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

December 2011 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

The holidays are approaching and the kitties and I are busy as we could be. Actually, Buttercup is busy jumping up on my lap as I work, and every time I put her down, she jumps right back up again! Oh, this little fairy cat!

Purrfumery Wishes!

We want to wish you a deliciously fun and happy holiday season, dear Purrfumery friends! And if you're looking for something new and delightfully different for yourself or someone on your list, we would love to have you over! We have an array of sumptuous treats to share with you, everything from liquid and solid perfumes, to fresh Frostings and bath salts... Our gorgeous Scent Charms have also been very popular – Purrfumery friends say they make beautiful presents, party favors and stocking stuffers for friends and loved ones. We fill these ornate, vintage-style brass lockets with Rose Jasmine and Jasmine Orange Blossom solid perfume – incredible scents in a base of vanilla-infused organic jojoba oil with beeswax from our own bees. Scent Charms hang on super-soft velvet cords and arrive in a delicate organza bag. Tuck one into a stocking or gift box… or treat yourself!

December Specials – Free Shipping and Hydrosols

This holiday season, the Purrfumery is offering free shipping on all orders. It's my way of saying thank you, my dear Purrfumery friends, and Happy Holidays! Through the month of December we will also offer 2 for 1 on hydrosols to everyone who stops by the Purrfumery for an appointment. That means if you visit the Purrfumery and select one of our refreshing hydrosols, you will receive a second one FREE. If you prefer to shop online, we will include a free surprise hydrosol with all purchases over $50. Hydrosols are the magical result produced when the essential oils of flowers and herbs are extracted into water through steam distillation. Created using a method from 10th century Arabia, these beautiful, aromatherapeutic fragrances offer a burst of light, refreshing scent anytime, anywhere. We are making space on the Purrfumery shelves for yummy new products, so if you haven't tried a hydrosol, now is your chance! This will be my last batch of hydrosols, so don't delay. And don't forget your kitties this holiday season! We have our euphorically kittylicious, high-quality catnip bud for them – be sure to let me know when you place your order that you have cats. They are in for a treat! I am hoping to see you all very soon! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and yours, my dear Purrfumery friends! Until next year... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

October 2011 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I hope you are enjoying the magic of fall and the way the seasons transform and delight our world! The kitties and I have been watching in wonder as the fall colors arrive to the Purrfumery Garden. The persimmons are starting to turn their lovely shade of orange and the pomegranates are tempting us, but they aren't quite ready. Just a little longer… The trees are starting to drop their leaves and the blossoms are turning brittle. The bees are buzzing away – we've just finished harvesting our last honey of the season! Yum! I'm getting the beeswax ready for our crème perfumes right now! Of course, fall means cutting and clearing. Gary and I cut back our hydrangeas and brought baskets full of dried blooms inside to hang from the beams in our kitchen. When I walk through the kitchen in the morning to get my tea and honey I feel like I'm in a French country cottage! It's beautiful!

Share Your Fall Creations & Win the Gift of Scent

This is one of my favorite times of year – it reminds me of my days in the flower business when I collected leaves, branches and dried blossoms for wreaths I would make and sell. This is the time of year when many of us move our crafts indoors and use the dried treasures we find to create wreaths, gifts and seasonal decor. I would love to see your fall creations, my dear Purrfumery friends! Through Thanksgiving (November 24 this year), please send me a picture of a handmade fall creation and tell me what materials you used to create it. I will look at each and every one and award the maker of the one I love best a bottle of Honey perfume! I will also feature pictures of your fall creations in my next newsletter. Put on your crafting hats and have some fun!

The Purrfumery Stars in a Movie

This summer, filmmakers arrived at our home, unloading oodles of gear, cords and lights. Our home and the Purrfumery were used as sets in a movie – I can't tell you the name just yet, but I will as soon as I can! I got to meet Gena Rowlands, one of my favorite actresses, and experience the incredible process of making a movie. Like many marvelous and wonderful stories, this movie has a kitty in the middle! Stay tuned for updates!

... and the Purrfumery Makes the News!

I was delighted to have Meredith May from the San Francisco Chronicle visit in August for a story about the health benefits of products made from beeswax. Thank you, Meredith! It was so nice to meet you. Maddie McGarvey was also here and took some lovely photos. Thanks, Maddie! Meredith writes about our favorite pollinators (the bees) for the Home and Garden section of the San Francisco Chronicle. Check the Chronicle for more of her stories.

Whistle While You Work

The kitties and I have been spending our days in my magical Purrfumery, blending and pouring lockets, perfumes, and bath salts to stock the shelves. I've also whipped up a new batch of Frostings – it's fall and they're back! I am sad to report that I am very low on the gardenia I use for my Tuberose Gardenia Frosting, and I will not be getting any more of this amazing natural material. This will be my last batch of Tuberose Gardenia Frosting so if you love it, don't delay! On the other hand, I have many beautiful locket designs to choose from. These little treasures hang on a velvet cord and make gorgeous gifts and stocking stuffers. I have four designs on the Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery website but I recently received several new and vintage designs that will only be available at the Purrfumery. Why don't you stop by and see them for yourself? Try a spritz of this and that while you're here! Give me a call at 510-528-8040 or send me an email at laurie@purrfumery.com and let me know when you'd like to visit. Until next time… Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

August 2011 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

This summer has been a season of transformation. I am beginning to feel like a caterpillar that has emerged from a silky cocoon not once, but over and over again! It all started with a retreat I took to Spirit Rock Meditation Center in June. I had been feeling pretty overwhelmed with work and life and just needed some time to slow down and smell the flowers. You may be asking yourself, "But Laurie, don't you always take time to smell the flowers?" Well, yes. And no. I always take time to appreciate the world and nature, but this retreat opened a door to a new place within me. I considered my life and my upcoming birthday – I'm turning 55 in August and it feels like a milestone. I also thought about my work and about things I'd like to change and develop. I hadn't had time to do this for a while, and taking a few days to deeply relax was just what I needed to stir my soul. I emerged from the retreat rejuvenated and anxious to get back to the Purrfumery, where I am playing with some new materials that I hope will guide you through YOUR transformations, my dear Purrfumery friends! Stay tuned...

The Woman in the Purple Sweater

So I am back from my retreat and delighting in the joys of summer. I've been taking time to hike in the Sierras, enjoy the waterfalls, and feel the sun on my face and body. Sometimes I wander into the Perfumer's Garden and reflect as I walk among the blooming jasmine, magnolia trees, sweet peas and hydrangeas. Princess flowers and our scented geraniums are gorgeous right now, and the herb garden is brimming with mint and Melissa. Anyway, I also take walks in the hills around my home. One morning I was out meditating and walking when a woman in a gorgeous purple sweater took me quite by surprise. She stopped me, touched my arm and asked, "Why are you here?" I just started to laugh and laugh! She was suddenly embarrassed and said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else." As I walked away I thought, wow! That is such a great question! Why AM I here? It's the perfect question to ask someone who's in transition, by the way. While a few things may have changed, my vision for life remains the same: to blend my art and creativity with my deepest passions, which include making animals feel safer in this world and enjoying nature to the fullest!

A Great, Big "Happy Birthday to Everyone!" Sale

My birthday is almost here, and I want to do something fun, my dear Purrfumery friends! Through the month of August, I am holding a "Happy Birthday to Everyone!" sale. This is your chance to purchase a perfume and get a second perfume of equal or lesser value – free. It's a fun way to treat yourself and then treat yourself some more! Let's celebrate my birthday with presents for you, too! When you make your purchase, order the perfume you want and in the comments box let me know which perfume of equal or lesser value you would like to receive free. Cheers!

Heart on a String

If you're looking for a fun way to take your perfume to go, check out my gorgeous new Scent Charms! I fill these vintage-style lockets with tantalizing beeswax-based solid perfumes – Rose Jasmine and if you like a hint of citrus, Jasmine Orange Blossom. Whether you're out at a party or at work or school, or out running errands, a delicate touch of scent is just a moment away. Scent Charms hang on supple velvet cords and make great gifts and party favors. I recently made some for a friend who wanted something special to hand to guests at her mother's 85th birthday party. They're a really nice touch, and just $25 to $30 each.

New Interview on the Web

Have you read Perfume Pharmer? It's a wonderful blog that features news from natural perfumers and info on new products. Recently, natural perfumer Ambrosia Jones interviewed me about Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery and posted it to Perfume Pharmer. She asked some excellent questions that really made me think about how I have grown as a perfumer since I started my business five years ago. We are delighted to share the link here. Enjoy! And thank you so much, Ambrosia!

Velvet, Love in the Form of a Cat

Early this summer we said goodbye to our very dear little Velvet, a companion that I always said was love in the form of a cat. Velvet had been in poor health for a while, and she died peacefully at home with us. Velvet was a very special kitty – she came from dire beginnings, but went on to found her own Internet perfume company! Turned out she was all about transformation, too! She was alternately brave and sweet and snuggly and was a wonderful teacher to me. In the spirit of Velvet, let's love and be loved! Thank you to everyone who expressed sympathy for our loss. It was tough, but we are doing better. Enjoy the rest of your summer, dear Purrfumery friends! Delight in the moment, and even if things get hectic, find a place that's beautiful to stop and smell the flowers. Until next time… Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

May 2011 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

Save the Date! Please join us from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 for a very special author event in the Perfumer's Garden, 727 Sea View Drive, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Judith Adamson, author of "Backyard Beekeepers of the Bay Area" will be here to share her book, a profile of the beekeeping movement in the San Francisco Bay Area. The book is also available on Judith's website, www.BackyardBeeKeepersBayArea.com. Judith visited the Purrfumery a few years ago and interviewed me about my hives and how I use beeswax, propolis and other bee-made products in my perfumes. She interviewed other beekeepers, too – some of them will be here for the event. Judith's book is a great read about some of us local bee lovers and looks at scientific, philosophical and spiritual approaches to beekeeping. The book also discusses Colony Collapse Disorder – when worker bees abandon their hive and their queen – a very disturbing phenomenon that threatens many of our favorite plants. Bees pollinate crops and flowers – I don't even want to imagine a world without them! With its beautiful watercolor paintings, interviews and resource pages, Judith's book inspires people to help bees where they can. I am delighted to host Judith and my fellow beekeepers! This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about bees, the flowers they love and how you can create your own bee colony.

"The kitties and I love Steffy Sue, our server at Sam's Log Cabin in Albany. She plays ukulele, loves kitties and bees, and is a registered dietician. Her fanciful "bee love" flower tattoos and fun spirit delights us. Thanks, Steffy Sue!"

Esteemed Bay Area Beekeepers

Beekeepers at the event will include Pat Gibbons, a longtime wedding flower designer based in El Cerrito. Pat and I started our flower businesses around the same time 27 years ago and we always helped each other. She's an incredible designer and an amazing gardener, too! Pat will bring a list of plants that bees love (bee-loved plants!) a great resource for your own gardens. I am also looking forward to seeing beekeeper David Eichorn, my bee guru. Several years ago when I discovered a bee swarm in the Perfumer's Garden, I called David to remove the bees. David arrived and explained that bees swarm when they multiply – as many as half of the bees stay with their new queen in the original hive and the other half take their old queen in search of a new place to live. Like other animals, bees look for an ideal environment where they can settle down and live their lives. I had wanted David to remove the bees but the more he told me, the more I wanted to keep them! They chose the Perfumer's Garden! I felt so honored! David taught me how to keep bees and how to build my hives. He is an amazing source of information, so bring your questions. We'll enjoy some light snacks, too. I'll serve scones, local cheeses and of course, plenty of honey from my own hives. There will also be a table of tea and aromatic, honey-infused beverages. Yum! The Purrfumery will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. I'll be offering my sumptuous Honey perfume at a special price on that day, too! Beth Schreibman Gehring says "Honey is a glorious fragrance that is so completely seductive and narcotic that it should be illegal!" I will include a little Jasmine-Honey solid perfume (made with beeswax from my hives) with every Purrfumery purchase. I hope to see you here!

Last Days of Spring Fling Sale

The Spring Fling Sale, a special event to commemorate this year's spectacular bee season, is in its final days, my dear Purrfumery friends! Right now all liquid perfumes, crème perfumes, eau de parfum, colognes and limited edition perfumes are Buy 1, Get 1 Half Off. The Spring Fling Sale ends April 30. This is a great opportunity to try something new and get another scent of equal or lesser value at half the regular price. Don't forget Mom! Mother's Day is right around the corner on Sunday, May 8. To get in on the fun, email me at laurie@purrfumery.com or call the Purrfumery at 510-528-8040. I will take Spring Fling orders via email and phone only. I hope to see you soon! Come visit me at the Purrfumery! Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

April 2011 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I'm back! For the last month or so I have been taking extra time to smell the flowers… I have redefined the last days of winter and first weeks of spring as a time of reflection and rest followed by a gradual reemergence into new and old routines. I am following the rhythms of nature – just like the flowers and plants in the Perfumer's Garden, I tucked myself away from the rain. When the sun warmed me up, I raised my head in celebration!

Bouquets and Bee Swarms

Speaking of the Perfumer's Garden, it is absolutely amazing in spring. The lilacs, irises and freesia are full and beautiful and fragrant! And the bees! They are getting ready to swarm and always put on a spectacular show! Have you ever experienced a bee swarm? I hope you do sometime! Here's what happens: In a healthy hive, like the one in the Perfumer's Garden, bees multiply and make a new queen by feeding a worker bee a nutritious secretion from their bodies called Royal Jelly. Half of the bees stay in the hive and the other half take their new queen and look for a new hive. Since they don't know how long it will be until they're settled, they gorge themselves on honey before they venture out into the world. When they leave the hive it's incredible – imagine a giant cloud of bees and the amazing hum of their buzzing little bodies… When I experience a swarm, I watch in complete awe – these busy bees produce the natural materials I use to create my perfumes and other scents. I couldn't do it without them! They pollinate roses, lavender, and even vanilla, to name just a few plants and flowers.

Spring Fling Sale

I am commemorating this year's spectacular bee season with a sale that is sure to delight you, my dear Purrfumery friends! From April 11-30, all liquid perfumes, crème perfumes, eau de parfum, colognes and limited edition perfumes will be Buy 1, Get 1 Half Off. All hail the queen bee! This is a marvelous opportunity to try a scent you have been coveting, and get another one of equal or lesser value at half the regular price. (Psst! Don't forget that Mother's Day is right around the corner on Sunday, May 8!) To get in on the fun, email me at laurie@purrfumery.com or call the Purrfumery at 510-528-8040. I will take Spring Fling orders via email and phone only. Let the scent event of the year begin!

Bunny Hop Is Also A Kitty Stop

I always make time to do things I enjoy, such as volunteering and giving back to my community. Lately, I have been decorating the windows at RabbitEARS Pet Supply in downtown El Cerrito. I love to watch my bunny friends hop around and wiggle their adorable, furry noses! Bunnies are gorgeous and so fun to hold and pet! But there is a dark side to a bunny's life: Each year around Easter, people buy them on a whim and pop one into a basket to give as a gift. While RabbitEARS and other animal-supporting organizations love the idea of people adopting rabbits, they want people to be sure they are committed to these animals before they bring them home. Through the end of April, RabbitEARS is hosting a Make Mine Chocolate event that includes chocolate and coffee tastings by Socolo Chocalatier and Catahoula Coffee. Yum! RabbitEARS hopes the event will encourage parents to take a chocolate bunny home to their children instead of a real one. The store will also have coffee and chocolate packages for sale – all proceeds will go to rabbit rescue and education. From 1 to 5 on Easter Sunday, April 24, stop by RabbitEARS and meet the coffee roaster and chocolate makers in person and enjoy a free cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate! RabbitEARS is a wonderful place to learn about animals. You'll meet rescued rabbits Potter, Checkers, Scout, Racine, Pearl, Satcho and Twinky, Lilly, Tomatillo and others! You may also sign up for classes on bunny training, grooming and medical needs. Rabbit adoptions will resume in May. While you're there, visit rescued kitty Macha, who needs a home, and stock up on healthy pet food, treats and holistic products. To learn more about RabbitEARS, visit www.rabbitears.org

Bee Book Author Event

Judith Adamson, author of "Backyard Beekeepers of the Bay Area," will be signing books here at the Purrfumery in late spring or early summer. I will be in touch with a date and time soon. I am delighted to host Judith – she visited the Purrfumery when she was researching and writing her book and interviewed me about my beekeeping ways. I made it into her book! Stay tuned for details on the Purrfumery's very first author event!

Back to the Swarm

I only told you half of the bee swarm story, my dear Purrfumery friends. Here's the other half: When bees swarm, they buzz away in search of a new place to live. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee they will find a new hive, so responsible beekeepers (like me!) try to capture them in a "nuc" or swarm box and then give them away to another beekeeper who needs them. A beekeeper's goal is to be sure the bees have a place to go so they will survive and flourish. We need bees – the more the merrier – and they are in trouble! When the bees swarm, I go on bee patrol to locate them. If they are in a tree limb I can clip the branch and then bang the branch against the nuc box, which I will later put in a hive or give away to another beekeeper. If I'm lucky, the bulk of the bees fly into the nuc box with their queen, and the rest of the swarm locate them by the pheromone the queen bee emanates. Done! It's great when the queen is in the nuc box and the bees are content – they wiggle their little butts up and down around the entry to the nuc box indicating all is well. Unfortunately, it isn't always so easy. One year I tried for four days to capture a swarm for another beekeeper. The bees were hanging out in a giant jasmine vine that was too tangled for me to easily put in the nuc box without disturbing them and wrecking the beautiful vine. I decided I had to think like a bee if I was ever going to capture them! I took a piece of the vine and a frame from a hive and made a little bridge to the nuc box, which already had beeswax frames in it. I hoped for the best and let them be, so to speak. The next day, they were all in the nuc box! They had marched over the bridge I made them and decided they'd move on in. Mission accomplished! People often ask me if I am afraid of being stung when the bees swarm. No! Swarming bees have gorged themselves on honey to prepare for their exodus – they are drunk and happy and generally won't sting you. I have never been stung during a bee swarm. I do wear my veil and gloves, though!

Happiness Is...

From capturing bees to sowing seeds, I embrace and enjoy the hustle-bustle and the quiet reverence of the Purrfumery and the Perfumer's Garden. Creating gorgeous, natural scents is my very own labor of love – I put all my attention and effort into making sure each product and package is luxurious and beautiful. I realize that keeping my business small and avoiding mass production means my Purrfumery friends sometimes have to wait for me. Thank you to those of you who placed orders while I was on vacation in March! I really appreciated your patience! I hope to be part of your lives for years to come, my dear Purrfumery friends. Enjoy these glorious days of spring and keep in touch! Come see me at the Purrfumery! Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

January 2011 Newsletter

Happy New Year, Dear Purrfumery Friends!

Hope you all had a fun and festive New Year! The kitties and I toasted 2011 in the Purrfumery – we are all looking forward to a year full of love, happiness and of course, luxurious perfumes! Speaking of perfume, we are off to a very rosy start here at the Purrfumery – our newest limited edition scent, Bed of Roses, is receiving rave reviews! Thank you Suzanne Keller, ScentHive and CaFleur Bon for sampling Bed of Roses and putting your thoughts and feelings into words.

ScentHive's Bed of Roses Giveaway

I'm delighted to report that ScentHive will be giving away a 5 ml bottle of Bed of Roses nestled in a very special silk and velvet Valentine's Day pouch. ScentHive will announce the drawing on January 28. To put your name in the hat, look for ScentHive's announcement and leave your name with a comment about wanting a bottle of Bed of Roses. This is a very exciting giveaway, so be sure to leave your comment at ScentHive. Bed of Roses is a scent to enjoy and treasure— I created it from nine rare rose materials from around the world and cushioned it with aged sandalwood, dark chocolate and rich cognac. I also added accents of tuberose, boronia, orange blossom, and green mandarin and a touch of rose leaf absolute, a rare and incomparable material from the history of perfume, seldom made today. It could be yours! Good luck, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Purrfumery Specials Abound!

I have more specials to share with you – through the end of February, I will include a frosting and a hydrosol with each purchase of Bed of Roses. I am also offering free shipping on all orders over $75. It's my way of saying "Thank You!" to my dear Purrfumery friends. Let's start this year off right!

Get Flowers and Chocolate for Valentine's Day

What could be better than a day dedicated to love and treats? I've been so excited about Valentine's Day 2011 – I spent the first days of January planning for it! I wanted to offer my Purrfumery friends flowers and chocolate on this special day, so I created a yummy Black Cat solid perfume that I will include with all orders through Valentine's Day. If you haven't tried Black Cat from my Kittylicious line, you must! Black Cat is a bewitching blend of mouth-watering cocoa, sensuous ylang ylang, juicy blood orange, with a hint of sweet, surprising aniseed myrtle. (Psst! I read somewhere that the scent of licorice, or anise, has an aphrodisiac effect on men…) Like fun, sexy, sophisticated candy, Black Cat stays fascinating! And, as a handy solid, you can carry it in your purse or pocket and dab it on here and there… Happy Valentine's Day!

The Petals of a Rose

Perhaps it's the romance of Valentine's Day or the scent of Bed of Roses here in the Purrfumery, but I can't get roses off my mind… My love affair with these incredible flowers began when I moved to Berkeley in 1975 to attend the California College of Arts & Crafts. Gary, my future husband, would wake up before sunrise, cruise around the neighborhood and clip the most gorgeous roses. I would wake up to the most magnificent rose bouquets in the universe! Gary eventually became a landscape architect. And I opened a flower stand, Bed of Roses, that grew into an amazing wedding flower business. We now have a beautiful garden overlooking the San Francisco Bay that brims with fragrant antique roses. I spend my days making perfumes with the most rare and aromatic roses in the world! What a treasure this is for me! My greatest wish is that others enjoy these tiny treasures that I fashion in my Purrfumery and in my garden. When I stand in my Perfumer's Garden, I can't help but compare nature, with its incredible beauty, design, colors, shapes and textures, to art. I have loved art since I was a child, and as you might have guessed, flower paintings have always been my favorite. I grew up in a museum-loving family and started going to museums at an early age. My older sister, Gail, eventually became a museum curator and director. When we were growing up, Gail and I always went to museums together – our favorite artist was Renoir. My sister loved the warm and loving emotions in his paintings and I loved the voluptuously sensual Bourbon roses tucked in his coquette's bosoms! When I touch my cheek to the petals of a rose and inhale its scent I remember youth, family, love… so many memories come flooding back. And, smelling a rose in any form always makes me feel like everything is going to be OK. Roses are completely calming, relaxing, comforting and deeply sensual. They are love, they are art, and they are ours to enjoy from January to December. Now you know what roses mean to me, my dear Purrfumery friends. Let's toast, shall we? Here's to sumptuous and fragrant rose bouquets in 2011 (that includes Valentine's Day)! Until next time, peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats… ~XOXO, Laurie

December 2010 Newsletter

Winter greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Brrrr! It's chilly out there! The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is keeping us warm here at the Purrfumery. We are delighted by the response Bed of Roses, our newest limited edition perfume, has received since we unveiled it in late November. Check out Monica Miller's review in Ca Fleure Bon! Monica was even inspired to write a sexy poem about it! Thank you, Monica of Ca Fleure Bon! Every time I fill a bottle I am struck by the deliciousness of it! How I love the scent of roses blended with dark chocolate, cognac, tuberose and orange blossom... I have woven elements of my past into each bottle of Bed of Roses. Over thirty years ago, I started a business creating one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn lingerie pieces for I. Magnin, Henri Bendel and other luxury stores. Memories of this incredible business came flooding back to me when I was designing the packaging for Bed of Roses. You'll see! I nestle each 30 ml bottle of Bed of Roses in a one-of-a-kind, silk velvet pouch that I hand-beaded with semi-precious jewels. I absolutely relished my career as a fashion designer – it's so fun to remember those days and play with vintage velvet millinery flowers and beads! And, "Bed of Roses" was the name of my wedding flower business I started as a flower stand in Kensington 25 years ago. I love having this thread that connects my work in the Purrfumery with my previous businesses... You must try this gorgeous new scent, my dear Purrfumery friends! I am including a sample with all December orders; you may also order samples at purrfumery.com.

Delightful Holiday Gift Sets

Are you looking for something new and different to give this season? Our Holiday Gift sets are a delicious way to immerse yourself or someone you love in the magic of scent. We have combined an array of Purrfumery treats to create affordable luxuries that arrive in gorgeous packaging, ready to delight! There is something for everyone on your list… Just visit our Seasonal Offerings page and we'll do the rest!

Luxurious Stocking Stuffers

Can't decide how you want to lavish your loved one? Tuck a sample of luxurious Bed of Roses, our newest limited edition perfume, into a stocking or special package. Or try our Purrfumery sample kit that includes each of our luxury liquid perfumes. Or our Kittylicious eau de parfum sample kit that features beguiling little Black Cat, intoxicating Mojito and more… Purrfumery samples are a wonderful way to pamper a friend or loved one – or yourself!

December Specials

This holiday season, the Purrfumery is offering free shipping on all orders over $75. We will also include a free Face & Body Frosting with all orders over $150! It's my way of saying thank you, my dear Purrfumery friends, and Happy Holidays! The Purrfumery represents so many of my passions: my love of flowers and nature, of animals, of making unique and luxurious gifts… Thank you for being a part of it all! And, when you make an appointment to visit the Purrfumery, you receive a free Face & Body Frosting with all orders over $100. Give me a call and let's plan a visit!

Don't Forget the Kitties!

I am delighted to report that I have just received a fresh shipment of high-quality catnip buds for my kitty friends. If you have a kitty, please let me know when you place your order and I will include a little bag of catnip for their nirvana-seeking enjoyment. Available for a limited time only – Velvet and Sweet Pea (and Monkey and Buttercup) are eyeing it as I write!

Thank you, El Cerrito Patch!

I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Yuko Fukami, a reporter at El Cerrito Patch, for the wonderful article she wrote about the Purrfumery, titled "The Art of Composing Fragrance, Naturally." It was a pleasure to meet you, Yuko, and thank you for your work on this article! Check it out!

Looking for Love?

If so, look no further. I am searching for a home for a sweet male kitty, age 3-4 years. He is FIV negative and has been neutered. He was abandoned last spring and is currently living with a foster parent who, unfortunately, cannot keep him. He is an indoor kitty and would prefer to be the only animal in the home. He is very affectionate and just needs a place to call his own. For more information, please email Kim at mlckls@aol.com. Please put the word out! Best wishes to you and yours, my dear Purrfumery friends! Until next year... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

November 2010 Newsletter

Greetings My Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I'm back from New York City, where I spent two days at the Sniffapalooza Fall Ball sniffing and sampling scents to my heart's delight. The trip was wonderful – and it was positively exhilarating to be in New York City for this amazing event, and an incredible honor to present my perfumes at their famous luncheon! Raphaella of Sniffapalooza Magazine introduced me to everyone and took me around to perfume shops in the Village and Manhattan... There was so much to see and do and it was fascinating to be in the mix! I connected with other natural perfumers who are also passionate about helping animals and animal rights, which made me so happy. I also met writers and perfume bloggers who get the word out about what makes natural perfume so different and special. Thank you, Raphaella for including me in this incredible sensory experience! And thank you to Karen Dubin and Karen Adams for creating this extraordinary event!

Laurie & Raphaella having a blast at Sniffapalooza in New York!

Free Shipping in November!

I have great news! I will be offering my dear Purrfumery friends FREE SHIPPING with every order (United States only) over $75 during November. And, of course, I will include a special treat with every order, just because!

Recline on a Bed of a Thousand Roses

Here's more exciting news… I also unveiled my new perfume, Bed of Roses, at the Fall Ball and heard rave reviews from bloggers and others who sampled it. Whenever I dab it on, I remember my dear friend Miriam Wilkins, an avid antique rose lover and collector who founded the Heritage Rose Group and show in El Cerrito. Before she passed away, Miriam asked me to create a custom perfume for her, saying she wanted to smell her beloved roses in winter. Miriam's memory and my dear friend Raphaella inspired me to create Bed of Roses. My newest perfume features an accord of nine exceptional rose distillations from all corners of the globe, from Persia to the Himalayas. I cushioned the accord with aged sandalwood, dark chocolate and rich cognac and included accents of tuberose, boronia, orange blossom, and green mandarin. I crowned Bed of Roses with a canopy of precious rose leaf absolute, a rare and incomparable material from the history of perfume, seldom made today. I dedicate this exquisite scent to Raphaella of Sniffapalooza Magazine for her incredible support of me and others in the industry. Raphaella loves roses and extensively researches rose perfumes and tells us all about them in her magazine. I deeply appreciate all you've done! Like all natural perfumes, Bed of Roses must age like a fine wine. I will make this exquisite scent available in a parfum and eau de parfum starting in December. And, I will include a sample of Bed of Roses with all orders made in December. Bed of Roses was the name of my wedding flower business and I love that the tradition of rose bouquets continues at Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery.

Come See Me at the Purrfumery!

As the holidays approach, I'd like to invite you, my dear Purrfumery friends, to visit me at the Purrfumery and enjoy some special treats. The Purrfumery is a very special place – a little jewel box nestled in the hills overlooking San Francisco Bay. When you visit you'll receive a tour of the Purrfumery and learn a bit about the incredible materials I use to make my perfumes. I have a table full of samples, so arrive ready to be surprised and intrigued by the perfumes, frostings, hydrosols, bath salts and other goodies you'll find here. When you visit me, I will include a free Face and Body Frosting with each purchase over $100. Start your holiday shopping early with a visit to the Purrfumery! Call the Purrfumery at 510-528-8040 to make an appointment. I am also scheduling Perfumery Adventures through the end of the year. During the Perfumery Adventure, I take visitors on a journey through the history and origins of perfume and perfume materials and educate them about the sensual, surprising and striking nature of scent. I hold these events for individuals and groups, so please think of me when you have out-of-town guests this season or want to bring your friends together for a unique sensory experience.

The Purrfumery Garden in Fall

If you haven't visited the Purrfumery since spring you'll immediately notice the beautiful change in the garden. Fall is such an exciting time here. The plants and flowers begin to turn inward for the winter but I find a bounty around every corner. The trees are dropping their leaves, creating a bed of color for the kitties to stroll through. The persimmons have turned bright orange – they are gorgeous and almost ready to pick! The pomegranate trees are heavy with fruit; every bough holds a deep, ruby treasure. Our pomegranate tree has always been a source of inspiration to me – I used some of its tart, juicy essence to create my Honey perfume. I was so excited to see a recent review of Honey by perfume blogger Monica Miller of CaFleurBon! Thank you, CaFleurBon! Beth at Perfume-Smellin' Things also surprised me with a delightfully fun and ever-so-spooky Halloween review of my Black Cat eau de parfum from the Kittylicious line! Thank you, Beth! I am hoping to see you all very soon, my dear Purrfumery friends! Enjoy this magical season! Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

September 2010 Newsletter

Greetings My Dear Purrfumery Friends!

The kitties and I have been soaking up the late summer sun here at the Purrfumery and making plans for fall. And what an exciting fall it will be! This month, we are starting off the season with a new, luscious batch of Velvet & Sweet Pea's Whipped Face and Body Frostings. They will be available in 2 weeks! These sumptuous, creamy frostings are only available in the fall, winter and spring and are a delicious way to hydrate your dry, end-of-summer skin. We start by infusing organic jojoba oil with rich Tahitian vanilla beans, a process that takes over half a year. Then we create a marvelous blend of organic shea butter, virgin oil de coco crème, and organic oils of marula, avocado, red raspberry seed, rose hip seed, sesame, safflower, and vitamin E for superb skin nourishment and hydration. Frostings come in three delicious flavors: Tuberose Gardenia, Kashmir Rose and Orange Blossom. Since we unveiled them last year, our frostings have received plenty of attention on perfume blogs like Scent Hive and Smelly Blog. In 2009, they were voted best of the best! I love to spray on a hydrosol first and then lock in the moisture with a yummy frosting. Go ahead and treat yourself!

We'll Take Manhattan!

We're giddy with delight! We still can't believe it! Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery will be among the world's great perfumers at this year's Sniffapalooza Fall Ball in New York City! The event, held at Bergdorf Goodman and other venues on Fifth Avenue on October 23 and 24, brings together guests from around the world for the ultimate sensory experience. It will be an honor to present my perfumes – Honey, Songbird and others – at their Emerging Artists luncheon! And I can't wait to mix and mingle with perfumers such as Guerlain and Santa Maria Novella, and perfume journalists and authors. We are counting the days!

A Songbird's Flight

My perfumery adventure has been amazing, and it all started with a citrusy, sexy little fragrance called Songbird. In August, Scent Hive reviewed our Songbird perfume. Thank you, Scent Hive! Reading the review, I remembered the early days of the Purrfumery when I began experimenting endlessly with hundreds of gorgeous materials. Some of those materials were boronia, a rare heather from Tasmania, and tuberose. I remember the day I brought these two fragrances together… the songbirds were singing like mad outside the Purrfumery window. Inside the Purrfumery I was listening to songbirds Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams. That day, Songbird perfume was born. I love to wear this perfume when I go out into the world, because something about that particular combination of sweet, spicy and citrusy makes me feel like I can do anything. We will be offering a special through the month of October! I will include a corresponding large size hydrosol with any Songbird, Jewelry of Heaven, Jasmine Dawn & Dusk, Honey, Narcissus Poeticus, and Gardenia perfume. A dollop of rich, fragrant frosting and dab of one of these delicious perfumes and you'll feel like you can do anything, too! Now, I must return to the Purrfumery! As the air turns cool I find myself looking inward and rediscovering the beauty and fragrance of the rose. I've been playing with my many rose distillations and creating something delightful to warm our hearts when winter arrives. Stay tuned, dear Purrfumery friends, for something new and very yummy… Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie