OK, I've never done one of these before, so here goes:
Etsy Favorites: https://www.etsy.com/people/Izile/favorites?ref=si_fav
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/izile/
Amazon Wishlist - which is WAAY outdated - hopefully I can update it, *eep* - http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/7KANCDM0KO7J/ref=cm_wl_sortbar_o_page_1
Sockdreams wishlist - http://www.sockdreams.com/_users/wishlists/edc0bc670665758
My favorites on DeviantArt - nothing for sale - just to give you an idea of what I think is pretty - http://izile.deviantart.com/favourites/
BPAL Website wishlist: http://blackphoenixalchemylab.com/my-lists/view-a-list/?wlid=4737
and secondary: http://blackphoenixalchemylab.com/my-lists/view-a-list/?wlid=4730
More as I think of it...
ah, things I might have forgotten that might be important:
I do not own a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop or anything like that. I have a desktop PC and a dumb phone (flip, only does txt/calls) - this is an intentional choice to be less "plugged in", so "apps" or similar content aren't going to work.
Other answers from the SW thread to consolidate info:
"I've been trying to drink coffee again, but I'm so picky, and I only drink it at the office, so best to skip in in favor of teas. Teas, however, I'm becoming a bit of a fiend. I like white, green, black, herbals - I like to experiment with flavors - both hot and iced.
I do really seriously dislike anise notes in tea, though - but otherwise, most fruity or slightly floral blends are good. My current fav is from DryadTea on etsy (I have a big stash of it!) is her Persephone blend, which is black tea with notes of vanilla, pomegranate and rose (reminded me of BPAL Persephone oil) - but I also love my Adagio green tea chocolate mint tea bags! So I'm all over the place with office teas!"
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"Pumpkin:
I am generally not a fan of anything flavored/scented with "pumpkin"
That said, *some* pumpkin baked goods are very tasty, but I have to be in a very particular mood, and am still not over fond of them - I'd rather have apple spice baked goods than pumpkin spice.
My idea of decorating with pumpkins might be, if I found a really funky looking, interesting colored, real gourd... but nothing "in the shape/style/look" of a pumpkin.
I tend not to be a fan of anything scented particularly foodie, though, as well. I used to have this caramel corn lotion back when I first moved to NYC that I loved, and then one day, I took my a.m. break to the ladies' and caught a whiff of myself and was really hungry and knew it was over 2 hours til lunch break - since them, I just can't handle foodie scents - and I tend to find foodie candles too cloying. My favs are natural, no artificial scent added, beeswax.
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"Re: Companies I avoid - I try and stay away from most big industrial mega-corp companies as much as possible. If someone shared their favorite small etsy crafter something with me that I'd never heard of before, that'd be preferable to anything from Bath & Body Works (even though I like their co-opted C.O. Bigelow line). "
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Re: Cooking/Kitchen:
I am an avid cook - I love to cook and bake (and cocktail!)! - and yes, kitchen fun would be appreciated! My kitchen isn't very big, and I don't have a lot of space, but it's still one of my favorite places to be, and as it starts to get cooler, I'll be more willing to spend more time over a hot oven (and as it gets COLD, I'll be spending as much time as possible over a hot oven). - I should make sure to add kitchen stuff to my wishlists linked in my blog ... little things that I just never manage to pick up (like a knife honer/sharpener... )
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Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing?
Yes! I have a subscription to Games magazine, and a crossword magazine, I tend to go in waves, and like having the little grey cells put up to the challenge. (I very nearly got a Lumosity account....)
If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions?
digital, last album I got was Beth Patterson's that she sold on a USB bracelet.
What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it?
Lots of little small things I never think about until they smack me in the face... I won't remember them until the next time something comes up.
How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? I.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin…
I don't tend to carry that kind of stuff with me, but tiny trinkets tend to collect on a special shelf by my bed. The weirder, more uncommon, and storied, the better.
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22. Are you superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason – bad associations?
Not really - but I'm still dealing with rampant arachnophobia, so no spider-y stuff, and had a bad-ex who wore High John the Conqueror oil (not BPAL) all the time, and read Ayn Rand - so I now want all such things kept as far away from me as possible. Also, I find doll-stuff creepy as hell.
On the other hand, I have a really special family story that makes gold finches a somewhat superstitious but good/positive talisman.
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Question while my head's there (as I don't remember it in the questionnaire)
Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions? For example: I find pure wool, especially felted wool, itchy as hell and it drives me mad if it's against my skin, but I don't have the same problem with merino or cashmere, or blended fabrics that are only part wool. Also, I try and avoid rayon and acrylic due for environmental conservation reasons.
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Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like?
To an extent? I can enjoy it now and again when I'm in the mood. Had the usual(?) teenage obsession with Poe. I used to love seeing Taylor Mead before he died. He was hilarious. But I don't often seek out poetry much.
Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character?
No. No Disney (or Hello Kitty) or anything in that broader family.
How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationary- or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?)
I've been given stuff like that, I never use it. Not into kawaii/anime/manga/cutesy. I do like odd bits, but I guess I would go call them elegant, eclectic, nature-oriented, and what I call "elfy" - or sometime fairy - but NOT tinkerbell kinda fairy, like Celtic mythology fae - more elves of Middle Earth, and things you'd find in an Irish goblin market than Disney in style.
What is something you'd really like to recieve from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!"
I would like some long arm warmers. I've been marking lots of them on etsy and sock dreams to serve as a stylistic range/guide. I'm always so cold in fall/winter, and I have to be very particular about gloves because of my Reynaud's, so getting me gloves is rather moot, because the only gloves I've ever found that work for me are fur-lined leather (expensive!); but my gloves can go over/under any number of arm warmers layered over thermals and other sleeves.
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Tarot cards/rune stones: No for me, I have the Stephanie Pui-Mun Law deck, and it's lovely, but haven't taken it out of its bag in a few years. Don't really do divination or anything like that; but that once, aesthetics trumped.
Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists: (my zune set to random)
Dream Theater - Wither
Lacuna Coil - My Wings
Amanda Palmer - Do It With a Rockstar
Abney Park - Throw Them Overboard
Blackmore's Night - Written in the Stars
Tom Waits - The One That Got Away
Alice in Chains - Got me Wrong
Conjure One - Extraordinary Way
Shawn Colvin - These Four Walls
Beth Patterson - Steer by the Stars
yes, I'm really that all over the place.
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No crushes (celebrity or otherwise)
I love glitter!
Q: If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be? (19th century Victoriana? swinging 20's? Mad Men 50's? Groovy 60's? Disco 70's? Bold 80's? .. or any other time...)
I think I'm mostly 20's with 40's as a close runner up - and I'd rather wear full ren-faire garb than bell bottoms or tie-dye.
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If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc?
babydolls are OK, and I do like tissue tees, normally XS or S - though I have sooo many black and white t-shirts, I'd rather only get t-shirts if they are a color.
ThinkGeek:
I do - but almost nothing on that list is in stock because I haven't touched it in a couple of years - I've kind of gone off think geek a bit. :-/
Profanity:
Not really bothered as long as it doesn't get gross or incredibly XXX NC-17 rated. Not into "adult/racy" stuff (see: grey-asexual)
Hairsticks - Yes, LARPing - No
make up: short answer is YES! I'm always interested in new face masks, samples of treatments (I go for sensitive skin, moisturizing, and anti-aging) - I love to play with color so colorful eye makeup, eyeliners, shimmer/glitter are all good! I have 5 big stacks of True Colors shimmering mica stacks that I LOVE (I have the black diamonds, the blues, the greens, the purples, and the silvers that came out for the millennium - hey! Mica never goes bad!), and I LOOOVE lippies! Haunt lippies are fab, as are House of Gloi, but I also like tinted and full pigment, and pencils, and just about everything! So, skin care, eyes and lips, lots of color, not so much a drug store girl, but indie companies, even ones I don't know, are fine! - Oh, an I have terrible nails, so unless you can suggest a really great strengthener or vitamin fortifier or something... it's kind of pointless. Tiny stubby brittle nails that break all the time.
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Zombies: No!
Arm warmers: Yes! over the elbow or full sleeve are preferred - THESE are my absolute favorites that I already have in red/black.
In person? Most likely creeped out.
Ravelry: No
Paintbox has a discount code! SWITCH10 is 10% off! Anyone have any paintbox loves?
I was gifted an awesome rose slip lotion from them a few years ago. Don't think I've seen it since...
Animals?
horses, unicorns, dragons, those are the big three, though I also like cats and foxes and gold finches as runners up.
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Knitting: yes! I like knit stuff. I prefer natural fibers, love those multicolored recycled sari yarns! Also, I love red, but I seem to already have a LOT of red.. not a lot of greens/browns.. some blues, more teals though than really great true blue, or a fav color is kind of gunmetal blue? it's half way between royal blue and navy, but with a dose of grey to tone down the saturation. Hex color code: #545E9C is pretty close.
Incense: no. I have lots of scent allergies (BPAL was the first smelly stuff I could use without rash or sneezing)
Raw Milk: Fine by me! I'd drink unpasteurized milk straight if I could find it!
Spices: I have a pretty well stocked spice cabinet - but if you know some place that has good quality neat stuff, or hard to find/exotic spices, I'd be interested!
Stationary: I don't really use stationary, but a quill pen might be cool. I borrowed some calligraphy nibs from a friend for an art project, thought they were kinda cool...
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I like apple things - not so much for decorating, but I like the smell of apple (not too much cinnamon), and I like apple flavored things, especially baked goods (can have cinnamon).
LUSH - I like a lot of their bath stuff, I can't do their bar soap, though. Most of the bubble bars, bath bombs and bath melts are all big hits with me. Favs are You've Been Mangoed, The Comforter, and Amandapondo - and I haven't tried any of the new bath macaroons, but they all look good! Space girl, blackberry, and butterball are my fav bombs. Though, I'm up to trying new stuff! It's been ages since I've been in a LUSH. You snap the whip is also a repeat fav, though I normally use it in summer after gardening, so that season's just about over. And if there's anything you adore in the body care/foot care line, I'm always curious!
*Snacks/Candies from other countries/states - if it's something really local that I wouldn't have had or find in NYC, I'd love to try something really different, but I can't think of anything off the top of my head as far as foreign stuff goes. I know every spring I try and run down sakura flavored stuff (with minimal success), but wrong season... as stated above, not a huge fan of candies. I do like snackies, I keep a graze box subscription because I get snacky at the office, and I like having a little assortment of crackers, nuts, dried fruits, and surprising whatevers to snack on in small quantities.
*Canned Goods - my Mom keeps us pretty well stocked in canned goods, honestly. I don't normally eat salsa. I do like homemade dill pickles (not sweet or spicy), and homemade jams.
Spicy: low spice/heat tolerance.
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Gadget cases: none for me, I just have a ratty little flip phone. I do have a Zune of some sort with a ratty old case with a clip on it, but I don't really *care* about tech much, as long as it functions, so I'm fine.
Beauty Accessories: make up brushes! Talk about something I always forget about, always think "you should invest in some actual decent/new brushes" and then never do for I don't even know why. I have 2 kabuki brushes, one retractable and one just regular, and they're both so ratty and old that I have to pick hairs off my face when I'm done. This is a brilliant question that I never would have thought about! I really like retractable/travel style makeup brushes.
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Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? And if so, what size? For PJ pants, do you like cotton or flannel?
My Mom buys me new pajamas every year as a Christmas tradition, so I am awash in pajamas already. I think it's been answered, can't remember, but in general (in case of other issues) I generally take a Small in the bottoms and an XS in the top. If it's numbers, it really depends on the brand, but is normally about a 2, sometimes a 4, but if it's numbers, not XS, S, M, L, I'd generally suggest avoiding it.
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Lilith's I'm curious about:
Amicitia, Avunculus, The Hierophant and the Empress
(I'm already buying Blueberry Picking 'cause it's perfect, story and all)
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Music subscriptions: nope
Sugar skulls: Not really my thing.
Skin Care Routine: Olay Daily Moisturizer, I forget which one, but it's 30 SPF and anti aging, normally followed by a CC Cream for the office - I keep changing up brands on that. At night, Olay reginerist wash with the tiny beads, and Roc night moisurizer with Retin-A. Periodic use of various masks for cleansing, toning, firming, soothing for sensitive skin... I do love to pamper myself with a really nice face mask now and again. No toners. I use serums and eye creams when I get free samples, don't know enough/haven't found the right one to really warrant the expense. I love body moisturizers of all sorts, but am also swimming in them! And, yes, I love lippies. I had an insane amount of them, but as they're always disappearing into various pockets, coats and purses, and it's not like they're normally very expensive, I use that as justification to keep getting more... I LOVE Haunt's Lip lusts, and House of Gloi's.
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Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no? no - I'm better about my arachnophobia these days, but best avoid all spider-y things, even "cute" ones.
Pillows (the mostly decorative type)? I don't really have the space, though I admit I'm always attracted to them when I'm at Home Goods, especially when they're really great colors/fabrics.
Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc? I'm good with reusable grocery totes - maybe small bags? maybe? guess it depends, never been much of a purse person, and as we get into coat weather, I'm going to try and shove everything in my pockets rather than carry a bag - unless it's impossible, in which case I fall back on my leather backpack.
Anything special upcoming? Not for me, but the sith is turning 49 at the end of October.
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*New Question:*
If you had to choose one currently available book (used-but-obtainable counts if you do used) costing $20 or under for your Witch to buy for you, what would it be?
umm, I think all 3 of the new Neil Gaiman Sandman comics would be under $20 altogether. Though, part of me wants to wait and just get the trade paperback when the whole series is done.
Normally, I'd ask for one of my wishlist cookbooks - man I adore those - but it looks like the only one that's out now and has a used option under $20 is PokPok - which would be cool, but I honestly don't know how much thai cooking I would do in reality...
Not a very helpful answer.
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'Weenies: I'm pretty much safe from this update. I'd be somewhat interested in decants (even testable sniffies) of this year's Suck It (I liked first year, second year was cough syrup, this year??), Autumn Overlooked my Knitting (I love red currant, but the rest??), Visions of Autumn III (normally not my style at all, but neither was Peach VI... will probably just test this one at NYCC and file the results in the brain for later), and Pumpkin I (I normally skip pumpkin, but black tea, cardamom, spice, and ginger milk? might need a decant...)
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Chocolate: I don't really care for standard hershey bars and the like, but I do love chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate - though I prefer if it's not just straight white chocolate, that's a bit cloying and much for me, but the white chocolate coconut bar Lindt makes is lovely. Dark and milk chocolate are the safest bets - and which I prefer varies by mood, and type. I love trying new/weird combos - just no banana, or raisin, I really detest both.
Turkish Delights - no please, my sister brought some home from the UK years ago, and while the lemon was OK, the rose was like someone poured chemical perfume into my sinus via my mouth - TERRIBLE experience!
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Holiday LUSH:
So White Shower Gel
Hot Toddy Shower Gel
First Snow Dusting Powder
Star Light Star Bright
Dried fruits: I don't need any - I get Graze boxes at the office, and they're always at least half dried fruit (and I've got a back log because it'll be another week before I can eat any of that)
Do you need any travel mugs, coffee mugs, tea makers, rock sugar, coffee or tea syrups, etc?
the rock sugar in flavors I saw someone mention sounded interesting, otherwise I have lots of mugs for tea.
Etsy Favorites: https://www.etsy.com/people/Izile/favorites?ref=si_fav (I'm making a Switch Witch board, which is especially less expensive items, feel free to look at the main board as an idea of my style, but didn't want to make it look like I was expecting anyone to spend that kind of money on me!! 0.o nope nope!) - needs a lil more work
BPAL Website wishlist: best to work with my forum one. http://www.bpal.org/topic/127-wishlist/page-61?p=1239783&do=findComment&comment=1239783 - updated
I'll be updating all these wishlist soon - they all need it!!
Do you like colouring? I've been really curious, but haven't bought a book yet - when I was really sick and couldn't leave the house for so long earlier this winter, but was starting to feel good enough to not be in bed all the time, I took to printing out coloring pages, and I really enjoyed it. So if there were some small books with those really detailed intricate designs like I see, that would be cool. I don't need pencils, though, I've got a 120 prismacolor pencil set - so I'm good. (though maybe a nice pencil sharpener could be handy if you go this way)
If you like Lush, are there any UK-only things you're desperate to get? I'm not that familiar with what's UK only, I'm a rather casual Lush user - but looking at the UK website and seeing what doesn't look familiar: Ladybird Bubble Bar, Dreamtime Bath Oil, Milky Bath, Lover Lamp Bomb, Frozen Bomb, Coconut Scrubby Roulade, Cherry on Top scrub bar, curious about the "showders" don't think we have those in the US??
Crochet goodies yes or no? If yes, what kind of goodies? I do not do this craft myself, but I appreciate this craft, and like things like arm warmers, and leg warmers and cute things like that.
Do you have any allergies to animals/smoke/food etc? Dear Witch, please check ingredients carefully! I cannot have carrageenan (the worst of the worst) or guar gum, I try and avoid anything with tara gum, locust bean gum, or any of the others, just because there are sooo many and I haven't had the chance/inclination to individually test each and every one to see if they hurt my guts or not. Gelatin is totally OK. I'm also allergic to cigarette smoke, but that's never come up before - just don't send me anything that came from a smoking home and we should be fine.
Graphic novels: love! Lil picky - don't know if any are currently on my Amazon wishlist. Just read Sandman Overture, but also enjoyed Maus and Pretty Deadly, and others...
Nail Polish? I've been teeter-tottering between 3 different pink nail polishes from BPTP, but am waiting on swatches... I seem to have a lot right now, I've been buying more than usual... but no specific brands.
Crafty? Used to make jewelry, in theory I still would, just time... I also like sculpy, but same time issue, same with painting/drawing or making just about anything else... (miss it!) BPTP Products? I do like them, have a whole section about BPTP in my BPAL wishlist (sig) - I am also a huge fan of samples, so 1oz samples are frequently perfect for me.
Nail Wraps?? I just got into them in January, and it took me a few tries to get them to last more than 3-4 days - but now that I've figured it out and gotten the right top coat, I'm really interested - especially in Espionage Cosmetics nail wraps - I totally lust after the discontinued last unicorn ones, especially the ones where the unicorns are all coming out of the sea on the crest of the waves - but I'm not expecting my Witch to be a miracle worker - the perfectly normally priced in-stock tentacles, or baker street, or mermaid scales, or sheet music, or most ardently - any of those would be amazeballs awesome!
Teas/Spices/Spice Rubs/Specialty Ingredients from a local tea & spice shop? I'm becoming a bit of a tea fiend, even blend my own through adagio sometimes. - As for loose vs. bags - I mostly keep loose, though I do occasionally use bags for convenience, especially if it's at home and not at work. As for spice blends, I get so overwhelmed in those shops - I want EVERYTHING. I've got a fairly good basic spice pantry, but there's always these custom blends unique to each shop which are always so tempting... just, easy on the heat - I'm a mild/low-tolerance person when it comes to heat!
Speaking of spices - where's your spicy/heat threshold? (scale of 1 - 10 - 1 being nothing more than black pepper, 10 being ghost pepper+) I'm about 2-ish.
Preferred book format? Physical, PDF, Kindle, etc? normally physical, but there are some books I'd take as Kindle. Would you be interested in any handmade critters? Stuffed animals, knit or crochet beasties, or anything remotely similar? If so, please give an example or five - like amigarumi stuff? I've seen a rare couple that I thought were neat, but I can't think of them, and mostly the answer is no.
Since this is the Spring Fools' round, is there anything that goes with the theme of April Fool's Day or spring that might be fun to add to your package? Flowers (seeds, real, or handmade) prank-related items, a court jester's cap? Feel free to be creative and crazy with this one! no so much april fools, but I'm getting psyched for garden stuff.
Geek paraphernalia! Almost everyone here has SOME sort of geek-love, whether it is Harry potter, Horror movies, graphic novels, science, etc. So would you be interested in any kind of items related to your geek-ish interests? I have a few nerdy interests, but few geek-out fixations. Science-y stuff probably tops the list. Though things like the lab set bar ware take up an awful lot of space - but stuff like that, or periodic table themes or like that artist who spells things in molecules . Any yarn, plastic, metal, or fabric sensitivities? I remember having some cheap jewelry as a kid that turned me green, but nothing since, otherwise, no sensitivities, though I do try and avoid poly/rayon/synthetics as much as possible.
Any places you would like gift cards from? Amazon is always useful, or etsy, or sephora - all good! (oh, and Home Depot, for the garden stuff - see below)
Do you wear make-up? Any brands you like? Color preferences? I do, I don't have any particular brand loyalty - right now I'm using E.L.F. CC cream for my daily foundation, and I have Kat Von D's foundation for special occasions or all-day events with lots of photography like cons and such. I'm super pale, but also very pink, which makes finding the right skin-tone a PitA - it's like they don't think people can be really pale without being really yellow - I am not yellow-tone, my skin is transparent and I am full of blood, therefore, pink. I am an absolute lippie fiend. I have 5 Lipstick Queen lipsticks (probably close as a "favorite brand" as I get - and all over the place, Medieval, Ice Queen, Hello Sailor, Saint Red, Saint Wine), and am always grabbing a new tinted lip balm or new lipstick or lip liner - coral/orange/beige/browns are the only colors I steer far far away from in lippie-land. I'm working on eye-makeup, have several stacks of estee international's pure mica mineral powders, and a few pencils, eyeliners and mini-mascaras - but would be very interested in fun colors. I like to play!
Junk food and candy? no thank you - it's just not my thing. It's taken me over a year to get through last year's Christmas candy. Nice dark chocolate bars are fun, and homemade treats are nice, but I'm just never drawn to candy - if anything, my one occasional junk food splurge is chips, like cheetos and doritos - terrible stuff, I know, and don't even eat them every year, but that's also because I can eat an entire large bag in one sitting if I do give in - hurk... Witchee, regarding your fave TV shows, would you be interested in the associated DVDs? Fan books? probably not.
Do you need any items for your kitchen (linens, gadgets, cooking supplies, etc.)? The state of my oven mitts is a disgrace, seriously. I'm always up for fun kitchen stuff, though I just don't have a lot of space for gizmos and gadgets. Tiiiiiiiny NYC kitchen (I've seen boat gallies bigger). I'd like nicer hand towels, but it's also pointless, because my sister takes every single one I hang on the oven and moves it over to the couch to use as a napkin - seriously, I have hung 3 new kitchen towels on the oven door, and all 3 will be stuffed into the couch like a squirrel put them there by the end of the day - ALL THREE - it's insane, and she just won't stop. *sighs* - so, skip that. That's also how I feel about nice tea cups and good china - I would LOVE to have some nice plates or cute English tea cups - but they will be destroyed, if not by Shiva (sister), then by 1984 (clueless bro-dude, time-stuck roommate). I spend so much time wandering through the aisles of Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Fish's Eddy, Whisk... and just look at all the things I'd love to have but know my roommates will absolutely destroy. (some things I've started hording in my room - but then they never get used - and what's the point if they're just going to sit in a box on a shelf or under my bed? - this is obviously a big point of serious angst, dear witch, and I apologize for the novel here, but I do want you to understand.
Gardens/plants: I am dreaming of spring, dear witch: Do you like plants? Do you have any? Indoor potted plants? A balcony bed? A yard? Do you want/need anything? (I've marked some gardening books on amazon, and one of those hanging pouch planter things, was looking through etsy for cute things, and in the aforementioned gift card question, Home Depot would also be an option)
If I were to make you something based on one or more interests mentioned in your Q'aire/blog, would you prefer something you could wear, something that hangs on a wall, or something that sits on a shelf (or couch or wherever)? Probably wall hanging, though I'm running out of wall space, honestly, but my shelves are also getting crowded... what is a thing that could sit on a couch? like a pillow? Living room is pretty set for those...
Are you in need of BPAL storage? Not raw boxes, but I've been wanting some kind of imp-holding lattice thing to go in a box - like the ammo shell cases whatever that people talk about.
Do you like candles? Incense? Wax melts? candles, yes, but I'm pretty good on candles right now.
BAGS! Do you like/want/need any kind of bags? I'm getting to a point where I need to start thinking about a couple of needs in this department.. yes...
What style of bag from here (if any) would you like? You can easily narrow down the choices on the side menu - but I only want to know the style, not the pattern! not really into any of the shapes they showed, they all seem very flat/square - which I get is good to show off the patterns, but normally not the shapes I go for in bags. I prefer things that have long straps that can either go over a shoulder like a backpack or a cross-body sling - I don't want to have to hold anything in my hand all the time. And my wallet/keys is a freakin' brick, so it doesn't tend to fit in slim-line or envelope style purses; so I normally go for mini-backpack style purses, or might go for what pinterest is calling a "bucket" style... (speaking of, Witch, just in case, I should try and updated my Pinterest "Crave" board to try and give visual aids, just in case)
Here's a question. I make handmade journals/albums/smashbooks/junk journals. Would you be interested in anything like that? Yes!
If you like Harry Potter stuff, what house do you belong in? If you like Game of Thrones, what family? I'm a mild Potter fan - but enough so that I know I'm a Ravenclaw and think some Ravenclaw stuff might be cute! I'm much more into GoT and I am totally Dornish! Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken, baby!
What's your favorite animal/totem? Would you be interested in a small figurine of said animal from this etsy user? Favorite animal is a horse, though unicorn/pegasus/dragon are also huge if we include fantasy animals. Totem is a ladybug, and I have an undefined connection to foxes. and yes, I think that etsy seller's creatures are adorable!!
Anything exciting to you in PBSW's Spring Collection? Oh yes! I have plenty of bar soap, but I am getting low on lotions, and especially sample sizes of things, like sugar scrubs, are always welcome! The Sky Blue Sky sounds interesting, Bramble and Apple sounds really good!, and so does the April Fools one, too!
If you won a gift certificate for $100 (Or similar amount in your country) that could be used ANYWHERE what would you get? Oh, hard to say - right now, I might want to go on a spending spree at Home Depot to get all the things for the garden! I'm kind of fixated right now, and $100 could go a long way towards cement blocks, potting soil, fertilizers and some new hanging baskets and such...
Something that you look forward to each spring, or that when you see it (hear it/smell it/taste it, etc) you think "Yes! Spring is here!" or something along those lines! The first day I don't need to wear thermal underwear? LOL. Back home it was always Mom's row of daffodils popping up - lilac trees are a bit more common up here, them and the cherry blossoms - yeah, the first flowering trees in spring just make everything "spring-y" to me.
Witchee, how do you feel about this type of garment? What color & size would you like? (keep in-mind it does say it runs one size big!) no thank you.
Are there any mythical creatures that you're really into and that you would enjoy gifts relating to? All of them! No really, I'm obsessed with all types of mythology, have been since I was a kid. Unicorns are a favorite, followed quickly by dragons, and then fairies - I self-identify as "elfy" so while I like elven/elvish-items, I'm not much on statuary or art of elves themselves, and fairies/mermaids are about on the same footing - mer-other-things (like hypocampus or seahorses/seadragons, probably trump mermaids a bit), but I also have a special place for phoenixes of all cultures, (not as much on Asian unicorns/dragons, prefer western - but for phoenix it doesn't matter)
Do you have a green thumb, my Witchee? Would you be interested in bulbs, seeds or other gardening paraphernalia? Do you have a favorite flower?
Somewhat? My thumb is green compared to most people I know in my generation, but nothing like the thumbs of my mother, or her friends. I am interested in garden stuff! And dear Witch, and can get *explicit* with details about my garden if you need to know specifics! I haven't done bulbs before, not sure how well they'd I mostly grow vegetables and herbs, things that have kitchen uses, though I would be interested in any small annual flowers that have pest-repellent properties (I usually plant low marigolds), but if there are other things like that, I'd love that! I don't get a lot of full-sun space, though, so that's something to keep in mind. Gardening paraphenalia - yes! I have a soil tester that tests for moisture and pH, but I'd love a soil tester or a kit to test other factors - I'm pretty sure my soil needs some serious nitrogen fixing at this point. Also, would love some beneficial insects, ladybugs bugger off pretty quickly, and obviously it's too early for aphids here, but have been thinking about a mantis pod! Would love predatory mites (after having spider mite problems), but they tend to be expensive. Some pretty little yard art could also be cute! Oh, and there's those clay pots they're doing now where you fill them with water and bury them, and they leech water slowly into the soil? Been curious about those, especially if I'm building above-ground beds... and also been interested in those hanging planter things, they look like shoe organizers like you hang on a door, but you hang them on a wall outside and they have little pockets for strawberries or lettuces... and my favorite flower is probably a rose - can't really grow them in my yard, I tried a mini once, it only lasted two years... :-( - I also love lilacs, and they do well up here, but again, I don't have the space - I have thought about foxglove now and again, I do love them, they tolerate shade OK, and they're only biannuals.
Dear witch, seriously, could go on forever.
(Things from 2015 Blog that have NOT Changed)
Pumpkin: I don't like pumpkin or pumpkin-spice flavored/scented things, but I like things made with real pumpkin, like pumpkin bread! (YUM) - Oddly, I liked the pumpkin stuff in Japan, not pumpkin-spice, more like pumpkin-custard. 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!
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 sometimes) - 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.
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 can only use bar soap as hand soap, it's very harsh/drying on my skin.
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? - I'm really all over the place, right now I'm fascinated by tiny houses, space saving tricks, and also doing a lot of reading on agricultural history and heirloom varietals
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, etc.
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.
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.
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.
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. I did really enjoy Crimson Peak - though it's not traditional horror, that's more my style of "horror" than say, Nightmare on Elmstreet.
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.
Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles? I'm also picky about purses. 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)
Colors: blues, greens, purples, reds, all sorts of shades and saturations. I don't like beige, beige is death, and don't like grey - NYC is grey enough. I only do brown occasionally when it's a very dark rich chocolate brown.
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...
IKEA: I live near one, so don't need anything.
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.
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... - 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. Opentable.com on the other hand...
"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: no thanks
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!
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.
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 need anything in that department.
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!
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.
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
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.
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...
Craft supplies: Between me and sis, we're all over the place. The things I don't have and could use would be the things I always forget about when I'm actually IN a shop, like a masking fluid for watercolor paintings, or add-ins for acrylics or even oils. I have tons of paints, but I never get the OTHER stuff most people use. Also, forgot to mention in my questionnaire. I was working on this one painting, and I was trying to find a paint pen, fine point, in a nice opaque white. Both Blick's I went to up here were sold out, and since Pearl Paint closed, I feel lost in the city's art supply world. Paint pens that I could use to finish details on paintings would be nice.
Fantasy Type Books: I'm all over it! Tolkien, Lewis, Gaiman, Pratchett, Moore, LOVE LOVE LOVE. If I don't know it, that's cool too. My old boss gave me a lesbian fantasy romance novel, totally something I'd NEVER pick up on my own, and I really enjoyed it! (more romance, less sex, and kinda like a badder-assed Sookie as a witch-lesbian). So, don't be afraid to throw me your old favorites. Also, don't care about paperback condition, as long as the last 5 pages of the story isn't missing, that'd suck.
Music: MP3s, I have an old zune, and mp3 player on my PC. - Please feel free to expand my horizons, EXCEPT, I -loathe- country music, and hardcore rap, so, go anywhere else, from Blackmore's Night to Opera, to George Crumb and Kronos Quartet, to Finnish Death Metal, and J-Pop, and everywhere inbetween - even blue grass is fine, just NO Country!
are you interested in preloved tees like BPTP ones? If so, styles and size? More than likely, yes! I have a (it has a tree on it?) tissue tee I adore, and standard bella babydoll tee for Candles Moon, a "Nice" tee and a Krampus tee. I really like their tees. I'm a size XS or Small (somewhat depends on which cut of shirt and from what producers. For the old bella babydolls, probably a Small, but the newer/thinner (or if anyone has an old tissue tee they don't want anymore) an XS is probably better.
Do you have a need for costuming pieces? Anything specific you’d like/ not like? Nothing I can particularly think of now. I mean, I could use a better chemise for ren faire weekends. I think mine was actually a child's, considering it barely comes down to the top of my hip, and the sleeves are barely long enough to tuck into the top of my bracers. Othrewise, I have ears, bracers, chain belt... if on a weird fluke anyone has kinda rennie style sandals in a size 7.5, that would be amazing, but seems highly unlikely.
Interested in vinyl art toys (kid robot & such)? I really try and avoid random pointless STUFF, I just don't have the room for it... that said, I have a deep weakness for Unicornos from Tokidoki. I already have quite a few. Would love to find Fumo, Bambu, Caramelo, Sakura, Yuki, Sirena, Honeybee, Prisma, Diamante, Hanako, Miso, Fuego, Galactica, Gaia, Summer, Adios & Caramelo.... (I'm not very good at my personal minimalism when it comes to pony-things.)
I have collected art faster than I can frame it. Anyone interested in prints from Independant artists or do you have a specific decorating scheme happening in the house? (Which is, of course, ok) I generally love independent art, but I don't have a lot of wall space left at this point, so I should probably pass.
Do you use K-Cups and would you like a variety of coffee/tea? - no K cups
How do you feel about cosmetic samples as long as they're "clean?" I'd love getting samples! Generally I'm super pale (and pink! or "clear and full of blood"), sensitive skin, love any anti-aging stuff, and I love trying out hair products, though I'm SUPER picky because I have long hair (trying to grow longer, always longer!) .
Do you have any use for holiday/Christmas ornaments? If so, what themes/styles do you prefer? - no thanks
Buying fandom related and "cute" items: I try to avoid - with the exception of a very few - IF THEY ARE VERY SMALL (I have an old printer's drawer hanging on my wall now, that gives me a place to put *TINY* things, so.. if you found something that was around 1-1.5 inches tall, it'd fit on that. I like Firefly/Serenity, MLP, LOTR, harry potter universe stuff could be cute, too - but the key is *TINY* Would you like to receive silver rings that are worn but still look like new? If so: what ringsize do you wear? And any specific styles that you like? Or silver earrings (brandnew)? No earrings, I don't have pierced ears (unless someone wants to get rid of some vintage rhinestone screw backs! I collect those!), and rings, I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I do like tiny sterling silver delicate jewelry, and when it starts warming up, I'd be more likely to wear rings when I won't need gloves. I think my fingers range between a 6 and a 7, depending on which finger it is. Do you like animals? If so: any favorites? I do. I love horses (unicorns and pegasi) most of all, but also adore dragons, griffons, and in the "real world" (ha), wolves, foxes, cats, and the occasional raven, hawk, or owl. (bonus points for also fitting into the aforementioned "TINY" spectrum.
Fragrance oils other than BPAL: only essential oils please (and I have mint and sweet orange already)
Jewelry making supplies: probably not, I have a hoard of gemstones (for prong or bezel setting), but haven't been making jewelry a lot this past couple of years. It seems unlikely someone would be wanting to get rid of the kind of jewelry stuff I could use, as it'd be so easy to resell for decent money. And I don't do beading or stuff like that.
Lularoe Leggings? no thanks
Could you use Melitta filters for coffee? pass
Jewelry making addendum: Gemstones? I do have a literal hoard of gemstones (cut, polished, semi-precious, mostly garnet, amethyst, some quartz, topaz, mostly small pieces now) - does anyone do the kind of jewelry making where they'd be able to use something like that? Good to learn on in a jewelry making classes.
Cookbooks (or Magazine back issues) anyone? - Another thing I hoard, and I'm trying to clean up my stash. And if yes, do you have a kind you'd like or not like? Personally, I no longer need anything basic or beginner. But I'd be open to specialized or weird cookbooks like the cookbook from Hannibal (the tv show), (I LOVE my Feast of Thrones cookbook!) or specialty ones like ones on Japanese food, or something more specific like a little book of ramen or pho. (I don't have any non-Western European/US cookbooks that aren't fantasy worlds). I will also take old/used food magazine issues (I subscribe to Bon Appetit, so not them), but I will take old back issues happily, even in somewhat ratty condition. (I have a problem, I really do.)
Table cloths, placemats, runners, napkins, dish towels - no thanks
BPAL storage boxes - I don't really need any more boxes, if anyone had extra of those spent ammo cases that fit imps perfectly, I always need more of those
5 strange things, off the top of your head that you need? silicon coated wire whisk new cheese cloth new batch of super-sculpy (any amount really) silicon mold for filled chocolates matcha green tea powder
Travel books. - Guatemala? It's looking likely I'll have a work trip there in June. I know nothing.
Nightlight. - no thanks
Could you use any spices, herbs, or salt? Sure, I don't think I've got any dill weed or fennel seed, no curry powders, dried chilies, and I believe I'm out of nice dried thyme (I normally dry my own, but I messed up my last batch right before winter and had to throw it out :-( )
What about reusable totes or bags? I am overflowing, so no thanks.
Discworld books: YES! My collection is a bit spotty, I'm up to Wyrd Sisters (haven't started it yet, and it's a library book, so would totally take a paperback copy). But I already have (ahead of the game thanks to an auction lot my Mom won): soul music, eric, thud, lords and ladies, carpe jugulum, unseen academicals, raising steam, and the discworld companion
Least favorite scent? myrrh, musks, resins, spices, incense, foodie
Nail polish colors? I have a pretty epic stash, and have been doing more nail wraps as time goes by. I think I have a few BPTP examples on my w/l.
Bathtub? Bubble Bar? I do have a bathtub, but I don't use it often in the winter, because there's a window in the bath and it makes it super drafty, but once it warms up a bit. I also do lots of foot tub soaks, so I could use it!
how do you feel about knitted things?? More specifically washcloths or scarves?? Colors you love/hate? And fibers you like or don’t like?? I have plenty of knitted things, so I'm probably good. But it's a good place to remind that I don't like synthetic fibers, I try and stay away from polyester, acrylic, and rayon (unless it's certified green bamboo rayon - gotta protect the orangutans!) and I'm all about strong colors, but loathe greys/beiges/neutrals
Do you have a preference for more fitted women's style tees, or are you fine with a basic crew neck? I prefer a more fitted women's style tees, v-necks preferred, but not a deal breaker otherwise.
If you were given a choice of a top that was navy and tan stripe vs a more cobalt blue base with a jewel tone stained glass pattern, does one or the other sound preferable? Neither? Both? No stripes, no tan. Stained glass pattern sounds pretty, though, and love jewel tones.
Are you okay with receiving a book that is completely within your areas of interest, but that is in the middle of a series? (Assume a standalone storyline that might reference events in prior books but that is not dependent on them.) Please no. I approach series very carefully (I was "traumatized" as a kid by only being allowed to buy the first Secret of the Unicorn Queen book, loved it, and it was promptly discontinued. 30-cough-years later, I still can't get book #6 to finish the series without paying an outrageous amount (so I won't do it). And I lived in fear of Stephen King never finishing the Dark Tower the whole while I read it. Would you be interested in graphic novels within your areas of interest? Yes! Love graphic novels! I have the last Sandman one, and have kept up with Pretty Deadly trades and Injection.
Would you be interested in new or very gently worn shoes, if so, what size? Possibly? It seems unlikely they'd fit. I have very narrow feet with a very high arch, in sandals I can wear a 7.5, sometimes a 7, rarely an 8, and in boots almost always an 8, and other closed-toe shoes varies between 7.5 to 8, rarely 8.5 - shoes are crazy man.
Do you enjoy Tokidoki? Unicornos, I have the list/first answer in my link
Would you like fabric with one of your favorite fandom on it but chibi/cute style characters? No thanks, sis does the fabric arts, not me.
I have a bunch of baking ingredients in my pantry that need to be used up. Would you be interested in receiving any baked goods (like cookies or scones)? if they're gluten free No thanks, also a baker (but not gluten-free)
Any interest in books about learning other languages? maybe? Been trying Duolingo with Japanese, but it's a beta, so a book might help.
Any interest in reading poetry or plays? I can be into poetry if it's funny, quirky, or has a historical cultural twist to it (Southern or Irish/Scottish mostly)
Do you enjoy audiobooks? Not really
Any of this year's Lupers you still need/want to try? Check my wishlist. I *STILL* haven't gotten any of my decants yet, so I'm kinda getting frustrated over here. There were so many in this great update, I couldn't dare do blind buys, but last I checked the website, my decanter hasn't even gotten a CNS yet!
Could you use any tealights? Sure!
I have an extra book light. Could you use one? Yes!
Any BPTP swag you would like or are in search of (stickers, bumper stickers, pins, etc.)? I always like stickers and buttons, but I've got a pretty good stash.
Would you like any unused tins for tea storage? I'm good, thanks
Would you be happy to receive homemade jams/jellies? Yes! I hate how commercial jellies and jams put so much crap in there - I like almost all jams, not too big on marmalade, but my favorites are blackberry, plum, and (dare I dream... muscadine/scuppernong)
Gardening stuff and or seeds?? yay or nay? If yes, whats your climate/zone? Sure! 7b
Yay or nay? accessory scarves? yknow, the sheer or silky kind? colors, length? no thanks, I never know how to wear them.
Tabletop gaming stuff? Board games? Yay or Nay I do like games.. why not!
