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  • Silvertree

    Mod post: No wishlist posts in blogs

    By Silvertree

    Please be aware that we do not permit swap-related content on profiles or in blogs. Please post this content only in the For Sale, Swaps, and Wanted forums, or in the Wishlists topic. ~from Swapping 101  Thanks!
    • 5 comments
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Spring Cleaning Swap - 2018

In-Thread Bonus Questions:

Craft supplies: Between me and sis, we're all over the place. The things I don't have and could use would be the things I always forget about when I'm actually IN a shop, like a masking fluid for watercolor paintings, or add-ins for acrylics or even oils. I have tons of paints, but I never get the OTHER stuff most people use. Also, forgot to mention in my questionnaire. I was working on this one painting, and I was trying to find a paint pen, fine point, in a nice opaque white. Both Blick's I went to up here were sold out, and since Pearl Paint closed, I feel lost in the city's art supply world. Paint pens that I could use to finish details on paintings would be nice.

Fantasy Type Books: I'm all over it! Tolkien, Lewis, Gaiman, Pratchett, Moore, LOVE LOVE LOVE. If I don't know it, that's cool too. My old boss gave me a lesbian fantasy romance novel, totally something I'd NEVER pick up on my own, and I really enjoyed it! (more romance, less sex, and kinda like a badder-assed Sookie as a witch-lesbian). So, don't be afraid to throw me your old favorites. Also, don't care about paperback condition, as long as the last 5 pages of the story isn't missing, that'd suck.

Music: MP3s, I have an old zune, and mp3 player on my PC. - Please feel free to expand my horizons, EXCEPT, I -loathe- country music, and hardcore rap, so, go anywhere else, from Blackmore's Night to Opera, to George Crumb and Kronos Quartet, to Finnish Death Metal, and J-Pop, and everywhere inbetween - even blue grass is fine, just NO Country!

are you interested in preloved tees like BPTP ones? If so, styles and size?
More than likely, yes! I have a (it has a tree on it?) tissue tee I adore, and standard bella babydoll tee for Candles Moon, a "Nice" tee and a Krampus tee. I really like their tees. I'm a size XS or Small (somewhat depends on which cut of shirt and from what producers. For the old bella babydolls, probably a Small, but the newer/thinner (or if anyone has an old tissue tee they don't want anymore) an XS is probably better.

Do you have a need for costuming pieces? Anything specific you’d like/ not like?
Nothing I can particularly think of now. I mean, I could use a better chemise for ren faire weekends. I think mine was actually a child's, considering it barely comes down to the top of my hip, and the sleeves are barely long enough to tuck into the top of my bracers. Othrewise, I have ears, bracers, chain belt... if on a weird fluke anyone has kinda rennie style sandals in a size 7.5, that would be amazing, but seems highly unlikely.

Interested in vinyl art toys (kid robot & such)?
I really try and avoid random pointless STUFF, I just don't have the room for it... that said, I have a deep weakness for Unicornos from Tokidoki. I already have quite a few. Would love to find Fumo, Bambu, Caramelo, Sakura, Yuki, Sirena, Honeybee, Prisma, Diamante, Hanako, Miso, Fuego, Galactica, Gaia, Summer, Adios & Caramelo.... (I'm not very good at my personal minimalism when it comes to pony-things.)

I have collected art faster than I can frame it. Anyone interested in prints from Independant artists or do you have a specific decorating scheme happening in the house? (Which is, of course, ok)
I generally love independent art, but I don't have a lot of wall space left at this point, so I should probably pass.

Do you use K-Cups and would you like a variety of coffee/tea? - no K cups

How do you feel about cosmetic samples as long as they're "clean?"
I'd love getting samples! Generally I'm super pale (and pink! or "clear and full of blood"), sensitive skin, love any anti-aging stuff, and I love trying out hair products, though I'm SUPER picky because I have long hair (trying to grow longer, always longer!) .

Do you have any use for holiday/Christmas ornaments? If so, what themes/styles do you prefer? - no thanks

Buying fandom related and "cute" items:
I try to avoid - with the exception of a very few - IF THEY ARE VERY SMALL (I have an old printer's drawer hanging on my wall now, that gives me a place to put *TINY* things, so.. if you found something that was around 1-1.5 inches tall, it'd fit on that. I like Firefly/Serenity, MLP, LOTR, harry potter universe stuff could be cute, too - but the key is *TINY*
Would you like to receive silver rings that are worn but still look like new? If so: what ringsize do you wear? And any specific styles that you like?
Or silver earrings (brandnew)?
No earrings, I don't have pierced ears (unless someone wants to get rid of some vintage rhinestone screw backs! I collect those!), and rings, I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I do like tiny sterling silver delicate jewelry, and when it starts warming up, I'd be more likely to wear rings when I won't need gloves. I think my fingers range between a 6 and a 7, depending on which finger it is.
Do you like animals? If so: any favorites?
I do. I love horses (unicorns and pegasi) most of all, but also adore dragons, griffons, and in the "real world" (ha), wolves, foxes, cats, and the occasional raven, hawk, or owl. (bonus points for also fitting into the aforementioned "TINY" spectrum.

Fragrance oils other than BPAL: ​ only essential oils please (and I have mint and sweet orange already)

​Jewelry making supplies: ​probably not, I have a hoard of gemstones (for prong or bezel setting), but haven't been making jewelry a lot this past couple of years. It seems unlikely someone would be wanting to get rid of the kind of jewelry stuff I could use, as it'd be so easy to resell for decent money. And I don't do beading or stuff like that.

Lularoe Leggings? no thanks

Could you use Melitta filters for coffee? pass

Jewelry making addendum: Gemstones? I do have a literal hoard of gemstones (cut, polished, semi-precious, mostly garnet, amethyst, some quartz, topaz, mostly small pieces now) - does anyone do the kind of jewelry making where they'd be able to use something like that? Good to learn on in a jewelry making classes.

Cookbooks (or Magazine back issues) anyone? - Another thing I hoard, and I'm trying to clean up my stash. And if yes, do you have a kind you'd like or not like?
Personally, I no longer need anything basic or beginner. But I'd be open to specialized or weird cookbooks like the cookbook from Hannibal (the tv show), (I LOVE my Feast of Thrones cookbook!) or specialty ones like ones on Japanese food, or something more specific like a little book of ramen or pho. (I don't have any non-Western European/US cookbooks that aren't fantasy worlds). I will also take old/used food magazine issues (I subscribe to Bon Appetit, so not them), but I will take old back issues happily, even in somewhat ratty condition. (I have a problem, I really do.)

Table cloths, placemats, runners, napkins, dish towels - no thanks

BPAL storage boxes - I don't really need any more boxes, if anyone had extra of those spent ammo cases that fit imps perfectly, I always need more of those

5 strange things, off the top of your head that you need?
silicon coated wire whisk
new cheese cloth
new batch of super-sculpy (any amount really)
silicon mold for filled chocolates
matcha green tea powder

Travel books. - Guatemala? It's looking likely I'll have a work trip there in June. I know nothing.

Nightlight. - no thanks

Could you use any spices, herbs, or salt? Sure, I don't think I've got any dill weed or fennel seed, no curry powders, dried chilies, and I believe I'm out of nice dried thyme (I normally dry my own, but I messed up my last batch right before winter and had to throw it out :-( )

What about reusable totes or bags? I am overflowing, so no thanks.

Discworld books: YES! My collection is a bit spotty, I'm up to Wyrd Sisters (haven't started it yet, and it's a library book, so would totally take a paperback copy). But I already have (ahead of the game thanks to an auction lot my Mom won): soul music, eric, thud, lords and ladies, carpe jugulum, unseen academicals, raising steam, and the discworld companion

Least favorite scent? myrrh, musks, resins, spices, incense, foodie

Nail polish colors? I have a pretty epic stash, and have been doing more nail wraps as time goes by. I think I have a few BPTP examples on my w/l.

Bathtub? Bubble Bar? I do have a bathtub, but I don't use it often in the winter, because there's a window in the bath and it makes it super drafty, but once it warms up a bit. I also do lots of foot tub soaks, so I could use it!

how do you feel about knitted things?? More specifically washcloths or scarves?? Colors you love/hate? And fibers you like or don’t like?? I have plenty of knitted things, so I'm probably good. But it's a good place to remind that I don't like synthetic fibers, I try and stay away from polyester, acrylic, and rayon (unless it's certified green bamboo rayon - gotta protect the orangutans!) and I'm all about strong colors, but loathe greys/beiges/neutrals

Do you have a preference for more fitted women's style tees, or are you fine with a basic crew neck?
I prefer a more fitted women's style tees, v-necks preferred, but not a deal breaker otherwise.

If you were given a choice of a top that was navy and tan stripe vs a more cobalt blue base with a jewel tone stained glass pattern, does one or the other sound preferable? Neither? Both?
No stripes, no tan. Stained glass pattern sounds pretty, though, and love jewel tones.

Are you okay with receiving a book that is completely within your areas of interest, but that is in the middle of a series? (Assume a standalone storyline that might reference events in prior books but that is not dependent on them.)
Please no. I approach series very carefully (I was "traumatized" as a kid by only being allowed to buy the first Secret of the Unicorn Queen book, loved it, and it was promptly discontinued. 30-cough-years later, I still can't get book #6 to finish the series without paying an outrageous amount (so I won't do it). And I lived in fear of Stephen King never finishing the Dark Tower the whole while I read it.
Would you be interested in graphic novels within your areas of interest?
Yes! Love graphic novels! I have the last Sandman one, and have kept up with Pretty Deadly trades and Injection.

Would you be interested in new or very gently worn shoes, if so, what size?
Possibly? It seems unlikely they'd fit. I have very narrow feet with a very high arch, in sandals I can wear a 7.5, sometimes a 7, rarely an 8, and in boots almost always an 8, and other closed-toe shoes varies between 7.5 to 8, rarely 8.5 - shoes are crazy man.

Do you enjoy Tokidoki?
Unicornos, I have the list/first answer in my link

Would you like fabric with one of your favorite fandom on it but chibi/cute style characters?
No thanks, sis does the fabric arts, not me.

I have a bunch of baking ingredients in my pantry that need to be used up. Would you be interested in receiving any baked goods (like cookies or scones)? if they're gluten free
No thanks, also a baker (but not gluten-free)

Any interest in books about learning other languages? maybe? Been trying Duolingo with Japanese, but it's a beta, so a book might help.

Any interest in reading poetry or plays? I can be into poetry if it's funny, quirky, or has a historical cultural twist to it (Southern or Irish/Scottish mostly)

Do you enjoy audiobooks? Not really

Any of this year's Lupers you still need/want to try? Check my wishlist. I *STILL* haven't gotten any of my decants yet, so I'm kinda getting frustrated over here. There were so many in this great update, I couldn't dare do blind buys, but last I checked the website, my decanter hasn't even gotten a CNS yet!

Could you use any tealights?
Sure!

I have an extra book light. Could you use one? Yes!

Any BPTP swag you would like or are in search of (stickers, bumper stickers, pins, etc.)? I always like stickers and buttons, but I've got a pretty good stash.

Would you like any unused tins for tea storage? I'm good, thanks

Would you be happy to receive homemade jams/jellies?
Yes! I hate how commercial jellies and jams put so much crap in there - I like almost all jams, not too big on marmalade, but my favorites are blackberry, plum, and (dare I dream... muscadine/scuppernong)

Gardening stuff and or seeds?? yay or nay? If yes, whats your climate/zone?
Sure! 7b

Yay or nay? accessory scarves? yknow, the sheer or silky kind? colors, length?
no thanks, I never know how to wear them.

Tabletop gaming stuff? Board games? Yay or Nay
I do like games.. why not!

izile

izile

 

2018 Spring Cleaning Swap Qs

Updated 3/29/18 am

do you need craft supplies? What sorts?
Not particularly. I can always use craft paper and markers and other colorful drawing/kid friendly craft stuff like pipe cleaners and pompoms and such though. I have given up any hope of actually getting back into needlework while my daughter is in elementary school.

do you like fantasy type books?
Oh yes. Check out my goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1543793-em) for more than you could ever hope to know about my reading habits.

What format(s) do you listen to music on?
Mostly on my very old and out of date iPod that I desperately need to transfer back into itunes. Otherwise, I do listen to the occasional cd still in my car, and will listen to stuff off of youtube or Amazon music for that sort of streaming.

Anyone have kids or otherwise can repurpose toys, like Barbies in very good condition, etc?
I do have a kid who would not necessarily be opposed to Barbies and the like. She doesn't play with them a ton, but free is free.

are you interested in preloved tees like BPTP ones? If so, styles and size?
I can wear tissue tees in XL, would need XXL for anything else. I pretty much only wear babydolls and tunics these days.

Do you have a need for costuming pieces? Anything specific you’d like/ not like?
I can't think of anything specific, to be honest. I don't have the time/patience/extroversion to cosplay, although in theory, I would love to.

Interested in vinyl art toys (kid robot & such)?
Sure! Anything for my fandoms that I mentioned in my survey, plus/or specifically because I am too lazy to look it up - Harry Potter, Star Wars, Wonder Woman, Nightmare Before Christmas, Groot, female characters generally, Doctor Who, random super coolness...

I have collected art faster than I can frame it. Anyone interested in prints from Independant artists or do you have a specific decorating scheme happening in the house? (Which is, of course, ok)
I have the same problem, to be honest. I have so many cool things, including some total awesomeness from previous swaps, and not a whole lot of usual wall space thanks to the way my main living areas are laid out.

Do you use K-Cups and would you like a variety of coffee/tea?
I don't use them at home, but would get some use out of them at work.

I've done a few subscription boxes in the past, mostly like Birchbox, Ipsy, Sephora.. sometimes I get samples that I either won't try at all, or I try once and go "not for me." - How do you feel about cosmetic samples as long as they're "clean?" (I wouldn't pass on anything liquid that could have been contaminated, unless it's unopened, but I also have things like spray-on products, which I'd consider uncontaminated due to the nature of dispensing.)
That would be totally cool.

Buying fandom related and "cute" items is my guilty pleasure. That's why I have way too many of them. Are any of the following characters appealing to you?
Harry Potter/Hedwig, Disney, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid/Flounder, Grumpy Cat, Pusheen, Hello Kitty, Pokemon? If there's another character that I've forgotten to mention that ís appealing to you, please tell!
Definitely Harry Potter/Hedwig, Grumpy Cat, Pusheen, anything Hello Kitty/Sanrio, anything from any of my other listed fandoms. Also, pretty much any of the cute little Japanese mystery bag sort of thing, Tokidoki, etc. Basically, I have a 7 year old who will glom on anything super cute.

Would you like to receive silver rings that are worn but still look like new? If so: what ringsize do you wear? And any specific styles that you like?
Or silver earrings (brandnew)?
I don't really wear rings other than my wedding and engagement rings (on separate fingers for reasons). Artsy dangly silver earrings are absolutely wanted if they are either hoops or have hooks. No posts, please.

Do you like animals? If so: any favorites? (Yes! Buying animal related items is another guilty pleasure of mine 🙃 I'm also a photographer and have many animal pictures printed)
Birds - especially owls and other raptors, flying creatures generally, sea creatures, lizards, spiders, bats, frogs, cats. So, er, yes?

Anyone interested in fragrance oils (non BPAL) for soap or candle making, materials to make lip balm?
I would not get any use out of non-BPAL fragrance oils or other soap/candle supplies. Lip balm is kind of intriguing, though.

Jewelry making supplies?
I should say no to this as well. I have a ton of supplies...somewhere in the depths of boxes moved 2 years ago.

Lularoe Leggings? Don't worry, they're NEW and never worn. Would you like them? What is your size? What about other Lularoe clothes?
Sure! I am a TC for LLR leggings, 2xl for Julias and Randys and Madison (I think? The skirt with pocketses), M or L for Irmas, M for Lindsey, L for Sarah & the fringy kimono thing, XL for most everything else I've tried. I haven't bought any of the newer styles that have come out in the past year or so like the jean jackets and such. If you have kids stuff lying around, my daughter is a L/XL in the leggings and an 8 in anything else.

Which reminds me, I have a pair of knock-off leggings with bits of Hamlet written on them that my teenager rejected, OS, never worn. Hamlet leggings, anyone?
These sound AWESOME, but probably too small.

Could you use Melitta filters for coffee?
No thank you.

New - Jewelry making addendum: Gemstones?
Probably not.

Cookbooks (or Magazine back issues) anyone?
I would take fun geekery ones off your hands (I have a Doctor Who cocktail book, but otherwise, not others), or specifically baking, cocktails or Instant Pot/pressure cooking. Otherwise, this is an area I kind of desperately need to purge.

Table cloths, placemats, runners, napkins, dish towels?
Fun graphic dishtowels, yes. My kitchen decor is best described as "eclectic randomness". Just plain or floral or country kitcheny anything will probably languish. Same with napkins and placements. I always mean to use them, but rarely get around to it.

BPAL storage boxes?
I could find a use for one, especially if it were just a box without dividers.

5 strange things, off the top of your head that you need?
Folders and/or file envelopes for organizing paperwork; large printable address stickers (the half-sheet print it out from Paypal/USPS size); fabric organization bins (I have a friend who does Thirty-One and she's always pushing those things, but I cannot bring myself to pay their prices); cuticle oil/cream - my fingers are a disaster; Sharpie type markers

Cookie cutters? Cookie press/cake decorating kit? Mini muffin tins?
Yes to all! Although I have a lot of cookie cutters, so would be most interested in fun geeky shapes.

Are you traveling or contemplating traveling anywhere? I may have a book for that. Not necessarily guidebook, but fiction or non-fiction related to your destination.
Fun! This summer we are going to Grand Teton and Yellowstone with stopovers in Salt Lake City and probably Craters of the Moon in Idaho.

A knight-light? (nightlight shaped like a knight, get it?) Or a plain old still in packaging nightlight?
Sounds fun, but I will pass. I don't have a lot of outlets in places where (k)night-lights would be practical.

I have blank BPAL bottle stickers and CDs for burning...
Not sure if this was actually a question, but I could definitely use blank bottle stickers. I do not need blank CDs.

Could you use any spices, herbs, or salt?
I do not need any plain salt, but I would definitely make use of salt/spice mixtures, or just spice mixtures. Plain spices and dried herbs, I'm pretty good on.

What about reusable totes or bags?
If something is super super cool, sure, but just generic bags from the grocery store, no thanks.

If you're collecting or trying Discworld books, what's the next Discworld novel you'd like to read?
I don't think we have Raising Steam. Otherwise, I think we have them all, but they are in boxes scattered about at the moment.

Would you be ok with a least favorite scent note in a shower gel, soap, scrub, or lotion if it's mixed in a blend of other notes and isn't prominent? or is it totally a no? And are you good with lotions/candles/scrubs/etc. that don't have either your favorite OR least favorite notes in them?
Jasmine is pretty much always a no, and a migraine trigger (although night blooming and sambac can *sometimes* be okay, but are iffy), and oakmoss and poppy/opium notes tend to overwhelm everything else for me, so I'd rather not have anything with those. Otherwise, I am usually okay with things like red wine and strawberries in bath products.

What about colors of things like nail polish? If I don't have your favorite color(s), do you still want polish?
I would lean toward no on polish unless you have something really incredibly glittery bright and fun that you feel like really needs to come to me. Please don't send neutrals or pastels.

New question: do you have a bathtub? Would you like to receive a bubble bar?
Sadly no and no. I am hoping to change this in the next year, but in the meantime, I have too many things I cannot really use already.

how do you feel about knitted things?? More specifically washcloths or scarves?? Colors you love/hate? And fibers you like or don’t like??
I really do not need more scarves. Washcloths/dishcloths, definitely. I prefer brights to neutrals, natural fibers to synthetic.

Do you have a preference for more fitted women's style tees, or are you fine with a basic crew neck?
Definitely more fitted women's styles. Men's style crew neck tees make me look like I am wearing a sack of boobs.

If you were given a choice of a top that was navy and tan stripe vs a more cobalt blue base with a jewel tone stained glass pattern, does one or the other sound preferable? Neither? Both?
This isn't really fair for me to answer, since I know what each one looks like but generally speaking, I do not wear tan and if I do, I pair it with black mainly in order to wear very specific shoes. So definitely the jewel tone for me. (Disclosure, I love the jewel tone top, but it is too small.)

Are you okay with receiving a book that is completely within your areas of interest, but that is in the middle of a series? (Assume a standalone storyline that might reference events in prior books but that is not dependent on them.)
With the caveat assumption, sure. If it picks up in the middle of the plot, I will be sad.

Would you be interested in graphic novels within your areas of interest?
Absolutely.

Would you be interested in new or very gently worn shoes, if so, what size?
Yes, for sure, as long as the heels are not over an inch or so. Size 8US (can sometimes wear 7.5 or 8.5 if they run big or small respectively).

Do you enjoy Tokidoki?
YES!!! I mostly enjoy it vicariously through my daughter, but please send it all our way.
Would you like fabric with one of your favorite fandom on it but chibi/cute style characters?
I really should say no to this, but I am gonna say yes anyway because cutified versions of my favorite things are like ultra faves.

I have a bunch of baking ingredients in my pantry that need to be used up. Would you be interested in receiving any baked goods (like cookies or scones)?
Either cookies or scones or pretty much anything baked goods wise would be awesome. I do have a particular fondness for scones.

Any interest in books about learning other languages?
Not really.

Any interest in reading poetry or plays?
Absolutely!

Do you enjoy audiobooks?
I do - I have discovered they are a great way to experience a lot of the classic literature that I tend not to enjoy reading in printed form.

Any of this year's Lupers you still need/want to try?
Anything I am still interested in is in my wishlist.

Could you use any tealights?
No thank you. I have more candles that I can ever hope to use.

I have an extra book light. Could you use one?
Sure, especially if it is made for an actual book. I have one that I got to use with my old Kindle e-reader, but it doesn't translate well to actual paper books.

Any BPTP swag you would like or are in search of (stickers, bumper stickers, pins, etc.)?
Nothing in particular.

Would you like any unused tins for tea storage?
Please please please do not send me more tea tins. I have dozens lying around that my son keeps swearing he is going to use for projects.

Would you be happy to receive homemade jams/jellies?
Always!!!

Gardening stuff and or seeds?? yay or nay? If yes, whats your climate/zone?
This is one of those questions that I want to say yes to, but I know that things will never get used. Maybe wildflower seeds (zone 7a) as we always want more pollinators in our yard. We don't have a veggie garden or anything.

Yay or nay? accessory scarves? yknow, the sheer or silky kind? colors, length?
Nay on this. I have a bunch that I never wear and, in fact, really hope my dustpan answers this one, as I have several that should go to new homes.

Tabletop gaming stuff? Board games? Yay or Nay
Yay! Anything Munchkin, D&D, Warhammer or military gaming will get swooped up by the 9th grader, but that's cool. Otherwise, we have a fair amount, but the more the merrier.

emzebel

emzebel

 

2018 books

Here we go again.

1. The Big Bamboo (audio) by Tim Dorsey FINISHED 1/3/18
2. Sunburn by Laura Lippman FINISHED 1/6/18
3. Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart FINISHED 1/13/18
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (audio) FINISHED 1/18/18
5. Killed by Clutter by Leslie Caine FINISHED 1/25/18
6. The Burning Girl by Claire Messud FINISHED 2/1/18
7. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Audio) FINISHED 2/2/18
8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher FINISHED 2/2/18
9. Conclave by Robert Harris FINISHED 2/5/18
10. The Red Herring without Mustard by Alan Bradley FINISHED 2/16/18
11. A Lonely Death by Charles Todd (Audio) FINISHED 2/18/18
12. The Devil's Labyrinth by John Saul FINISHED 2/18/18
13. Strange Weather by Joe Hill FINISHED 2/28/18
14. Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card FINISHED 3/1/18
15. Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks FINISHED 3/7/18
16. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote FINISHED 3/12/18
17. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller FINISHED 3/17/18
18. Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith FINISHED 3/18/18
19. Who Censored Roger Rabbit by Gary K. Wolf FINISHED 3/21/18
20. The Same Sky by Amanda Eyre Ward FINISHED 3/25/18
21. The Reluctant Fortune Teller by Keziah Frost FINISHED 4/3/18
22. The Boy on the Bridge by M. R. Carey FINISHED 4/6/18

voodoocatwoman

voodoocatwoman

 

Imbolc 2018 Swap Q&A

Do you use, or are you interested in, Twilight Alchemy Lab oils?
I haven't, but definitely interested! I just have no idea where to begin on ordering them or using them and just sort of haven't bothered to Google that. =P

Physical books or ebooks, and if the latter, what format?
Slight preference for used physical books, but I am also totally fine with kindle ebooks.

Do you have any interest in receiving items and instructions for a simple Imbolc ceremony/ritual, or do you prefer more pragmatic/prosaic gifts?
Hmmm. So, I am an agnostic who doesn't personally believe in anything mystical or goddess-like out there, but I really love ceremony and ritual in a secular-spiritual sense. I think the physical acts of traditions and the time taken for ritual has its own power to focus our attention and connect us and shape us. All that to say, as long as it isn't like praying to a god, I'd be down for a ritual. But also fine with pragmatic and prosaic. Whatever my Candle feels is right.

Poetry, foreign language, facing page translation: how do you feel about these things, in combination?
Love. If a poet isn't writing in English, I want to see the rhythm of their words even if I can't understand it, so facing page translation is my preference.

Favorite plants:
For looking at? I love oak trees, Joshua trees, willows, and giant sequoia, and for flowers wisteria, ranunculus, and giant allium. I also have a great attachment to ponderosa pines from hiking with my grandfather...particularly the smell of their bark.
(Please don't send me any real plants...my cats will eat them.)

Any favorite quotes or sayings?
"What fresh hell is this?" Probably my most used saying. Comes in handy for just about every news cycle this year. Lifted from the inimitable Ms. Dorothy Parker, though I'd been saying it long before I realized it came from her!
Some other quotes I love
"Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself; (I am large, I contain multitudes.)"-Whitman
“In the unceasing ebb and flow of justice and oppression we must all dig channels as best we may, that at the propitious moment somewhat of the swelling tide may be conducted to the barren places of life.” --Jane Addams, my hero
"I would always rather be happy than dignified." -- Bronte's Jane Eyre
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye" or "It is such a mysterious place, the land of tears." or, basically, any quote from The Little Prince.

What are your feelings on glitter, sparkle, and metallics?
Depends on what it is on/for? Sparkle for something I'd wear (I love sequins/beading). Totally fine with sparkle and metallic and glitter for decorative items. Glitter in nail polish is also awesome.
Would you enjoy a journal or sketchbook to exercise your creativity in?
Sure.
Dear Watcher, is there a Yule that you passed up that is calling your name? Something you wish you ordered but didn't? Something that is in stock now?
La Befana...I am developing a love for violet and I'm really curious what charcoal candy smells like! (And then my wishlist has several in stock items as well...)

Question: if you knit or crochet, would you want patterns as the creativity spark portion of the swap? If so, what kind of patterns strike your fancy? (example, Nemi crochets amigurumi, so I sent her a unicorn and dinocorn amigurumi pattern for another swap)
Absolutely! I also crochet amigurumi, so patterns for those would be lovely.

Question! Do you have any favourite gem/semi-precious/other type of stones?
Moonstone, amethyst (darker the better), amber, labradorite, opalized wood, moss agate, flourite
Also, I generally prefer stones in either a crystal or smooth/cabochon, as opposed to faceted jewel cuts.

Do you have a wood burning fireplace or firepit or such? Do you use it this time of year? If so, would you be interested in things to start and/or scent it or things for pyromancy/fire meditations?
I do have a wood burning fireplace. I love adding fragrant wood, sweet grass, pine cones, etc. Just nothing fresh because it will generate too much smoke for indoor use. And while most of my fire meditation has been with candles, I'd be into trying something that utilized more of an open flame!

44sunsets

44sunsets

 

2018 Imbolic Swap QA

Updated 1/2/18 pm

Do you use, or are you interested in, Twilight Alchemy Lab oils? I have dabbled a bit and find White Light to be useful for working through uncontrollably stressful, although I have no clue where my tiny stash of TALs even are. I am more on the interested in the mythology, not really a practitioner side of things, so if you have oils on hand that you think might be useful in terms of focusing intent for any of my obstacles or interests, I would be happy to receive decants (and instructions). I'm unlikely to go through a whole bottle of anything.

Physical books or ebooks, and if the latter, what format? For straight non-image intensive books, I have a slight preference for Kindle. For comics/graphic novels/interactive/illustrated books, I have a preference for physical books (and used are totally fine in that regard). I do have a Kindle fire in addition to my Paperwhite, so if it's easier or significantly cheaper to send the Kindle version of a comic or something, that's fine. I read them on my Fire on the regular. What I cannot imagine is trying to read something like House of Leaves or Infinite Jest via kindle.

Do you have any interest in receiving items and instructions for a simple Imbolc ceremony/ritual, or do you prefer more pragmatic/prosaic gifts? I am more interested in Imbolic as a historical and cultural touchpoint than in terms of actual ceremony, so while I would potentially be interested in reading about it, I would be unlikely to actually perform a ceremony or ritual.

Poetry, foreign language, facing page translation: how do you feel about these things, in combination? I love poetry and don't read it nearly enough, so I would be happy to receive such a thing.

Any favorite plants? I like plants generally, but kill them, so I definitely do not want actual plants. In terms of depictions of plants, I lean more toward animals than plants, but I generally like trees, especially birches and non-cacti succluents.

Any favorite quotes or sayings? My motto is "Pain is no stronger than the resisting force pain calls up in me. The struggle is equal." From Partuition by Mina Loy (my fave poet).

What are your feelings on glitter, sparkle, and metallics? Very very positive.

Would you enjoy a journal or sketchbook to exercise your creativity in? Theoretically yes, but I have so many notebooks of this sort lying around that I should say no.

Yule decants? There are definitely some Yules on my wishlist that I would be interested in trying. Really anything on my wishlist is fair game (although I did just acquire Jersey Devil and Scheherazade, so I need to check them off of my bottle list).

If you knit or crochet... Unfortunately, this is not a talent I have ever been able to cultivate.   Do you have any favourite gem/semi-precious/other type of stones? I tend to like gemstones in classic jewel tones - sapphire, emerald, amethyst, garnet are all good, also marcacite and other glittery dark tones.   Do you have a firepit or fireplace? I do - technically both, but we don't use the fire places at all, and don't use the fire pit this time of year.

emzebel

emzebel

 

Yule 2017

Dear Santa:

My wishlist is in Dire need of an update so here goes:

Bpal-I would love to try in any form: Frostbitten: Snake oil or Dorian, All of the Magi scents, 61 Lambs Street roomspray, Slade Atmos, Apple Ice Wine atmos, Black amber and Frankincense atmos, Frankincense and myrrh atmos, and Frozen Cranberries atmos, sugar plum atmos, a wild and naughty perfume, A hailstrom of needles, Hearth 2017, Lajos, Air and Ether, the Fox Sisters, writing on the slate, Cannis major and Cassiopea.

Soap: Paintbox soapworks scrub: Winter Stories, Bar Winter Stories, Scrub: White snow, bright snow.

Will update more shortly



Dark Alice

Dark Alice

 

2017 Solstice Swap Q&A

Updated 11/18/17

Any Weenies you missed out on?
My wishlist is up-to-date (through Yule! OMG!)

Are you Amazon & Etsy Wishlists up to date? They are - Amazon definitely, although it is a little scattered, but anything on there is stuff I would still like. Etsy hasn't been updated in a while, so I'm not sure how much is still available, but anything on there that is not on my "I own this" or other specialized list is fair game.

How do you feel about animated films? I generally like them, but I am a bit...oversaturated on animation with a 7 year old in the house. And we have a TON of them.

Does anyone need any cosmetic or larger bags? I do really like the box bags, but I'm not sure what I would put in it. I would love something like a hand bag or shopping bag, though.

If I were to knit you something like fingerless mitts, do you like short or long over the fingers? To the wrist, mid arm, or to the elbow? Thumb or a thumb hole? Frilly or not? Preferred color? I prefer gloves a little past the wrist and midlength up my fingers. My armwarmers with a thumb hole and open fingers that I can bury my fists in tend to get the most use, since I'm usually wearing them when my Reynauds flares up and my office is freezing. Colors - dark. Black, dark grey, peacock blue, red, dark green are colors I could acutally use. I have a couple of purple pair already. Not frilly.

Is there a book you've always meant to read, but never got round to it? There is a bunch on my various wishlists. The main thing I'm kind of jonesing for that I should really just buy myself is the Bitch Planet graphic novel.

If you've expressed an interest in candles, do you prefer unscented or scented and if the latter, what scents? No candles for me please!

Do you like windchimes or other similar tinkley noisemakers? I love windchimes, also holiday themed bell ornaments, sleigh bell sort of things are lovely.

Do you/would you like Christmas/holiday music? If so, any particular genres or styles? I think I touched on this in my questionnaire, but I LOVE holiday music, especially rock/punk/goth versions of classics.

Do you have a Goodreads? Is it useful for my stalking purposes? I do and it is and I know I addressed this in my survey.

Are there any holiday movies or shows you would particularly love to get your hands on? I have a lot of holiday shows already, so I am probably set.

Would you prefer your nourishment to be literal (i.e., actual food) or representative? I don't have a strong preference, so whatever seems to sing to you is great!

In terms of actual food, are you comfortable with homebaked goodies so long as potential allergens are not involved? Absolutely!

Do you have favorite holiday foodstuffs? All the cookies! I bake fruitcake every year and then do a baking day with my stepmom where we make peppermint sugar cookies, coconut lime snowballs, and bunches of other noms. I welcome anything decadent, boozy (I love rum/whiskey balls, cocktails, etc), or any other specialty of your house.

Are you adverse to burning things as part of your sacrifice? No incense or anything like that please, but if it involves lighting paper on fire in a sink or something, that's fine.

So how do you feel about teas? Would you be interested in getting some for your "nourishment" part of your gift? If so, are there particular companies you love or have always wanted to try? Special varieties you like- holiday blends, or decaf or solid standards like Earl Grey or Sencha? I have an awful lot of tea, so I should probably pass, but I do love me some holiday blends and Earl Grey variations (or other things flavored and/or scented as such).

And what about tea accouterments, like rock sugar, nice honey (I have a fabulous apiary that is literally 6 blocks from my house!), a special spoon? Honey is always welcome in my house. I don't really need other items, though.

Or maybe coffee is more your thing? I have access to an incredible little shop that sells some of the best bean I've ever had (let me put it this way- even when I lived in Coffee Capital SEATTLE, I had bean delivered to me from this place!). If you like coffee, what kinds? (this place does AMAZING DECAF as well as the strong stuff!). And would you want your beans whole or ground (if ground, what grind do you like?) Coffee is always welcome! NO DECAF please, but anything else, including flavored, is great. I prefer whole beans, but can accommodate either.

Scented candle lovers: do you have a favorite store/brand? Aaaaah. Stop tempting me with candles! (I love them, I just have waaaaaay too many.)

Favorite/Least favorite bath products (e.g. do you like scrubs, bar soap, gel)? I don't have a tub right now, so nothing bath only. Otherwise, I like pretty much everything *except* non-cleansing scrubs. I just don't have the time to wash and scrub, so I need to combine that part of the process.

What sounds are comforting for you? Any that bring up good memories? Waves/water sounds, bird song that isn't too shrill.

Do you like and use christmas/other celebration decorations, baubles and the like? HO HO yes. We bought a new pre-lit tree this past weekend and I am seriously tempted to put it up this Sunday (normally we wait until the day after Thanksgiving, at least). I am not big into "country Christmas" motifs or overtly religious iconography, but bring on the Santas and snowmen and reindeer and silly animals in santa hats.

Last year, some of us that participated in this swap received singing bowls for our "sound" item. Would YOU like to receive a singing bowl? Sure! I might have to steal it back from my spouse, but that is totally fine.

Would you mind receiving a pre-loved book (one in good condition)? Not in the slightest!

How do you feel about fruitcake, assuming that I can make it without any stated allergens? I love love love fruitcake and any other fruity holiday baked good (stollen, panatella, etc)

How about rum/whiskey/bourbon balls (these are no-cook, so the alcohol is still pretty potent)? Sure! I will probably make some of my own this year, but I love trying other people's recipes. All alcoholic holiday goodies are welcome.

What is your favorite store-bought holiday treat? I love those little Pepperage Farm gingerbread people, marshmallow santas, maple sugar candy, marzipan...the list, it goes on and on.

emzebel

emzebel

 

Solstice Swap Q&A

Amazon & Etsy wishlists are in my signature.

Any Weenies you missed out on?
I didn't manage to get any Weenies! I'd love to try:
I Heard Many Things in Hell
Groan of Mortal Terror
The Dead Hour of the Night
The Dreadful Silence of That Old House
Stealthily, Stealthily (especially)
All Souls 2017
Day of Skulls
October (especially)
Dead Leaves, Violet Candy and Sugar Crystals (especially)
Pumpkin Spice Cathedral

(yes, I really should have just put an order in)

Are you Amazon & Etsy Wishlists up to date? I'll update my Amazon one with books I'd like to read, in case it makes the Story category easier - there's loads but I tend to keep them in my head (until they fall out so I never end up getting them). will do this tonight (13 November).

How do you feel about animated films? I tend to really like them. LOVE Studio Ghibli stuff and that whole aesthetic. I also like French animated films like Belleville Rendezvous and The Illusionist. And I'm a general fan of Disney.

Does anyone need any cosmetic or larger bags? I always need bags of all sizes!

If I were to knit you something like fingerless mitts, do you like short or long over the fingers? To the wrist, mid arm, or to the elbow? Thumb or a thumb hole? Frilly or not? Preferred color? I like fingerless gloves so I can still use my phone, or those ones with a mitten flap - though I expect they're difficult to knit! I like gloves that go to the wrist, no frills just as minimal as possible, though multi-colour/variegated colour is nice. Navy, purple, orange, green are my preferred colours (preferably fairly dark as my gloves always end up getting mucky for some reason!).

Is there a book you've always meant to read, but never got round to it? A Tale of Two Cities, Brighton Rock, anything by Edgar Allen Poe, anything by Jack London.

If you've expressed an interest in candles, do you prefer unscented or scented and if the latter, what scents? Both! For scented, I like woodsy, smoky scents and also love lavender. My favourite candle of all time is a blackcurrant and rose blend. I really like beeswax candles too.

Do you like windchimes or other similar tinkley noisemakers? I really don't like wind chimes. I'm up for any noisemakers that I can control - music boxes, for example.

Do you/would you like Christmas/holiday music? If so, any particular genres or styles? I do! Jazz Christmas music might be fun, or just anything unusual - I have all the usual songs already.

Do you have a Goodreads? Is it useful for my stalking purposes? I don't I'm afraid, but I'm about to update my Amazon wishlist with books so hopefully that will give a feel for what I like!

Are there any holiday movies or shows you would particularly love to get your hands on? I think I've got the ones I want already

Would you prefer your nourishment to be literal (i.e., actual food) or representative? Either! I like the idea of representative, but I do love food, so...

In terms of actual food, are you comfortable with homebaked goodies so long as potential allergens are not involved? As long as it will survive ok in the post - absolutely!

Do you have favorite holiday foodstuffs? I'm a mince pie fiend. I also love Lebkuchen and anything involving cinnamon.

Are you adverse to burning things as part of your sacrifice? Not at all! I like burning things

So how do you feel about teas? Would you be interested in getting some for your "nourishment" part of your gift? If so, are there particular companies you love or have always wanted to try? Special varieties you like- holiday blends, or decaf or solid standards like Earl Grey or Sencha? Love tea! Bagged or loose leaf. I don't know about brands but my favourite teas are Russian Caravan and Lapsang Souchong as I love the smokiness, but I like pretty much everything. A holiday blend sounds amazing! Any tasty decafs are welcome too - I'm avoiding caffeine after midday at the moment.

And what about tea accoutrements, like rock sugar, nice honey (I have a fabulous apiary that is literally 6 blocks from my house!), a special spoon? Yes please to all three! I adore honey, especially floral honeys like Lavender - it mostly goes on my toast, but it could go in tea!

Or maybe coffee is more your thing? I have access to an incredible little shop that sells some of the best bean I've ever had (let me put it this way- even when I lived in Coffee Capital SEATTLE, I had bean delivered to me from this place!). If you like coffee, what kinds? (this place does AMAZING DECAF as well as the strong stuff!). And would you want your beans whole or ground (if ground, what grind do you like?) I really like coffee, though I don't know too much about it. I drink espresso from a moka pot, and I like it strong and smooth. I have a grinder, so ground or whole is fine by me!

- Scented candle lovers: do you have a favorite store/brand? My favourites happen to be prohibitively expensive unfortunately - Neom, Diptyque and Molton Brown. BUT, I love trying indie brands and would love to try some new ones. Edited to add that I do like Yankee too! Especially their baby powder, the cotton one and anything cinnamon/christmassy.
Favorite/Least favorite bath products (e.g. do you like scrubs, bar soap, gel)? Favourite- bath oil/salt/bubbles, scrubs, body lotion. Least favourite- bar soap, shower gel, shampoo (I have fussy hair).

- What sounds are comforting for you? Any that bring up good memories? Crickets/cicadas! And rain, thunderstorms, general rainforest sounds. I used to have an app that had all sorts of sounds, and I *loved* one that was called something like Hollywood summer nights or something. It was a combination of summer garden sounds and a distant freeway, it was perfection; but the app isn't available anymore

- Would YOU like to receive a singing bowl? I would! I've recently started meditating, so I think a usable singing bowl would be great.

- Would you mind receiving a pre-loved book (one in good condition)? Not at all! I actually particularly love old Penguin classics (with the coloured panel covers), but all second hand books are fine by me.

- How do you feel about fruitcake, assuming that I can make it without any stated allergens? Not for me, thanks.

- How about rum/whiskey/bourbon balls (these are no-cook, so the alcohol is still pretty potent)? Very much for me, thanks!

- What is your favorite store-bought holiday treat? Candy canes, jelly fruits, boozy truffles.


KatyC

KatyC

 

Winter Solstice Swap 2017

Are there decants that you wished you ordered but didn't? Things you wish you had ordered more of?
I haven't been able to afford Liliths yet, let alone Weenies or Yules... But I'm going to try to get Liliths before they go down. My wishlist is up to date with Weenies and Yules.

Are your Amazon, Etsy etc wishlists up to date?
They should be. Amazon has priority settings so please sort high to low; I wish we could do that with Etsy.

how do you feel about animated films?
I used to be way more into anime but I'm not really anymore. My son has stolen all of my Ranma 1/2 dvds. I still watch some disney and pixar movies occasionally. NMBC is love! I watch Coraline once a year or so. My current fave animated movies besides NMBC are Brave and How to Train Your Dragon.

Is there a book you've always meant to read, but never got round to it?
Sure, but I have them already. My amazon book wishlist is very up to date; the books I really want are marked as very high or high priority. I put lots of inexpensive kindle books on there too.

If you've expressed an interest in candles, do you prefer unscented or scented and if the latter, what scents?
Sorry, I've answered so many similar swap questions that I can't keep track of which is which anymore! I love beeswax pillars like the ones from Big Dipper Waxworks (not rolled beeswax, I prefer poured.) Candles with intent would be fine! I do prefer pillars over jars because wick placement is usually better in pillars. Scent wise I like things like Vanillas, spices (clove, cardamom, cinnamon in small amounts), woodsy, bayberry, smoky, incense, marshmallow, patchouli, resins, tobacco, lavender, geranium, sandalwood, rose, etc. and lean towards essential oil types of the scent. For example, I think the yankee candle lavender smells nothing like actual lavender. There are some candles on my etsy and amazon wish lists - there are some Witch City Wicks, Dark Candles, etc. that I have been lusting over but I can't justify spending monies on them.

Do you like windchimes or other similar tinkley noisemakers?
I would love some gargoyle windchimes. (I have some unicorn ones and some that I inherited from my grandmother. Most of the ones that I long after are probably too expensive.) I still kind of lust over a small gargoyle guardian bell (I think there is one on my amazon wishlist, they're meant to put on motorcycles.) If you were to find something cool like that, it would be great. I wouldn't say no to a tibetan singing bowl for my altar.

Do you/would you like Christmas/holiday music? If so, any particular genres or styles?
I already have a lot of Christmas holiday music from my favorite bands so no thank you.

Do you have a Goodreads? Is it useful for my stalking purposes?
I do have a goodreads but I don't think it would be useful for stalking purposes. My amazon would be more useful. (I like librarything better than goodreads but it still isn't completely updated because most of my books have been packed up for 15-20 years. Link is in my SW help.)

Are there any holiday movies or shows you would particularly love to get your hands on?
Maybe some of the nostalgic rudolph christmas animated movies? (Year without a Santa Claus)

Would you prefer your nourishment to be literal (i.e., actual food) or representative?
Totally up to you. Bath/body, food, whatever.

In terms of actual food, are you comfortable with homebaked goodies so long as potential allergens are not involved?
yes!

Do you have favorite holiday foodstuffs?
Last year I received a homemade christmas pudding and it was SO GOOD. I need the recipe! And then I bought some sticky toffee pudding from World Market and that was delicious too.

Are you adverse to burning things as part of your sacrifice?
Would rather not unless it's meant to be burnt (incense, candles, paper.)

So how do you feel about teas? Would you be interested in getting some for your "nourishment" part of your gift? If so, are there particular companies you love or have always wanted to try? Special varieties you like- holiday blends, or decaf or solid standards like Earl Grey or Sencha?
I have so much tea it isn't funny. I wouldn't ever say no to Mariage Freres though.

And what about tea accoutrements, like rock sugar, nice honey (I have a fabulous apiary that is literally 6 blocks from my house!), a special spoon?
I always love locally sourced honey. I could use a really large (32oz) teavana perfectea maker.

Or maybe coffee is more your thing? And would you want your beans whole or ground (if ground, what grind do you like?)
I'm good on coffee I think, unless you have a super special blend you want to share with me. I usually prefer whole bean but I am not sure I'll be able to find my grinder or my french press. The only coffee maker in the house right now is my dad's keurig.

Scented candle lovers: do you have a favorite store/brand?
Indie companies are love. I'd love to try Witch City Wicks or Dark Candles (there are some on my bath / beauty / fragrance amazon wishlist for a hint of what kind of fragrances I like.) I just ordered a bunch of candles from Sihaya and Co. because she was having a secret menu sale so I finally get to try those. I was hoping to get some for swapping but they aren't guaranteed to be mailed until the middle of december. Oops.

Favorite/Least favorite bath products (e.g. do you like scrubs, bar soap, gel)?
Favorites: shower gel, salt/oil scrubs
Least favorite: bar soap (because I make it and I have about 500 bars.)

No SLS or parabens, trying to avoid phthalates. My skin is uber dry from thyroid issues and also breaks out really easily.

What sounds are comforting for you? Any that bring up good memories?
Hoofbeats, saddle leather creaking, horse tails swishing, neighing. (Yes, I miss my horses.) I have lots of white noise generators on my phone and I use those to sleep when I'm away from home. At home I have a noisy air cleaner to provide white noise.

Do you like and use christmas/other celebration decorations, baubles and the like?
I used to buy a purple, iridescent, sparkly, or some kind of mystical creature (dragon, unicorn, grotesque) every year for my tree but haven't done that lately. My ex didn't really like having a real tree. I doubt we'll have a real tree this year either because I'm staying with my 70-something parents and they have a little fake tree that they like to put up. My mom already has all of the decorations she needs (and more.) I'm always sad that they don't have a fireplace - so no good place to hang stockings. (Yes, I still do a stocking for my kid who is almost 30 and for my parents, and they do one for me.) I have one of those aluminum trees with a disco light in storage somewhere with all of my Christmas decorations.

Would YOU like to receive a singing bowl?
Yes!

Would you mind receiving a pre-loved book (one in good condition)?
I have a really hard time reading physical books because of my eyes. My contact prescription is too strong to read things. I do all of my reading on my ipad these days with either ibooks or the kindle app.

How do you feel about fruitcake, assuming that I can make it without any stated allergens?
We just made cherry almond fruitcake today! That's the only fruitcake I've ever had that I liked.

How about rum/whiskey/bourbon balls (these are no-cook, so the alcohol is still pretty potent)?
Heck yeah!! But I don't like walnuts.

What is your favorite store-bought holiday treat?
such a hard question. maybe the chocolate covered peppermint joe-joes from trader joes? I already bought a couple of boxes though and I had two boxes leftover from last year since R wasn't around to eat them all. (Amazing how much longer my treats last without someone else to eat them all.) I'm having a hard time thinking of winter holiday treats... I can think of valentine day treats (cupcake royale's "Death Cake") but the brain fog is blocking my thoughts right now. oh! I was going to buy some Sticky Toffee Pudding from World Market but they didn't have any so we might attempt to make our own this year. Most of the "store bought" stuff I used to get was from local bakeries/stores/grocery stores, I miss all of my Seattle stores.

twilighteyes

twilighteyes

 

scents I have ordered

11/8/17
source: Lab
Order: imps of tombstone, brimstone, aelopile, arcana. bottle of Samhain 2017
CnS: 11/9, received

11/11
source: Herb Girl
order: imps of Bloodlust, Czernobog, the Caterpillar, decant of Samhainophobia 2016. bottle of Laura Belle McDaniel
paid, received

11/16, Ajevie
decants all. The Blood Must Flow, Brangwy, Jaawi, Vampire Princess, Spinning on Graves, You Fancy Me Mad, The Mournful Influence if the Unperceived Shadow
paid


urbanruralferal

urbanruralferal

 

Testing with alice

Trying imps at Alice's.
Harlot: wouldn't even put it on my skin. Too much rose.
Half-Elf: light light incense, a little papery, a little rain, without being typically aquatic. dries down to almost nothing right away.
La serpent qui danse: not my cups. perfumey, a little light fruit, strong vanilla and a little floral. Not old lady, really, but a little bit plasticy with time.
Black Phoenix: cherry-almond all right at first. Dries down sharp and soapy. No way, not for me.

urbanruralferal

urbanruralferal

 

old wishlist, circa 2006-7

Not sure if this is at all accurate anymore, so I am starting my wishlist post from scratch, and adding scents from here in as time as allows.

5 ml:
Bastet
Morocco
Dorian
Snake Charmer
Tell-Tale Heart   want to try:   salon
great he-goat
Les Anges Dechus
the smiling spider
Lot and his daughters
three gorgons
mad meg   LE/Discontinued:
Formula 54 (dream on)
Chaste Moon
Selkie
Bloody Mary
Trick #2
Minotaur
Count Dracula
The Castle
Tell Tale Heart  
Carnaval Noir:
Midway
Freak Show
Snake charmer   Carnaval Diabolique:
Antonio, the Carny Talker
Phantom Calliope
Wulric, the Wolfman
Western Diamondback  
GC:   The Wild Men of Jezirat al Tennyn
Akuma (for O.pal)
Ogun
Calico jack
Lust
Queen Alice
Brown Jenkins
The deep ones
Mad Sweeney
Morocco (I just want more)
Prague
Manhattan
Port Royal
The Isles of Demons
Mouses Sad & long tail
hemlock
The Red Queen
Bluebeard
Black Annis
Fenris Wolf
Hades
Obatala
Calliope
Clio
Malediction
Roadhouse
Anathema
Vixen
Haunted
Dragon's Milk
Y'ha-nthlei
Bewitched
Velvet

urbanruralferal

urbanruralferal

 

12 Days of Xmas Wishlists and Q&A

So here are my wishlists:   Ravelry: Username is Spookygrrrly and I have a wishlist bundle for pattern Id like and dont have   Amazon: searchable under my email or full name   Haul of Gloi: Yule scents that sound yummy are Nefarious Gingerbread Man, Winter Divinity, and Snow Wolf. Especially that Nefarious Gingerbread Man would be great as a perfume oil. I would also like to try their sugar exfoliant.

spookygrrrly

spookygrrrly

 

12 Days of Christmas

Are you coveting anything currently available from Haus of Gloi?
Yes! I like HoG scrubs, whipped soap, pumpkin butter, etc. From the Yule update, I pretty much like the sound of all the scents except for Rosy Cheeked (citrus is not my thing). Eggnoggin, His Sweater, and Winter Divinity sound especially good.

Are you coveting anything from the Paintbox Soapworks update that just happened?
Taking a quick look now! Winter Stories, White Winter Hymnal and White Snow, Bright Snow all sound good. I like their scrubs and lotions.

Are you coveting anything from Cocoa Pink?
I have never bought from this company so not particularly, but I am open to trying anything you think I might like!
How do you feel about pomanders?
I don't know what I would do with one! What do you do with them?

How do you feel about savor soaps?
I'm not familiar with them but again, open to trying it!

Or Perfectly Posh?
See above!

Do you have feelings about fruitcake? We're talking whiskey soaked homemade fruitcake, not a brick in a festive tin.
I recently tried making my own ~*fancy*~ fruitcake for Christmas and I thought it was really good! So what I learned from this is that whiskey soaked homemade fruitcake is awesome, and the cheapo storebought kind is not. Tl;dr I am a fruitcake snob. So I would love to try your homemade fruitcake!
Any strong nail polish and/or makeup preferences?
I don't wear a ton of makeup, and I am kind of picky about it. My eyeshadow is always the same (one of the various Midnight Cowboy incarnations from Urban Decay) and I usually just wear whatever mascara I got in my latest ipsy bag. (They always seem to send me mascara!) I wear bare minerals foundation and usually blush. I DO love to try new lip products- this is the one area where I am very open to experimentation. I usually wear red lipstick and am always looking for the perfect shade. I am way less picky about nail polish and will basically wear whatever! I like almost all bright or dark colors and am open to crazy glitters or holos or whatever.

Favorite animals?
PUGS! I am obsessed. Also manatees, koalas, pandas, penguins, and sloths. I also like basically all sea creatures, especially cephalopods! Oh and owls and flamingos! And alpacas! I really love animals, haha.
Do you have a strong preference for consumables (soaps, candles, food, etc.) over other stuff?
I don't have a strong preference one way or the other!
Would you be interested in Colorpop?
I don't know what that is! Hang on. Ok, no thanks!

Would you like any holiday music? if so, do you prefer a CD or MP3?
No thanks!

Do you like toffee or fudge?
Fudge yes! No nuts please. I am not super into toffee.

How do you feel about amigurumi (little crochet stuffies...animals, characters, ornaments, etc.)?
Yess they are so cute and I love them! I wish I could make them.
If I were to crochet you something wearable, do you have any preferences? Do you like hats, scarves, gloves, other? And would you prefer something fun and whimsical (e.g. fox face hat or owl mittens), something delicate and pretty (e.g. lacy wraps or scalloped boot cuffs), or just something like a basic, no frills beanie or cowl? Do you have a Ravelry account and a list of favorite patterns?
Whimsical is my favorite! I would love a scarf!

What kind of hot drinks do you like, and if tea or coffee or cocoa or cider or alcohol, give specifics?
All of the above? I like tea, especially stronger black teas (various earl grey types, lapsang souchong, also some on the sweeter side) and savory-ish green teas (like genmaicha) but I also really like floral teas (jasmine, rose, etc.) I love hot cocoa and cider. I love coffee but don't have strong preferences as I am just starting to learn what I like. I don't like flavored coffee. I prefer whole leaf tea and whole bean coffee.
What kind of candles do you like, scent, etc?
Vanilla, vanilla peppermint for the holidays, smoky, pine/evergreen, resins, spice, apple, etc. I am open to foodie scents for candles, whereas I don't usually like them for personal wear.
Mixes or seasonings for the kitchen?
Spices would be food!
What is something new in your life that you wish you had more "things" for?
Hmm I can't think of anything off the top of my head.

We do a lot of baking and holiday good ridiculousness around here...house specialties include lebkuchen (flourless, they're mostly nuts, spices, candied fruit), marzipan, butter caramels (flavored or plain), shortbread crisps, and savory cheese shortbread. Any of these sound appealing?
Savory shortbread sounds amazing! I have never had marzipan. Caramels sound good, too! I like a lot of baked goods, just nothing with nuts! (I'm not allergic or anything- I just do not like the texture.)

What are your top places to get a gift card from?
Probably BPAL, to be honest! I get a lot of use out of Starbucks cards, too.
Which holiday symbols/themes do you like the best (or least)? Such as Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
I like reindeer (or regular deer) and snowmen!
Do you like puzzles?
Yes!

porcelina

porcelina

 

12 days swap 2017

Are you coveting anything currently available from Haus of Gloi?
Scrubs are always useful, and Snow Wolf, His Sweater, and Rosy Cheeked all sound nice, scent-wise

Are you coveting anything from the Paintbox Soapworks update that just happened?
Yuletide Mariner is one of my favorite scents from Paintbox


Are you coveting anything from Cocoa Pink?
never used anything from them


How do you feel about pomanders?
sure!

How do you feel about savor soaps?
scrubs or moisturizers in the non-foody range, like pipe smoke or the balsam and cedar, or something citrusy sounds good.

Or Perfectly Posh?
never heard of them, so no idea

Favorite animals?
all of them! dogs, foxes, dragons, frogs, little songbirds, hummingbirds, even the fuzzy wee beastie that ate all of my pea seedlings last spring (my neighbor has rabbits...like, ALL of them it seems).

Weird question, but it's on my mind: Do you have a strong preference for consumables (soaps, candles, food, etc.) over other stuff?
not a strong preference, but I like things I can use or things that have a purpose, and probably not a huge amount of soap-type stuff because I can only use so much.

Would you be interested in one of the Colorpop pallets? Anything else from Colourpop?
I have so. many. eyeshadows. probably set on the makeup front, though they look fun.

Would you like any holiday music? if so, do you prefer a CD or MP3?
either format is fine, and sure...holiday, non-holiday, quirky stuff you listen to because you hate holiday music, it's all good.

Do you like toffee or fudge?
love both


Do you have feelings about fruitcake? We're talking whiskey soaked homemade fruitcake, not a brick in a festive tin.

I've never had actual fruitcake, so I'd be down to try this. I am familiar with the old Claxton fruitbrick, and we make stollen every year and lebkuchen, which are sweet bread/cookie things with candied fruit (and I love both), but I've never actually had real fruitcake.

Any strong nail polish and/or makeup preferences?
I think I'm basically set on makeup, though I'm still hunting for a nice brick/tawny red family lip stain.

Nail polish I don't wear often, but I love shimmery/metallic/etc., and kind of intrigued by mattes, but not a fan or cremes or anything with a lot of glitter. If I have to fight to get it off later, I won't generally wear it.

Are you interested in anything from my etsy shop? https://www.etsy.com...winklentwilight(bags, stuffies, hats, fingerless mitts, lefse cozies...)
I love the knot bag style and that fox fabric is adorable.

How do you feel about amigurumi (little crochet stuffies...animals, characters, ornaments, etc.)?
love them, ornaments or stand-alone little things.


If I were to crochet you something wearable, do you have any preferences? Do you like hats, scarves, gloves, other? And would you prefer something fun and whimsical (e.g. fox face hat or owl mittens), something delicate and pretty (e.g. lacy wraps or scalloped boot cuffs), or just something like a basic, no frills beanie or cowl? Do you have a Ravelry account and a list of favorite patterns?

whimsical, pretty, basic, I love it all. Cowls, hoods, hats, handwarmers (just the tube with a thumbhole kind rather than the short finger version, I like my fingers free), or mittens, decorative scarf/shawlette type stuff that I can wear indoors as an accent rather than hidden under a heavy coat ...I'm not too picky and I LOVE wearing handmade things.

on ravelry I'm firechild, I have favorites and a ginormous queue, some for me, some for other people/projects

What kind of hot drinks do you like, and if tea or coffee or cocoa or cider or alcohol, give specifics?
love any tea except rooibos, or anything with licorice root
coffee, generally medium roast, no flavor or lightly flavored (though I can always mix in some plain)
I like hot cocoa, generally not flavored though, just plain chocolate version.


What kind of candles do you like, scent, etc?
pine/christmas tree scents (like Yankee mistetoe for reference), clean or citrusy scents mostly, votive, tealight, little jars, wax melts, any are usable around here.


Mixes or seasonings for the kitchen?
I love to cook, so sure. About the only herbs I don't cook with much are rosemary, thyme, and tarragon, but anything not heavy on any of those is great.


What is something new in your life that you wish you had more "things" for?
other than knowledge/brainspace I wouldn't know how to answer this...patterns on ravelry?

What are your top places to get a gift card from? amazon, joann fabrics are probably my most-used shops, penzey's spices   Which holiday symbols/themes do you like the best (or least)? Such as Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
My favorite winter visual themes are snow/ice, winter landscapes, winter plants (holly, spruce trees, etc.), animals   Do you like puzzles? yes, both jigsaw type puzzles and brain teasers, especially word games.

skyelyric

skyelyric

 

Xmas 12 of '17

Are you coveting anything currently available from Haus of Gloi?
Nefarious Gingerbread Men, Snow Wolf or Rosy Cheeked all sound good. In Whipped Soap, Pumpkin Butter or Hair Oil all sound good to me! Any of the available Winter update in candles works, too.


Are you coveting anything from the Paintbox Soapworks update that just happened?
Paintbox, any of the Winter edition in bar soap or wax melts. I don't have a burner, but they smell nice just placed around the house, too.

Are you coveting anything from Cocoa Pink?
CP isn't my thing.

Do you have feelings about fruitcake? We're talking whiskey soaked homemade fruitcake, not a brick in a festive tin.
We like fruitcake so much in our house, we make our own

Any strong nail polish and/or makeup preferences?
I love super sparkly nail polish. Multichromes, foils and glass flecks are my favorites. I don't really use any other makeups.

Pomanders?
I love making these, they make the house smell super Christmas-y

Savor?
This store was my introduction to whipped soap, and I love them! Honey Love Dust is a favorite, and I'm interested in trying Hot Coffee, and Jade

Perfectly Posh?
The BFF face polish or Don't Be Bitter Baby hand creme (they have good hand creme)

Favorite animals?
I like them all, but especially cats, bats, octopi

Weird question, but it's on my mind: Do you have a strong preference for consumables (soaps, candles, food, etc.) over other stuff?
Not a strong preference, they're all good. My only note would be that we're not super snackers, so food stuffs as accents (particularly chocolate and coffee) are super welcome, but not necessarily as the main component.

Would you be interested in one of the Colorpop pallets? Anything else from Colourpop?
I don't really wear makeup except nail polish

Would you like any holiday music? if so, do you prefer a CD or MP3?
We like tradional (as in medieval/Renaissance) music, Irish carols, or 30's through the 50's. Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, that sort of thing is welcome, too. MP3 as we don;t have any way to play CDs atm

Do you like toffee or fudge?
Love 'em both, especially homemade


Are you interested in anything from my etsy shop? https://www.etsy.com...winklentwilight(bags, stuffies, hats, fingerless mitts, lefse cozies...)

Love the bags! (Well, I like the mitts, too, but I usually make my own). The drawstring bags are particularly good. Cats, bats, octopus fabrics are all gorgeous

How do you feel about amigurumi (little crochet stuffies...animals, characters, ornaments, etc.)?
I think they are adorable

If I were to crochet you something wearable, do you have any preferences? Do you like hats, scarves, gloves, other? And would you prefer something fun and whimsical (e.g. fox face hat or owl mittens), something delicate and pretty (e.g. lacy wraps or scalloped boot cuffs), or just something like a basic, no frills beanie or cowl? Do you have a Ravelry account and a list of favorite patterns?
Lacy things or slippers. I never wear mittens or scarves.
What kind of hot drinks do you like, and if tea or coffee or cocoa or cider or alcohol, give specifics?

Primarily coffee, I love dark roasts, single origins when I can get them (particularly African/Indonesians, please no Costa Rica). Flavored coffees are okay, too, particularly holiday flavors. We don;t have a grinder, so ground for a home espresso machine, if you can...but we can sneak grind it at the grocery store if necessary.
I like tea, but practically never drink it.
Cocoas and ciders are great!

What kind of candles do you like, scent, etc?

Holiday scented candles are good, as are decorated unscented candles

Mixes or seasonings for the kitchen?

Definitely! Middle Eastern and Asian spice blends particularly

What is something new in your life that you wish you had more "things" for?

That's a hard one. I bought an old school sewing machine (complete with table!) awhile back, and I haven't used it because I don't have anything for it...but that's because it's all in storage. I was starting to get into sewing when my other machine broke. But sewing supplies/accessories/books would be welcome. Nothing really "new" in my life, aside from that.

We do a lot of baking and holiday good ridiculousness around here...house specialties include lebkuchen (flourless, they're mostly nuts, spices, candied fruit), marzipan, butter caramels (flavored or plain), shortbread crisps, and savory cheese shortbread. Any of these sound appealing?
I confess I'm not a huge fan of lebkuchen, but the rest of the house is so it will be appreciatedly consumed by someone if it's in the box. The only marzipan I'm familiar with is the plastic-y commercial stuff that give s me a headache. I'm down with trying homemade if it's different (like homemade fruitcake vs commercial). The rest is all an unqualified yes!

What are your top places to get a gift card from?

Ummmm...anyplace that sells yarn. Lab or Post, Sock Dreams, etsy, HoG...ebook retailers, like Kobo.

Which holiday symbols/themes do you like the best (or least)? Such as Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
We like Country (rustic) Christmas, Victorian and homemade (I think that was covered in the ?aire. Not so fond of the very plastic and mass produced looking items.

Do you like puzzles?
I don't really have the patience for puzzles. Plus I'm pretty sure the cats would disappear/eat some of the pieces, or our husky would sweep it off the table with his big, fluffy tail.

Do you have a strong preference for numbered packages vs randomly picking with maybe a few hints along the way?
Whatever makes my partner happy.

Are you jonesing for any particular BPAL right now? Anything you are just dying to try, even just a sniffie?
Ummm....I miss some of my bottles in storage, but aside from that, no (sorry, am I a broken record yet?)

How do you feel about the following flavors/ingredients:
Coconut? It depends. I love coconut in thai food, and I have coconut flakes in my chia pudding...I really enjoy coconut popsicles and coconut cream pie. I would probably enjoy the coconut chips I see everywhere. But I loathe macaroons and most baked other baked goods with coconut.
Mint? Again, it depends. I really like mint when I like it...but I don't always like it. It's partially a mood thing
Lavender? I like lavender plants, and I enjoy it as an accent scent (or flavor), but it quickly becomes overwhelming.
Rosewater? Oh, yes
Cardamom? Please!
Candied citrus peel/marmalade? I candy my own citrus peel, and we don;t really eat much jam/jelly/marmalade, but I'd love a good curd.
Anything to absolutely avoid? Meat and meat by-products

Would you like anything crafted for the storage or transport of the BPAL? (Travel imp containers, boxes for 5mls, bottle cozy, etc.)
Probably not a cozy - I have mostly imps and rollerballs (less likely to spill). But a good imp container would be nice. Something to keep them upright so they don't leak
If so, do you prefer them to be plain or decorated? Either or!
If decorated, are there any motifs or art that you'd particularly like? Nightmare before Christmas, Victorian gothic, steampunk, celestial

*A note on my wishlists - there are some items on my wishlists that are up there as placeholders and inspiration for me (like Pinterest, but for etailers) so I know there's some sold/no longer available items.

Diana Rect

Diana Rect

 

12 Days of Christmas 2017

Are you coveting anything currently available from Haus of Gloi?
Not really familiar with their products, but Bathing Dust in Cozy Pumpkin does look pretty spectacular. Maybe a soft bubbling scrub in Honeysuckle Lemon Curd? Butterbombs in Sleepy Time?

Are you coveting anything from the Paintbox Soapworks update that just happened?
Bath Streusel in Figs in Honey, The Queen is Dead, or Fairytale. Scrub in Dead Leaves on the Dirty Ground or Perdita.

Are you coveting anything from Cocoa Pink?
Not familiar with them, but maybe a scrub in Ginger Crème Brûlée or Winchester House Kitchen?

(The general theme from above: I prefer scrubs and bath soaks. Not really into soap or scented lotions.)

Do you have any feelings about fruitcake?
Can't say I have enjoyed it in the past, but I have never had any homemade. So I'd be up for sampling, as long as it could be made without raisins or dates.

Any strong nail polish and or makeup preferences?
Nail polish should be at least 3 Free (no DBP, Formaldehyde, or Toluene). Favorite finishes are matte, flakie, and duochrome. Not into metallic/foil.
I have sensitive skin, I don't really wear much makeup, and I am really picky about what I do use, so probably best to avoid that. (That being said, I love Lush's tinted lip balms, mascara, and eyeliner, and Benefit's cheek & lip stains)

How do you feel about pomanders?
Really love them actually! Clove and citrus is the smell of the holidays to me.

How do you feel about savor soaps?
Don't know this brand, but see general product type preferences above.

Or Perfectly Posh?
Not familiar with this one either.

Favorite animals?
I am a lover of animals in general, but especially foxes, cats, sugar gliders, armadillos, bison, and river otters. Also, I'm a big fan of cryptids...kitsune, griffins, jackalope, phoenix, etc.

Do you have a strong preference for consumables (soaps, candles, food, etc.) over other stuff?
No real preference regarding consumable or not, but I agree with the preference for objects to be handmade over "plastic-y, store-bought, mass-produced stuff". So if more consumables make that easier for you to do, I'm cool with that!

Would you be interested in one of the Colorpop pallets?
No thanks.

Would you like any holiday music? if so, do you prefer a CD or MP3?
Nah, I'm set with holiday music.

Do you like toffee or fudge?
Toffee--absolutely. Fudge--if it is dark chocolatey, and especially with nuts

Are you interested in anything from my etsy shop? https://www.etsy.com...winklentwilight
Yes! I would get a ton of use out of one of those drawstring project bags. And I have a soft spot for weirdo monster amigurumi, so wouldn't mind one of those either. =)

How do you feel about amigurumi (little crochet stuffies...animals, characters, ornaments, etc.)?
I make them and I love receiving them, especially mythological creatures/monsters and little animal or fandom ornaments.

If I were to crochet you something wearable, do you have any preferences? Do you like hats, scarves, gloves, other? And would you prefer something fun and whimsical (e.g. fox face hat or owl mittens), something delicate and pretty (e.g. lacy wraps or scalloped boot cuffs), or just something like a basic, no frills beanie or cowl? Do you have a Ravelry account and a list of favorite patterns?
I love hats and fingerless gloves, and like both silly and pretty styles of things. I'm 44sunsets on Ravelry as well, and have a couple of favorites bundles there that I will probably add more too in the coming days!

What kind of hot drinks do you like, and if tea or coffee or cocoa or cider or alcohol, give specifics?
All of the above. I like all kinds of tea and herbals except rooibos. I prefer light or medium roast coffees. I love cocoa, especially dark chocolate and mint. Love cider, both alcoholic and non. For booze, I prefer scotch/whiskey/bourbon and beer, but the only thing I really wouldn't be into is tequila.

What kind of candles do you like, scent, etc?
I prefer jar or tin candles to tealights/pillars/etc. For scents, I like citrus, fir or other woods, sage, lavender, fig, and fruit with cardamom, cloves, or other spices. More on the herbal and earthy side than vanillic or floral.

Mixes or seasonings for the kitchen?
Absolutely. Anything from baking mixes to savory seasoning mixes.

What is something new in your life that you wish you had more "things" for?
Hmmm...I've just started doing some beading/jewelry making. So tools (crimper, loom, bead mat, size 10 beading needles) or seed beads or beginner kits.

We do a lot of baking and holiday good ridiculousness around here...house specialties include lebkuchen (flourless, they're mostly nuts, spices, candied fruit), marzipan, butter caramels (flavored or plain), shortbread crisps, and savory cheese shortbread. Any of these sound appealing?
Those all sound amazing, but especially marzipan or savory cheese shortbread!

What are your top places to get a gift card from?
Lush, Etsy, Starbucks, Amazon

Which holiday symbols/themes do you like the best (or least)? Such as Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
Snowflakes and stars, snow covered landscapes, candles and evergreen boughs, fair isle and plaid, festive deer and foxes and other woodland animals. Love Nightmare Before Christmas. Not so into Santa, angels, or snowmen.

Do you like puzzles?
I do. Alas, I don't have a good place to do jigsaw puzzles currently, but I love logic puzzles and other puzzle games.

Do you have a strong preference for numbered packages vs randomly picking with maybe a few hints along the way?
No strong preference

Are you jonesing for any particular BPAL right now? Anything you are just dying to try, even just a sniffie?
Really, anything from the American Gods series. I want to smell them ALL and it kills me that they are unimpable!! (I bought The Carousel as a gift, so got to test that before sending it on, but any other scent from that line would be welcome.)

How do you feel about the following flavors/ingredients:
Coconut? Like it best toasted, but good either way.
Mint? Only combined with chocolate.
Lavender? Love!
Rosewater? Also love! Flower-flavor all the things!
Cardamom? Yup.
Candied citrus peel/marmalade? Grapefruit is my favorite, but all citrus is good.
Any other flavors to absolutely avoid? No dates, raisins, or bbq or onion flavored things, please.

Would you like anything crafted for the storage/transport of the BPAL? (Travel imp containers, boxes for 5mls, bottle cozy, etc.) If so, do you prefer them to be plain or decorated? If decorated, are there any motifs or art that you'd particularly like?
I'm good on travel imp containers, but could use some sort of home imp storage solution besides "throw them all in a box". Also, a box that could safely protect one or two 5mls for travel purposes would be nice. I'm set on home storage for 5mls. Fine with plain, but I also dig paisley or lunar motifs and fae (like Froud) or animal art on my storage.



44sunsets

44sunsets

 

12 Days of Christmas 2017

12 Days of Christmas 2017 -- you can also read my answers from Switch Witch and 13 Days of Halloween 2017 in my blog if you want.

Are you coveting anything currently available from Haus of Gloi?
I'm super sad that my Rose City pumpkin butter is almost gone (and I don't see it on the site anymore - it was rose and patchouli.)
* Snow Wolf, Turkish Delight, would love of a sample of Haus Amber and Nefarious Gingerbread Man. (Pumpkin Butter and any of the scrubs.)
* Pomander, Fir Boughs and Incense, Serenity (butter bombs)
* Candy Cane, Butterscotch (lip balm)
* For perfume only, the birthday ambers are on sale and I was wanting to try Amber & Rose, Amber & Incense, or Amber Noir. The Fall Black Musks are killing me, I love black musk. I'm most interested in Black Musk & Nag Champa, Black Musk, Leather & Rose, Black Musk, Anise & Vanilla. I've never smelled their black musk though, so I hope it's good!

Are you coveting anything from the Paintbox Soapworks update that just happened?
Sorbetto or bath streusel only: Winter Stories or Figs in Honey. (no lotions or soap please.) I do love her goat milk body cream and wish she would make the lavender honey scented again. There are plenty other of scents on there I'd love too.

Are you coveting anything from Cocoa Pink?
- Scent wise: Black, Black Marshmallow, Black Vanilla, Black Velvet, Black Widow, Broomstick, Come-hither, Cozy Blanket, Fear of Ghosts, Genevieve, Lipstick Stains, Marshmallow, Monster in the Walls, Naughty, Sensory Deprivation Tank, Stanley Hotel, The Upside-Down, Vanilla on the Rocks, Vanilla Rose,
- Product wise: ShampPink shampoo, dermabrasion sample, I'm 29 serum, either the coco mango or the voluptuous body butters, linen spray, sugar scrub. No perfume please.

How do you feel about pomanders?
They smell good - I used to make them for people.

How do you feel about savor soaps?
No bar soap for me please. I am not really a fan of whipped soap either, but I do like sugar scrubs so I added some of those to my etsy wishlist. I added some whipped soap too, but mostly for the scents that I liked, not for the whipped soap itself.

Or Perfectly Posh?
No thank you.

Do you have feelings about fruitcake? We're talking whiskey soaked homemade fruitcake, not a brick in a festive tin.
So I've only ever had one fruitcake that I liked -- cherry almond fruitcake (with pears, marzipan, and amaretto.) I usually beg my mom to make me one every year.

Any strong nail polish and/or makeup preferences?
I don't usually wear nail polish (except for BPTP polish!) but I have some on my etsy list that changes color (I'm a sucker for color changing things) and I'm really intrigued by ilnp. (Raven, Abyss, Moonstone, Birefringence, Westwing, By Nightfall, Ava, Walking Home, Missed Calls, Deja Vu....) Makeup wise, I only wear prescriptives foundation and powder. I love black eyeliner that won't smudge or smear (I've been using Stila smudge stick and kat von d tattoo liner but both of those still run a little.) I just got two lippies in another swap but I can always use more (light 'blue leaning' plums/rose.) I don't wear brown, yellow, gold, beige, or cream. I'm into silver, black, grey, purple, blue. Sometimes reds/greens but not often. I have a ton of loose eyeshadows but rarely wear them. I could use some good mascara.

Favorite animals?
Not in any particular order: Bats, pibbles, friesian horses. Mythological: hippocampus, unicorn, gargoyles/grotesques, toothless.

Do you have a strong preference for consumables (soaps, candles, food, etc.) over other stuff?
I have a strong preference for things that are useful as opposed to things that just sit. Games, shirts, foods, yes! (no bar soap please.)

Would you be interested in Colorpop?
The only palette that calls to me is the Yin to your yang. For lippies, I like Ice Cube, Sauce, Baewatch (ugh, I hate the name though), and the Amethyst crystal balm. Black eyeliner.

Would you like any holiday music? if so, do you prefer a CD or MP3?
No thank you.

Do you like toffee or fudge?
Fudge yes, but no nuts or anything in my fudge. Love butterscotch or peanut butter! Plain chocolate is awesome too but my mom makes that, as well as toffee, every year.

How do you feel about amigurumi (little crochet stuffies...animals, characters, ornaments, etc.)?
I like them! (We make and sell them on our etsy store.) My most favorite one ever was a pit bull amigurumi that was gifted to me.

If I were to crochet you something wearable, do you have any preferences? Do you like hats, scarves, gloves, other? And would you prefer something fun and whimsical (e.g. fox face hat or owl mittens), something delicate and pretty (e.g. lacy wraps or scalloped boot cuffs), or just something like a basic, no frills beanie or cowl? Do you have a Ravelry account and a list of favorite patterns?
I really don't like most crocheted wearables, I prefer knitted. I am on Ravelry as misstwilight and I do have some bundles under my favorites called "make for me." Please don't make anything out of my general favorites.

What kind of hot drinks do you like, and if tea or coffee or cocoa or cider or alcohol, give specifics?
Lately I have been mostly using the keurig to make coffee and tea (or using cold brew coffee.) I do have some coffee beans and tea on my amazon "edibles" wishlist. I like black tea, especially flavored or cinnamon, and mint tea - especially with licorice. (I hate chamomile.) I love sweet hard cider, especially JK Scrumpy and Ace's pumpkin cider. Ghiradelli Double Chocolate cocoa and Vosges Parisian drinking chocolate are my favorites. Alcohol wise, I like just about everything but mostly things like amaretto, baileys, kahlua, sinfire, vanilla vodka, marshmallow vodka, etc.

What kind of candles do you like, scent, etc?
Vanillas, spices, woodsy, smoky, incense, marshmallow, patchouli, resins, tobacco.

Mixes or seasonings for the kitchen?
I'm probably pretty good on spices since I don't cook much.

What is something new in your life that you wish you had more "things" for?
Probably my altar. I could use an altar cloth and some other items.

We do a lot of baking and holiday good ridiculousness around here...house specialties include lebkuchen (flourless, they're mostly nuts, spices, candied fruit), marzipan, butter caramels (flavored or plain), shortbread crisps, and savory cheese shortbread. Any of these sound appealing?
Nothing with nuts please. (It's a texture thing - I like nut butters though.) We do caramels too but I'd love to taste yours, especially flavored! Mmmm savory cheese!

What are your top places to get a gift card from?
ooh, hard to say. Smellies wise: BPAL/BPTP, Moonalisa, Nocturne Alchemy. Food wise: Panera, MOD Pizza, Qdoba/Chipotle, Trader Joes Otherwise: Amazon, Twisted Fiber Art, The Loopy Ewe, Paradise Fibers, Fresh from the Cauldron (etsy), Teeturtle, ThinkGeek, Costco. I'm sure I could think of more but really anywhere would be a treat.

Which holiday symbols/themes do you like the best (or least)? Such as Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
KRAMPUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also snowflakes.

Do you like puzzles?
I play a lot of puzzle games on my ipad but I don't do anything that requires me to hold a pen/pencil and I no longer do jigsaw puzzles (no place to put them, all of our tables are covered in other projects like cutting boards for fabric, sewing machines, etc. plus one table to eat at.) I went from a huge house, to sharing a basement, to having one small room, so my stuff is pretty crammed in here.

Do you have a strong preference for numbered packages vs randomly picking with maybe a few hints along the way?
Nope. Either way is fine.

Are you jonesing for any particular BPAL right now? Anything you are just dying to try, even just a sniffie?
Beautiful Macabre, Mummies of Mexico City. (for sniffing)

How do you feel about the following flavors/ingredients:
Coconut? I like coconut chips and toasted coconut, coconut oil for cooking, coconut sugar for baking, but I'm not really a fan of things like mounds or almond joy.
Mint? I love mint tea (especially combined with licorice root.) Mint frangoes are sometimes good, but otherwise I'm not a huge fan of mint and chocolate, it has to be something I'm in the mood for.
Lavender? I love lavender everything. We made lavender vanilla liqueur this year, as well as cordial for lavender lemonade.
Rosewater? Also made rose petal liqueur, rose jam, etc. Nom!
Cardamom? Yes.
Candied citrus peel/marmalade? My mom received some homemade candied orange peel in a recent ravelry swap and they were SO GOOD. Yes. (not a fan of marmalade though.)
Anything to absolutely avoid? flavor wise, I'm just having a hard time thinking of what to absolutely avoid beside things like mincemeat, pecan pie, lutefisk, things with nuts or marshmallows (texture, not flavor), etc.  
Would you like anything crafted for the storage or transport of the BPAL? (Travel imp containers, boxes for 5mls, bottle cozy, etc.)
I use ammo boxes and mint tins for imps and I have tons of boxes (both travel and storage) for bottles, so I'm good there. I wouldn't mind wall display type things for BPAL though! Like nail polish racks or coffin shaped shadow boxes with bpal sized shelves? Someday I am going to order the BPTP wall sconce for bpal bottles.
If so, do you prefer them to be plain or decorated? Either or!
If decorated, are there any motifs or art that you'd particularly like? I love celtic knots (ravens, dogs, horses, ferrets, just knots), swirly things, nightmare before christmas, bats, corvids, gargoyle/grotesques, skulls/calaveras, eye of horus/ankhs, krampus. More on the darker/gothy side.

twilighteyes

twilighteyes

 

2017 12 Days of Christmas Answers Etc.

Updated 11/11/17

Are you coveting anything currently available from Haus of Gloi?
I am not terribly familiar with Haus of Gloi, but the bubbling scrub and pumpkin butter looks good and the Blood Orange Marshmallow scent sounds right up my alley, as do a lot of the yule scents.

Are you coveting anything from the Paintbox Soapworks update that just happened?
Winter Stories, O Tannenbaum - soap or scrub.

Are you coveting anything from Cocoa Pink?
I don't really use CP.

Do you have feelings about fruitcake? We're talking whiskey soaked homemade fruitcake, not a brick in a festive tin.
Personally, I love it and am happy to receive any festive fruity bread product.

Any strong nail polish and/or makeup preferences?
Personally the brighter and sparklier the better for all of it. Except blush. I don't wear blush at all.

How do you feel about pomanders?
I definitely enjoy them!

How do you feel about savor soaps?
I do like what I've tried - I would probably be more into the soap scrubs or whipped soap than the soap itself.

Or Perfectly Posh?
I know nothing about this brand at all. But if something looks like I'd like it, I'd be happy to try it!

Favorite animals?
Bats, owls, spiders, frogs, cats, dinosaurs, cephalopods...not the most Christmassy of critters, but I am a sucker for cute animals in santa hats.

Weird question, but it's on my mind: Do you have a strong preference for consumables (soaps, candles, food, etc.) over other stuff?
Not really.

Would you be interested in one of the Colorpop pallets? Anything else from Colourpop?
I tend to prefer shadow crayons to pressed shadow and honestly none of them really pops out at me, no pun intended. I am curious about the liquid lip color, though.
Would you like any holiday music? if so, do you prefer a CD or MP3?
Yes! I'd prefer CDs or Amazon music - I especially like rock and roll versions of classics.

Do you like toffee or fudge?
Fudge, absolutely. Not a big fan of toffee.

Are you interested in anything from my etsy shop? https://www.etsy.com...winklentwilight(bags, stuffies, hats, fingerless mitts, lefse cozies...)
I absolutely love all of the stuffies! I really like the geeky print project bags, but don't have a lot of use for them, unless they were modified to be more like a handbag.

How do you feel about amigurumi (little crochet stuffies...animals, characters, ornaments, etc.)?
I think they are adorbs!

If I were to crochet you something wearable, do you have any preferences? Do you like hats, scarves, gloves, other? And would you prefer something fun and whimsical (e.g. fox face hat or owl mittens), something delicate and pretty (e.g. lacy wraps or scalloped boot cuffs), or just something like a basic, no frills beanie or cowl? Do you have a Ravelry account and a list of favorite patterns?
No ravelry account. I would especially love something fun and whimsical, a shawl or really big scarf would be especially cool.

What kind of hot drinks do you like, and if tea or coffee or cocoa or cider or alcohol, give specifics?
Please NO cocoa. Honestly, I'd probably prefer no tea at this point as well, as I have way too much of both. Coffee would be great - I have a grinder and would be particularly interested in seasonal flavors or local roasts. And I LOVE mulled white wine and mead and cider.

What kind of candles do you like, scent, etc?
Candles and other home scents are among the things I really do not need more of this year, sorry.

Mixes or seasonings for the kitchen?
Yes please! Garlicky, spicy, are good.

What is something new in your life that you wish you had more "things" for?
Not that I can think of, but if I think of anything as I see other people answer, I'll update.

We do a lot of baking and holiday good ridiculousness around here...house specialties include lebkuchen (flourless, they're mostly nuts, spices, candied fruit), marzipan, butter caramels (flavored or plain), shortbread crisps, and savory cheese shortbread. Any of these sound appealing?
Every single one of them. *makes nommy hands*

What are your top places to get a gift card from?
Starbucks, Amazon, any B&B store you think I might like.
Which holiday symbols/themes do you like the best (or least)? Such as Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
I tend toward animals in silly Santa hats, snowmen, honestly, I like it all, but not country kitchy.
Do you like puzzles?
Yes! I love puzzles - jigsaw, little figity logic puzzles, all of them.


Do you have a strong preference for numbered packages vs randomly picking with maybe a few hints along the way?
I don't have a strong preference one way or another, so whatever your whims dictate.

Are you jonesing for any particular BPAL right now? Anything you are just dying to try, even just a sniffie?
My wishlist is pretty up to date, so there's nothing additional I really desperately want at the moment.

How do you feel about the following flavors/ingredients:
Coconut? I like it - I prefer it with creamy flavors and textures - so coconut cupcakes or coquito are amazing, not such a big fan of coconut macaroons.
Mint? I love peppermint this time of year.
Lavender? Yes!
Rosewater? Sure - I tend to like floral flavors.
Cardamom? Yes please!
Candied citrus peel/marmalade? This is one of my favorite things. Unfortunately, I am on medication that forbids grapefruit, which is one of my great sorrows ( but worth it not to migraine every day, alas).
Anything to absolutely avoid? Dill outside of pickles, BBQ or smoky flavors (I like actual BBQ, but I dislike it out of context and "smoke" flavor just tastes gross to me), blue/veiny/stinky cheeses. Really intensely bitter flavors (my 7 year old likes darker chocolate than I do).

Would you like anything crafted for the storage or transport of the BPAL? (Travel imp containers, boxes for 5mls, bottle cozy, etc.) If so, do you prefer them to be plain or decorated? If decorated, are there any motifs or art that you'd particularly like?
Not really. I don't need bottle storage, unless it comes with a magic spell that will magically organize the bottles that are all over my bedroom (I have an entire art cabinet for them, I just need to put them in there). A small imp cozy for travel wouldn't go amiss, but definitely not one of my priorities.

emzebel

emzebel

 

SW original Questionnaire

BPAL
Favorite BPAL oils: Anesthesia, Die Biegerde, Morocco, Dorian, Bones of Capys, Flickering Lantern, A Thousand Thoughts, and Hopes, and Joys
Favorite notes: Rose, French lavender, beeswax, honey, smoke, incense
Favorite non-BPAL perfumes: I hardly ever wear non-bpal, but when I do it's Diptyque L'Ombre dans L'eau
Least favorite notes: Lemon, verbena
Least favorite non-BPAL perfumes: Angel by Thierry Mugler
If Beth made a custom blend for you, what would the notes be, and what would you want the label art to look like?: It would be lavender with a warm woodsmoke and a hint of beeswax. The label art would be of the rooftops of Edinburgh at night with smoke coming out of the chimneys.   Lifestyle
Style/home decoration style: Sort of Scandinavian/going for a ski lodge vibe!
Favorite decorating colors: White, taupe, with hints of navy and pink
Things you collect: No real collections, but I can't get enough candles or gel pens
Favorite music: The Smiths
Least favorite music: Dance/house type stuff.
Vegetarian/Vegan?: No/No
Other food restrictions: Artificial sweeteners give me migraines, so I try to avoid them
Favorite flavors: Cherry, cinnamon, bubblegum/general candy flavours
Favorite foods/drinks: Pizza, cheese, pickled onions, marshmallows, Swedish Fish, Hot Tamales. Cider, cherry colas, cream soda, root beer, wine, gin, peat whisky
Favorite authors/genres: I love detective noir, cozy mysteries, non-fiction books about unusual but interesting topics, cyberpunk, books about travel, some urban fantasy and I seem to like American classics. My favourite authors are James Ellroy, China Mieville, Raymond Chandler, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett.
Least favorite authors/genres: I'm not into romance, anything especially tragic or to do with war, and as much as I want to read horror it's better that I don't!
Books/authors you'd like to read, but haven't yet: I enjoyed Bukowski's Post Office, and I'd like to read more by him
How do you feel about receiving gently used books as gifts? I love old books!
Favorite stores (including clothing stores): Sephora (because we don't have it in the UK), H&M, Topshop, Tiger, Uniqlo, Crate & Barrel
Favorite online stores (including B&B stores): Hush, Cult Beauty, Beauty Mart, ban.do, general browsing on Etsy
Magazines you subscribe to: None
Magazines you like, but don't subscribe to: None
Favorite movies: Delicatessen, The Darjeeling Limited, What We Do in the Shadows, Sideways
Favorite TV show(s): Seinfeld, Curb, Parks & Rec, Frasier, Flight of the Concords, The Thick of It (so comedy, basically). Friday Night Lights, West Wing
Hobbies/crafts done: Drawing, watercolour & acrylic painting. Running. Ashtanga yoga. I've recently started writing my own cozy mystery series.  
Clothing & Jewelry
Hair type: Curly
Skin Type: Combination
Allergies (specifically B&B related): None
Other things to avoid: Silicons & sulphates in hair products, ideally
Tub, shower or both?: Tub, always
Favorite bath & beauty products: Bath oils & body oils, face and hair masks
Clothing Style/Fave garments: I'm all about cozy. I work from home so I wear pyjamas *a lot* and when I'm out I like to wear comfy skirts and t-shirts/jumpers, flat shoes or trainers. I love fluffy socks!
Favorite clothing colors/colors to wear: Green, taupe/brown, navy, grey
Type(s) of jewelry worn: Necklaces, sometimes
Ring/wrist/collar size: Ring size O, I think? But I don't really wear rings (not even my wedding ring)
Jewelry - gold or silver? Silver
Do you have any allergies to metal? No
Favorite gemstones: Opal, amber, anything that's more stone than gem - if that makes sense.
Sock/Shoe Size: UK size 6, US size 8  
Random Questions:
- On a scale of 1-5, how organized are you? 1   - Where, outside of the U.S. would you love to visit? (if you're international, this can be anywhere): Tokyo   -Where, inside of the U.S. would you love to visit?: Anywhere I'd get to see wild wolves & bears, so probably Yellowstone?   -Favorite City in the US/World?: In the US - New York (I've only been there & Orlando). In the world: Bologna (with Edinburgh a close second)   - Do people tell you that you act older, younger, or your age?: Younger   -If I gave you a toy gun with flashing lights, would you hide and start shooting people from around corners OR would you thank me on the IGI thread and then quietly donate it (a niece, Oxfam, Goodwill, wherever)? (there are no wrong answers for this, so don't be afraid to answer honestly): Thank and quietly donate   - What animal do you feel like the most?: Left Shark. An actual animal...probably a domestic cat
- Your favorite feature about yourself: I quite like my hair   - Do you live in a neighborhood or in the middle of nowhere? In a village, about 20 minutes from a city   -Have you ever thought, "oh, I'm going to get myself one of those one of these days" but then never do? List 1 under $10 and 1 over $10. Under $10 - some cute stickers Over $10 - a ban.do agenda, or similar big planner   - How do you feel about boi witches?: I'm not sure what it means, but I'm sure I feel fine about them   - Do you like garage sales (boot sales)? No, I hate haggling   - I like to slather my food in : Any available condiment, but if it's appropriate then ideally buffalo sauce & blue cheese sauce. Here in the UK, I put mint sauce on pretty much all meats, to everyone's horror   - State fairs or carnivals? I like them (not sure if this is a choice question or a yes/no one)
- You throw caution to the wind and runaway to join a traveling circus. What job would you want ( a main performer, a side show, a behind the scenes spot, etc) and why? I think I'd want to be a clown as I'm terrified of them, it might be a sort of extreme exposure therapy.

- What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with? I don't know much about mythical creatures but I always thought it would be fun to be like Puck, the sprite in Midsummer Night's Dream - mischievously meddling in other people's affairs.   - Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. What do you choose? Notebook & pink gel pen, a few paints, a four-cheese pizza (probably a calzone, so it'll fit), a GPS watch, a sprig of lavender, some fancy bath oil, my kindle, some shells from my nearby beach, a ticket to my local comedy club, one of those classy little cans of gin & tonic.

- Do you need storage boxes/bottles/containers? Decorated or Plain? I always need more containers of any sort. Decorated or plain, I don't mind.   - The world has given you the day off. You hear that, no chores, responsibilities, or budget you have to follow. What would you do in those 24 hours? Helicopter up to Edinburgh with my husband and have pancakes at my favourite cafe. Then fly to Tuscany, where a Maserati would be waiting for us. Drive round Tuscany looking at the scenery until we arrive at Bologna at lunchtime. Have cotoletta bolognese and some good wine for lunch, then spend the afternoon wandering the streets looking in little shops etc. Go to a deli and buy some really good meats, cheeses, bread and wines, and spend the evening on a private balcony overlooking the city. So basically, I'd eat.
- Do you like steampunk & if so what kind of steampunk item would you most like to receive? I do! I love the aesthetic and I've read a few stories/seen a couple of steampunk films, I'd be open to anything.   - Do you have an Etsy shop? No   - Would you like to receive baked goods, if so what kind? Ideally not, I'm a bit funny about baked goods in the post   - What is something totally random (yes, that thing that just popped into your head) that hasn't been covered by any previous questions? This might have come across in previous questions, but I'm basically obsessed with art/pictures to do with cities or the night sky, or ideally a combination of the two. Just as an example, this is one of my favourite prints that I have, and I love Jeremy Mann's cityscapes. I also really like art/crafts depicting the moon, either realistically or more cartoony.

KatyC

KatyC

 

Paintbox addendum

Just a note to my Switch Witch, should you be considering my comments about the Paintbox Weenies: I think I put in my questionnaire that I don't/can't use scrubs. Would love soaps or lotions in any scent mentioned though, or even wax tarts. Or just a gift card. Not sayin anything, just sayin. hehe

dixiehellcat

dixiehellcat

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