Dear Fragrant Friends,

Valentine’s Day is just a day away, and if you haven’t figured out how to make this day special for you and your loved ones, here are some ideas for last minute declaration of love. Not that I think that celebrating love and expressing it should be limited to one day a year – there is no need for excuses to give and receive love any other day of the year. Valentine’s Day is just a day where more extravagant displays of emotions that otherwise may seem over-the-top, perhaps even unbelievable, suddenly become socially acceptable, even in the sober and unromantic period where we live in.

As always, I believe it’s the time together and those shared moments that matters more than how much money was spent on gifts. Below are a few ideas of how to make the special people in your life feel loved and cared for, including you!

In this newsletter:

• The Art of Giving


• Red Roses
  


• Love for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  


• Immortelle l'Amour Brunch


• Roses et Chocolat Tea Time
  
  
• Aphrodisiac Dinner Menu


• First Love: Know Thyself
  


• Quick Reference Guide to Aphrodisiac Perfumes


• More Romantic Gift Ideas
  
  

The Art of Giving

Gifts are interesting. They are three fold: the giver, the receiver and their relationship. More than anything else, gifts are indicative of the relationship between two people. When you choose a gift, your decision is affected by all these three factors. On one hand, we tend to select something that also somehow appeals to us or would represent us to the receiver. On the other hand, the gift must be of some use or significance to the person receiving it. At the same time, a gift may indicate to them how we feel about them, thus re-defining your relationship in the future - or assert your existing relationship.

When it comes to perfume – the same rules apply. Scent being a socially accepted gift for a romantic partner can commonly imply such intentions, just as a bouquet of flowers would. And if you are selecting a scent for your partner – this will be a gift that you will both enjoy because the scent lingers in the air in the space you share.

There is much to be said about how to pick a scent for someone. This is an art on its own, even more complex than picking gifts already is in general. Like a genie in a bottle, it can potentially be anything to the person receiving it: beautiful, discussing, sexy, haunting, disturbing, painful or just plain boring.

Which is why I suggest, when it comes to scent to leave it to the experts. And why not have fun yourself while you’re at it? If you know your significant other likes perfume, why not go on a little sniffing expedition together? You will get to know each other better that way, and even have a few laughs. Alternatively, you can schedule an Olfactory Journey for Two, where you can both come to my studio and explore the magical essences from which all my perfumes are made, and be an active participant in creating a scent that represents both of you in harmony.

Red Roses Bath & Massage Oil

Red Roses Bath & Massage Oil

Roses with just a tinge of aphrodisiac nutmeg oil and sensual ylang ylang.

20 gtts Rose Otto
15 gtts Rose Absolute
20 gtts Rose Geranium
5 gtts Ylang Ylang Absolute or Essential Oil (Extra grade)
2 gtts Nutmeg Essential Oil
100ml carrier oil of your choice
2 capsules of Vitamin E

Fill a clean glass bottle with the carrier oil of your choice (i.e.: fast-absorbing fractioned coconut oil, camellia oil, almond oil or jojoba, etc.), or Turkey Red Oil if you intend to use this in the bath only, as it disperses in water.

Add the essences drop by drop using an eye dropper. Stir with a bamboo skewer. Cap and swirl from side to side to let all the essences blend together.

Let the oils age for a week (unless you are in a real hurry!).

For other bath oils ideas check out SmellyBlog DIY Love topics.

Love for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Immortelle l’Amour Brunch

What a better way to start the day than a delicious breakfast? This
brunch idea includes several aphrodisiacs - caramelized bananas, cut
lengthwise to maintain their suggestive shape, and cinnamon and
cardamom to spice up your love. You can use your own recipes or click on the links that will lead you to one.

Menu:

Cinnamon Waffles (or French Toast) served with Maple Syrup and Caramelized Bananas Broiled Grapefruit with Cardamom & Honey
Immortelle l’Amour tea served with Maple Syrup

Roses et Chocolat Tea Time

An afternoon tea is a treat for all the people involved: it requires very little preparations (except for the scones and sandwiches, many of the items can be prepared in advance or bought at the store or bakery). Which means that unlike a dinner party, you can actually get to spend time with your guests. The following menu is designed to accompany Roses et Chocolat tea, but any tea you like can be appropriate for a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea. As a tea lover, this is a wonderful way for me to share my love and treat friends and loved ones to really special treats. And of course – the presentation plays a huge role in making a tea party memorable and enjoyable to all the senses. A flower arrangement with red roses will be perfect for this occasion, and you can even spread rose petals on the serving plates or tiered tea trays. This is the time where you can pull out your heart-shaped cookie cutters and use them for making heart-shaped tea sandwiches or shortbread. You can even cut the scones into hearts.

The aphrodisiac components in this tea time don't stop at the rose and chocolate. Cucumbers, for the phallic shape are considered aphrodisiacs; tomatoes are considered aphrodisiacs for their red, full and volputuous shape, and mint and basil awaken the passion with their fresh, spicy aroma.

Tea Served: Roses et Chocolat

1st Tier

• Round Tomato-Basil open sandwiches


• Triangluar Cucumber-Mint tea sandwiches


• Heart-Shaped Salmon, capers & cream cheese tea sandwiches

2nd Tier:

• Plain scones


• Devonshire Cream


• Rose petal jam (handmade or purchased - this can be also found in many Middle Eastern or Balkan sepcialty shops)


• Raspberry or Strawberry Jam
  

3rd Tier:

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries


• Blood Truffles
  
  Korova cookies (Paris Sweets, p. 6)


• Strawberry marshmallows or Guimauve (homemade strawberry-rose marshmallows)- recipe can be found on page 133 of Paris Sweets


• Basboosa, Rahat Loukum (Turkish Delight), baklava or other rosewater flavoured Middle Eastern pasty


• Dried Figs (the fresh ones are sadly out of season in February, but you can always have them another tea time!)
  

Aphrodisiac Dinner Menu

Artichoke image courtesy of Wikipedia

There is much to be said about eating with bare fingers, sans utensils. The obvious pitfall is that they will get dirty. But that’s a small price to pay for the sensual delight of fully experiencing your food through your tactile sense. Eating with fingers gives more pleasure out of food. You can feel the texture of the food, which complements its shape, colour and flavour. I find that I eat more slowly and am able to savour the food when I use my fingers only. It helps us pace ourselves, which makes for a more sensible eating experience – avoiding the unpleasant results of over-eating (which can be painful, even if the food is really good).

And so for a romantic aphrodisiac dinner I’ve chosen mostly items that can be experienced using your fingers and reveal themselves gradually as the meal progresses. Artichoke, asparagus, pears, roasted beets, figs and pomegranates are prime examples. Unfortunately, the last two are no longer in season but you can try working them into the menu another time!

Appetizers:

• Whole Steamed Artichokes with olive-lemon-garlic vinnigraitte
  


• Asparagus Spears with Fleur de Sel


• Roasted beets brushed olive oil or Beet Salad

Salads:

• Poached pear salad - I suggest a variation with frisee and baked goat cheese rolled in pine nuts


• Polish-Style Cucumber Sala (I prefer to make this one with vegetable oil instead of the sour cream)

Main Course:

Couscous with Ras el Hanut spice

Dessert:

Blood Truffles or Guilt Truffles, Basboosa, or Banana Sheera and a Dessert Wine or Liquor of your choice

For the Artichoke & Vinnigraite Dip + How To Eat and Artichoke

1 Artichoke per person, steamed and drained, with the bottom stem cut about 1" off the base. Some prefer to cut off the prickly tip of the leaf, but I don't think this is necessary.

2 Tbs. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

4 Tbs. Olive Oil

2-4 Cloves of Garlic

Salt to taste

Using a small whisk or a fork, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until the oil and lemon juice are uniformly blended (like a very liquid mayonnaise). Serve the artichoke whole on a plate and peel off one artichoke leaf at a time to eat - dipping the tip in the vinnigraite as desired. Only eat the soft part, which has a mild licorice flavour. Do not eat the upper part of the leaf or the "choke" (the hairy part just above the artichoke's heart). The leaves will become softer as you get closer to the heart though, so you will be able to enjoy an increasinly larger part of each leaf as you peel the layers away.

Artichoke makes an excellent aperitif OR dessert. If you sip a little cold water after you finished the artichoke, the anisic, licorice flavour will intensify, which is quite magical!

For the Steamed Asparagus:

Use the freshest quality asparagus (the younger and thinner - the better), and cut off the bottom of the stems. Steam in a steaming basket or blanch in boiling water for several minutes. Asparagus should be bright green and still crunchy (it should easily snap when you try to break a stem).

Remove from the heat, drizzle with olive oil and add Fleur de Sel (French rock salt from the marshes in Normandy) and pepper to taste, and serve warm or cold as an appetizer, or as a side-dish.

For the Baked Beets:

Use the smallest beets, as they are the sweetest and will have the best texutre when prepared that way.Bunched beets are usually the best for this purpose.

Twist off the stems and leaves.

Rinse beets and remove any dirt using a potato brush.

Cut each beets into to half - the top half, with some of the stem still on, the bottom with the root still intact.

Place on an olive-oil greased pan, and brush each beet with olive oil (using a pastry brush). Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until tender. Best served with baked goat cheese or baked brie as an appetizer.

First Love: Know Thyself

If you are single, Valentine’s Day can be just about the most obnoxious day of the year. But who said the only meaningful and true love in the world is romantic love? Don’t let the Valentine’s craze get to you. Instead, why not take this opportunity of a love-centered day to appreciate the love you do have in your life: friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, daughters, sons, coworkers, customers, business parteners, teachers, students, not to mention animals and plants and nature! Love is around us all the time, taking many shapes and forms and it is only up to us to notice, acknowledge and accept it, knowing that we deserve that love.

This might be a good day to gather a couple of close friends for an afternoon tea – either host it yourself or indulge in one served for you in a tea parlour and just enjoy each other’s company; or a day to take a long meditative walk and find out something new about yourself.The point is – no matter what your relationship status, there is one person you’ll always have to be with – and you better become good friends with. And that’s you.

Quick Reference Guide to Aphrodisiac Perfumes

The following is a list of aromatic aphrodisiacs and perfumes from my collection that use a respectable amount of each:

Ambrette Seed – Sahleb, Tamya, Cabaret

Aniseed – Indigo, Black Licorice

Basil - ArbitRary

Black Pepper - Schizm, InCarnation, Vetiver Racinettes

Cacao - Roses et Chocolat, Guilt, Film Noir

Cardamom – Épice Sauvage, Finjan

Cassie – Le Nuages de Joie Jaune, Yasmin

Cedarwood Atlas – Épice Sauvage, Tamya

Cinnamon – Bois d’Hiver, Immortelle l’Amour, Palas Atena

Clary Sage – Ayalitta, Bois d’Hiver

Clove – Autumn, Ayala, InCarnation

Coriander – Tamya, Finjan

Cumin – Autumn, Rebellius

Galbanum – Ayalitta, Grin, Rainforest

Gardenia – Gigi, Tamya

Ginger – l’Herbe Rouge, Ginger & Amber

Jasmine – ArbitRary, Charisma, Megumi, Tamya, Yasmin

Juniper – Bois d’Hiver, Democracry, l’Herbe Rouge

Labdanum – Autumn, Ayalitta, Democracy, Song of Songs

Lavender - Lovender, Gaucho

Mint & Peppermint - Charisma

Neroli & Orange Blossom– Zohar, Guilt

Nutmeg – Fête d'Hiver, InCarnation, Vetiver Racinettes

Patchouli – Film Noir, Palas Atena

Sage – Autumn, Ayalitta

Tuberose - Schizm, White Potion

Rose – Rosebud, Cabaret, Fête d'Hiver, Megumi, Roses et Chocolat, Song of Songs

Rosewood - Sutul

Rosemary – Bois d’Hiver, Gaucho

Saffron - Razala, Song of Songs

Sandalwood – Bon Zai, Gigi, White Potion, Sutul

Vanilla - Immortelle l'Amour, Espionage

Ylang Ylang – Coralle, Tamya

More Romantic Gift Ideas

For more gift ideas for Valentine's Day, visit our Gifts Page or Ayala's Etsy Shop for rare finds (poison rings and other collectibles) and one-of-a-kind perfumes ready to be adopted as your signature scent!

And of course call us anytime so we can help you find the perfect gift and personalize it for your loved ones!

Love & Luck,

Ayala

Ayala Moriel Parfums
AyalaMoriel.com
My SmellyBlog: SmellyBlog.com
Tel.: (778) 863-0806
Address: 1230 Haro Street, Buzz #295,Vancouver, BC
Hours: Mon-Thu 8:00am-4:00pm; Sundays & evenings by appointment only
Address: PO Box 93589 Nelson Park, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4L7

Dear Fragrant Friends,

Sunrays have been gracing Vancouver in the past week, reminding me the possibilities of spring as the days grow longer. A season marked by its shameless display of sexuality by plants and animal alike – from birds mating and nesting to colourful flower beds and blooming trees. I really cannot wait for the cherry and almond blossoms to come out!

And so in some ways, the early spring holidays, such as Tu Bishvat (a Jewish holiday celebrated on February 9th this year) - otherwise know as the New Year of the Trees; and Valentine’s Day only 5 days later, both mark the awakening of the senses and renewal of life after the surviving the challenges of the dark season.

In this newsletter:

• Aphrodisiacs 101
  


• The Art of Olfactory Seduction


• Ayala's Aphrodisiac Guide
  


• Spicing it Up: Stimulating Notes


• Scents from the Boudoir: Sedative, Erogenous Notes


• Say it with Flowers: Narcotic Floral Bouquets


• Chemical Illusions and Secret Secretions
  
  
• Vote for Virgo Perfume on Etsy Storque


• Romantic Gift Ideas


• Chocolate Elixir & Truffles
  
  

Aphrodisiacs 101

"If there's bread there's love" by Noam Dehan
Since the beginning of time, perfumes and aromatics were used to seduce, empower and get us closer to God, ourselves and one another. The earliest perfumes were incense – burnt resins, woods and gums whose smoke was believed to carry one’s prayers to the gods, and also seduce one’s mind to focus on the inner self.

Aphrodisiacs have been mankind’s obsession, probably just as long – herbs, spices, fruit and animal body parts that were believed to awaken the passion and bring forth love. Aphrodisiacs can be beautiful luscious fruit like figs or bananas, rare flowers such as mandrake or orchid, exotic tree bark such as yohimbe, or in the oddest cases – rhinoceros horns and the tiger’s penile bone. In the modern Western world, aphrodisiacs are mostly replaced by supplements and prescription drugs that are quite readily available yet have none of the mystique of their former selves. Thankfully, for those of us still seeking mystery and excitement there is still perfume.

The Art of Olfactory Seduction

Ayala’s Aphrodisiac Guide

When we look at the aromatics that are considered aphrodisiacs in aromatherapy practice, and have been used for centuries by ancient traditions as well as in perfumery – they seem to be divided into four major categories: stimulants, erogenous/sedative scents, narcotic flowers, and those who mimic the human’s body odour or pheromones.

Of course, keep in mind that there are also personal differences – you may be more prone to react to certain aphrodisiacs than others. A scent that a former lover had worn may increase (or decrease, it all depends) desire when smelled again even when they are not around…

Spicing it Up: Stimulating Notes

Here is where you will find most of the spice oils. Creating the sensation of heat, the increase blood pressure and circulation is similar to sexual arousal. Spice oils have a definite character of their own, and spice up any perfume composition, quite literally. These include essential oils, CO2 and absolute extractions from the exotic yet familiar spices in our kitchen, such as:

* Black Pepper * Ginger * Cinnamon * Cardamom * Clove Buds * Nutmeg * Juniper Berry

Recommended spicy perfumes:

Wake up to smell the coffee and warm spices with Finjan; wrap yourself in a sexy woolen shawl with Ginger & Amber; and have a romantic cinnamon-waffles brunch with Immortlle l’Amour topped with maple syrup.

Some herbs also have a lively, spicy, pungent aroma with a similar effect, and these oils can be used similarly to spice-up and add a vibrant passion to a scent. These herbs are also known as anti-depressants and stimulants, which might explain a lot about their effect as aphrodisiacs:

* Spearmint * Peppermint * Rosemary * Basil

Enjoy a good dose of flirt with ArbitRary’s basil and lime combination; enjoy a sprig of rosemary on your Gaucho ride; and show off your Charisma with this sexy pairing of jasmine green tea, spearmint and bergamot.

Scents from the Boudoir: Sedative, Erogenous Notes

While the previous category was mostly of pungent, lively spices and herbs – oftentimes eroticism and sexual arousal needs a relaxing environment for the mind and the body for the passionate feeling to be awakened. Deep, sensual aromas such as resins, balsams and woods provide that type of stimulation. Cumin one of the notes that is the most similar to human sweat than any other that I know of. And frankincense and myrrh are more traditionally considered as sedatives in aromatherapy, which also might explain their traditional religious uses – as they soothe both physical and emotional pain and calm the mind. Labdanum (rockrose) is a mild aphrodisiac of a sweet, balsamic nature which is slightly reminiscent of feminine sexual secretions.

* Agarwood * Ambrette Seed * Atals Cedarwood * Costus * Cumin * Frankincense * Myrrh * Labdanum * Patchouli

Use Film Noir to deceivingly seduce your victim. It will even linger on your lover’s clothes if you sneak a scented Film Noir sachet into her lingerie drawer or his coat’s pocket.

Get dirty with Autumn’s sweaty sex notes of cumin and labdanum; and indulge yourself and your lover in Razala’s Arabian oud, ambergris and myrrh.

Say it with Flowers: Floral and Narcotic Notes

Most floral notes are rich with indole, a chemical that is actually found in human feces. It’s interesting how this note has both the power to repel and compel. An overdose of indole is definitely off-putting; but it is this very molecule that makes jasmine smell so attractive and sensual. Synthetic jasmine compounds that lack this element were found to be completely useless… Another narcotic floral is tuberose, a flower related to the narcissus whose odour intensifies at night time. It is so potent that in the olden days, virgin girls were forbidden from going through tuberose fields after sunset from fear that the flower’s power will overcome their modest virtues.

* Jasmine * Narcissus * Rose * Tuberose * Ylang Ylang * Orange Blossom

Get dreamy with White Potion’s creamy tuberose and matching candle, and venture on dangerous territories with Schizm’s explosion of white florals – tuberose, orange blossom and jasmine on a bed of fungi. For the jasmine lover there is nothing more poetic than Yasmin’s dawn-to-midnight bloom.

And for the die-hard rose lovers, we have several red rose bouquets to choose from:

Cabaret, with an edible explosion rosewater and coconut, amber and musk; Fête d'Hiver - an irresistible powdery rose and incense perfume; and Rosebud for the pure, fresh rose lover.

Song of Songs is perhaps the most poetic expression of love inspired by the Song of Solomon, pairing the qualities of ancient erogenous resins, saffron spice and several types of roses. And last but not least - Roses et Chocolat can be experienced simultaneously as a perfume, tea, candle and chili spiked chocolate truffles.

Not to mention this gorgeous, rosy vintage pillbox and rose-shaped poison ring to match your selection of rose perfume!

Chemical Illusions and Secret Secretions

And lastly, there are notes that either imitate or stimulate a sexual hormone or mimic a human sexual odour - and are often used in aromatherapy to balance these hormones. The most famous of these is Clary Sage, which acts as an estrogen balancer for women. Aniseed has a similar effect and has a mysterious aroma that can be very valuable in scented love potion. Licorice, which has a similar taste to that of aniseed, is said to stimulate both estrogen and testosterone.

The concept of odorous pheromones in humans still contains a large portion of an unproven myth. Pheromones are primarily used by insects – and in fact are usually scentless chemicals that activate a built-in reaction in those creatures. Insects communicate with pheromones to deliver information about food, danger and sexual cycles to other individuals within their species. Even though some odorous pheromones were discovered in humans, their role in the mating process haven’t been solidly proven yet. It is more likely that the scents that cause people to choose their mates are a result of metabolic processes and are indicative of genetic or immune-system related information that is specific to the individuals rather than have any connection to pheromones (which are a species-wide phenomenon and in humans have probably less impact on the mating process).

Animal secretion, which are usually used by the animal itself to attract the other sex within their species, have a similar effect on humans, even though in full concentration they usually smell repulsive. Musk are particularly associated with the natural sexual scent of men, and ambergris (as well as its vegetal perfumer’s imitation called “amber”) is considered more feminine. Sandalwood oil is unique for its chemical make up that is quite similar
to Androstenol – a pheromone found in men’s sweat. Generally speaking,
men’s natural body odour is more sharp and similar to musk, and women’s
body odour is sweeter and reminiscent of amber (as mentioned earlier – labdanum has a similar scent to some extent).

* Ambergris * Civet * Musk & musky notes * Sandalwood

Espionage is not only my favourite perfume, but also the one that most closely resembles the skin’s natural scent with its vegetal musks. It’s perfect especially if you want to sneak up on someone… A dab of Bon Zai will give you a sutble but lasting supply of sandalwood’s pheromones; Sahleb will give your skin an innocently sensual milkiness with its abanudance of ambrette and orris; and Razala has a love-potion reputation of capturing the hearts of men and women alike. animalic notes of ambergris and agarwood.

Vote for Virgo Perfume on Etsy Storque

Virgo Zodiac Perfume was nominated by Storque (Etsy's blog) as one of 60 best Season of Love Ladies items on Etsy.com.

Please vote here to show your support!

Romantic Gift Ideas

For more gift ideas for Valentine's Day, visit our Gifts Page or Ayala's Etsy Shop for rare finds (poison rings and other collectibles) and one-of-a-kind perfumes ready to be adopted as your signature scent!

And of course call us anytime so we can help you find the perfect gift and personalize it for your loved ones!

Chocolate Elixir & Truffles

Chocolate is a praised aphrodisiac that creates a feel-good reaction that is similar to that we feel when we fall in love and is just as addictive, as theobramine (one of the main active constituents in cocoa) simulates endorphins in the nervous system . Chocolate paired with chili peppers is a powerfully stimulating love potion and also tastes magnificently good! It’s easy to make your own spiced hot-chocolate, spiked with black chili peppers, vanilla and cinnamon (click here for a recipe).

Last declaration of love for the chocoholics among us: I will be making my infamous Blood Truffles (dark chocolate, rose, saffron and chili) and White Potion truffles (white chocolate, tuberose and coconut) this weekend, which can be delivered to your door within 2-3 business days - just in time for Valentine's Day!

Each truffle gift box contains 8 beautiful truffles and is tied with a ribbon ready to be received as a gift. If you prefer a different flavour, you can also order a full batch of 40 truffles from our original flavours or get one custom-made for you.

Next week: Last Minute Romantic Ideas and Menu for Valentine's Day

Love & Luck,

Ayala

Ayala Moriel Parfums
AyalaMoriel.com
My SmellyBlog: SmellyBlog.comTel.: (778) 863-0806
Address: 1230 Haro Street, Buzz #295,Vancouver, BC
Hours: Mon-Thu 8:00am-4:00pm; Sundays & evenings by appointment only
Address: PO Box 93589 Nelson Park, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4L7

The Complete Experience Gift Package of Roses et Chocolat includes all the good things: perfume, chocolate, tea and the new Roses et Chocolat scented candle, of course!

Experience perfume to the fullest with taste, touch and fragrance. The Complete Experience Gift Package includes our Roses et Chocolat perfume, scented candle, perfumed tea and our to-die-for Blood Truffles - our seductive 70% cocoa hand-rolled truffles flavoured with Turkish rose otto, saffron absolute and hot chili pepper to add some pizzazz!

All packaged in a beautiful, re-usable gift box with a hot-pink satin ribbon as the final touch.