Blogs

2018 Samhain Seven Qs

Updated 9/19/18

Shortbread? Heck yes. I am up for just about any baked good.

Is there something you’d like from the UK? Pimms is probably out, but I love UK chocos and other edibles.

Do you like Lord of the Rings? Yes, but I"m not a huge fangirl. It is one of those things where I like the movies and such and have read the books, but have no desire to do so again.

Any ceramics you could use? I can always use trays and cups for jewelry.

If you like tea and I have opened tea as well as sealed tea to send would you mind some cleanly decanted and clearly labeled tea I think you would really enjoy based on your preferences? Absolutely!

Would you like anything from my etsy shop? (http://twinklentwilight.etsy.com)
I love a lot of the fabric choices - the dragon/bat (all of the bat options, really), ravens, galaxy, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter and Dr. Who. I want something the blinded me with science for my science loving daughter and the plush monsters are adorable. I don't really knit, so I wouldn't have use for bags as project bags, but I still wants them my precious.

Are you interested in a crocheted monster or unicorn or whatever? Colors?
I am all about the fun plushies.
Lavender Vanilla Bean or Rose Petal liqueur?
Both of these sound AMAZING.

Nail stamping plates
I have no idea what these are and google isn't giving me a good sense of whether I would actually use them. I'm guessing not, since I am fumble fingers with polish and usually go to a nail salon.

knitted things:
Yes please! I would be most interested in arm warmers or socks, or maybe a shawl or cowl.

cylindrical tins:
No thank you. I have a ton of these lying about myself.

What about white witchy items (oils, sage, stones, etc).
No thank you.

What about reusable shopping bags?
If they are fun, from local places and such, sure! I don't need plain store ones and such as I have a ton, but I love getting ones from different locales.

Korean beauty items like sheet masks?
Sure!

Do you like Bath and Body Works and if so, what are your fave products/scents?
BBW is one of my guilty pleasures. I love getting shower gel/lotion combos and I love their foaming hand soap (although I have rather a lot of that at the moment, but I don't have any of their fall scents). I also like the C Bigelow nail and hand care products.

Would you like something from Walt Disney World?
I would love NMBC stuff, but other than that, I'm fine. I was just at Disneyland last December and am pretty stocked up.

So Shihaya & Co has a bunch of fantastic candles, bath & body stuff (from Paintbox Soapworks!), Arcana perfume, etc. Is there anything there you are interested in? Please list products as well as scents. (as an FYI, the Smiles by Wedelstaedt soap is make by Brooke who used to own Villainess.)
In terms of candles, Amber and Velvet, Autumnvale Cafe, Ember and Mallow, Full Moon, Gemini all sound delightful. In terms of other stuff, the Hocus Pocus soap and scrub, Bermuda Triangle soap.

What are your favorite products and scents from Paintbox Soapworks (that are in stock?)
Generally, I love her scrubs and soaps (not as fond of the lotions) I would love to try Abnoba, Indian Summer, Putney Road, Princess Pony Sparklebutt in sample sizes of either scrub or soap. I also adore the Rice Pudding hot process soap.

Fatherhood update desires? I've ordered a bunch, but have added a few that I'd still love to try to my wishlist.

Do you have any interest in fun tees or other goodies either related to your fandoms or otherwise from TeeTurtle or similar sites (https://www.teeturtle.com/)? If the answer is yes, what's your t-shirt size?
Absolutely! I prefer women's cut, 2XL for tees. Generally, darker is better in terms of color.

Do you have a favorite musical, opera, playwright or other theatrical or performing arts interest for which you might like interesting goodies? I am pretty set on this score in that I have easy access to merch along these lines.

Do you have any desire/need for a new umbrella? I always need more small collapsible ones as my children seem to have discovered some sort of portal that devours all umbrellas in the immediate vicinity.

Any desire for mugs - travel or otherwise? How about water bottles?
I am pretty set for ceramic mugs. I can always use more travel mugs if they are both cool and diswasher safe. Same for water bottles.

How do you feel about things like Halloween-themed blankets and throw pillows?
I feel great about them! We have a pumpkin pillow and spider blankie that are used year round. I'd be particularly interested in flying things - bats, owls, ravens, gargoyles in blacks and purples.

Are there any companies you've been wanting to try or would like to try more of?
I would definitely be interested in trying more soap and lotion products from Haus of Gloi and Arcana and Brooke's new stuff. I only wear BPAL perfumes, but am much more flexible with other products.

How do you feel about this: thevampstamp.com
This is pretty much the only way I could possibly attempt that sort of eyeliner, but honestly, I'd probably never use it.

Would you, or your swapee be interested in fall themed Yankee candle small candles?
Sure.

How do you feel about loose eyeshadow? (new of course)
Not really my thing. I have a bunch and while I love the colors, it's just to fussy for me to use much.

How does a scent of rose, mahagony, coffee and tobacco sound to you?
Probably not my thing (sorry!). I only wear BPAL perfumes and that's not a combo that really grabs me for bath stuff.

Is this something you, or your swapee might need or be interested in?
https://www.rekonect...ducts/rekonlife
(its a notebook with a magnetic spine and pages that can be removed and reattached) I have two that are totally unused.
No thanks.

Also, I am brewing my own kombucha now. Would you like a bottle or two?
Sure!

How do you feel about literal pumpkin *spice* - i.e. cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger - as a flavoring (the inclusion of pumpkin is not essential in my plotting)? How about those flavors combined with chocolate in some mystery form?
I am all over this concept (literally).

If you like/want books, do you have a goodreads or other place where you discuss your favorite books? Would you be interested in a spooky Halloween compilation or a classic halloweenie/autumnal book like Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree or Something Wicked This Way Comes?
I would love a new weenie compilation (now that I think about it, that's not the word I want, but wev).

September 9, 2018

Lemonlife's Blog

Mixing an old LE with a GC

Well, I had this bottle of Candy Phoenix (the 2010 one). No one was really interested in swapping. So, I mixed it with my 1/3 bottle of persephone. I figured 2 sweet based perfumes would work mixed together. Also, TBH, I think the Candy Phoenix had been faded over time. I did the mixing oh, a month ago? I figured I should let it sit a while for the oils to get used to each other. So, now I'm opening & seeing what this smells like.

In the bottle: Holy hard candy, batman!! Red sugared candy overpowers everything. Not grooving on this so far.

Wet: Still red candy, with a faint whiff of PEZ candy?? (side note: anyone else wonder why they named a candy 'fish' when they were little?) There's rose coming out now, thank goodness.

Dry: Oh, this is *much* nicer. The rose beats back the sugar note (it's there, but background). Now I can smell fruit. Definite pomegranate, but also pear and, this is looney, but a little meyers lime? Like a lime without the bite. There's an incense note to it, like Candy Phoenix gets on me, but it stays in the back. Rose eventually becomes dominant over a background of fruit and the other notes only peek out sometimes. Oh, a bubblegum note pops out sometimes after about 1/2 hour.

How did I do? Well, I think this is <I>almost</i> a success. Somehow, combining the two makes it feel more grown-up than the originals alone. But, it's still solidly stuck at age 15/16. I kind of want to add something a touch more grounding in as well. But, I don't know if that would throw it due to the peeking in/out of bubblegum. The mix is really nice, but a touch incomplete in my head. I'll think on it and maybe figure it out. If not, it's nice enough on it's own for when I'm in the mood for something light and happy and silly.

quigza

September 6, 2018

Psuke's Blog

Swap questions for 13 Nights of Halloween

A note to my Goblin(?) - I forgot to mention a format of books that is good is physical! I'm super happy to get books, and used books are good, too. And related to that, an inexpensive item I appreciate is a good bookmark. A handmade bookmark, even, if you are crafty that way.

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

I love almost all of it. The cooler weather, longer nights, rain (I hope), and all the witches and ghosts and gothic funstuff my little heart could desire.

Would you like a Halloween-themed cross-stitch piece of art done by your partner? If so, do you prefer something practical, like a cross-stitch dishtowel or table runner, or something to be hung on the wall? I've been getting into cross-stitch again and having fun with Halloween patterns.

Sure, I'd love something like Halloween dishtowels, or along thos lines. We don't really do wall art at my house.

Are you coveting something from the Lilith release?

I'm safe from this update

Have you seen the Haus of Gloi Fall update? Does anything from that tickle your fancy?

I'm tempted by the Queen Mother Fall 2018 or Shadow Fairy perfume oil and Persephone Descending in Bubbling Scrub or Hair oil

Enamel Pins:

Aesthetically they're fine, but I always lose them.

Would you appreciate handknits? Any preference (socks, hats, cowls, mitts, etc)

Certainly! I don't really do knit hats, except maybe a nice stocking cap, but hooray on the rest of it.

What kind of local goods do you like to pick up/try when you visit somewhere new?

Ummm, I don't generally speaking...But I'll pretend for this question. Foodstuff, probably. Local honey, maybe. Or something from a local crafter. Something yarn related, maybe?

Do you like to cook or bake, and if so, would you like any cooking accessories, mixes, or ingredients?

I do all the cooking and baking in my house. Something fun for the kitchen would be nice. A fun/fancy spoon rest or bread making accessories.

Pumpkin Spice:

I prefer my pumpkin spice to be paired with pumpkin. As a scent...eh. It's all right, but the hype drives me nuts.

Do you like Day of the Dead goodies?

As cultural art celebrating a religious holiday I find it fascinating. But like Kokopelli, I find the commercialization of it disturbing.

How do you feel about homemade edibles? Not just baked goods, but fruit butters, jams and such-like? Do you prefer savory or sweet or yes?

I love homemade edibles, with the caveat that they are vegetarian.

Socks?

Certainly! I prefer calf and knee length

Things Japanese?

Interesting flavors of kitkats, aside from that I don't know

Yankee Candle or Bath & Body Works?

No thank you

Recent LEs, updates?

No thank you

Fandoms?

Sort of? There are things I follow, or love and wouldn't mind artifacts relating too them...official or otherwise. In no particular order: Anything from Jhonen Vasquez, especially Zim or Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, anything (except the small children's books) by Neil Gaiman, Girl Genius online comic, the various works of Ursula Vernon (mostly in her grown-up T. Kingfisher hat) including the Hidden Almanac podcast, Archive 81, the Tanis podcast, and Welcome to Nightvale

Disney?

Nightmare Before Xmas! Also, I love the Haunted Mansion and New Orleans Square

Star Wars?

Only the original 3

Harry Potter?

No

Honey?

Certainly

Would you like flavored oils or vinegars?

Yes, please!
.
Do you have any interest in fun tees or other goodies either related to your fandoms or otherwise from TeeTurtle or similar sites (https://www.teeturtle.com/)? If the answer is yes, what's your t-shirt size?

I love my crow "Murder!" shirt from tee turtle and I remember they had some other super cute Halloween shirts (including some Nightmare Before Christmas) last year. Also, Topataco had a great "Mord" shirt from the Hidden Almanac podcast

Do you have a favorite musical, opera, playwright or other theatrical or performing arts interest for which you might like interesting goodies?

Um...not that I know of?

Do you have any desire/need for a new umbrella?

I think we're good on those rightnow

Any desire for mugs - travel or otherwise? How about water bottles?

I would dearly love some good Halloween or Fall latte mugs Pumpkin *spice* with or without chocolate? Pumpkin spice, as spice, is good! With chocolate is even better.
If you like/want books, do you have a goodreads or other place where you discuss your favorite books? Would you be interested in a spooky Halloween compilation or a classic halloweenie/autumnal book like Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree or Something Wicked This Way Comes? I don't...I recently deleted my Goodreads, for reasons, and have yet to set up something else. But I would certainly enjoy a spooky/Halloween story collection or book.When I was younger I read the compilation "Ghosts, Ghosts, Ghosts" and "Witches, Witches, Witches" several times (they were in the school library. My introduction to Baba Gaga, who featured prominently in the witches book.)
Fluffy pompom or without? I would proudly wear either, though my general preference is without.

Diana Rect

August 30, 2018

2018 13 Nights of Halloween Questions~

Here is where I shall keep my questions. I shall keep my questions here.

Updated 9/19/18

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?
I answered this pretty thoroughly in my survey, I think, but kind of everything. I love celebrating with my kids and being able to buy animal skeletons at Target and the flavors and just really kind of all of it, other than not being terribly into orange and brown. I'm more of a black and purple halloweenie.

Would you like a Halloween-themed cross-stitch piece of art done by your partner? If so, do you prefer something practical, like a cross-stitch dishtowel or table runner, or something to be hung on the wall?
I would love this - something useful like a dishtowel (or bathroom towels) would be most beloved, as I have a wonderful house with very little usable wall space.

Are you coveting something from the Lilith release? I've ordered everything I super duper wanted, but there are a few that I was on the fence about in my wishlist, but hey, I'll list them here too: Absurd Origin Story; Blue Blankie; Don't Tell Me Heaven is Under the Earth; Let Your Indulgence Set Me Free; Meditation Buddy; Scorched Marshmallows; Senator Barrial; Spontaneous Argumentation; Suffragium; The Queen of Hel; The She-Goat; The Storm; Theaomai;

Have you seen the Haus of Gloi Fall update? Does anything from that tickle your fancy? I am BPAL only for oils, but I would definitely be interested in trying bubbling scrub, pumpkin butter, hair oil (would probably use for either Mo and/or cuticle oil) or soaps in Apple Milk, Blood Orange Marshmallow, and Cozy Pumpkin! The Maple Vanilla soap sounds lovely too.

Enamel pins - yay or nay? Sure, but they will likely be stolen by my little hooligan.

Would you appreciate handknits? Any preference (socks, hats, cowls, mitts, etc)
Always. Socks and arm warmers would probably get the most use, although a cowl could be cool as that's something I don't have at all.

What kind of local goods do you like to pick up/try when you visit somewhere new?
I usually look for magnets, local honey or jams or other limited reach local foodstuffs. I also love trying regional alcohol specialties, particularly whisk(e)y.

Do you like to cook or bake, and if so, would you like any cooking accessories, mixes, or ingredients?
Absolutely! I particularly love silly holiday themed spatulas and sprinkles and such. There's a bit about this in my questionnaire as well.

Pumpkin Spice:
ALL THE THINGS!

Do you like Day of the Dead goodies? I love skulls and such, but I feel weird about the cultural appropriation aspects of a lot of Day of the Dead stuff as I have no cultural or spiritual connection. That said, I have received lovely items from folks who *do* have that connection in the past. Sorry for being complicated.

How do you feel about homemade edibles? Not just baked goods, but fruit butters, jams and such-like? Do you prefer savory or sweet or yes?
All of them nommy in my mouthy. I am a total sucker for apple and pumpkin and other butters this time of year. If you have a specialty, savory or sweet, I would LOVE to try it.

Quirky Socks: Goodness yes! I especially love silly Halloween themed socks, either ankle or knee length.

Stuff from Japan: Sure! My daughter and I both love Hello Kitty and Tokidoki and are suckers for any sort of mystery plushy sorts of things. I also adore the different flavors of kitkats you can get there and similar snacky goodies.

Yankee Candle: Sure, subject to the limits in my questionnaire. I do have a fondness for Yankee - my husband used to live close to their factory store in Western MA and we would go there all the time when he was in grad school.

Bath and Body Works: Another weakness of mine - I have a bad tendency to get matching shower gel and lotions there in foodie / fruity scents. I'd also love fall scents in their foaming hand soap.

Of the latest updates, Empress, Liliths, Jester, Emperor what are your wants and desires? Recent LES from this year, what are your wants and desires? My wishlist is up to date in this respect.

What about Disney? If you like Disney, what are your favorite characters?
I love Nightmare Before Christmas and the Muppets, but am not that into traditional Disney characters. I do like some of the Villians line, especially Maleficent and Ursula.

Star wars?
YES! Leia, Rey, Yoda, droids generally other than C3P0 who I find annoying. Also porgs were the most brilliant decision ever and I adore those little space puffins with all my heart.

And what about Harry Potter? Whats your favorite house and/or favorite character? I am all about all the HP. I am a Ravenclaw through and through (Slitherclaw if we're talking hybrid houses). Fave characters are Luna Lovegood, Hermione and I am a total puppy shipper (Sirius/Remus). (FWIW, my family already owns a lot of HP stuff - scarves for every house but Slytherin, a Ravenclaw mug and water bottle, robes for me and my wee Hooligan Hufflepuff, a stuffed Hedwig and Pidwigen...which is not to say we wouldn't welcome more. )

Do you like honey/honey products?
Would you like flavored oils or vinegars?
Answering these together because my answer is absolutely yes to all of these.

Do you have any interest in fun tees or other goodies either related to your fandoms or otherwise from TeeTurtle or similar sites (https://www.teeturtle.com/)?
Absolutely! I prefer women's cut, 2XL for tees. Generally, darker is better in terms of color.

Do you have a favorite musical, opera, playwright or other theatrical or performing arts interest for which you might like interesting goodies? I am pretty set on this score in that I have easy access to merch along these lines.

Do you have any desire/need for a new umbrella? I always need more small collapsible ones as my children seem to have discovered some sort of portal that devours all umbrellas in the immediate vicinity.

Any desire for mugs - travel or otherwise? How about water bottles?
I am pretty set for ceramic mugs. I can always use more travel mugs if they are both cool and diswasher safe. Same for water bottles.

Could you use any BPAL storage? Bottles or imps? I am set personally, but I did realize the other day that my little hooligan is developing a bit of a collection herself that is currently scattered across her dresser, so if you are feeling crafty and felt like making a bottle box in an Owl/MLP/HP-Hufflepuff theme, I would happily regift to her (otherwise I have to do it myself )

Do you like incense, palo santo, sage, etc?
Please no. Even smelling incense in the package these days can trigger my migraines, which teenager me would find tragic, but there it is.

I will be going to Son of Monsterpalooza this weekend. Anything look interesting?
I can't think of anything offhand, but if there are cool creepy jewelry vendors, that could be cool.

Wax tarts? No thank you.

How do you feel about literal pumpkin *spice* - i.e. cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger - as a flavoring (the inclusion of pumpkin is not essential in my plotting)? How about those flavors combined with chocolate in some mystery form?
I am all over this concept (literally).

If you like/want books, do you have a goodreads or other place where you discuss your favorite books? Would you be interested in a spooky Halloween compilation or a classic halloweenie/autumnal book like Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree or Something Wicked This Way Comes?
I would love a new weenie compilation (now that I think about it, that's not the word I want, but wev).

Hat with pompom or no: I don't have a strong preference, although without is probably slightly more likely to be worn on the regular. I definitely embrace the silly, so if the hat is just screaming for some sort of embellishment, go for it.

Top 3 Weenie Wants: In terms of things I did not already order for myself:
The Hag (I wishlisted this last year and it almost jumped in my cart this year, so this is def. a top wish)
The Goat and the Vine
Pomegranate Grove: Morocco

August 30, 2018

Aveya's Blog

Perfume On Order!

Just for listing items I have incoming. Because... I might have an addition. And I might forget what perfumes our on their way to me

PERFUME INCOMING:

Indiegogo - Typecast:
Full Moon Flakes

Swap:
Berry Moon 2009

Ajevie:
Sinkhole
Eternal Ankh (NAVA)
Samhain (NAVA)
Halloween 2014 (NAVA)
Burning Jack (NAVA)
BOO! (NAVA)
Strawberry Crystalline (NAVA)
Lotus Santalum (NAVA)
Karnak Orange Black Honey (NAVA)
Egyptian Peach Blossom (NAVA)
Carnation Santalum Gold (NAVA)
Blueberry Crystal (NAVA)
Apricot Kobalt (NAVA) Romeo & Juliet (NAVA)
Miranda the Tempest (NAVA)
Mexican Ice Cream Cake (NAVA)
Spice Bazaar (NAVA)
Resting (NAVA)
La Fileuse (NAVA)
High-Strung Daisy Bath Oil Iced Blossoms (HoG)
Iced Chocolate (HoG)
Iced Earth (HoG)
Iced Herbs (HoG)
Iced Lily (HoG)
Iced Resin (HoG)
Iced Vanilla (HoG)
Iced Woods (HoG) Strawberry Sparkle (HoG)
Strawberry Musk (HoG)
Strawberry Mama (HoG)
Strawberry Fields (HoG) Baby Island Birthday Party (OMG!)
Lau Lau KaPOW! (OMG!)
Pele Creme Brulee (OMG!)
Plumeria Hysteria (OMG!)
Sky High Chai (OMG!)

Sixteen92:
Amarena Mascarpone
Summer Panna Cotta
Horchata
Agua de Jamaica
Agua de Melón THE BEACH PARTY
THE BLOCK PARTY
THE COSTUME PARTY
THE SLUMBER PARTY
THE TEA PARTY

Haus of Gloi:
Strawberry Ice Cream
Lavender Lemonade
Capy
Peach Mama
Covet
Smoke and Rain
Campfire Cinnamon Buns
Rose City
Nelke

Aveya

May 15, 2018

alterosen's Blog

BPTP I have tried

In the interest of tidying my wishlist here's a list of BPTP I have already tried:

Atmospheres
Aphrodite Erykine, Aphrodite Kypria, Apple Orchard, At Midnight With a Pumpkin Light, Autumn Grove, Behind the Scenes, Black Pomegranate & Black Currant, Chestnuts Roasting in an Open Pyre, Dia de Los Muertos, Discussion on the First Climb of Passion, Doc Constantine, Down the Rabbit Hole , East Indian Palace, Eat Me, Erebos, Exotic Bazaar, Fae Forest, Fainting Couch, Forsaken Rose Garden, Ghost Story, Harvest Festival, Holiday Argument Diffusing Spray, Honeyed Golden Musk, Rosewater & Red Sandalwood, Konditorei, Lady Fleming's Gingerbread, Lich's Laboratory, Mahogany Hall, Midnight in a Silent Grove, No One Heard Her Except the Sparrows, Okiya, Oil Paper Umbrellas, On Halloween, Queen's Croquet Ground, Painted Rose, Peach Blossom Incense, Phallus Festival, Pumpkin Spice Everything, Pumpkin Spice Flan, Pumpkin Tobacco, Samhain, Schwartzwald, Secrets of the Hanamachi, Skookoom House, Templum Victoriae, The Inn, The Place Wherein Love Grew, Triumph of Chastity, Triumphal Arch of Leaves & Flowers, Unspeakable Evil Temple

Hair Gloss
Apple Pie, Blueberry Cream Pie (more please!), Boo, Captain Lilith & Her First M.ate, Dead Leaves, Black Fig, Cacao & Copal, Dead Leaves, White Musk & Vanilla, Dorian, Enveloped in Silk*, Hollywood Babylon, Love Swing*, Marshmallow Cookie Pie, Moment in Time, Moon Reflected in Every Rice Paddy (more please!), Peach Pie, Peach, White Ginger & Cubeb, Pecan Pie, Portrait of a Young Woman with a Unicorn, Pumpkin Orange,Pumpkin Spice Everything, , Rose-Boughs & Rose-Roots*, Rose Red*, Scattered Flower Smells, Shub-Niggurath, Sleeping at the Feet of the Snow Queen, Snake Oil, St. Justina with a Unicorn, White Bees Swarming,

alterosen

May 3, 2018

Carrie's Blog

Imp Hooch

Bottle 1: (sweet, musky, sexy, currently labeled "Great Underpants for Womb Furie and Sinning) Great Sword of War, L'Enlèvement, Womb Furie 2012, Aelophile, Mag Mell, Sin, Solstice Scents Blueberry Violet Truffle, Arcana Bawd, Arcana Frilly Underpants, Alkemia Bohémiens en Voyage

Bottle 2: (going for orange and tobacco): SN: Sweet Orange, Centzon Totochtin, Blodughadda, Only a Sip, The Antikythera Mechanism, Kali, Dee, Possets Ego, Pumpkin IV

Bottle 3: (wanted to see if I could make Mischief wearable, currently labeled "weird") Mischief, Alkemia Carmen 7, Alkemia Echoed Ecstacy, Possets Chichicastenango, Possets Chivitavecchia, Possets Silver Carnation, Solstice Scents Rose Sugar Cardamom

Bottle 4: (based off the theme, we've lovingly dubbed this "Halloween at Heidi's") Bordello, Yipe, Haus of Gloi Risque, Sin, Perversion, Scary Cat, Alkemia Trick or Treat, Alkemia Black Magic Woman

Bottle 5: (berries, citrus, and light things): Bewitched, Bones of Capys, drop of Horny Panda, Delirium, Dead Leaves + Blackberries, Golden Priapus, The Dodo, Night-Gaunt, Dia de los Muertos 2012, Possets A Poem of Villeneuve St. Georges

Bottle 6: (Red apples and red musk) Daruma Doll, Love Me, Veil, Tushnamatay, Skuld, Ogun, The Ifrit, Bard, Autumn Cider 2011, Arcana Apples Crave Cake, WoobieBath.com Hocus Pocus

torikitty

May 2, 2018

Kas's Blog

Non-BPAL Scents

* Haus of Gloi "Lily Cakes" - floral, a touch sweet sugar fluffiness, a little powdery in a dainty way

goblingrin

March 25, 2018

Kas's Blog

BPAL Scents I've Tried

okay scents: plain text
loved scents: bold
disliked scents: gray
Miskatonic University - the first scent I ever tried and fell in love with. It's very warm and boozy on me. Tamora - warm, vanilla sandwalwood and amber Dragon's Milk - creamy vanilla Persephone - rose and pomegranate Smut (17) - sweet boozy red musk Snake Oil - musk with soft sandalwood & vanilla Sept - rose, soft and elegant King Cake - sweet!! cream cheese frosting, almond, syrupy The Book - strong leather throw until dry, then warm and woodsy but close to skin Crib Girls - Froot Loops, not very long lasting Emma - Soft rose and patchouli Aunt Caroline's Joy Mojo - berry candy (low throw) Bewitched - sweet berry followed by a darker, herbal berry Drink Me Grog - foodie Cthulu - dryer sheet/detergent The Grave-pig - dirt Anteros - very incense-y L'Intention Fait Valoir les Bagatelles - musty La Femme de Satan - red musk and strong, long-staying wafts of tobacco Egg'd Mailbox - Strong nutmeg Tanuki No Hikifune - soft, ripe honeydew melon Eostre of the Dawn - laundry detergent with floral hint Shoggoth - fruity and a touch soapy Hilma - woodsy clove with the faintest sweet fruit-floral note Le Serpent Qui Danse - baby wipes? then floral vanilla with no throw 51 - freesia air freshener The Two Old Men - leather cologne Cheshire Cat - sweet grapefruit cleaning product Sybaris - strong clove Monster Bait: biggerCritters - all gardenia & jasmine Alice - spicy bergamot Villain - masc soap Mata Hari - jasmine-rose soap Centzon Totochtin - spiced rum Queen - disappears into skin almost instantly Mouse Circus - kettle corn 51 - cologne + freesia Lulu - floral laundry detergent Morgause Alice's Evidence Queen Alice Stealthily, Stealthily - overpowering violet No. 93 Engine - spicy? incense Bayou Coyote Cleric All Night Long Fairy Bites - peppermint Belladonna Horreur Sympathique Voodoo Lily Snooty Rose Le Serpent Qui Danse Les Fleurs du Mal Vivamus, Mea Lesbia, Atque Amemus

goblingrin

March 18, 2018

izile's BPAL blog

Spring Cleaning Swap - 2018

In-Thread Bonus Questions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lularoe Leggings? no thanks

Could you use Melitta filters for coffee? pass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nightlight. - no thanks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you enjoy audiobooks? Not really

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

Could you use any tealights?
Sure!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

izile

March 13, 2018

2018 Spring Cleaning Swap Qs

Updated 3/29/18 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New - Jewelry making addendum: Gemstones?
Probably not.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any interest in reading poetry or plays?
Absolutely!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hangin' Out with the Dream King

March 12, 2018

voodoocatwoman's Blog

2018 books

Here we go again.

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

voodoocatwoman

January 1, 2018

Imbolc 2018 Swap Q&A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

44sunsets

December 12, 2017

2018 Imbolic Swap QA

Updated 1/2/18 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 5, 2017

SW Help

Yule 2017

Dear Santa:

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

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

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

Will update more shortly

Dark Alice

November 19, 2017

2017 Solstice Swap Q&A

Updated 11/18/17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 13, 2017

Solstice Swap Q&A

Amazon & Etsy wishlists are in my signature.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KatyC

November 13, 2017

Miss Twilight's Blog

Winter Solstice Swap 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Would YOU like to receive a singing bowl?
Yes!

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

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

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

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

twilighteyes

November 13, 2017

scents I have ordered

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

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

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

November 12, 2017

Testing with alice

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

November 11, 2017

old wishlist, circa 2006-7

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

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