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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!
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tartchef's Blog
 

SW Random Questions 9/11

Who has a birthday falling in this round?just out of curiosity Not me, but my wedding anniversary's the 21st   For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I'll take my chocolate just about any way you can make it, as long as it's real (no waxy crap). I am not, however, fond of whole peanuts - peanut butter is WIN, whole peanut chunks are feh. I freely admit to wanting to try chocolate-covered bacon   Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? Who remembers the Wonderworks series on PBS? I watched it every week without fail... same with Reading Rainbow. In terms of books, I still have my childhood Flower Fairie books, my Famous Fives, Wrinkle in Time/Wind in the Door/Swiftly Tilting Planet & my LotR box set They are hideously out of print, but I pine for the Barbapapa books - esp the New House one... Barbaplastique!   Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? We have NetFlix, and DH is a music junkie, so there's not much out there that we can't find I don't download much of anything, and wouldn't want to do it illegally. Blue Ray? Nope - we're limping along on a cheap DVD player, and mourning the demise of our VHS player. Our TV is so old (How old is it?!) we can't have everything plugged in the back at once - we have a converter box & have to swap out the plugs if we want regular reception (all 3 channels), DVD or Wii. Claaaaaassy.   What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? Oh baby. Three days & two nights at a swank B&B outside of Ithaca. Just me, the DH & an enormous bath tub. No endless toddler bed time shenanigans, no reading Thomas the Tank Engine ad nauseum, no tiny person squirming his ice cold feet into my crotch at 6 in the morning Good food, hiking the gorges, mooching around the Commons... I love my son, but we are in desperate need of a recharge.
tartchef

tartchef

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loverstreet's Blog
 

SW ?s Day 7

Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? Does live theater count? My parents took my sis and I to see "The Nutcracker" every year, in whatever city we were stationed - so its not Christmas until I've seen or heard it. But then, I love ballet as a whole.   I read all the Narnia books in my 8th summer, while staying at my grandparent's house. That weekly trip to the library was my LIFE!   We had a record collection (yes, old school) of all the Disney soundtracks - Cinderella, Snow White, Bambi, Sleeping Beauty, etc, and I still have them completely memorized.     There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? What is this "candy" of which you speak?   I guess my favs must incorporate CHOCOLATE, so they'd be Cherry Cordials and Martha Washington Candy (which my grandma used to make - when I was six I ate so much of it I had an allergic reaction and had to go to the ER on Christmas. Ahhh, good times).
loverstreet

loverstreet

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Ambitionless
 

Switch Witch Questions Continued Autumn 2009

Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? Unfortunately, no. I keep seeking one.   Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? Nobody in particular. I sometimes think fondly of old Charon.   Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive? I'd like to be a vigilante and receive a super villain. I don't completely understand this question, I'll admit.   What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? Naiad, the type of nymph who presides over fountains, springs, wells, and brooks. Freshwater spirit. I'm a water baby, and I particularly like the clear smelling-of-stones water sources in the forest and the mountains.   How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? I love Dia de los Muertos. I love sugar skulls. I am constantly trying to become comfortable with the reality of mortality.   Do you have a favorite poem or poet? I don't like poetry much, but I do enjoy the occasional Theodore Roethke piece. My favourite by him would be either I Knew a Woman or The Sensualists (which I cannot find a direct link to).   Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? Any of the above. I'm looking for a vintage-style ornate pill box like the one Uma Thurman carries in her role in Gattaca.   Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? If You Want Me - Marketa Irglova (it haunts me)   What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? Autumn here is lovely and colorful with mild sun and chill breezes. The leaves turn. I grew up in California where they just browned, so I'm still in awe of all the rich hues of burgundy and marigold and rainbow sherbert trees. What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? Healthy junk food brownie bites.   If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? M*A*S*H, House, other random things.   Any Amy Brown art fans? Not I. How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) I am in favor of Halloween music. I have a weird 80s mix cd of punk bands performing familiar Halloween songs and I someday will get around to obtaining a copy of the soundtracks for Sleepy Hollow and the Nightmare Before Christmas. Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? Yes. He was born to do a version of this. I have higher hopes for it than for that Chocolate Factory debacle. Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? Probably LUSH. I have several in my state, but they are inconvenient to me. I love LUSH because I cannot help myself. I have some complaints about the company and customer service, but I am entranced by their products. Well, some of them. Lolcats....yeah or nay? I chortle at many of these.   What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? Hmm. I'm not certain. I have read many, but none sticks out as a particular favourite. I do like hitchiker ghost tales.   If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? Wow. Either, if my witch wanted to go to the trouble. Whatever they preferred. That sounds cool.   If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? All in shades of red. A forest. An ocean. The only painting I ever loved was a local artist in a local gallery. It was only $300. I was absolutely captivated by it. It was of a sea cove and it was all in varying shades of red, even the moon, though she was pale against the sky. The use of color was masterful. I miss that painting and never found out what happened to it. What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? The Renaissance Faire.   What fictional character do you most identify with and why? It's never a general sensation of identifying with a character. Certain elements of their personality might mesh with me perfectly, or there will be a moment of sameness and familiarity, but it never extends through the entirety of the book/story/film, et cetera, and so I don't feel like I could name someone here.   Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? Nah. I make do with others.   As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? Whatever my witch prefers suits me just fine. I like to open things, so you could spread it out, but I also worry when it seems my witch is spending a lot on shipping, so you could send it all in one box. Your call.   What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? First, the apartment would be clean and organized. I would drink tea from a beautiful little cup and read from a tall pile of books while nuzzling fort-like sheets and blankets on the carpet.   Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? I am on almost all of those except LJ. But I only really use Facebook, and not too often. You can use the email that was in my survey to find me on Facebook, but then wouldn't it reveal your identity?   What kind of socks? Mostly cotton, please! All kinds, long or short. Nothing super girly, please. How often do you update your wishlist? Rarely. But it rarely needs changing.   May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? Ooo. I am looking for maybe a set of spats to help with my Steampunky Brewster costume. Or a replica of Carmen Sandiego's ruby necklace. Or a cheap but functional black bodice for Ren Faire; the latter I will probably buy myself.   So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out? Many of these are already on my Etsy wishlist.   Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? I have no favourite artist. I do like some Impressionist stuff, and I am not a fan of modern/abstract except in very specific cases. What's your stance on cranberries? I'm for them! Craisins are love.   Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) That sounds lovely.   Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? I am now visualizing a fan fiction piece about me and Gambit. Rawr. You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? Yogurt.   Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? The Smiling Spider.   Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? Anything with apple or cider!   There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I do rather enjoy hard butterscotch candies, candy corn, and Sweetarts.   Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Not yet, but soon.   Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I think that all would be welcome.   What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? I have always wanted to try TKO and see if it really helps with sleeping. The scent I tried and loved is Moana. I have one bottle that is somewhat full, but I am always looking for (and never finding) more. I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? My cockatiel's feathers smell amazing. I call that smell sundust. Sharpies, gasoline, fresh hay/straw and playdoh are always on my top ten.   Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I'm not a big coffee fan. Although, someday I vow to obtain an espresso machine. I like making huge flavoured steamed milk drinks with just a dash of espresso. Who has a birthday falling in this round? I do! October 28th. Scorpios, sound off!   For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I had the most amazing peppercorn dark chocolate once on the way to Will Call and never fully recovered from the wonderment! I love things in my chocolate, though not as much with the nuts, more like fruit or pepper or chai. Mmm. chai chocolate.   Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? Where the Wild Things Are. This of course, was brought most recently back to my attention with trailers of the motion picture flitting about. Also the tried but true Neverending Story.   Super power? Invisibility. Always.   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? No coffee beans, please. All I would use them for is to clear my nose while smelling various BPAL.   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I have always wanted my own supply of German Rock sugar. I love small tea spoons. I take my tea usually with honey, but depending on the style, I add cream. For instance, I almost never drink black tea without some sort of creamer. And I use sugar as opposed to honey with black tea.   Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? Use the zip code on my survey... - Bombay Grill - Cazabe Restaurant and Lounge - Frisco Grille & Cantina - Greystone Grill - Hickory Ridge Grill - Maruha Steakhouse In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? What? My world is chocolate? Mmmelty. How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? Since reading heavy scents can harm pet birds, I haven't been doing much. I leave tarts out unheated in certain corners of the apartment to sweeten the air.   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? CAKE. Storebought if it's chocolate cake with white and multi-color frosting. Otherwise, almost every type of cake. Gurgle.   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I think it's all chaos that we can occasionally interfere with.   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Stability?   What was your favouritest job ever, and why? Today my current job is my favourite. I was listening to old Toad the Wet Sprocket songs while reading traditional Russian Fairy Tales. And I was supposed to do this! And I was getting paid! Although, one time I got to house sit at a place with a beautifully lighted swimming pool. That was pretty sweet.   Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? The soundtracks to Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Vanilla Sky, and Down by Law and I would power the generator on a human-sized hamster wheel.   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Most of them. Too many to list here.   Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else?   I do not cook and have only occasional interest in learning. I can always use more dish towels and pot holders though as I often destroy them! I also love spices and herbs in natural forms. Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? I am still an avid reader, though not as avid as I was before I had to work for a livin'. My favourite series is probably The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce, because it was my gateway drug to literature.   What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? Candy corn and those pumpkin-shaped candy corn things. Also miniature Mounds bars. What are your phobias? Very specific scenarios where loved ones or vulnerable ones are being hurt and I am helpless to come to their aid.   What is your favourite flower (or plant)? I'm rather fond of Birds of Paradise and Aloe Vera plants. Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? Oh hell yeah.   An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money?   I would spend it all on me if it were $500. If it were several thousand I would share. Hmm, I'd probably secure a hotel room for next year's DragonCon with that money. That or buy myself a full spa day.   Who likes coloring books? Me, that's who.   Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! I do not. Perhaps I will go do that later. Not tonight, though. It's late. You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? Take out or starve as I cannot cook.   If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I would completely redo the spare room and turn it into a Firefly/Serenity sanctuary. Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? I always support Spain for soccer and Spain or the USA for Women's Water Polo. But I only really watch the Olympics.   What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Peregrine falcon, fanged frogs, R.O.U.S.s (they do exist).   This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? Alien invasion! If hostile, it might be the only thing to unify all peoples in our world, if friendly, they may help us clean up our act and save the planet!   In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) I think we'll all be extinct and there will be a fantastic menagerie of creatures on the planet thrivign without us.   Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? I do believe in magic, but I don't know what that means or how to describe it. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I never saw Hellraiser! Though I met the pinhead at DragonCon!   Do you like pinup art/images? Yes. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? I requested off work, so we'll see. I will try and find a party to join or a place where I can gift trick-or-treaters.   Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! I am grateful to have many I might use that term for, but here are a few: Greylen, Wildbriar, Eoywin, Schackjj, Aquazoo, Beneathglass (just kidding)....   What is your favorite color? Usually red. Coca-cola can red. The past year, however, it's been deep green/blue turquoise.   Any other steampunk fans/lovers? You know it! I was SteamPunky Brewster at DragonCon.   Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! I'd take a picnic lunch to the Yuba River. I'd eat green seedless grapes, sharp cheddar cheese, extra sour sourdough bread, Martinelli's sparkling cider, and I would go alone to swim in the evening air!   Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? I used to game in many platforms and ways, but I abstain now. I got addicted too easily.   Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) No, but that sounds interesting.   What is your favorite Halloween icon? Stellans SwitchWitch ones for this round!   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. Which items do you choose? A silver acorn, a book of fairy tales, a costume sword, a wax seal complete with blood red sealing wax, a medieval gown, junk food, and the complete set of Firefly DVDs.   Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. Not really.   Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? BK sourdough burger sans bacon and cheese. This is very hard to find, but apparently they sell it in Baltimore or DC.   Whats your favorite childhood toy? Jacob's Ladder, Jenga, a repaintable doll house.   If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? Neon green, fluffy, cottony scraps of fabric, millet sprays, non-toxic ring-shaped objects. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I occasionally tweet. I'm Carmelonia on there.   Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Nah.   What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? Nightmare Before Christmas, Sleepy Hollow, Halloween (orig), Lady in White, Hocus Pocus, The Bad Seed... Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? I don't know if I've ever had roasted pumpkin seeds; sounds good. Chex mix is kind of meh to me.   Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Strawberry rhubarb.   What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? I am barefoot.   Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? I like all those things!   How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I love all of that. Being scared makes real life seem less frightening. Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? Bwah? Is that like District 9?   Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Tea, naturally.   Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? All of the above.   Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? Yes, yes. Precisely. Those snap open and shut hair clips are fun too. I always wear dangly earrings and collect pendants like they're going out of style. What is your favourite historical period? I don't really know now. I like the romantic elements of portions of history more than the actuality of them.   What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Spiced cider, tea, hot cocoa. Did you order anything from the most recent update? No! And I want almost all of it. I am broke.   Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Psychic vamps.   What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Black pepper, lemon juice, and salted butter on sourdough bread.
Carmencita

Carmencita

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stariel's BPAL Blog
 

Fall SW Questions: 9/9

Super power?   I always say teleportation - because it's a useful form of transportation, defense mechanism, and party trick. But thinking about it just now, I might have to change my answer to the non-traditional superpower of seeing myself the way others see me. Not physically - I guess "perceive" is a better word. It would be so helpful in establishing relationships of all varieties and knowing who to avoid and even changing the way you act around certain people if they're taking it wrong. Like, if I had known that my friend from high school had a secret crush on me and wasn't exactly kidding with all the joking flirting... I probably wouldn't have joke-flirted back.   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience?   I do not have a grinder of any kind.   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar?   I have a neat mesh thing for loose tea that is shaped like a cup and sits in the top. I don't have much else besides mugs, though. I don't drink coffee at home. I drink some tea with milk and sugar, some not. I drink my "coffee" in mocha form.   Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com?   I looked at the Seattle ones a while back and don't remember seeing anything that thrilling.   In your perfect world it is chocolate and...?   Marzipan! Or nuts.   How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles?   I have scented candles and an oil burner that takes tealights. I don't use them all that often, though. I'm actually not sure how tarts work...   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top?   Creme brulee! I also like cookie dough quite a bit. And kheer.   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us?   I believe we control our destiny somewhat through our choices, and the rest is up to chance.   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else?   My own home. I mean, I have an apartment, but I'd like to own a home that I planned on staying in for a good while so I could feel truly settled and start a saltwater fish tank and such.   That or possibly a significant other. I'm actually pretty happy being single, but at the moment there's the non-boyfriend and the whole undecided state of our non-relationship is more annoying than just being single. But I like him so I'm having trouble getting rid of him.
stariel

stariel

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loverstreet's Blog
 

SW ?s Day 6

How do you take your tea? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Tea with honey. Coffee with Equal and a drop of cream.   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? March Hare   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I believe we have freedom of choice within a given, broad plan for us.   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Money. It always gets in the way, that lack of it.   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? We can grind them here.   Favorite Dessert: Dark Chocolate ice cream.   In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Dark chocolate and more dark chocolate.   How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I use as many candles (any type) as possible, to cover the wet dog smells.   Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? The sound of my hubby's soprano sax - sexy and soothing. My sons laughing together. Especially at my jokes (rare). Harp music. You can't make harp music sound bad, even when the notes are wrong. THUNDERSTORMS!
loverstreet

loverstreet

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tartchef's Blog
 

SW Random Questions 9/10

What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Depends on the kind of pain.... I don't mess around with headaches - left alone they blossom into migraines - so it's 2 ibuprofen & a huge glass of water at the first hint. If I'm going to bed, I slather Grr or Pain on my hands, too. I've had deep leg aches since I was wee, and my DH has the most fabulous treatment. I lie on my back on the bed, and he takes the feather duvet & mummifies me He wraps each leg up nice & tight, & wedges the rest of the duvet tight around my hips & torso. Within 2 minutes, the heat build-up is amazing, like a good dry sauna. I stay like that for about 20 minutes, and the pain just melts away. DH, he is the genius   Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? I am reminded of Amelie's friend who likes the sound of her cat's bowl on the tile floor... I adore sounds, and briefly used my mP3 player to record snippets of ambient sounds when I lived in Chicago. My favorites: the rain on the roof outside my bedroom window, the slap of Swiss buttercream coming together in the mixer, my bench scraper scraping across my butcher block counter, the blurp of a good sponge fermenting, the tiny chip-chips of the baby cardinals, the raspy rattle of the wrens, the wind in the huge maple tree next door, the bass thump of ocean waves...   When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? In general, I like prolonging the excitement, so individual wrapping is awesome That said, there's something to be said for minimizing packaging - I think ideally, a few wrapped things & just some reusable fabric/tissue tucked around the rest...   Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. A big, showy, gaudy, glue-gunned, totally impractical thing that in no way takes into account the likes & dislikes I've so carefully documented here For me, personally, there are few things worse than getting a gift that looks like it was meant for someone else. I received so many of these as an adolescent, when friends & family were obviously trying to nudge me back into the realm of conventional young-woman-hood. I would happily go without a gift completely rather than relive that heartache.   Oh Witchy, I sound like such a bitch.   What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? Actually, I've been really, really lucky in terms of BPAL rares. The few I've tried & fallen in love with have been reasonably easy to come by or have been lavishly gifted to me by some truly amazing forumites The only one I'm really wibbling for more of is Hermes Trimegistus. I've been wanting to try Sagittarius '07 for ages, and it keeps evading me... a sniffie would do it, really! Found it!   I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? The cool morning air this time of year, fresh-cut grass, wet sidewalks, the top of my son's head (it smells like hay in the sunshine - how does he DO that?!), baking bread, coffee brewing, clean cotton sheets, my wool jumpers that I keep packed in a cabinet scented with Templum Victoriae, the ocean...   Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? Nonononono flavored beans, please! I'm partial to medium-dark roasts - deep but the beans should still be oily brown, not burned black. Recent favorites: Kenya, Ethiopia, SE Asia blends... We get Peace Coffee at the farmer's market every week (usually Yeti Cold Press or Blue Ox, but the Mexican Bird Mountain was surprisingly good), and treat ourselves to a Metropolis order once or twice a year (their Kenya is incredible, even for a light roast, and we stalk the site for Samba & Dulce blends...). I've always wanted to try roasting our own, Ethiopian style, so good green beans would be welcome, too!   There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? Caramels & toffee top the list - any kind, anywhere, esp Goetze's bulls eyes!
tartchef

tartchef

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mimosa's Blog
 

Switch Witch Questions Fall 2009

Do you have a Good Reads profile? http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2723125 (work in progress)   ******9/3*****   Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Both, love coffee, hate flavoured coffee, love black tea(many cups a day) like to try spicy and herbal teas Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Everything, love to try new things, home made, small suppliers etc. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Norfolk Punch, a rich fruit and herbs drink we heat up and drink in small glasses in autumn and winter, Did you order anything from the most recent update? I joined 2 circles, waiting impatiently for my decants, ordered 2 birthday specials(cake smash and fortune teller) and the lunacy. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Vampires What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Nothing I really crave, but I always love to try local specialities when I travel. I buy Marsipan in Spain, Chocolates in Belgium, Hagel and cheese in Holland, Little violet candies, olive oil and cheese in Italy. I could go on for some time!
heleng

heleng

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Seismogenic's Blog
 

Fall 2009 Switch Witch questions

Do you like to find out there's a package on the way or to receive a tracking number to stalk, or do you prefer surprise packages? Both ways are fun! It is extremely exciting to receive unexpected mail, but it's also fun to obsessively hit refresh on the USPS website once one has received a tracking number. I'll leave this up to my Witch!   If i were your witch, and I wanted to make you a spell or mojo bag, would you be into that? I honestly wouldn't know what to do with it.   What are your favorite fruits? Berries of all sorts, mango, clementines (and citrus in general, really), apples (but not red delicious), pear, watermelon, banana...I like fruit in general. Just not cherries, white nectarines, or white plums. Screw you, allergies.   What is one thing you constantly keep with you that you constantly lose? Pencils and pens! I always try to carry one of each, and I lose so very many. I do have this one pen that I've managed to hold onto for over a year, but it's noticeably heavier than the other pens I tend to carry, so I may be more aware of its presence.   Lusting over anything from the Trading Post lately? I haven't really been looking, because I am trying to avoid spending more money.   Are you a Miyazaki fan? Do you have all the films you like, or is your collection missing one? Is there any merchandise you want? The only Miyazaki thing with which I'm familiar is Nausicaä, which I like very much. I've seen the movie and have the books. I figure I'd like his other work, but I just haven't gotten around to seeing/reading it yet.   Do you wear lip gloss/lip balm? If so, what flavors/scents? I'll wear unflavored or basic mint lip balm in the winter, because my lips get really chapped and bleed everywhere, which sucks. Definitely not gloss for fashion reasons, or anything with a color to it!   Fetish? I assume this means fetish animal, and I honestly don't know. It's an interesting concept, but I haven't investigated it much, and so to say something about a particular animal in this thread would be pulling something out of very little consideration, which just doesn't work. So, nothing for now.   Do you drink alcohol? Wine, beer or liquor? What is your favorite wine/beer/mixed drink? I do drink, though not very much and not particularly often. As an earth scientist, I am required to have an appreciation for beer; I tend to like amber ales, pale ales, and hefeweizens. In terms of wine, I know woefully little about specifics, but I do know that I have consistently liked pinot grigio and shiraz when I've had them. I don't really drink hard liquor, though Bailey's or Kahlua in coffee or cocoa is good.   ******9/18***** If Beth made a perfume called "switch witch" what notes would be in it? Hrmm. Wrapping paper and/or shipping cardboard, tea, chocolate, the metal of handcrafted jewelry, the soft wood of hand-painted BPAL boxes, the sweet wax of candles, and a whiff of so many generously gifted imps at once that you can't tell them apart. This round might also have beets, but if we're going with a more general Switch Witch scent...   What is your favorite cookie type? Oh jeez. You're making me pick one?! In general, cookies are awesome. Some particular favorites are white chocolate macadamia nut, things related in composition to Thin Mints, and snickerdoodles, but there's no way you could really screw up with sending me a cookie. Unless it had cherries - stupid allergies.   ghost.gif******9/17***** Are you into 80s movies (like i am ) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters? I was born in 1984, so I probably know more '80s cartoons than anything else. Haha. I was kind of obsessed with "Oliver and Company" when I was little (I haven't seen it in ages - but I do remember the awesome soundtrack). Also, "Ghostbusters," though I preferred the animated spinoff at the time, and now I prefer the movie. Definitely "The Princess Bride" as well.   Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents? I have, thus far, only tried two Villainess soaps (Ginger Snapped and Smashing), and I liked them both quite a lot. They smell good and feel nice. In terms of ones I'd want to try, Quick Or Dead sounds awesome, but also appears to be sold out. As for others I might be interested in trying: Friction, Krakatoa (on principle, because it's a big volcano!), Grundy, Scintillating, Byzantium   Do you mind artificial colors in your food? I don't mind.   Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc) No thanks. My hair is not long enough for these things, even disregarding the fact that I'm a guy.   If you were my witchee, would you like any of the scents/sizes that are available on clearance? No candles, please. Don't want to have the cats start yet another southern California fire.   I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes. I think origami cranes are cool, but I wouldn't have use for earrings or a phone charm, and I suspect that a really tiny one in a jar would get devoured by my desk somewhere. I should clean this thing, really.   How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out? I'm fine with leather, since it comes from an animal that people use for other things as well. Fur is a definite no, though, since the animal is killed specifically and only for its fur. I have no moral objection to faux fur, though things with faux fur do not necessarily fit into the vague thing that is my "style." No problems with shells, either.   How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind? I release my constant loading stress slowly and steadily in a process called aseismic creep, in which I move constantly and produce no earthqu--...wait, that's the Calaveras Fault, not me. Sorry. In all seriousness, though, I sometimes follow a more traditional stick-slip/elastic rebound fault behavior in my personal stress management. That is, stress builds up and I don't let it show so much, but at some yield point, I have a really bad day, whether it's bad-mood-discouraged/depressed or whether it's explosive. I'm trying to be less like this, since I always feel terrible about the bad outburst days later. The goal is to be more like aseismic creep - letting the stress slide, or releasing it so steadily that there are no bad mood problems. I tend to unwind by plunking down in front of the TV and drawing, or by petting my cats, or sometimes by playing music. Reading is less effective than it used to be, because it makes me feel guilty about reading fun stuff rather than reading all the stuff assigned to me.   You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor? My initial thought was that I'd want to do fault geology with some of the best people out there, but then I realized that I should answer this question in a way not related to my actual research/job, and I also realize that I already know some of the best people out there in this field. So - actual crafts. Artistic things. Hrm. Wouldn't want to do a music thing, since I'm terrible at practicing and would just tick the person off. I'd also be hesitant to do visual art, for fear that formal study might make me feel less inclined to do it on my own (I'm currently completely self-taught.) At this point, I'd probably say I'd want to lean to cook from someone really good, since the only things I can cook now are boring and not very tasty. I don't know enough about chefs to know who I'd want to work with, though.   ******9/16***** Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music? Hooboy, this question. Vaguely in the order of when I learned them: piano, violin/fiddle, viola (I consider this my main instrument), voice, tenor viol, recorder (mostly alto), guitarrón, crumhorn (though I suck at it), and most of the instruments in a Javanese gamelan (with a particular focus on gendèr and bonang, if that means anything to any of you). I also compose (and, in fact, have two degrees in composition). And I'm contemplating learning mandolin next. But for all of that, I rarely practice outside of actual rehearsal. There just isn't time, since I'm not a music major/proper musician/what have you. I probably would not ever get a chance to learn any sheet music sent to me, at least not if it's solo stuff. If you were to send something like parts for string quartets, I would find people to sightread through them with me.   Favorite musicals? Wicked, Into the Woods, Spamalot, The Secret Garden, Fiddler On The Roof, Ludwig II (which is a German musical, and which has really good music), Chicago, probably forgetting a few others...   Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing? Hrmm. Possibly envy. I do get jealous when other people get awesome opportunities related to things that I also do. It's not a crippling thing, but if I were to let myself fixate on it, I would get sidetracked from working hard so that I can get my own awesome opportunities.   Anyone want a nickname and embroidered headband from PandaBite? Not particularly.   I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use? I don't scent my apartment, since I hear doing so is bad for animals, and I have two cats. Even if I did scent my home, I think candles would be a terrible idea, because of the whole burning thing, and said two cats.   Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift? That would be a good thing!   cthulhu.gif******9/15***** Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? Not particularly. There are symbols that I like, but they are generally representative of my larger interests, rather than being talismans in and of themselves.   Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? I enjoy myths and legends in general, though no particular named figures come to mind as being favorites. Lately, I've been particularly interested in myths that involve/explain natural disasters. Since my research is into some of the real mechanisms behind earthquakes in particular, it's really cool to hear how different groups of people explained these phenomena before there was such a thing as modern science.   Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? I'm not really the type for either of these, but I think I'd more likely be a vigilante than a supervillain.   What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? This is never something I've thought much about, but out of the list here, I think I'm going to have to go with gryphons. They're part one mundane creature, part another, and come together to be something weirder and, perhaps, greater overall. This makes sense given my academic background - scientist and musician at once. Though, perhaps, a phoenix might describe this switch of focus better. One field wasn't working for me - I felt totally burned out on it - so I let that one go and rose out of the frustration and mess and angst into a totally different field that I'm enjoying much better.   How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? I know very little about this holiday, but I do know that the aesthetic of sugar skulls is appealing to me. I like all the little patterns and details that go into the designs.   Do you have a favorite poem or poet? I know shamefully little about poetry.   vampire-smiley-02.gif ******9/14***** For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? I would be thrilled to receive a craft that my witch made! I would also be excited to receive supplies, particularly in the form of markers.   Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? Not particularly. Though maybe I should get some cards, since I go to conferences a lot now and end up scrawling my email address on paper for people.   Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? I am still totally hooked on the whole Nickel Creek compilation CD that Lizard Queen gave me in the last Switch Witch round.   What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? We don't have proper autumn as most people think of it here in Riverside. It remains quite hot even into November, and humidity is pretty much nonexistent. The Santa Ana winds, which result from a high pressure system spilling already warm and pressurized winds from the desert over the mountains, thus heating and speeding the air up even more as it flows into the L.A. basin, generally start in October, making everything hotter and drier. This is also the time of year that fires are whipped into their worst conditions, due to the heat and dryness and wind. Given the recent drought and the severity of fire we've had already, even without Santa Anas, I'm expecting a bad year. So...I do love how the Santa Anas clear all the smog and crap out of the air, leading to some very clear views of the mountains, but I'm definitely not a fan of the fires.   What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? Those dark chocolate and sea salt almonds are amazing, as are the dark chocolate chipotle hazelnuts. I'm also a big fan of their maple frosted wheat cereal, and of the microwavable Thai lunches they have. I actually do a lot of my regular shopping at Trader Joe's, since it's so close by.   If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? Mythbusters, Monk, House, or something on the Discovery Health Channel. Unless it's 3AM and I'm up drawing things, in which case it's probably Law and Order.   Any Amy Brown art fans? I do not know who this is!   How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) I generally find Halloween songs amusing, but not so much that I have sought out CDs/MP3s. But don't let this deter you, Witch - if you have found some musically interesting or particularly funny Halloween songs, they're welcome!   Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? I am excited!   Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? Nothing comes to mind. (I live within an hour's drive or so from the Lab, even.)   Lolcats....yeah or nay? I can has!   What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? I don't have a favorite, since I know very few to begin with.   If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? I'd probably rather have it in writing, but I certainly would not object to a recording if that was something my Witch wanted to do.   If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? I have no idea. Seriously. I actually don't think it'd be something geological, though, since that's the kind of stuff I draw.     werewolf2.gif******9/12-13***** What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? Volcanology class field trip to Hawaii! Also, continued work on the big earthquake outreach project I've been focused on for the past month and a half.   What fictional character do you most identify with and why? I could think about this question for a long time and never come up with one in particular, so I won't.   Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? It wouldn't hurt, though my use would be more as a way to keep the imps from getting squished in transit, than as a thing I'd carry around for the sake of refreshing the scent. I'd have no preference as to what it could hold.   As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? I would be thrilled with whatever modus operandi of gift giving my Witch chose to adopt.   What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? Just me, petting the cats and relaxing, maybe reading or drawing. If I'm drawing, the TV might be on, and it'd be an actually interesting show. In this perfect evening, it is not stupidly hot in my apartment.   Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? I'm dsch on Livejournal and seismogenic on Twitter. I'm definitelt open for new friends.   What kind of socks? Right now, my socks are all the plain nondescript white ones.   How often do you update your wishlist? Generally, whenever I get s new thing and test it.   May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? Nothing immediately comes to mind here. I generally only do the costume thing around Halloween, though if I had more excuses to do so without being the only person in costume, I would. My Halloween costumes tend to either be somehow historical, or to be anthropomorphic personifications of things.   So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out? I have never actually poked around on Etsy.   Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? In terms of periods, I tend to like my art rather like my music - stuff from the late 19th and early 20th centuries - Romanticism, if you will. I like art nouveau and jugendstil for all the patterned details, and I have an appreciation for art deco providing it has not been done as a simplification/modification of things that were prettier earlier (see: the Call Building/Central Tower, 3rd and Market, San Francisco. Grr.) As for artists...hm. I like Mucha, I like Klimt...I actually don't know that much about fine art. Haha. If we can include photographers, definitely Ansel Adams. An if we can include comics, P. Craig Russell.   What's your stance on cranberries? Yum!   Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) Used things are great by me! I tend to buy used CDs rather than new for myself, even, since they still work but cost less.   Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? I have no crushes.   You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? In reality, this is often determined by mood, and I may not make the best choices (read: Pop Tarts), but if I want to keep my blood sugar at a good height and not have a rumbling tummy, I go for things like almonds or other mixed nuts.   Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? I love looking at the bottle art for all the new scents that come out. This is actually one of the things I do first at Will Call, before even testing some of the new ones. As for favorites, hm. All of the Steamworks and Carnaval labels are amazing (the label art may have been partly responsible for my purchasing a bottle of Priala, even). All of the Lunacy labels lately have been wonderful, too, though I haven't actually purchased one since Windy Moon. I also found last year's Wind in the Willows labels to be particularly charming. So...after all that, I can't say I have a single favorite, but that I enjoy the bottle art in general. The artists must have such fun with these.   Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? I sniffed a bunch of these at Will Call, but didn't spring for decants due to money reasons. Things that I'd be glad to have decants of, though, would be Carlin, the Hell Gate of Ireland, and any/all of the Hellboy scents. With Hellboy, though, I figure I can also keep sniffing them at Will Call to figure out if/when I want bottles of any of them.   ******9/11***** Do you have a Livejournal? I do! My username is dsch. I don't update horribly often, but when I do, the posts are long.   There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I am a big fan of candy in general, it's true! Favorites entirely depend on my mood, though as before stated, you can never go wrong with chocolate for me. Ditto mints. Cinnamon things are also quite welcome. I like fruit candies in general, except for the grape ones. Please do not send me grape candy. It reminds me too much of the awful purple allergy medicine I took daily as a little kid.   Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Nope.   Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I have no objections! My connection is tolerably fast, though I've never really tried downloading more than individual songs at a time. Even if my home connection turns out to be slow, the connection at school is ridiculously fast. Nothing is coming to mind right this instant in terms of things I particularly want, but if I think of something, I'll post or blog.   skull.gif ******9/10***** If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I could always use more art markers, specifically Copics or Prismacolors. I use them frequently, and I just burned through a bunch of them on a major project this summer.   What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Advil and a nap.   Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? Like so many other people here, I love the sound of my cats purring. It's especially nice when I get them both purring at once. I also like the sound of wind through the trees, providing it is a nice sane gentle wind (as opposed to, say, Santa Anas). Also like other people here, I think distant train whistles sound cool.   When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? I have no particular preference - whatever my Witch wants to do!   Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. Nothing really comes to mind here. I think I was pretty clear about the kind of stuff I don't want in my questionnaire. Uh, I guess, no candles? Since things that involve fire are not a good idea around rambunctious cats.   What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? I generally don't look at the older scents, since I know there's next to no chance of me getting to test them. In terms of recent things that there's no way I'll get to try, almost every single note in Sacrifice sounded amazing. The only one that didn't immediately appeal was the blood note, but everything else looked awesome. As for things I got to try once, Skadi is amazing. I am lucky enough to have a decant, and I'm sure I'll never come by more of it than that.   I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Coffee, orange blossoms wafting over campus in the spring, the desert right after rain, woodsmoke (providing it is not a huge freaking wildfire), chai   Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I like trying different types of beans. Right now, I have some from Guatemala and some from Flores (Indonesia). They're pretty different from each other, and both are delicious. I like flavored coffee drinks sometimes, but not so much for my first cup in the morning.   Who has a birthday falling in this round? Nope. It was in June.   For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I like trying interesting things with my chocolate! I think I'd draw the line at that bacon bar that seems to get mentioned every round, though. But yeah, so long as it's not cherries (to which I'm allergic), I like trying things in chocolate.   Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? I still adore the Redwall books. I also wish I could watch shows like Gargoyles again.     ******9/9***** Super power? I would want to be able to teleport. I could visit all kinds of places at the snap of a finger, with no travel bills, no transit time, and no carbon footprint! If I had this power, I could also move to San Francisco now and just teleport-commute to school, rather than having to wait until I graduate in 2013.   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? I have a coffee grinder. I do not know how grinding of spices works.   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) I don't particularly need fancy accessories to make coffee or tea turn out good. An infuser for loose leaf tea is the only one of those things I actually have, and I do use it regularly   How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I take my coffee black. As for tea, it depends on the type. Green and white tea, I don't add anything. Black tea, sometimes milk and sugar.   Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? I can't get this website to looooad.   In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Oh jeez. I have to pick? I like trying different types of chocolate things.   How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I don't scent my home. This is apparently a bad idea for people who have cats.   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? This entirely depends on my mood. In the summer, though, it's generally ice cream, because it's so stupid hot here in the summer.   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? We control our destiny.   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Uh. Is "living in San Francisco NOW" a thing?   ******9/8***** What was your favouritest job ever, and why? I'm enjoying this getting paid to do research thing I'm doing now. The docent position at the Smithsonian was also awesome, but that wasn't a paid thing, so it's not really a job.   Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? The Beatles' Revolver, Gjallarhorn's Ranarop, and Great Big Sea's Rant and Roar   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Tombstone and Kumari Kandam. I very nearly caved on Tombstone at the last Will Call, but I talked myself out of it in exactly this way.   Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? I have no experience with such things, but if you have any magic cat-pee-smell-remover, that would rock. Also, allergy remedies are good things.   ******9/7***** Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? When I cook, it generally ends in epic fail. I probably don't even deserve fancy supplies.   Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? I love to read, but I almost never have time to read for pleasure anymore, since I'm in grad school. It's very sad. That said, I like Gaiman and Pratchett in general. I also confess that I still read the Redwall books, though more for nostalgia than for anything else. In terms of nonfiction, I've been on a bit of a John McPhee kick this summer.   What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? Pumpkin spice Hershey's Kisses. I didn't hoard enough last year, I don't think.   What are your phobias? Falling off the freeway (again). Though it is not enough of a fear to keep me from driving. I've put 15,000 miles on the new car since my falling-off-freeway incident in June of 2007. This was, perhaps oddly, a thing that still scared me even before it actually happened.   What is your favourite flower (or plant)? A huge expansive field full of a variety of wildflowers is a gorgeous thing. I don't know if I have a favorite among them, though. As for other plants, I love Joshua trees. They're so weird.   Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? They are pretty cool.   An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? I'd go to San Francisco for a few days. Not that I'm fixating or anything.   Who likes coloring books? I prefer to color my own line art. This was true even when I was very little.   Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! I don't have one. I guess I should make one. Hah.   ******9/6***** You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? This depends on how broke I am at the end of the pay period. I would be inclined to just eat out, since nothing I would cook would be very good, but if I'm broke, I will suffer through my own attempts at cuisine.   If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I would probably decorate my living room to look like a room that people might actually want to be in! As opposed to a room in which grad school threw up on the floor. There are SO many papers in that room.   Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? STEELERS, BABY.   What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Domestic cats, cheetahs, cougars, domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, pine martens, otters, genets...I could go on.   This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? A large earthquake on the northern San Andreas Fault levels northern California. It sets off several significant aftershocks in southern California, including one on the Puente Hills Fault under Los Angeles, flattening the city (because it's not a true doomsday scenario until L.A. is destroyed). While everyone is fighting the fires that have consumed the case, static stress changes in the crust twig the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which inflicts a 9.0 earthquake on the Pacific Northwest and sends a tsunami across the Pacific, which has effects as far away as Japan. These stress changes twig several of the faults within Japan, which rupture in sequence in a southernly fashion. With all of the seismic waves bouncing around, the magma chamber under Mt. Merapi in central Java gets particularly stirred up, and the gases within react, prompting a massive Krakatau-like eruption. The amount of ash shot into the air is so vast that the climate is drastically effective. Earlier in this process, hurricanes and tornadoes turn up in unusual places as air cooled by the ash in the atmosphere. As things progress, the Earth sinks into volcanic winter. Crops, which have already been struggling due to drought, die, and people and livestock starve. The particularly snowy and icy months don't help. And for those in climates that don't get snow and ice, everything is still such a wreck that nobody can get vaccination or care for standard winter diseases, so epidemics wipe out other large groups. Eventually, survivors become so few and far between that they can't reach each other to share resources or reproduce. And once everyone has died, Yellowstone erupts for good measure, and a meteor hits where Los Angeles used to be, just because it can. (Individually, these things might be able to happen, but they probably wouldn't be able to set each other off quite like that...)   In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) I HATE THAT SONG. AUUUGH. I suspect we will have a future that is blissfully free of that song! Unless some jerkface resurrects it for the occasion. Said jerkface might be punished by being vaporized with the push of a button.   Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? Nothing has happened to me to give me cause to believe in it.   If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I do not know what this thing is.   ******9/5***** Do you like pinup art/images? I have no particular interest in them, though I have no problem with them, either.   What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? I don't know whether or not I'll be able to celebrate Halloween this year, because I might be on a class trip to Hawaii at the time (the exact date isn't set yet). This is, to me, a legitimate reason to skip Halloween, but I'd still be a little sad. If I do get to celebrate it, I'm thinking I'll either go as a victim/survivor (haven't decided which yet) of the 1906 earthquake, or perhaps as the anthropomorphic personification of San Francisco.   Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! Nali and septima_pica are people I know in person, and they'd have ideas. My previous Witches, Voodoocatwoman and Lizard Queen, were amazing and clearly know the kinds of things I like, so they could also be askable.   What is your favorite color? Blue or green. Though I've been using a lot of gray in drawings lately, too.   Any other steampunk fans/lovers? Steampunk is awesome, though thus far, I have only observed from the sidelines.   Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! I would want to go somewhere with cool geology, though if you ask me to narrow this down right now, I don't know if I could. Accompanying me would be friends from the geology department, the music department, and people from back east that I almost never see anymore. It would be fun to do this as a potluck sort of picnic, with a wide variety of interesting food.   ******9/4***** Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? I used to play a lot of MU*s, but I haven't in a while.   Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Nope.   What is your favorite Halloween icon? Icon, in what sense?   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. Which items do you choose? A CD containing image files of things I've drawn, a CD containing sound files of music I've written, and another CD containing sound files of all the different kinds of music I play. A nerdy t-shirt of some sort. A couple of small interesting rocks. Maybe a copy of a scientific paper I've written. A picture of my cats. Not a picture of me, however. Nobody wants to look at that.   Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. I just finished a big art project! It wasn't particularly long term though; if anything, it was rushed. Does a PhD count as a long-term ambitious project, because I am definitely working on that. I am also already contemplating ways that could land me permanently in San Francisco after I earn said PhD.   Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? I rarely eat burgers, but when I do, In'N'Out trumps all, at least in terms of fast food.   Whats your favorite childhood toy? I had a plush yellow lab named Shadow, like the dog in Homeward Bound. I couldn't have a real dog, so I had to make do with a toy.   If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? I have two cats, Andreas and Garlock. Yes, they're named after faults. They both like catnip, particularly Andreas. They also like toys, though the appeal of a new one tends to wear off on them after a few days. Unless it's the laser pointer.   Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I tweet. My username there is the same as here: seismogenic.   Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Not on Ravelry. Me knitting would turn into a disaster of epic proportions.   ******9/3***** What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? Uh. I know very few of these. Gonna have to go with The Nightmare Before Christmas, since it's the only one that immediately comes to mind.   Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? I love roasted pumpkin seeds so much. I actually don't know if I've had homemade chex mix, as opposed to the kind that comes in a bag.   Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Piiiie. Probably a tossup between apple and pumpkin.   What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? I am in southern California, and it is early September. I am not wearing socks. I have not worn socks in several weeks. Shocking, I know!   Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? I do, however, like socks when it is not summer! Ditto blankets. I like days when it's just chilly enough to make these things really nice. I wouldn't get much use out of things like arm warmers or shawls, both because winter here is not very potent, and also because that's rather more feminine than I choose to me.   How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? I know very few ghost stories, but I generally find them intriguing.   Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I have read shamefully little Poe, but I have enjoyed what I did read.   Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? I don't know what that is.   Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Both! I tend to drink coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon.   Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Locally produced is cool! I'd be interested in seeing people's interesting and weird local stuff. I might lean more toward food, but stuff like soap is also good.   Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? Nope.   What is your favourite historical period? Turn of the 20th century. So many different things I've been interested have ties to that period. (I mean, other than that certain big earthquake in a certain California city that I've already mentioned a zillion times in these questions.)   What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Coffee, tea, spiced cider, chai. All are good. I wish the weather were already conducive to drinking these things. (But noooo, I'm going to a conference in Palm Springs this coming week, and it's going to be 107 out! I want autumn, dangit!)   Did you order anything from the most recent update? No, though I'm kind of regretting that I didn't order Falling Leaf Moon, since I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it to Will Call in October.   Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Werewolves.   What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? I love a lot of different kinds of regional foods. I think I get outright cravings for Japanese food more than for others, though. I wanted udon SO BADLY on Monday, but all the Japanese restaurants were closed for Labor Day. Woe!
Seismogenic

Seismogenic

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my scent ramblings
 

Holy Christmas, Batman!

I received no less than sixteens imps today. I'm speechless with the possibilities. In addition to the twelve I ordered, I got (of course) four unsolicited extras. Not one of the four sounds even remotely like anything I would consider getting for myself. Heavy on flowers, and one described outright as sweet. Still, I've said before that I welcome the boundary-pushing. That attitude will certainly be tested this time.   No reviews yet, but after sniffing through way too many in one sitting (I know, bad!), here are my impressions:   Embalming Fluid: tea with several slices of lemon. I like.   The Antykythera Mechanism: Something sharp, then my sense of smell was blown completely out. Couldn't smell anything for several minutes. Too early to say.   No. 93 Engine: Something faintly metallic and catch-in-throat (acrid). Seems more masculine than not, but maybe because of some wood (?) that I associate strongly with men's scents. Too early to say.   Lightning: This reminds me very strongly of chapstick. Hm.   Mary Read: Strong booziness, spice, something -- again -- acrid. I like, I think.   The Apothecary: Herbs. More herbs. Interesting.   Shub-niggurath: ??? Baked figs and holiday spices over dirt? What the hell??? I think smelling all the ones before must be messing with me.   Dracul: Clove and fresh, clean skin over something musty?   BTW, I have no idea if my descriptions are even remotely like what these scents are supposed to smell like. It's been too long since I read the descriptions and I'm overloading my olfactory system. Just, humor me. I'm sure I'll be embarrassed later.   Centzon Totochtin: Yikes! Cocoa over booze with a hint of ... Hawaiian Punch?   Perversion: This baffles me. It smells familiar one end to the other, but I can't pick anything out or come up with an association. Dunno.   Dragon's Hide: Instant men's cologne. Very in-your-face wood (???) scent. Seems almost single-note to me.   Les Infortunes de la Vertu: Another super-blended one (i.e. hard to pick anything out). Overall, I like. Very comforting scent.   Ava Maria Gratia Plena: White floral with strong scent-associations of cleanliness. Doesn't smell soapy, just ... blindingly clean, if that makes any sense.   Hairy Toad Lily: Astringent berry? My nose is really going downhill.   The Reaper and the Flowers: Some very light floral and grass? Hay? Very, very light. Delicate.   Queen of Hearts: Holy blown gaskets! My eyes started to water. Fruity, floral, in that order. I'm going to say "Not me", but I'll give it a more through assessment later.   There's my initial run-through. Completely useless because I overwhelmed my sense of smell, but I couldn't resist. I mostly wanted to pick out the ones that seemed most promising so I know where to start.
Graphica

Graphica

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Sheyona's Blog
 

Fall SW question09 pt 3

Super power? Aimed EMP bursts. No more annoying blasting music from the cars around me.   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? Well no coffee please and preground spiced.   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? If someone can find me a 8-10 cup capacity teapot i would consider them the best witch ever. We drink tea in my house like it is going out of style and as it stands we have to brew a new pot at least every 1 1/2 hrs. (if not more often when it everyone gets thirsty at once) As for how i take my tea... pretty much plain. Chai of course has to have milk and sometimes i'll put honey in the tea if i am feeling less than well but normaly it's as pure as i can get it.   Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? Well they only have one resturaunt listed for my city... but i do occasionally get up to portland and hey resturaunts are fun.   In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? coconut.   How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? My husband is scent sensitive so we scent but rarely and weakly in the house.   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Creme brulee... but i shouldnt have it.   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? Yes   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? A home i can alter to my will.   What was your favouritest job ever, and why? My current one. It's in the line of what i want to do as a career and i have amusing co-workers and boss.   Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? Honestly i couldnt choose because i don't really have albums to take. all my music is in electronic formats on ipods and computers. I'd take those because being wihtout music would suck and i'd power them by exercise. I'd have an entire room of exercise formats that could power batteries to draw off.   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Snake Oil   Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Some but i'd want to make sure it didn't have anything that would agrivate sensitivies in my household.   Craft supplies? Well... I can always use quilting cloth. especially at the moment because i need to start on a baby blanket for my kidlet-to-be. I'm almost tempted to put put a ISO for fat quarters so i don't have to choose the cloth involved. thread is nice too.
Sheyona

Sheyona

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t0yb0xri0t's Blog
 

Things I Want, But Haven't Gotten Around to Buying

Black Canvas TOMS sneakers   Black or Red TOMS Wrap Boot   Spooky Tealite Holder   Hanging Owl Lantern   Amazon Wish List   Etsy Favorites   Great Glam Wish List   Favorite Etailers:   Aromaleigh   I Touch Roses   Jewelry Findings Online   B&LU   Mod Cloth (Love their Accessories)   Perpetual Kid   Sock Dreams   Dragonfly Design   How Cool   Scent Addict   idea2lifestyle   Surly-Ramics
t0yb0xri0t

t0yb0xri0t

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Crazy Random Happenstance
 

Switch Witch

In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? And video games? Calorie free chocolate, mind you.   How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I use candled, tarts, oil diffusers, and bpal mixed w/ wax in a oil diffuser...I'd love a reed diffuser and an electric diffuser, NO INCENSE PLEASE (kitty tries to nom it).   What was your favouritest job ever, and why? I haven't had a 'dream job' yet but I was happiest as a barista. In High School.   Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? God that's unfair! Three?!? Ok, I would take...Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty, Grace, Jeff Buckley and...and...crap! I'd probably take The Beatles Remastered set! HA! I win. I'd power it with treadmill to force myself to work out.   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Hah, I always have put it off because I don't ever do anything nice for myself I am dying for: sudha segara, sea of glass, morocco, snake oil, dorian, 51, velvet, dirty and probably a few more I'm forgetting.   Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Yes, especially if it's hypoallergenic!   Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? Not a good cook...I need more crock pot recipes. Really.   Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? Yes I am! I like fantasy, I'm currently rereading the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix. Also liked Black Jewel Trillogy and started the Discworld series in the sense that I've read 1/1000 of his books...I need to finish the Dark Tower series too..also...would like to finish Firefly/Serenity graphic novels and the Anita Blake graphic novels...and anything LKH     What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? Sweet Tarts! All things chocolate...   What are your phobias? Spiders (well most bugs...), PUPPETS. Tight spaces.   What is your favourite flower (or plant)? Lavender, chamomile, herbs mostly...aloe plants   Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? Not so much, unless it was like a duct tape imp case?   An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? Color me selfish, but I'd spend it on myself. BPAL order, Soap Box order, Lush order, the rest going to my "New PC" fund. I never pamper myself though.   Who likes coloring books? Me, me, me! *pats 92 crayon set*   Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! Hm, I will make one...   You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? I'd probably attempt to cook something, botch it, and order takeaway.   If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? Bedroom. Art deco theme. Accentuate my lovely brass bed.   Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? Hubby is Cubs fan, so I too must be Cubs fan.   What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Freshwater Cichlids, big cats, toads and frogs!   This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? Zombie Apocalypse! I think I could survive that one...   In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) Ok it wasn't stuck in my head until I forced myself to remember that song...I think things will be NOT GOOD if we are alive.   Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? Not in the same sense as some of you. I believe in angels and demons but not magic. I believe in good and bad energy. I believe in miracles.   If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I'm bad with puzzles, so no thanks!   Do you like pinup art/images? Yes, I like it but no I would not want to be given anything with pinup art plastered all over it. Unless it was a book of art.   What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? I wish I had little cousins still to take trick-or-treating! We'll probably carve a pumpkin, have some caramel apples, cider and candy and watch bad horror movies.   Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! Hmm...well...I know Paperbacknovel in real life. Merveilleuse witched me last round.   What is your favorite color? Purples, dark shades mostly. Shades of gray, jewel tones   Any other steampunk fans/lovers? Admire it, yes. Intimidated by it, yes! Would love a pendant or a steampunked journal though.   Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! Hm, I would go with my family and we would have lovely little croissants and fruit and wine and of course chocolate. It would be a sunny, breezy day of about 72 degrees.   What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? Hmm...I would like Shaun of the Dead. It's a favorite. Also Resident Evil. I love ZOMBIES. I own the new Dawn of the Dead. Good stuff. Nothing like 'Saw' or 'Hostel' though please...   Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? If you make me a savory (not sweet) Chex Mix I will love you forever. I live for Chex Mix. Really, I do. My mom gives me a tub of homemade chex mix for Christmas every year. It's always gone by New Years. LOVE IT. Also love roasted, salted pumpkin seeds.   what kinda socks are you wearing tonight? Bleh, socks...I don't like socks! I am of the hot sweaty feet persuasion. Sorry!   Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Coconut cream, rhubarb, chocolate caramel pecan   Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? Probably not socks but I'd love a shawl or fingerless hand warmers (for when I play WoW in the winter!)   How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I like ghost stories, love Poe, I also like Max Brooks zombie novels..would REALLY like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.   Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? LOVE IT. Pete is so gosh darn adorable.   Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Tea please! Herbal, fruity blends! Nothing too smokey.   Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? I would love some essential oils and LOVE lavender. I also love homemade/locally made skin care/bath products so long as they do not contain harsh chemicals.   Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? I would like some more pendants/necklaces or a scent locket. I don't do dangly earrings, mostly studs.   What is your favourite historical period? I love ancient Rome and I'm also hooked on The Tudors so then too   What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Hmm...chai (mostly iced), hot cocoa, hot cider, mulled wine   Did you order anything from the most recent update? Me? Buy myself BPAL? *sighs* I am waiting for Carnival though...splurges WILL be made.   Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Hmm...I love them both but...zombies are freaking awesome. (and easier to kill)   What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Hmm...sweet tea. Shrimp po boys. Cherry everything from Northern MI   Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? Oh yes. Card games (Euchre, hearts), RPGS (I play on a forum RPG called Zoanthrope Investigations), board games (Life, Risk) and MMORPGS! I play WoW! On Garrosh server, I am Alliance and play Xulii and Anaktoria.   Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Not so much...sounds cool, but I can't even buy BPAL...soo...nope   What is your favorite Halloween icon? I like warty toads, pumpkins and witches!   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. Which items do you choose? Hmm...mix CD of my songs I like, pictures of me and my family, Kitty toy, small handbook on cichlids, WoW figurine   Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. Considering going back for a Masters in Academic Counseling or Library Sciences.   Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? I am a meat eater...I love Red Robin. It is crack. Really. I get their teriyaki chicken burger. I also love me some Arby's and Rally's...   What's your favorite childhood toy? Ok, really, I loved Glowy the Glow Worm. And Barbies.   If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? PJ the kitty loves treats, but please be grain-free. He would also like jingly balls or a squeaky mouse or string-on-a-stick. He loves toys!   Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I have twitter, I forget to tweet--M_Dye   Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Nope, sorry, I don't know how to sew even...but would like to learn.
writergal969

writergal969

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SW questions and such...
 

SW Fall '09 questions part 3

again, emoticons pose a problem.   In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? More chocolate? My favorite chocolate is Ghirardelli. Though I'd love to expand my chocolate experience.   How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I usually use BPAL sprays to scent my room, but I like scented candles and oil in a burner. I burn incense on occasion.   How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Coffee with cream and sugar, plz! When I occasionally drink tea it's usually just straight tea, but sometimes with milk and sugar, depending on what tea it is.   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I go back and forth on this issue, but usually my opinion is that our futures are determined through our actions and the circumstances surrounding us.   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Hmm... I can't choose just one. Pumpkin pie is quite delicious. Also, my sister makes some kickass brownies and they're amazing fresh out of the oven with vanilla ice cream.   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Friends. I don't have very many people I'm really close to.   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) I don't know what half those things are But I could always use coffee mugs (travel and normal) and I'd love a knitted/felted/crocheted/whatever coffee cup holder thing. (did that make any sense?)   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? I don;t believe I have a working coffee grinder so pre-ground only for me. Ditto for spices. I don't usually cook but if I had some awesome spices on hand I might.   Super power? To selectively read minds.   when you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Whatever my witch decides will make me a very happy witchee.   Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? The thwock! noise that tennis balls make when people are volleying them, the rain on the trees outside my bedroom window, people talking or singing very quietly, so I just barely can't make out the words (especially if it's my boyfriend's voice )   what bpal scent have you never tried but always wanted to? what scent have you tried and loved, and haven't been able to get more of and why? tried and loved: Le Pere Fouttard (I have about 1/3 of a bottle made up from decants and a partial bottle my last witch sent me Nobody wants to give any up! ), Glowing Vulva, Haloes, Osiris v4.   never tried but want to: Chrysanthemum Moon, Jingo-Kogo, Bah!, Storyville   Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. hmmm, Things containing crude or offensive humor. And on the same note I can't stand to watch people getting hurt or hurting themselves (Think Jackass.), it makes me feel sick to watch. Not that I think my witch would send that kind of thing to me, necessarily. Just another thing to know about me.   I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? I was just thinking about this today actually. My favorite (non perfume) smell ever is freshly mowed grass. Even better is freshly mowed grass smell floating on a warm spring breeze on a sunny day. *contented sigh* Ground coffee is another really good smell. Sometimes I'll open up the bag of coffee just to sniff. Also, books. Textbooks, old books and bookstore-new books all have distinct scents and I love them all. And we can't forget the bookstore smell. I love walking into Borders and taking a biiiiig sniff.   Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? Type of beans doesn't matter to me. I haven't had enough experience with different kinds of coffee to have a preference on this matter. (though peaberry coffee is really, really good!) I usually like roasts that aren't too dark but it doesn't matter that much. I do like flavors. Pretty much any flavors are good.   If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I bead jewelry, so some cool beads would be appreciated.   What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Depends on the pain. If it's a migraine, I really have no choice but to take prescription painkillers. But other kinds of pain (like muscle aches, etc.)require a massage and comforting BPAL and rest.   There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I love tootsie rolls! Pixie stix are tasty too. However, I hate licorice.   Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Nope   Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I can download music and videos easily. Receiving downloads doesn't bother me.   Who has a birthday falling in this round? Not me, I'm an April baby.   For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I've been wanting to try chilie chocolate even though I don't like spicy food. Fruits, nuts, caramel, toffee, etc are all good in my chocolate.   Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? The movies Little Nemo and The Brave Little Toaster.   For books: The Diamond in the Window. I read my copy to shreds. I just found it recently and as soon as I picked it up, the cover fell off. , The Secret of Nimh. Another book I read over and over as a kid. I'm participating in an NIH study and I laughed out loud when a doctor walked by wearing a lab coat that said NIMH.   who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? dunno...   May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accoutrement? I don't really do costumes that much...   as a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? last time, my witch sent a few small things during the round and another BIG package at the end. I liked that because I like getting things in the mail and opening packages and I LOVE contact with my witch. That said, any way my witch decides to do things is fine.   What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? A good cup of coffee and watching a movie with my boyfriend with lots of snuggles.   what's your stance on cranberries? eh... they're okay I guess   Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? not a bit   Imp travel case? Yes! I've been using a little Altoids tin but to have a better one would be great.   Your one absolute favorite, BPAL: If I have to choose just one, I'd say War.   Do you have a favorite BPAL bottle art? Hmmm, I really like the Arachnina bottle art.   You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? usually cereal or something like that.
unlaced

unlaced

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tartchef's Blog
 

SW Random Questions 9/9

How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Coffee: 2 scoops of demarara sugar & a slosh of fat-free half & half   Tea: skim milk, no sugar. Absolutely no cream, no half & half (that's not why they call it a cream tea, people!), but I'll take 2% in a pinch.   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? A bit of both. I firmly believe that we get back in life what we put out into the world, so in that respect we can shape our experiences. That said, I have no doubt that our paths are at times immovable - there are things that we are meant to do, places we are meant to go, and no amount of thrashing around will change that We might be able to put it off for a few days/weeks/years, but inevitably we will tread the path meant for us. We can fight it & be miserable, or embrace it & be at peace. There are times when both approaches are warranted.   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Ooof. Wow, Bard. This is hard. Really, really hard. I am generally an optimistic & happy soul, but for as long as I can remember, I have held a deep sense of loss. There is a small but howling hole that is wailing for... something. And I will be damned if I know what that something is. Sometimes I think it is tied to having been born outside the UK, where all of my family is from. It's that kind of unmoored, displaced, misunderstood ennui... I have yet to find a place that I really feel I belong.   Yow. Who knew SW would double as therapy?   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Ha. You ask this of a pastry chef? If we're talking *Real Dessert* (as opposed to Sweet Thing I Could Snarf Down with a Cup of Tea, or A Slice of Something to Chase the Diner Dinner), I tend to go with tarts & composite desserts... I like a good balance between sweet & tart/bitter, creamy & crisp, & anything with really dark chocolate, rhubarb, elderflower, blackberries, dried fruit, ginger or cacao nibs catches my eye. One of my favorite desserts that I used to do was a warm pear & frangipane tart with a scoop of nutmeg gelato, a scattering of Sauternes gelee & a gilded pear chip - cakey, fruity, crumbly, creamy, crisp with bursts of boozey gelatine   In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Salt. Dark, milk, white chocolate, it's all thrown into high relief by just a few flakes of good sea salt. Runners-up include Vietnamese cinnamon, black pepper, roses, curry, lavender, and peanut butter for when I'm feeling particularly pre-menstrual   How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? We don't do much, due to DH's asthma, but I use an oil burner & BPTP sprays in my office. We do use copal & sage/cedar incense in the rest of the house when the weather's damp, just to chase away the Old House Funk.   Secret power? My real one or my fantasy one? My real superpower is remembering faces & minute details about people. I am the one who recognizes all the bit actors in a given movie & what you were wearing last Thursday. Just don't ask me to remember names!   My fantasy power would be superhuman strength - I wanna be like Mr Incredible!   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) I could use a nice over-the-cup strainer - mine is really utilitarian. A cool, retro modern sugar bowl might be nice, something like this, maybe.   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? Whole bean coffee always! Most spices I use fast enough that ground is fine, but I am partial to whole nutmeg, cinnamon & cardamon...   If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I am a Crazy Crafter - I do a bit of just about everything. I looooove Japanese fabrics, so fat quarters are always fun. I have a few craft books on my Amazon list that'd be swell.
tartchef

tartchef

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t0yb0xri0t's Blog
 

Survey/Questionnaire Thinger

What was your favouritest job ever, and why?   My favorite job was working for a company called Great Arrow Graphics. I got to hand silk screen greeting cards all day. Just me, my headphones, some ink and paper making pretty things. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator?   This is an evil question. Do boxed sets count? If I HAD to pick 3.....   Walls of Jericho-With Devils Amongst Us All The Cure- Disintegration Slayer- Seasons in the Abyss   As far as powering the generator.....I would go with an exercise bike so I wouldn't get out of shape.   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"?   Harlot Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else?   I have never owned an apron, but I have always wanted one. I'm always on the lookout for cookbooks and recipes.   Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series?   I don't read as much as I used to. These days it's during spare time on the weekends or a little before bed time. I love just about anything Neil Gaiman. My favorite was the Sandman stuff. Anne Rice has always been a favorite.   What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween?   Candy corn and those little pumkins are my favorite, and anything with a halloween shape or wrappers like bats and eyeballs.   What are your phobias?   The dark. Seriously.....I always have to go to bed watching a movie with a timer set on my TV so I have some sort of source of light long enough for me to pass out. In the pitch black I just get weirded out and can't sleep.   What is your favourite flower (or plant)?   Roses, poppies, violets, orchids, lilacs, and lady slippers that grow behind my house.   Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so?   Not so much these days. Back in my DIY punkfrigginrawk! days I totally had a duct tape wallet and purse that I made. An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money?   I would buy some new clothes. I have lost 40 lbs since December and nothing fits me anymore. $90 of it would be to the Darjeeling dress from Pyramid collection. I LOVE that dress.   Who likes coloring books?   I LOVE coloring books. Especially when I'm stressed out. It's nice to curl up with one on a rainy day under a blanket fort. If I can find super cool ones with fairies in it, that's even better. Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one!   I made one! Yay! http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2718081   You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out?   I can always make something fab as long as I have some chicken, pasta or rice, diced tomatoes, some sort of produce and spice. If not....chinese it is!   If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it?   My bedroom. I would love to get a 4 post canopy bed and drape lovely fabrics on it. New lighting and a new plushy feeling carpet would be nice too.   Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for?   I secretly watch and enjoy hockey. Sabres are my team.   What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.)   I love cats, and if I could afford one I would totally have a capybara.   This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)?   Elder gods! And they would bring us all winged unicorns!   In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!)   We all have evolved to speak psychically, hover boards are finally real, and now I have the song stuck in my head..... Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? A little bit on a scientific level I suppose. I believe there are many things we do not understand about how this universe works. I believe how you focus your energies and thought can impact you and your life in a bigger way than people think it can. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? )   If I didn't know it was the puzzle box from Hellraiser.....yes I would completely be playing with it.   Do you like pinup art/images?   Yes, I have pinup art all over my house. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? No plans right now. I do not have any kids, so my traditions right now consist of carving pumpkins, going to parties and dressing up. Maybe making some spiked cider.   are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? I very much am! I'm always trying to find more natural means for everything from my make up to the floor beneath my feet.   how do you take your coffee (or tea)? black or with cream and/or sugar? 2 cream, 2 sugars. I love flavored creamer.   do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? Hmmmm....I would say a little of both. There are some things we do not have control over, and those are the toughest decisions we have to make.   what one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Finally get married and have a baby. I'm starting to have baby dreams/nightmares. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Peanut butter or pumpkin!   How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? Oils, candles and incense. What's your favorite dessert treat? Pumpkin cheesecake!!! Although....I spotted this recipe and I think it might take over... Craft supplies? Craft supplies are always welcome! I love playing with polymer clay and I recently got into painting raised cameos by hand and making little necklaces. I could always use chains or ribbons for necklaces, acrylic craft or modeling paint, loose cameos, VERY tiny paint brushes (Games Workshop carries good ones), beads, findings etc....
t0yb0xri0t

t0yb0xri0t

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t0yb0xri0t's Blog
 

Non-Bpal Wish List

Wiggle   Pumpkin Amber Black #1 Maya Buxom Querida Anjali Anabelle Penelope Little 5 Theda Martine Odessa   Possets   Madame X Indigo Queen of the Night Quinacridone Scarlet Scented Gloves Any of the Silver Flowers Strawberry Heart Gingerbread Crackhouse and Whorehouse The girls love Chai Chai Chai The Scent of Angels     Arcana   Skipping Vespers Eleanor of Aquitaine Lady Lamb Philtre #1: Amity Poison Candy Breakfast in Hollywood Frilly Underpinnings Ganesh Murder Ballad Blues Persephone’s Flowers Queen Crossbones The Huntress Straightjacket Sleepy Hollow Haint     Haunt   (in perfume or glossing oil) Sword and Lion Sweet Jane Lovehound Rasa Empire Gloaming Cinnamon Girl Shapeshifter Rowan     Lip Lust -Bettie -Violet -Sweet Cream -Chocolate Strawberry -Pumpkin Cake   Wylde Ivy   Startling Sugar Rose Teak Ember Little Shop in Salem Muse     Villainess   Killswitch Ginger Snapped Datura Embargo Blood Bathory Xia Masala   Super Bad   Pulp Girls with Glasses Pumpkin Queen Devil's Snack Cakes Vanilla Cardamom Lip Balm     The Goth Rosary Samhain Black Wings Fairy Wings Can't Wait Demeter
t0yb0xri0t

t0yb0xri0t

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t0yb0xri0t's Blog
 

BPAL Smelly Stuff Wish List

Yvaine Fairy Wine Aureus Bon Vivant Eclipse Inferno Jack Lamdades Masquerade Mata Hari Harlot Phantasm Poisoned Apple Rakshasa The Raven Seance Nocturne Twilight Wings of Azrael Akuma Blood Countess Fenris Wolf Hell's Belle Hellcat Kitsune-Tsuki Medea Phantom Queen Wicked Bathsheba Bordello Delight Kabuki Saturnalia Snake Oil Spellbound Vixen Wanton Lady Macbeth Regan Black Lily Love Lies Bleeding Voodoo Lily Sacred Whore of Babylon Queen Mab Persephone Pele The Rose Prunella Bensiabel Bruised Violet Compound Slipper Poppy Tincture Bat-Woman Sachs The Phantom Calliope Carnival Diabolique Arachnina, The Spider Girl Priala, The Human Phoenix L'Heure Verte The Grindhouse Clemence Dionysia Gwyneth Inez Marianne Rose Red Sugar Moon Berry Moon Strawberry Moon Crypt Queen Bloody Mary
t0yb0xri0t

t0yb0xri0t

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Robin's Blog
 

Fall 09 SW Questions

Unlike last year, I'm going to try and keep these in one post. We'll see how that goes, because I kinda like having the shorter ones.   On to the questions! 9/15 Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive? This is a tough one, as much as I would like to say vigilante, I'd probably end up a Super Villain. Receive? I haven't the foggiest. What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? Identify with? Not so much. Enjoy? Fairies and elves. How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? Not my thing. Do you have a favorite poem or poet? My favorite poems change all the time, same with poets. I really enjoy poetry.   9/14 For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? Either or. Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? Yup. Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? Not really. What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? I love autumn in Western NY. It is why I could never move away. The air gets chilly, but just cold enough to bite your cheeks and make you grab a scarf. It isn't often cloudy during the day, usually only at night and you get a bit of fog rolling across the ground in the early morning. The leaves turn fantastic colors and smell so crisp. You go out in a long coat, a pair of boots and just walk and absorb the wonderfulness around you. Towards the end of October you get the smoke in the air as people start their fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Then there are all the activities. Pumpkin and apple festivals, haunted hayrides, ghost tours, haunted houses, and all that. What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? Don't have a Trader Joe's. If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? Right now, the Torchwood marathon that was on BBC earlier today. Usually it is Top Gear, Leverage, Psych, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, Glee, Chuck, Top Chef, Project Runway, Burn Notice, L&O Criminal Intent, and whatever else catches my eye. Any Amy Brown art fans? Oooh, those are pretty. How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) Would love Halloween Music. I had a CD once but again, I lost it. Currently I listen to this super cheesy cassette tape of Halloween rhymes I bought through a scholastic catalog in 2nd grade or so. Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? I am. Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? Nope. Lolcats....yeah or nay? Sometimes. What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? Darby O'Gill and the Little People followed by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? That would be awesome. Written please. If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? Haven't a clue. Probably autumn-esque with a creepy cottage of sorts, or even just a quaint old school cottage. I saw one once at a festival that I adored.   9/12-13 What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? Uh, not going to work? My cousin is having a party-lite party and I can finally order more of the Halloween Night votives. That is about it. What fictional character do you most identify with and why? This is tough. I will come back to this. Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? I could use one. I'd say at minimum it would need to hold six or so. As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? No preference, whatever works for you. What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? Long hot shower, comfy pants, a snuggly cat, a good book and some music in the background. A warm beverage and some chocolates. Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? I'm vedesca on LJ and Facebook is under my full name. Totally open to new friends. What kind of socks? Soft and warm ones. How often do you update your wishlist? I update the BPAL one usually after a swap is arranged and then again after it has been received. My other ones get updated randomly. May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? Haven't decided on a Halloween costume yet. Don't do any of the others. So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out? Don't have a shop and can't think of any. Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? Will come back. What's your stance on cranberries? Don't like them. Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) Not a problem. See my answer to the book question. Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? Not particularly. You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? Whatever is closest. Lately it has been nuts. Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? Gothic Horror, because it is creepy just like the stories are. Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? I'm pretty sure I've ordered what I wanted through the lab or a decant circle. Wait, except Boo. Didn't think about that one. And Suck it.   9/11 There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? Candy buttons, taffy, gummy fruit slices. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Nope. Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? Downloads aren't a problem.   9/10 Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? I think I've answered this before somewhere, let me know it I haven't. If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I'm randomly crafty so random supplies would be good. What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Long hot shower, lots of sleep. Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? Thunderstorms. When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Whatever makes things easier on you. Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. Nothing that I can think of, but I'll let you know. What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? Empyreal Mist. I have a wee little imp. I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Outside in the fall, fresh-cut grass, smoke from a fire, the fresh smell of the lake. Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Sadly, I only drink instant coffee because I am lazy. Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I do. Who has a birthday falling in this round? Mine just passed. For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? Fruit, nuts and caramel are all good. Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? So many! Batman the Animated Series, Doug, Are You Afraid of the Dark, Ducktales, Animaniacs, Tiny Toons, Clarissa Explains it All. All the rest I will have to come back to.   9/9 Super power? The super speed of the Flash because he can do anything, vibrate through walls and shit, ever hover and can eat whatever he wants. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? Pre-ground. For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I take my coffee with cream and sugar, the few kinds of tea I've actually liked have just been a bit of sugar. The only accessories I would need are more mugs. Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? I don't really go out to eat. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? sleep. How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? tarts, bpal and candles. What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? I have yet to meet a dessert I didn't like. Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? What is with all the thinky questions this round? I think things are preplanned to a point, but that we have the control because you never know which points are planned so you have to treat them like none of them are. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Right now? Sleep.   9/8 What was your favouritest job ever, and why? Haven't found it yet. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? Oh crap. As of today, I would take the Best of David Bowie so I can appreciate all his incarnations, the soundtrack to Wicked because it makes me laugh, cry, and sing out loud and Affirmation by Savage Garden because it makes me smile, dance and sing. All three of these have passed the car test of favorite albums (can they play over and over in the cd player for months before I decide to change them). I would power the generator by water. I'm assuming I'd be somewhere underground in this general area and as our basement is always wet, I'd tap into the wall and make a little water wheel, with a bicycle backup. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? I've been pretty good about buying the GCs I'd use in great quantity and keeping the imps of those I use sparingly. I guess I've been meaning to buy Verdandi for a while, but I've long since used up my imp and cannot recall whether I really loved it enough or just used it up because it was the imp in my purse. Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Interested to read/learn about, yes. I don't have a lot of ailments that aren't solved by Excedrine, and the liberal application of lotion and/or antibiotic ointment. Cleaning solutions, we already use vinegar/baking soda for most things.   9/7 Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? I cook and bake quite a bit. Cookbooks rock, recipes are fun, aprons I didn't "borrow" from work are fantastic. Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? I am, my current to read pile is about 10 books high, but then they tend to get lost in the shuffle so there could be as many as 20 floating around in piles. My favorite book/series is probably The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith. It's like my security blanket. What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? The little mini rolos with like 3 rolos in a pack. That and laffy taffy with halloween jokes on the wrappers. What are your phobias? Well, nothing that really incapacitates me, but bees scare me, being in tight and enclosed spaces with no sort of light, and any other situation like that (including crowded rooms). What is your favourite flower (or plant)? I really like the looks of lilies and tropical flowers. Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? Cool, but not practical for me. An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? If I couldn't pay bills or debts, I'd probably go buy clothes but take my sisters with me and get them something nice. Who likes coloring books? I do, but I haven't colored in ages. Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! No I don't. I'll see if I get around to making one.   9/6 You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? I eat buttered noodles when it is the day before grocery shopping and there isn't much left in the house, that or toast. If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I would redecorate my room and all I would really do is get better quality furniture and repaint (though they don't make this color anymore and it makes me sad). Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? I like to watch if the game is good and well played and unpredictable, I don't care about the team. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Cats and bunnies. This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? I think that more likely it will be like a plague of somekind, kinda like in the Stand. However, I'm all for any apocalypse that doesn't involve me being ill, so I'm going to go Buffy style with a portal to a hell demension. In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) Same old conflicts, different locations. Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? I do, but any further explanation will end up being a wordy essay on my beliefs, which while interesting to me, it is almost 3am. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I've never seen Hellraiser.   9/5 Do you like pinup art/images? I do. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? Well, I'll be at work for most of it, then at midnight I start writing for Nanowrimo. I think at one point I'll be at my sister's watching cheesy movies (which is the closest we come to a Halloween tradition). Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! Um, I don't really have any. What is your favorite color? Blue. Any other steampunk fans/lovers? I thoroughly enjoy steampunk! Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! I'd probably go with a friend, have some fruits and breads and cheeses and go somewhere somewhat secluded but naturally beautiful.   9/4 Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? I love board games but rarely can get people to play so I mostly play scrabble against myself on the computer. Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Not me. What is your favorite Halloween icon? Tough one. Can I just say all of them? I love the pumpkins, the boo ghosts, the bats, all of them. 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. Which items do you choose? There would probably be some BPAL, a selection of books (probably Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, an LJ Smith and Anne of Green Gables), a Wendy's nametag, a nanowrimo sticker, a snoopy doll or toy, a batman toy and something completely random like a glow stick or deck of cards. Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. I'm saving up to buy a house. Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? Cheese burgers. Doesn't matter what is on them as long as there is cheese. Whats your favorite childhood toy? A mattress. I'll elaborate later. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? Not toys, they have enough. They do like treats though and the nip is hilarious to watch. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I have a twitter account but have used it once. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Nope.   9/3 What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? Oddly, aside from the original Buffy, Scream, and Hocus Pocus, I own none of my favorite Halloween/Spooky movies. I have no idea how this has happened and I am appalled. Off the top of my head those would be: It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Nightmare Before Christmas, The Shining (miniseries), Casper, The Canterville Ghost (any and all versions, but I find myself partial to the Patrick Stewart one, because well, Patrick Stewart), The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Psycho, the Gary Oldman Dracula, Disney's Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Worst Witch (why do I not own you???), Teen Wolf (don't ask), The Faculty, The Blair Witch Project, both Addams Family movies, Beetlejuice, both Scary Godmother movies (again, don't ask), Little Monsters, Urban Legend, The Lady in White (scary AND local), the Are You Afraid of the Dark series, The Lost Boys, The Frighteners, Once Bitten, Psycho Beach Party, and that's all I can think of right now, but there are more. Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? Home made chex mix is amazing. Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? How could I pick just one? Pie is the best food in the planet. I'd probably have to go with blueberry though if forced. What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? None, I just got out of work so off they came. Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? Any but the headband, I'm a cold person so they would all get used frequently. How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? LOVE THEM. At some point I had this huge collection of ghost story anthologies, basically any scary story anthology I could buy at a school bookfair I did, and now I have none and I don't know why. Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? Never seen it. Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Hot Cocoa. Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Sure, but skip the lavender. Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? Yes, yes and yes. What is your favourite historical period? I can't choose, most historical periods fascinate me. Right now I've been on a American Colonial kick but that is because I have just reread the Witch of Blackbird Pond. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Cider. Did you order anything from the most recent update? Um, a bit actually Liz, Cake Smash, Mlle. Lilith, Fortune Teller, Lilith vs. The Giant Crab, Falling Leaf Moon, and bottles of Fairy Market (for mom) and Xiuhtecuhtli. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Vampires, with a soft spot for all monsters. What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Steak and onion potato chips.
vedesca

vedesca

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stariel's BPAL Blog
 

Fall SW Questions: 9/5 to 9/8

What was your favouritest job ever, and why?   Hmm... I've had lots of interesting jobs. I think the most fun is probably working in a yarn store (I've had two different yarn store jobs) but it doesn't pay that well. Most of my science jobs - including the current one - have been pretty awesome.   Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator?   This is way too hard of a question. But I will just put down the 3 that I couldn't live without at this very moment and hope that I never get stuck in an apocalypse bolt hole.   AEnima ~ Tool Fables From a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times is True ~ Fair to Midland The Spear of the Lily is Aureoled ~ Sculptured   Of course, that doesn't include any bands with female vocals, which is sad. But I don't think I could live without any of those.   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"?   I made the mistake of doing that with Succubus. I got one bottle but didn't get a backup. But currently? Whatever is on my wishlist. Fae is one I know.   Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.?   I like home-made cleaning solutions, but I'm usually too lazy to make them if they take much work.   Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else?   I like to cook! I don't wear aprons, though maybe I should to avoid the little bits of cookie dough that always get stuck on my shirt when I use the mixer. I could use measuring spoons, but I have plenty of cups. Vegetarian recipes / cookbooks are always appreciated. I wouldn't mind some cute dish towels either - I seem to have lost some during the move and they weren't cute anyway.   Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series?   I read some, lately it's been nonfiction and semi-trashy vampire books for contrast. I used to read more, but then I got really into knitting and started doing that more.   What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween?   I don't really stock up. I usually have some candy at home, but it takes me a while to eat it. I do love Almond Joy though, and those mini Snickers are just the right size!   What are your phobias?   I don't think I technically have any phobias, but I do have an intense dislike / disgust about spit. It's inconvenient when around drooly dogs and/or children. Just thinking about it, or someone making spit sounds, makes me feel nauseous. I even get super grossed-out about my own spit.   What is your favourite flower (or plant)?   I have this strange affinity for jade plants. I would say that irises are my favorite flower - because of the color.   Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so?   My best friend has had one for years now and he loves it. I just got a custom wallet made a few months ago so I'm all set on the wallet front, though.   An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money?   Well, I'd buy an Xbox 360 and Gold Live subscription so I can watch Netflix movies on my TV. Plus Rock Band and a mic so I can play it with my Boston Rock Band people. Then I'd probably get some BPAL and a lot of yarn, and some presents for my friends and family.   Who likes coloring books?   I haven't colored in a long time. This might sound weird... but I don't like crayons. It's because they never come out looking "even" when you color with them. Yes, I'm weird.   Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one!   Yep, here, but I don't usually update it.   You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out?   I always have a few things around that are quick and easy for when I'm feeling lazy or having a grocery emergency. So I'd probably end up having chili or mac & cheese or ramen or a veggie burger.   If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it?   Well, I'm still in the process of decorating. I suppose it's ongoing. I do need to get a bed frame and a bedside table for my bedroom. And then there's my knitting nook that currently only has a lamp - I just got a rug at IKEA but I haven't put it down yet. I need a chair for there. But I'm not really good at decorating. I just go with the strategy of blue and throwing stuff together.   Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for?   Nope.   What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.)   I love tropical fish! I don't have any right now, though. And I'm also a big fan of cats, because they're cuddly but also independent most of the time. As for non-pet animals: crows, squirrels, non-poisonous snakes, and bats.   This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)?   Um... I dunno. I'm going to go more boring and say that an asteroid hits earth, plunging it into an ice age.   In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!)   What song?   Hmm, well I think we should definitely have teleports. Or at least really really fast cheap travel.   Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you?   Not in the traditional sense. I believe there are many amazing things that aren't explainable with our current knowledge - I guess that's sort of like magic.   If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? )   I haven't ever seen that movie, but I think bad things happen if you open the box? I'd probably destroy it if possible. And I would definitely be able to resist playing with it.   Do you like pinup art/images?   Not really.   What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions?   No plans yet. I'm hoping to find some fun way to spend it - last year I just sat around the house I think.   Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you!   Well, bryghtrose introduced me to BPAL and the forum... now I live 3000 miles away and see littlegoat and Thursdae and twilighteyes and some other Seattle BPALers for meet & sniffs.   What is your favorite color?   BLUE!!!!!   Any other steampunk fans/lovers?   I'm not exactly clear on what it is, even after looking it up. I've seen some cool stuff, but I don't know that it's really me.   Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so!   I'd bring a bunch of my friends and make iced tea and lemonade and cookies and cute little sandwiches and fruit and yummy cupcakes and then we could just sit around and knit after lunch (or read or nap for the non-knitters). But it would be somewhere with lots of shade and not too hot because I'm not really a fan of the sun or the heat. Maybe I should get a parasol. Oh, and because it is the ideal picnic there wouldn't be any bees trying to get into the food!
stariel

stariel

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stariel's BPAL Blog
 

Fall SW Questions: 9/3 and 9/4

What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to?   I have and love Nightmare Before Christmas, and Sleepy Hollow has lovely costumes. I don't really watch gory or most horror movies, but I do like suspense and crime movies.   Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what?   They sound delicious, though Worcestershire sauce (in most Chex mix recipes) has anchovies. But you know, it tastes just fine with soy sauce, I can vouch!   what kinda socks are you wearing tonight?   I'm just wearing little cotton anklets that are bright green and yellow striped, because I desperately need to do sock laundry. I handwash my handknit socks.   Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's?   I love pie! Especially pumpkin - last year I made 4 different kinds before Thanksgiving and "tested" them with my family to determine which was the best for the real Thanksgiving.   Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most?   Yes! I probably wouldn't wear shawls unless they're squishable to a scarf size, but I still think they're lovely. I knit lots of socks myself, but I wouldn't say no to more. And arm warmers might be fun - I don't currently wear them but I'd give it a shot.   How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you?   I'm not really into them, but I don't really mind them either. Except The Graveyard Book - that is fabulous!   Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13?   Never heard of it.   Nother question! Coffee or Tea?   I only drink coffee out, but I like tea a lot (especially chai) and make it at home often.   Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps?   Sure!   Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things?   I don't wear dangly earrings or pendants much. I don't wear hair clips cuz my hair doesn't really "do", but I do use pony tail bands.   What is your favourite historical period?   This one is pretty decent. But I think I want Victorian clothes.   What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall?   I love flavored hot chocolate, especially mint!   Did you order anything from the most recent update?   Nope! I'm sniffing Weenies this weekend hopefully, and then I'll probably order some.   Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster?   Vampires! They're so hot... I think it's the neck biting thing.   What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave?   Hmm... I don't really know. I once had a knitting swap buddy in England that sent me apricot and oatmeal Thornton's Choccies. Those were perhaps the yummiest candy ever.   Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG?   I wouldn't really consider myself a gamer, but I do like board games and... Fluxx! the best game ever!   Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls)   I had to go look them up. I have a Blythe - a remake - and a similar Asian doll without the color-changing eyes, but the ones you're asking about seem to have normal sized bodies (not tiny bodies and huge heads). I got mine to knit clothes for, but have I gotten around to it? Of course not!   What is your favorite Halloween icon?   I am a fan of pumpkins (both carved and un-), black cats, and BATS!   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. Which items do you choose?   I'm stealing the idea of an iPod of my favorite music, that is just fabulous. Also some handknit socks, because knitting is my big hobby. Something sciencey to depict my job - maybe some tubes and a pipet. And then some blue star stuff, a few photobooth strips of me with friends because I collect them, maybe some BPAL imps. That's probably it.   Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example.   I have my 101 in 1001, that's sort of an ambitious project. Especially the part about buying a home... that may or may not happen within the time, but it's a goal I'm working towards.   Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ????   Well, naturally I only eat veggie burgers, being a vegetarian and all. There's this great burger place called Red Mill near my house that has amazing veggie burgers and also the yummiest creamsicle flavored shakes... I might have to go there this weekend.   What's your favorite childhood toy?   I have this little stuffed animal named BooBoo that I got when I was very young. I used to take him everywhere, and he had many adventures like the time I dropped him off the 2nd floor of the mall (it's open in the middle) and a nice man on the first floor brought him back to me up the escalator. Or the time we went swimming and his poor little arm ripped off. We could never figure out what he was and my mom claimed he was a groundhog. But then last December I was on a train to visit my family and we got stuck for a couple hours when our engine broke down. I was talking to this girl next to me and somehow the subject came up and I said I had seen this picture of a mink and BooBoo has a mink face, but that he doesn't have a tail. Voila! He is an ermine! I never would have guessed, it took a broken down train over 20 years later to figure out poor BooBoo's identity.   If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them?   I have two cats, and they'd enjoy toys or treats. Or just the box you send my gifties in, I'm sure they'll love that.   Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I'm stariel there too. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? And I'm also stariel on Ravelry.
stariel

stariel

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Nia's Blog
 

Fall Round Questions

Dear witch: I will be very, very grateful for any gifts for my boyfriend. Anything to help me with his Christmas gifts! He's really the best thing in my life and I'd like to give him many small surprises this Christmas, so if you send me anything for him, warn me beforehand so I can hide it discreetly until the right time.   Henna: No, thanks. Calendars: No, thanks. Journals in the sense of organisation journals for 2010: I'm already covered. Journals, as in, pretty notebooks: always welcome. What are your thoughts on Halloween decorations? As I've said before, not interested. What tarot card do you most identify with? The lovers, and to some extent, the queen of swords. The Boy is the King of Cups. He always appears in my readings.   ******9/23***** Who collects ACEOs/ATCs? Not me.   If you could describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Feminist, foody, perfectionist, in love.   Do you collect new/used stamps? No.   Any WKAP you're excited about? Not really.   How do you feel about stationary? (pens, notepads, cards, pencils, etc.) It's always good.   Tea lovers, loose or bag? Paraphernalia? Both. Loose black tea unless it's teadirect, herbal in bags, usually.   Would you object to annonomous postcards (real ones) from your witch before the big reveal??? That would be nice.   Beetroot: I like them, but I don't get the fuss. Trading post: I don't dare to look in the website. I got the Forbidden Brides scent locket because it came out at the same time that I got a rash from any blend with cinnamon... Mizayaki: Love. Love love love. I don't own anything and I don't think I've watched everything. Alcohol: I like drinking it with meals and making cocktails. I think I have a very Mediterranean attitude to it; Alcohol is a food group comparable to sweets. Better had often but in small amounts. Mojo bags: As someone said in the forum, I'd rather have spell components than a spell made for me. But thanks for the thought.   Do you wear lip gloss/lip balm? If so, what flavors/scents? Not really, I prefer lipstick. What is one thing you constantly keep with you that you constantly loose? Everything! Especially my keys :S What are your favorite fruits? Cherries. I like berries but strawberries are the only available ones over here. I like most fruits although I find apples boring.   What is your favorite cookie type? I prefer European style biscuits. The only cookies I like are oatmeal and raisin.   Are you into 80s movies (like i am ) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters? Can't really think of any.   Do you mind artificial colors in your food? No. Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc) Haven't I answered this already? If you were my witchee, would you like any of the scents/sizes that are available on clearance? This refers, I think, to Big Dipper candles. I don't need candles to be scented, so it all sounds nice.   I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes.The Boy is in charge of the origami!! Origami paper would be a great gift for him.   How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out? I don't like the look and feel of fake fur. I don't like stuff made from wild animals (such as coral). Leather and feathers are fine. How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind? I'm awful at stress management. My favourite remedies are big mugs of tea, long showers, and perfumes that include lavender.   You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor? The craft is, certainly, bellydance. It would be hard to pick a mentor.   Re: candles. I love candles. I use them for religious reasons, to create an atmosphere, as decoration, for light, and finally for scent, which is not a necessary characteristic. I like fresh, floral, perfumey smells more than foody ones. Spicy smells are nice. I don't get how can pumpkin be a good smell for a candle or a perfume. I hate candles that don't burn well - for example, funny-shaped ones.   Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music? I love music, but I can't sing or play. Favorite musicals? Any and all. From Fred Astaire to Bollywood. Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing? Rage and Gluttony. Anyone want a nickname and embroidered headband from PandaBite? Not me. I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use? I've used their tarts once or twice, and that's all. Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift? It would be absolutely fantastic. Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? Not really. I think that the reason is probably that I rely on language way too much. Another reason is that I don't like the Cross very much because I just see it as the instrument of torture it once was. I like aums, and the triple goddess sign, but they're not particularly representative of me. I also like Brigid's cross, Celtic and Chinese knots, and geometrical patterns that represent circular movement (even Recycle symbols!)   Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? Christian saints: the poets, the writers, the mystics. St Thomas of Aquinas (patron saint of teachers), St John of the Cross (his day of remembrance in the church is the day before my birthday), Theresa of Avila, St Francis and St Clare. St Bede. I have a problem with the Virgin Mary as I hate the way that she has been taught to women as an impossible model to imitate Pagan Gods: Athenea, probably. I'm very curious about the main female Indian deitis (Durga, Shakti, Shiva, in that order). Shiva. Ganesh. Odin. Yggdrasil. It breaks my heart that the Yggdrasil and Odin BPALs give me headaches.   Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive? I'm a vigilante already. I'm a teacher, ¿remember?   What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? I'm a Sagittarius and I quite liked centaurs when I was a child. I imagined them wise and strong and in a confused way I thought I could / would become one.   But I'm actually a hobbit. I like to eat every two hours and I love mushrooms.   How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? No, and no. All the dead people in my life leave me with a sense of missed opportunities. It's just a sad occasion.   Do you have a favorite poem or poet? Many! Shakespeare, John Donne, E E Cummings, Alan Spence, Seamus Heaney, and classical Japanese haiku writers. To name a few.   For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? Either. Both.   Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? yes to pill boxes. I have a coin purses but I'd love something that fitted a handful of Kleenex (the plastic packs tend to break inside my handbag), and now that I think about it, a lanyard that went well with my light purple coin purse would be great. On my coffee break, I go to the nearest café with my keys and my coin purse and no handbag (because it is huge) and sometimes I forget them!   Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? Not just now, no.   What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? I know two autumns: The autumn in the Sevilla-Huelva area (extreme south-west Spain) and my current place of residence, which is extreme south too but a mountain area.   Up to last year, I knew three seasons. Spring, Summer, Winter. "autumn" was rainy winter. It only rains in November and early spring. People say "there is no autumn here" and the season is fundamentally grey.   Since last year, there is a difference between autumn and winter. Winter is clearly colder. And Autumn is a countdown to Christmas because this town lives on the sale of Christmas sweets to the rest of Spain. The place smells of spices for four months.   I like the beginning of the school year, the countdown to Christmas, and the end of the unbearable heat of the summer. I dislike the rain and the greyness. I wish trees went red.   If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? The news. I could be watching CSI or Law and Order but The Boy hates those with a passion, and Law and order is satellite only and I don't have satellite TV any more.   Any Amy Brown art fans? I just took a quick look. I'm on a search of female images that aren't too cute, passive or childlike. Amy Brown looks a little bit likew what I'm looking for. Or... ask galahad were he got the stuff he used for CD sleeves and ecards.   How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) As I have said before, I'm not a Halloween fan. Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? Me! Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? I live in the middle of nowhere, population 12,000. Aside from the basics, I do most of my shopping in other places. I miss bookshops most of all.   Lolcats....yeah or nay? yay.   What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? I can't really think of any just now. If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? I think I'd prefer it in writing.   If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? I have asked a friend of mine who studies Fine Arts at Uni to make a painting for The Boy. I cannot make a description to you because it illustrates something about a Spanish childhood in the 80's - it doesn't translate.   If it was a painting for me, I'd probably like an oil painting with a bouquet of white or blue flowers, in bright colors.   What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future?A day on the beach if we get one last sunny weekend before autumn starts properly. A Mapplethorpe exhibition. Friends visiting.   What fictional character do you most identify with and why? I used to think I had a crush on Jane Eyre. Now I think I identify with her. I'm a teacher, I have a big mouth and I'm worried about not being good enough.   Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? Anything from 5 to 20. Altoid tin size max.   As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? I answered this on the forum.   What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? Eating with The Boy a light but elaborate meal that I enjoyed cooking, with dessert. Followed by a massage by candlelight. Sex optional. Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? I have a dozen blogs , I have Facebook, and I'm on Twitter as laguiri. I don't use them to make new friends but to stay in contact with RL ones. What kind of socks? Black and discreet. I used to love colourful ones but they don't look good with the sort of clothes I wear to work these days. How often do you update your wishlist? Whenever there's an update or I get a new batch of imps. It's always up to date. It has everything I have not tried and does not contain notes of doom, that is why it's so long.   May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? No costuming here. Except bellydancing, and I'm not dancing in public at the moment, so... Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? Too many to mention. I like Charles Rennie Mackintosh, rennaissance art... just lots of things. What's your stance on cranberries? yum. Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) That's not a problem, of course! Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? Not really, not right now, and no thanks. You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? A biscuit, probably. Or cheese and bread. Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? Not that I remember. Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? I joined a decant circle so there's nothing I need   There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I like many types of candy. I don't like Reese cups, most mints, and most liquorice. I hate salty liquorice. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? No. Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? No. Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? yes. Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? Doctor Who. I saw a season or two when I was about eleven and then it wasn't on TV any more, ever again.   Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? yes, why not.   If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? fabric would be lovely, although I haven't learnt to sew yet (there's an etsy shop in my favourites). I'd love very thick wool. For jewelry, nice findings and beads are always welcome!   What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? A long hot shower. Massage is good. When all else fails, Ibuprofen.   Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? Yes... I like to hear my boyfriend sing, and birdsong, and the wind on trees.   When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Definitely individually wrapped. I love to open a box with a dozen surprises.   Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. Tazo or Stash tea, I don't like them. Soap, I have too much at the moment. That's it.   What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? Always wanted, never tried: most of the Salons on my wishlist. I don't like to buy bottles unsniffed and they aren't very popular on the swaps forums. Tried, loved, never again: Emathides (bought an imp, it broke!) and Candy Butcher (bought an imp, it disappeared!!!)   I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Many food ones: olive oil, the sweet factories in my town, most spices... I like the smell of the country more than the sea.   Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I'm not a big coffee fan.   Who has a birthday falling in this round? Not me. I'm a December baby.   For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? Chillies are kind of OK. I like almonds but NOT hazelnuts or macadamias. Fruit is always great. I love chocolate with candied ginger.   Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? The average stuff of an eighties childhood. I was a BIG fan of Michael Ende and Maria Gripe.   Super power? dividing myself into five or six to get five times as many things done.   If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? No coffee, please. Spices? I have a pestle and I find using it quite therapeutic.   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I love mugs (not huge ones).   I like flavoured black tea (with flowers, spices or fruits) without sugar or milk; green or herbal tea also plain; Black tea with milk; chai with milk and sugar.   Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? Not available in my country, I'm afraid.   In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? my boyfriend to share it with.   How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? The Boy prefers incense sticks. Sometimes I scent a candle with BPAL. I only have an oil burner which is a bit too small to hold tarts; I prefer oil to tarts anyway. I0ve never used reed diffusers but they sound like a good idea.   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? This is the hardest question in the entire round.   Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I don't believe in destiny. Catholics are not supposed to, and it is probably the most Catholic thing about my worldview. Actually, the destiny vs. freedom, predestination vs. randomness question makes me very uncomfortable.   What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? My life is pretty good at the moment. I don't know what I wish the most; getting married or perfect health. Economical stability for The Boy is a prerequisite for getting married....   What was your favouritest job ever, and why? My current one. I'm a high school teacher, with only one year of experience. I teach English as a Foreign Language to kids ages 13 to 18! I like working with teenagers a lot more than I thought. And the school I'm in is very good.   Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? The Beatles Blue album (the compilation of late greatest hits), Pink Floyd's The Wall, and The Well-Tempered Klavier. My boyfriend would take care of the generator. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Salons. They are the last of my GC priorities.   Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? I love cooking. An apron would be fantastic, this is what I said in the summer round: I need something that covers the chest, and ideally with pockets. My mother has one like a pinafore that ties with ribbons on the sides, but she didn't let me have it magtongue.gif I've included a couple of apron makers on my etsy favorites icon_biggrin.gif And I like what I see in this website. The problem with this fashion of cute aprons is that they are clearly   Cookbooks: unless it's on my Amazon wishlist, I'm not interested because I like to have practical cookbooks, and to use them, and right now I have quite a few. Measuring cups, I prefer to cook by weight. Recipes would be nice. Spice containers: I have a problem there because I have 30 or 40 different spices and they are all in differently shapped containers, so I dream of having a spice rack but that's just not possible.   Fancy spices: this is all that I'd like and don't have (or can't get easily), according to Wikipedia: Chinese 5-spice. Sage. Curry leaf. Lemongrass. Poppy seeds. Nigella (onion seeds). Cardamom. Tamarind paste. Allspice. Dish towels: sounds nice, they are always useful. Napkins: no thanks. Potholders: that would be great, I actually need one or two.       50's-inspired and I don't like the period that much. I like them cute, but not in a "50's kitsch" way. Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? I love to read. I find it very hard to pick favorites but you can imagine I have to love Charles Dickens to be finishing a PhD about him.   What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? I don't do Halloween. I like most types of candy, especially sour or chewy ones. What are your phobias? I'm afraid of falling down stairs.   What is your favourite flower (or plant)? I like blue flowers! And zinnias.   Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? My boyfriend probably would.   An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? I'd spend the whole week trying to decide which is The Perfect, All-Occasions Handbag. And the last day I'd buy it.   Who likes coloring books? Not me.   Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! I mostly use it to keep track of my pile of unread books. http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1910   You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? I think I've eaten take out once in the last 13 months. Does that answer your question? If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? The bedroom. All I can think is that I would burn one of the closets and get a much bigger, modern, simpler one.   Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? Not really. This is Soccerland and I'm not that interested. I love sports that are in some way dance-related (Synchro, gymnastics...) but the unfairness of the judges and the media are too discouraging. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Tigers and penguins. This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? The death of the Sun. It's going to swell up and swallow us.   In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) It's going to be harsh after we destroy biodiversity irreversibly.   Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? I believe most of the basic principles of Wicca. My Christianity has a strong Wicca leaning.   If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? Considering that all my knowledge of Hellraiser is second-hand from my boyfriend, I'd be in a dilemma. Showing it to him because he'd find it very cool? Or hiding it away because he loves fixing things??? Do you like pinup art/images? No.   What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? As I have said before, I'm not interested in Halloween, but I have a Wiccan friend who is a solitary witch living about 90 minutes away from me, it's going to be on a Saturday, and it's her favourite Wiccan holiday, so I might go and just have lunch with her at some point that weekend.   Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! I'm not sure. Some people who know me better than the rest are Baitu and Lilirose. My past witches have been Kristana and Galahad. What is your favorite color? Green-and-blue. Any other steampunk fans/lovers? Yes for the boyfriend. Me, by association.   Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! It would have to be in the spring because the summer here is too hot and the fall, too rainy. The only must-have food is Spanish-style potato omelette (like a fritatta). We'd have it in a park and I picture in it some of my dance friends, yoga classmates and even workmates. Say, about a dozen people.   Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? Not me. The boyfriend loves nostalgic things... videogames from the 80's and 90's.   Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Not me.   What is your favorite Halloween icon? neh.   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. Which items do you choose? My poetry. Some novels: Dombey and Son, Written on the Body, The Frozen Heart. Some olive oil. My moonstone ring, if it didn't have so much sentimental value.   Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? I'd rather have a Serranito (a "little one from the mountains". Take a boneless porkchop, a slice of dry-cured ham, a slice of tomato and a fried green pepper. Put inside a white roll or similar piece of bread. Eat with fries.   Whats your favorite childhood toy? A doll called Nancy. She was sort of a Spanish reaction to Barbie but she was about 15 inches high and with quite natural proportions. Mine were actually borrowed from my mom's; she couldn't afford dolls as a child and my father bought her about three Nancys before I was born. It's funny but she's the only toy I remember very well, the only logical answer to this question even though I think I played more with other toys. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? Does the boy count? He likes machines and computers, and origami, and sweets.   Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I'm laguiri, but I tweet in Spanish. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? I don't know what that is. What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? I can't stand any sort of physical violence on film so all the scary films I like are ghost stories, like The Others.   Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? Pumpkin seeds are nice, but I doubt I'd like chex mix.   Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? I prefer cake to pie. I prefer fruit pies.   What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? Are you kidding? I'm wearing flipflops, otherwise my feet would melt.   Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? Socks: I wear boring black. Blankets are nice, but too heavy for you to post. Wrist warmers sound nice, arm warmers are an interesting idea but I don't know if I'd use them. a Shawl would be amazing.   How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I do like to read ghost stories.   Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? Have never heard of that. Nother question! Coffee or Tea? I like coffee but I don't drink much of it. I love tea. Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Yes. Both. I live in a place that officially produces the best olive oil in Spain. Lavender-scented anything is considered a staple in this house (as in, there's perfume and then there's lavender; there's two soaps on the shower: one must be lavender and the other keeps changing). Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? My usual jewelry is: a pair of dangly earrings and one bracelet, or a short necklace and tiny earrings. Sometimes I wear pendants.   cut-and-pasting from a summer round question: This is what I can and can't wear on my hair from the first Google result for "hair clips".   NOOOOOO: Alice bands, barrettes that consist on a piece of leather and a stick that goes through it, very big barettes, beak clips, "bendies" or "sleepies", bobbles, clips, combs, thin elastics   YAY: Barrettes like this type, especially if they're about one inch long (so I can just hold the two locks of hair that fall on my face), claw clips that are not very big (they wouldn't hold the hair at the front), thicker elastics, cloth scrunchies (NOT the ones with stuff attached, like beads), headbands and headwraps (not a big fan, though).   What is your favourite historical period? The Victorian period, probably. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Most herbal teas.   Did you order anything from the most recent update? I don't think so. Can you believe I don't remember?   Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Vampires. I like my villains cool and sophisticated.   What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Norwegian sweet cheese. Gudbrandalsost. When I was a child, my family had Norwegian friends who brought it with them oncce a year. It's not available in Spain so it's something I miss a lot.
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SW Random Questions 9/8

What was your favouritest job ever, and why? That's an easy one - executive pastry chef for a little fine dining place in Wicker Park, Chicago. I made my own hours, had nearly full control over the dessert menu, had a quiet & wholly supportive executive chef, a band of grossly inappropriate & deeply loyal prep & line guys, and a wait staff who took an active & passionate interest in food. The basement kitchen sucked a bit, and the owners were ultimately a right pair of bastards, but if I wanted something, I ordered it. If I wanted to put something on the menu, I did it. I was constantly changing the menu according to the seasons & my whims, and I got some spectacular feedback from the customers. At the time I was petulant about not being "recognized" by the Chicago food community, but now I have the wisdom to see how that was ultimately a blessing - if we'd blown up in popularity, I couldn't have kept that micro approach, I'd have had to streamline & that would have meant a lot less of the fun parts. My feet burned constantly, I had no health insurance, I worked every New Year's Eve & Valentine's Day, but I was deeply happy.   Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? Rachel's Systems & Layers, Pixie's Dolittle, and Duke Ellington & John Coltrane's Impulse collaboration. I'd rig a gyroscope to my belt & run a wire to the generator - I am not one of these people who can sit still when good music is playing   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Until recently, Aunt Caroline's Joy Mojo - I'd keep getting frimps of it here & there, so I never thought to get a bottle. Times have changed, though, and when I next have BPAL money to spend there'll be bottles of ACJM & TKO first in the cart.   Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? I'm a wealth of folk knowledge already, but bring them on! We're trying to go green as much as possible.
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