that if you swap the real eggs for fake eggs in the first few days, you can control the population while respecting the parents’ instincts. But how do you swap the eggs? Polka Dot and Pansy were very protective, taking turns sitting on the eggs. It took me about half an hour to muster the courage to make the swap – I dreaded upsetting the birds and heard that pigeons will give you a wing slap when they feel threatened. Finally, I reached in and very gingerly replaced the real eggs with fake ones. Little Pansy sat there calmly – no wing slap, thank goodness! Instead of composting the eggs, I put them on the fence for the ravens to eat. I felt very satisfied – the pigeon population at the Purrfumery is under control! I’m sure I will have more pigeon stories, my dear Purrfumery friends! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

January 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

Brr! It's cold out there! Even so, it's been a beautiful and productive winter. Gary has been cutting back the roses, viburnum, our fig, lemon and lime trees, and of course, the mint, Melissa, and rosemary, which would take over the Perfumer's Garden if we let it! We love the quiet stillness of the world in winter - it's a time to retreat and get cozy with a faux fur and a good book. It's also a time to make beautiful natural materials for my Purrfumery treats!

Subtle and Incredible Enfleurage

When I'm not tending to the Perfumer's Garden, you can find me in the Purrfumery, making enfleurage with our daphne flowers and organic virgin oil de coco crème! It's fruity and spicy and nutty from the coconut oil! These are the moments I savor - the time spent in the Purrfumery blending this and that, and coaxing new scents from the most unexpected materials. It's a meditative and delicious labor of love, and, speaking of love, have you started to feel the energy and excitement in the air? It's almost Valentine's Day!

It’s a Tradition! Tempting Valentine’s Day Gifts...

My Valentine's Day traditions go back as far as I can remember - it has always been my favorite holiday! Every year I bake something rich and delicious and share it with my dearest friends and family. This year, I will probably make Linzer tortes, but I might make cupcakes with the cute kitty wrappers my friend Lisa gave me. Can't wait! If you are looking for tempting Valentine's Day gifts for yourself or someone you love, look no further, my dear Purrfumery friends! I have a few ideas for you... My new, award-winning scent, Fleur de Caramel comes in a perfume, eau de parfum and a gorgeous creme perfume, and features tart red mandarin, spicy butterfly lily and a luscious caramel accord infused with rich cognac and night-blooming frangipani. Wrapped like whimsical pieces of candy, Fleur de Caramel parfum and eau de parfum make beautiful, memorable gifts! Or, celebrate the sweetness of life and love with Honey eau de parfum, wrapped like candy and finished with a cute honey bee! Scent Charms also make delightful gifts - Purrfumery friends love these vintage-style lockets that let them take their perfume to go!

Through February 7, you will receive 20% off on all perfumes, eau de parfums, Scent Charms, and all pampering products! Take a steamy, scented Passion Flower bath with your beloved - or luxuriate on your own before the soiree! Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! Please use the coupon code PURRFUME.

SF Fragrance Salon – Save the Date!

I am thrilled to announce that Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery will be exhibiting at the 2nd Annual Taste TV Artisan Fragrance Salon on March 24! Save the date and spend the day sampling and sniffing to your heart's content! There are early bird tickets available until January 31st. This year the Artisan Fragrance Salon will be part of the International Chocolate Salon - yum! See you there!

Oh, and Happy New Year!

Even though it's almost the end of January, it isn't too late to wish you all a very happy New Year! Here's to an amazing 2013 full of happiness and health! I get butterflies when I think of what's on the horizon for Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery. The kitties and I are making some exciting plans that will allow me to work with people in a more intimate way, creating custom perfumes that speak to their heart, body and soul. I will share more details soon, my dear Purrfumery friends! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

November 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I hope you are enjoying the beauty of this incredible season! Fall is a time of contrasts, especially in the Perfumer's Garden. So many of our plants and flowers turn inward, lying dormant through the chilly days and nights. There is a stillness, and then... a riot of color! The crepe myrtles and the maple trees are gorgeous right now; their red, yellow and orange leaves flutter in the wind and then gracefully fall to the ground. And the persimmons! The tree is loaded with these lovely and delicious amber-colored treats. I'm also delighted to see that our osmanthus is blooming! Its tiny, pure white flowers have a very subtle apricot scent during the day and become more fragrant at night. I like to imagine taking a walk at twilight through the Valley of Osmanthus in China... I am going to sit in the garden with my snuggly faux fur blanket and a cup of hot tea filled with aromatic herbs and the last of the season's rose petals and watch the magical fall display! And then it's time for a warm, wonderful bath!

Free Bath Salts with $75 Purchase through Dec. 31

It's such a simple thing, but so completely luxurious... This season, treat yourself or someone you love to indulgent scents for the bath. Our bath salts come in a variety of yummy scents and make beautiful gifts. We have a bath salt for every mood... Snow Forest features the comforting and invigorating aromas of Douglas and grand firs and the fresh, crisp scent of silver fir. My respiratory system loves these scents this time of year! Kashmir Lavender, grown high in the Himalayas, is deliciously floral and deeply relaxing. And then there's Monkey Cat! Named after a very silly kitty, Monkey Cat is a blend of lavender and ylang ylang for calming and relaxation, holy basil for balancing and centering, and citrus for mouthwatering yum! If you want to slip into something sexy and energizing, try Passionflower, a blend of blood orange, lime, spearmint, and ylang ylang. Terrain is Gary's favorite, a rich blend of frankincense, citrus and geranium, perfect for soaking after a long day working in the garden. If you're looking for gift set ideas, my Terrain cologne pairs beautifully with Terrain bath salts! And Fir-ever Young perfume, with its pineapple sage, fir, lavender, rose, agarwood, and frankincense house-infused alcohols, is the perfect, free-spirited complement to Snow Forest bath salts. Honey and Fleur de Caramel, in their whimsical candy wrapping, also make beautiful gifts. Try pairing them with Passionflower or Monkey Cat bath salts for a bit of sexy, silly fun! I will include a free bath salt with all orders of $75 or more through December 31. When you place your order, let me know if you have a kitty and I will send along some of our super-potent catnip while supplies last. It's my gift to you, my dear Purrfumery friends (and your kitties!), to get you through the holiday hustle bustle and chill! Relax and enjoy!

ArtFirst! for the Holidays

I am thrilled to be part of ArtFirst!, a group of Bay Area artists and crafters who are presenting their original work at the Village Shops and Galleries, 10330 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. The ArtFirst! Holiday Show & Sale is open November 24-25 and November 28 through December 2 from noon to 6 p.m. You can find something for everyone on your holiday list; from jewelry to fine art to photography to perfume... the selection is incredible! Stop by and deeply inhale my freshly made bath salts! I will be there to visit with my Purrfumery friends on December 1 and 2, and will have perfumes and other products for you to sample and purchase on those days, too. I have special treats for you, so hope to see you there! I am looking forward to seeing Julie Long Gallegos' original beadwork, which is incredible, and Holly Wallace's beautiful, blown glass vases. Nature photographer Heidi Rand will also be there with images that inspire us to experience all the beauty and joy the world has to offer! Can't wait!

The Purrfumery in the Limelight!

We were delighted by two recent reviews, one by Elena Knezhevich in Fragrantica And another by Felicia Hazzard in Fragrance Belles-Lettres Thank you Elena and Felicia! I truly appreciate your thoughts and feedback on Fleur de Caramel and other Velvet & Sweet Pea Purrfumery products!

Come See Me at the Purrfumery!

When you visit the Purrfumery, you experience a jewel box of treasures and the wonder of seeing a working, natural perfumery. Come visit and sniff and sample to your heart's content! To schedule an appointment, give me a call at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com. Hope to see you soon! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

October 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I’m back from Los Angeles! I went there for the Taste TV Artisan Fragrance Salon and had a great time – it was wonderful to see our LA Purrfumery friends and meet some new people, too. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us! And, huge thanks to my awesome niece Sara, and delightful friends Gwendolyn and Jennifer for helping me! Jennifer paints gorgeous watercolors of Los Angeles landmarks and teaches others how to create their own pieces of art, too! We grew up together and I love her and her art!

The Fruits of Fall

This morning, I looked out the window and I can see that fall is finally here and it’s transforming the Perfumer’s Garden with its warm colors. I just love this time of year, and now I have one more reason to look forward to it: QUINCE! Do you like quince fruit, my dear Purrfumery friends? It’s a really odd fruit – you can’t just pick it off the tree and eat it – the outside is tough and the inside is very hard. But oh the aroma! When quince ripens, it is so floral and gorgeous! I keep one by my bed and inhale deeply! You have to cook quince for a really long time to enjoy it, and that’s exactly what my friend Virginia and I did this weekend! Virginia, a wonderful friend of mine from Connecticut, is visiting and found a tree that was heavy with quince. She brought over a bunch and we cooked it with sugar, dried it in the oven and made dulce de membrillo, or quince paste. This is a delicious Spanish treat that goes really well with sheep’s cheese, like manchego. Virginia and I have been eating it right out of the pan and getting a sugar high! Quince has a lovely, aromatic flavor, and it turns a gorgeous reddish color when you cook it. I highly recommend it!

More Bewitching Treats

The kitties and I have been getting ready for Halloween and stocking the Purrfumery shelves with beguiling Black Cat eau de parfum! Black Cat is one of our best sellers, with its bewitching blend of mouth-watering cocoa, sensuous ylang ylang, juicy blood orange, and a hint of sweet, surprising aniseed myrtle. I use Tahitian vanilla-infused organic jojoba oil to make Black Cat, so the dry down is rich and deep and yummy! Or, if you want an extra special treat in your Halloween pillowcase, indulge in a candy-wrapped bottle of Fleur de Caramel. I created this incredible new scent from a secret caramel accord and a blend of night-blooming frangipani, tuberose, red mandarin and spicy butterfly lily. Reviewers have described Fleur de Caramel as “edible,” and transporting... Writers at New Beauty recently wrote that it “smells good enough to eat.” Thank you, New Beauty! Oh, and my new Honey eau de parfum is wrapped like a fancy piece of candy with a bee on top! Trick or treat, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Free Shipping through November 15

We are kicking off the holiday season a little early this year and offering free shipping on all orders through November 15. It’s my way of saying thank you to each of you! Enjoy!

Custom Perfume – the Ultimate Holiday Gift

I love to have visitors at the Purrfumery, and am currently taking appointments, so if you’d like to schedule a Perfumery Adventure for friends or family, or create a custom perfume for yourself or someone you love this season, now is the time! Visits to the Purrfumery are a delightful way to spend time with the people you love; or celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, bridal showers… any special day! To schedule a Perfumery Adventure, Custom Perfume appointment, or to visit and sample all the Purrfumery has to offer, call me at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com. Hope to see you soon!

Visit Kensington for ArtFirst!

I am working with ArtFirst! Bay Area, a group of nine local artists who use a variety of media, and I am thrilled to announce that we are having our first show. Through January, you can stop by Marvin Gardens Real Estate at 289 The Arlington in Kensington to see what we’ve been up to. The work ranges from photography and mixed media to floral and glass creations, and will include a perfume shadow box with treats from the Purrfumery. Come out to see the show and support local artists! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

September 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I am settling in after a relaxing vacation with Gary that reminded us of our hippie days. We didn’t have a plan; we just packed up the car and threw caution to the wind, savoring the freedom of not knowing where we would end up. We used to travel this way years ago – back when I was driving my Volkswagen hippie van decked out with my grandmother’s antique floral chintz curtains that I sewed. That van was gorgeous! One time we lived in it for six months, traveling from California to British Columbia and zig zagging all the way to New Jersey and back. We still have the best memories of that trip of a lifetime! Did you take any fun trips this summer, my dear Purrfumery friends? I’d love to hear about them sometime, so drop me a line!

See You in LA!

Attention, Los Angeles Purrfumery friends! We are hitting the road again this month for the Los Angeles edition of Taste TV’s Artisan Fragrance Salon at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. We can’t wait to visit with you in person and share our newest perfumes and products – and special treats, of course! The salon features artisan and luxury perfumers from Los Angeles, San Francisco and more, and your tickets are good for the adjacent Chocolate Salon, too! Perfume and chocolate together – what could be more fun? Perfume lovers will find a dazzling array of perfumes – you may even decide to get a super-early start on your holiday shopping! Tickets won’t be sold at the door, so get them while they last!

A Gift for YOU! Fleur de Caramel Sample with all September Orders

My Purrfumery friends are really excited about Fleur de Caramel, my newest parfum and eau de parfum! I just made a new batch of both and will send you a free sample of this gorgeous, utterly scrumptious perfume with your September orders. Fleur de Caramel is really something special, my dear Purrfumery friends, from its warm caramel accord to the gorgeous notes of frangipani, tuberose, red mandarin, butterfly lily and rare Tamil Nadu Sandalwood… It lasts a really long time for a natural perfume, too – almost 24 hours – and I love the caramel dry down. I love the smell in the morning! We want to thank Beth Schreibman Gehring and Ida Meister for their reviews of Fleur de Caramel – we are thrilled to see their comments in The Perfume Magazine and Fragrantica! What I loved most about the reviews is that both Beth and Ida talked about the EXPERIENCE of wearing Velvet & Sweet Pea’s perfumes. Beth said she loved the sensuality and bewitching deliciousness of our perfumes and packaging, and Ida talked about being transported to another place with the scent of Fleur de Caramel. Wow! Comments like these are amazing because I’ve always believed that perfumes were meant to be experienced, not just dabbed on, and that scent can whisk us away to another world or change our state of mind for a while. I love when people talk about how they feel when they wear Velvet & Sweet Pea’s perfumes because that’s what it’s all about! There is a deeper message in every bottle of my perfumes and Beth and Ida both touched on that in their reviews. I am honored and grateful! Thanks so much Beth and Ida!

A Visit with Living Legend Jeanne Rose

In August, Jeanne Rose, an educator, herbalist and a living legend of aromatherapy emailed me and asked me to speak to her class in San Francisco. I had a great time visiting with her students – I met people from all corners of the world. It was also a lot of fun sharing the story of my Purrfumery and talking about how I create my perfumes and products. Jeanne is an amazing artist of herbalism – her books are among my favorite reference manuals. She has written 22 books, including one of my favorites, “375 Essential Oils & Hydrosols.” If you are interested in aromatherapy and blending essential oils, check out her courses and many books. Thank you, Jeanne! Your classes sound incredible!

Purrfumery Garden Delights

I love to hang out in the garden just as the seasons are starting to change. As summer turns to fall, the datura is gorgeous with its huge white flowers. Datura is most fragrant in the evening, so I like to step out when the sun goes down and enjoy this very special and intoxicating plant. (It helps that it’s right next to the hot tub!) Our cestrum nocturnum, or night-blooming jasmine, is also delightful in September, and the roses are beautiful in every color. The crepe myrtles and lavender are so happy, and the bees! This has been a great bee year! We look forward to the honey harvest next month! All my scented pelargoniums are flowering and they smell just absolutely beautiful. I’d love you to come see me, my dear Purrfumery friends! Give me a call or send an email and we’ll put something on the calendar. Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

June 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I hope you’re all having a glorious summer! The kitties and I have been very busy – we could probably use a little vacation! Last month, we unveiled our new perfume, Fleur de Caramel at Taste TV’s Artisan Fragrance Salon in San Francisco. We had a great time, and it was wonderful to see old friends and make some new ones, too. We were thrilled to learn just last week that Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery won a Bronze Best of Salon Award for Best New Product for Fleur de Caramel! We also won the Gold Award for Best All-Natural Scent, a Silver Award for Most Unique and two more Bronze Awards for Best Gift Set and Top All-around Product Line. Thank you to all the people who attended the salon! And thank you for voting for Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery! We are thrilled and honored!

Fleur de Caramel Samples are a Summertime Treat

Have you tried Fleur de Caramel? It’s positively yummy, and the drydown is pure caramel! This limited edition scent features a warm caramel accord with rich cognac and sultry, night-blooming frangipani. I’ve used some of the most exquisite materials in the world to create this scent, including jasmine, tuberose and rare Tamil Nadu sandalwood that I’ve held onto for ages. You can experience the luxury of Fleur de Caramel in both perfume and eau de parfum. My eau de parfum is a sumptuous (and highly dosed) version of the original, packaged in a delicate Brosse crystal bottle and elegant candy wrapping. It’s also available as a crème perfume in an emerald sterling silver jewel box. I will be including a free sample of Fleur de Caramel perfume with every order placed in August. It’s one way I am celebrating my birthday, August 14! Please let me know what you think of my new scent, my dear Purrfumery friends! I love to hear all your comments about my products. Oh! I almost forgot to mention that Fleur de Caramel has a fun kitty connection (of course). I named my first kitten “Caramel” after receiving her from a passerby when I was just 6 years old. It was the start of my animal rescue career!

Honey Arrives in Eau de Parfum

We have also added Honey to our eau de parfum line. Honey is one of my most popular scents – the eau de parfum has all the gorgeous qualities of the liquid perfume, it’s just less concentrated. Go ahead and indulge in this incredible blend of French orange blossom, Moroccan and Bulgarian roses, deep vetiver, Madagascar vanilla, honey, and beeswax from the Purrfumery's bees. Like the original, Honey eau de parfum is set in a base of sandalwood and vanilla-infused alcohol and crowned with rare antique clove, pomegranate and pink grapefruit. It’s a royal gift for you or someone you love, packaged in a Brosse crystal bottle and adorned with a whimsical bumblebee.

Fir-ever Young, mentioned in Oprah Magazine!

In the July issue, Dr. Toni Bark, a proponent of healthy and vibrant living (and one of my customers) was featured in Oprah magazine. During her interview, Toni said she wore our Fir-ever Young scent – I was delighted to see this woodsy, jammy scent mentioned in Oprah magazine! Throughout the story, Toni talks about her approach to life, health, exercise and aging. She sells some of the products she uses and loves, including Fir-ever Young, on her new Skin and Chocolate website. The chocolates look incredible! Her blog, disease-reversal.com, is also fabulous! Thank you, Toni, for introducing Fir-Ever Young to Oprah Magazine! You are amazing!

Taking a New Look at Kittylicious

We’ve made some changes around here, under the supervision of Buttercup, our Chief Fun Officer! One big change has been the redesign of our Kittylicious labels. I’ve had so much fun working on them! The new bottles are available now, so get ready for a pleasant surprise the next time you order one of these unique, playful scents. Ok! Time to take a break and lounge with the kitties. Enjoy the summer sun, my dear Purrfumery friends! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

June 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

The Perfumer’s Garden is absolutely amazing this time of year – I am thrilled to see that my Kazanlik rose is starting to bloom! This is a damask rose that can be found in some of the richest perfumes in the world. I’m in awe of the wisteria – it’s garlanding the Purrfumery windows – and the lilac dell is in full bloom. The jasmine and lemon blossoms leading to the Purrfumery are intoxicating! The irises are beautiful this year… they’re beautiful every year! Bees are sipping from the Pride of Madera and the borage. Roses are bursting open everywhere! Attar of rose geranium, and many other scented geraniums fill the air on the deck of my apothecary garden. It’s magical! In the midst of all this aromatic gorgeousness, I am busy as a bee planning for a very eventful summer.

Save the Date!

First, I’m getting ready for my dear friend, Philadelphia novelist James Rahn, who will be visiting on June 30. Save the date! James and I grew up together in Atlantic City and his book Bloodnight recently hit the streets. James will be on the West Coast this summer promoting Bloodnight and will spend an afternoon at the Purrfumery, where he’ll read a few pages from his gritty past. We’ll gather in the garden from 1-4 p.m.; the reading will begin at 2:15 p.m. Copies of Bloodnight will be available, and the Purrfumery will be open, too. I will be serving light refreshments, so please join us! The Purrfumery address is 727 Sea View Drive, El Cerrito, Ca. 94530. RSVP to laurie@purrfumery.com or call me at 510-528-8040. Bloodnight is James’ first book, and I am so happy for him. The story transports readers to a Jersey shore resort town that was a violent and volatile place. By 1970, tourists who once loved the town were traveling to newer, trendier places. As tourist dollars dwindled, the locals lost their jobs. They unleashed their frustration on their kids. Kids, in turn, punished each other. Growing up meant hustling, and learning to be tough. James’ stories and articles have appeared in numerous publications. He also taught fiction at the University of Pennsylvania for 15 years. And, he leads the Rittenhouse Writers Group in Philadelphia, a series of acclaimed fiction workshops. I’m looking forward to James’ reading and visiting with you, my dear Purrfumery friends! See you in the Perfumer’s Garden this summer!

Yummy Scents… Literally!

If you love perfume, art and wine (and want to experience them all at the same time!) mark your calendar for TasteTV's Artisan Fragrance Salon happening this summer. This incredible scent event happens on July 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gallery 4N5, 863 Mission Street, San Francisco. The salon features artisan and luxury perfumers from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Perfume lovers will find a dazzling array of perfumes, as well as olfactory tastings, demonstrations, wine pairings, an art exhibition, and more! Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery will be there so please stop by and say hello. I will have all kinds of delightful treats for my Purrfumery friends – don't miss it! Visit TasteTV's Artisan Fragrance Salon page to learn more. Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

April 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

Happy Spring to you! I hope you are all enjoying the wonders of this gorgeous season and the renewal that's happening all around us. I'm still buzzing from the incredible journey Gary and I made to Michoacán, Mexico to see the Monarch butterfly migration. Have you heard of this? Every spring, Monarch butterflies in the mountains of Michoacán procreate and send their next generation north to Canada, creating an absolutely amazing spectacle for humans on the ground. We climbed at about 10,000 feet on horseback, looking up into the blue sky... Soon, we saw one or two butterflies. Then we saw a dozen or more and before long, there were millions of butterflies floating by like a beautiful, magical dream! It is truly inspiring to see these tiny, fragile creatures begin their migration – they will fly thousands of miles! We all stood there in awe, just trying to imagine the terrain the butterflies would fly over during their journey. I like to call the mountains where the butterflies stay "Woodstock for Butterflies." It's where they drink from the rivers, procreate and flourish until it's time to take flight! We must not take them for granted, though! A study in the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity reported that Monarchs have declined over the years because of the loss of milkweed (their favorite food), land development, severe weather, pesticides, and more. We learned so much about these amazing creatures! Did I mention the wildflowers? They are everywhere in the mountains of Michoacán and they are just exquisite. This was a great little trip – the perfect way to rejuvenate and rediscover the magic of nature.

Scented Treasures Just for Mom

And now I'm ready for Mother's Day! I would be delighted to have you and your mom (or moms!) visit the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and a Perfumery Adventure or a Custom Perfume Experience. During the Perfumery Adventure, I will take you and Mom through the history and mythology of perfume making and offer you the rare opportunity to smell aromatic treasures from around the globe. Blue Lotus, Bulgarian Rose Otto, 100-year old Indian Sandalwood, White Ginger Lily absolute… Perfumery Adventures also include a sumptuous little goody bag that I put together just for Mom!

Or, lavish Mom with a Custom Perfume Experience, which begins with a Perfumery Adventure. The essences that Mom loves most from her adventure become the basis of her very own, signature scent! This is the ultimate luxury – leisure time spent in the Purrfumery sniffing and talking about the scents she loves and why. Purrfumery friends who have chosen the Custom Perfume Experience say it's a relaxing and joyful experience, and that enjoying their own custom perfume reminds them that they are loved and cherished! I am happy to answer questions about these experiences, dear Purrfumery friends. Feel free to call me at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com to learn more. Velvet & Sweet Pea's Gift Collections are another wonderful way to celebrate Mom! We also highly recommend our Scent Charms, popular vintage-style brass lockets with Rose Jasmine and Jasmine Orange Blossom solid perfume. Scent Charms hang on super-soft velvet cords and arrive in a delicate organza bag – they are beautiful and fun to wear and use! I will include a free Scent Charm with all orders over $150 through May. Happy Mother's Day to all!

Art a la mode

The kitties and I have a kinship with art and artists, and we want to share the latest news with you! We are thrilled to announce that Heidi Rand, a wonderful photographer, artist (and writer!) has released her newest ebook, "Sell Your Artwork & Crafts Online: An Insider's Guide to the Worldwide Arts Market." If you are an artist or know someone who is, this is a wonderful, step-by-step guide to selling arts and crafts in cyberspace. Heidi tapped her own rich experience as an artist and reached out to others as well, including Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery. We love Heidi's book, and not just because she featured us! Congratulations, Heidi, and thank you! And, if you are planning a wedding, we have some very creative and artistic new favors to share with you from Pat Gibbons Floral Designs. Pat is a wonderful friend and longtime floral designer who has expanded her business with a product line called Flower Fusion. Pat's new line features decorative, hand-painted and kiln-fused glass magnets that are based on the bride's color scheme. These charming magnets make beautiful decorations and favors for your guests. A fellow beekeeper, Pat also has some yummy favors, too – 1.5 ounce jars of pure, local honey! And, if you'd like a special memento of your wedding day, Pat also creates hand-painted and kiln-fused depictions of the bridal bouquet. All are gorgeous and artful ways to remember and share your special day! Email Pat at pat@patgibbonsfloral.com to learn more about her Flower Fusion line.

Farewell to an Icon

It's sad to talk about this, but it's time. I thought you all should know that Sweet Pea, our dear little kitty who along with Velvet inspired me to start my Purrfumery, passed earlier this year. Sweet Pea came from very dire beginnings; but she was so loving and sweet – you would never know the pain she had endured. Velvet and Sweet Pea both were lab animals – they taught me so much and are the reason why I am so dedicated to being cruelty free and animal musk free. More on that to come! Thank you to everyone who has sent warm wishes and condolences. We are doing ok, though of course, we miss her very much! Love you, Sweet Pea.

Looking for Love

One of my good friends just let me know that she recently had to turn over Sylvie and Fluffy – two kitties she had been fostering – to the SPCA. Fluffy is about 4 and Sylvie is 3 –they are both very sweet and affectionate and love to play. They also get along great with other cats. Both have been fully vetted and chipped and both are in perfect health. If you are looking for a friend (or friends!) to share your life with, ask about them at Maddie's Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 or call 415-522-3500 Fluffy: 15682727 Sylvie: 15682760 Thank you, my dear Purrfumery friends! Enjoy this gorgeous time of year! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

January 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

It has been an incredible, whirlwind year – and it's only February! The kitties and I have been getting ready for one special occasion after another. Of course, the one we all have on our minds right now is...

Valentine's Day!

Did you know that Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday? What's not to adore about a holiday that celebrates love and friendship? It's been my favorite holiday since I was a kid. My dad would bring home little heart-shaped cupcakes with our names on them – they were gorgeous and such a treat! My dear friend Meryl and I have continued the tradition of sharing the love with friends and family. Every year, we get together and make buttery, heart-shaped Linzer tarts for the special people in our lives. We put a dollop of jam in the middle... Yum!

If you are looking for a special gift to give to someone you love on Valentine's Day, the kitties and I have lots of ideas! For something opulent and totally amazing, try a bottle of my Honey perfume, an absolutely regal blend of Moroccan and Bulgarian roses, sandalwood, vetiver, Madagascar vanilla, honey and beeswax from the Purrfumery's own bees. I crown this gorgeous scent with rare antique clove, pomegranate and pink grapefruit. Gorgeous! Bed of Roses, one of my limited edition scents, also makes an incredible gift for someone special. Bed of Roses features an accord of nine exceptional rose distillations from around the world, cushioned by aged sandalwood and rich cognac with accents of tuberose, boronia, orange blossom, and green mandarin. I crown Bed of Roses with rose leaf absolute, a rare and incomparable material from the history of perfume, seldom made today. Or how about giving a friend or someone you love an ornate, heart-shaped Scent Charm? We fill our decorative brass lockets with Rose Jasmine and Jasmine Orange Blossom solid perfume – luscious scents created in a base of vanilla-infused organic jojoba oil with beeswax from the Purrfumery's own bees. Scent Charms hang on a soft velvet cord and are a hit with perfume lovers of all ages! Need more ideas? I'd be delighted to help you find the perfect scent treat, my dear Purrfumery friends! Just call or email me for an appointment at 510-528-8040 or laurie@purrfumery.com. And, as my special treat for you, I will include a free, heart-shaped Rose Jasmine Scent Charm with all orders over $150 until February 14. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!

The Purrfumery Goes to Google

In late January, I visited Google and took employees on an interactive and experiential journey that explored the magical union between bees, flowers and natural perfume. It was an amazing afternoon, and I was thrilled to be able to share the message that without bees there are no flowers, and without flowers there are no boanical perfumes. Google employees had a chance to smell some of my most intoxicating natural materials, including Assam oud (the most expensive essence in the world), 100-year old Indian sandalwood, organic Persian Rose Otto, and sacred mitti attar. We talked about how it all starts with bees and flowers, and how beekeepers (like those who maintain the Google hives) are so important to life as we know it! Thank you, Google, for hosting us!

Changes in Purrfumery Leadership

Buttercup, the little fairy cat who loves to play and chase a ribbon, has stepped up as Chief Fun Officer (CFO) at Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery. Buttercup is shaking things up and taking us back to our roots in custom perfumery. This is a wonderful transition that allows us to continue creating the products our Purrfumery friends love, while also opening a new door to exploration and wonder. We are delighted to present to you our Custom Perfume offerings, inspired by Buttercup's endless curiosity and love of play and adventure...

The Ultimate Gift – A Custom Perfume Experience

Our Custom Perfume offerings begin with a Perfumery Adventure, where you have an opportunity to experience the aromatic treasures from my vast collection. You will be amazed at how powerful your sense of smell can be and the array of memories and associations that emerge during our time together! The essences you are most drawn to become the basis of several formulations I will send you to sample. I will revise your favorite formulation at your request, age the new scent, and within two to four months, you will receive your very own liquid or solid perfume in either a gorgeous Brosse French crystal bottle or decadent jewel-box. Imagine, my dear Purrfumery friends! A scent that is all yours, created from the essences that transport and fascinate you! This is an extraordinary opportunity to tap into your most neglected sense – your sense of smell – and immerse yourself in a sensual and highly personal journey. The choice is yours... To learn more about Le Rêve, Le Rêve d'Or, La Passionata and La Royale Custom Perfume Experiences, call or email me, or visit us online. Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie