News from the Nose: Aromatic Autumn And Flavourful Fall
Dear Fragrant Friends,
Fall set the city on fire with leaves the colour of gold, burnt orange, crimson and wine. And although it is not exactly quite cold yet in Vancouver, we know very well that soon enough we’ll all find ourselves locked up indoors for longer than we’d care for… My response to that? Let’s Par-TEA!
Fall is a time of transition and change, and also a time to celebrate the abundance and accomplishments of summer. My harvest happens to come in the shape of a champaca flower: The Purple Dress. And that is a reason to celebrate - with you, of course!
In this newsletter:
On 12.12.2009 Ayala Moriel will release The Purple Dress, a chromatic champaca perfume that blurs the lines between soliflore and oriental.
A salute to Sasha Argov's famous song, The Purple Dress is just as romantic in a chromatic, nocturnal, off-beat way. Champaca flowers from India are the main theme of this spicy, floral tea-like composition, supported only by hints of white magnolia and star anise, and a foundation of black tea and smoky woods.
Top Notes: Star Anise, Nutmeg, Mace, Orange Juice & Peel
Heart Notes: Red Champaca, Golden Champaca, White Magnolia, Tea Rose, Orange Blossom, Henna
Base Notes: Agarwood, Sandalwood, Guiacwood, Black Tea
Fragrance Family: Soliflore (Champaca), Floral-Spicy
Official launch date & party:12.12.2009
Offered in Parfum Extrait 9ml flacon ($160) and Crème Parfum in Ayala Moriel’s Signature Peprfumed Pendant ($150). This is a Limited Edition perfume of 12 bottles and 4 pendants.
Samples and pre-orders via ayalamoriel.com.
Apples ripening in the orchard (Naramata, BC)
The West Coast is not nearly as fragrant in comparison to the region where I grew up in (the Western Galilee hills kissing the Mediterranean sea). When I first came here 11 years ago, I missed the scent of the first rain in autumn, falling on the thirsty dry earth. It’s a scent one can’t describe… But the closest I was ever able to explain it is that it is wet, musty, dusty and fresh. The scent of spikenard essential oil comes very close to this (although the whole sensation of the clean air and the wetness is lacking from the experience of sniffing an oil from a bottle, instead of the air on your porch!). In 2001 I tried to capture that scent, and the result smelled ironically of the Pacific rainforest after the rain instead. So I decided to name it Rainforest.
Autumn leaves fallen to the Pacific Ocean (Stanley Park seawall, Vancouver BC)Later on, after living in Vancouver for a while, I noticed that the forest has an intensely sweet scent during late summer and early fall. On those beautiful autumn days, sunshine brings the most out of the forest floor: the decaying leaves that piled up all summer but didn’t get quite so wet and cold emit a sweet scent that is nothing short than magic. It’s hard to say where exactly it comes from, as it is everywhere. You’ll notice it the most as you enter the forest (for example, in Stanley Park I smell it the strongest in the area just off 2nd Beach outdoors pool, where I discovered it first, and also South Creek trail just by the Rose Garden). That Chypre in the forest air smells like sweet maple, dry cedar wood and balsam fir needles with a hint of rockrose (although the latter is a plant native to the Mediterranean and does not grow in the rainforest…). Although I don’t have one perfume that was created as a tribute to this unique aroma, a similar accord is at the base of several of my perfumes – namely Ayalitta, which although starts up a little sharp and green becomes a most earthly, sensual and sweet upon drydown.
Dry, desert-like hills in the Okanagan Valley (British Columbia)Fruity Chypres are big and luscious, and nothing like the myriads of canned fruit-salad florals that flock the department stores these days. The first fruity Chypres were invented by Jacques Guerlain (Mitsouko, 1919) and Edmond Roudnitska (Rochas Femme, 1944). The addition of fruity notes such as peach, apricot, melon and plum to the basic Chypre accord creates an impression of dried fruit and red wine, sometimes even mulled wine if there are spices added.
I created Autumn in fall 2001, long before my first (and hopefully not last!) visit to the Okanagan (it took me 11 years to make it there, can you believe it?). Autumn perfume recalls the harvest and the overripe fruit, almost fermented and fallen to the ground. It recalls the special light in the season – golden, soft yet warm, diffused through myriads of golden leaves.
And of course no harvest season is complete without a good home-made pie. My favourite and easiest to make is this pumpkin pie with a twist – adding orange and lavender buds to the dough, creating and unforgettabley flavourful shortbread crust. These flavours really complement the pumpkin and the spices.
1 cup + 1 Tbs Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tbs Orange Juice
Rind from 1 orange
1 tsp fresh or dry lavender buds
2 Tbs Sugar
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract (Or use vanilla sugar instead of the sugar above)
- Using your fingers or a manual dough blender, mix together butter and flour inside the pie pan. Add the rest of the ingredients and knead just until a dough forms (avoid overworking the dough, as it would take away from its flakiness).
- Press the dough firmly onto the pan to spread it evenly and line the pie pan (including the sides of course!).
1-1/2 cup Cooked and pureed pumpkin (if you have fresh - all the better; if not - canned pumpkin is good too)
1 cup cream or hald&half (I prefer full cream)
2 Tbs Orange Juice
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tbs grated fresh Ginger (I freeze my ginger and than it is really easy to grate it; the taste is incomparable to the dried ginger!)
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Cloves
1/4 tsp Allspice
1/4 tsp Nutmeg or Mace
Bake in 350 F (170-180 c) degrees for 40-60 minutes, until the filling is set.
Serve warm or cooled down to room temperature.
Serving suggestions: I like it best on it's own with milky cinnamon or chai tea on the side. But of course you can’t go wrong with the traditional a-la-mode (be sure to use real vanilla bean ice cream) or a dollop of freshly whipped cream or crème fraiche.
Students rolling incense cones at the The Art of Incense workshop
It's getting cold outside... so let’s get crafty! This series of fragrant fireside workshops offered this fall and winter 2009/2010 will not only keep your hands and noses pleasantly busy – it will also help you get ready for the holidays nice and early with gifts that look professional but feel personal. I've decided to share my creative space on a weekly basis with fragrant
workshops on Tuesday nights. I can’t think of anything else that would
make this time of year more cozy and fun. Additional workshops (private or small groups) can be arranged as well. Visit our website for more information available workshops.
All the workshops are hands-on and you will take home with you the finished product. These make excellent gifts and also will improve your home for the cold months, creating a feeling of well-being and cozy cleanliness with the extra therapeutic benefits of the natural essences used.
Students immersed in chocolate at the chocolate truffles workshop
Tuesday, November 17th, 5:30-8:30pm
Nikki pouring melted, scented soywax into tins for travel-candles
Tuesday, December 8th, 6:00-8:00pm
Burning chai incense cones at The Art of Incense workshop
Private workshops can be booked for individuals or small groups of up to 6 people. We offer additional workshops, including workshops for creating your own scented body products (i.e.: bath and massage oils, bath salts, body butter and sugar scrubs). for children (i.e.: lip balm workshop, ice cream workshop, milk chocolate truffle workshops, etc.). For a full list of our curriculum visit our workshops page.
This Sunday, October 25th is Portobello West Art + Fashion Market.
Where:
Rocky Mountaineer Station (Cottrel & Terminal Ave.). Click here to learn how to get there.
When:
Sunday, October 25th, 12-6pm
What:
Canadian fashion designers, artists, artisans and crafters showcase their creations. Check out the latest fashion trends, find that special accessory that will make your outfit stand out, find unique art pieces and designs to make your home a better place - while supporting local economy and independent designers and artists!
Ayala Moriel Parfums will be there with my entire perfume line (atleast I’ll try!) and for the first time this year – bewitching chocolate truffles in seasonal flavours - Blood Truffles for the vampires among you, Black Licorice Truffles and a few other surprises...
If there is a particular or special product that you know you want to get at Portobello, please email me to make sure I bring the right size/quantity/fragrance etc. so that I can have it ready and put aside for you. Please let me know by Friday. Thank you!
On December 17th, Ayala Moriel will be revealing to you her newest creation: THE PURPLE DRESSJoin us to light the 7th candle of Hanukkah and revealing The Purple Dress perfume.
What: Fragrant cocktails, perfumed teas and handmade goods and refreshments will be served in abundance, there will be door prizes, lucky draw for a The Purple Dress perfume, and a presentation about the inspiration, creation and construction of The Purple Dress and the connection between music and perfume.
TUNE IN TO MORE DETAILS IN OUR NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
When: December 17th 2009
6:30-11:00pm; presentation at 7:30
Where: #314-1230 Haro Street, Buzz #295,Vancouver, BC
RSVP: Tel. (778) 863-0806 or email or Facebook.
* Space is limited to 30 people, so guests are encouraged to RSVP early in advance.
** Please wear something PURPLE!
Back-lit guests at the Tropical Tea Party(July 19th, 2009)
Those who are too far away to visit the studio and attend our tea parties can join Ayala Moriel Parfums virtual community on Ning.com or Facebookand meet other fragrance enthusiast and natural perfume fans. The Ning
group has many interactive options, including discussion forum, videos
and photos uploads, polls, an event calendar and more.
Follow us on Twitter and if you tweet about #ayalamoriel you'll be entered to win a weekly draw of travel size perfume roll-on!
Online fall event at Ayala Moriel: All orders over $50 receive a free 1oz tin of perfumed tea. When checking out, please mention in the comment box which tea you'd like. Choose from: Charisma, Immortelle l'Amour, Roses et Chocolat.Offer valid till October 31st, or until quantities last. All purchases qualify for GWP, excpet sample orders.
Have a wonderful fall season!
Warm & fragrant regards,
Ayala
Fall set the city on fire with leaves the colour of gold, burnt orange, crimson and wine. And although it is not exactly quite cold yet in Vancouver, we know very well that soon enough we’ll all find ourselves locked up indoors for longer than we’d care for… My response to that? Let’s Par-TEA!
Fall is a time of transition and change, and also a time to celebrate the abundance and accomplishments of summer. My harvest happens to come in the shape of a champaca flower: The Purple Dress. And that is a reason to celebrate - with you, of course!
In this newsletter:
- The Purple Dress: Blurring the Boundaries Between Scent and Sound
- Trick or Sniff: Halloween Tea Party October 31
- Autumn Aromas: Harvest, Chypre and Burning Leaves
- Fall Flavours: Pumpkin Pie with Lavender-Orange Shortbread Crust
- Fragrance DIY – Scented Workshops at the Studio
- Portobello West Sunday, October 25th
- The Purple Dress Launch Party December 17
- Join Ayala’s Social Network Twitter, Facebook and Ning and Win!
- Customer Appreciation Week: Gift with Purchase
1. The Purple Dress Perfume: Blurring the Boundaries Between Scent and Sound
A salute to Sasha Argov's famous song, The Purple Dress is just as romantic in a chromatic, nocturnal, off-beat way. Champaca flowers from India are the main theme of this spicy, floral tea-like composition, supported only by hints of white magnolia and star anise, and a foundation of black tea and smoky woods.
Top Notes: Star Anise, Nutmeg, Mace, Orange Juice & Peel
Heart Notes: Red Champaca, Golden Champaca, White Magnolia, Tea Rose, Orange Blossom, Henna
Base Notes: Agarwood, Sandalwood, Guiacwood, Black Tea
Fragrance Family: Soliflore (Champaca), Floral-Spicy
Official launch date & party:12.12.2009
Offered in Parfum Extrait 9ml flacon ($160) and Crème Parfum in Ayala Moriel’s Signature Peprfumed Pendant ($150). This is a Limited Edition perfume of 12 bottles and 4 pendants.
Samples and pre-orders via ayalamoriel.com.
2.Trick or Sniff: Halloween Tea Party October 31
Trick or Sniff!
Join us for a spooky tea party on Halloween, October 31st. Enjoy some deadly treats handcrafted by Ayala and her witches, such as the infamously addictive Blood Truffles (dark chocolate with chili and rose), lavender-crusted pumpkin pie, licorice cupcakes, tarragon tea sandwiches, our exquisite perfumed teas.
Visit our haunted perfume lounge and experience Ayala Moriel's concoctions, brews, potions and unique collection of vintage poison rings.
Nosh, sip, sniff and explore while meeting other passionate perfumistas in Vancouver!
And as if this and all the treats and good company is not enough reason to come - you will also be getting goodie bags and door prizes, and a lucky draw to win a bottle of Black Licorice perfume!
Wasabi & Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Ginger & Carrot Tea Sandwiches
Deviled Eggs
Mushroom Mini-Quiches
Wild jams and jellies made by local artisans
Devonshire Cream
Pumpkin Tarts with Lavender Shortbread Crust
Pomegranate & White Chocolate Tarts
Licorice Cupcakes
Anise Biscotti
Black Forest Cupcakes
And of course - we'll serve top quality teas, including:
Roses et Chocolat (Ayala Moriel Parfums)
Chartreuse Eau de Vie - digestif tonic/tisane with tarragon, fennel and flowers (Inner Alchemy Tea Co.)
Little Star – an earthy Pu Erh with rare, licorice-sweet chrysanthemum flowers (Inner Alchemy Tea Co.)
Earl Gray Cream (Herbal Republic)
Lapsang Suchong (Artfarm)
* Costumes are welcome - you can also continue on for trick or treating in the neighborhood afterwards :-)
Nosh, sip, sniff and explore while meeting other passionate perfumistas in Vancouver!
Potions and Poisons
The feature presentation at 2:00pm will discuss and demonstrate scents that can bring the dead to life and other fascinating ghostly perfume traditions.And as if this and all the treats and good company is not enough reason to come - you will also be getting goodie bags and door prizes, and a lucky draw to win a bottle of Black Licorice perfume!
SPOOKY MENU will include:
1st TIER - SAVOURY TREATS
Fennel & Tarragon Tea SandwichesWasabi & Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Ginger & Carrot Tea Sandwiches
Deviled Eggs
Mushroom Mini-Quiches
2nd TIER - SCONES
Coronation Grapes & Blue Cheese SconesWild jams and jellies made by local artisans
Devonshire Cream
3rd TIER - SWEETS
Blood Truffles (75% cocoa with rose, chili, saffron and Kahluah)Pumpkin Tarts with Lavender Shortbread Crust
Pomegranate & White Chocolate Tarts
Licorice Cupcakes
Anise Biscotti
Black Forest Cupcakes
TEA SELECTION:
Witches’ brew will be bubbling in our cauldron – this traditional winter-time recipe from the mountains of the Galilee is a steeping of flamboyant roots and spices.And of course - we'll serve top quality teas, including:
Roses et Chocolat (Ayala Moriel Parfums)
Chartreuse Eau de Vie - digestif tonic/tisane with tarragon, fennel and flowers (Inner Alchemy Tea Co.)
Little Star – an earthy Pu Erh with rare, licorice-sweet chrysanthemum flowers (Inner Alchemy Tea Co.)
Earl Gray Cream (Herbal Republic)
Lapsang Suchong (Artfarm)
* Costumes are welcome - you can also continue on for trick or treating in the neighborhood afterwards :-)
3. Autumn Aromas: Harvest, Chypre and Burning Leaves
There is a reason why the Chypre family is so strongly associated with the fall: the combination of oakmoss, labdanum and bergamot brings to mind foliage, undergrowth, the damp forest floor and the sweetness of burning leaves.
Autumn leaves fallen to the Pacific Ocean (Stanley Park seawall, Vancouver BC)
Dry, desert-like hills in the Okanagan Valley (British Columbia)
I created Autumn in fall 2001, long before my first (and hopefully not last!) visit to the Okanagan (it took me 11 years to make it there, can you believe it?). Autumn perfume recalls the harvest and the overripe fruit, almost fermented and fallen to the ground. It recalls the special light in the season – golden, soft yet warm, diffused through myriads of golden leaves.
4. Fall Flavours: Pumpkin Pie with Lavender-Orange Shortbread Crust
For the Orange-Lavender Shortbread Crust:
100gr (1 stick) butter1 cup + 1 Tbs Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tbs Orange Juice
Rind from 1 orange
1 tsp fresh or dry lavender buds
2 Tbs Sugar
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract (Or use vanilla sugar instead of the sugar above)
- Using your fingers or a manual dough blender, mix together butter and flour inside the pie pan. Add the rest of the ingredients and knead just until a dough forms (avoid overworking the dough, as it would take away from its flakiness).
- Press the dough firmly onto the pan to spread it evenly and line the pie pan (including the sides of course!).
Pumpkin Custard Filling:
3 eggs1-1/2 cup Cooked and pureed pumpkin (if you have fresh - all the better; if not - canned pumpkin is good too)
1 cup cream or hald&half (I prefer full cream)
2 Tbs Orange Juice
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tbs grated fresh Ginger (I freeze my ginger and than it is really easy to grate it; the taste is incomparable to the dried ginger!)
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Cloves
1/4 tsp Allspice
1/4 tsp Nutmeg or Mace
Bake in 350 F (170-180 c) degrees for 40-60 minutes, until the filling is set.
Serve warm or cooled down to room temperature.
Serving suggestions: I like it best on it's own with milky cinnamon or chai tea on the side. But of course you can’t go wrong with the traditional a-la-mode (be sure to use real vanilla bean ice cream) or a dollop of freshly whipped cream or crème fraiche.
5. Fragrance DIY – Scented Workshops at the Studio
It's getting cold outside... so let’s get crafty! This series of fragrant fireside workshops offered this fall and winter 2009/2010 will not only keep your hands and noses pleasantly busy – it will also help you get ready for the holidays nice and early with gifts that look professional but feel personal. I've decided to share my creative space on a weekly basis with fragrant
workshops on Tuesday nights. I can’t think of anything else that would
make this time of year more cozy and fun. Additional workshops (private or small groups) can be arranged as well. Visit our website for more information available workshops.
All the workshops are hands-on and you will take home with you the finished product. These make excellent gifts and also will improve your home for the cold months, creating a feeling of well-being and cozy cleanliness with the extra therapeutic benefits of the natural essences used.
Tuesday, November 3th, 6:30-8:30pm
PotPourri and Sachets
Create all-natural sachets, scented powders and potpourri based on vintage recipes from the turn of the century.
Tuesday, November 10th, 6:30-8:30pm
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WORKSHOP
Make handrolled, scented chocolate truffles with fine chocolate base and precious floral essences. A sensual experience through and through!Tuesday, November 17th, 5:30-8:30pm
Crème Parfum workshop
Learn how to design and create your own personal perfume from precious botanical essences. By the end of the workshop, you will have made a perfume to take with you.Tuesday, November 24th, 6:00-8:00pm
Stunning Stationary: Scented Holiday Cards
Add a personal touch to your holiday greeting cards by scenting them with your own unique blend of natural essences.Tuesday, December 1st, 5:30-8:30pm
The Art of Perfumed Candlemaking
Join our guest instructor Nikki Sheritt, an artisan candle maker from Seattle, for an afternoon of candle-making using natural botanical essences, soywax and cotton whicks (Nikki handcrafts our fine candle line).The Art of Incense
Learn about the origins of incense and create your own incense blend using precious resins, gums, woods, spices and herbs.Tuesday, December 15th, 5:00-8:30pm
Aromatic Cooking with Fresh Herbs, Spices & Floral Essences
Join Ayala for a fabulous evening of aromatic cooking- using fresh herbs,freshly ground spices, floral waters and essential oils - in both savory dishes and luxurious desserts.Private workshops can be booked for individuals or small groups of up to 6 people. We offer additional workshops, including workshops for creating your own scented body products (i.e.: bath and massage oils, bath salts, body butter and sugar scrubs). for children (i.e.: lip balm workshop, ice cream workshop, milk chocolate truffle workshops, etc.). For a full list of our curriculum visit our workshops page.
6. Portobello West Sunday, October 25th
Where:
Rocky Mountaineer Station (Cottrel & Terminal Ave.). Click here to learn how to get there.
When:
Sunday, October 25th, 12-6pm
What:
Canadian fashion designers, artists, artisans and crafters showcase their creations. Check out the latest fashion trends, find that special accessory that will make your outfit stand out, find unique art pieces and designs to make your home a better place - while supporting local economy and independent designers and artists!
Ayala Moriel Parfums will be there with my entire perfume line (atleast I’ll try!) and for the first time this year – bewitching chocolate truffles in seasonal flavours - Blood Truffles for the vampires among you, Black Licorice Truffles and a few other surprises...
If there is a particular or special product that you know you want to get at Portobello, please email me to make sure I bring the right size/quantity/fragrance etc. so that I can have it ready and put aside for you. Please let me know by Friday. Thank you!
7. The Purple Dress Launch Party December 17
On December 17th, Ayala Moriel will be revealing to you her newest creation: THE PURPLE DRESS
What: Fragrant cocktails, perfumed teas and handmade goods and refreshments will be served in abundance, there will be door prizes, lucky draw for a The Purple Dress perfume, and a presentation about the inspiration, creation and construction of The Purple Dress and the connection between music and perfume.
TUNE IN TO MORE DETAILS IN OUR NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
When: December 17th 2009
6:30-11:00pm; presentation at 7:30
Where: #314-1230 Haro Street, Buzz #295,Vancouver, BC
RSVP: Tel. (778) 863-0806 or email or Facebook.
* Space is limited to 30 people, so guests are encouraged to RSVP early in advance.
** Please wear something PURPLE!
8. Join Ayala’s Social Network Twitter, Facebook and Ning and Win!
group has many interactive options, including discussion forum, videos
and photos uploads, polls, an event calendar and more.
Follow us on Twitter and if you tweet about #ayalamoriel you'll be entered to win a weekly draw of travel size perfume roll-on!
9. Customer Appreciation Week: Gift with Purchase
Online fall event at Ayala Moriel: All orders over $50 receive a free 1oz tin of perfumed tea. When checking out, please mention in the comment box which tea you'd like. Choose from: Charisma, Immortelle l'Amour, Roses et Chocolat.
Have a wonderful fall season!
Warm & fragrant regards,
Ayala