BLACKBIRD MEMORY #25... JULKARVA or JULENEK

Every year around Christmas time Nicole would have the store staff put up julenek on our garland and on our trees outside the store. Birds would come to eat the julenek and nobody who passed by could deny the Christmas spirit contained in those ties of grain. It was always fun for us to honor the Scandinavian heritage of our neighborhood, and we hope someone can carry the torch for us when we depart. Read more about julenek below.

A julenek (Norwegian and Danish) or julkarva (Swedish) is a sheaf of grain hung on a tree or pole as a Christmas treat for the birds. One of the most popular symbols in Scandinavia today, they are sold on street corners in the weeks before Christmas. Few homes are without one.

The tradition is actually from olden times, when people believed that taking care of the animals and spirits during the coldest, darkest days of winter would cause good luck and a bountiful harvest the following summer.

Like other winter solstice traditions in rural Scandinavia, it eventually became part of the celebration of Christmas. On farms, the peace of Christmas began before sundown on December 24th, when the sheaf was tied to a pole and erected in the farm yard. It was thought to be very lucky if birds flocked to it as it was being hung.

These sheaves of wheat were harvested by hand in Skagit Valley and were purchased from Stine's Scandinavian Sheaves here in good old Ballard. They are now on sale at the Field House for $3 a bunch.

FEATURED: CANDLES AT THE FIELD HOUSE

The Field House is currently playing host to a most formidable assortment of candles (Napoleon would like that word, 'formidable'). Produced by some of the most well known, highly sought-after and/or oldest candle manufacturers still in business (Cire Trudon have been making them since 1643!), the candle selection we now have offers multiple options for even the most discerning of noses.

For more info on Blackbird's candles, please visit our blog, and for our complete selection, please visit www.blackbirdballard.com.

Diptyque - Figuier Candle
DETAILS: Figuier creates a scent that recalls the warmth of fig wood, the freshness of its leaves and the milky sap. A companion to the Philosykos eau de toilette. Made in France.
$60

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Cire Trudon - Pondichery
9.5 oz/80 hours
DETAILS: Pondichery gives out a green and fresh touch; with ginger and zests of lemon and vetiver melding with the exotic sweetness of patchouli and the warmness of musk. This scent alludes to dreams of Asia, with its unforgettable colors, its silks and beautiful porcelain - the new fascination for exoticism.
$80

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Baxter of California - White Wood Number Two
12.5 oz./100 hours
DETAILS: The scented-soy-wax-candle collection "White Wood" is a series of 3 distinct woodsy scents, with packaging design by Marc Atlan, an art director with packaging credits including Comme des Garcons, Helmut Lang and Yves Saint Laurent. Atlan, describes his design as "a play on the contrast between a classic restrained elegance and a bold modern statement"
$50

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(Malin+Goetz) - Dark Rum
9 oz/60 hours
DETAILS: The Dark Rum Candle is synthesized for its natural, warm notes and general well being. Modern and dynamic, this rich rum candle burns on its own and is beautifully paired with our Mojito Candle, creating a unique blend and perfect sensory balance tailored to an individual or couple, complimentary to our skin care and fragrance systems.
$48

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Comme Des Garcons - Monocle Hinoki Candle
5.8 oz/ 50 hours
DETAILS: If you want something contemporary, sexy, and absolutely woody, Hinoki is probably going to be your best bet. Modeled after the scent of the Japanese Hinoki cypress used in spiritual and spa arrangements, namely the Hinoki wood soaking bath, the scent is reminiscent of cedar, though it's as if CDG took each element of your run-of-the-mill cedar, then significantly improved the quality of each element and amplified them.
$85

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Cire Trudon - Bust of Napoleon Candle
DETAILS: Unscented decorative vegetal wax sculptured candle of the bust of 19th century French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. With his arms folded, this bust is intended to be displayed on your mantle or highest bookshelf, to get the full contemplative and dictatorial effect. Made in France since 1643.
$176

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BACK IN BLACK: ANVERS 2

Ulrich Lang is a relatively new perfumer with his first scent, Anvers appearing in 2003. Originally located in Germany, Lang felt inclined to transplant to New York where he works currently. Coming from a background in cosmetics, he was well-prepared for work in fragrance when he decided to make the plunge, and his experience shines through the three scents that we carry. Each Ulrich Lang scent is surprisingly unique, versatile, and striking, with special care given to evoke sentiments of a considered, sophisticated future. His team has thus far been completely successful in their endeavor.

Ulrich Lang - Anvers 2
100 ml/3.4 oz.
DETAILS: Anvers 2 is one of the best unisex fragrances we have in our shop. Which is a big surprise considering it shares the same title as Ulrich Lang's first scent, Anvers, which is anything but feminine. It's unisex nature can be attributed to the brilliant study in contrast that is Anvers 2, marked not only by an exceptionally potent base but also by an expertly blended and diverse selections of fruit, floral, and wood that deliver a clean, fresh, and nearly-edible fragrance. This is the scent for a man who's interested in an alternative to the deep, heavy, overpowering fragrances generally associated with men's perfuming. Precise and contained though never failing to lose it's striking character, this one is for nonchalantly sipping wine at a cocktail party, wearing a perfectly cut suit, calmly observing your constituents from a close distance. Coincidentally, the woman confident enough to approach you and ask where you came from would be a perfect fit for this scent as well. An Apothecary favorite that's as artful on the skin day and night, rain or shine.
FRAGRANCE NOTES: FRAGRANCE NOTES: bergamot, lime, lemon, black pepper, rhubarb, cypress, bulgarian rose, jasmine, lily, mimosa, cedar, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, vanilla, amber, musk, olibanum, oakmoss, wild basil
$110

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NEW AT BLACKBIRD: MAT MATT MATTE

The Matte black Matt Mats are Blackbird's take on our various mat needs be it coasters, laptop mats, or whatever else your mind can come up with. Made in the USA of 100% Buffalo hide, these mats have textures unique to each one.

Blackbird - Mat Matt Matte Mini
in buffalo
DETAILS: The Matte black Mini Matt Mat in buffalo black is Blackbird's take on the home essential that is the coaster. It's a 5" x 5" square of black Buffalo hide with a notch on one end for easy grasping that is smooth and textured on the top and rough and slip-proof on the bottom. Each mat features different textures and hide anomalies and no two are exactly alike. Made in the U.S.A
$18

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Blackbird - Mat Matt Matte
in buffalo
DETAILS: It's a 15" x 15" square of black Buffalo hide with a notch on one end for easy grasping that is smooth and textured on the top and rough and slip-proof on the bottom. Each mat features different textures and hide anomalies and no two are exactly alike. Made in the U.S.A.
$92

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CB I HATE PERFUME - REVELATION

We've just added CB I Hate Perfume's "Revelation" scent to our already expansive selection. Water based and suitable for adding your favorite fragrance to fabrics and skin alike, CB I Hate Perfume's water perfumes are non-staining when applied in light sprays at a distance of eight inches or further away.

CB I Hate Perfume - Revelation
100 ml
DETAILS: CB does a twist on the conventional fig perfume with Revelation/Fig Leaf. The result of blending honey, amber, and woods, with fig leaf, is a nostalgic scent, unplaceable but reminiscent of something candy-like; in a good way. Like a candy that smelled so weird and pleasant to you as a kid that the scent stuck with you. Like a candy forgotten by time that's been lying in wait to be brought back to the world. And above all, it smells laced with green fig leaves. Revelation smells fantastic, relatively clean, and often pulls people in trying to find their long-lost sweet; it's an unusual and delightful fig fragrance for the lover of fig or for anyone who wants to smell simply great.

FRAGRANCE NOTES: Fig Leaf, Honey, Spices, French Labdanum, Virginia Cedar, Amber, Cypress
$100

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BACK IN BLACK: BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA

The Blackbird Apothecary just got a reload on some of Baxter of California's greatest hits. For your shaving, skin, hair, or candle needs, Baxter purveys staple goods you'll quickly become addicted to. Stop by the Field House for some free samples if you've never tried it, or come by to restock on your dwindling supply.

Baxter of California - Super Close Shave Formula
10 oz.
DETAILS: Baxter's super close shave formula provides a protective cushion between the skin and razor, for a close shave without redness or irritation. Antiseptic and botanical extracts refresh and soothe skin. It is a hydrating shave cream for men with an easy glide and soothing formula. Available in 10oz.pump bottle or 8 oz. tin.
$18

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Baxter of California - Night Cream AHA
4 oz.
DETAILS: This enriched night cream with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a great hydrating lotion for men. It quickly delivers essential moisture to skin all night long. AHA gently exfoliates skin, actively removing dead surface cells and smoothing its texture
$24

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Baxter of California - Hard Water Pomade
DETAILS: What Baxter says it does: "Designed to easily blend into and rinse out of hair, this water-based, firm-hold styling formula enhanced with elastic fibers to define hairstyles, providing dimension and textured separation while supplying all-day control sans stiffness."
$18

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Baxter of California - After Shave Balm
4 oz.
DETAILS: This alcohol free after shave balm is a post shave moisturizer for men with a soothing formula. It hydrates, soothes, and protects skin as it combats the serious dryness caused by daily shaving.
$18

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Baxter of California - White Wood Number Three Candle
12.5 oz.
DETAILS: The scented-soy-wax-candle collection "White Wood" is a series of 3 distinct woodsy scents, with packaging design by Marc Atlan, an art director with packaging credits including Comme des Garcons, Helmut Lang and Yves Saint Laurent. Atlan, describes his design as "a play on the contrast between a classic restrained elegance and a bold modern statement" The White Wood candle collection was recently awarded Triple Platinum Winner by Creativity International for Health & Beauty Packaging, Green Packaging, and Retail Packaging. Burn time roughly 100 hours. 12.5 oz.
FRAGRANCE NOTES: Birch Tar, Leather, Guiac Wood, Rosemary Oil, Cedar
$50

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BLACKBIRD RECIPES: "MORNING BUMBLE" BANANA PROTEIN SMOOTHIE W/ BALLARD BEE HONEY

Ballard Bee Company honey is quite possibly the best honey you'll ever taste. It's also the best packaged honey you'll ever buy. Those iconic glass jars that they come in with the classic black and white logo are cool enough to buy empty. If you haven't tried it yet, I recommend starting with either the 22 oz Honey Bottle or the 18 oz. Apiarist Reserve Honey. One taste and we're sure you'll become addicts of the stuff just like us.

And for those of you who are already converts, here's a super healthy smoothie recipe that includes the honey. Our resident chef concocts this protein-rich brew every morning, but it's also suitable for anytime of the day or night. Enjoy!

"Morning Bumble" Protein Smoothie
1 - 1 1/2 cups of rice milk
1 whole banana (peeled)
2 slightly heaping tablespoons of ground flax seed
1 heaping tablespoon of rice protein
1 - 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 heaping tablespoon of almond butter
1/2 - 1 tablespoon of Ballard Bee Honey

Blend on high for approximately 10 seconds
For best results, prepare with refrigerated rice milk, banana, almond butter, and flax seed.
Bon appetite!

Ballard Bee Company - Honey Bottle
22 oz.

DETAILS: Ballard Bee Company's honey's unique taste comes from the bees visiting in and around our Ballard neighborhood. Foraging pollen and nectar from the diverse plants that thrive in our local gardens and parks. Ballard Bee honey is unfiltered and raw so you can taste and appreciate all of the hard work these girls have done throughout the season.

$23

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BACK IN BLACK: BLACKBIRD MT. ST. HELEN'S SOAP SET

On May 18th, 1980 Mt. St. Helens erupted sending a 40 mile wide cloud of ash into the sky. Occurring between Seattle and the location of our newest Blackbird store in Portland, we've chosen this momentous occasion as inspiration for our very own Blackbird soap product: The Mt. St. Helens Blackbird Soap Set.

The soap's lather takes on a blackened, ash colored hue, compliments of the charcoal, and has a distinct woodsy-mint fragrance from the bouquet of Oregon peppermint, Washington geranium, Portland rose, and Pacific Northwest cedarwood contained within. These ingredients are fused together into two black cubes, one for Seattle and one for Portland, and signify for us the symbiosis of the two cities via the now dormant volcano that stands out there in the middle.

Harry R. Truman, famous for refusing to evacuate the impending eruption that subsequently claimed his life, had run the Spirit Lake lodge in the shadow of St. Helens for 52 years. His terminal stubbornness granted him folk hero status in the months leading up to the eruption as he was convinced that a mile distance and a lake between him and the volcano would spare him. Rest in peace Harry.

Blackbird - Mount St. Helen's Soap Set

DETAILS: This set includes two black 2.5" x 2.5" cube soaps with images of Harry R. Truman, an aerial view of Mt. St. Helens, and the date '18th' stamped on all six sides of each. Ingredients include saponified olive, coconut, palm kernel oils, shea butter, beeswax, activated charcoal, essential oils and fragrance. Handmade in Washington State. Never ever tested on animals. It is packaged in a striking white lidded 5" x 2.5" black box with images of the eruption's destruction emblazoned on its top and sides.

$28

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BLACKBIRD PROFILES: STEVEN SMITH TEAMAKER

Tea guru-magnate, Steve Smith, owner of Steven Smith Teamaker teas, was recently featured on the cover of the most recent issue of Entrepreneur magazine. In it, the magazine details Smith's past exploits (developing a tea business from scratch to mutli-million dollar sell-off, TWICE) and his craftsman-oriented business mindset that has brought him expertise in the tea field and wealth in the profit-side of things. Check the article out here, and shop our Steven Smith Tea Maker selection below and at our website. Cheers!

Steven Smith Teamaker - Lord Bergamot Full Leaf Black Tea
40 g/15 sachets

DETAILS: A flavor somewhat superior to traditional Earl Grey. Fragrant Ceylon Dimbulla and Uva are artfully combined with select teas from India's Assam valley, then scented with the essence of bergamot from the realm of Reggio Calabria, Italy.

INGREDIENTS Ceylon Dimbulla, Uva and Indian Assam full leaf teas and natural bergamot essence.

$14.99

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Steven Smith Teamaker - Bugalow Full Leaf Black Tea
40 g/15 sachets

DETAILS: Grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, this blend of first and second flush organic Darjeeling teas produces a light, yet complex tea with the aroma and flavor of fruits, nuts and flowers complemented by rich, toasty, buttery notes.

INGREDIENTS: A blend of high grown hand-picked Indian Darjeeling first and second flush FTGFOP1 teas.

$14.99

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BACK IN BLACK: MALIN+GOETZ

Yes, its true. We have a bunch more Malin+Goetz. It sells fast, so if you are out of your favorite item, the time has come to nab it drastically.

Each advanced formula blends trusted natural ingredients with gentle performance technologies to address skin sensitivities, irritations and allergies resulting from unnecessary products, over-marketed harsh ingredients, and false claims. The result is formulas without unnecessary detergents, colorants and synthetic fragrances creating the most effective systems to simplify your life. (MALIN+GOETZ) does not test on animals and is made in the USA.

Malin+Goetz - Eucalyptus Deodorant
2.6 oz.

DETAILS: Synthesized with refreshing natural eucalyptus extract and odor-neutralizing citronellyl for 24 hour effectiveness, Malin+Goetz' Eucalyptus Deodorant is appropriate for all skin types, especially sensitive. Blended to absorb without residue, staining, irritation and pore clogging. Natural fragrance and color.

$18

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Malin+Goetz - Peppermint Hair Shampoo
8 oz.

DETAILS: A daily hydrating shampoo that synthesizes natural peppermint extract with cleansing agents to effectively purify and balance all hair and scalp types. Blended for frequent use without drying, stripping, irritation, or build-up. Mildly foaming, residue-free formula leaves hair soft and scalp conditioned. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily regimen for color treated and processed hair.

$20

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Malin+Goetz - Jojoba Face Scrub
4 oz.

DETAILS: This cleansing scrub synthesizes calming cilantro with amino acid, hydrating exfoliation to gently and effectively purify and ph balance all skin types. Blending natural jojoba meal 2.5% and technologically advanced polyethylene beads to help shed dead skin, stimulate cell renewal, and soothe without irritation, drying or stripping. Rinses free of residue for smooth, even skin.

$38

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Malin+Goetz - Cilantro Hair Conditioner
8 oz.

DETAILS: This gentle, daily conditioner scientifically synthesizes natural cilantro with absorbent fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Effectively hydrates and ph balances all hair and scalp types, unlike traditionally greasy oils that weigh down hair and irritate scalp. Blended for advanced, residue-free conditioning and detangling. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance regimen for color treated and processed hair.

$22

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Malin+Goetz - Essentials Bag

6 - 1 oz. bottles

DETAILS: The perfect introduction to (Malin+Goetz). This set includes: 1oz size bottles of Grapefruit Face Cleanser, Bergamot Body Wash, Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, B5 Body Moisturizer, Peppermint Shampoo and Cilantro Hair Conditioner, all in a clear plastic carrying case. This set is FAA approved and perfect for travel.

$30

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NEW AT THE FIELD HOUSE: BLACKBIRD TEA

After the success of Blackbird Coffee and the development of other Blackbird brand products, including furniture and home furnishings, men's clothing and accessories, soaps, and incense, Blackbird now announces the launch of "The Moon," their very first blend of tea.

Our tea doesn't smell like other teas, and it doesn't taste how it smells. For initial inspiration, we went with Lapsang Souchong, a Chinese tea known for its distinct smokey flavor. Lapsang Souchong picks up this flavor from a unique drying process in which the lapsang leaves are smoke-dried over pinewood fires. To this base, we've added a blend of herbs that taste great while supporting focus and mental clarity.

Next in our recipe are Gotu Kola and Tulsi basil, both prized rejuvenative herbs in India. They act as daily nervous system tonics by helping the body adapt to stress, improve focus, and elevate mood. Gotu Kola is used to improve memory, as well as reduce anxiety and mental fatigue. Peppermint is also added, known for its calming effects on the nervous system, as is licorice, which is a strong liver protector and detoxifier.

Blackbird - Tea No. One: The Moon
2 oz. jar

DETAILS: The tea smells like wood smoke; that's really the best way to put it. But the taste, while still bearing mild tar-like tones, is completely different. Mint and licorice take the foreground while a deep herbal blend constructs the backbone. The combination of soot and herbs with licorice and peppermint creates a complex and delicious flavor that matches how we imagine the taste of the moon might be.

$32

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABRAHAM LINCOLN!

Abe Lincoln had style. Stove pipe top hat, bad ass bow tie, always wearing suits, and that beard. And if you look closely, you might notice the lack of 'stache. Like the fashion aspect of his look, the 'stache-less beard requires some work. We're here to help anyone's shaving needs from the President on down. Happy Birthday to Honest Abe and happy shaving to you.

Baxter of California - Safety Razor

DETAILS: Double edge safety razor by Baxter of California. First introduced in the 18th century, this style of wet shave razor remains first choice amongst young and old alike. Comes in a matte black gift box and includes starter pack of blades and a detailed instruction card.

$66

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Baxter of California - Travel Shave Brush
in black

DETAILS: Second to the razor blade, the 100% natural Badger Hair Shave Brush is the essential tool used to achieve the best shave possible. Badger hair has a great ability to retain water (which helps create a lather when mixed with a shave cream) improving the barrier between the razor and skin, lifting facial hair to ensure a smoother shave with less irritation. The pure badger hair travel aluminum shave brush features a two piece aluminum handle with a matte black anodized finish.

$50

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Malin+Goetz - Vitamin E Shaving Cream
7.5 oz.

DETAILS: Oil-free, residue-free moisturizer combines vitamin E, vitamin B5 and soothing chamomile with absorbent fatty acids for an intensely nourishing treatment. Absorbs immediately, unlike traditionally greasy, pore-clogging oils. Perfect for an immediate make-up application.

$82

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PYRO GIRL + SWEETHEART BOY = LOVE

What your pyro girl/boy friend wants for Valentine's Day:

Blackbird - Mastermind Lighter

DETAILS: Got a light? Yes we do. We present to you the Mastermind lighter. Inspired by Russian avant garde art, these lighters burn hot like the flame said art movement was during the deep freeze of Stalinist Russia in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Carry a little artistic revolution around with you in the form of this lighter. And if you loan it to someone for a light, make sure to get it back.

$4.95

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Diyptyque - Roses Candle
6.5 oz./60 hours

DETAILS: An armful of tender, changing roses that lightly evoke the world's most universally loved flowers. This floral and feminine fragrance comes out of the blending of several varieties of roses. Made in France.

$60

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Diptyque - Feu De Bois Candle
300g/90 hours

DETAILS: Literally translated from French as "wood fire," this popular candle's smoky fragrance evokes the warm, familiar and sophisticated smell of rare woods burned on long winter days. This larger-sized version of their classic Feu de Bois candle is presented in gray hand-blown glass with the name "Feu De Bois" etched onto the surface of the glass. Weight: 10.2 ounces Height: 4 in. Made in France.

$90

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Diptyque - L'Ombre Solid Perfume
4.05g

DETAILS: The mixture of crumpled blackcurrant leaves and Bulgarian rose petals was the inspiration for L'Ombre dans L'Eau. This cool fragrance does not differentiate between masculine and feminine, and calls for luxury and sophistication. Solid perfume in black metal tin with oval Diptyque intaglio. Solid perfumes have been popular for ages for their portability and ease of use. Great for a pocket or purse, these miniature packages are perfect for quick fragrance touch ups throughout the day.

FRAGRANCE NOTES: Bulgarian Rose, Blackcurrant Leaf, and Amber

$48

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CB I Hate Perfume - Burning Leaves Water Perfume
100 ml

DETAILS: The smoke of burning maple leaves - pure & simple. Water based and suitable for adding your favorite fragrance to fabrics and skin alike, CB I Hate Perfume's water perfumes are non-staining when applied in light sprays at a distance of eight inches or further away.

$75

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