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Mod post: No wishlist posts in blogs

By Silvertree February 7, 2012

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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Switch Witch Fall 2015 Question Master List

9/17/15

Pumpkin?

Booze?

Want anything from Yellowstone? Be it postcards, key chains, shot glasses, pint glasses, or huckleberry what have you?

9/18/15

I know there is a question about "decorating style", but if you're comfortable, could you should us some photos of your spaces? For those of us who like to art and craft, it can be nice to have a visual sense of decorating style!

9/19/15

For those of you who don't drink alcohol, can you specify if you live with any drinkers or ever have alcohol on hand for guests, vs. abstaining and preferring not to have it around at all?

Are you a fan of the TV show Penny Dreadful?

What are your coffee and tea preferences? Do you prefer one, the other, both, or neither (and if it's neither, what about things like hot cider and cocoa)? Loose leaf or bags, whole bean or ground? Is caffeine OK? Any gadgetry you're in need of? Any brands or flavors that you particularly love, loathe, or want to try?

What's your sense of humor like? Do you enjoy puns? Play on words? Dirty humor? Dry humor? Who are some of your favorite comedians?

Do you like board games? If so, which ones? Traditional or more unique? (like Settlers of Catan, Small World, Red Dragon Inn, etc)

Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive?

Plain or fun socks?

Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about?

What one thing you would like to do more of?

What are some things that fascinate you? Or, What would you like to know more about?

9/20/15

Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)?

Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way?

What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?)

Do you want to received knit or crocheted items? If so, could you describe or even link to a couple of items similar to what you would like to receive?

What thing do you want to do (or get) but you keep putting off for one reason or another?

9/21/15

Would you like anything from Lush?

Do you prefer hand-made or store-bought?

SPICY! Scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you?

What is your BPAL "Holy Grail"?

Analog or Digital? Or Both?

What scents from other perfume companies are you really wanting to have in your collection and or are just really wanting to test? Companies like NAVA, Arcana, Solstice Scents, Possets, Haus of Gloi etc.....?

9/22/15

Do you have an affinity for any specific animals?

Kitchen Needs or Wants?

Makeup! Do you like it, would you want some? If so what brands do you like to wear?

Chocolate fiends ahoy! What kind of chocolate do you like? Do you like any other things in it or just plain good ole chocolate?

Would you be opposed to receiving a ton of Halloween themed items?

9/23/15

Would you be interested in any special little thing I might be able to pick up from the Great Lakes Bat Festival this Saturday? Both Janell Cannon (author of Stellaluna and other kids' books) and Fiona Reid (illustrator for lots of animal field guides) will be there, so would you possibly be interested in something like an autographed copy of Stellaluna or one of Cannon's or Reid's other books? Or something from the Organization for Bat Conservation, like a shirt or other swag?

What items from the Weenie update interest you, should you have to option of getting anything as a gift from your Witch??? Would you be ok with decants, or bottles?

What's your favorite scary movie? Or movies, either way. If you don't like horror, what are your favorite movies to watch this time of year?

9/24/15

Blu-ray or DVD?

Game systems - console or computer? Mac/PC? Which console?

Are you dressing up for Halloween and if so do you need any accessories for if?

Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles?

What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such?

What are you planning to order from the Weenies update?

The Last Huzzah of the NY Renaissance Faire happens this weekend and I'm going! Is there anything you might want? (Besides a turkey leg, which won't ship well!)

Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read?

Do you like fanfic? Would you like a story written for you as part of your gift? What characters/fandoms/pairings etc do you like?

Where do you have wishlists at? If you could please link to them or to a post that links to them. (Amazon, Etsy, Think Geek, Pinterest, Sephora, Lush, BPAL/BPTP, Soap Box Company, everywhere and anywhere!)

9/25/15

Let's say you have indicated interest in receiving a hand knitted item. What colors, exactly, do you like? If you could provide color swatches here or to pinterest (or something visual), that would help out a lot.

Would you rather receive a bunch of little packages through the round, a couple of medium packages, or one big package at the end?

For those of us with out-of-country Witchees, would you be happy with receiving a few packages from local to you merchants (say, through Etsy or equivalent)?

Would Witchees like something from IKEA? (Or any other not always accessible by everyone store?)

If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline?

Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)?

Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents?

Is there anything you wish you could have picked up from the Dragon*Con exclusives?

Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet?

The questionnaire asked about gold & silver jewelry, but how do you feel about copper jewelry? Do you like colorful jewelry, or do you prefer to keep it neutral?

We asked about decorating style, but are you interested in receiving decorations for your home? Are you interested in things that go on the wall or things that go on shelves?

Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites?

Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place?

I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free?

9/26/15

How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc.

Are you interested in receiving any restaurant.com gift certificates for your area?

9/27/15

How do you feel about "toys" - stuffed animals and the like?

9/28/15

Did you see the eclipse last night? How do you feel about astrological events, like eclipses? Any interest in the Blood Moon Eclipse scent from BPAL?

Witchee's, how tall are you? And perhaps, what's your arm span (from wrist to wrist)?

How do you feel about the 4 elements? Or are you more of an Asian 5 elements person? Do you feel strongly about any of the elements, like a connection or a preference?

How do you feel about bento boxes? Is it something you would use if you were to get one?

Scarves, shawls or cowls? Mittens, gloves, fingerless mitts or wristlets?

how do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com?

9/29/15

What do we want from Paintbox Soapworks?

If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame that hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer?

How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows?

Are you a slatherer or a dabber?

Talk to me, dear witchies, about tea. I know we've covered this a little, but I really need the nitty gritty here- not just companies you like and don't like (Teavana? Adagio? David's? Some tiny place?) but I also want to know the other stuff: top 3 flavors, loose or bagged, the kinds of tea accessories you use- or have always wanted. Be specific. Provide links if necessary.

Villainess is putting out brand new stuff for the first time in a while (as opposed to bringing back former lines). Sooo.... who wants it?

LOST TRACK OF DATES. I SUCK.

10/2-10/3

How does everyone feel about duct tape crafts? Any favorite patterns?

Are there any flowers you especially like?

Would you be interested in any cozies or cases (yarn o fabric, not hard cases) for tech stuff (phone, laptop' etc) or for cups/mugs/bottles or anything else similar.

Would you like Halloween or Day of the Dead themed ornaments or a "bunting"?

Are there witchees who would like book related gifts like a booklight, bookmark, bookseat or something for your reading gadget,like a cover or a light for example.

I make handmade journals, mini albums and similar items. Would my witchee be interested in something like that?

What songs/music/artists/CD's do you like to listen to around Halloween?

Are you interested in leg warmers at all?

Is your Halloween style scary, cutesy, folksy, grotesque . . .?

10/5/15

I bought the Portal board game last week & it came with a Portal 2 steam free download code. I already have the game on another console & it's one of my favorite series of all time. Soooo, would you want it?

10/6/15

Have you read The Martian? Or do you plan on watching the movie?

NaNoWriMo - Pertaining to that, how does everyone feel about such things? Will anyone be participating? How about NaNo swag, is there any you want?

Honey or beeswax products? Discuss.

How do you feel about bumper stickers and car magnets? What do you like--cute, pretty, snarky, geeky/fandomy?

Do you have any phobia's that your Witch should be aware of?

Trading Post Weenies are live! Anything calling to you?

10/7/15

Speaking of nail things, it that time of year and I am doing my jamberry order, Would you want some Lovely Jamberry's for your nails?

10/8/15

Do you like or want to try Marmite?

Some folks have already said they do not want used nail polish. If you haven't already chimed in about that... would you be interested in a bottle of BPTP claw polish (in this case, either Event Horizon or Baku) that has been used for one manicure?

10/9/15

Are there any DISCONTINUED (not LE) BPAL oils that you wish you had, or had a little more of?

Is there anything fairly basic that you're always running out of and need to buy more of?

Anything interest you from the recent Blooddrop update?

10/10/15

How to you feel about foreign spices/flavorings?

10/12/15

Dearest Witchee, can I get you anything from Shiro Cosmetics? I'm going to place an order soon and perhaps you are interested in some of their goodies? https://shirocosmetics.com (https://shirocosmetics.com)

twilighteyes

September 17, 2015

Anita's Blog

Please ignore wishes wants and loves of past entries...

I meant to post with my 13 nights questions here, but will definitely do for Switch Witch 2015- my nose has changed a little from the last that I posted here so wanted to be clear from the start

Anita

September 17, 2015

BelleAnge's Blog

Switch Witch 2015

==================== Basic Info Birthday: October 31 Pets: One dog named Ruby Tuesday. She is a Pomeranian mix Children: 14 month old daughter Religious orientation: none Favorite Holiday: Halloween Occupation/Major in school: Stay at home mom Living arrangement (by yourself, with roommates, etc): I live with my child and my dog Livejournal/Blog/Website: http://serpentskiss.livejournal.com Organizations/Causes/Activities (Things you belong to or causes you believe in): Ronald McDonald House of Pittsburgh BPAL Favorite BPAL oils: Jack, Black Lace, Mouse's Long and Sad Tale, Tombstone Favorite notes: Sandalwood, pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, rose, lemon, lilac, vanilla, coffee, leather Favorite non-BPAL perfumes: I love Diablo Skull from Violette Market Least favorite notes: Patchouli Least favorite non-BPAL perfumes: none If Beth made a custom blend for you, what would the notes be, and what would you want the label art to look like? Sandalwood and vanilla. Maybe butterfly on the bottle Lifestyle Style/home decoration style: No specific style Favorite decorating colors: No set color scheme Things you collect: Skulls, NASCAR, figurines of high heels, vintage Avon bottles Favorite music: Country but I listen to other stuff too Least favorite music: none Vegetarian/Vegan?: (Please be as specific as possible to reduce confusion!) Nope Other food restrictions: None Favorite flavors: Caramel, pumpkin, chocolate Favorite foods/drinks: Salted caramel, garlic bread, swiss cheese, almonds, coffee, apple cider Favorite authors/genres: Stuart Woods, Ann Rule, Lisa Jackson Least favorite authors/genres: Romance Books/authors you'd like to read, but haven't yet: Can't think of any How do you feel about receiving gently used books as gifts? Sounds good to me Favorite stores (including clothing stores): Spencer's, Hot Topic, Spirit Halloween, Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle, Lush, Sephora Favorite online stores (including B&B stores): Paintbox Soapworks, rosegal.com, Magazines you subscribe to: Cosmopolitan, Martha Stuart Living, US Weekly Magazines you like, but don't subscribe to: Allure, Marie Claire, NASCAR Illustrated Favorite movies: The Crow, Red, The Blind Side, Frozen Favorite TV show(s): Criminal Minds, Supernatural, 2 Broke Girls, Pretty Little Liars, True Blood Hobbies/crafts done: Scrapbooking Clothing & Jewelry Hair type: Straight and a bit oily Skin Type: Oily Allergies (specifically B&B related): none Other things to avoid: nothing Tub, shower or both? Tub Favorite bath & beauty products: scrubs and bath bombs Clothing Style/Fave garments: I am a jeans and T-shirt girl Favorite clothing colors/colors to wear: black, red, navy, burgundy Type(s) of jewelry worn: necklaces, rings, bracelets Ring/wrist/collar size: Ring size is a 10 Jewelry - gold or silver? Both Do you have any allergies to metal? None Favorite gemstones: sapphire and opal Sock/Shoe Size: shoe size is 11 Random Questions: Random Questions: - On a scale of 1-5, how organized are you? 3 - Where, outside of the U.S. would you love to visit? (if you're international, this can be anywhere) Russia -Where, inside of the U.S. would you love to visit? Las Vegas -Favorite City in the US/World? Pittsburgh - Do people tell you that you act older, younger, or your age? Younger -If I gave you a toy gun with flashing lights, would you hide and start shooting people from around corners OR would you thank me on the IGI thread and then quietly donate it (a niece, Oxfam, Goodwill, wherever)? (there are no wrong answers for this, so don't be afraid to answer honestly) I would have fun with it - What animal do you feel like the most? No idea - Your favorite feature about yourself: eyes - Do you live in a neighborhood or in the middle of nowhere? Rural area -Have you ever thought, "oh, I'm going to get myself one of those one of these days" but then never do? List 1 under $10 and 1 over $10. I honestly don't know. I rarely do anything for myself - How do you feel about boi witches? Whatever works - Do you like garage sales (boot sales)?: I love garage sales, yard sales, flea markets, thrift shops, Goodwill - I like to slather my food in : Honey BBQ sauce, Alfredo sauce - State fairs or carnivals? Both - You throw caution to the wind and runaway to join a traveling circus. What job would you want ( a main performer, a side show, a behind the scenes spot, etc) and why? I'd be the barker - What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with? Faeries - Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. What do you choose? Wax tarts, Eos lip balm, a bottle of Bpal oil, coffee, and a sugar skull necklace - Do you need storage boxes/bottles/containers? Decorated or Plain? I love containers. Any kind - The world has given you the day off. You hear that, no chores, responsibilities, or budget you have to follow. What would you do in those 24 hours? Watch some movies and go shopping - Do you like steampunk & if so what kind of steampunk item would you most like to receive? I am interested but have no preference - Do you have an etsy shop? No - Would you like to receive baked goods, if so what kind? Any kind - What is something totally random (yes, that thing that just popped into your head) that hasn't been covered by any previous questions? I am a fan of Harley Quinn Notes (Here's where you can add additional information you'd like your Switch Witch to know!):

BelleAnge

September 17, 2015

TorchedEarth's Blog

Switch Witch 2015

Have you read The Martian? Or do you plan on watching the movie? I have not read it. My husband & dad both want to go see it, so I assume I will. I haven't even seen a proper trailer for it to be honest, just a promo type one that tells you nothing about the movie.

NaNoWriMo - Pertaining to that, how does everyone feel about such things? Will anyone be participating? How about NaNo swag, is there any you want? I don't know anything about this, & I'm really not a writer.

Honey or beeswax products? Discuss. Sure.

How do you feel about bumper stickers and car magnets? What do you like--cute, pretty, snarky, geeky/fandomy? Bumper stickers will get put on my jewelry traveling boxes. I'm down for car magnets. I've had the "I <3 <3 the Doctor" one on there for forever. I like geeky fandoms ones & ones that have to do with my favorite bands. (Right now I have decals for the Dead Kennedy's, the Misfits, Tina from Bob's Burgers, a Companion Cube, & a Big Daddy from Bioshock. However, the companion cube & Big Daddy are black & are hard to see, so I'd be down for replacements.) With all that being said, I like any cool stickers, decals, or bumper stickers. They get put on the clear cases I put my jewelry in to travel to art shows.

Do you have any phobia's that your Witch should be aware of? Worms & caterpillars. I hate them.

Trading Post Weenies are live! Anything calling to you? I should not have looked at these. Not going to buy. Not going to buy. So the one's I like are: Boo hairless, brainstem lollipop, dead leaves black fig cacao & copal hair gloss, dead leaves red musk & neroli hair gloss, dead leaves white musk & vanilla hair gloss, delayed at Ingolstadt air field home & linen spray, & the pins are super cute. Also, I hate pumpkin, but how cool are those pumpkin labels?

Speaking of nail things, it that time of year and I am doing my jamberry order, Would you want some Lovely Jamberry's for your nails? Those things are so cute, but they don't stay on my nails at all.

Do you like or want to try Marmite? I've tried it & I don't want it.

Used nail polish & cosmetics? I'm good with used nail polish. I may be a bit of a hoarder. I'm good with used cosmetics if they fit with my color scheme. I don't want used eyeliner or mascara.

How does everyone feel about duct tape crafts? Any favorite patterns? I'm not really sure what this is. I don't think it's particularly up my alley.

Are there any flowers you especially like? I'm more of a succulent & cactus kind of girl. Flowers always die on me.

Would you be interested in any cozies or cases (yarn o fabric, not hard cases) for tech stuff (phone, laptop' etc) or for cups/mugs/bottles or anything else similar. A beer bottle or beer can cozy would be rad.

Would you like Halloween or Day of the Dead themed ornaments or a "bunting"? Sure.

What songs/music/artists/CD's do you like to listen to around Halloween? Pretty much the same music I always listen to. The Misfits probably get a little more play time during October.

Are you interested in leg warmers at all? I think they're super cute, but no thanks. Heat.

Is your Halloween style scary, cutesy, folksy, grotesque . . .? It has always been scary & gory, but I'm finding that I'm not so much into that anymore. It's weirding me out & making me feel old. I have no idea what my new style is going to be, but I think the severed body parts & nooses may not go up this year...

Here's a new question: I make handmade journals, mini albums and similar items. Would my witchee be interested in something like that? ( I would be willing to barter with someone else who's witchee might like something like this) Your journals are GORGEOUS. SO much, that I would be afraid to write in them & they would probably sit blank somewhere forever & it would be a damn shame. I think a put a few of your boxes on my wishlist though.

Are you a slatherer or a dabber? I tend to be a slatherer due to my less than perfect sense of smell.

Talk to me, dear witchies, about tea. I know we've covered this a little, but I really need the nitty gritty here- not just companies you like and don't like (Teavana? Adagio? David's? Some tiny place?) but I also want to know the other stuff: top 3 flavors, loose or bagged, the kinds of tea accessories you use- or have always wanted. Be specific. Provide links if necessary. I really do love all tea. The only way to go wrong is Jasmine tea & some chai teas. I have a glass boiler pot, & one of those handy dandy steepers that sits on top of my teacup that I use often. I also have a couple steeper balls for company. I also have an iced tea maker, which usually uses up my teabags & sometimes the loose tea. I have some tea related goodies on my wl, but they are spendy.

Is there anything from ThinkGeek that you want??? (especially in the geek points section, 2400 points or under?) I LOVE ThinkGeek. The Mario mushroom baking pans are adorable & the large ice cube maker (both the deathstar & the d20) look like they would work amazingly for whiskey.

Scarves, shawls or cowls? Mittens, gloves, fingerless mitts or wristlets? Probably none or me.

how do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com? I probably wouldn't have the time.

What do we want from Paintbox Soapworks? I've only used their soap samples, but I liked them. Everything except the solid perfume sounds awesome.

If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame that hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer? Something that goes on the wall for sure. As you can see from my art wall, I don't have a specific color or style of art that I adhere to.

How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows? Those look pretty amazing.

Did you see the eclipse last night? How do you feel about astrological events, like eclipses? Any interest in the Blood Moon Eclipse scent from BPAL? I was not in a great place to see it last night, so it was sadly missed. Blood Moon sounds decant worthy for sure.

Witchee's, how tall are you? And perhaps, what's your arm span (from wrist to wrist)? I'm about 5'2" & seem to be about 4'8" with my arms down or 4'6" with my arms horizontal to the ground from wrist to wrist. However, I did make that measurement myself, so yeah.

How do you feel about the 4 elements? Or are you more of an Asian 5 elements person? Do you feel strongly about any of the elements, like a connection or a preference? I'm not particularly familiar with the chinese elements, but I've always felt I was a fire/water person. With that being said, I certainly can't say I feel strongly about the subject.

Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites? Not really.
Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place? I'm not super familiar with sock dreams, but I do love socks. I don't wear knee socks, but anything in the footie or anklet range would be cool.

I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free? Nothing specific. I'd be happy with whatever you pick out.

How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc. No thanks.

Are you interested in receiving any restaurant.com gift certificates for your area? Not particularly.

How do you feel about "toys" - stuffed animals and the like? I like handmade plushies, artist inspired plushies, uglydolls, & vinyl toys.

We asked about decorating style, but are you interested in receiving decorations for your home? Are you interested in things that go on the wall or things that go on shelves?
I'd be down for house decorations. I'd most likely have the most space for small art/prints for my art wall.

Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents? Tarts. I always forget to light candles & can't really do incense with the hubs allergies. I'm good with anything that's not too musky.

Is there anything you wish you could have picked up from the Dragon*Con exclusives? Yes, there were quite a few that caught my eye. I missed those completely because I was moving & traveling.

Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet? There are several in my wishlist that I have imps or partial imps of. I haven't gotten the chance to explore a whole lot of the GC catalogue. Im open to any suggestions you may have that fit into my general scent profile.

For those of us with out-of-country Witchees, would you be happy with receiving a few packages from local to you merchants (say, through Etsy or equivalent)? I'll be happy with anything that you are so kind to send me.

Would Witchees like something from IKEA? (Or any other not always accessible by everyone store?)No thanks, I'm set on IKEA. I would not be opposed to other stores not accessible to me.

I also have a question: Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)? I subscribe to Rainbow Honey & Sephora Play!.

Last Huzzah of the NY Renaissance Faire: is there anything you might want? I love renfaires. When I go I usually buy soap, food, & beer. I'm certainly down for whatever you think I might like.

Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read? I've read them, & I always want to like them more than I do. It's not totally my thing.

Do you like fanfic? Would you like a story written for you as part of your gift? What characters/fandoms/pairings etc do you like? I've never read fanfic, but if you were yo write something for me I would definitely read it.

Let's say you have indicated interest in receiving a hand knitted item. What colors, exactly, do you like? If you could provide color swatches here or to pinterest (or something visual), that would help out a lot. I have a hard time with generalizations, like if someone says "topaz". To me, a topaz is a golden brown. But some people are thinking of the blue topaz... or they can be colorless. Or red. or pink. or gray. for the things I've expressed interest I yarn wise, I'm good with absolutely any color.

Would you rather receive a bunch of little packages through the round, a couple of medium packages, or one big package at the end? I'd honestly rather spread out the fun, but I won't be disappointed if it's easier for you to do one at the end.

If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline? I'm not a huge mall person, but I guess when I do end up at the mall, I go to Torrid, Target, Nordstrom, Sephora, L'Occitane.

Blu-ray or DVD? both

Game systems - console or computer? Mac/PC? Which console? console mostly - nes, super nes, nintendo 64, gamecube, wii, sega genesis, xbox 360, ps1, ps2, & ps3. I have a MAC, but don't really play games on it.

Are you dressing up for Halloween and if so do you need any accessories for if? I will be, but I don't know what I'll be.

Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles? I'm a sucker for a bag with cool hardware. I'm mostly into handbags & shoulder bags. I have a few crossbodies that don't get used that often. I guess my small backpack is getting holes too. I like solid colors. I don't like the suitcase sized ones, but they have to be big enough to fit my massive sunglasses case.

What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such? Sure. Bob's Burgers, IT Crowd, Dr. Who, Portal, Bioshock, The Dead Kennedy's, The Buzzcocks, The Ramones

What's your favorite scary movie? Or movies, either way. If you don't like horror, what are your favorite movies to watch this time of year?
The Shining, A Tale of Two Sisters, The House on Haunted Hill, Pan's Labyrinth, Hocus Pocus, & The Craft.

What items from the Weenie update interest you?
In order of interest:
Graveyard Dirt Redux
The Witches' Rout (The Carcass)
Satan Starting from the Touch of Ithuriel's Spear
Apple III
Dead Leaves, Red Musk, & Neroli

Make-Up? Yes. I wear highly pigmented neutral eyeshadows, black liner, black mascara, & red lipsticks. I don't really wear glosses. I don't wear blush very often. Also, I'm super pale.

Chocolate? Also yes. I love dark chocolate & milk chocolate. I like it plain or with stuff in it. For stuff you can get at the supermarket, I'm not really a fan of nestles & hershey, but I do like cadbury & ritter sport. My favorite chocolates are these little violet truffles I get at a place in town.

Many Halloween items? I do love Halloween. I'd be happy with whatever you send.

"Special little thing" from the Great Lakes Bat Festival? I'm unlikely to wear a t-shirt or baseball hat out of the house, but the button & the decal are both super cute!

What is your BPAL "Holy Grail"? In terms of something I'm never going to see again & don't have a backup for, Nocturnus. My out of print current favorite that I do have a backup for is Red Moon 2007. Even though I have a backup, I would not be opposed to traces you may not want...

What scents from other perfume companies are you really wanting to have in your collection and or are just really wanting to test? Companies like NAVA, Arcana, Solstice Scents, Possets, Haus of Gloi etc.....? I don't have any specific wants, but I'm open to experimentation. I have a few I like from Arcana, Villaness, & Possets. I don't remember which one it is, but the house that uses and Egyptian spice base (in any of the ones I've tried anyway) doesn't agree with me.

Analog or Digital? Or Both? For books, I'm a paper girl. I don't even have a kindle/nook dealie. For music, whatever is fine. If it's a cd it gets ripped into my computer. I also love vinyl.

Do you have an affinity for any specific animals?
Cockatiels & pugs, because they're my buddies. I also like spiders, owls, & harpy eagles.

Kitchen Needs or Wants: Do you need (or want) anything for your kitchen, either in the way of simple gadgets, supplies you always run out of, or never remember to get, kitchen decor (functional or purely decorative), or dry goods like special spices or spice blends?
I'm not really a gadget person, but I'm open to try anything. I love local spice blends or just cool ones. I cook a lot.

What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?) I don't think I'll be doing a Lilith decant circle this time. The BPAL ones that sound nice to me are: Blood and Judgment so Well Commeddled, Little Lady Macbeth, & Muse of Fire. The BPTP ones that sound nice are: Catch me, dad (actually this one sounds amazing - edit I bought a half bottle. I have no willpower.), Once upon a time, & the worst pillow.

Do you want to received knit or crocheted items? If so, could you describe or even link to a couple of items similar to what you would like to receive? I love mostly non-wearable crocheted items. I have a few scarves from forumites that I love, but it's so hot here I don't get to wear them often. (We don't have a proper winter.) Things that will get use are socks or non-wearables, like amiguri or other such shelve sitters.

Would you like anything from Lush? Sure. I just recently re-discovered lush thanks to another swap. I was horrified to hear they had discontinued ultra violet! I like the bath melts/bombs/etc & the masks for sure. I'm not a solid shampoo or a massage bar person. Everything else is fair game.

Do you prefer hand-made or store-bought? The answer to this is almost always handmade, but I'm good with whatever. I don't snub the store bought stuff.

SPICY! Scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you? I dunno, a 6? I like spicy as long as it doesn't kill my tastebuds & make it so I can't taste my food.

Wishlists - Mine are at the bottom of my blog entry that is linked in my signature. They are fairly massive. My family lives by the wishlist. Don't be frightened. I don't expect you to buy anything off of them.

I know there is a question about "decorating style", but if you're comfortable, could you should us some photos of your spaces? For those of us who like to art and craft, it can be nice to have a visual sense of decorating style!
Pictures of my living space sans boxes, because the boxes are still in the bedroom & studio.

For those of you who don't drink alcohol, can you specify if you live with any drinkers or ever have alcohol on hand for guests, vs. abstaining and preferring not to have it around at all?
I'm a drinker.

Are you a fan of the TV show Penny Dreadful?
I've never really watched it. I don't have cable. I'm restricted to what I see on Netflix, Hulu, & Amazon.

What are your coffee and tea preferences? Do you prefer one, the other, both, or neither (and if it's neither, what about things like hot cider and cocoa)? Loose leaf or bags, whole bean or ground? Is caffeine OK? Any gadgetry you're in need of? Any brands or flavors that you particularly love, loathe, or want to try?
I like both. I drink both regularly. I'm not a hot cider or cocoa drinker for the most part. I'm good with whatever kind of tea, but I prefer loose leaf. The only tea I don't like is Jasmine. blech I prefer whole bean on the coffee. I like everything except blonde roasts. I usually either make it by pour-over or french press. We also have a lazy Kuering (I have no idea hot to spell that) machine that gets a lot of use from the hubs in the mornings. Caffeine is requested. I kinda think decaf is a waste. My favorite brand of Tea is David's Tea, but I certainly love trying new ones. On coffee, as long as it's actual beans & not the instant junk, I'm usually pretty happy.

What's your sense of humor like? Do you enjoy puns? Play on words? Dirty humor? Dry humor? Who are some of your favorite comedians?
I am not a fan of puns. I'm usually the groaner in the room when they happen. I'm good with almost any other kind of humor. I tend to be a bit on the dry side myself. A lot of my favorite movies are dark comedies. Dirty humor doesn't bother me at all. I'm not generally a stand up comedian show kinda girl, but I like Mitch Hedberg, Amy Schumer, Fred Armisen, & I'm sure more that I can't think of right now.

Do you like board games? If so, which ones? Traditional or more unique? (like Settlers of Catan, Small World, Red Dragon Inn, etc)
I'm a board game fiend. I like the unique ones for the most part, but don't mind the plain jane ones every once in a while. If you want an idea of the types of things I am playing right now, I currently have some listed in my Amazon wl.

Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive? Honestly, jewelry.

Plain or fun socks? I love socks. I prefer the fun ones even though they mostly get covered up by boots.

Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about? I love reading about psychology & philosophy (particularly existentialist texts.) I love learning about new places & cultures.

What one thing you would like to do more of? Relax. Between running a business, moving, & traveling to see family, I have had almost zero relaxation time in the past couple of months.

Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)? It's totally not my thing, but the hubs loves it.

Question!: Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way? So bizarrely enough, my answer is exactly the same as Neptuneanblues'. It's one of my favorite places, & I used to spend hours there at a time.

Yellowstone- I've never been, but since huckleberry has the word berry in it, I would probably love it.

Booze - I think it's obvious where I stand on booze.

beer - I like everything but pilsners, but the hubs likes those.
liquor - I like pretty much everything that isn't saccharine sweet. I'm mostly into whiskey, bourbon, cognac, & vodkas. I like a good anejo tequila too, though.
wine - I'm more of a dry red wine person. I like some whites, like Sav. Blancs & viogniers. I also like port. MMM port.
Pumpkin - I like things actually made with pumpkin. I don't like pumpkin spice or pumpkin flavored things.

Wishlists:

BPAL - http://www.bpal.org/topic/127-wishlist/?p=2427833
Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/people/frilledandfeathered/favorites/wishlist?ref=favs_index_3
Amazon - http://amzn.com/w/2AEPSZPPONZHG

TorchedEarth

September 15, 2015

yewberry's Blog

Switch Witch 2017 - ALL THE WISHLISTS

Giftster wishlists: Homebrewin' Boozahol! Bubble, Bubble Clothing Dia de los Muertos Lit Omnomnom She's Crafty Everything Else

Etsy: Veery Beery Bath and Body Dia de los Muertos Accessories

yewberry

September 15, 2015

claudia6913's Blog

Switch Witch 2015 - Randomness

Just found out a forumite makes jewelry and it's totally right up my alley of things I like in jewelry. The Shards of Mirror necklace is very pretty. The Frozen Forest (Birch) one is gorgeous too!

Amazon Wish List | Etsy Wish List Still working on Etsy

SW Questions from the thread:
Pumpkin? Um, not really, unless it's for decorating. I do like pumpkin muffins (or a mix so I can make muffin tops - yes, it's a thing). I REALLY adore the Gingerbread muffins from Panera. YUM! I tried making them myself, but didn't turn out the same.

Booze? I like Red Moscato wine (really that's the only one I found I really like. Can't do dry wines at all), Woodchuck Amber Cider, though I keep looking for their other fall seasonal stuff but it's not come in yet at the liquor store. And, if I'm going to get funky, I like Purple Hooters, but in drink format, not shot format. Found a bar out here with my friend that makes them the best. Overall though, I don't drink very often, and abhor drinking alone. Also, I have small children, they don't get things like "I was out late drinking let me sleep". ;p

Want anything from Yellowstone? Be it postcards, key chains, shot glasses, pint glasses, or huckleberry what have you? We collect magnets at our house! (Kid friendly ones - 2y/o still puts things in her mouth.) We enjoy finding different and unique magnets. Also, my daughter and I like collecting pretty rocks and finding out what might be in them and then see how we can shine them up. My favorite toy as a kid was that silly stone smoothing machine you got for like $15 that came with sand of different grits and rocks to make pretty. Only one or two rocks were really nice, like tigerseye, but they all ended up staying with me for a long time. I have some rocks I handed down to my daughter and now she collects them. Our garden is full of rocks so her collection has grown tons, but it's so fun to see her get so excited by a new find and wash it off. So, uh, yes, something from Yellowstone is the point of that ramble. lol

Pictures of my decorating style: Recently got new floors on the entire first floor of the house, so I redid my living room, which used to be a furniture-less play room for the girls. So, right now, my living room looks awesome and I'm super happy with how it's turned out and it's probably the best depiction of my decorating style to date. Click Spoiler to see images - sorry for weird rotations.

Tell me about your coffee and tea preferences! I actually don't like coffee, like at all. My husband is the coffee drinker. I have this thing where I don't like hot drinks. So no hot coco, no hot tea, no hot toddy's, no hot cider, etc. It's very rare I have a hot drink at all. Drinks should be colder than room temperature for me to drink them. I also really don't like black tea. I've been wanting a good white chai tea but I don't have the patience or tea knowledge to make it (and I read it can be served cold). The Celestial Tea Echniacia Tea for sleepy time, actually made me sick. I drink Sunkist, Black Cherry Kool-Aid with Truvia, or Crystal Light Energy Grape.

Penny Dreadful? No idea what that is. Weren't they old novellas from like the 20's?

Sense of Humor? I'm the one that makes the stupid puns/jokes and laughs harder at them then other people. If you've seen the Weenie Stalking thread, I have a sign that says "Drink up Witches!" which depicts me perfectly. I got rolled eyes for liking it so much, but screw it I love it. My husband and I are very sarcastic, and I have a touch of self-depreciating humor. I enjoyed the hell out of George Carlin and miss him.

Board Games? I don't really play them right now as the youngest is only 2y/o. We have Candy Land, but someone mentioned a Firefly theme'd Clue that I'd die for. I really enjoy puzzles. I have a few that I'd love to put together then preserve, but I don't know how to do the preservation. I love puzzles that are also art. I got this for Christmas last year and absolutely adore it. Ooh, and it looks like they have more here and here.

Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive? Makeup. I don't use the multitude of things I have. Plus, I'm kinda newbish on how to use it. 35 and can't do a cat eye to save my life. Can barely blend, etc. Plus, my girls like getting into it if it gets overflowing and cleaning up that mess is a pain. ;p Scented lotion is a no-go too. I have my Fragrance free Curel stuff that I adore and works well with my skin and I've learned over the years to not to mess with what works. Um ... I have enough B&BW hand soap to last me through at least one year (and I'm out of storage space).

What are some things that fascinate you? Or, What would you like to know more about? I am super fascinated with space. Stars, planets, space travel ... you name it I enjoy reading, watching, learning about it. I also enjoy science in general. I like having a general idea about various subjects. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bill Nye are probably two of the people I could listen to talk for hours and never really get bored. (and I have!)

Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)? Not really. The last time we had cookie butter in the house my mom was the only one to really eat it and it ended up getting thrown away. I hate throwing things away, especially food.

Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way?My uncle is an artist. I recently broke the one and only statue I had of his from back in the early 80's. His style is no longer like that. I haven't told him yet. =( I have the pieces and what is left of the statue.
Mostly, however, I prefer nature art. Nature speaks to me. My home is nothing but soft blues, warm creams, soft browns, and flowing greens. I like nature. I like the simplicity and the beauty of it.

Plain or fun socks? FUN!!! I don't work so I like the fun socks! Comfy socks, soft socks, cute socks! Just NO SOCKS WITH SPLIT TOES ... I don't know why those became a thing.

What one thing you would like to do more of? Read. I have about 6 or 7 books on my to-read list, but I don't really get enough time to do it. The kids make messes that need cleaned after they go to bed. And while they're awake a book is like a magnet and they glue to my side asking all sorts of questions. (Which is fine, and I don't mind, but um ... I don't always read kid appropriate books.)

What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?) I joined a decant circle as well as picked up Blood and Judgement and Ghost Revelry bottles from lab. Got a decant of Catch Me, Dad from a circle as that was the only one that caught my eye.

Do you want to received knit or crocheted items? If so, could you describe or even link to a couple of items similar to what you would like to receive? Totally! I'd love a pair of finger-less gloves to keep my hands warm this winter while at the computer. I also like scarves, ones wide enough to wrap around my mouth/nose. Oooh, or better yet a big ole cowl! Like this or this. I adore the one with the buttons!

What thing do you want to do (or get) but you keep putting off for one reason or another? A Massage!! OMG I just want someone to rub my back in a professional manner and work on the places that need worked on. My husband says go for it, but I keep putting up one excuse or another (ahem perfume). I need to just go for it, but I never feel like I deserve it, or that there's just other things that need to be done/purchased first.

Would you like anything from Lush? Shower bombs. Do they have shower bombs? I can't take baths, so I'm super jealous of my daughters getting bath bombs.

Do you prefer hand-made or store-bought? Both? Either? Doesn't really matter. I feel like either or would be fine. I am just pleased as punch that anyone would think to get me something or make me something.

SPICY! Scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you? Um, That's kind of tough. Medium? My husband like Siracha on a lot of things, and I will put a drop or two in to give some flavor, but any more and it's too much. I've been slowly increasing my heat eating abilities, but I still don't think I can eat really hot things.

What is your BPAL "Holy Grail"? Ack, um ... like the HG that got away? Antique Lace. I got like a drop of it once and about died because it was available for like 6 months after I got into BPAL and I didn't grab it. But then how was I supposed to know it would be DC'd for an undetermined amount of time? CC:Female is another scent that I love beyond words - but I have 1 full bottle of that and have been holding it like the precious that it is. My GC Holy Grail is a toss up between Les Bijoux and Leanan Sidhe. I love them both for what they offer and I would be devastated if they were to be discontinued. I have 3 bottles of Leanan Sidhe, but only one of Les Bijoux.

Non-BPAL Holy Grail? Because I don't just do one company any more. I think I found my Arcana love. Holy Terror was close ... but Last Judgement just knocked it out of the park and oh my goodness I'm freakin' out because I only have the one bottle and I want sooooooooo much more! Like so much! Like a VAT of the stuff. It's just ... I can't even explain it really. I'm a huge Frankincense/Myrrh fiend. Found Holy Terror and it was wonderful, but more beeswax than Frank/Myrrh. But Last Judgement? It's like ... being at church again, back when I was younger and my Mom wasn't so stressed, and my sister wasn't born yet and we were in South Carolina in this old old church. It was like that old stone and they held church in the basement during the summer because it was so hot. I don't even know how old that church was, and despite me only being like 6 or 7 at the time, I remember this church, and how it was like a fun spooky. The grey rocks, the curved doorways, it was just ... peaceful, but kind of scary, but it made me giddy. I loved that church, and this scent reminds me of it.

Analog or Digital? Or Both? In regards to what? Clocks? Digital. I hate ticking. Music? Digital. I have a Spotify subscription and I keep waffling on Pandora.

What scents from other perfume companies are you really wanting to have in your collection and or are just really wanting to test? Companies like NAVA, Arcana, Solstice Scents, Possets, Haus of Gloi etc.....? Um ... I have an entire Wishlist here on a google doc (along with all my current bottles from all the companies I'm dipping toes in.) I try to keep it extremely updated mostly so I know what I want when I go to purchase something and so I don't forget and then have the sad.

Do you have an affinity for any specific animals? Not really. I like owls, but as for live animals, not so much. Probably cats. If we ever got another animal (because right now two kids are messy enough) it would likely be one cat.

Kitchen Needs or Wants? Always! I cook a lot so I love kitchen gadgets. I really want a ravioli cutter like this. One, so I can make ravioli, and two so I can make crustless PB&J's for the kids. I have an old (like 1950's) Kitchen Aid that i got from my grandmother. It needs cleaned though, like the engine parts. Don't know if there's like a kit for that? So something for that, or just something for the kitchen aid in general. I could use a pasta roller like this. Ooh, and a pasta drying rack! See this is why my husband doesn't let me walk into those kitchen wares stores. LOL I could really use a good potato masher like this. Only thing is I'm not a good pastry cook. Like breads and tarts and deserts I'm no good at. But I can cook the heck out of some dinner!

Makeup! Do you like it, would you want some? If so what brands do you like to wear? Not really. I have enough. I get Ipsy once a month, and some Sephora every now and then. I just don't wear makeup that often. Now ... if we're going to talk facial cleansers or moisturizers? Please! Something that helps with black heads and shrinks large pores. I'm open to anything, haven't quite found that "one" thing that works. My skin is oily in the summer and dry in the winter.

Chocolate fiends ahoy! What kind of chocolate do you like? Do you like any other things in it or just plain good ole chocolate? I, and I know this might be blasphemous to some, do not really like a lot of chocolate. Honestly, I prefer white chocolate, or (please don't hate me) Hershey Hugs.

Would you be opposed to receiving a ton of Halloween themed items? Not even a little! I love little kitchy things and cute stuff to put around the house! (Just please no breakable items - wooden stuff is good - because I have a 2 y/o.)

Would you be interested in any special little thing I might be able to pick up from the Great Lakes Bat Festival this Saturday? Both Janell Cannon (author of Stellaluna and other kids' books) and Fiona Reid (illustrator for lots of animal field guides) will be there, so would you possibly be interested in something like an autographed copy of Stellaluna or one of Cannon's or Reid's other books? Or something from the Organization for Bat Conservation, like a shirt or other swag? I like shirts (L to XL depending on fit). Kids books would be super awesome! I would love to share that with the girls.

What items from the Weenie update interest you, should you have to option of getting anything as a gift from your Witch??? Would you be ok with decants, or bottles? Oh goodness. I bought a crap ton. I'd really like maybe a decant of this year's Sahmain. I don't wear it often, and I only have the one from 2009, but the scent and the idea around it gives me warm fuzzies.

What's your favorite scary movie? None. They freak me out. If I had to choose. Like, either choose or watch them all, I'd probably say 13 Ghosts. Something about the house and the concept behind it tickled my fancy. But those damn twitchy ghosts! ACK! I can't do twitchy ghosts. Hell anymore Scream seems tame.

Favorite Movie to Watch this time of year? Nightmare Before Christmas, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Blu-ray or DVD? Neither. I have nothing that will play them. Not even my computers have DVD players. We are a Netflix family. We have a Roku for both our TV's. It's been awesome and liberating!

Game systems - console or computer? Mac/PC? Which console? PC all the way. Mostly I play Everquest 2 and spend a ridiculous amount of DayBreak Cash making my characters look all snazzy and what not. I occasionally play Guild Wars 2, Rift, and if I'm really feeling masochistic, I'll play World of Warcraft.

Are you dressing up for Halloween and if so do you need any accessories for if? Probably not. If I do, I have my witch costume that fits well over warm clothes as it's usually raining and cold, or snowing and cold on Halloween.

Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles? Vera Bradly! Love her bags. I have 3 now. I adore crossbody because of the kids, makes it easier to effectively keep both hands free. I still regularly carry a diaper and some wipes, so right now my purses have to accommodate that.

What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such? Oh man. Buffy was my first, followed closely by Angel. Both of those will always hold a special place in my heart. And anything Spike related would make me squee like a little school girl. Doctor Who is another. 10 is my doctor. Though 12 is proving to be quite interesting to watch. 11 grew on me until I was sobbing that he was gone. Firefly, because really, I'm a hardcore Joss Whedon fan. Dollhouse, Avengers, Much Ado About Nothing ... if he made it, or had a hand in its writing, I love it. And Firefly is so big in this house that our daughters are named after two of the characters - Kaylee (5) and Zoë (2) - and oddly enough, both are proving to resemble their namesakes. Zoë's hair is corkscrew curls and is head-strong, and Kaylee is just so sweet and loving and has a smile that will light up a room. So anything from their namesakes would mean more than the world to me (and my husband). I also have a guilty pleasure - Supernatural. <3 Castiel. He's my Angel. LOL

What are you planning to order from the Weenies update? I ordered more than I should've quite honestly. I settled on: The Unquiet Grave, The Witches Sabbath, Satan Starting from the Touch of Ithuriels Spear, A Phantasmagoria: Scene Conjuring Up an Armed Skeleton, Dead Leaves, Bourbon Vanilla, and Myrrh , Dead Leaves, Frankincense, and Copal , The Sorceress, and Second Spring. I really want to try this year's Sahmain (but only a decant - I still haven't finished a bottle of this and I got one in 2009). I also want to buy this years The White Witch. I have last year's and it's to die for! I'm half worried these will all work, and half worried they'll all fail.

Last Huzzah of the NY Renaissance Faire: is there anything you might want? Oh man. I've always wanted to go to a Ren Faire, but it's just never worked out. Either no one wanted to go. Or now that my husband and I want to go we have no one to watch the kids. I don't even know what they have, so I'd have no idea! Anything, really, would be touching.

Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read? Not really into comics or graphic novels, but I would read Deadpool in a hot second. I can't wait for the movie. Something about breaking the 4th dimension just makes me excited!

Do you like fanfic? Would you like a story written for you as part of your gift? What characters/fandoms/pairings etc do you like? I uh, I might've written a lot years and years ago. Mostly in the Buffy/Angel fandom. I did a Supernatural fanfic for NaNoWriMo last year. But not really. I don't read them for fear if I do go to write something again I'll inadvertently "take notes" and make mine similar.

Let's say you have indicated interest in receiving a hand knitted item. What colors, exactly, do you like? If you could provide color swatches here or to pinterest (or something visual), that would help out a lot. I have a hard time with generalizations, like if someone says "topaz". To me, a topaz is a golden brown. But some people are thinking of the blue topaz... or they can be colorless. Or red. or pink. or gray. If my Witch looks at my house decor, those are my colors. I have some artwork on my wishlist on Etsy that also is very indicative of my color preferences. But also, you can't go wrong with black.

Would you rather receive a bunch of little packages through the round, a couple of medium packages, or one big package at the end? I too would love to spread it out with lots of little thoughtful things (not even anything monetary - more like "thinking of you" things, cards, a link to something interesting, etc.) and then get something bigger at the end.

If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline? Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Brookstone, JCPenny, Yankee Candle (always need more Pink Sands car fresheners), and then Justice or Carters for the girls.

Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)? I just subbed to Ipsy. Got my first one this month. Honestly, I get it just for the nail polish!

Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents?
Tarts. Anything burning around this house is not good (at least for a few more years). I LOVE Yankee Candle's Pink Sands.

The questionnaire asked about gold & silver jewelry, but how do you feel about copper jewelry? Do you like colorful jewelry, or do you prefer to keep it neutral?
I prefer my jewelry fairly neutral. Copper is fine, but I honestly hate having to match my jewelry with my clothes and prefer just to wear one piece that goes with everything.

We asked about decorating style, but are you interested in receiving decorations for your home? Are you interested in things that go on the wall or things that go on shelves?
I have a distinct lack of shelving, and what shelving I have is mostly taken up by stuff I've already bought. But cool things for the wall? Heck yes! I still have quite a bit of bare wall. Really been looking for something to go along my, rather dark, stairwell.

Is there anything you wish you could have picked up from the Dragon*Con exclusives? Not really. I was lucky enough to get into a circle with a fairy, so I got what I was after. Though I'm now a peach fiend and I missed ALL peaches before this years. I got White Peach Incense HG from a forum purchase and Peach VII from ebay. Both awesome. So Awesome.

Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet? Cairo, Belle Vinu, not quite GC but might be able to find an imp - Josie. (Like I said, peach kick.)

For those of us with out-of-country Witchees, would you be happy with receiving a few packages from local to you merchants (say, through Etsy or equivalent)? Whatever works best for my Witch, honestly. =)

Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites? I make notes for everything. Shopping lists I prefer have lines to write on. I have a drawer full of cute sticky notes and wouldn't mind more! I love love love Ink Joy pens and fine point Sharpie pens. Would love some metallic pens (fine point). I like all sorts of colored pens, and I also like having a stock of basic black pens (Ink joy or Sharpie) (not a blue pen person). Journals don't really get much use, but I hoard fun covered college ruled 1 subject notebooks. I use them like crazy when writing for NaNoWriMo. I used 3 last year, and have a 4 book series in the outline works that I'd likely hand write out.

Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place? Already there was a question about Renn Faire, but Faire also has an abundance of wonderful socks! Tell me all your sock wishes! More sock answers! With winter coming up, thick wool socks, and those soft fuzzy socks would be wonderful. I also really like knee high socks for winter time. My downstairs gets super cold (especially with this recent trend of below 0 weeks in winter) and just cooking dinner can be trying with normal socks. I've never gone to Sock Dreams - but just a cursory look ... OMG ALL TEH PRETTY SOCKS!!! I would totally dig a pair of these. Or something like this for my boots.

I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free? I like strawberry, cherry, vanilla and watermelon flavors. Prefer no caramel, no sour, and no chocolate.

How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc. Meh, not really.

How do you feel about "toys" - stuffed animals and the like?
Honestly, my daughters would probably steal them. =( But I wouldn't mind a cute small little thing to sit on my desk. Something Buffy, Firefly, or Supernatural theme'd.

Did you see the eclipse last night? How do you feel about astrological events, like eclipses? Any interest in the Blood Moon Eclipse scent from BPAL? I did not see the eclipse. I was in bed before 10pm and it was cloudy. But yes, I wouldn't mind a decant.

Witchee's, how tall are you? And perhaps, what's your arm span (from wrist to wrist)? I am 5'7'' and my arm span is ~52 1/2''.

How do you feel about the 4 elements? Or are you more of an Asian 5 elements person? Do you feel strongly about any of the elements, like a connection or a preference? Prefer 4 elements, but really, don't feel strongly about any one.

How do you feel about bentos? Is it something you would use if you were to get one? I have no idea what these are. Like Bento boxes? Probably wouldn't use it.

Scarves, shawls or cowls? Mittens, gloves, fingerless mitts or wristlets? Already covered this above. Cowls, fingerless gloves. Earth tones.

how do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com? Probably not, unless I don't have to use it right away. I wasn't going to start crafting again until the baby goes to preschool next year.

What do we want from Paintbox Soapworks? Hmm. Never looked at them before. I just added some to my Etsy Wishlist

If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame that hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer? Prefer ones that hang. I don't have a lot of space to sit stuff at.

How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows? Umm, no thanks. Nothing strikes my fancy there.

Are you a slatherer or a dabber? Totally a slaterer. There are only about 3 scents I only need to dab. I have rather dry skin, despite putting on a bunch of lotion all the time and hydrating. I have to reapply constantly. Someone mentioned using jojoba oil, but I've not been able to find any with little to no added fragrance.

Talk to me, dear witchies, about tea. I know we've covered this a little, but I really need the nitty gritty here- not just companies you like and don't like (Teavana? Adagio? David's? Some tiny place?) but I also want to know the other stuff: top 3 flavors, loose or bagged, the kinds of tea accessories you use- or have always wanted. Be specific. Provide links if necessary. No tea.

Villainess is putting out brand new stuff for the first time in a while (as opposed to bringing back former lines). Sooo.... who wants it? I'd be curious in some samples. Specifically Anti-Hero

Are there any flowers you especially like? I LOVE carnations and peonies. I planted a peony bush a few years ago. I'm hoping next year is the year it blooms!

Would you be interested in any cozies or cases (yarn or fabric, not hard cases) for tech stuff (phone, laptop' etc) or for cups/mugs/bottles or anything else similar? Hmm, maybe a cozy to put my testing imps in on my desk? something like a little "basket" or the like

Would you like Halloween or Day of the Dead themed ornaments or a "bunting"? Don't know what a bunting is, but ornaments or decorations ... yes. =)

I make handmade journals, mini albums and similar items. Would my witchee be interested in something like that? I would like something like that yes. I think it would be adorable and so personal and lovely.

Are there witchees who would like book related gifts like a booklight, bookmark, bookseat or something for your reading gadget,like a cover or a light for example.
I could use something to stand recipes on when I cook. Well, maybe more something that would hang on the wall or on a cabinet handle as I don't have much counter space. Also, I love bookmarks.

How does everyone feel about duct tape crafts? Any favorite patterns?
Not one for duct tape crafts, but always looking for more duct tape to tape things up with (packages, boxes, presents).

What songs/music/artists/CD's do you like to listen to around Halloween?
Just found Midnight Syndicate through NAVA. Very cool.

Are you interested in leg warmers at all? I used to have them when I was younger and would dig some for sure!

Is your Halloween style scary, cutesy, folksy, grotesque . . .? cutesy/folksy I think.

Have you read The Martian? Or do you plan on watching the movie? I am woefully out of the loop, but I would love both! I was talking to my husband and he was telling me a bit about it and it sounds awesome.

How do you feel about bumper stickers and car magnets? What do you like--cute, pretty, snarky, geeky/fandomy? Uh, no thanks. I kind of have this irrational fear of giving away too much personal information on my vehicle, then some weirdo walks up to my kids, mentions Mommy liking X thing and them thinking I know them and walking off with said stranger. (Now see ... THIS is what teaching kids about stranger danger in the 80's/90's leads to.) I have a few paranoia's, and this is one of them.

Do you have any phobia's that your Witch should be aware of? I have a fairly common one ... clowns. I hate, hate, hate clowns. And twitchy ghosts. And mirrors in the dark. (Thank Girl Scouts and a night in a cabin with a wall length mirror and some pre-teens doing Bloody Mary.)

Pertaining to that, how does everyone feel about such things? Will anyone be participating? How about NaNo swag, is there any you want? NANO!!!!!!!!! I don't know if I will be participating. I have outlines and I did it last year. But swag ... yes!!! (I'm claudia6913 there too.)

Trading Post Weenies are live! Anything calling to you? So much. Weenies came at such a bad time! I'll have to wait another week or so to get anything at all. I'm definately buying Dead Leaves, White Musk, and Vanilla HG and Sahmain Linen spray. But I am going to miss getting decants (because of having to wait). I would've gotten: Dead Leaves, Red Musk, and Neroli HG, Boo HG, The Great Pumpkin of War HG, October Linen Spray, and Blood Sangria decant.

Speaking of nail things, it that time of year and I am doing my jamberry order, Would you want some Lovely Jamberry's for your nails? My sister hosts Jamberry (well, she's done it once so far - and she's not one to stick to stuff like that), and I was interested. But was put off by the host helper posting to the FB page like every 10 min for 2 hours every day. It was crazy and blowing up my phone (even in the middle of the night!). But, yes, interested in Jamberry. Apple Cider is gorgeous. Monster Mash, Pumpkin Spice, Spellbound.

claudia6913

September 15, 2015

recklesslysober's Blog

Switch Witch 2015

Welcome, Wonderful Witch!

I'll update this post throughout the round with answers to the questions in the Switch Witch thread!

Pumpkin?
No pumpkin for me please! I don't like actual pumpkin, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, PSL.. I don't like pumpkin scents or pumpkin flavor (real or artificial). I don't really like orange for decorating, even for Halloween, but I do like pumpkin shaped decor if it's in metallic or neutral colors or made of natural looking materials like wood or fabric. Pumpkin shaped edibles are also great!

Booze?
Probably not a good idea for International mailing or customs.. Which is fine because I'm not a big drinker anyway. I enjoy the occasional glass of wine or a light, fruity beer but that's it.

Yellowstone?
I don't collect any souvenirs but HUCKLEBERRY, always yes. I have very fond memories of huckleberry picking (and eating) as a child. Would love jam, syrup, preserves, BPAL/BPTP. Just know that if there are any huckleberry things in the Weenies that I will have bought it instantly for myself.

For those of you who don't drink alcohol, can you specify if you live with any drinkers or ever have alcohol on hand for guests, vs. abstaining and preferring not to have it around at all?
I drink occasionally, but not enough to keep much on hand. I still have beers that I bought myself a month ago.. Friends usually bring their own favorite drinks when they come over, and we have enough that people have given us to last us a long time.

Are you a fan of the TV show Penny Dreadful?
Never heard of it. I mostly just watch Netflix or shows that get recommended to me.

What are your coffee and tea preferences? Do you prefer one, the other, both, or neither (and if it's neither, what about things like hot cider and cocoa)? Loose leaf or bags, whole bean or ground? Is caffeine OK? Any gadgetry you're in need of? Any brands or flavors that you particularly love, loathe, or want to try?
Coffee isn’t for me – I can't really do caffeine.. it just makes me jittery and emotionally unstable. So no black teas, green teas, white teas, etc. I do drink herbal teas and rooibos teas, which are both caffeine free. I’m into peppermint and chamomile. Not a huge fan of licorice or cinnamon. I definitely love trying new kinds though.. if you have local teas that you love, please send them along!! Loose or bagged is great. Hot cocoa is delicious, but I don’t do cider. I mentioned this in my questionnaire but please also make sure there are no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, etc. – thank you! I’ve got all the gadgets I need. I don’t like DAVIDsTEA – most of them have artificial flavors. I haven’t tried many brands other than the big ones, so whatever small, local ones you come across would be so awesome!

What's your sense of humor like? Do you enjoy puns? Play on words? Dirty humor? Dry humor? Who are some of your favorite comedians?
Sarcastic, dry, ironic, self-deprecating, witty. Love puns, love play on words even more. Moderately dirty. I LOVE George Carlin, Amy Poehler, Chelsea Peretti, and Iliza Schlesinger.

Do you like board games? If so, which ones? Traditional or more unique? (like Settlers of Catan, Small World, Red Dragon Inn, etc)
Yes! Love board games. I recently got Codenames which is a new one this year that I HIGHLY recommend to everyone. It’s perfect for all levels of gamer (even people who say they hate board games) and really fun with larger groups – everyone that I’ve played it with loved it. Just ordered both editions of Exploding Kittens so I'm good on that front. We also have Three Cheers for Master and all of the editions of Hive. Munckins is a big hit around here too. We have the original (with expansions 4-5 but we could use 2, 3, 6, 7, 8) and we also have Munchkin Quest (and Munchkin Quest 2), and Munchkin Zombies (we have all of the expansions). I've never played Cards Against Humanity but I'd be up for trying it! We don’t really have the patience for those epic games that take a lot of time to set up, teach, and play. That being said, if you think you might know something I'd love, give it a shot! I'll always try new things out. I also LOVE puzzles. I’ve done a few of the Eurographics ones recently and I love those because they have non-typical piece shapes. Ones I already have: The Kiss (Der Kuss) by Gustav Klimt, Sunset on the Pacific Coast, and Canoes on the Lake (I like their landscape photographs). The top one on my wishlist is the Eurographics version of Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, 1907 by Gustav Klimt (I had so much fun putting together the other one of his that I have!) and after that probably their Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh.

Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive?
Anything with artificial fragrance/flavor/color/sweeteners, skincare, cosmetics, nail polish, bath & body & hair things (other than BPTP stuff, that's always welcome). I probably wouldn't get much use out of any of those things. Thanks for understanding!

Plain or fun socks?
Either! I like soft, comfy ones for lounging around. Just no toe socks please.

Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about?
Pretty much ANYTHING! I love to hear about what other people are into. Surprise me!

What one thing you would like to do more of?
Travel probably!

What are some things that fascinate you?
Science, humanity, psychology, social media, nature. It doesn't take much to fascinate me..

Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)?
Never tried it. I'm not sure that it would be my thing, but I would definitely give it a shot.. as long as it was just basic whole food ingredients.

Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way?
I don't have any particular pieces I like but I do love art that is more of a social commentary and has some aspect of irony or paradox - think Banksy's graffiti, or movies like Fight Club, TV shows like Black Mirror, etc. I like dystopian and fantasy/sci-fi because it takes me to the edge of certain features of humanity in a really interesting way.

What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?)
Hmm.. nothing from the BPAL Liliths - none of them really spoke to me. From BPTP I have a couple I like.. but I'm pretty sure I'll just add a bottle or two to my Weenie order. I would not say no to backups of The Worst Pillow though!

Do you want to receive knit or crocheted items? If so, could you describe or even link to a couple of items similar to what you would like to receive?
Would love either! I am absolutely OBSESSED with these Outlander inspired fingerless gloves that Claire wears in the show (I am also obsessed with the show itself - can't wait for the next season). I could use some boot cuffs! I prefer infinity scarves or cowls to regular scarves. Hats are tricky, but the newsboy style seems to work best on me. I think I have a few things on my Etsy favorites. I mostly wear neutral colors so grey is ideal, but I also like navy and muted, dusty blues and purples. I tend to like solid colors rather than multicolored pieces. Up for anything else at your discretion, whatever you think I might like.

Would you like anything from Lush?
No, thank you! Lush is not for me at all.

I have really sensitive skin so I don't use much of anything in the bath. I do sometimes use BPTP bath oil on my skin after I get out. Also if you have a brand that you like, I'd love any salts, fizzy things, melts.. as long as there are no artificial fragrances (fragrance, parfum on the label), dyes, or irritating ingredients. Basically if you can read and understand the ingredients without a chemistry degree, I can probably use it!

Do you prefer hand-made or store-bought?
Either! I'll be so happy with anything. I also have been trying to support smaller, independent companies who use really great natural ingredients, so if there are any local brands you like I'd be happy to try them out!

SPICY! Scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you?
Probably 6-7. I like heat but not so much that my taste buds burn off.

What is your BPAL "Holy Grail"?
I don't really have one.. I like variety and much prefer trying new things. Links to my favorites, the bottles I have, and every scent I've tried are in my signature!

Analog or Digital? Or Both?
Mostly analog, but digital is good too. I don't have an e-reader but I have a smartphone that I sometimes use to read on my commute.

What scents from other perfume companies are you really wanting to have in your collection and or are just really wanting to test? Companies like NAVA, Arcana, Solstice Scents, Possets, Haus of Gloi etc.....?
I've had my hands (and drawers) full with just BPAL/BPTP so I'm good on other companies! I tend to stick to one brand for most things because I like having uniformity and it keeps shopping simple.

Do you have an affinity for any specific animals?
Pandas, mostly the cute cartoon ones!

Kitchen Needs or Wants: Do you need (or want) anything for your kitchen, either in the way of simple gadgets, supplies you always run out of, or never remember to get, kitchen decor (functional or purely decorative), or dry goods like special spices or spice blends?
We have a small kitchen and I like to keep things simple so I'll say no on the gadgets. We have most of the typical North American/European spices but if there are some interesting local or other international blends you love, I'd be happy to try anything!

Makeup! Do you like it, would you want some? If so what brands do you like to wear?
I do wear and love makeup, but since I have sensitive skin I'm pretty picky about brands. My favorites are Red Apple Lipstick and Alima Pure. I do have some Bite Beauty things and some stuff from Shiro. Loose minerals with basic ingredients are usually okay. As always, if you have any indies or local things that you think I might like, send away! I usually wear very neutral colors like taupes, greys, and muted purples on the eyes and dusty mauves, plums, and roses on my lips and cheeks.

Chocolate fiends ahoy! What kind of chocolate do you like? Do you like any other things in it or just plain good ole chocolate?
I LOVE chocolate. Pretty much any kind.. milk, white (probably my favorite), dark. I love it all. I'll try almost any flavor, filling, mix. Except banana, I really don't like banana flavored things. Also please no artificial flavors/colors (and please no "sugar free" chocolates with artificial sweeteners - they upset my stomach..).

Would you be opposed to receiving a ton of Halloween themed items?
We're not huge on decorating with Halloween stuff and I'm not a fan of the mass produced disposable knick knack thing.. but Halloween themed consumables or wrapping, sure! And I'm always up for handmade things from small local businesses or if you're crafty and want to make something go for it!

What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such?
Well.. Veronica Mars obviously, Sherlock (BBC - my SO is very jealous of the Cumberbatch, and rightly so..), Mad Men (specifically Joan.. I love her style and that pen necklace that she wears is adorable), Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter. I probably lean more towards wearables and functional things for swag: T-shirts (probably a size large), keychains, mugs, accessories, etc. or anything else you see that's awesome - I like minimalist art too and I love the really witty, sarcastic quotes.

What are you planning to order from the Weenies update?
Ordered Second Spring and Dead Leaves, Bourbon Vanilla, and Myrrh. I think that's it for me for the BPAL update but I'm patiently waiting for BPTP goodies so I can order my Liliths. I'm open to trying anything you think I might like though if you have decants you want to pass on.

The Last Huzzah of the NY Renaissance Faire happens this weekend and I'm going! Is there anything you might want? (Besides a turkey leg, which won't ship well!)
I've never been to a Renaissance Faire and have no idea what wares might be sold at such things. Use your best judgement, dear Witch. I don't like huge amounts of clutter but I have a couple boxes for little treasures if there's something that catches your eye! Consumables are always great too.

Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read?
Not much of a comic reader.

Do you like fanfic? Would you like a story written for you as part of your gift? What characters/fandoms/pairings etc do you like?
I've never sought it out myself but I'd definitely be open to reading anything if my Witch likes to write!

Where do you have wishlists at? If you could please link to them or to a post that links to them. (Amazon, Etsy, Think Geek, Pinterest, Sephora, Lush, BPAL/BPTP, Soap Box Company, everywhere and anywhere!)
All of my wishlists are in my signature, on the blog, or in the spreadsheet. And they're all up to date!

Let's say you have indicated interest in receiving a hand knitted item. What colors, exactly, do you like? If you could provide color swatches here or to pinterest (or something visual), that would help out a lot.
I'm into greys, black, navy, or muted jewel tones like a dusty mauve kind of color. Think neutrals. I like either solid colors or only 2-3 colors. Not super into the multicolor thing. I do like the different details and more complicated knitted patterns but nothing super frilly and no tassles or fringe.

Would you rather receive a bunch of little packages through the round, a couple of medium packages, or one big package at the end?
I'll leave this up to my Witch's discretion!

Would Witchees like something from IKEA? (Or any other not always accessible by everyone store?)
We got a ton of Ikea stuff when we moved recently so I'm set on this! I do love things from small, independent companies, especially ones that aren't local.

If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline?
I usually head to Banana Republic - I get all of my work clothes from there and I'm new to the office environment so I'm still building my work wardrobe. Other than for clothing, I mostly shop online now.

I also have a question: Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)?
I don't. I haven't found one I'd like and I'm usually pretty picky with skincare/makeup/haircare/bath & body because I have sensitive skin.

Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents?
I'm not huge into tarts or candles - B&BW scents and those types of fragrance heavy brands always give me a headache. We usually burn unscented tea lights in an oil warmer but I have lots of those stocked up. I'm hoping that someday the Post will do tealights.. I'd be all over that! Incense I do like and prefer natural scents (essential oils). I like warm scents like sandalwood, vanilla, amber. Open to other types too though!

Is there anything you wish you could have picked up from the Dragon*Con exclusives?
Nope, I got most of the ones I was really interested in but I'm always up for trying decants of anything.

Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet?
I've tried most of the ones I was really curious about, but there are a few that I'd just like to test and see what they smell like - those are on my wishlist. Especially curious about a couple of unimpables though: Iole, Sachs, and The Last Unicorn in particular. Even a tiny bit of those would be awesome.

The questionnaire asked about gold & silver jewelry, but how do you feel about copper jewelry? Do you like colorful jewelry, or do you prefer to keep it neutral?
Any metallic jewelry is great. Colors I tend to keep it neutral. I love the minimalist geometric metallic trend that's going on right now.

We asked about decorating style, but are you interested in receiving decorations for your home? Are you interested in things that go on the wall or things that go on shelves?
We're pretty set on decorations, but if you see something you think I'd like I can always bring it to the office.

Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites?
I'm fine for most office supplies. I do love a specific type of pen that I can never find in stores. I love the fine tip of the .03mm ones and I have black, red, and blue but more colors are always welcome!

Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place?
I don't have anything specific in mind but in general anything soft and comfy I like to lounge in at home. No toe socks though.

I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free?
Pretty much anything goes! I like gummies, caramel, chocolate, sour in moderation.. Definitely no sugar free though.. the artificial sweeteners they put in those taste awful to me. And no licorice. Other than that, surprise me!

How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc.
Not for me.

Are you interested in receiving any restaurant.com gift certificates for your area?
Nowhere in my area participates.

How do you feel about "toys" - stuffed animals and the like?
Not particularly looking for anything like that, but if something jumps out at you go for it!

Did you see the eclipse last night? How do you feel about astrological events, like eclipses? Any interest in the Blood Moon Eclipse scent from BPAL?
Yes! We had a great view from our apartment. They always make me feel so small and insignificant (which I love!) so I try to make sure I can see them. I don't put much more weight into it than that though. Definitely interested in trying the Blood Moon Eclipse scent.

Witchee's, how tall are you? And perhaps, what's your arm span (from wrist to wrist)?
5'7" and not sure about my arm span but I think it's average for my height. I mostly like my arms covered, so if it's a little longer that's totally fine.

How do you feel about the 4 elements? Or are you more of an Asian 5 elements person? Do you feel strongly about any of the elements, like a connection or a preference?
Not a strong connection to either, but I do identify with my Aquarius tendencies so probably water.

How do you feel about bentos? Is it something you would use if you were to get one?
I like the idea but I wouldn't use one - I have some glass ones I really love by LifeFactory so I'm set on food containers.

Scarves, shawls or cowls? Mittens, gloves, fingerless mitts or wristlets?
Probably cowls and fingerless gloves. I have a couple things in my Etsy wishlist, particularly the Outlander style ones because they intersect with one of my fandoms!

How do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com?
I generally prefer to take classes in person!

What do we want from Paintbox Soapworks?
I'll pass on this one.

If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame that hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer?
We don't have a ton of space so smaller pieces like postcards would be great!

How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows?
I'd be up for trying them!

Hats for cats?
We don't have pets.

Are you a slatherer or a dabber?
Dabber most of the time, but occasionally at home I'll slather.

Talk to me, dear witchies, about tea. I know we've covered this a little, but I really need the nitty gritty here- not just companies you like and don't like (Teavana? Adagio? David's? Some tiny place?) but I also want to know the other stuff: top 3 flavors, loose or bagged, the kinds of tea accessories you use- or have always wanted. Be specific. Provide links if necessary.
I think I covered all of this in previous tea questions, but just in case I didn't: No caffeine please and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. I also don't like licorice. Rooibos and herbals are more my thing - I like chamomile, peppermint, and nutty/vanilla teas. Chai is nice too. Other than that pretty much anything goes - always up for trying new things! Loose or bagged is fine. I have all of the accessories I need. Indies or local to you is always appreciated. If you have any other questions feel free to ask me!

Is there anything from ThinkGeek that you want??? (especially in the geek points section, 2400 points or under?)
Nothing I see for me but my man would love this Death Star ice mold: http://www.thinkgeek.com/f0b6

Villainess
Nothing I can see that I want.

How does everyone feel about duct tape crafts? Any favorite patterns?
I think they're neat but I probably wouldn't have a use for any of them myself.

Are there any flowers you especially like?
Lilies mostly (if the profile picture didn't give it away).

Would you be interested in any cozies or cases (yarn o fabric, not hard cases) for tech stuff (phone, laptop' etc) or for cups/mugs/bottles or anything else similar.
I think I've got everything I need like that.

Would you like Halloween or Day of the Dead themed ornaments or a "bunting"?
I'm probably okay on those.

Are there witchees who would like book related gifts like a booklight, bookmark, bookseat or something for your reading gadget,like a cover or a light for example.
Bookmarks are always welcome, otherwise I'm all set!

I make handmade journals, mini albums and similar items. Would my witchee be interested in something like that?
Sure!

What songs/music/artists/CD's do you like to listen to around Halloween?
I have Spotify so I'm fine for music.

Are you interested in leg warmers at all?
I think I have enough of those.

Is your Halloween style scary, cutesy, folksy, grotesque . . .?
I don't really have a Halloween style. Definitely not grotesque though.

I bought the Portal board game last week & it came with a Portal 2 steam free download code. I already have the game on another console & it's one of my favorite series of all time. Soooo, would you want it?
No, thank you! I don't really have anything to play games on right now.

Have you read The Martian? Or do you plan on watching the movie?
I can't stand Matt Damon.. I got about an hour and a half into Interstellar before I realized he was in it and by then it was too late.. SO, this is how I feel about The Martian:

But I would read the book! If I could manage not to picture Matt Damon's face.

Honey or beeswax products? Discuss.
Yes!

Pertaining to that, how does everyone feel about such things? Will anyone be participating? How about NaNo swag, is there any you want?
I've always been in university during that but this is the first year that I think I'll join! I'm okay for swag though.

How do you feel about bumper stickers and car magnets? What do you like--cute, pretty, snarky, geeky/fandomy?
No car, so I'm good.

Do you have any phobia's that your Witch should be aware of?
Don't send me a live spider, other than that I think I can handle it!

Trading Post Weenies are live! Anything calling to you?
I just ordered Dead Leaves, Red Musk and Neroli Hair Gloss and Dead Leaves, White Musk and Vanilla Hair Gloss (I really hope I like the dead leaves note this year.. I got the Dead Leaves, Bourbon Vanilla and Myrrh perfume from BPAL too). I think I'm good otherwise. Decants of Boo HG or October Atmo would be lovely though.

Speaking of nail things, it that time of year and I am doing my jamberry order, Would you want some Lovely Jamberry's for your nails?
No thanks, I don't wear anything on my nails.

Do you like or want to try Marmite?
Probably not.

Used nail polish & cosmetics?
I don't wear nail polish and I have a select few cosmetic brands that I can use so I'll pass on this!

Are there any DISCONTINUED (not LE) BPAL oils that you wish you had, or had a little more of?
I'd like to try Jester if you have a small amount - for the huckleberry! Nothing else I can really think of, except maybe Antique Lace.

Is there anything fairly basic that you're always running out of and need to buy more of?
Not really!

Anything interest you from the recent Blooddrop update?
I'm okay, thanks! I like to limit the brands I follow to keep things easy/affordable(ish) for myself.

How to you feel about foreign spices/flavorings?
YES please, love them. Probably just spices since I can't have artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors.

Dearest Witchee, can I get you anything from Shiro Cosmetics? I'm going to place an order soon and perhaps you are interested in some of their goodies? https://shirocosmetics.com (https://shirocosmetics.com)
I had a quick peek and I think I have everything I want from Shiro!

recklesslysober

September 15, 2015

neptuneanblog

Switch Witch 2015 Help

Okay, so wishlists: My BPAL wishlist is linked in my signature like this blog is, so if you got here, you can probably get there too
Amazon *EDIT* Okay, so since my Amazon wishlist was so unwieldy, I've now moved the non-book items to another Amazon wishlist, here you go.
Sock Dreams
If I make any more I'll put them here
Pumpkin? Generally I think pumpkin is just okay, but I have had good pumpkin bread in the past, and do like these treats, for example. Toiletries sound fine, decor might be okay in limited doses. Pumpkin perfume usually isn't my thing, I think I liked plain old Jack from BPAL the one time I tried it, but haven't liked any other pumpkin scents I've tried so far. Yellowstone stuff: Sure, any of the usual touristy stuff would be okay, I guess. Huckleberries sound nice too. Penny Dreadful: I know it's a TV show, but that's about it. I'm not much for modern scripted television. Tea/Coffee: I definitely covered tea in my initial questionnaire, but it looks like I didn't say much about coffee. I do drink coffee (bags not the little cups... as for whole-bean or ground, either one is fine since we have a coffee grinder), but my husband is the big coffee-drinker in the house (as in, I drink one or two cups in a week, he drinks at least twice that much a day), so if you buy that for me it will mostly go to him. Not a bad thing, just saying. The only flavored coffees we are really into are coconut and cinnamon, in case you were wondering that. Sense of humor: I don't really like comedians or funny movies or anything like that for the most part. I do have the "The Kids in the Hall" boxed set and I enjoy watching the episodes, so I guess I must like that at least. I guess I myself am pretty dry/sarcastic humor-wise, but who knows. Board Games: I mention Perquackey every time this question comes up, so yep, that's one I like/want (I definitely don't need the newest version or anything, used would be just fine). I'm also sortof into Trivial Pursuit and wouldn't mind having the newest version, or the old music expansion pack (the music one shows up at thrift stores for like $2 pretty often it seems). Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive? I mentioned some things along those lines in my initial questionnaire... the only other things I can think of right now are still-in-shell pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds. If I think of more, I'll update in my blog. Plain or fun socks? Both! I linked my SockDreams wishlist in my blog, so check it out for more info. Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about? For the most part I think that I go ahead and learn about the things I want to know about. I guess I'm sort of interested in family tree/family history stuff and have only explored that in a cursory way so far. What one thing would you like to do more of? I know I mentioned this in my questionnaire, but it's yoga. I did yoga regularly from 2008-2012, but have only gone to a few classes and done a few youtube videos since then. I'd love to have a regular practice again and am hoping that I will soon. I need to do a few videos at home before trying to go to actual classes again though... right now even downward dog for more than a few seconds would seem challenging to me, I think. Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)? my answer would be "sure"... especially as you're likely to have access to different brands of it than I do Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way? There are so many that I could probably go on listing forever, honestly. I go to museums pretty often and there is almost always something that strikes me. The Rothko Chapel is an "oldie but a goodie" in that regard, though. His stuff in general has so much more of a presence in person than it does on a computer screen or even in a print. What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?) I joined a decant circle for a few things. If you end up having/getting an extra decant of Little Lady Macbeth though I wouldn't mind trying it. Do you want to received knit or crocheted items? If so, could you describe or even link to a couple of items similar to what you would like to receive? Something wearable would be cool, specifically socks, fingerless gloves/armwarmers, or possibly a scarf. Grey might be your best bet color-wise, but if that isn't really in the cards, I guess refer to the info in my original questionnaire about color preferences. Would you like anything from Lush? I could use some shower gel -- the new "Beautiful" one, or the "Lord of Misrule" one that's out for Halloween, or the old mainstays of Olive Branch and Happy Hippy
I'd also be happy with basically any bubble bar you think I'd like
I'm not as much into bath bombs, but I'd like to try the Lord of Misrule one anyway, and possibly Sex Bomb or Twilight
Haltija -- I couldn't have put it better. What is your BPAL "Holy Grail?" I had a little bit of a hard time with this one because in general I eventually find the stuff I'm looking for. But I finally thought of a few things that might fit the bill: I was initially too hipster-y to try The Laughter of Loki but am now regretting it. Even a partial decant would be cool just so I'd know what it was like.
Then there's Shortbread Snowflakes. As far as I know, the perfume version was only available in imp form. Well, I had an imp and I loved the scent... but then somehow it ended up going through the laundry. I was left with an empty imp and some very nice-smelling laundry. So it would be great if that could be replaced!
Then there is sort of a third tier of stuff that's currently hard to find but might not be that way forever... because it includes Carnaval scents. I'd love to have some more Temple Viper and King Cobra, because all I have are decants. And my husband has been pining for more Hand of Glory for awhile (yes, I know this swap is supposed to be stuff for me only, but I would feel weird not mentioning that when discussing other Carnaval desires).
SPICY! Scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you? I order my Indian food medium-spicy, and eat Mexican food including salsa and such on a regular basis, so I guess I'm somewhere in the middle. I'm not really into "spicy for the sake of spicy" type stuff though. Analog or Digital? Or Both? Both I guess, but honestly I really lean analog. Do you have an affinity for any specific animals? cats of course, foxes (like just about everyone else, right?) bees, deer, hedgehogs, red pandas I guess Kitchen Needs or Wants: Do you need (or want) anything for your kitchen, either in the way of simple gadgets, supplies you always run out of, or never remember to get, kitchen decor (functional or purely decorative), or dry goods like special spices or spice blends? Well, I have some apple corers and an apple peeler on my Amazon wishlist right now. I think I might also like some espresso powder to use for baking. I will add to this in my blog if I think of additional things... I probably will. *EDIT* Yep, I need a candy thermometer too... and if you can get soba noodles for relatively cheap, that might be cool (in my town they are only at the very overpriced natural food store). Makeup? I don't wear makeup often so don't need much, if any. For example, if you find one or two very cool eyeshadows in a user-friendly format (so not a tiny baggie of loose pigment, though a little jar would work okay for that), that would be fine... but if I got some kind of blush/lipstick/whateverelse combination set, or a bunch of makeup in general, I just wouldn't use it. Would you be opposed to receiving a ton of Halloween themed items? A ton, not so much. A couple of things, sure! Other folks (sensibly) seem to be using this to describe their taste in Halloween items, so I'll see if I can dig something up about that from a past blog entry... here we go: "I like halloween decorations that depict cats or candy corn, and also like purple or black glittery stuff (I've seen glittery foam skulls or spiders, for example)." "Special little thing" from the Great Lakes Bat Festival? Out of what was linked to, I thought the tote bag was pretty cute. What's your favorite scary movie? Or movies, either way. If you don't like horror, what are your favorite movies to watch this time of year? Whenever I am in one of these swaps, I always conclude that I am the least movie-ish person around, at least when it comes to owning movies at home and watching them more than once. I like to see movies in the theatre, and if I really like a movie I might want to introduce a friend to it years later or something, but otherwise I'm really not even into re-watching movies. Sorry I am such a freak! As for the question about Weenies, usually what I do is figure out a "first tier" of stuff that's likely to work, and get decants (or bottles, I guess) of those, then list the second tier (of stuff that I'm curious about but less sure as to whether it will work on me) for Switch Witch possibilities. So here is that second tier, decants would be great (*EDIT* the things I have already ordered are decants of Second Spring, Dead Leaves Honey & Oudh, Apple III, Depart Pour le Sabbat, Magic Circle, and La Femme de Satan... and a bottle of The Sorceress): The Unquiet Grave
Dead Leaves, Bourbon Vanilla, & Myrrh
Dead Leaves, Frankincense, & Copal
Dead Leaves, Red Musk, & Neroli
A Witch Riding on a Dragon
The Witch & the Mandrake
Satan Summoning his Legions
Blu-ray or DVD? Our player does both I guess. But I think I have already said that I don't really want anything in the way of movies/DVDs unless there is something on my Amazon wishlist. Game systems - console or computer? Mac/PC? Which console? I don't play those sorts of games at all. Are you dressing up for Halloween and if so do you need any accessories for it? Hmm... my husband and I are actually both free on Halloween this year, so might go out, but I doubt we will be wearing costumes. I will update in my blog if this changes. Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles? I'm ridiculously picky about purses, so I'd rather pick those out for myself. I wouldn't mind some new tote bags though, either the smaller canvas ones that have a cool picture or saying on them, or larger grocery totes (not too fussed about stylishness when it comes to the grocery version). What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such? Not really "fannish," sorry! Last Huzzah of the NY Renaissance Faire: is there anything you might want? I go to one (actually two) near where I live at least once a year usually, and the things I generally get for myself are soap and earrings. So I'm sure the one you go to probably has nice soap and earrings as well... that might be a good place to start? But if you see something else you think I'd like (hmm... maybe stick incense? that's another thought), that'd be fine too. Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read? Not really. Even the ones I do like are not things I should probably get as gifts (for example, I've liked Tank Girl since 7th or 8th grade, but have never even looked at the collection of it that my husband got me for Christmas 2 years ago. Where do you have wishlists at? If you could please link to them or to a post that links to them. I did that in my blog already but I am one of those weirdos that does not have a public etsy one. I will try to pick out some selections from my etsy favorites and link to them in my blog soon though. Do you like fanfic? Would you like a story written for you as part of your gift? What characters/fandoms/pairings etc do you like? Not my thing, but thanks. Would you rather receive a bunch of little packages through the round, a couple of medium packages, or one big package at the end? Honestly, what I'd like best is one or two little things during the round, then a larger box at the end. But if that's not your style or isn't practical, that's fine, just do whatever works for you. I will be happy regardless! Small Can we update our BPAL wishlists, or put a quick note in them stating if they are up to date or not. I'm going on the assumption anything that hasn't been updated in the last month or so is out of date. I am not sure when mine was last updated, but it is basically current. I don't update mine constantly because I no longer have many GCs on it, and there's no way I am going to get that many past LEs/Discontinueds any time soon (especially since so much great new stuff keeps coming out). Dear Witch, if you need me to narrow it down or something, please ask! If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline? I guess J Crew and Williams Sonoma. If I think of something else I will update in my blog. I also have a question: Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)? No, and I'm not really interested in the ones listed. There used to be one called Oishiibox that was for Japanese snacks that I was interested in, but it seems to now be defunct. However, there are other Japanese snackbox subscriptions available, I just haven't looked into them much. Would Witchees like something from IKEA? (Or any other not always accessible by everyone store?) My husband and I used to exclusively use Ikea napkins. So if you'd like to get me some of those for old times' sake, go ahead. The square ones with prints or pictures on them, not the rectangular or plain ones. Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents? I do not use tarts. I do like candles and incense. For candles, I like everything from fresh herbal-smelling to cozy fireplace to vanilla cupcake type stuff... the only stuff I don't really like would be I guess super-seaside-y or generic holiday spice types. I only use stick incense and my favorite brand by far is Devonshire. I usually just get the general sampler, but might also be interested in the "Cathedral" one. Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet? I would really like to try The Cat from the Coraline series.

neptuneanblues

September 15, 2015

kajacana

Switch Witch Fall '17

Hello dear Witch! Thank you for stalking me!

Hopefully my questionnaire was useful; this post will be updated throughout the round with additional info relating to the chatter in the Switch Witch thread. (Sorry for the wordy answers -- just trying to give you as much info as possible!)

Instagram
Twitter
Goodreads (only shows books I've already read)
Amazon Wish List (For books I haven't read and don't own, but would like to. Kindle editions or physical copies are both OK! And used books are completely fine.)
BPAL Wish List
Favorite and least favorite notes
Etsy Favorites (just to give you an idea of things I like!)

My general aesthetic is kind of... I don't know, think Wednesday Addams meets the Cheshire Cat meets the Renaissance Faire, with a hint of pirate and a light flourish of goth, and there you go, that's me!

Random stuff I like:
-Harry Potter (I'm a Slytherin!)
-Nautical imagery (anchors, octopus/squid, ship's wheels, ship being taken down by a kraken, the fearsome briny depths, etc.)
-Favorite color is purple (jewel-tone, like the color of an amethyst); second favorite color is forest green
-Favorite animal is CATS (especially lions, as I work with them, but I love all cats of all sizes!)
-Shakespeare (Hamlet is my favorite, Twelfth Night comes in second)

SW Thread Q & A:
**updated 10/1**

1. Halloween TeeTurtle tees:
These are really cute but I don't think I'd wear one.

2. Scooby Doo:
Not my thing.

3. Indie makeup:
Yes!!! I've tried a few loose eyeshadows from Aromaleigh and Baroque Cosmetics and I love them. I don't have much experience with other indie brands but would love to try some. Eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, nail polish, and lip stuff would get the most use (I'm all set with eyeliner, as the Urban Decay 24/7 pencils are my holy grail and I have a ton of them). I've actually been searching for a new shimmery highlighter. I will find a use for any color eyeshadow, seriously. Matte is okay but shimmer, iridescence, and/or color shift are even better. Glitter is okay if it's not too intense.

4. Crio Bru:
That looks delicious!

5. How would you feel about receiving a hand-painted container for your bpal and/or other treasures? Would you want a big wood box (~50 bottles), a small wood box (~20 bottles) or a tin for carrying imps around?
I'm all set with BPAL storage, but if you want to make me a box for storing other things, that would be lovely! 20-bottle or 50-bottle size would both be good, even if I wouldn't be using it for bottles.

6. Who is into K-Beauty (Korean beauty products like sheet masks)? What are your faves if you are? If you aren't would you like to try something?
Not so much, unless there's something in particular that you want to recommend.

7. What are some NEW things you've gotten interested in this year?
I've been getting really into craft mixology (and yes I'm aware of how extremely hipster that sounds, and it kills me, but what can I do? I love a good drink). Things like shrubs, syrups, bitters, mists, recipes, bar tools, craft-distilled spirits... basically anything I can use to make a pretentious cocktail. Gin and rum are my poisons of choice.
Also this year I tried my hand at bullet journaling, but I didn't stick with it and I wish I had. Mine was just a simple ruled Moleskine journal, and after keeping it for a few months I had to admit I really wished I'd gone for the dotted pages (like the Leuchtturm 1917), because those would have been a lot easier for me to grid out. So I'd like to try that again, along with hand-lettering because it makes everything look so pretty.

8. Are you interested in anything from the Moonalisa Halloween update?
I've never tried Moonalisa but would happily use the shower gel, sugar scrub, hair conditioner, or body creams. Scents that look good are Carnival Cakes, Coconut Butter Pecan, Little Red Riding Hood, and Pumpkin Waffles & Pecan Praline... actually a lot of them look good but those foody ones would make nice bath & body scents! Oooohh, or the lip butter in Maple Sugar or Dark Rum & Ginger.
Also now is probably a good time to mention that I pretty much stick to BPAL for my perfume oils. I'm always happy to try new companies for other products, but for oils I'm a pretty strict BPAL loyalist.

9. What are your coffee and/or tea preferences?
I drink both, but I especially love coffee. Coffee preferences: whole beans, no added flavors please. I tend to prefer dark roasts, and Central/South American beans. I like my coffee to be strong but smooth with just a little sweetness. If you have a local coffee roaster you love, I'd love to try it! Tea preferences: black tea, loose leaf. Earl Grey, Earl Grey Cream, and Masala Chai are favorites. Flavors and herbals are okay, I just don't care for rooibos, green teas, licorice, mint, or anything floral. In terms of gadgets, I currently don't have a way to brew loose-leaf tea at work, so a portable loose-leaf brewing apparatus would be nice (like one of those infuser travel mugs, or even just a silicone tea ball that I can throw in my lunch bag without worrying about it breaking or clanking around like the metal ones).

10. Do you enjoy stationery?
I'm not a connoisseur or anything, but sure. Nice paper for writing letters might be nice -- nothing too flowery, though. Washi tape, stickers, pens, etc. are all good -- I mentioned in a different answer that I want to start bullet journaling again, so anything for that would be nice. As far as notebooks/journals go, honestly I don't need any more, except for a dot-gridded one that I could use as a bullet journal... but I am up to my ears in blank ruled journals already.

11. Cocoa Pink and Haus of Gloi:
Cocoa Pink, no. I've tried their conditioner and didn't love it.
Haus of Gloi, maybe. Love their pumpkin butter's texture but I've sampled most of the GC and have never been impressed with their scents. Ghost Puffs is probably the only one I'd want to try (in pumpkin butter form) from their fall list.

12. Would you be interested in a Halloween wreath?
Those are really cool but I don't decorate for Halloween, so no thanks.

13. Lush Halloween stuff:
I love Lush... like... too much. Honestly though, nothing in the Halloween collection is calling my name. I'm not a fan of most of those scents, and as cute as they are, I wouldn't use bath bombs or bubble bars. Some Lush standards that I do like are D'Fluff, the new Just to Clarify or 1000 Millihelens jelly masks, Brazilliant shampoo bar, Yuzu & Cocoa shower cream, Scrubee, Shades of Earl Grey or Soft Coeur massage bars... ugh I could go on but I'll spare you!!

14. Future Primitive:
OMG YES. My last wonderful Witch, Dallandra, sent me their whipped soap and conditioning hair rinse in Blackcurrant Damson Frangipane, and I LOVED them -- especially the hair rinse. Since then I've come very close to ordering more hair rinse on several occasions, but never have because of the high shipping cost. I always look at the Dark Carnival scent, and from the fall list, Toffee Moon Face sounds amazing.

15. Are there any UK things you'd like to get?
Besides Future Primitive, there's nothing specific I can think of. But regardless of where my Witch is from, I'm always happy to try things that are local to them!

16. Are you into podcasts? If so, what are your favorites? Would you like any merch related to any of them?
Favorites: The Alton Browncast, Awesome Etiquette, Spirits, Gilmore Guys, and The Baby-Sitters Club Club (two grown men dissecting the Baby-Sitters Club books for conspiracies and sinister hidden meanings... I can't explain it, it's hilarious). I don't want any merch from any of those, though. But I'm happy to take any podcast recommendations!

17. Nui Cobalt Designs:
Never heard of this shop -- if you think I'll like something from there, I trust you!

18. Sihaya & Co.:
Never heard of this one either, but I love a good candle, and these look really nice! Scents: Hocus Pocus, Port Royal, and Nassau all look amazing (love that there are pirate candles!).

19. ILNP:
Nail polish is always good -- I've never tried ILNP but have wanted to for a long time. Holos, glitter, and color shifts are all right up my alley. As for colors, I feel like if I started listing ones I like, I could go on for pages -- so I'll just say that I'd particularly like any sort of purple, gray, or blue (especially combos of any of those), or any interesting black. It's probably easier to list the colors I DON'T like -- those would be yellows, bright oranges, and anything neon.

20. Are there any hobbies or crafts you've been thinking of trying, but haven't had the chance yet?
As I rambled about in an earlier question, bullet journaling in an elusive dot-gridded journal, along with hand-lettering.

21. Would you want to receive a custom spell kit or magical tea? If so, what purpose would you want it to be for?
No thanks, spells & such aren't my thing.

22. Do you like poetry?
I don't dislike poetry, but I don't go out of my way to read it.

23. Handmade critters, stuffed animals, or custom repaints:
Handmade critters or stuffed animals could be cute.

24. Yarn:
No thanks, I wouldn't use it.

25. Would anyone like a donation made in their name to a cause or charity?
That's such a nice gesture! I mentioned a few of my favorites in my questionnaire.

26. Wishes from the last 2 updates:
Oh man, I don't even know. I've been avoiding looking too hard at the updates to make sure I save money for Weenies.

27. Stuff from Japan:
Anything you want to send that represents where you're from, I'd love to receive! From Japan specifically, unusual Kit-Kat flavors would be cool.

28. Nail wraps:
Never used them before but I would try them!

29. If you were to receive something hand knit, what type of item would you like?
Long (forearm length) fingerless gloves/arm warmers, regular-length gloves with or without fingers, a beanie-type hat (no flaps, pom poms or tassels, please), or thick socks to wear around the house at night. Colors: for the socks, any colors! For the rest, amethyst purple, black, or charcoal gray, or some combination of those.

30. If you could be ANY character from a film, TV show or book, who would it be and why?
Luna Lovegood, because she's eccentric and clever and calm and doesn't care what anyone thinks of her, and she has a knack for dealing with magical creatures.

31. If you could hop into a time machine and travel anywhere/anytime, where would it be and why?
I'm fascinated by the English Renaissance and Colonial/Revolutionary America, but I don't know that I'd want to travel to either of those times because, you know, dubious living conditions and constant danger and even worse societal conditions for women. But if I could visit with a free pass for safety, I'd pick one of those.

32. If you could invite 3 famous people to a BPAL meet and sniff, who would you invite?
I honestly can't think of 3 famous people who I'd want to hang out with AND who would be likely to appreciate BPAL... so I'll just go with the 3 famous (using that word lightly) people I'd most like to meet right now: Lucas Steele, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Dave Malloy.

33. Do you like and/or want anything from Elements and Artifacts?
Everything is gorgeous but I'm not seeing anything in particular that calls to me.

34. Would you like something hand sewn by your Witch?
Sure! A scarf or some kind of bag would be cool... maybe a tote bag, or a smaller makeup bag, or a laptop case to fit a 13" computer? Clothes would be cool but I'd be nervous to have you work so hard on something without knowing for sure if it would fit.

35. Costuming accessories:
No thanks.

36. What are your favorite/preferred Halloween/autumn icons/images? Any to specifically stay away from?
To be honest, I'm not too much of a Halloween celebrator... don't dress up, don't decorate... so anything along those lines would probably be wasted on me. If something is less specifically Halloween and more general fall-time spookiness that could be appreciated year round (by, uh, a spooky person), that's much more my thing. Ravens, crows, black cats, bats, and leafless trees are all cool. I also collect (ethically sourced) animal bones, and I have a weird love for very old cemeteries. As for things to stay away from, that would be zombies, vampires, and anything gory or involving human body parts (severed hands, eyeballs, stuff like that).

37. Candy:
Yep! Flavor preferences are in my questionnaire. I will be honest here and say that I probably don't need the classic "Halloween candy" type... like, it's hard enough for me to resist picking up a giant bag of Kit-Kats or Mini Twix every time I go to Target as it is, so I definitely don't need any more sent to me in the mail! BUT, if it's something a little more unusual or local/regional, that's cool. And yes I like chocolate (milk better than dark, but dark is OK especially if it's mixed/filled with something else).

38. Do you want Fidget spinners, desk toys, or other frivolous things that you look at and decide you don't need enough to spend $ on but would make you happy to have?
Fidget spinners and desk toys are a no for me.

39. Zentangle:
I had to Google this, but WOW. I love this! Would like to learn how to do it AND would like it if you decided to make me something like this.

40. Hair clips/mini hats/ribbons/etc.:
No thanks.

41. What local goodies may be of interest? Local Honey, jams,candy?
All good. I love trying regional foods from other places. Also coffee -- one of my favorite things to do when I travel is try local coffee shops/roasters. (Also distilleries, but gin is much more expensive than coffee and much harder to ship, alas!)

42. Subscription services:
Probably not any makeup-related ones, but if there's something else you think I'd appreciate, I'd be willing to try it.

43. How do you like to listen to music?
Lately I've been using Spotify exclusively. The only place where I can still listen to CDs is in my car, so I think I need to finally accept that I'm living a post-CD life.

44. Do you prefer reading on Kindle or actual book? What kind of books do you like?
If I had to choose I'd pick a physical book, but I also really love my Kindle, so either is fine. Book preferences are pretty well addressed in my questionnaire.

45. Candles, Incense, or wax tarts? Do you have favorite brands or Weenies scents for the home? Would you like to receive a wax tarts burner, incense burner, essential oils diffuser, or Halloweenie themed candle holders?
Candles, yes. Usually I go for the Bath & Body Works ones (Marshmallow Fireside and Pumpkin Pecan Waffles are my two favorite fall scents from them, but any non-cinnamony pumpkin one would also work)... and I'll happily try other brands. Yankee Candle is okay but PLEASE no Witches' Brew, I know that scent is well beloved but I can't stand it. Wax tarts, I do have a diffuser but I rarely use it. Incense, I don't have a way to burn it and also my roommate dislikes it, so better skip it. Halloween candle holders, I wouldn't use them unless they were less Halloween Specific and more Generally Spooky.

46. Are you a gamer?
No, not at all.

47. Beer?
I like it occasionally, but it's not my favorite thing to drink. Dunkel, Helles, and Belgian Whites are usually what I go for, and occasionally a Stout or Porter.

48. Booze?
Yep! Gin (particularly various American Dry styles that showcase interesting botanicals with juniper as the backup dancer) and rum (somewhat aged but not too dark) are my favorites, and I also like tequila. Not a big fan of whiskey. I mentioned this earlier but I'm really into craft spirits, and I'm on a righteous mission to expand my gin palate. Favorites right now are Greylock from Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Massachusetts (which doesn't distribute where I currently live which is a GREAT TRAGEDY UGH), Bluecoat from Philadelphia Distilling, and McElroy's Corruption from Tom's Town Distilling right here in KC... and my favorite "commercial" gin is Bombay Sapphire. I could talk about gin for a long time... I'll spare you. I'm not sure how relevant any of this is for Switch Witch anyway!

49. Wine?
I like it better than beer but not as much as spirits. Favorites are Pinot Noir and Merlot, or any red that's not too intense with the tannins.

50. Hair falls?
No thanks.

51. For those who watch certain movies every year for Halloween, what are those movies, whether horror or not? Any favorite horror movies that aren't necessarily on the annual-viewing list? How do you feel about fan-made merch for these movies?
To be honest, I'm not much of a movie watcher... I can binge-watch TV shows like a champ, but for some reason my attention span doesn't usually jive with sitting down to watch a movie at home (and I hate going to movie theaters because they tend to be just an expensive way to listen to other people's chewing noises). So I don't really have any movies that I watch every year. That being said, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic and I'll admit to loving Jack Skellington, go ahead, throw me in Hot Topic Jail. I also REALLY DO NOT LIKE horror movies, I'm a huge wimp, so none of that for me thanks! Fan-made merch for movies in general, I guess it depends on what it is.

52. Do any of you potential Witchees have any kitties, puppers, or youngling humans you want spoiled in your packages?
No pets and no kids here.

53. Is there any interest in any of the fragrance oils from the Nocturne Alchemy Weenies update?
Nope, when it comes to oils I'm a BPAL purist.

54. Is there anything you want from the trading post (or trading post etsy) that is available to order right now?
From the Post, hair glosses -- Pickle, Zoe, and Wednesday, in that order.
From the Post Etsy, Porphyrophobia claw polish, Peach Pie perfume oil.

55. Would you like some Halloween or other themed decor in the form of a banner?
No thanks, I really don't decorate for Halloween.

56. Do you live near a Trader Joe's?
Yes I do, thank the Lord!!! Don't know what I'd do without it. So I'm probably good on TJ's stuff, though I wouldn't be mad if you felt the need to send me some of their dark chocolate peanut butter cups or gummy penguins.

57. Do you like to cook and/or bake? Could you use any specific ingredients (spices, oils, salts, extracts, etc.) or kitchen utensils/gadgets?
I love cooking and baking, it's one of my favorite ways to relax. I can't think of any specific kitchen gadgets or accessories I'm in need of, but if you find something cute, by all means! As for ingredients, I'll take pretty much anything. My most frequently used spices are whole nutmeg and crushed red pepper flakes, but I'll really find a use for anything.

58. Bike or beach related stuff from Ocean City, MD:
Not a biker, so no bike stuff. Beach stuff, I guess it depends on what it is, but if you think I'll like it then okay! (Bearing in mind that I live in a landlocked state.)

59. What is 1 thing you would love to see in your final box? Can be ANYTHING - your choice.
Ugh, I hate to put stipulations on my Witch!! Really, truly, honestly... my lovely Witch, WHATEVER you send me I will appreciate it!! The fact that you're taking the time to read all these absurdly long answers and consider what I'd like means more to me than any specific item.

60. Who would love some USPS eclipse stamps?
You know, I was lucky enough to be in the path of totality for the eclipse (Liberty, Missouri!), and it was REALLY cool and incredibly beautiful. Although I'd use the stamps for practical reasons, I'm not a collector or anything, so probably not.

61. Favorite gemstones?
Amethyst, tanzanite, black pearls.

62. If you enjoy jewelry do you like discrete and elegant, flashy and gaudy, small and light, or large and chunky?
I like... unusual. Probably not gaudy or chunky, but all the rest of those descriptors could be okay depending on the piece.

63. Any love of pirates or SCA?
Pirates, yes. SCA, nah.

64. Is there anything you would like from Disney World?
Nothing specific, but I love The Lion King (especially Nala, as I currently work with a lion named Nala) and the Cheshire Cat.

65. Are you a Potterhead? If so, to which house do you belong?
Yes, and I'm a Slytherin. I'm part of the "Harry Potter Generation" for sure... the first book was published in the U.S. when I was 10 and I read it shortly thereafter, and the seventh book was published in the summer between my first and second years of college, so I'm one of those people who quite literally grew up with the series. The books have a very special place in my life and I've reread them several times over the years. I like the movies a lot too (except Prisoner of Azkaban... Alfonso Cuaron's direction was cool but that film was an unforgivable butchery of the book in my opinion). I'm really not into any of the newer stuff, though... I haven't seen Fantastic Beasts and it really doesn't interest me... and Cursed Child, ugh, don't get me started... I haven't read or seen it but I did read a detailed plot synopsis and I was pretty much horrified.

66. How do you feel about chokers?
Sure, why not?

67. I'm in France at the moment, is there anything here you might like? I'm in Provence, the land of lavender, so if you like that flower in particular just say so!
French things are welcome, though I can't think of anything specific. Lavender isn't my favorite, though. I think it smells pretty but I don't want to smell like it, and I don't want my house to smell like it.... and I really don't like eating/drinking it.

68. Are you into divination?
Nope, not at all.

69. Sock preferences:
I like socks, and I'm not picky about colors or fibers (though I will say that striped is always good). I mentioned in a previous answer that if you want to knit me some warm around-the-house socks that would be lovely. If you're not a knitter, I'd still appreciate that type of socks, store-bought edition. I also like knee-high striped socks quite a bit.

70. Previously-loved books and BPAL:
Both completely fine.

71. So what are your favorite fandoms?
To be honest I'm not much of a fandom person. I have things that I like, but I'm not a cosplayer and I don't do conventions, I don't write or read fanfic, and I'm just generally not too engaged with the social aspect that I feel is a key part of fandom participation. That being said, I guess Harry Potter is a big one. Doctor Who (favorite Doctor is Ten), Lord of the Rings... can't really think of anything else.

72. Think Geek:
Hogwarts coasters, Slytherin pajama pants (S), TARDIS tea towels, TARDIS pajama pants (S).... there's probably more but that's at first glance! Basically steer towards Slytherin or the TARDIS and you can't go wrong. (I do already have a TARDIS blanket and light-up vworp-vworp cookie jar, though.)

73. Anything you forgot/miscellaneous extra info:
Nothing I can think of! Honestly, Witch, if you've stuck with me this long and read all of this, I'm impressed. But do feel free to have a minion poke me if you need more specifics on anything.

74. If you could decorate your house (or one room) in any one theme, what would it be?
Covered this in questionnaire -- LotR Elf kingdom style. But I also appreciate rustic woodwork.

75. Aprons:
No, I wouldn't use it.

76. Black-and-white striped knitted little guy:
He's cute, but no thank you.

77. Do you like Broadway shows/music? If so what are some of your favorites and/or ones that you hope to see or listen to eventually? Would you like merch from your favorite shows or CDs from shows you want to listen to?
Covered this in questionnaire, but YES, I'm a musical theatre fan (fan only -- definitely not a performer!). I grew up just north of New York City and have seen a lot of shows over the years (gotta love the discount TKTS booth), and now on the rare occasions that I visit home, going to a show in the city is something my mom and I like to do together. Favorite shows that I've seen on Broadway are: Natasha Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Something Rotten, Into the Woods, Les Mis. Favorite shows that I haven't actually seen: Hamilton, Next to Normal, Chess (though I love the recorded version with Josh Groban, Adam Pascal, & Idina Menzel). Also recently I've been listening to a lot of Waitress and Come From Away though I haven't seen those either... and most recently, when I was home in August my mom and I drove up to Massachusetts to see Company which had Aaron Tveit in it, and seeing him perform live was a dream come true. I am DYING to see Hamilton, like the rest of the world, but I'm waiting to go with one of my friends who also loves it, and we need to wait til it tours in KC next year. I could just see it one time when I'm visiting home, but I really want to go with her, and I have this weird thing where I won't buy any Hamilton merch until I've seen the show, so no Hamilton stuff I guess (unless you make something!). Merch from other shows would be cool, though I don't know what that would be, but feel free to use it as inspiration if you're crafty. I'm good on CDs because I gots me the Spotify.

78. NYCC/Edmonton Expo:
I'm not sure what they have there but if you find something you think I'll like, I trust you!

79. Imagine you're going to the most gigantic art & craft show imaginable, and money is no object - what kind of things would you gravitate towards and probably spend money on? Include as specific as you want to get!
Probably unique jewelry or frame-able art, like paintings or drawings. I don't really go to craft fairs but when I'm at places like Ren Fest, I tend to go home with a lot of jewelry and new art for my walls.

80. See's Candy:
I'm not familiar with this but I do love marshmallows...

81. Coloring books:
I have a Wild Savannah one with all African animals, which I love because a lot of them are animals that I work with. But I've had it for almost a year and I'm not even halfway through it yet so I don't think I need another one.

82. Animi Causa:
Just taking a quick glance, this stuff looks so cute! Cutesy animal kitchen accessories are my jam (I have a can opener shaped like a toucan... I'm that kind of person). I love that Nessie ladle!

83. If I were to find an adorable autumnal/Halloween-y dish/flatware/etc. design, how many settings would be needed in your household?
Well, it's me and my roommate, and about 80% of the kitchen stuff is mine, and it's a lot of mismatched hand-me-downs, and the word "settings" doesn't really apply because we don't have a kitchen table or any kind of dining table... soooooo.... !!! Haha, anything is fine. I kind of enjoy having lots of different plates and bowls that don't match.

84. TrueLemon apple cider:
Sure!

85. Baths?
Showers only for me.

86. What style/make/etc of phone do you have? What about size of tablet? Laptop? Would you like decals, skins, or cases for any of these?
I have an iPhone but I'm probably upgrading it soon and I'm not sure what model I'll end up with. No tablet... my laptop is a 13" MacBook Pro, it has a hard case already. Some kind of soft zipper case would be useful but it's not something I desperately need.

87. Are you interested in anything from Bath & Body Works?
Covered candles way back in question #45. I was actually in there today and they have new smaller candles -- I really liked the Currant and the Clove ones. Other than candles, I can always use pocket bacs, shower gels, scrubs, hand soaps, car scent pods ... and I like their new Salted Caramel Apricot and Spiced Pumpkin Cider scents. Really the only things I dislike from there are the body lotion (the runny kind -- the thicker creams are fine), and scents listed in my Least Favorite Notes... and the Japanese Cherry Blossom scent, UGH, not for me.

88. Crystals?
No thanks.

89. Pumpkin or zucchini bread?
Yup, I like both of these.

90. What kind of homemade cookies are your favorite?
Oatmeal with chocolate chips.

91. Could you use a muscle rub?
Sure, my neck and shoulders are an unholy mess.

92. Interested in trying some of our rose petal or lavender vanilla bean liqueur?
No thanks, not a fan of those flavors.

93. Homemade honey, jam, candied jalapeños, dried apples...
If you make it and want to share it, I'm sure I'll enjoy it!

94. Do you need any kind of dice bag, tote, project bag, cosmetic bag, pencil bag, pillowcase...?
Small makeup bag or tote bag would be useful.

95. Do you collect the art cards that BPAL sends out? Any in particular that you are looking for or definitely don't need?
I do keep these, and I have a few of my favorites on display. I tend to like the ones that don't have images of people.

96. Do you like this beautiful art, and she makes stickers and prints...SOOOO gorgeous: https://www.shannatr...om/paperprints/
Um, hell yes, those are beautiful. My favorite is Corvid Love, but I also really like The Dahlia Tree, The Poppy King, and Treasure.

97. Favorite animals or wild creatures or mythological creatures?
Any and all cats (especially lions, jaguars, black-footed cats, and black cats), black rhinos, giraffes, orcas, dragons.

98. Depeche Mode swag:
Not my thing.

99. Take a Knee and SN: Flor de Maga:
I am 100% in support of both of these causes and am so happy the Lab continues to do charitable scents like this. I don't think either one would really work for me scent wise, but I'm curious about Flor de Maga because sometimes florals work nicely on me, I just don't know what this particular one is like.

100. Is anyone here into zero waste, plastic free living, urban homesteading, or any simplicity/minimalism-esque lifestyles? If so, could you use any tools or equipment?
I would like to be better about this than I am. I try to be conscious of how much single-use plastic I'm using, and I think I've done a decent job at cutting down recently, but I'm nowhere near as efficient as I should be. As far as urban homesteading, my living situation isn't permanent enough for that... and I'm not really into minimalism either, though I appreciate and respect it as a principle. So to answer the question, yes, I'd be open to things that would help replace some of the unnecessary plastics in my life. 101. Haus of Gloi:
Covered in question #11. 102. Farmer's market stuff:
Honey is good, candles are good.... I don't use too much hot sauce apart from Sriracha, and I live in Kansas City which is pretty much BBQ headquarters so I'm good on BBQ sauce. 103. Smolder Cosmetics:
Any of the Loose Glam Dust highlighters, I can't even pick a favorite, they all look pretty. 104. Strobe Cosmetics:
Some of those eyeshadows are gorgeous, particularly Druid and Unicorn Tears. 105. Hello Kitty stuff:
No thanks.

kajacana

September 15, 2015

Miss Twilight's Blog

Switch Witch Fall 2015 Q&A

Pumpkin?
Please don't buy me all of the pumpkin spice things like twinkies/kisses/m&m's, etc. I won't drink PSL's from SBUX because the ingredient list is a horror show. I *do* like the Pumpkin Pie Almonds from World Market, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin soups, etc. (Panera has a really tasty seasonal soup plus they scored an A on having good ingredients and no antibiotics in their meat, etc., I might be eating there more often if I can afford it. They use real pumpkin in their PSL too, I might have to try one.) I love Teavana's Pumpkin Spice Brulee tea but I'm totally set on that.

I normally don't like pumpkins for decorating in the house either since I loathe orange but Violetchaos had a cute white pumpkin with a black face drawn on it that I kept wanting to steal and I have seen decorative pumpkins at Target and Joanns that aren't horrible (black and white or black and purple.) But really I have no place to set stuff like that right now. We do carve actual pumpkins every year if we can. The other half is supposed to be gone until November this year so I might be doing any corn mazes and pumpkin carving by myself.

Booze:
I'm all about the vodka, rum, baileys, flavored liquors, tawny port, and mead mead mead mead mead mead mead. and ice wine. Buttery Nipples are one of my favorite drinks. And Lemon Drops. I've made my own amaretto and kahlua and such. I should try infusing some vodka - rose and lavender would be interesting to me. Oh, I do like hard cider. I usually get the Ace's Hard Pumpkin Cider from World Market. The Angry Orchard crisp and cinnful (sinnful?) apple cider is ok too but not my favorite. I like the sweet meads and ciders (should be obvious since I am also an ice wine/port fan) and not dry ones. Kthx. (There is a cider place by my parents called Twilight Cider Works that I have a few bottles from. The last one is a peach. Nom nom! And I live not too far from sky river meadery but I find most of their things to be so-so. There are some more meaderies that have opened up that are farther north than I feel like going by myself but maybe when I have money and my mom is visiting since most of my friends either have kids or seem unable to do anything without their other half.)

Want anything from Yellowstone? Be it postcards, key chains, shot glasses, pint glasses, or huckleberry what have you?
I'm not really a trinket person. Washington is overloaded with Huckleberry stuff too (especially the Spokane area where my parents live) so I'm probably good on that. A postcard?

I know there is a question about "decorating style", but if you're comfortable, could you should us some photos of your spaces? For those of us who like to art and craft, it can be nice to have a visual sense of decorating style!
I am not comfortable showing photos of my spaces. I sold my beautiful house and my other half sold his as well and we moved in to the mother-in-law apartment of his dad's house after his mom passed. This place hasn't been updated since the 60's as far as I can tell. The carpet is orange, beige, yellow squares in the basement (my space) with wood paneling on the walls and the upstairs has orange carpet. BoyFlame's father has since passed away so we have started updating the house but it is going VERY slowly as my other half is out of town most of the year for business. We've pretty much gotten as far as painting all of the walls with killz (except the wood paneled areas) and painting the kitchen, upstairs bedrooms, and downstairs bedroom. But the downstairs bathroom and floors need a lot of work!! It's humiliating for me to have people visit because I am so ashamed of the floors. If I had my way, I would have grey or purple leaning white walls and a dark grey purple or grey carpet. I have black furniture (table, couches) and a grey granite and black computer desk. I do have some antiques that are a medium brown wood color that I do not especially like. But I'm not going to change them because antiques. I have a nice grey/black marble top bistro table with a black iron base and matching chairs. I have grey "black out" curtains with light purple gauzy curtains under them. Royal purple velvet duvet cover and another purple silk one. A few Nightmare Before Christmas comforters and sheet sheets. (yes, I'm 12.) Tons of gargoyles, which are all a nice stone grey color. So basically you're looking at minimal white, grey, black, and some purple. I like blues and dark reds too but am not drawn to them as much. Our bedroom, however, has blue and silver walls because blue is supposed to help you sleep better. (Purple is bad for bedrooms because it causes too much brain activity or something, say the "experts." So much for my purple sheets and duvet covers!) My kitchen is painted a dark wine color and I have a skeleton/skull theme (skeleton bone apron, skull and NMBC cookie jars, bone shaped silverware, skull wine toppers, skeleton hand salad tongs, etc.) I have a bunch of stuff from World Market on my pinterest that is inexpensive and would go well with my kitchen. I always try to go to Target at Halloween to buy some of the pyrex round bowls w/lids that have bats on them. BATS!

Here is some of my artwork that I have yet to put on the walls but will soon. You probably can't tell from the small photo, but the one with the crow has a cthulhu-esque creature in the mists behind the crow. The purple alien one has a lot of eyeballs and tentacles (on the frame too! This is the original oil painting by this artist; she sells prints of this painting on her etsy site.) I got it because of the tentacles and purple/blue. The horse is very steampunk. I grew up with horses (showing and gaming) and am a horse freak. The purple and blue tribal dragon was given to my son for his birthday although I originally bought it for me. (MY COLORS!) The wavy color line ones are also original paintings that were done by my friend Wendi Dunlap.

For those of you who don't drink alcohol, can you specify if you live with any drinkers or ever have alcohol on hand for guests, vs. abstaining and preferring not to have it around at all?
I drink alcohol.

Are you a fan of the TV show Penny Dreadful?
Meh. I've watched a few episodes but couldn't get into it.

What are your coffee and tea preferences? Do you prefer one, the other, both, or neither (and if it's neither, what about things like hot cider and cocoa)? Loose leaf or bags, whole bean or ground? Is caffeine OK? Any gadgetry you're in need of? Any brands or flavors that you particularly love, loathe, or want to try?
I used to work for a coffee/tea company (for 8 years!!) but now I am unemployed due to my health, weep. I drink both - I start with coffee in the morning and switch to tea in the afternoon and evening.

I make coffee in a variety of ways - I have a burr grinder, so I like whole bean. I use the toddy system to make cold brew, sometimes french press if I'm feeling awake (HA HA this rarely happens), and if I'm really lazy I use my verismo. If I'm SUPER lazy I just buy the cold brew at the grocery store and pour it into my cup... (that is what I'm having right now - some chocolate Stumptown.) I'm not picky about roasts if it's something that tastes good. Some coffees are better for cold brew, others for french press. Please NO DECAF.

I do like cider and cocoa but I'm super picky on ingredients. I prefer drinking chocolate but I rarely make it because the process is so lengthy and time consuming.

Prefer loose leaf but I'll do tea bags if something isn't available loose leaf. (Loose leaf tea is generally a higher quality.) I really prefer organic but I'll take Whittard, Mariage Frères, Dammann Frères, etc. There are tons on my Amazon edibles wishlist and on Pinterest. Would love to try more Davids tea. Please do not send me Adagio, I have tried multiple times and it just seems bland and boring to me. I prefer black and flavored black. Sometimes flavored green or jasmine. I have an insane love for licorice mint tissanes, like Aveda's comforting tea or Yogi's egyptian licorice mint.

What's your sense of humor like? Do you enjoy puns? Play on words? Dirty humor? Dry humor? Who are some of your favorite comedians?
I read Christopher Moore. I enjoy puns but I'm not super punny myself. I have the mind of a dirty 12 year old. I'm so dry that most people don't either get my jokes or realize I'm joking. (I don't watch comedians though, so no idea.)

Do you like board games? If so, which ones? Traditional or more unique? (like Settlers of Catan, Small World, Red Dragon Inn, etc)
I'm slowly collecting CAH (I join the Holiday Bullshit every year) and it might be fun to have exploding kittens, but the problem is that you need people to play games with and I'm really isolated being both aspergers and having chronic pain and respiratory issues. I don't go places very often and people are too busy to come over here (plus I hate having company - see the paragraph about my house being gross.) So... yeah. I'd really love to go on the JoJoCruise and play games. And I need to learn Magic again. Maybe I could get a job at Wizards of the Coast since they're like 15 minutes away. I do always lust after things like Nightmare Before Christmas monopoly editions and such but they would never get used. It's not like I'm going to have more kids ever (my son is 25 and doesn't live here! I gave him all of my RPG stuff. Cyberpunk, Shadowrun, Paranoia, AD&D, Vampire the Masquerade, etc. books. And an edition of Talisman because I like torturing people.)

Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive?
- Bars of soap or solid soap of any sort (I only use solid soap to wash my hands in ONE bathroom and we use liquid soap everywhere else. I use shower gels or scrubs in the shower. Plus I make soap - so I have boxes and boxes of unused soap that I just can't use fast enough. And people are always always giving me soap bars so I have a couple boxes of Lush, Villainess, Paintbox Soapworks, and other soap too. Sigh. The exception would be cold or hot process soap that you made yourself, like Yewberry's soap. But please no melt & pour or other bar soap.
- Scarves. I'm a knitter and people are always giving me scarves! No! Stop! I have 5,000! I seriously don't have room for them all and have started donating them.
- Hats. I don't wear any kind of hat except a news boy type cap.
- Halloween decor like ghosts, witches, orange pumpkins, spiders, black cats. (Bats, skulls, ravens, gargoyles, skeletons, etc. are good - I never put them away.)
- Baked goods with walnuts. I hate walnuts. Sorry!!! I really just don't like nuts in baked things as a rule - it's a texture thing.
- Key Chains
- Lanyards
- Coffee mugs (unless it's on a wishlist. I have so many coffee mugs that I have to double stack them. I have more packed away out in the shed.)
- makeup or nail polish
- I feel picky now but I don't want people to waste postage, time, and effort on things I'll probably donate or give away. HOWEVER, if something that I said I didn't want is on a wishlist, be sure I would like to receive it. What? I'm inconsistent.

Plain or fun socks?
As long as they're black or black & (color) striping, they should be ok. I prefer thicker over thinner. Would love hand knitted socks. My measurements are linked in my Ravelry profile.

Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about?
I'd like to go back to school but I don't have any money, so I need to learn more about applying for grants. (There is no way I'll do a loan that I have to pay back for the rest of my life.) But that isn't really a fun switch witch sort of thing. I'd like to do more needle felting, cross stitch (except I'm going blind), etc. I need to learn how to make stitch markers. And expand my soap making repertoire.

What one thing you would like to do more of?
exercise. horse back riding. cooking. (obviously I can't count.)

What are some things that fascinate you? Or, What would you like to know more about?
I'm fascinated by ... um... video games? I love to go to renn faires except they are usually too hot, too crowded, and getting too commercial so as I get older and fatter the appeal lessens more and more.

Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)?
hells no. Nasty. *shudder*

Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way?
Most art that I'm interested in is linked in the "art" area of my etsy favorites or on pinterest (or both.) Too many things speak to me. (I'm a weeper and I cry at the drop of a hat over sad, happy, anything.)

What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?)
From BPTP I am interested in hearing reviews of En Garde (I don't like rum scents, so it depends on how overpowering the rum is.) Looks like I'm doing a decant circle that will include most of the Liliths other than the BPTP ones, so I'm probably set.

Do you want to received knit or crocheted items? If so, could you describe or even link to a couple of items similar to what you would like to receive?
I'm not a fan of crocheted items unless they are amigurumi or an afghan. I do like knitted items but as I said earlier, no hats or scarves please. You can see the items I love in my Ravelry Favorites. Unfortunately there are quite a few there for inspiration, not that I want people to make for me. I'll try to go through and make some bundles of "things you can make for me" - I do have a bunch already tagged Vamp Swap for a vampire swap I'm in. I also have yarn in there that I would like to get my hands on...

What thing do you want to do (or get) but you keep putting off for one reason or another?
Go back to school, exercise, knit more, cook, go through all of my BPAL and cull the herd, etc. I've been avoiding the world and playing video games.

Would you like anything from Lush?
I always like things from Lush (except bars of soap, ha ha!) Unfortunately most of the stuff I want is expensive. I could use more Greased Lightning, I like the green solid sugar scrub. I rarely hardly ever take baths so would prefer no bath bombs or bubble bars. No massage bars either please. Or their lip balm or scrub. (I'm such a curmudgeon!) Love the dusting power and would like to try the vanilla one but also love the Silky Underwear. I have Lush stuff on my Amazon bath and beauty wish list. Oooh the Lord of Misrule is something I've wanted to try! Added to Amazon list.

Do you prefer hand-made or store-bought?
It depends on the thing and on how good the person making it is... There are some things that are just better when purchased and other things that are totally better when hand-made.

SPICY! Scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you?
I prefer things with a lot of flavor but not necessarily a lot of heat. Green tobasco sauce for example. Tangy and savory. I usually get my thai and indian food "mild" or "one star". I can probably do 50,000-100,000 on the scoville scale but I usually prefer more like 5,000-50,000.

What is your BPAL "Holy Grail"?
Well, to me "Holy Grail" means something unobtainable, so I'd have to say Formula 54 or Pumpkin King.

Analog or Digital? Or Both?
I usually buy cds and rip them if I want to add them to my ipod. Sometimes I'll buy single songs if there is a sale or something.

What scents from other perfume companies are you really wanting to have in your collection and or are just really wanting to test? Companies like NAVA, Arcana, Solstice Scents, Possets, Haus of Gloi etc.....?
All of this info is in my "SW Help" link in my signature. I do NOT like possets. I don't like most Haus of Gloi stuff because it seems like almost all of it contains either foody, fruit or floral and my favorite scents are resins, musks, spices. I like really good vanilla scents but nothing there has caught my eye. If it has, I have added it to my wish list. I have some Solstice Scents, NAVA, Mara Fox Love Potions, etc. and I really don't like most of them. I do like Arcana and I have a good amount of things on my wishlist. The number one Arcana I would like is Queen Crossbones. I love the Arcana hand cream too. I like Cocoa Pink's shampoo (especially the Princess Poo), their scrubs and their extremely huge list of vanilla type scents. And their marshmallow is glorious. I love Villainess but again I have a hard time finding something I REALLY like because of the fruit/floral aspect. I like decadence. I love the smacks and am out of my rose/vanilla layered one (2x rose, 2x vanilla bean.) I would LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE more Moonalisa items in Bohemian Velvet. I had the shower gel and it's gonnnnne. I need more!! (I still have potion lotion and I don't really like it, so please no potion lotion.) I find the Moonalisa lip balm to be too oily as well; I feel like it needs more beeswax and a heavier butter. I've had things from violette market and was meh about them.

Do you have an affinity for any specific animals?
I like most animals but I especially love bats, ravens, pit bulls, horses (especially friesians and andalusians/lusitanos) and ferrets. I've owned rats too and mine were super sweet but I don't love vermin rats or rats in general. Just pet rats. I've always wanted a pocket pig (a real one, please don't send me pig figurines or stuffed pigs because those are not my thing. I want a real actual pet pig. But not enough to encourage backyard breeding, pig mills, or fad breeding by purchasing one.) Also I would prefer not to be sent rubber bats, rats, or little feathered ravens because people have beat you to that about 500 times. ) One of my most precious possessions is a little amigurumi black and white pit bull that looks like Miss Lela, who passed away this year in July at 18 years old. I also love whales and dolphins. As for mythical creatures, I love equine ones of all sorts but especially the hippocampus.

Kitchen Needs or Wants?
Too many to list. I have a whole section on my amazon list devoted to this category. My kitchen has a skull/skeleton theme. I have bone shaped silverware, skull cookie jars and salt/pepper shakers, skeleton arm salad tongs, skull bottle stopper, skull bottle opener, skeleton apron, etc. And NMBC cookie jars, cannisters, mugs, and bowls. (I would love more NMBC bowls/plates.) I'm pretty set on coffee mugs (I have so many that I have two huge boxes packed up and stored and the rest are scattered between the upstairs and downstairs kitchen, stacked two high, and I still don't have room for them all, seriously, don't get me mugs.) Things I'd like off the top of my head are the skull themed measuring spoons and measuring cups from world market, I think those are pretty inexpensive. I also can not have too many pyrex bowls (with lids) that have bats on them. I try to buy some every halloween. Sorry, I know I answered this under decorating style too - I'm in so many swaps right now that I can't keep track of which questions I have answered in which swaps.

Makeup! Do you like it, would you want some? If so what brands do you like to wear?
I wear prescriptives brand foundation and powder. Stila eyeliner (it's the only one I've found that doesn't run or disappear, I have very oily skin.) I could use some new moisturizers but most of the ones I want are really expensive. I don't actually wear makeup that much; if I'm just going to the store I'll do my eyebrows and eyeliner. If I'm going somewhere fancy or a club, I'll do full face. Usually I don't even leave the house so I do nothing except moisturize.

Chocolate fiends ahoy! What kind of chocolate do you like? Do you like any other things in it or just plain good ole chocolate?
I like creamy dark and milk chocolate. I'm kind of a chocolate snob but I've found relatively inexpensive alternatives. I love the Vosges Naga bar (I think they've changed the name to indonesian curry and coconut or something much harder to say), Moonstruck salted caramel nut bars, most things from Fran's (especially the chocolate covered salted caramels), imported cadbury crunchies and curly whirly, Dolfin bars (flavors are on my Amazon edibles wishlist), some of the World Market brand sea salt bars (the curry and the coconut), trufflepig peanut butter truffle bars, etc. I don't like Chocolove. I'm not super crazy about Seattle's Chocolates but the San Juan Sea Salt bar is ok. I can eat the Trader Joes peanut butter & jelly bar. Rittersport with hazelnuts or almonds are ok in a pinch. Milka (if imported) is ok. Nothing from Hersheys/Nestle/etc. please. (I do stoop to eating peanut or almond M&M's occasionally. The horror!)

Would you be opposed to receiving a ton of Halloween themed items?
No, not really opposed. I buy lots of Halloween themed items and I don't ever take them down - skulls, gargoyles, tombstones, bats, ravens, purple lights, etc. As I mentioned earlier though, no black cats, spiders, ghosts, zombies, witches, orange pumpkins, etc. There are some cool dog and raven skeletons at World Market / Target, and a cute sugar skull type dog statue at Target that I am eyeing. (all inexpensive.)

Would you be interested in any special little thing I might be able to pick up from the Great Lakes Bat Festival this Saturday? Both Janell Cannon (author of Stellaluna and other kids' books) and Fiona Reid (illustrator for lots of animal field guides) will be there, so would you possibly be interested in something like an autographed copy of Stellaluna or one of Cannon's or Reid's other books? Or something from the Organization for Bat Conservation, like a shirt or other swag?
Yes to hoodie, stickers, bag. No to other apparel or swag.

What items from the Weenie update interest you, should you have to option of getting anything as a gift from your Witch??? Would you be ok with decants, or bottles?
OMG. DOOMED. EDIT: NEVER MIND, I AM DOING A DECANT CIRCLE. BUT I LEFT MY NOTES HERE SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT I LIKE/DON'T LIKE.

Heres what Im interested in. HA HA HA. Good thing these are available until after christmas? Maybe I can sell a kidney?

Samhain (of course)

Second Spring
Drifting leaves tinted in the bold reds of pomegranate and currant, the golds of amber and honey, russet myrrh, a touch of cypress-green, and crisp patchouli-brown.
(iffy on the fruits and depends on how heavy the leaves are, but amber, honey, myrrh, patchouli are all win.)

The Unquiet Grave
Frozen white roses, frankincense, white gardenia, white sandalwood, and vanilla orchid.
(iffy on the gardenia.)

Dead Leaves and Tobacco
Dead Leaves, Bourbon Vanilla, and Myrrh
Dead Leaves, Frankincense, and Copal
Dead Leaves, Honey, and Oudh
Dead Leaves, Red Musk, and Neroli
(I seriously just want to dump all of these dead leaves into the same bottle.)

Not all that crazy about apple but would like to sniff these:
Apple I
Apple with hay absolute, oats, honey, cream vanilla, and goats milk accord.

Apple III
Appalachian black apple with sweet tobacco and patchouli, orange blossom, vanilla champaca, lavender, and white honey.
(Freaking orange blossom will ruin it for me but hope springs eternal.)

Apple IV
Red apple with blackcurrant bud, black clove, and vanilla bourbon.
(I love all of these notes except apple, which I only like - not love.)

Candied Apple
Clown White
Polyester Spiderweb
(just to see what they smell like.)

A Phantasmagoria: Scene Conjuring Up an Armed Skeleton
Wig powder, amber-perfumed leather gloves, and rose petals with a sliver of oak bark and cauldron smoke.
(wig powder? everything else is a huge yes.)

A Witch Riding on a Dragon
Blackened tonka, patchouli, dragons blood resin, and scorched oak.
(depends on HOW scorched the oak is.)

Départ Pour Le Sabbat (Aufbruch Zum Hexensabbat)
Bourbon vanilla, sweet red patchouli, oudh, goats milk accord, and white honey.
(win!)

Liebeszauber
Honey, rose petals, and carnations a drop of blood red clover, cubeb berries, and vanilla cream.
(more win!)

The Magic Circle
Vanilla-infused frankincense and clary sage with 7-year aged patchouli, jasmine sambac, honey myrtle, and oudh.
(all win, except maybe the jasmine and myrtle.)

The Sorceress
An evocation incense of frankincense, styrax, lavender buds, mastic, and white sandalwood mingled with moonflower, violet absolute, tuberose, and dark musk.
(violet absolute, you would try to ruin it.)

The Witches
Pumpkin cream, honey, vanilla sugar, and smoked vanilla bean.
(depends on how overpowering the pumpkin is.)

The Witches Sabbath
Burgundy and champaca resin with immortelle, leather accord, wine-soaked red fruits, rose geranium petals, red patchouli, guttering candles, and smoke.
(yes!)

La Femme de Satan
Red musk and cacao with clove, caramelized tobacco, aged patchouli, red currant, black leather, and vanilla-infused amber.
(depends on how juicy red the currant is and how overpowering the cacao.)

La Ronde du Sabbat
Oman frankincense, black clove, and tobacco tar.
(yes!)

Pan Twardowski and the Devil
Brown leather, bay leaf, tobacco leaf, lavender, and oudh.
(yes!)

Portrait of an Unidentified Man as Mephistopheles
A debonair lavender fougere cloaked in smoky red musk, red mandarin, and oakmoss.
(yes!)

Satan Starting from the Touch of Ithuriels Spear
Golden amber, carnation, blackcurrant, aged black patchouli, red musk, and vetiver.
(hm, vetiver could kill it.)

Satan Summoning His Legions
White leather and cypress-tinged white musk with cardamom, smouldering incense, Ceylon cinnamon and white sandalwood.
(cypress might ruin it)

What's your favorite scary movie? Or movies, either way. If you don't like horror, what are your favorite movies to watch this time of year?
During the fall I usually try to watch Practical Magic, Sleepy Hollow, Nightmare Before Christmas, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Lost Boys, Sweeney Todd (who am I kidding, I watch that ALL YEAR LONG), Harry Potter movies (also all year long), Addams Family, Sean of the Dead, Corpse Bride, Coraline, Edward Scissorhands, The Crow.

I'd really like to watch the Phantom of the Opera with Gerard Butler. You know, I don't think I've ever seen Young Frankenstein. I've seen Beetlejuice once (michael keaton bothers me in that.) I should really expand my Halloween selection.

This fall I'm DVR'ing a lot of TV shows... Gotham, Doctor Who, Scream Queens, Agents of SHIELD, Minority Report, The Muppets, How to Get Away with Murder, Heroes Reborn, Ash vs The Evil Dead, Limitless, Grimm, Sleepy Hollow, American Horror Story: Hotel, The Walking Dead, The Flash, ... I'd watch The Vampire Diaries except that I missed the last season and I don't think I have enough space to DVR the whole thing and keep everything else. I still need to catch up on Gotham, The 100, and a few other shows that I gave up on. (Totally gave up on Once Upon a Time.) This is really weird for me because I don't normally watch TV at all and I prefer to marathon shows. Edit: NO MORE DVR, too expensive. so I guess I'll have to try to watch them real time or later on demand.

Blu-ray or DVD?
I don't have a blu-ray player or game system with blu-ray, so it's DVD.

Game systems - console or computer? Mac/PC? Which console?
I have a wii (but need to upgrade because it keeps freezing on netflix), an xbox 360 (rarely gets used but sometimes I use it for netflix when I can get a live subscription from some of my friends that work at Microsoft - except that it lives upstairs and I live downstairs.) Mostly PC (some of the games I play are only available on windows but I'm a UNIX girl at heart.) I prefer Skyrim and Diablo on the PC because the controls on the xbox are too wonky.

Are you dressing up for Halloween and if so do you need any accessories for if?
Don't know if I'll dress up but I'm thinking I need a Weeping Angel outfit. I have pinned how to do greyscale makeup but I'm lazy so if I did it, probably a mask. And maybe the greyscale on my hands and neck. I need wings and a grey dress/robe/thing/gown. Not that I would expect anyone to get them because I'd have to try on the dress and wings are a bit cumbersome to ship and probably expensive (or detailed in the making, or both.)

Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles?
Don't use purses. My mom makes cool upsized bags from feed bags and sells them on etsy. She also makes felted ones. And project bags for knitting. I'm pretty set on bags. Not that I would be upset if I received more cool bags for grocery shopping (although I have like 50 of them, seriously, my other half keeps taking them out of my car because they take up the whole back seat - I have some really nice canvas-y type ones from Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Metro Market, QFC, etc. as well as the cheapo ones from trade shows with various logos.) I love drawstring project bags big enough for a decent size project and would never say no to ones with cool fabric (Princess Bride, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, etc.) I can always use decent sized backpacks or messenger bags too, I think I pinned some. I also have some bags on my Think Geek wishlist like the new black handbag of holding (I would use it for knitting supplies.)

What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such?
Love Firefly, Buffy, NMBC, LOTR/Hobbit, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Grimm, Game of Thrones, Princess Bride, Zelda, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman (especially Delirium and Death, but the Endless in general - I named all of the machines on my network after them), etc. I love receiving useful things with such themes such as what I've already mentioned or things such as what I have on my pinterest, etsy and amazon wishlists. I do prefer things to be useful over merely decorative but other than that, I'm sure there are tons of things out that that I'm unaware of! It's funny, I don't wear a lot of jewelry but I do find myself wanting the "Godsend" symbol from Heroes, the "Key" from Grimm, etc. I would totally hang those in my car or wear them occasionally. I'm thinking I might just need more tattoos instead. BUT WOULD I REGRET IT LATER? I have a lot of fandom related knitting patterns and some knitting books.

Something I forgot to put in my initial answers on the application: I have been collecting charms for a "pandora" style bracelet. I have a tardis and a weeping angel. I would LOVE to receive charms related to my favorite fandoms!! And I need the bracelet part too, ha ha! (I can't seem to add JUST the bracelet to my Think Geek wishlist, which is where I got the charms.)

What are you planning to order from the Weenies update?
I'm running a circle so I will hopefully be able to smell everything before I decide what I'm ordering.

The Last Huzzah of the NY Renaissance Faire happens this weekend and I'm going! Is there anything you might want? (Besides a turkey leg, which won't ship well!)
Honey root beer and birch beer won't ship well either... (well, we have a vendor who does those at our local ren faires anyway. I always bring home a couple of bottles.) I forgot to get mead this year. I'm always up for mead!!!

Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read?
Any that I'm interested in are on my Amazon wish list. I do prioritize things as well. Please don't get me anything that is marked LOW or LOWEST (unless you get a super good deal on it; those are there for my benefit so I can find them used someday maybe.) Off the top of my head, I would love the illustrated versions of Princess Bride and Stardust. And The Last Unicorn comics. I'm sure I have a ton of Sandman things on there too.

Do you like fanfic? Would you like a story written for you as part of your gift? What characters/fandoms/pairings etc do you like?
I'm not really into fanfic.

Would Witchees like something from IKEA? (Or any other not always accessible by everyone store?)
I have an Ikea locally but I'm always on the lookout for 9 drawer FIRA boxes. (they're discontinued, weep.) I also have a Trader Joes. The things not accessible that I'm probably most interested in are will call pick up for special will call only type stuff.

If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline?
I don't go to the mall unless I need something specific and then I beeline to that store... Usually only things like Torrid, Hot Topic, Sephora, Teavana, Lush, Nordstrom, Origins, B&BW, Yankee Candle.

Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)?
No. I really kind of want the Bark Box for the dogs and the Loot Crate for me.

Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents?
Yes to tarts and candles (but not tealights - I love votives, pillars, jars, etc. I think I mentioned that I could use some ritual candles as well but maybe that was another swap since I'm in three active ones right now), no to incense. Yes to wall plug ins (the refills from B&BW) and to oil burner oils.

Anything on my extensive favorite scents is good for candles/tarts - I just updated my wish list and profile so that they matched. I added dislikes to my wishlist.

For candles I don't mind fruity but I still tend to go for vanilla, spiced vanilla, buttercream, marshmallow, woody, smoky, resiny, spicy, foresty, rose, lavender, sandalwood-vanilla, sandalwood-coconut, witches brew (yankee candle) and I'd LOVE try the new halloween yankee candle scent. It was sold out online.

I do the wall plug ins from B&BW (Wall flowers?) but I only have one plug in. I could use another just plain one.

I love the electric tart burner that Tarty is selling on her site, Paintbox Soapworks.

Is there anything you wish you could have picked up from the Dragon*Con exclusives?
I joined Deek's decant circle and have not received any of my items yet, so I can't say which ones I'd want.

Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet?
Well there aren't a whole lot I haven't received an imp of at one time or another, but I would like a bottle of Goblin (it's out of stock right now.) There are quite a few I'd like to have decants or imps of, those are on my wishlist (see signature.)

The questionnaire asked about gold & silver jewelry, but how do you feel about copper jewelry? Do you like colorful jewelry, or do you prefer to keep it neutral?
No copper or bronze or anything other than stainless steel or sterling silver. I've tried colored titanium jewelry and those made me break out and the color flaked off, so either they weren't really titanium (just painted) or I'm allergic to that too. I have a lot of jewelry type things on my etsy jewelry category so you can get an idea of what I like but honestly I almost never wear jewelry. I really need some new stud earrings but they really need long posts because my stupid lobes are so thick.

We asked about decorating style, but are you interested in receiving decorations for your home? Are you interested in things that go on the wall or things that go on shelves?
I love gargoyles/grotesques (that hang on walls) and wall sconces but I don't need any knick knacks. Super cool magnets would be ok. Huge throw pillows (I use them as lap desks), lap blankets. I do have a huge selection of things for the Home on my Amazon wishlist (one of the ones on the side called Furniture and Home. There are a ton of halloween decor type things on there that I would like of like that are knick knacks. ha!)

Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites?
I can't write very well so I prefer not to receive any type of journal or writing implements please.

Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place?
meh. I think I talked about this in the previous question about fun or plain socks. I have huge feet, muscular calves, and fat thighs so I feel like a lot of stuff never fits. I'll go look at Sock Dreams and if there is anything that catches my eye I'll use the universal amazon wishlist deal and they will be saved to my "wearables" list. I wouldn't mind receiving hand knitted socks - my measurements are all linked to my ravelry profile.

I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free?
Most of the candy type things I'm interested in are either pinned to my Pinterest (Eat Me board) or on my Amazon wishlist (Edibles section.) edit: and on my etsy food favorites.

How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc.
I kind of have mixed feelings about this as we have raised animals for food and we try to use all of the parts if possible (rabbits, chickens, turkeys, steers, goats.) I own fur (inherited), leather jackets, belts, shoes, etc. I have a huge bag of buckskin that is from my grandfather. It's super buttery soft and I need to figure out what to make with it. It's mostly scraps but maybe enough for shoes/gloves/hat (although not really what I'd want to make.)

How do you feel about "toys" - stuffed animals and the like?
I like amigurumi (crocheted toys) or small knitted toys but in reality I don't have much room for anything like that and it's possible that they would be eviscerated if my dogs got a hold of them while I was not looking.

Did you see the eclipse last night? How do you feel about astrological events, like eclipses? Any interest in the Blood Moon Eclipse scent from BPAL?
I saw bits of it but didn't sit outside and watch the whole thing. I kept checking on it though. Shared some photos from my family and friends on facebook. My other half, R, goes back to California tomorrow after being home for a week and my brother's birthday is going to happen while R is out of town (R will be gone until November) so we took brother out for birthday dinner.

Love astrological events and how it's easier to keep track of them through BPAL...

Someone might have already ordered the Blood Moon scent since she had some PayPal balance from selling other BPAL. Thinkingshe might order the lunacy too after seeing reviews on how awesome it was.

Witchee's, how tall are you? And perhaps, what's your arm span (from wrist to wrist)?
Um, I'm about 5'6" and arm span is approximately 57" if I'm measuring it myself like I would for a shawl. (I like my shawls and wraps much longer than that if this pertains at all.)

How do you feel about the 4 elements? Or are you more of an Asian 5 elements person? Do you feel strongly about any of the elements, like a connection or a preference?
Um, I'm not really into the elements per se? My zodiac sign, Virgo, is earth. I'm a Metal Dog on the lunar zodiac calendar (Autumn and night time are definitely mine, I match up pretty well there. People describe me as "hypervigilant". But I also meet a lot of the virgo things.) I've never felt super close to earth, more to water. And the animals I like best were supposed created by Poseidon (horses! hippocampus!)

How do you feel about bento boxes? Is it something you would use if you were to get one?
No thank you!

Scarves, shawls or cowls? Mittens, gloves, fingerless mitts or wristlets?
No scarves or cowls please. I don't like triangular shaped shawls - I like long skinny crescent or boomerang shawlettes, circular shawls or wraps/stoles. No mittens or gloves. I wear fingerless mitts. I have all kinds of things in a "make for me" bundle under my ravelry favorites.

how do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com?
I don't really like online classes, sorry! Too much back and tail bone pain!

What do we want from Paintbox Soapworks? (or their etsy site.)
Pretty much the only thing I would want are the sorbettos and/or tarts -- unless she gets more of the heavy goat milk body cream in a jar in lavender honey. (No slip, that doesn't work for my skin.) Oh, and the tart warmer. I will say that I have am NOT short on scrubs - I have about 10+ in my closet to still use, and a have a few boxes of tarts, so these are super NOT a priority.

Would like to try scents of tarts/sorbettos in:
- Afternoons + Eiderdowns
- Candyfloss
- The Englishman
- Halcyon
- Libby and Lavender
- Smoky Jack
- Whiskers

If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame that hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer?
I don't have any room for anything that sits so hang it is! I like black or silver frames. Not sure about style, usually boring. *wink*

How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows?
Meh. I'm not a huge fan of marshmallows except for the scent in Cocoa Pink stuff. *wink* I don't mind them on drinking chocolate or in smores but I prefer the vegan style. Although "fudge" made with the marshmallow creme is pretty good.

Are you a slatherer or a dabber?
depends on the scent. I would say more in between.

Talk to me, dear witchies, about tea. I know we've covered this a little, but I really need the nitty gritty here- not just companies you like and don't like (Teavana? Adagio? David's? Some tiny place?) but I also want to know the other stuff: top 3 flavors, loose or bagged, the kinds of tea accessories you use- or have always wanted. Be specific. Provide links if necessary.
I have already said that I prefer loose leaf tea as that is generally higher quality. I listed companies I like/don't like.

Prefer stainless steel, glass or ceramic over plastic accessories. I'm trying to do away with any plastic things I have that are food making or storage related. I don't like "tea ball" infusers, I prefer this kind. I also have an ingenuitea (but ugh plastic) and a glass pot with a plastic infuser (which I never use the infuser part of, because plastic.) The glass pot is great for "blooming" tea though. I have a Tardis (chrome colored) teapot and metal infuser but they are brand new, purchased during a huge sale, and I might gift them to someone else in a swap at some point. Never opened, sitting in my storage area. I would love a cast iron pot but I worry about the quality of the ones from World Market since they have a big warning that you are not supposed to actually use them on a burner or get them hot (maybe the paint quality is really bad?)

The top three blends I would like to try are all on my Amazon edibles wishlist - Whittards 1886 blend (and a few other Whittard blends, all available from Annies Tea Time in California), Butterscotch from Mariage Freres, and anything on my list from Damman Freres (unfortunately I don't know where you can get Mariage or Damman in the US anymore. The Tea Cup here in Seattle used to carry them before going out of business.)

Villainess is putting out brand new stuff for the first time in a while (as opposed to bringing back former lines). Sooo.... who wants it?
Way ahead of you. I already added to my Pinterest.

How does everyone feel about duct tape crafts? Any favorite patterns?
No thank you!

Are there any flowers you especially like?
Mostly extremely fragrant flowers. Roses (especially blue and black ones. Grandiflora, floribunda, rugosa, whatever. Love Potion, Sterling Silver, Taboo, Purple Tiger, etc. The more fragrant the better. I had over 50 bushes before I moved.) Stargazer Lilies. Lavender (I used to have 11 varieties before I moved.) Chocolate cosmos is fun. Scented geraniums. Gardenias except it isn't humid enough here so mine never bloom. Jasmine of all sorts. I have mostly herbs and things for bees/butterflies in my little tiny container garden - Bee balm, salvia, many varieties of mint, sage, basil, oregano, lavender, thyme, lemon verbena, etc.

Would you be interested in any cozies or cases (yarn o fabric, not hard cases) for tech stuff (phone, laptop' etc) or for cups/mugs/bottles or anything else similar.
No thank you, I've already made all of the ones I need.

Would you like Halloween or Day of the Dead themed ornaments or a "bunting"?
No buntings or ornaments. I don't have room for knick knacks or hanging banners/bunting/ornaments. I do like day of the dead themed things as you can probably tell by my Pinterest (I KNOW, they're in my Halloween group, but it's named that because of NMBC! I know they're not Halloween stuffs! *hangs head*)

Are there witchees who would like book related gifts like a booklight, bookmark, bookseat or something for your reading gadget,like a cover or a light for example.
Please no bookmarks. I don't use them and I keep getting them gifted to me. I seriously have a box of bookmarks (metal, laminated, paper, with yarn, ribbons, beads, etc.) I mostly use my ipad for reading these days. So I don't need a light or anything. (I have a huge ott lamp right above my couch area that I use to knit so if I'm reading a hard copy book, I just use that.)

I make handmade journals, mini albums and similar items. Would my witchee be interested in something like that?
I think I already mentioned that I do not want any journals or paper items or recipe cards or notebooks or pens or pencils or ... sorry! can't write! sucks!

What songs/music/artists/CD's do you like to listen to around Halloween?
It doesn't really ever change for me. I'm lucky if I ever change the cd in my car since I don't carry my huge book with me. Sometimes I remember. Usually not. In which case it's radio or sometimes I'll plug my phone in. But I lost my itunes hdd and haven't bothered trying to recover it yet (I'm thinking maybe it was the computer that died - system board - and not the hdd but I'm just too unmotivated to look into it. I haven't even bothered hooked up my new printer that has been sitting here in a box for months. So, um, long story short, I haven't loaded any new music on my phone in ages either. And I'm too lazy to bring my ipod unless I'm going on a long trip although nowadays I'll just listen to an audio book on audible.

Are you interested in leg warmers at all?
No.
Is your Halloween style scary, cutesy, folksy, grotesque . . .?
Sugar skulls, skulls, skeletons, bats, gravestones, gargoyles/grotesques. But this is normal for all year, it isn't halloween specific... We carve pumpkins. I have an actual coffin out in the shed that sometimes we use for decor in the front yard but the past 5-6 years we haven't done anything. So I would say more Gothy. Definitely not folksy. I'm all black, silver, purple or red. None of this orange/brown autumn crap. *wink* But not really cutesy or scary. I mean, I like cutesy cthulhu stuff (pink! stuffed!) but other people might consider that sinister.

I bought the Portal board game last week & it came with a Portal 2 steam free download code. I already have the game on another console & it's one of my favorite series of all time. Soooo, would you want it?
I have not played Portal. Would it work as a steam download for my PC? I think the only steam game I currently play is Skyrim. But I would be interested in trying it!

Have you read The Martian? Or do you plan on watching the movie?
Other half is out of town so no movies for me in theatre. Maybe we will see if when he is back but most likely will wait until available on redbox and I have a free rental code. Not really my type of book to read either.

NaNo: Pertaining to that, how does everyone feel about such things? Will anyone be participating? How about NaNo swag, is there any you want?
No thanks, I loathe writing. I do like reading though!

Honey or beeswax products? Discuss.
As a beekeeper I love honey! But I am sincerely grossed out by overly processed and contaminated honey that is sold in grocery stores and will only get honey directly from beekeepers. (Honey is one of those things that the FDA doesn't regulate or test and there is a lot of it dumped on our market by other countries because the other country won't allow it to be sold there because of all the poison and chemicals in it! Seriously! Scary shit!) I don't currently have bees; I need to order a queen and drones. But I have the suit and hives and etc. My parents usually have bees on their property and receive honey and honeycomb in exchange. I love ethically sourced beeswax, again preferably directly from the beekeepers.

How do you feel about bumper stickers and car magnets? What do you like--cute, pretty, snarky, geeky/fandomy?
I have some on both my Amazon and my etsy lists. Would love some Firefly ones! I like fridge magnets too. I'm more snarky geeky fandomy.

Do you have any phobia's that your Witch should be aware of?
Not especially. acrylic yarn? walmart? lack of coffee?

Trading Post Weenies are live! Anything calling to you?
I love the skull mug and am lusting over the Goodbye perfume (with the spirit board) and wouldn't say no to the Yes perfume either. But so expensive. I'd kind of like to try the Dead Leaves, Patch, Warm Musk, Honey HG but I'm afraid of the dead leaves note. I'm thinking that October room spray would be nice once in a while, but maybe not nice enough to get a whole bottle of.

Speaking of nail things, it that time of year and I am doing my jamberry order, Would you want some Lovely Jamberry's for your nails?
I only paint my toenails, so no thank you. The only thing I would put on my fingernails would be strengthener, which I do need.

Do you like or want to try Marmite?
Isn't that a large squirrel??? (oh, no, wait, that's Marmot!) No thanks, I'm good. I think I can get marmite here at World Market if I so desire.

Some folks have already said they do not want used nail polish. If you haven't already chimed in about that... would you be interested in a bottle of BPTP claw polish (in this case, either Event Horizon or Baku) that has been used for one manicure?
I have already purchased all of the BPTP polishes I wanted, I think the same day they came out.

Are there any DISCONTINUED (not LE) BPAL oils that you wish you had, or had a little more of?
Bitch, Grr, and I never got to try Ugh. And of course Loviatar, Black Opal, Antique Lace, De Sade, Blood Countess, March Hare, Yvaine, Fairy Market (the Stardust perfumes were my first purchase in 2007.) Maybe an imp of Tintagel.

Is there anything fairly basic that you're always running out of and need to buy more of?
I go through the new iphone/ipad cables pretty fast but I get them at Frys for $5 or so. Lighters/matches for candles. (I used to collect matchbooks. I wonder what happened to them all? Probably out in my shed.) Lip balm (but I'm pretty picky on balm and try to get all natural/organic stuffs.)

Anything interest you from the recent Blooddrop update?
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Vanilla Marshmallow Sugar Bar
Goodnight Pumpkin Sugar Bar

And these sound good too (but I definitely don't need more perfume):
Ankou - Dry amber, black musk, soft Autumn spices, Somalian myrrh, labdanum, Bourbon vanilla, and lavender.
Elegy - Ceremonial musk, Indian sandalwood, Somalian myrrh, sweetened clove, tea rose, vanilla, and American lavender.
Misfortune - Vanilla tea darkened with anise.
Pumpkin Musk - Rich pumpkin spices, amber, a blend of black musks, wood notes, myrrh, patchouli, and sweet clementine.
Santa Meurte - A beautiful, deep fragrance of warm, red musk, deep labdanum, tobacco, marigold, ginger, sweet davana, and the reddest blood red rose.

How to you feel about foreign spices/flavorings?
I love them! I would like to cook more thai, indian, greek, etc. So far I've only done Indian and it's pretty easy (and to be honest, we have a lot of international markets and indian specific groceries around so finding spices isn't very tough.) I love different gourmet sugars and salts as well. I need a mortar and pestle for all of my whole spices - I know I have one somewhere but it's packed out in one of the three sheds with the majority of my belongings so kind of in limbo.

Dearest Witchee, can I get you anything from Shiro Cosmetics? I'm going to place an order soon and perhaps you are interested in some of their goodies? https://shirocosmetics.com (https://shirocosmetics.com)
I don't wear a lot of cosmetics unless we're going out but I added some to my pinterest.

twilighteyes

September 15, 2015

izile's BPAL blog

Switch Witch 2015 - Help Post

9/21/15 - I think I'm updated - but will keep progressing! (we haven't even gotten assignments yet! Ha!)

Etsy Favorites: https://www.etsy.com/people/Izile/favorites?ref=si_fav

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/izile/

Amazon Wishlist - http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/7KANCDM0KO7J/ref=cm_wl_sortbar_o_page_1

Sockdreams wishlist - http://www.sockdreams.com/_users/wishlists/edc0bc670665758

BPAL Website wishlist: best to work with my forum one. http://www.bpal.org/index.php?showtopic=127&st=1500&p=1239783&&do=findComment&comment=1239783

Adagio Tea Wishlist: http://www.adagio.com/pages/customer_profile.html?userId=295335SW

More as I think of it...

ah, things I might have forgotten that might be important:

I do not own a smart phone, though I do now own a very basic ASUS tablet, but in general "apps" or similar content aren't going to work.

Other answers from the SW thread to consolidate info:

Pumpkin:

I don't like pumpkin or pumpkin-spice flavored/scented things, but I like things made with real pumpkin, like pumpkin bread! (YUM)

Alcohol: YES!! But I am a little picky in each area.

I am the office lush, I am a big cocktail fan (of GOOD cocktails), my sister works for a local distillery and has her WSET-4 certificate. I love wine, beer, ciders, meads, spirits - LOVE ALL the big categories!

(Also, seconeded: Foggy Ridge IS amazing! - especially their Serious Cider!)

Wine: I prefer whites and roses over most reds, don't like heavy tanins, and do not like chardonnay! California wine is probably my least favorite area - like South American, and of course, French/Italian/Spanish. I don't tend to like sweet wine unless it's a dessert wine.

Beer: Would love to try homemade beer! I'm not a huge hop fan, don't do IPAs, but I love hefeweissens, porters, stouts, dubbles, triples, quads, barley wines, sours, lambics, and almost everything else! Just nothing tooo hoppy

Cider: LOVE ciders! I especially like dry sparkling ciders like the Foggy Ridge Serious Cider, lots of great ciders around NY! However, I am not a fan of ciders like Angry Orchard, Ace, and the overly sweet low ABV ones.

Mead: I get a little obsessive, even driving out of state to go on mead hunts, to host mead tasting parties (and write mead reviews on my blog), and just went to my first meadery tour this summer - again, I prefer the drier more complex modern meads, not so much the sticky sweet ren faire meads (I detest Carrol's and Chaucer's - so far I think HoneyMaker is my favorite meadery, but they're out of Maine and hard to track down sometimes! - but always looking for new ones!)

Spirits: sis works for a local craft distillery, and has really taught me a lot about the craft spirits movement, so I really get excited by new local spirits I've never heard of before, or don't get sold in my area. Vodka is my least favorite spirits, with Bourbon being my most favorite. I also love local cordials and liqueurs, and have a little obsession with running around trying to find good fruit eau de vie.

Yellowstone: - I don't generally do souvenirs for places I've never been to ... but huckleberry? I do like most berry-things

Penny Dreadful: never got into it

Tea/Coffee: I drink coffee very rarely, normally at work (there's a nespresso machine right by my desk) and when I do it tends to be caramel or mocha or some such, with lots of milk, lil sugar. I'm much more a tea drinker - I've tried to start an adagio tea wishlist, but I'm not especially brand loyal. Do like Dryad Tea on etsy. I like black, green, white and some red teas, herbal, fruity, iced, hot, sweet, unsweet. I am a tea fan. Just as examples, my favorites are: southern sweet black iced tea (do not need more of, though, have a bulk package of loose leaf just for that), the chocolate mint green tea from adagio (tried to make a chocolate mint black tea variation, is good), I've also tried to make a tea that's little creamy, little vanilla, lots of pomegranate and a little rose with a black tea base. Only no - I don't like licorice!

Sense of humor: weird? dry? british? lil dark? I'm not a fan of puns, but clever word play can be cute. My favorite comedians are Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey, Eddie Izzard... see, british... I like wacky (Monty Python) and somewhat surreal sometimes (Mighty Boosh), but it can go too far (Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy Hour).

Board Games: I do love games, but don't always have enough folks to play with. Currently most folks seem obsessed with the sith's bigger blacker box of Cards Against Humanity, and the new Exploding Kittens game. Wise & Otherwise is one of my favorite board games I never get to play (really need 5+ people to make it really fun! It's in the Balderdash family)

Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive?

Gloves, with my Reynaud's I have to have very particular gloves. Also bar soap - I have a LOT right now, and I can only use bar soap as hand soap anyway. I think those are the big "I'm good" general categories. Can update later if I remember more.

Plain or fun socks? Fun socks! I have an extensive Sockdreams collection and wishlist - so I'm not hurting for socks in any way, but I'm kinda hooked on fun new socks.

Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about?
I'm interested in learning more about all sorts of new things, DIY books, like silver clay books, is something I've always wanted to play with, but never took the leap. Or a better guide to polymer clay sculpting, or with resins.... I also love general sciencey lay-person books like "Stuff Matters" (great read) and Michio Kaku's just about everything (halfway through his brain book) loved Dr. Oliver Sach's Musicophila book, and I am fascinated by neuroscience. I'm also always up for learning more about stuff I've got a good foundation in, like specialty cookbooks, or gardening books (lots of this is on my Amazon wish list, though).

What one thing would you like to do more of?
I miss arting and crafting as much as I used to before the full-time day job.

What are some things that fascinate you? Or, What would you like to know more about?
Isn't this kind of like the above question? I'm really all over the place.

Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)? No thank you, not my thing.

Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way? I have a lot of aesthetic feels. I love Stephanie Pui-Mu Law (have her tarot deck, and some art), but classically I like impressionism and romanticism, but I can also get sucked in by modern art or the old masters. I also love really bizarre things, like Edward Gorey, S. Fischer Williams, Gris Grimley, etc.

Liliths: I think I won't need 5ml of any of the Liliths. However, decants of Little Lady Macbeth, My Baby and a Baby Goat, maybe My Little Muse of Fire - I caved and joined a decant circle for My Baby and a Baby Goat and My Little Muse of Fire.

Knit/Crochet: I do neither, so I'm fascinated by both. I have a special attraction to the yarn made from old silk sari fabric that's all sorts of bright colors. There's also some yarns I look at at the Union Square green market once in a while, even though I don't knit, because they're so pretty and soft (the booth sells yarn in natural dyes, made entirely out of their sheep, they also sell skins, cheese, and meat from the same sheep). There's this gorgeous dusky cobalt blue, little lighter than gunmetal blue that is sooo attractive to me... but I have not the skills.

Keep Putting Off: Sometimes buying small things in NYC is a pain in the butt, because you have to go to a specialty shop for anything, almost. I have a UtopiaArmory chainmail bikini top, and I somehow lost one of the black grosgrain ribbons that ties it together in the back (about an inch wide) - and I know it's a simple thing, but I just never get around to going and getting a new ribbon for my bikini top. Also, just got a new corset, and it's laces are basically just super long shoe laces, would love something nicer, like a black satin ribbon, strong enough for coresting, maybe 1/2" to 1" wide, and it doesn't have to be super crazy long because it's only a little cincher, but obviously long enough, and I do own scissors, so I can cut ribbon down) - but things like this, I never go to the fabric district, and they're such small things... ugh! That'd be great if my witch lives in a place with a Jo-Ann's or a Hancock Fabric, and could just run in and buy me a couple of yards or good ribbon.

Lush: I like Lush's products, but I don't like their scents, with the very rare exception, all of their stuff smells off/funky/slightly spoiled or stale or just plain bad to me. I do love You Snap the Whip, though. And I do like about 1/3rd of their massage bars, but I currently have 5, and can't get the sith to use them (on me) as much as I'd like. I like things like bubble bars and bath bombs, generally, but again, don't like the way Lush one's smell most of the time. I do like the You've Been Mangoed bath melt, that one smells good.

Handmade vs store-bought: for me it really depends on the thing. Though I'd rather have homemade edibles than store-bought; but I don't know anyone who can make cool thigh-hi tights, or who makes their own tea bags - so things like that, obviously store-bought is perfectly OK.

SPICY! : I'll word it just about the same as I did last year, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you? I'm probably around a 2 or 3, very very low near nil tolerance of heat.

Holy Grail: - I'm not sure I have one, persay? I have some that I gravitate to more than other, Josie and Dawn: Maiden are two of my big-bigs. But one Holy Grail scent that displaces all the others? Couldn't narrow it down to one.

Other Companies: for perfume oils, I'm pretty much just BPAL, though I do like my bottle of CB: I Hate Perfume, Just Breathe. Their stuff is pretty distinctive, and no itching/sneezing. I do love the gloss sprays and sugar scrubs and lip balms from Haunt, and I've only had a lip balm from Haus of Gloi, but it was great! Miss that one (used it alll up!) It seems a lot of my other favorite indie bath/body companies have shut down (Sideshow Soaps went to grad school, Latherati never got back up and running) - oh, and I am very curious about Villainess stuff, since I've liked what I've tried through BPTP, but I've only tried their BPTP stuff.. so.. unsure.

Digital/Analog: Both. I mean, I circle around the steampunk theme, though I don't belong to any groups, so I like that aesthetic and old stuff like that. However, I also have a zune for my mp3s, and I do like some podcasts, and would like to listen to more, have a kindle app on my ASUS tablet - though I tend to prefer paper books, some books are better as digital, especially if they're going to be train reading (or if they only come in digital download with no paper version available).

Kitchen Wants/Needs: I have a tiny kitchen so I don't have room for all the things I'd love to have. There's not a bare wall, or a place to even hang anything (very sad face), and also almost nil counter space (super duper sad face). And I think I've got a pretty comprehensive spice cabinet already... there is that one spice organizer that's marked on my amazon wishlist - that might be the only thing if someone found brilliant space organizing (I have to fit pretty much my entire pantry on one shelf, and it frequently looks a mess, despite my best Virgo efforts at playing tetris with all the cans, boxes of pasta, and baking goods.)

Affinity for specific animals: lots of them, I have a ladybug totem, I have a very touching story about my grandmother that connects me to goldfinches, I have always been a horse-obsessed girl, and thus also unicorns and pegasi (to a slightly lesser extent) but fantasy also takes me into dragons, love love dragons, too - though in all these things, I tend not to like silly/cutesy/cartoony versions. (the last unicorn cartoon is a rare exception to the that, but so pretty!!) - I also have an inexplicable draw towards foxes, and I love cats. And phoenixes, forgot to mention phoenixes - bit of a personal symbol.

Scary Movie: I like the occasional scary movie when I'm in the mood, but it's nothing I get fan-girlish about, or can even really remember. If you count them, I guess the Evil Dead movies would be favorites, because they're one of the few movies I can watch repeatedly.

Weenies: I'm curious about all the Apples (though I just asked for decants of 1, 2 and 4) - also curious about Unquiet Grave and Liebeszauber

Blu-Ray or DVD: DVD would have to go to the sith's house to watch a blu-ray

Game Systems: we have a Wii (classic, not updated), and sis uses it mostly - me, rarely. Sith has an Xbox 360 and Xbox One, but both live with him and I barely ever touch them.

Halloween Costume: I haven't even thought about this yet.

Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles?

I'm also picky about purses, constantly turning down the sith's Mom constantly trying to unload her old ones on me. Half the time, I run around with an old beaten up black leather backpack that can and has take a beating. The other times are mostly split between two purses, one is a black leather mini backpack with lots of pockets, though the lining is shredding all through it, so it might not be long for this world ( :-( - ), it's a good daily purse, plain, external and internal pockets, big enough to hold my brick of a wallet and keys, and my tablet fits in it, except it peeks out the top a bit. I also have a dark red leather mini-backpack (a bit flatter where the black one is a proper satchel, just in miniature), but I don't use it that much, I do love it, just holds less than the black one, so I've been beating the hell out of it, instead of the red one. Oh, and an olive green mini backpack (I sense a theme) with brown leather straps that tends to be my con bag - it's really mini, holds my wallet and small things, but tablet won't fit, doesn't have many pockets, and just doesn't have much volume (I can fit amazing amounts of stuff in old blackie, as I have suddenly named it. Tablet, no problem. Bottle of wine? watch this! I'm going to miss it when it dies. . . . otherwise, I have a tiny vintage (40s?) beaded velvet hand clutch from the sith's Mom I've never used (my keys don't even fit), and a silvery-grey eel skin vintage envelope purse from my Mom (close as I have to a "nice" purse) - I think, sometimes, I should get a small, cute purse that would look nicer for nights out than just dragging old blackie everywhere, no matter how rough it's starting to look.

Fandoms: I have many fandoms, but I'm not especially fannish - I don't really collect much from any of my fandoms - I have a couple of pieces of Dark Tower art I love, and a small shelf dedicated to a tiny delegation of plastic ponies that represent the horde that lives at my parents house (3 breyers, 3 G1 MLP, 1 MLP FiM mini set + 1 found loosie + 1 gifted tiny sparkling Rarity ('cause she's my pony if I have to go FiM, though I honestly prefer G1) and 5 tokidoki unicorns. - I really should make a TokiDoki list or something, there are a couple I would LOVE to have, but not so much that I'll risk that many blind boxes, or pay the ebay prices. (mostly: I always wanted Fumo (to represent my sith), Sakura, Bambu, or Choccinella). Tchotchkies in general, smaller is better, and maybe some should live at the office with me... I do also have Welcome to Nightvale stuff, but I think I have everything I want that they make (girl scout badges, the weird at last poster, a couple of t-shirts. ..) and for the record, star wars is the sith's thing (thus his nickname), I'm a medium level fan (I have a custom lightsabre, but it was a gift, and I've dressed up as a night sister, but only to match him)

NY Ren Faire: None for me, I'll be attending myself, this Sunday!

Graphic Novels: I do like graphic novels, the new Sandman Overture is the only thing currently on my amazon wishlist - though I often lose track of graphic novels I wanted to read... I really enjoyed Pretty Deadly.

Colors: sure, easiest way I know to do this is Hex code. Dear witch, if you don't know HEX code. going by that chart: sgi lightblue, sgi slateblue, sgi beet, red, red 3, firebrick 3, rosybrown1, mistyrose1, chartreuse 4, sapgreen, dark green, green4, darkseagreen3, seagreen3, aquamarin2, lightblue1 and 2, deepskyblue3 and 4, skyblue 1, 2, 3, lightskyblue 1 2 3 4, steelblue (all), cornflowerblue, cobalt, medium purple 1 2, darkorchid 3 4, plum 3, thislte 1,2

Mall: Not a mall person, generally - I tend to only go these days when I need new bras/panties, and I need an Aerie. Here the Sephoras are stand alone, I go in them all the time.

Subscription Boxes: I am curious about these, I only get Birchbox, and the sith gets Lootcrate (but I get first dibs on anything fun, but haven't seen anything interesting in the last 2-3). There was a crowdsourcing page I can't remember where/which one anymore, but it was trying to start up a new goth box service, the DIY goth and Steampunk goth boxes looked cute, and you could get a one off...

Contact Level: I don't need a constant stream of tiny things, especially as for a week+ I'll be out of the country and anything sent will either end up sitting at my desk at work or at home (depending which address my witch chooses to use, I gave instructions on when I think it's safe to ship to my apt., and when you would REALLY want to not risk anything and send it to work) However, I think I'd rather not just have one big box at the end, maybe a small box or two then a medium one? I dunno, I mean, I really guess it just comes down to my witch and what works for them, and I'd probably feel better about one box if I wasn't ninja-ed the whole time up to the one box, I did say I didn't really want a ninja witch.

IKEA: I live near one, so don't need anything.

Do you like tarts/candles/incense? - I prefer candles out of those 3, though I do have a burner for wax melts/tarts if my witch was a big fan of some company and felt like I needed to be enabled, but I haven't had tarts in years because they tend to be too strong and I have tiny NYC apt. I currently have 3 scented candles, 2 are BPTP (Spanish Red Carnation, and Mulled Cider), the other is a nice fancy orange scented candle I got from my job. I also love plain/no scent added natural beeswax candles, especially in rolled tapers, though dipped is fine, too. I just like the look/texture of the rolled honeycomb ones. If you wanted to get me scented candles, votives are my favorite size. I just tend to not like anything too heavy, too sweet or too foodie. Incense, I used to get hand blended incense packets at the local pagan shop sometimes. But I usually picked them by purpose, not smell. I have a tiny unicorn incense burner that's cute - but incense is my least favorite and the most likely to upset my sinuses.

Is there anything you wish you could ahve picked up from D*Con? I got what I knew I absolutely wanted. Though Peach IX turned out to be a bust (should have tried Peach X or XIV instead... ) A 1oz decant of the Still Life with Peaches Atmo would be good. I still don't know about the hair glosses, not been many reviews on the peach ones yet. I consider them all risky at this point.

Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't gotten around to yet: not DYING for, but the ones in my bpal wishlist I'm curious about.

The questionnaire asked about gold & silver jewelry, but how do you feel about copper jewelry? Do you like colorful jewelry, or do you prefer to keep it neutral?
If it were something especially interesting, I think copper could be pretty - I do like rose gold colors, and they can sometimes be the same, and I love my copper rosebud hair sticks. I do prefer more colorful jewelry!

We asked about decorating style, but are you interested in receiving decorations for your home? Are you interested in things that go on the wall or things that go on shelves?
Size is a big issue, because of the tiny apartment and space, I have limited shelf space, and limited wall space. But, things that are especially awesome, I make room for.

Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites?
I already have an office supply hook-up, so I don't need anything in this department.

Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place?
I am a sockdreams fiend, and have an up to date wish list from them in my blog.

I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free?
I'm not a big candy store fan in general.

How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc.
I'm totally cool with just about everything, as long as it's legal, clean, and not super gross (not that I expect my witch to spend that kind of money on me, but as an example THIS is kinda cool, THIS is gross.) - however, if my witch is in a wooded, rural area, and just happens to find a shed antler, that is VERY AWESOME. I have a nice sheepskin I picked up from a green market in RI last summer, adore it, and I'm always looking in the leathers and pelts stall at the ren faire.

restaurant.com gift cards: never used it. Isn't it like g/cs for chains, though? I try not to eat at chain restaurants, so probably not.

"toys" like stuffed animals: I do like them, but I'm pretty much at capacity for stuffed animals - the sith is fond of squishables, and I keep getting more (thankfully just the minis) than I have room for.

Fanfic: (I missed this one): no thanks

(I will answer my own question about the Eclipse): I did see it, couldn't see it from the back yard due to church in the way, but sis and I stood out on the sidewalk in our pjs sipping little cups of wine and watching the eclipse. I do like those sorts of things, very cool. However, I can totally pass on this month's Lunacy - both of them.

Height: I am 5'8" (don't know my arm span, but shouldn't it be just a bit shy of your height, if you go wrist to wrist? I only have a wooden ruler at my desk, but it seems like 24" from wrist to shoulder (if you count a high shoulder, like almost to the neck, like a ragland sleeve) )

How do you feel about the 4 elements? Or are you more of an Asian 5 elements person? Do you feel strongly about any of the elements, like a connection or a preference?

Personally, I jive more with the Western 4, and I'm more earth, with a big side of storm, then regular air, then fire, and water's last at the bottom.

How do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com? I love them in concept, and would like to do more, but I am unsure if I have the free-time/personal discipline to use them adequately.

How do you feel about bento boxes? Is it something you would use if you were to get one? like the Japanese lunch boxes? I probably wouldn't use it.

Scarves, shawls or cowls? Mittens, gloves, fingerless mitts or wristlets? I could dig a cowl.. I mostly have scarves (shawls? I have a couple of pashminas?) - and I tend towards gloves, but with the Reynaud's I'm very particular, I tend not to go for mittens, unless they're the kind that flip back to reveal fingers. I love arm warmers, and have wanted some long gloves, never a great way to cover up the wrists in the brutal NYC winter!

If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame that hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer? I prefer hanging frames, and frames, I'm all over the place, I have a huge ornate reclaimed frame I repainted in a Night Circus theme, to simple white, black, and copper metal frames. Whatever jives with the art, I guess.

How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows? I'm generally not a marshmallow person, but homemade marshmallows are so good! I've occasionally made marshmallows with booze as flavoring, and they are sooo good in hot cocoa once the winter turns! If the gourmet ones were fresh (not stale in the store for months, like regular ones) I'd love some!

No cats for hats

Are you a slatherer or a dabber? depends on mood and oil - some oils I love to slather, but I'm more often a dabber.

Talk to me, dear witchies, about tea. I know we've covered this a little, but I really need the nitty gritty here- not just companies you like and don't like (Teavana? Adagio? David's? Some tiny place?) but I also want to know the other stuff: top 3 flavors, loose or bagged, the kinds of tea accessories you use- or have always wanted. Be specific. Provide links if necessary.
I'm not fond of David's, they put a lot of artificial flavors and sweeteners in some of their flavored blends, and I try and avoid those. I try and avoid artificial flavors in general, but a I ABSOLUTELY avoid artificial sweeteners, because the sith is allergic, and if tea is going to be in the house, he's going to drink it - also, I just dislike the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners. Teavana is fine, Adagio is my go-to out of the big corps, and I like DryadTea on etsy. Top 3 flavors are chocolate mint (green or black), and like that in teabags, and l prefer tea bags for my cold brew iced tea, but normally do loose leaf for my hot brewed iced tea. I also do loose leaf a lot for my morning black teas, which I like a variety of somewhat flavored, have been drinking a lot of pomegranate/raspberry vanilla rose black tea - could use a bit of a mix up there - getting colder, would like a ginger tea - always wondered if there was a ginger/coconut black tea, sounds good to me... I also try and drink really light refreshing green teas in the afternoon, and sometimes fruity bright white teas. Sometimes I do red tea, but normally not straight, something with more flavors, and vanilla goes well with a lot of red tea. I have all the tea equipment I really need/want.

ThinkGeek: I used to like them, but they've left a bad taste in my mouth after a few too many blatant etsy rip-offs, and sometimes less than stellar responses addressing getting caught red handed.

Villainess update:
I also am looking at Gingerleaf and Honeyleaf, though the whipped and the smooched. However, probably wouldn't do the honeyleaf whipped, as I just got the Honey and the Moon lotion from TokyoMilk

Are there any flowers you especially like? Yes! Roses, especially. My Mother's nickname for me is her rose, and when I was in China, the school children named me Mei Gui. If you could have a plant totem, mine would be rose. I also just really like lilacs, childhood obsession.

Would you be interested in any cozies or cases (yarn o fabric, not hard cases) for tech stuff (phone, laptop' etc) or for cups/mugs/bottles or anything else similar. I don't think I need anything in that department.

Would you like Halloween or Day of the Dead themed ornaments or a "bunting" ? Day of the Dead themed ornaments or small decorations sound fun! Not much for "bunting" in general

Duct tape crafts? I'm not especially sure about this, but dear witch, if that is your thing, I'd be interested to see your craft-fu in that area.
Are there witchees who would like book related gifts like a booklight, bookmark, bookseat or something for your reading gadget,like a cover or a light for example. a book light might be interesting, as long as it didn't need a plug-in. And I always need more bookmarks.

I make handmade journals, mini albums and similar items. Would my witchee be interested in something like that? Yea, verily, yea!

What songs/music/artists/CD's do you like to listen to around Halloween? Pretty much same stuff I listen to all year around.

Are you interested in leg warmers at all? no so much in the traditional sense, but the kind that are meant to stick out the top of tall boots look cute.

Is your Halloween style scary, cutesy, folksy, grotesque . . .? Unsure.... not cutesy... not grotesque.. maybe folksy/scary? maybe more old fashion kinda creepy, subtle suggestions of unease and "off-ness"??

Portal board game: pass

The Martian movie: pass

Honey or beeswax products? Discuss. Oh yes, please! The sith consumes amazing amounts of honey - actually slightly worrisome - but I'm also a fan, especially of regional varietals (there's a man at the union sq market who sells 5-6 seasonal flavors of honey, depending on where his bees were parked - goldenrod has been one of my favorites the past few years, but when I first found him, he had raspberry rose honey! Yum! And the old man with the blackberry farm back home sold blackberry honey from his bees that he used to pollinate his huge fields. I also love beeswax products - beeswax candles are a favorite (rolled tapers and votives, mostly, though I also like some of the molded ones - like my last witch got me this lovely beeswax candle that looked like a bottle with a floral motif, it smells great, even though I haven't burned it because it's so pretty! So definitely yes to beeswax, too!

Phobias: spiders

BPTP Weenies(!!!) Definite wants: A Fling in the Lagoon Bath Oil, October Claw Polish, Triple Dagger Pin (either)
Maybes or decants/sniffies preferred: Dead Leaves, Black Fig, Cacao and Copal HG (maybe, like even just the tiniest sample), Delayed at Ingolstadt Air Field Atmo, Moonbathing perfume, Pumpkin Spice Everything Claw Polish (I know you can't really get a sample of nail polish, but it's still a maybe), same with Second Spring Claw Polish.

Speaking of nail things, it that time of year and I am doing my jamberry order, Would you want some Lovely Jamberry's for your nails? I have terrible nails (brittle, weak, thin, break all the time) - so I've never tried nail wraps, but I do get curious... so I wouldn't mind trying them. Jamberry specifically - looks like I'd like Snow and Ice, Silent Snow, Let it Snow, (maybe) Pumpkin Spice, or Kaboom, and would def do Into the North, Faux Fox, Fall Splendor, Fall Fancy, and Apple Cider would be my last pic

Marmite: no thank you

Used nail polish: I wouldn't object to a BPTP bottle that had already been tried - as long as the texture hasn't started going off, and that it wasn't an obviously almost empty/half-empty bottle - but one you tried and didn't like? Totally fine with that.

Are there any DISCONTINUED (not LE) BPAL oils that you wish you had, or had a little more of? Prunella. I loved that one.

Is there anything fairly basic that you're always running out of and need to buy more of? not off the top of my head...

Blooddrop update: no thanks.

izile

September 15, 2015

LexieBlom's Blog

Darkling Tag questionnaire

1. What is your favorite candle scent? Warm Tobacco Pipe by DW Homes. (Tobacco, Suede, Aromatic Greens, Wood, Leather, Patchouli) 2.Do you have a favorite book? I'd have to say Sum - 40 Tales of the Afterlife 3.Are you a tea or coffee person? Both, but it varies from day to day. Recently though, tea. 4.What is your favorite brand and color of lipstick?Jeffree Star -Weirdo 5.What is your favorite perfume/cologne? BPAL of course! At the moment, I'd have to say Mort de Cesar 6.Do you have a celebrity crush? Not really, but if I had to chose one, it would be Dan Fogler in Fanboys (Hutch is my spirit animal.) 7.If you had to give up the color black, what color would you choose instead? Probably a royal purple. 8.If you could change your name to a stereotypical 90s/2000s gothy name, what would it be? Wednesday! 9.What are your top three tips for surviving hot weather while black clad? 1. Light fabric, 2. Dresses/breathable pants, 3. Stay in the shade. 10.What song will always make you happy (doesn’t have to be a goth band)? Teardrops - Massive Attack 11.Are you active in the arts (ex. Play an instrument, paint, write, etc)? I play ocarina, piano, harp and glockenspiel. I've never been super talented with drawing, but I love DIY projects. 12.If you had a teacup or mug made inscribed just for you, what would you have it say? I already have mine! It reads "Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant." 13.What is your number one non-gothy hobby? Video Gaming, i guess. I spend an obnoxious amount of time at LAN centers. 14.If you could be a supernatural creature, what would it be & why? I'd like to be a shapeshifter, and get to change my look every day. No more spending money on hair bleach! 15.What horror monster-based super power would you have? I'd like to turn invisible on command. 16.Do you feel confident or comfortable interacting with other Goths or gothy people (online or IRL)? Why or why not? Definitely online. I have pretty severe social anxiety, diagnosed and medicated, and I'm still not entirely comfortable talking to people in real life. Even people I already consider friends. But, I'm always happy to make new friends! 17. Which is more important for a look: Great hair or great makeup? I don't think either are necessary. Just do you, if you don't like to spend a lot of time getting ready, so what? 18.Is there something you wish there was more of in your subculture? I'd wish for more awareness and acceptance. Please, mommy of 3 walking towards me on the sidewalk, don't cross the street to avoid me. And don't scold your child for saying she liked my hair. I'm actually a nice person. 19.Care to share an embarrassing story related to your “darkliness“? When I was about 11, I was just starting to get into the goth subculture, and was just googling "goth makeup". Well, I came across this image of a girl that had drawn barbed wire across her eyes, and decided "YES! That's gonna be my thing!" So, i practiced and practiced, and when the next Monday came, I decided to show off my awesome goth-points at school. Apparently, the teachers didn't like my makeup as much as I did, and sent me to the principals office for "causing a distraction." So the nurse in the office wiped all my makeup off, while i was screaming and crying my eyes out because YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME, I AM THE NIGHT! I went back to class makeup-less. 20.How are you at DIY? I LOVE DIY! I cosplay, I'm currently making my own Ren. Fair costume, I make a lot of my own furniture when I can't find anything like what I'm looking for. DIY is easily how I spend 20% of my time. Quickly describe your ideal wedding: I don't actually want to get married, I find it superfluous unless for legal reasons. Confessional (aka True or False): I love watching cheesy romance films: False I ALWAYS remember to wash off my makeup at night: True! I sleep with plushies: True I wear non-black pajamas most nights: False I still listen to a boy band that had disbanded years ago: Absolutely true I think Andrew Eldritch is overrated: True I don’t like vampires: True I don’t like clubs: True I’m dating a goth/darkly-inclined person: False I don’t enjoy graveyards: False Blood makes me queasy: True I’d sooner faint than pet a spider: False! Spiders are my favorite. I don’t like haunted houses: False I still browse Hot Topic’s clearance racks: True I’ve never read Dracula: False I think “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is a long & boring song: True, I'm not the hugest Bauhaus fan anyway.

LexieBlom

September 12, 2015

Psuke's Blog

Bottles I Own

Weenies Hellgate of Ireland Lurid Library Lavinia White Witch Goblin Market Yules Scrappy Damsel Haola (x2) Ectoplasm Mari Llywd Putrescent Horror of Earth's Inner Juices Thought and Legend too Hideous for Sanity or Consciousness Mr Fezziwig's Ball Gingerbread Jolly Roger Gingerbread Lust Yule Buddies Lupers Smut 2014 She Whose Handmaiden Was Love Lunacy's Honey Moon Selkie Event/Retail Exclusives Lips of Flame Heart of Stone Exhibition Hall Fatigue Malignant Dreams of Cthulu in Love OLLA Cafe Mille et Une Nuits (x2) Other LE Doll's Eye Infused Honey The Chapel Chaos Theory Woods 52 (2015) GC Cthulu Nyarlethotep Bengal

Diana Rect

September 9, 2015

darkchan's Blog

Mummer's Samhain/Halloween Swap, 2015

What kind of costume piece are you lacking for your favorite costume(s)? I need something that looks like a whip when rolled up, or a bag that looks somewhat like WW2 gasmask bags. Would you prefer candles, electric lights OR some other kind of seasonal decor? Scented Candles would be my preference, although I’d also take seasonal décor. If you said you would like candles, what kind do you prefer? Preferably scented jar candles, although I could probably MacGyver up something for any type. Would you like traditional halloween candy as a treat or something else like tea or homemade goodies? I’ll gladly take any of the above. J I need more guidance than I got on the questionnaire regarding what type of Ritual item or magic type thing is needed or wanted, or at least the intention you desire. For example I mentioned I need help with my health and with opening up of opportunity. I personally due to where I live have the most access and knowledge re Santaria type items but I can also research and make things too Something to help concentration or will power to get things that I don’t want to do get done would be awesome. Related new question. Will this magic type item be something you will actually use or more of a novelty to you. do you need instructions on its use? Personally I will use mine If it is outside the realm of Santaria I will likely need instructions. I would actually use it, but since I’m pretty new to it, I would need instructions. Do you like Sugar Skull themed things? Sure. Favorite color? Purple, Dark Red, Navy Blue. If you need something for your costume or a bit of themed costuming, do you mind getting a knitted item? Not at all. Knitting is awesome. Do you have an updated BPAL wishlist? How about etsy/amazon/thinkgeek/other wish lists? I have an amazon wishlist, but it’s mostly books that I want to buy (http://amzn.com/w/ZD49W873YVIH). That’s about it. What is your favorite kind of jewelry? I kinda love dangly earrings. Especially ones with that are kitchy/geeky. Are there any perfumeries which you either love or want to try, besides bpal? Not at this time. I drop enough money on bpal without worrying about other brands. do you burn incense? or would you, if you had some? Yes Would you rather have a small scented candle in a somewhat decorative (basically it's not super plain and unmarked, and if you put it out it would look good in a gothic/Halloween setting) tin, or an unscented pillar candle which is also decorative and gothic, and so attractive you would probably never want to burn it but could incorporate into your Halloween or gothic decor for ages? (or, yknow, you could burn it! i just find most people who own these end up unable to bring themselves to it.) I would go with the small scented candle, since I actually burn candles with some frequency. For those of you into Tarot, would you be interested in this deck? I am not really looking for another Tarot deck. Do you collect anything, Halloween related or otherwise? Other than Bpal? Mainly Fabric and Tea. Do you have any allergies/sensitivities that you didn't mention in your questionnaire? Nope.

darkchan

September 8, 2015

13 nights of halloween answers

13 nights.. Answers 2016 edition (also left my 2015 answers here :) )

2016 edition: Anything here: http://paintboxsoapworks.com/ look like something you'd like to try (assuming that you're not already ordering it)?
Yes, I'd love to try things from the Face & skin care or bath treats. Do you like stuff related to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
Yes! Though we don't celebrate it here, I love that style. Handknit items:
As for clothing/accessories: no, sorry. I like the look, but I won't wear anything knitted, because it's too hot for me. Except for hats/beanies or fingerless gloves/armwarmers, I like those.
Home accessories: yes Are there any fandoms or specific collectible genres you would appreciate things of/for(ex: you collect shot glasses, or the ninth Doctor is your bae)?
Anything Kingfisher (the bird) related items would be awesome! And I started collecting Gecko's as a wall decoration. Do you have a favorite Fall/Halloween symbol?
Black cats! First, talk to me about soaps- do you like them, and what kinds of scents/lather/varieties do you like?
I won't use any soap bars, sorry. Second, tell me about teas! Favorites? Anything you'd like to try?
None. I don't drink it much. Lastly, I go to Renn Faire- is there anything from there you might like?
I'm not familiar with those fairs. But it sounds interesting as I like fantasy-themed items. What Weenie of year's past are you seeking from the lab?
Samhain, All Souls, Liebeszauber, Candied Apple. Shawls?
I like those cotton fabric square scarves. Never knitted, those are too hot for me. Gift Order?
I'd prefer them numbered, but if my witch prefers not, that's fine, too. Whatever you think is best! Tell me about LUSH- do you like them? If so, what are some of your favorite things from there? Particularly fond scents or products? Stuff you can't stand?
I love Lush. A little too much haha I own a lot of it. That's why sending me Lush wouldn't be the best idea. Items from Japan?
oh yes, I love Japanese (or other Asian) stuff! I love kawaii items or other Asian style items. Also candy or snacks, as long as it's vegetarian. Anything you have your eye on at BPTP?
Absolutely, some Lilith's. but I'll buy that myself I think. I also like the bitches love unicorn girl tee (xl). Pumpkin Spice or No Pumpkin Spice?
I love it! Both the taste and the smell. Milk, white, and/or Dark Chocolate?
All! But never combined with fruits or alcoholics. Do you like Yankee Candle? Anything you want from there?
Love it, both candles and wax tarts. But I have too much of it. I LOVE their US halloween items, esp. the black cats from last years. We can't get that here, here in Europe they have another halloween collection. Bath & Body Works?
Love to try! Never did, 'cause they don't ship international. The showergels and 2 in one body wash/bubble bath are the most appealing. There are many I'd like to try, but esp. Cucumber melon, Salted caramel pumpkin and other pumpkin scents caught my attention. Sock Dreams?
Comfy socks are always nice! I also like some of their armwarmers, like the tie dye or the ones with the moon or moon/trees. I'd like to make some baked goods, would you like some? And if you have any food allergies what can I use as substitute?
If you're 300% sure it will survive the shipping: yes. I'm open to anything, as long as it's vegetarian. Anything special you want from the Target dollar spot?
I have no idea what they have. So no, nothing special. But I'm open to it! What is your stance on Glitter?
That's a no in clothing, clothing accessories or jewelry but a yes in other things like make up or make up bags etc. Also, if you have a Goodreads or other online reading log, does it include a wishlist?
I'm not that much of a reader. Whittard?
I'm not a tea lover, sorry. But I saw they have peanutbutter flavored hot chocolate??! That sounds very good. Dearest Pumpkin - how much are you wedded to wishlists, say I have some read once books which I think you might like based on what you've read in the past, but there is nothing of the sort on your current Goodreads "to read" list?
I don't think this is a question for me. I'm not a reader and don't have a Goodreads wishlist. How do you feel about reading series out of order?
I don't read that much but when I do, I'd like to read series in order. Would you be interested in a Halloween themed short story anthology?
Not really, sorry. Is there a limit to the number of books you'd like to receive?
Please no books at all, I don't read that much so there's a fair chance the book will end up unreaded.
Have you read Movies in 15 Minutes by our very own Cleolinda? Would you like to?
No sorry. What kind of phone do you have? I need to know....
Iphone 6s Babadook?
No Those who are amenable to yarnie things--ok, two questions: Any undesirable fibers (wool allergy, vegan so no critter hair at all, etc.)? and how do you feel about cowls/infinity scarves?
No itchy yarns please. And no cowls or infinity scarves. I never wear yarnie scarves because I find them too hot. Motherhood update:
only a few actually. But I'll probably buy them myself. So who likes incense? and is there a preferred scent? and cones or sticks? Would you like a burner for it?
When I smell it on the streets whilst being on holiday in Asia, I like it. But burning incense in my home makes me sick So no, sorry. 2015 edition: Gaming nerd? Abosolutely not If you have any Chaos Theory bottles on your wishlists, would you mind getting bottles on several days of this swap? Nothing on my wishlist, bought all I wanted from CT If you listed wearables - what sizes? I listed that. Are your forearms skinny or bulky? Erm.. Regular I think How do you feel about yarn/wearables? Only hats or armwarmers. No yarn scarves. What kind of items would you like to get that are not available in your country? Peanutbutter cups! They're available here but are very pricy. And I saw those Starbucks instant powder mixes for coffees. I LOVE pumpkin spice latte. If my witch happens to live in London or visits London anytime soon: I'd LOVE to get my hands on LUSH Lord of Misrule showercreme. Only available at LUSH Oxford street/London. How do you feel about home baked cookies? Is there anything that should be left out (nuts, milk, eggs, gluten, etc)? Sounds nice
I'm a vegetarian. Eggs or dairy is o.k but no gelatine. How do you feel about receiving pens? If you like them, do you have a prefered stroke size (ie: do you prefer a thick or fine stroke)? Any preferred colors (assume the sky is the limit here)? I like pens. Stoke doesnt matter. If you are a tea lover, are there any companies or vendors that you would particularly like to try (etsy, teavana, republic, stash, adagio, etc)? Don't like tea, sorry. What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? I'm not really into TV or movies. I like hindu or buddha related items. Are you a soap only, shower gel only, or an either works person? If you like soap, are you particular about type? (all natural, no glycerine, created on a full moon using the blood of virgins, etc) Showergel only, no soap. If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? Are there any books or writers that you really don't like? I'm not really into books. What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? I listed this in my questionnaire. Is there an item that you would like but you never seem to buy for yourself as other things often take preference (darn those bills)? Nothing I could think of. Dearest swappee, have you seen the launch of this year's Yankee Candle Boney Bunch line as well as other Halloween items from there? Are there any you'd particularly like to get? The adorbs tart warmer? The taper candle holder, perhaps?
I love Yankee Candle and think I like all of the halloween scents I prefer wax tarts.
Don't really like most of their accessories. Except for the "Sophia" cat yar or votiveholders. Those are awesome! Also like 2014 black cats. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees?
Prefer whole beans. Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both?
Like everything Asian actually As long as it's vegetarian. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented?
Like both of them and like them scented. Do you like small crossbody bags? No Birthday during the swap? No birthday for me. Pistacchio flavoured snacks? I love pistacchio's! Do you collect anything? BPAL, showergel, esp. Lush and Treacle Moon (but be carefull, I already own most of their collection) What are some of your favorite things about fall/Halloween, or what do you look forward to?
Not much really. We don't celebrate Halloween over here. And I prefer the warmth of summer. I DO like burning scented candles and wax tarts. I never do that in summertime so there IS something I like about fall haha. do you bake or cook & if so (or even if not!) would you want Halloween-themed kitchen stuff or sprinkles or similar? I'd like to bake and cook but I'm not really into halloween-themed kitchen stuff. Unless it's things like cake decorations, I guess halloween themed cake would be nice In books, movies, art, etc., are there any common horror themes (demonic possession, clowns, serial killers, spooky/evil children, zombies, insect infestations, mutilation, etc.) that you really don't want to see? The only thing I really don't like are insects and spiders. In art these would be fine but no horrormovies about this, brr. Question: Wishbones, and designs with them ? Yay or nay?
Nay Are there any general catalog/easily found/not crazy expensive BPAL bottles you'd love to get your hands on? Yes! I'm still a bit new to BPAL so still a lot to wish for:
The Lion
Eat Me
Ravenous
Mouses long and sad tale
Bewitched
There's more on my Pinboard. For bath and body products: do you have a bathtub or shower? Both. Dear Swappee: is there anything you might have forgotten to put on your survey?
Nothing I could think of. Are there any particular fandoms that you follow?
Take That. Including camping outside venues to get front row Do you own a wax/oil burner? (If no, would you like one?)
I have a waxburner Would you like loose, fancy tea?
Only chai. I'm not really into other tea. Incense, y/n?
Nope. Please briefly describe (color, style, preferred type of beads) or provide a picture of (if it is suitable), the type of necklace (if any) you would be interested in getting. If you do not like necklaces, what kinds of jewelry (if any) would you want to wear?
Described my jewellery taste in my questionnaire. Will add some pictures on my pinboard. What about hot chocolate/malt drinks?
Love chocolate! If you said that you are interested in books (or DVDs or any relatively big standalone sort of item), would you be okay with having multiples of such items spread over a couple of days, or would you prefer 13 distinct themish packages?
Not really into books or movies How into the day themeing mentioned in the first post are you? All themed? A few maybe if they are fun? Not at all?
Maybe just a few for fun? Speaking of DVDs - are you interested in receiving movies and if so, what sort?
Not really into movies, sorry. Back to the books - if you said you would like books, would you prefer I send you, say, my favorite Halloween anthology or something else spooky/scary, or something off your wishlist/want-to-read on goodreads?
Sorry, not that much into books. Process question: Do you want to know who is sending to you right away, or would you prefer to be surprised on the last day, to the extent possible? Likewise, do you have a preference for specifically numbered packages or for reach in and grab according to your fancy?
Whatever my witch wants Would you be interested in solid perfume? What about lip balm?
No solid perfume. Lip balm is always fine! (Though I have enough of them really..) There was a lot of mention of not wearing costumes/not being allowed to at workplaces. Would you be interested in goth style or Halloween-themed(pumpkins, ghosts,etc.) normal clothes to wear instead, and what would be suitable?
No halloween-themed clothing, wouldn't wear them. I'm going to Rose City Comic Con during the shopping window. Any exhibitors/vendors/comics/etc. you're particularly interested in? OMG THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOONIES "NEVER SAY DIE" T-SHIRT! I AM TOTALLY GETTING THAT! Ahem. Yes. I mean... There are things! Are any of them particularly appealing to you and/or your inner twelve-year-old (mine is calling dibs on the Goonies stuff)?
No Day of the dead/ Dia de los Muertos stuff?
Yes! I didn't know what it was at first, but I checked out the DOTD items on Worldmarket and I love it! Esp. the skulls and cat skulls. Does anything from this shop catch your eye?
Yes, all of it I think Dear Pumpkin: Do you have aversions to any animals or insects?
I hate spiders, wasps and other bugs. How do you feel about canned foods like jams and things along those liNES?
Don't really like things like jam, don't like sweets on my bread. What I DO like is Dulce de Leche! They don't sell it here. Do you have a favourite colour scheme?
Anwered in my questionnaire. How do you feel about stickers (and stationery in general)?
Always like it when I see it in the shops but I'm never using it. How do we feel about fibercrafting (knit, crochet, etc.)? wearables? crafted critters? If you would like a scarf or something similar, would you like it to be themed, like fall colors, or have a skull or other halloweenie motif/border?
I like hats, but no motifs. No yarn scarves, too itchy for me! Crafted critters are nice! What makes you feel pampered?
Taking a bath, visit the sauna/spa, have a massage. We've covered what critters you don't like, but what about the critters that you DO like? What are your favorite animals/creatures, real or imagined?
Love all animals. Have an obsession for Kingfishers. Other favorites are cats, tigers, elephants, polar bears, birds, dragons, unicorns. Canadian stuff: Sure! Paintbox Soapworks: Never tried any of it, everything seems nice! Is there is any TAZO tea you have a hankering for? Zen, Awake, Passion, China Green Tips, Vanilla Roibois, Calm, Refresh? (tea bags in a tin)
Didn't know the brand. Googled it and it seems nice! I don't like reagular (hot) tea but I do like chai latte and iced tea. All flavours look nice to me, exept for the 'true black'. I'd prefer flavoured. How about any Teavana tea? (loose tea)
Only the iced teas or chai, if they have that. How about Starbucks coffee beans? If so, ground (and for what kind of filter) or whole bean?
Love Starbucks. Prefer whole beans but both would be fine. How about Starbucks coffee via (italian, columbia, anniversary, vanilla latte?) or Iced coffee via (caramel or regular?) Fruit flavored via (berry hisbiscus, cool lime, strawberry lemonade?) Pumpkin Spice Latte ? The fruit flavored vias are good.
Starbucks K-cups or Verismo pods?
Love all that comes from Starbucks
But no cups or pods, I don't have one of those machines. I have a Nespresso machine and a whole bean machine (that can also handle ground coffee).
Pumpkin spice latte is my all time favorite! Unfortunately they only sell it for a very short period each year. Coffee/tea travel mugs or ceramic home mugs?
Love mugs! Both for home or for travel. At my job we are only allowed to use travel mugs so that's welcome too! Coffee maker (french press) or tea steeper?
Coffee! Anything else from Starbucks/Teavana? Syrups, honey, whatever?
Maybe they sell (Starbucks) Pumpkin spice latte syrup somewhere? How would you feel about a gently-used card game? For example, something I may have purchased several years ago and maybe played with my daughter *twice* before she became a moody teenager, and too cool for card and/or board games?
Sure. Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind?
Nay. CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY?
Never tasted that but looks nice. So yay. Name at least one thing that you really wouldn't like to receive in your package.
Black tea, booze I have eyeshadow pigments which have been decanted from--as in the powder tapped out into another container,never used directly. (I don't use very much makeup, though I love it, so I keep shadow pigments clean so I can safely share.) Would a jar of pigment handled thus bother you or are you ok with cosmetic-type stuff that has not been directly touched?
I own too much eyeshadow pigments already. I do like it but due to the fact I already own too much, I'm afraid I wouldn't use it. For those with fiber allergies, is it ok if you get, say, an ornament/amigur-whatsit yarn thing that has wool in the blend, as long as it's not something to be worn? Also, because I don't know, do people with wool allergies generally also have sensitivity to other fibers like alpaca?
No allergies here. Does anyone especially like or want anything from cost plus/world market?
Don't know those shops. Does anyone need any small kitchen items or utensils?
No. Dearest Pumpkin- do you have a preference of edible/drinkable vs. non edible items in your package? Would you prefer your package heavier on one side or the other?
Like both. Any guilty pleasures? TV show you're embarassed to admit you like? Musical group/preference that seems out-of-place for you?
I'm a huge fan of Take That :) Including camping outside venues to get front row. And now, a new question: to sort of piggy-back onto the question about small kitchen items, do you like to bake or cook, and if yes, are there any special ingredients, spices, or decorations for baked goods (like sprinkles in seasonal shapes or those decorative picks you put on top of cupcakes, for instance) that you would like?
Pumpkin spice mix isn't available here so that would be nice. Like baking more then cooking. Baking decoration would be nice too. Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants?
Yes, please! Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use?
My hair's too short to use hair accessories. If I were going to the mountains tomorrow, for the apple harvest, would you wanted some dehydrated apple rings???
Yes. new question from me! how do you feel about music? would you like some? if so, what would you be interested in & in what format (do you still have somewhere to play CDs, or would a flash drive be better, etc)?
Still own a cd-player but digital music will be fine too. Mostly listen to music that's on my Iphone. If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap?
Don't have an Etsy list. DO have a Pinterest board though. All of the things there are thing's I'd like to get or just images to show my witch my style. None of the things on the pinboard are allready in my posession. There are also two pictures of my living room. Are there any scents from the Lilith update you would like ? Any other you are looking for ?
I need to see the update first. Do you like Hello Kitty? Yes! Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray?
Wouldn't wear mens's shirts, sorry. Will like them, but they would end up as pajamas and I don't think they deserve that. How do you feel about superheroes?
Not really interested. How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics?
Nope, not into these kind of things. How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed?
New to BPAL. Started to buy my first bottles about a year ago. No weenies in my posession yet Exept for Pumpkin Latte. I own a bottle already and love it! Lounge Pants?
Sure!! Size EU44 or UK16 I made a pinboard with my wishlist and interests:
https://www.pinterest.com/buijs1004/13-nights-of-halloween/

Nemi25

September 5, 2015

Maps and Legends

2015 13 Nights of Halloween Answers-o-Doom

Gaming nerd? Kinda sorta. I am definitely on the geek spectrum, but in terms of games, I tend to prefer adventure/mystery type games. If you have any Chaos Theory bottles on your wishlists, would you mind getting bottles on several days of this swap? I don't think I do have any CT on my wishlist, but I wouldn't mind a bottle or two if they seem like they are within my overall scent desires. If you listed wearables - what sizes? I think I covered this in my questionnaire, but generally L/XL, feet are US 8. Are your forearms skinny or bulky? My forearms are pretty...average? I generally do not have issues with my forearm size as it relates to clothing or jewelry. My upper arms on the other hand...they are pretty thick and tend to present problems. How do you feel about yarn/wearables? Ok with wool as long as it's soft? And any particular things on your wish list as far as knit items go? (Headbands for fall/winter, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, socks, etc) Soft anything is wonderful. Hats, scarves, socks are all wonderful. I am always in the market for fingerless arm/hand warmers, that I can both type and hide my always cold fingers in. What kind of items would you like to get that are not available in your country? I would love candies, jellies, jams, other edibles and local specialties. How do you feel about home baked cookies? Is there anything that should be left out (nuts, milk, eggs, gluten, etc)? Home baking is love! I have no real restrictions in that area, aside from typical attempts at not overeating. Well, that and no artificial sweeteners. How do you feel about receiving pens? If you like them, do you have a prefered stroke size (ie: do you prefer a thick or fine stroke)? Any preferred colors (assume the sky is the limit here)? Pens are great. I tend to like mid-range stroke sizes - not extra fine, but not seriously thick. In terms of color, between blue/black/red, I prefer black. Otherwise, I love fun pen colors which are not those three. Socks? For fall, I tend to prefer knee-highs, as I pretty much constantly wear short boots, at least on the weekends, which is also pretty much the only time I wear socks. I love fun funky socks. My Sock Dreams wishlist is here, which I share not as an OMG BUY ME THESE, but more as an idea of what I tend to gravitate toward. Tea? I have a bit of a tea problem, as in I have waaaaaaaay too much of it. That said, I am always happy to try any yummy seasonal tea flavors. Yankee Candle Boney Bunch? The Boney Bunch doesn't actually do much for me, sadly. The Wicked Web (especially the collar or the bat wings), or the silhouettes and spellbound are much more up my alley. I also have a bit of a candle problem, much like tea, in that I have tons, but can't seem to prevent myself from inviting more in. What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? Fandomish likes include Harry Potter (Ravenclaw with a side of Slytherin or Griffyndor, depending on the day), Star Wars, Muppets, Doctor Who, Firefly. I also watch Castle and Grey's Anatomy, but not in a major fannish way. I enjoy gargoyles, bats and spiders. I'm not sure I'm really answering the question, though. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? Whole beans for unflavored, ground for flavors. Are you a soap only, shower gel only, or an either works person? If you like soap, are you particular about type? (all natural, no glycerine, created on a full moon using the blood of virgins, etc) Another area in which some would say I have a "problem". I will use just about anything, with the caveat that Paintbox is about the only glycerine soap I can use. I particularly love cleansing scrubs. Items you want but never seem to buy? Just as I never buy them, I never remember them. :headdesk: Something that might be fun would be a cool lariat/id card holder. If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? Are there any books or writers that you really don't like? I definitely do not like "English classics" to the extent that I understand the term. I like Dickens for the most part, but not much else. Well, Shakespeare, but I have the collected works, so I don't need more there. Between my Goodreads and this post, it can tell you most of what you need to know. What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? REM, the Smiths, Nick Cave, Current 93, Sol Invictus, lots of 60s and 70s rock, new wave, 80s college rock, 80s and 90s goth and industrial. I like some country of the old school Patsy Cline/Loretta Lynn variety. Some hip hop. I haven't really kept up with music over the past 10 years or so, which is kind of depressing. Do you like Japanese/Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both? I'm not fanatical about them, but I do like interesting sweets. Savories are cool as long as they don't involve seaweed. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented? Yes and scented. Do you like small crossbody bags? I am all about the crossbody bag, but on the larger size. Birthday during swap? Nope. Pistachio-flavored snacks? Sure! Do you collect anything? I like bats and skulls and spiders and other creepy crawly things and butterflies and colorful beetles and other insects. But nothing that I'd seriously term a collection. What are some of your favourite things about fall/Halloween, or what do you look forward to? I went into this in a lot of detail in my survey, I think, but I love cooler days and wearing jeans and my favorite Fluevog ankle boots and long sweaters. We throw a big Halloween party every year which I love planning. And pumpkin spice everything and apple cider and spices and caramel. Going to a corn maze and going pumpkin picking and carving pumpkins and taking my kids trick or treating. Horror themes? I'm not at all into zombies or really seriously goreshock kind of stuff. Also, anything involving mutilation of eyeballs freaks me the right fuck out. Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? Absolutely - cozy lounge pants in an XL would rock. Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use? Very short, no accessories needed. BUT, my 5 year old has almost waist length hair, so things would have a possible home. If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? List 'tis here: https://www.etsy.com/people/emzebel/favorites/items-i-love?ref=favs_index_1 Everything is something I'd love to have, although most of the stuffs have sold, so it can also serve as inspiration for the types of things I tend to go for, as opposed to a shopping list. Do you bake or cook & if so (or even if not!) would you want Halloween-themed kitchen stuff or sprinkles or similar? Sure! I bake a lot this time of year and we have a fairly extensive sprinkle collection (so, I guess I do collect something?) that I think is low on the autumnal at the moment. And I love love love themey utensils and bakeware. Question: Wishbones, and designs with them ? Yay or nay? I...have no idea. I'm not opposed to them, but I tend to have more of an affinity for skulls and talons and other bony things. Are there any general catalog/easily found/not crazy expensive BPAL bottles you'd love to get your hands on? I would dearly love a bottle of Scheherazade, which I love, but never seems to make it into my cart. Otherwise, my wishlist is pretty comprehensive and lists some GCs. Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind? Yay booze! I am on a big gin and bourbon kick right now (and whiskey generally always has a home with me). I also love little sample bottles of random flavored or unusual options in just about any liquor type. I also love seasonal ales this time of year. I am not big on wine. With anything, if there's some sort of local specialty that you just adore, I'd love to sample it! CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY? Nay, sorry. I'll visit an Asian market later this afternoon/evening. Bit of a last minute decision so last minute question, too. So hope my swappee reads and answers this before I'm there. Is there anything in particular you'd like to get? Sorry, I'm late on this one, but there's nothing in particular that I'm jonsing for at the moment. How disappointed would you be to get a package with little to no spooky themed stuff (except the wrappings)? I do love me some Halloween, but I will love anything you send, spooky or no. <3 Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray? Since is my question, I'm going with no on this one. I don't wear crewnecks anymore and clearly hubby has too many. How do you feel about superheroes? I adore Wonder Woman and have enjoyed a lot of the newer MCU stuff. How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics? Another area where we have more than enough. How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed? Other than what's in my wishlist, I'm good. Weenies tend to be my biggest order of the year.

emzebel

September 2, 2015

darkchan's Blog

13 Nights of Horror, 2015 Edition Answers

VIDEO GAME NERDS: do you want any swag from PAX prime? Specifically, Gigantic? Or any other specific requests from exhibitors there? Please let me know in case you are my giftee! I'll be attending tomorrow and have contacts. No thanks. If you listed wearables - what sizes? Socks are great, size 8.5 - 9. Scarves are also great. Are your forearms skinny or bulky? I think they're average? What kind of items would you like to get that are not available in your country? Snack/sweets from different countries are great. As are kitschy tourist souvenirs (Key chains, magnets, etc). How do you feel about yarn/wearables? Ok with wool as long as it's soft? And any particular things on your wish list as far as knit items go? (Headbands for fall/winter, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, socks, etc). I am super okay with yarn/wearables. I do perfer softer wool or synthetic if it's going to be up against skin (not so important for headwear). As far as kint items go, fingerless mitts, socks, headbands, and scarves are all awesome. How do you feel about home baked cookies? Is there anything that should be left out (nuts, milk, eggs, gluten, etc)? Answering my own questions, home baked goods are awesome, and always love. Nothing needs to be left out. How do you feel about receiving pens? If you like them, do you have a prefered stroke size (ie: do you prefer a thick or fine stroke)? Any preferred colors (assume the sky is the limit here)? I love pens, and writing impliments. That said, I mainly now use foutain pens, which I am most definitely not expecting. GouletPens has some ink samples that are pretty inexpensive through. In terms of ink color, I'm a big fan of purples, reds, browns, and greenish-blues. If you are a tea lover, are there any companies or vendors that you would particularly like to try (etsy, teavana, republic, stash, adagio, etc)? Nothing I really feel the need to try, I do love Chinese Greens from TeaSpring, Japanese greens (mainly Genmaicha) from Den’s Tea, and Masala Chai from Rishi (or if I’m feeling lazy Twinnings). I’m not a big fan of flavored tea though (the spices in Masala Chai are about the only flavoring that I like). Dearest swappee, have you seen the launch of this year's Yankee Candle Boney Bunch line as well as other Halloween items from there? Are there any you'd particularly like to get? The adorbs tart warmer? The taper candle holder, perhaps? I’m not really in need of candle holders, since I tend to just get the jar candles from Yankee Candle (and I don’t really know where I would put it). What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? My favorite TV shows are Psych, Leverage, and the West Wing. My favorite movie is The Princess Bride. Favorite topics of geekery include pre-new52 DC Comics (namely Tim Drake, Superboy, Red Hood, Oracle, the Batgirls, and Blue Beetle), Harry Potter, and various video games. Favorite Famous person is Alan Turing. I don’t really have a favorite object, although I do have favorite flowers (the Lotus and the Cherry Blossom). I love all the memes, and as for cultures things from India or Japan would be neat. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? Coffee is great, I prefer whole beans (or a coarse ground for a French press). I’m not a big fan of flavored coffees. Are you a soap only, shower gel only, or an either works person? If you like soap, are you particular about type? (all natural, no glycerine, created on a full moon using the blood of virgins, etc) I’m a soap only kind of gal. I mostly just use Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap. Is there an item that you would like but you never seem to buy for yourself as other things often take preference (darn those bills)? Mostly anything makeup related. I keep on removing those from my Amazon cart just before checkout. If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? I like non-fiction books (dealing with Astronomy or Information Security), and Fiction books (mainly fantasy/Urban fantasy). My favorite book is probably Good Omens, although Cosmos by Carl Sagan is a close second. I’m not really a big fan of the English classics. What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? My favorite musical acts are Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons, Panic! At the Disco, and Great Big Sea. I’m not a big fan of Country. Do you like Japanese/Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both? Sure, I like Japanese/Korean sweets quite a bit. Not so much on the savory side though. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented? It depends on how dried out my skin is. Considering that we're going into winter, thicker butters might be better. I'd prefer unscented so that I don't have to worry about matching my BPAL to my lotion scent. Do you like small crossbody bags? Yes! Crossbody bags are the best. Who has a birthday that will be happening during this swap? Not me. pistacchio-flavoured snacks, Y/N? Sure! Do you collect anything? Other than BPAL (like everyone else here), maybe fabric and tea? What are some of your favorite things about fall/Halloween, or what do you look forward to? The leaves changing color, the return of colder weather, the decrease in the number of bugs, the promise of winter to come. Do you bake or cook & if so (or even if not!) would you want Halloween-themed kitchen stuff or sprinkles or similar? I do bake and cook, so yes, Halloween-themed kitchen stuff would be great. Sprinkles not so much (mainly because I don't tend to like the taste of them). In books, movies, art, etc., are there any common horror themes (demonic possession, clowns, serial killers, spooky/evil children, zombies, insect infestations, mutilation, etc.) that you really don't want to see? Insect Infestations (roaches, *shudder*) Question: Wishbones, and designs with them ? Yay or nay? Sure? Why not? Are there any general catalog/easily found/not crazy expensive BPAL bottles you'd love to get your hands on? I can always use more Dorian and Crowley (although Crowley is on the more expensive side). Santo Domingo wouldn't be bad either. Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind? Booze that is used for cooking? I don't really use it for much else. CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY? Nope, I'm not a big fan of the taste. Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? I'm kinda netural towards them? Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use? Shoulder length hair, but I don't really do much with it other than brush it and let it air dry. If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? I don't really have a favorites list. Mainly I'm on there to buy kitchy/geeky earrings (Or Bpal). I'll visit an Asian market later this afternoon/evening. Bit of a last minute decision so last minute question, too. So hope my swappee reads and answers this before I'm there. Is there anything in particular you'd like to get? This is a little late, but Pocky, Koala Cookies, tea cups (even though I have way too many of those). How disappointed would you be to get a package with little to no spooky themed stuff (except the wrappings)? Not particularly? Autumn themed stuff in general is pretty great. Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray? Since I would be a Men XL, not really. How do you feel about superheroes? Pretty awesome. Favorites include Pre-new 52 Superboy, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Jason Todd. And for Marvel, Iron Man. How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics? I don't really know enough to have an opinion? How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed? Last year was my frist year in BPAL, so I tried a few from them, but I don't really do well with sweet scents (including most fruit notes), so I'm limited on options.

darkchan

August 31, 2015

Mountaingrrl's Blog

13 Nights 2015 Answers

Gamer? Not. Chaos Theories? I don't have any on my wish list, but if you have one or more you think I'd like, I wouldn't mind getting them on different days. Wearables? Size 7.5-8 in women's shoes, whatever the equivalent sock size is, L or XL petite in general (I have a small frame but I'm curvy.) 34 waist/28 inseam in pants, 14 in dresses/skirts. Hats require extra room for my butt-length hair. Forearms? Skinny. From other countries? Any local foods, fragrances, novelties you think I'd like. Socks? I love comfy ones, calf length or so, with good slouch or stretch. Yarn/knitwear? I can't do wool at all. Plant fibers and acrylics are okay. I have a lot of knitted stuff from my mom already, but one thing I don't have is arm warmers. Home baked cookies? That would be lovely. I'd prefer no sweeteners other than sugar or honey. Pens? I can always use more pens. Fine or medium work best for me. Ink colors: black, dark colors other than blue. Tea? I'm not too familiar with tea companies, would be happy to try more small indie tea companies. I use tea bags. I like strong black teas (Irish breakfast), flavored black teas (Earl Grey, chai), and herbal teas (ginger, peppermint, etc., but no chamomile). Yankee Candle Boney Bunch? Not for me. I can't do candles, and I'm working on downsizing my home decor. NEW QUESTIONS: What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? Interesting question! Tarot, French culture (1970s especially), the human brain, cool jazz, quartzite, long hair, dictionaries. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? Whole beans for larger quantities so I can keep it fresh. Ground is okay for smaller amounts. I like to try samples of flavored coffees. Are you a soap only, shower gel only, or an either works person? If you like soap, are you particular about type? (all natural, no glycerine, created on a full moon using the blood of virgins, etc) I think I have enough of both for this lifetime! Items you want but never seem to buy? Long underwear, bottoms especially. If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? Are there any books or writers that you really don't like? I like contemporary fiction, YA, humor, fantasy, books about teaching music (or teaching or music), lots of other stuff including English classics (I was an English major.) I really don't like horror or true-crime genres. You can check my Goodreads and/or Amazon wishlist to get more of an idea. What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? I like a lot of music -- give me a day or two to update my Amazon wishlist on that too. Do you like Japanese/Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both? Sweet and crunchy like Pocky Sticks or Kit Kits would be nice. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented? I use both, depending on the season and how dry my skin is. I like lightly scented or unscented. Do you like small crossbody bags? I'm all set for bags. Birthday during swap? Yes, first day of opening packages! Pistachio-flavored snacks? Yes, I love pistachios! Do you collect anything? Besides BPAL? Stickers for my piano students. At the moment I have cats, underwater flora and fauna, puffy fish, lenticular superhero stickers, scratch-and-sniff strawberry desserts, and little stars. What are some of your favourite things about fall/Halloween, or what do you look forward to? Early autumn has my favorite weather of the year, and I can't wait. Experiencing back-to-school vicariously through my piano students. Cooking ratatouille, roasted vegetable salad, horseradish potatoes, poached pears, sourdough bread -- cooking in general when it's not hot in the kitchen anymore. The glorious maple trees in my neighborhood. Horror themes? I think I answered this in the original questionnaire -- basically nothing gory or gross. Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? <3 This is something I could definitely use. Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use? Very long. I like using Flexi-8s, spin pins, and smooth scarves without any seams - e.g. Buffs, silk/satin scarves. I'm open to trying other accessories like hair sticks or hair forks, if you know of good ones for bunning massive amounts of hair. If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? I'd be happy to get anything on my Etsy list. Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray? I'm intrigued, and could use a couple interesting dark tees. Men's L should fit me. How do you feel about superheroes? Fairly indifferent. How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics? Also fairly indifferent. How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed? I've sampled a lot of them, but nowhere near completely. Ones I haven't tried and am curious about: The Wretched Rose Window, Huesos de Santo, Mango-Infused Pumpkin Chai Latte, Odd Portents, and Regina Erebi. I wouldn't mind more of Nothing But Death, too, such an awesome mossy-wet-violets scent.

Mountaingrrl00

August 29, 2015

bookworm's Blog

13 Nights of Halloween 2015 questions and answers

If you have any Chaos Theory bottles on your wishlists, would you mind getting bottles on several days of this swap? No Chaos Theory bottles on my wishlist. I was in a decant circle for some and also ordered 3 bottles of my own, so I'm not actively looking for any more, although if I were more proactive I might try to get my hands on more Gourmand 223 - I do love my decant of that. If you listed wearables - what sizes? I think the only thing I listed for wearables was socks, and I wear a size 7 1/2 - 8 shoe, so whatever that corresponds to in socks.... Are your forearms skinny or bulky? I guess my forearms are skinny to average. What kind of items would you like to get that are not available in your country? Chocolate from the UK or Canada (especially Aero bars!), back issues of cross-stitching magazines from the UK, or pretty much anything from Japan. Or if there's something cool from your country that you think I would like, surprise me! How do you feel about yarn/wearables? Ok with wool as long as it's soft? Soft, non-itchy wool should be fine. How do you feel about home baked cookies? Is there anything that should be left out (nuts, milk, eggs, gluten, etc)? I would be thrilled to get home baked cookies! I almost never bake, so any homemade goodies would be much appreciated! I don't like nuts or raisins in my cookies, but anything else is fine. I particularly like oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips, peanut butter cookies, and snickerdoodles, but really, any kind of home baked cookie would make my day. How do you feel about receiving pens? If you like them, do you have a preferred stroke size (ie: do you prefer a thick or fine stroke)? Any preferred colors (assume the sky is the limit here)? I'd be happy to get pens. I prefer a fine to medium stroke, in any non-standard colors. Going with the premise that the sky is the limit, a nice bright magenta or rich burgundy would be cool, as would a metallic gold or silver or copper, etc. If you are a tea lover, are there any companies or vendors that you would particularly like to try (etsy, teavana, republic, stash, adagio, etc)? Hmm, there's not really a particular company or vendor that springs to mind. I've been enjoying some Harney & Sons teas lately (love their hot cinnamon spice!), so if you already buy any of those and you have a stray teabag or two you'd be willing to share, that would be lovely. I'm pretty much open to any brands, though. Dearest swappee, have you seen the launch of this year's Yankee Candle Boney Bunch line as well as other Halloween items from there? Are there any you'd particularly like to get? The adorbs tart warmer? The taper candle holder, perhaps? I hadn’t, so I looked them up, and they’re neat looking, but not really my style. I don’t really use tarts and I have more candle holders than I have room to store them all, so I’d probably be most pleased with just some candles if anything. What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? TV shows: Hmmm, Supernatural is probably the only tv show I watch that I’d be interested in getting something themed around, and honestly, I’m an entire season behind because I don’t have cable or a tv antenna, so I watch each season when it comes out on DVD. Oh, and Mystery Science Theater and the Real Ghostbusters, too! I was focusing on current shows so I didn't think of them at first, but items themed around either would be cool! Movies: Lately, I’m really interested in older movies, mostly pre-code (paperdollsandbpal, I was so excited to see someone else here who is into pre-code films too!). I’m especially interested in anything with George Raft or Warren William. This past weekend I splurged and ordered a bunch of old movies on DVD: Stolen Harmony (1935) and The Trumpet Blows (1934) with George Raft; Expensive Women (1931), The Match King (1932), and The Mouthpiece (1932) with Warren William; The Wild Party (1929) with Clara Bow; Safe in Hell (1931); and Berkeley Square (1933) with Leslie Howard and because the professor mentioned it in the Lovecraft course I took this summer. I also like films by Hal Hartley (The Unbelievable Truth; Trust; Amateur; etc.). Topics of geekery: Manga and anime, if that counts as sufficiently geeky. I mostly like the shojo stuff, and supernatural themes. Famous persons: Edgar Allan Poe; Oscar Wilde; George Raft; and Marc Almond. Specific objects: maneki neko (lucky cats), frog princes, sea or lake monsters. Cultures: A little bit of Japanese, I suppose. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? I don’t drink coffee. Are you a soap only, shower gel only, or an either works person? If you like soap, are you particular about type? (all natural, no glycerine, created on a full moon using the blood of virgins, etc) I have to admit, I’m intrigued by all natural, no glycerine soap created on a full moon using the blood of virgins! I do occasionally use shower gel, but I’m much more a soap person. I do like them to be fairly natural, and I prefer the non-glycerine ones. Scrubby soaps are fine, and the more scented, the better! Is there an item that you would like but you never seem to buy for yourself as other things often take preference (darn those bills)? Things on my Etsy and Amazon lists are things that I would like to eventually buy at some point, and I whittle away at those lists whenever I feel like having a little splurge. If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? Are there any books or writers that you really don't like? Lately I’ve been mostly reading shojo manga and biographies of old actors. This summer I took an online H.P. Lovecraft class, so I also worked my way through a lot of his stories as part of the assigned reading, and now I’m trying to keep reading the stories that weren’t covered in class. I do like the “English classics” (my undergrad major was English) and French and German classics (in translation) and also mythology and folklore. Edgar Allan Poe is my favourite author; I also like Oscar Wilde and H.P. Lovecraft; and I try to read everything that Andrew Vachss publishes. What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? Marc Almond is hands-down my favourite singer - I love him! I also like Gene Pitney; Leonard Cohen; Soft Cell; Senses Fail (mostly the stuff from Let It Enfold You to The Fire); My Chemical Romance; older Fall Out Boy; Blaqk Audio; Motion City Soundtrack; Weep; Voltaire; Lords of the New Church; Psychedelic Furs; Erasure; and more. My most recent new music interest is local band I Prevail. I like a lot of 80s “new wave” and similar catchy pop and rock; I don’t like most rap, death metal, country/western, jazz, or classical. Do you like Japanese/Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both? I like pocky, Kit Kats (but not the green tea ones), Puccho, and other candies. I definitely prefer sweet to savory. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented? I don’t use lotion often, and I already have more than I will ever use. That said, texture-wise, the lighter the better, and always scented. Do you like small crossbody bags? Not really my thing. Pistacchio-flavoured snacks, Y/N? I don't know, the nuts themselves are fine, but pistachio-flavoured things never really appealed to me. Who has a birthday that will be happening during this swap? Not me; mine's not until January. Do you collect anything? I never really thought of it as a collection, but some people have mentioned vinyl records, and I definitely do tend to accumulate those. I used to collect bookmarks, and I still like to pick them up as souvenirs if I'm traveling somewhere. I've got a bit of a small maneki neko collection started, too. What are some of your favorite things about fall/Halloween, or what do you look forward to? I love the cooler weather, the turning leaves, and the scents in the air. I especially love all of the cool things in stores, especially all the bat stuff everywhere! The decorations, the candy, the excuse to watch old horror movies - it's all so good! Do you bake or cook & if so (or even if not!) would you want Halloween-themed kitchen stuff or sprinkles or similar? I don't cook and rarely bake, but I do love Halloween-themed cupcake wrappers and Halloween-themed sprinkles and the like. Actually, those are the types of things that I can't resist buying, plus candy molds and cookie cutters and cake pans, despite the fact that I use such things only rarely, if at all. There are just so many cool things available this time of the year! Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray? I'd be quite happy to get BPAL tees, and 80s/90s goth/morbid tees sound kind of cool, too. Men's size L would be good. How do you feel about superheroes? I don't know, I'm kind of more partial to vigilantes and villains, I think - The Punisher, Loki, that sort of thing. I have enjoyed the Magdalena, Witchblade, and Vampi comics and the Witchblade and Painkiller Jane tv shows, if those characters count as superheroes. How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics? The last time I watched a Star Wars movie was in college over 20 years ago, and it didn't live up to my fond childhood recollections. I'm pretty much indifferent at this point. How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed? I try to pick up some every year, because Halloween scents! I do particularly like Devil's Night - I have 2005 & 2006, but I wouldn't mind imps or decants of more recent years. I also kind of wish I had tried some of the 2007 Pumpkins, especially II, III, and IV. I did get to try Pumpkin V and liked it, so I'd be happy to get a bit of that. Was Dorian in the Pumpkin Patch a Weenie? I regret not at least trying that one because I love Dorian so much, so even though I generally don't like pumpkin scents, I'm curious about that blend.

bookworm

August 29, 2015

Psuke's Blog

13er q's

Not a gaming nerd, but I loved Penny Arcade (although I don't follow as much as I used to). Anything from the Rain Slicked Precipice of Darkness, or the noir-ish/horror Alice, or Lovecraft inspired games would be awesome sauce! If you have any Chaos Theory bottles on your wishlists, would you mind getting bottles on several days of this swap? I don't have any CT's on my wishlist, and I have CT Woods for this year...aside from that - sure, I'll gamble! (except for foodie scents, please) If you listed wearables - what sizes? I'm small/medium, not especially curvy. 34/29/38 with a 30 inseam Are your forearms skinny or bulky? Average What kind of items would you like to get that are not available in your country? All kinds! Especially edibles, but I love trying new things of all kinds How do you feel about yarn/wearables? Ok with wool as long as it's soft? And any particular things on your wish list as far as knit items go? (Headbands for fall/winter, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, socks, etc) Headbands, no - they won't stay on, And I like access to my fingers, plus it doesn't really get that cold here, so no mittens. But the rest? Bring it on! How do you feel about home baked cookies? Is there anything that should be left out (nuts, milk, eggs, gluten, etc)? I'm veggie, but no restrictions aside from that. Yes, to baked goods! How do you feel about recieving pens? If you like them, do you have a prefered stroke size (ie: do you prefer a thick or fine stroke)? Any prefered colors (assume the sky is the limit here)? Colors! Pens! Yes! I sometimes zentangle, so superfine point felt tips are appreciated. If you are a tea lover, are there any companies or vendors that you would particularly like to try (etsy, teavana, republic, stash, adagio, etc)? I don't really do tea. I like tea, but pretty much do coffee for my caffeine needs. Although some spicy herbals might be nice for Fall evenings. Dearest swappee, have you seen the launch of this year's Yankee Candle Boney Bunch line as well as other Halloween items from there? Are there any you'd particularly like to get? The adorbs tart warmer? The taper candle holder, perhaps? I just checked Yankee Candle, and all those are *adorable*. Especially the Steampumpkin, and Spellbound. What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? I also follow Welcome to Nightvale, and would be happy to get any of their swag. Also Gunnerkrigg Court or Girl genius. I don't really follow TV in any kind of fandom way. Movies - early Tim Burton, though, *huuuuuuuge fan.* This includes Nightmare Before Christmas. Anything after Sleepy Hollow, though, not so much. Lovecraft-inspired things are also objects of personal cult worship. add: Literary and knit/crochet themed stuff (especially with clever humor) are totally welcome. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? I used to do whole bean, but my grinder broke so I need ground (neither terribly gritty or fine, as we use a temperamental espresso maker). I prefer very dark roast, and good single origin beans like Ethiopian or New Guinea. But flavored coffees work, too. Are you a soap only, shower gel only, or an either works person? If you like soap, are you particular about type? (all natural, no glycerine, created on a full moon using the blood of virgins, etc) Shower gels are good - so is soap, but not glycerins, please, they dissolve too fast. Is there an item that you would like but you never seem to buy for yourself as other things often take preference (darn those bills)? Nail polish and stitch markers. My etsy list has some of my favorites. If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? Are there any books or writers that you really don't like? I'm not a fan of romance novels, or anything by MC Beaton or Debbie Macomber. I do, though, love the Jane Austen Mysteries and the Beatrix Potter mysteries (I'm up to the Chaucer mystery on Austen and have the first 5(?) of the Potters). My English and Russian classics are well covered. What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? The usual suspects of The Cure, Siousxsie, Depeche Mode, NIN, etc. I also love every project Maynard has been involved in. Placebo...oh, so many kinds of music. Except Rap, Hip Hop, House, etc. Or Country. Do you like Japanese/Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both? That would be "yes". Actually, I would dearly love to get my mitts on some chili for making kim chee (the stuff I use now is hhhhhhoooooot. Good, but hot, and I think kim chi is supposed to be spicy, but not render your tongue unusable hot?) and fermented chili sauce for bibimap. Yes, I love making my own fermented stuff. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented? Again the answer is "yes". I use both. Do you like small crossbody bags? Yes! I've been using a shoulder bag because it was the one with the best pockets, but I generally prefer cross-body. Do you have a birthday during the swap? Nope, I'm practically a Christmas baby. Pistachio's? I like most nuts, though I don't usually seek them out for munching. Do you collect anything? One might be tempted to say books or kitchen stuff, since that comprises about half the stuff I own. Okay, combined about 80%. Vegan cookbooks have been my latest thing - I've been eyeing Gina Henshaw's book, or Chocolate Covered Katie's. I wouldn't turn my nose up at Practically Raw, or Teff Love, either. Aide from that, though...no, not a collector. Too much to dust! In books, movies, art, etc., are there any common horror themes (demonic possession, clowns, serial killers, spooky/evil children, zombies, insect infestations, mutilation, etc.) that you really don't want to see? I'm not big on most modern horror, I think it overplayed. I like ghost stories and psychological horror. The BBC (tv) Woman in Black is a great example. Not the movie - the movie was ridiculous. Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House of a Thousand Corpses and the like...just no. Question: Wishbones, and designs with them ? Yay or nay? I have no idea what that is. No real wishbones, I'm sure the dog would eat it the moment my back was turned. Are there any general catalog/easily found/not crazy expensive BPAL bottles you'd love to get your hands on? Of the GCs I've tried I'm very fond of Jolly Roger, Black Forest and Smokestack and some of the honey scents. I also wouldn't mind Atmo Sprays such as Fainting Couch and Queen's Croquet Ground. Or testers of The District. Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind? In goodies? Sure. Not picky, as long as it's not overwhelming and fits the food. CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY? No, please no. Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? Love lounge pants! Not so much pyjama bottoms, unless they're the kind that can masquerade as regular pants. Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use? Long...really long. And slick. I do ponytail holders almost exclusively as buns and braids are the only hairstyles that stick. I used to have fancy bun holders, but the sticks that hold them in place keep breaking. Combs just fall right out. OTOH, I will occasionally wear tiny butterfly clips when I'm trying to be fancy. If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? My etsy wishlist/favorites is all for me...and its all stuff I haven't yet bought. Do you own a wax/oil burner? (If no, would you like one?) I don't...and sure. An oil burner would be especially welcome. Incense, y/n? Yes. If you said that you are interested in books (or DVDs or any relatively big standalone sort of item), would you be okay with having multiples of such items spread over a couple of days, or would you prefer 13 distinct themish packages? Either is fine. How into the day themeing mentioned in the first post are you? All themed? A few maybe if they are fun? Not at all? Whatever my little pumpkin wants to do is fine. Speaking of DVDs - are you interested in receiving movies and if so, what sort? I'm actually kind of picky on movies, and we have *lots* of them here already. OTOH, a new copy of 30's to 70's horror might not be amiss (I think we've about worn out our tapes). Back to the books - if you said you would like books, would you prefer I send you, say, my favorite Halloween anthology or something else spooky/scary, or something off your wishlist/want-to-read on goodreads? Yes please!. Process question: Do you want to know who is sending to you right away, or would you prefer to be surprised on the last day, to the extent possible? Likewise, do you have a preference for specifically numbered packages or for reach in and grab according to your fancy? Whatever my witch wants Would you be interested in solid perfume? What about lip balm? Depends on the perfume, but otherwise, sure. And lip balm is good. There was a lot of mention of not wearing costumes/not being allowed to at workplaces. Would you be interested in goth style or Halloween-themed(pumpkins, ghosts,etc.) normal clothes to wear instead, and what would be suitable? Absolutely! Day of the dead/ Dia de los Muertos stuff? Sure Does anything from this shop catch your eye? https://www.etsy.com/shop/DebaucherousBathBody I lrecently learned I love whipped soap, and some of their lotions look interesting (dollface bettie, red queen's rage, funhouse, beware the kraken) Dear Pumpkin: Do you have aversions to any animals or insects? Not really. Used to hate slugs, but they don't really bother me anymore. How do you feel about canned foods like jams and things along those liNES? Sure! How do you feel about stickers (and stationery in general)? Stationary is good. Don't really use stickers, though. How do we feel about fibercrafting (knit, crochet, etc.)? wearables? crafted critters? If you would like a scarf or something similar, would you like it to be themed, like fall colors, or have a skull or other halloweenie motif/border? Covered hats, I think in my ?aire, crafted critters are awesome! I never wear scarves. Cowls, yes, and themed is fine. What makes you feel pampered? a long bath and having my toes painted after! We've covered what critters you don't like, but what about the critters that you DO like? What are your favorite animals/creatures, real or imagined? foxes, owls, ravens, dogs, octopuses, the list is fairly long as there aren’t many animals I do not like, real or imagined!. Canadian stuff: Sure Paintbox Soapworks: Not familiar with them, but why not? Is there is any TAZO tea you have a hankering for? Zen, Awake, Passion, China Green Tips, Vanilla Roibois, Calm, Refresh? (tea bags in a tin? How about any Teavana tea? (loose tea) Not a big tea drinker, but seasonal herbals might be nice. How about Starbucks coffee beans? If so, ground (and for what kind of filter) or whole bean? How about Starbucks coffee via (italian, columbia, anniversary, vanilla latte?) or Iced coffee via (caramel or regular?) Fruit flavored via (berry hisbiscus, cool lime, strawberry lemonade?) Pumpkin Spice Latte ? The fruit flavored vias are good. Anything else from Starbucks/Teavana? Syrups, honey, whatever? No Starbucks, please. Starbucks K-cups or Verismo pods? Coffee/tea travel mugs or ceramic home mugs? Seasonally decorated, maybe - otherwise we're good on mugs. Coffee maker (french press) or tea steeper? I'm set on those, thanks. How would you feel about a gently-used card game? For example, something I may have purchased several years ago and maybe played with my daughter *twice* before she became a moody teenager, and too cool for card and/or board games? Alas, I have no one to play with Name at least one thing that you really wouldn't like to receive in your package. dead animals or real body parts? Books by Debbie Macomber(sp?) or MC Beaton? I have eyeshadow pigments which have been decanted from--as in the powder tapped out into another container,never used directly. (I don't use very much makeup, though I love it, so I keep shadow pigments clean so I can safely share.) Would a jar of pigment handled thus bother you or are you ok with cosmetic-type stuff that has not been directly touched? No worries Does anyone especially like or want anything from cost plus/world market? They have all kinds of awesome stuff! Although I miss the days before they became the ethnic Bed, Bath & Beyond. Does anyone need any small kitchen items or utensils? No. Dearest Pumpkin- do you have a preference of edible/drinkable vs. non edible items in your package? Would you prefer your package heavier on one side or the other? I like edibles, but not necessarily a whole box of them. Any guilty pleasures? TV show you're embarassed to admit you like? Musical group/preference that seems out-of-place for you? Sleepy Hollow, Once Upon a Time first season. Kimberly Trip for music. Are there any scents from the Lilith update you would like ? Any other you are looking for ? Lilith updates are too foodie/candy/pastry for me. Do you like Hello Kitty? I am amused by the Hello Satan spin off, but not overly fond of Hello Kitty Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray? I would love them! I'm getting into t-shirt refashioning, so size is not an issue. How do you feel about superheroes? I am totally meh about them How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics? Again, 'meh' How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed? Last year was my first Weenie Year. Loved White Witch and Samhain. I also have some Pumpkin Patches decants from previous years that have been gifted/frimped. Pumpkin II of 2006 I know I love, and also Marshmallow Pumpkin Fluff Bath Oil (have an imp). Most of that is on my wishlist - but I'd love to get my hands on more of the Lovecraftian Weenies. I have a decant of HiMUL, but I gather there were others and I'd love to try them!

Diana Rect

August 28, 2015

kakiphony (sic)

13 Days of Halloween 2015

New Sock Dreams wishlist (I only just learned they had this function and I do love window shopping...): http://www.sockdreams.com/_users/wishlists/6167acd8de66b7b Chaos Theory: Bottles/imps more than once (or ANY repeated items for that matter!) are with me. In fact, I think a little varied repetition can be fun. (Really, someone could just send me 13 different candy bars and I'd be perfectly content!) Sizes: I think I listed sizes, but in case not... Women's cut Ts in a medium, tights in s/m or a/b or one size or whatever, and socks in the size that fits a size 7 shoe (which is the bog standard size). Forearms size: My forearms are skinny. I think my wrist has about a 6 inch circumference. I had to have the jeweler take like 4 links out of my watch... Foreign items: Yes please to candy, cookies/biscuits, food, drinks, whatever (odd stuff is fun too!). I'm also kind of a fan of cozy British romance novels and mysteries. Yarn: I like wool, cotton... really everything. The thing I dislike is the yarn that pills the minute you wear it, but I am so craft challenged I don't even know what that is. I adore cowls, fingerless gloves, scarves (straight or infinity), cute little hats, and shawls. I don't wear those head/ear bands because they slide right off my head (my hair is super slippery!) Homemade baked goods/candy: Love. Not dietary restrictions. Pens: My daily pens are Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball Extra Fine (the kind with the little window in the size that shows the ink). I can always use more as my husband is a pen thief. I use blue and red, and would love to also have green and purple. Not so much black. My question: If you are a tea lover, are there any companies or vendors that you would particularly like to try (etsy, teavana, republic, stash, adagio, etc)? I'm intrigued by a lot of the fandom blends on adagio (like the Magic Potions, Women of Comics, Sherlock, Game of Thrones, the female classic authors series, the Buffy series that contains Love's Bitch, etc) as well as the Harry Potter blends from easy vendor Worts and Cunning (which sadly, now seem to be unavailable). I am also a big, big fan of the Kusmi teas. I'd love to try tea by Dammann Freres (which I just heard is the brand served for High Tea at Bergdorf Goodman). But really, I'm always happy to try almost anything!!! (And I will add that single/a few bags of things are FINE for tea trying, especially for a days long swap. I know whole boxes can be expensive, so if it's something you have, feel free to just grab me a sample!) Dearest swappee, have you seen the launch of this year's Yankee Candle Boney Bunch line as well as other Halloween items from there? Are there any you'd particularly like to get? The adorbs tart warmer? The taper candle holder, perhaps? Yankee Candle is a mystery to me, simply because I can't actually walk into the store. Too many scents in too small a space makes my sinuses go insane. However, this does not mean I don't like candles and tarts. I do! I just rarely shop for them in person in a store devoted just to them. Because this question came up, I actually went to the website to browse. The Boney Bunch decorations are not my cub of tea (see my questionnaire comments about not dusting), but the simpler votive holders (skeletons, witches, the crow and pumpkin silhouettes) are awesome as is the Steam Pumpkin Gears jar candle holder. Of the fragrances, Happy Halloween sounds good, and I know from past experience that I like: Balsam & Cedar, Harvest, Pumpkin Ginger Bark, Sage & Citrus, and Treehouse Memories. I'm also a big fan of Archipelago Botanicals candles (which I tend to be able to find at huge markdowns at TJ Maxx), especially Havana, Milano, Stonehenge and Babylon, and I've been keeping my eyes peeled for anything and everything from the Wood collection on sale! I don't remember if I have a candles/tarts section on my etsy wish lists, but if I don't, I should. I need to do an overhaul there at some point in the near future. I'll update here if I find the time... In general, I tend to like candles and tarts that are either wood/resinous (but not patchouli), lemon/herbal, or spicy. I do NOT like musk or patchouli in candles, am not a fan of fruits, or florals, and sweet scents need to be ground with spice or resin. Thank clean, masculine, deep and subtle rather than rich, sweet, or lush. What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? Wow! That is a seriously broad question which I will do my best to answer. TV Shows/Movies: I still love Harry Potter and happily welcome Slytherin (my Pottermore house) and Ravenclaw (my Sorting Elite house) items. I love a lot of other media, but I don't think any of them would lend themselves well to items I would use, although subtle Wonder Woman items are great. My wish lists tend to gravitate more toward literary themed items like Poe, Shakespeare, children's books, etc. I like library and book themed items, as well as microbrewery stuffs (t-shirts, stickers, etc), and I have seen very few fox and tree adorned items I didn't like. I don't think there are any particular cultures I am interested in, except to say that I am a fan of learning how to cook from MANY cultures, and international food tends to fascinate and inspire me. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? I very, very rarely drink coffee any more as my stomach hates the acid. When I do, it's pour-over whole bean, not to be a snob, but just because it is less likely to make me ill. Is there an item that you would like but you never seem to buy for yourself as other things often take preference (darn those bills)? Not in particular. I've been on and off no-buys for a while, so my perfume oil, bath and body, jewelry, and tights addictions have been very meagerly fed. If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? Are there any books or writers that you really don't like? I am what might be described as a discriminating dabbler. That is, I read authors and books from a very wide variety of styles and genres, but I have a limited tolerance for bad writing, trite or formulaic plots, and bad characterizations. Of course, some things I love other people think fall smack into those problems so... The best thing to do is probably to look at the "What I am Reading Now" thread for my various posts (which give opinions on things I have read) and my (huge, crazy) amazon wishlist, which contains the stuff that at some point I saw in a blog and thought "Hey, I might like that" or is by authors I know I like. What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? I'm not sure I have favorites. I listen widely and like a lot, although most of what I discover "new" tends to be at least a few years old because I am just not that hip. Lately, I've been seeding a Pandora Station with the Alabama 3 and that has led me to The Heavy which I really love. My other most listened to Pandora stations start with the B-52s (lots of fun 80s), Talking Heads, and David Byrne. I listen to a lot of alt-country, and I think if I can seed my personal station around a theme rather than a band it might be something like "Subversive gospel with ska, blues, punk, rock and electronica influences." Do you like Japanese/Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both? I have no idea? There are none out there that are tried and true favorites, and I'm not sure I've ever tried any Korean ones... I can say that I am a fan of Japanese Kit-Kats, but not so much of pocky (OK, not earth shattering) and seaweed crisps (pretty gross). I like both savory and sweet, although my sweet tastes tend to be more on the chocolate end than the fruity/gummy spectrum. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented? Both textures (thick is for hands, elbows and knees, light is for everywhere else) and I like both scented and unscented, although I prefer light scents to strong/wafting ones. Basically, I don't want anyone not physically hugging me to smell me. (This is also how I feel about my perfume and is why I am not, to date, a fan of hair glosses.) Do you like small crossbody bags? I am really, really absurdly particular about bags, but yes I do like small cross body ones. They have to be big enough to hold my kindle, keys, wallet and phone, but not much bigger. And if there are separate pockets for each of those things, I am in love. Do you collect anything? Not on purpose. I can't help it that scarves, jewelry, tights, books, and bpal follow me home! What are some of your favorite things about fall/Halloween, or what do you look forward to? I most look forward to cooler weather that allows me to start wearing tights and wool turtleneck sweaters again. Also the changing leaves, more days off with my husband after summer's rush, apples right off the tree, and not needing to run the AC (my bills go down!) But autumn is bittersweet for me. It's my favorite season weather-wise, but I'm all too well aware about what comes next, and winter can be hard for me physically (Raynaud's), financially (ancient house = crazy heating bills), and emotionally (something about the dark, cold nights makes me miss my husband more than usual). do you bake or cook & if so (or even if not!) would you want Halloween-themed kitchen stuff or sprinkles or similar? I love too cook and bake. Any kitchen stuff of any these, is always welcome. Horror themes? I am OK with almost all horror tropes. However, I do not love gratuitous violence. I mean, if it's integral to the plot, sure, but I don't like torture porn or dwelling on those bits and I want stories where good triumphs in the end. For bath and body products: do you have a bathtub or shower? Both! And I do use both. Do you own a wax/oil burner? (If no, would you like one?) I have one, but it is missing. A replacement would be swell. Would you like loose, fancy tea? Yes! Incense, y/n? Yes, but I am picky. I mainly burn Fred Soll natural resin incense. The only ones of his that I do NOT like are Ceremonial Rain, Egyptian Musk, florals, hemp, fruit and the Patchouli blends. Everything else I love (but I am partial to the Pinon, Pine, and the cedar, sage, and sandalwood based blends). What is your favorite fall activity? Being outdoors in gorgeous weather, drinking a beer, and playing with my niece and nephew. I'm in Japan, anything specifically Japanese-y you want? Japanese Kit-Kats are the best. Please briefly describe (color, style, preferred type of beads) or provide a picture of (if it is suitable), the type of necklace (if any) you would be interested in getting. If you do not like necklaces, what kinds of jewelry (if any) would you want to wear? I love necklaces and earrings. For things that are meant to be worn close to the throat (with open necked blouses, etc) I prefer a length of 16 inches. But I do appreciate some longer options (18-20 inches) which I can wear with turtlenecks and sweaters in the winter. My etsy has a wide variety of styles and beads/gems I like and you can get a great idea of my style there. (My etsy wishlist is MASSIVE because I love window shopping.) What about hot chocolate/malt drinks? I like them, but am picky. I'm not a huge fan of powder unless they are really good. I love the kind of drinking chocolate that you melt in the milk. How into the day themeing mentioned in the first post are you? All themed? A few maybe if they are fun? Not at all? I have no preference. Speaking of DVDs - are you interested in receiving movies and if so, what sort? No DVDs unless you think I'd really love it. We're almost an all digital media family now. Back to the books - if you said you would like books, would you prefer I send you, say, my favorite Halloween anthology or something else spooky/scary, or something off your wishlist/want-to-read on goodreads? Anything you love and think I would too (not already on my GoodReads list which means I have read it) is great, as is anything off my wishlist. Please note that "To read" on GoodReads means I already own it and it is in my stack. Amazon is the true wishlist. Process question: Do you want to know who is sending to you right away, or would you prefer to be surprised on the last day, to the extent possible? Likewise, do you have a preference for specifically numbered packages or for reach in and grab according to your fancy? No preference. Would you be interested in solid perfume? What about lip balm? Sure! I'm most interested in tinted balms/lipstick/stains at the moment as I'm trying to learn to wear them. There was a lot of mention of not wearing costumes/not being allowed to at workplaces. Would you be interested in goth style or Halloween-themed(pumpkins, ghosts,etc.) normal clothes to wear instead, and what would be suitable? Jewelry or accessories are best. Day of the dead/ Dia de los Muertos stuff? Sure! Does anything from this shop catch your eye? I put a couple things on the wishlist, but much of it is too sweet/foody for me (or has musk which I tend to not love.) Do you have aversions to any animals or insects? Nope. How do you feel about canned foods like jams and things along those liNES? Love. How do you feel about stickers (and stationery in general)? Ambivalent. How do we feel about fibercrafting (knit, crochet, etc.)? wearables? crafted critters? If you would like a scarf or something similar, would you like it to be themed, like fall colors, or have a skull or other halloweenie motif/border? I love all wearable. Fall colors that emphasize COLOR rather than brow/rust/goldenrod are great. Halloweenie motifs are fine, but so are plain or floral or whatever. I'm just in awe of people who can craft things with their own two hands. What makes you feel pampered? Quiet time with a good book (in my chair with tea or a drink or in the tub), delicious good, a great cup of tea, good beer/wine/scotch, having my hair blown out, dressing up, dabbing perfume on the inside of my elbows, putting on a pair of brand new tights, having someone cook for me, and brushing my hair. We've covered what critters you don't like, but what about the critters that you DO like? What are your favorite animals/creatures, real or imagined? My favorites are ravens/crows, foxes, and serpents. Canadian stuff: Sure. Paintbox Soapworks: I think there is a good bit of it on my etsy wishlist. s there is any TAZO tea you have a hankering for? None in particular. How about any Teavana tea? Any kind you think I would love. How about Starbucks coffee beans? If so, ground (and for what kind of filter) or whole bean? How about Starbucks coffee via (italian, columbia, anniversary, vanilla latte?) or Iced coffee via (caramel or regular?) Fruit flavored via (berry hisbiscus, cool lime, strawberry lemonade?) Pumpkin Spice Latte ? Starbucks K-cups or Verismo pods? No coffee please. I also don't use the syrups, and I think pods are the devil. But any tea or tisane is cool and I DO go to Starbucks for iced tea and scones sometimes while I shop (there is one in my grocery store). Coffee/tea travel mugs or ceramic home mugs? Sure! Coffee maker (french press) or tea steeper? I'm all set thanks, although another tea steeper is always nice to tuck into bags etc. How would you feel about a gently-used card game? For example, something I may have purchased several years ago and maybe played with my daughter *twice* before she became a moody teenager, and too cool for card and/or board games? Sure! Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind? Sure! I'm kind of a beer snob, but I LOVE trying things I can't get here. I love IPAs, Belgian golden and tripel styles (and Belgian IPAs... But not so much dunkels), porters, and stouts. I don't love sweet fruit beers, but like the ones that are more tart. I do like sour beer, including barrel aged varieties. I also like wine -- the dryer the better -- and scotch. My husband is a bourbon drinker, but its too sweet for me. CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY? Nope Name at least one thing that you really wouldn't like to receive in your package. I can't think of anything that any of you would realistically send me. Candy corn? Does anyone especially like or want anything from cost plus/world market? I don't know what they have. Surprise me! Does anyone need any small kitchen items or utensils? I always need measuring spoons. They run away like stray socks. Also little mise en place bowls and tupperware are always useful. Dearest Pumpkin- do you have a preference of edible/drinkable vs. non edible items in your package? Would you prefer your package heavier on one side or the other? No preference. And now, a new question: to sort of piggy-back onto the question about small kitchen items, do you like to bake or cook, and if yes, are there any special ingredients, spices, or decorations for baked goods (like sprinkles in seasonal shapes or those decorative picks you put on top of cupcakes, for instance) that you would like? I love to cook and bake. Things like special salt varieties, spices, really nice oils, herbs etc are always useful. Sprinkles would give me an excuse to bake something for my nephew! Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? Love. Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use? Should length. I use those tiny rubber bands for braiding bits back off my face, and I could really use some small clips to section it off for drying in sections with a brush. If I were going to the mountains tomorrow, for the apple harvest, would you wanted some dehydrated apple rings??? Sure. If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? It's all things I would be happy to receive. Do you like Hello Kitty? Not really. Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray? Sure. Although I will say that I don't really wear any of the lab shirts if they have things like the imps in stockings or pinup girls or anything that could be classified as even slightly risqué. Creepy birds, antlers, florals, bees, etc though, I'm all in. I generally prefer women's tees, but I am saving up shirts for a quilt, and am also not above cutting necks and arms to make them more flattering. How do you feel about superheroes? I love them. In fact, my whole family wore Super Hero gear to my brother's wedding. Batman and Wonder Woman are house favorites, but I love many others too. How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics? I like Star Wars, have never read the comics, but would like to do so. And my husband would think it was the coolest swap ever. How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed? In years past I have sampled quite a lot. There's nothing I missed and long for (except that one long ago pumpkin with champaca). I tend to like Samhain, and loved Samhnainophobia to the point of hoarding before I went through a weird chemistry change and now amp patchouli in a dirty rather than delicious way. I'm sure I'll update my wishlist when they come out this year, and anything I missed and wanted should be there now.

kakiphony

August 28, 2015

Lydialove's Blog

I sort of want to smell and maybe wear a perfume inspired by these pictures.

The work of Dennis Fast. All I can think is "Yes! I'd love a relaxed and happy polar bear in a field of flowers perfume." I am pretty much in love with these photos. The flowers are fireweed, I guess. I haven't found a good description for how they smell yet, but apparently they can be made into a lovely jelly with a citrusy flavor. Dried it's supposed to smell of citrus and berry. But I can't find anyone who describes the smell of the flower beyond "gentle, bright and perfumey" .

Lydialove

August 21, 2015

Lydialove's Blog

Imping along

Imps a comin' in: #20 love oil - A potent, enticing love formula, favored among Louisiana courtesans. Sharp rose and herbs soap. Yeah... I don't need to smell like that. (not bad in the oil burner though...) Bard - Bay rum, honey, and white musk mingling with the scent of harp wood and lute strings and the twang of horn brass. - Are you kidding me? For a moment I could picture the lute in my mind! Ok... maybe not a lute. Maybe a ukulele, but still. Wood and strings... but not too much of either. I got no brass, though. The other notes combine into a lyric, gentle sweetness with the suggestion of a wood fire without really smelling like one and the barest hint of the smell of the outdoors in someone's hair. Seems to settle down into an echo of O. Arm huffing yummy yum. WANT. Added: It's close to the skin, clean and sexy as hell on my husband. I'll retest, but this may very well be a bottle. Black Phoenix - Rosey almonds. Nice, not soapy rose and almond creamyness. Someone said cinnnamon but I'm not getting any of that burn. It's quite nice! Blood Kiss - Lush, creamy vanilla and the honey of the sweetest kiss smeared with the vital throb of husky clove, swollen red cherries, but darkened with the vampiric sensuality of vetiver, soporific poppy and blood red wine, and a skin-light pulse of feral musk. A tiny dab tells me this is all cherries and vetiver. More testing must follow. Possibly followed by arranging to have myself drowned in it. I just heard my wallet cry out in pain. How can so many of these be so delicious? Cheshire Cat - Grapefruit, red currant, dark musk, Roman chamomile, delphinium, and lavender. Starts beautifully - the grapefruit and lavender is delightful. But the grapefruit and lavender fade leaving something sort of boring. Darkness - Blackest opium and narcissus deepened by myrrh. Erk. Narcissus not for me! The Dodo - No wood. Just fruit and sweet. Nope! Dwarf - Iron filings and chips of stone, Styrian Golding hops, and soot-covered leather. - Oh damn. I like this too. Rock and hops and leather. Yup! I really want to try this on the husband, although it doesn't come across as overly masculine on me. The hops lose their bitterness and a faint sharpness emerges (iron? maybe?). Completely boring on the husband. Eternal - Stephanotis, cyclamen, heliotrope, white rose and gardenia. White Fleurs. It's not exactly soapy or headachy, it's just not me. Event Horizon - A disconcerting scent, heavy and oppressive, through which no light, no matter, and no spirit can escape. Black opium, labdanum, opoponax, black orchid, and benzoin. All base notes as far as I can tell! Smoky opium on the first whiff. I haven't as of yet narrowed in on what labdanum, opoponax or orchid actually smell like themselves... but i think I'm getting the benzoin, the deep resin, vanilla-like sweetness. This one is dark, heavy, and quite lovely. Fire For Thy Stepmother's Daughters - Flaming coals, hellfire, and blackened bone. Strong soapy ashtray faded surprisingly quick to mildly spicy bubblegum. Close to the skin. Weird dry down, there. No thank you! Fire of Love - No notes listed. Designed to rekindle fire between lovers. At first it's wood and musk, maybe patchouli an musk. Then it's... wood and civet. Then it's civet. Yeah.... civet is not for me. Later: OHMYGOD GET IT OFF! Galvanic Goggles - Metallic notes with Indian musk, tobacco flower, and African balsam. Metallic notes = nice but ordinary old gentleman cologne. NOOOOOOO. Hetairae - Golden honey, fiery patchouli, sweet fig and clove, and a blushing touch of ylang ylang. AAAhhh! Ylang ylang, fig and honey. I love the fig and with the ylang ylang it's so freaking pretty. Oh my. This really is gorgeous. Purely and completely gorgeous. I love this. Retest and very likely bottle. Does eventually settle down to powder... Haunted - Soft golden amber darkened with a touch of murky black musk. - Goddamnit. I can't like all of these imps, can I? I can't even describe this one. It's dark and rich. Black musk is, clearly, quite nice on me and it seems to keep amber from doing that precious play-doh trick it likes to do on my skin. WAIT! I just got a whiff baby powder. Just a whiff, but it might be enough I don't have to buy ALL the perfume. Iago - Malevolent, dark and shadowy: sinuous black musk, wet leather and vetiver. Dark and bitter. That's not a complaint. I'm going to try to layer this with some sweet perfumes and see what happens. Jabberwocky - An earthy yet buoyant scent: pine, eucalyptus and orange. Fruity Golden Priapus? The eucalyptus makes it edgier but the orange makes it really loopy. I like it but probably don't want to smell like this. Maybe. I'm thinking this imp is getting used for air freshening. Le Petite Mort - Warm, damp skin flushed with the glow of passion, touched by ylang ylang and myrrh. At first it was just MYRRH which I like but a single note is not what I'm after. Like, where tha ylang ylang at? So I rolled the imp around and dabbed a bit more on. And it bloomed a bit. I get none of the O that others seem to get but it's sweet, slightly sweaty (in a fresh physical effort sort of way) and stays quite close to the skin. It might be gorgeous. Will test again. I think it went back to all myrrh? Lilith - Mother of Demons, Vengeful Fury, Darkest Seductress, Queen of the Djinn, Goddess of the Gate. Red wine, myrrh, black musk, and attar of rose. Oh heavens. That is heady! The first wine soaked rush is crazy, made me say "uh oh!" But the wine recedes to the background and then the incensed roses. Yes yes, I have other incensed roses but not these exactly. I wish I still had full goth regalia for this one. Sometimes these perfumes are described as dark and it's like a picnic in the spring but this one really does seem dark to me. And sexy as fuck. Seriously. The Lotus Tree - This is supposed to be lotus and honey but I'd swear there's opium poppy too. It's a lovely blend of sweet, tart and languid. Geez, I think I like it!! Maenad - Orgiastic mayhem in the extreme: sweet strawberry and orange blossom distorted by carnation, black poppy and hibiscus. Candy and flowers. Heavy on the candy. I mean, it's delicious and fun. It smells great. It's a hair down, sundress and strappy sandal kind of scent. That being said, I can count on one hand the number of days in my life I would have chosen Maenad and still have fingers to spare. Neutral - A flawless skin musk. Close to the skin - clean, the tiniest bit fruity smelling. Like a freshly washed person you like, and they have nice soap (though... not really soapy if that makes sense) No. 93 Engine - Balm of Gilead, benzoin, frankincense, balsam of peru, beeswax, saffron, galbanum, calamus, hyssop, mastic, lemon balm, and white sage. Fast morpher here! From super medicinal smelling woods to slightly smoky, herbal and lightly sweet. Very interesting! I applied a little more to try and get a better sense of it, it was fading so fast. Wet and drying it's very intense. It's kind of amazing that it's so nice dry. Pink Snowballs - Ridiculous. Pink. Plastic. Candy. Prurience - This scent smoulders with a lust that singes the edge of your nerves and leaves your soul chilled: red amber and scorched musk with voluptuous carnation, charred vetiver, sensuous tonka, and orris. Huh. Smooth from the amber, musk and tonka. Spicy carnation way in the back. I haven't figured out orris yet. Retest! Retesting says strong smoky vetiver and baby powder. Uhhhhh...retest the retest?? Ravenous - An utterly feral, thoroughly rousing perfume. Red patchouli sweetened by orange blossom. Not complex, really, but a great balance between patchouli woody/grassiness and orange blossom which is more and more seeming to be a floral I can really wear and enjoy. Stays close to the skin but lasts for hours. Wants the precious. Roadhouse - Truck stop sleaze. Weedy dandelion and hops with a whiff of tobacco and hemp and a swirl of booziness. Oh, man. Dandelions and grass - clean and sunny. Is there sleeze here? I get no sleeze. This is bright and cheerful and I... might like it. That's really freaking surprising. It also gets eaten by my skin almost instantly. Hm. Shattered - A blend of white champagne notes, grapefruit, lotus, slivered mint and crystalline aquatic blooms. Oookay. I at least appreciate having the idea that "aquatic blooms" is not my thing. Yech. Also, lotus. So sweet AND cologny. MMMM. No. Shroud - Wood, flowers and then poof! It's gone! It disappeared too quickly to review. Smokestack - Creosote, coal, and industrial waste. Whoa nelly! That's maybe more intense than good for me. Spellbound - Incense and roses - nice if I ever run out of Mircalla The Grave Pig - Fig, oakmoss, mushroom caps, and patchouli. Earthy fig. Really great earthy fig with low throw but crazy staying power. *sigh* I really like this one too. The Raven - Violet and neroli mingled with iris, white sandalwood and dark musk. Imp looks aged. Very light and close to the skin. I have to put my nose right on it. Not dark at all - pretty violets. But I think I have other pretty violets. Wanton - Rose! and then my skin ate most of it. I have nice rose but this is nice. Wicked - Jasmine, rose and myrrh. It's really lovely. But I'm wearing Ysabel and it covers the same bases but is more complex. Yemaya - Her ofrrenda is a bounty of melons and grapes, strewn with the petals of the flowers of motherhood, draped with sea mosses. Lovely sweet melon with a background of flowers... that I may or may not be amping. It's sticky sweet.

Lydialove

August 21, 2015

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I sort of want to smell and maybe wear a perfume inspired by these pictures.

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