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SwitchWitch questions and such

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SW Question Catch-up 9/18 to 9/25 2010

9/25/10 If you could make a scent that represents where you live (or have lived), what would be the ingredients?   I am awful at this type of question! If I didn't have to wear it, I think a nice rainy-smelling woodsy kind of scent for Seattle would be good. But if it was for me I suppose I could go more foodie with scents of Pike Place Market like coffee, roasting nuts, and those delicious little vegan donuts. But not the flying fish, I don't want to smell like dead fish.   Are you in need of Roller bottles or anything of the like?   I have never worked out how the roller bottle is supposed to work... but maybe if it came with instructions on how to fill it!   9/24/10 Just curious, but if your witch was to make an amigurumi critter (or other plushie) just for you, what would it be?   Maybe an anthropomorphic star?   Would you want a local/tourist item from your witch? Like a t-shirt, mug or shot glass?   I'd take a mug or t-shirt! In fact, I once got PIFed a Starbucks mug from Indianapolis and I use it all the time. I even got a Seattle one to match. The ones with the blue line drawings of the city - I certainly wouldn't mind another city!   Okay, who wants NAlloween and some Vampire Apothecary goodness?   Thankfully I don't know what this is and I don't think I'll go look. The BPAL is enough!   Venomous Villains?   Also not sure what this is.   Last Unicorn?   I think I have heard this is a book? Not sure what the question was, though.   Who is your fav Disney Villain/villainess? How about hero/heroine? (doesn't have to be specifically Disney though)   I loved Maleficent as a kid, I wanted to be her for Halloween but I never did. I don't know that I particularly loved any of the heroines, although I liked the Little Mermaid because of the shared name.   9/23/10 Do you collect stones/rocks? I'm talking like "semi" precious stones, ie moonstone, bloodstone, quartz ect. Are there any that you're looking for at the moment? Are you in need of a stone but don't know which kind?   Nope   What's your favorite Halloween Music?   I usually listen to Type O Negative's "October Rust" album as soon as it turns to October - so Friday! And then I have a playlist with all of my Halloweenie songs with things like ghosts, monsters, etc in the title.   9/22/10 Do you have a deviantart print wishlist or favourites list?   No   Is there anything from Blooddrop that you want to try? GC? Halloween update?   I try to stay away from things other than BPAL, it's just overwhelming. If there's something my witch thinks I would love I'd certainly try it, but I probably won't go look.   What kind of shoes do you need/want? What size shoes do you wear? Would you mind gently used shoes?   I really need some sneakers. I used to wear Adidas Sambas, but decided not to buy shoes with leather anymore and my new vegan sneaks aren't quite as comfy. (Probably because they're not old!) I'm not sure what I will do about this situation.   Do you like paper dolls (new or vintage) or coloring in books?   No, not really.   Do you like weird scary things as traditionally girly fashion items like heels and handbags?   Hmm... do you mean like a coffin handbag or something? Heels with spiders? I like them in theory but I don't really use heels or handbags much.   What song is on heavy rotation for you right now?   I actually try to avoid having songs on heavy rotation with an ingenious group of iTunes playlists, but if pressed I'll say In The White by Katatonia.   Are you coveting any of the NYCC atmospheric sprays?   I don't even know about them, and that's ok with me!   If you could get any one thing hand-painted from your witch, what would it be and what would be on it?   Probably wall art of a night sky or stars - I collect original art and I have a few pieces from friends and a couple other forum members.   Would you (assumin' you're a yarnie) be interested in a naturally-dyed yarn that's designed to very gradually fade with washing?   That sounds very interesting!   If you have played before, what are some of the most memorable things you've gotten? What really made you go WOW? If you haven't played, same thing, but not limited to SW.   I got boxes to store my imps and bottles and a scent locked from syrenemyst which was fab as I didn't have any of those at the time. I've had witches send me handmade caramels (yum, but sadly I can't eat them anymore) and I really appreciated the bunch of GC imps a witch sent me once because it has given me lots to try - I haven't finished yet, even! But really I've gotten lots of great gifts! Handmade jewelry and stitch markers... the list goes on and on.   9/21/10 Do you like garlic? Do you REALLY like garlic? Would you want to try some really unusual garlic stuff, like garlic cheese or garlic fudge or garlic chocolate, etc., etc., etc.?   I do like garlic, but maybe not that much.   Can I talk to you about the living dead? How do you feel about Zombies?   I am ambivalent about them, though I do like Plants vs. Zombies and have it on my phone.   9/20/10 If you happened to be my Witchee, is there something you'd like from the Arcana Halloween update?   Once again, I haven't looked.   How many bottles of BPAL do you have?   Hmm... probably about 40? A small box and a bit of overflow.   Is there any exercise program that you're interesting in learning? Meditation, Yoga, Pilates, Belly Dancing, Zumba ect? Or if you do any of these (or anything else sport related) are there any things you need/want? Candles, music, mats, water bottles ect?   Not really.   Anyone else into Emily Autumn?   I don't know her.   What's on your walls? Please show us up to three paintings/posters/whatever. If you love a painting so much that you would steal (to watch it with your greedy eyes) one, please share.   I'll have to get back to this one in the thread.   do you like Girl Scout cookies? What kind?   My favorites are Samoas, but I also like Thin Mints and Trefoils, and the lemon creme ones that they used to have but I think they're gone now.   What's your take on homemade apple butter? Want some?   Sure, I'd take some!   9/19/10 Do you read/like fantasy? What kind of books or authors do you love? Which one would you like to read? Would you like gifts related to it?   Not very much. I do like Neil Gaiman and have read a lot of his stuff. I don't need any gifts related to it.   Soaps : do you like them? What brands? What scents? Anything you're dying to try?   I don't usually use bar soap other than in my bathroom as hand soap, so I haven't done a lot of looking.   I wondered if my witch or any witch would enjoy things like nice pens to draw with or anything similar?   I don't draw, but I do write letters and I would love nice / interesting pens for that.   For those who are yarnies, would you like other-than-yarn witchery? Hooks, needles? Preference of material? Do you use/would you like handmade stitch markers, etc.?   Stitch markers are always great! I like ones with thin and small rings since I'm usually knitting socks. The ones with an earring closure that you can clip to stitches and move around are very helpful as well.   Does anyone do altered books? Would you be interested in old books to alter? Any type or title in particular?   I don't.   Did someone ask about incense yet? Would you like some? Something to store or burn it in? What scents? What form?   I don't burn incense, it makes me cough and sneeze.   Any oddball free things you collect or would want saved for you?   Nope, can't think of any.   9/18/10 Who likes hair toys, and if so what kind?   I don't really "do" my hair, I just wear it down or in a ponytail most of the time. It doesn't like to "do" anything it doesn't want, and I'm too lazy to make it.   Does any art we may send need to be child safe, either in the actually safe sense or the non X rated sense?   I don't have any children around so small pieces and such are fine, but I'm also a bit of a prude so "child safe" in the nudity / X-rated sense is good.   In the knitted/crocheted things area, would you want wrist warmers, 1/2 gloves, a neck warmer(the kind that pretty much just goes around your neck and maybe fastens instead of being long and loose like a scarf), slippers, or hats?   Wrist / hand warmers, neck warmers, or slippers would be appreciated - especially if the slippers weren't slippery and could be used on hard floors. I already have quite a few hats, but wouldn't mind more.   How do you feel about altered/recycled/upcycled items of clothing or accessories?   Fine by me!   Is there anything you want from the Violette Market update?   I haven't looked.   What is your favourite habitat and climate to live in? How about to visit? (ie. forest, canyons, mountains, by the beach; temperate, tropical...)   I love the weather here in Seattle. It's very temperate and there are lots of trees and water around to look at. Nice and pretty. Boston was too extreme climate-wise for my taste. I don't think I'd want to travel somewhere really tropical because I'm usually hot, but maybe in the off season when it's cooler.   What do you wish you could make/craft if you had the know-how and supplies? Specifically, which particular items?   I have forever wanted to weave a scarf with my leftover bits of sock yarn. I don't have a loom, so I've thought about taking a class, but it just hasn't happened yet.   Is there anything you would like from Conjure Oils general catalogue or the new updates that isn't already on your wishlist?   Nope.   Am I alone in this, or is there a Book Fair/Comic Con scent you're dying to get your paws on, too?   I haven't looked.   Anyone need address/phone type books?   No, I just got a cute one not too long ago.   Which web comics do you enjoy?   I usually read xkcd, but that's about it. I read Diesel Sweeties for a while too... Metal Steve is my boyfriend.

stariel

stariel

 

Valentine Swap Questions 1-13 to 1-25

1-13 Would you prefer a poem or romance novel & what type of romance novel?   I don't read much in the way of romance novels, though I have read some very trashy vampire ones just for fun. Any good paranormal one that isn't too romancey would be good - I just read Soulless and really enjoyed that. Poetry is good too!   How do you feel about burned mix cds (good time for mood music *giggle*)?   I already have an anti-Valentine playlist that I listen to, since I pretend to be bitter and single. (I am single, just not actually bitter.) But I'd take a listen if my cupid wants to make me a mix CD!   Do you have metal/ jewelry allergies?   I generally try to stick with silver or surgical steel for earrings, since I have had reactions in the past, I'm just not sure what metals they were.   1-14   Do you bake/would you be interested in baked goods or related mixes?   I do bake and would love baked goods, though keep in mind that I live alone when choosing the quantity. (I'm still eating cookies sent by a minion of my winter SW - luckily they freeze well and she packaged them in three smaller airtight containers!) I usually bake for work meetings since then I can foist most of it off on my coworkers.   1-15   Do you like cute stationery, stickers, note cards, stuff like that?   Love it! I have quite a bit of stationery, but I do use it up. I'm a big fan of stickers too.   Do you like tea? If so, do you prefer your tea loose or in tea bags?   I do like tea, mostly herbal tea and flavored black teas, and especially chai! Loose or bagged is fine, I use both kinds regularly.   Would you enjoy some loose beads for your own crafts, or any other crafty bits?   I don't really do any beading, though I did long ago... I occasionally use beads in knitting, but those are sort of specific to the project. I'm pretty set on yarn crafty supplies, but I am just learning to machine sew, so if there are any small useful things I'd be happy to get them! So far I have a sewing machine, a large pin cushion, cheap straight pins, and a cheap seam ripper.   Would you rather get things all together or in a couple of doses?   Whatever is best for my Cupid is fine with me, it's such a short time frame and shipping is expensive.   Kid/Parent/church lady safe or not?   I don't have any children and live alone, and I'm not a church lady. But I am a bit of a prude, so mildly risque is fine, totally out there is probably not!   Length of necklace, size of bracelet, post or dangle earrings preferred?   I am lazy, so I rarely change jewelry. I've been wearing the same necklace most days for months, and I generally sleep in it / shower in it etc. I do like the length (it's a little pendant on a 19" chain) My wrist is just under 6.25" circumference, and the base of my hand isn't much bigger, so 7" or less is probably best. I mainly just wear small post earrings - I have larger ones in my bottom ear piercing - but those are gauged to 12, so as far as "regular" earrings go they're confined to my top two holes in each ear, and there isn't a ton of room.   Stuffed critters or other things of the cuddly variety?   Love them! Though I already have many, so I'll invoke the "if it's special" rule. If it's handmade or seems just perfect for me, then I'll gladly have it, but there's no need to go buy me yet another stuffie.   Would you mind receiving an in person delivery from your Cupid?   I think it would be fun, but you'd have to find a secret way to make sure I'm at home... that rarely happens.   For those who don't do jewelry/have a prohibitive amount of metal sensitivities, etc., would you prefer something like a keychain charm or other little ornamental thing?   My keychain is a bit full at the moment, but I do switch things out now and again (especially since things knocking around with my keys tend to break after a while).   For you chocolate lovers - do you like yours plain or with nuts? If nuts are good, which kind?   Either, though I do love chocolate with nuts. Almonds and hazelnuts are some of my faves, but coconut is also good (and not exactly a nut...)   Do you like hot cocoa?   Yes! I do like it! Oh, I forgot to mention in my questionnaire, but if you send something like hot cocoa, I'd like the full sugar variety without artificial sweeteners... they don't like me much. I really like mint and caramel flavored ones too.   Does anyone have any strong objection to gently used items?   Nope used is fine, aside from the obvious gross exceptions (like undies).

stariel

stariel

 

SW Questions: Part 1

So here goes with the questions...   Question for future witchee: Would you like to receive ATCs or would you prefer something more usable, like bookmarks or something?   Either is fine, I never manage to use bookmarks anyway, it's old receipts all the way.   Everyone who wants a beaded potholder, please to be raising the hands!   I also wonder about the utility of beaded potholders, but why not?   Since we're talking about warm winter wearables, who likes hats? Mittens? Arm warmers?   Being a knitter I have quite the collection, though now that I've moved to a warmer climate I don't know how often I'm going to use them. But I only have one pair of mittens, I could use more of those.   Who would like a pair of handknit socks? Size? Color preference? Cabled, ribbed (for your pleasure), stranded colorwork, etc.?   I have *tons* of handknit socks since it's about all I knit, but I never say no to more. I wear a size 6ish shoe (I usually make the finished foot 9" including the toe). Blue! Love cables, ribs, and lace. Colorwork is one thing I don't currently have in my socks!   If your witch were to send you cookies, what kind of cookies would you like?   Oooo, any kind of cookie. Molasses... butterscotch chip... biscottti. Now I'm going to have to go make cookies.   Who likes tshirts? What about homemade tshirts? Like with transfers I made myself....   I like t-shirts! I've even made a few stenciled ones myself.   Another question! How does everyone feel about steampunk? (It's my new obsession, so I thought I'd ask.)   I don't think I quite "get" what steampunk is, but I think the steampunked keyboards are pretty nifty.   So, question all- how do people feel about unusual ornaments? As in, for holidays other than Christmas?   I don't really use ornaments at all, but I have no problem with unusual vs. normal.   Anyone else a total nerd like me and would like DnD/Roleplay stuff (Dice, minis, books, corny tees, etc.)?   Nope, one hobby I haven't picked up on.   Who likes yarn? What kinds/colors/weights/fibers? Handspun? Glitter? Funky art yarn made from shredded jeans, fake flowers, lace, sequins, and the tattered souls of your enemies? Other craft supplies you desperately want more of and can't live without?   I love yarn! Generally sock yarn in any fiber except silk. Handspun is extra yummy, glitter is GO, and art yarn is interesting if not always practical.   Which witches would like hair accessories: clips, scrunchies, hairsticks, headscarves, etc?   I wish I could, my hair doesn't do accessories other than simple hairbands to hold it in a ponytail on occasion. I told this to my friend and she didn't believe me til she tried to do my hair with clips one night and they were sliding out halfway through dinner.   Hand beaded jewelery, yay or nay?   Yay!   To make up for the fact that I probably won't be able to send my witchee homebaked goodies, will Tim Tams in any number of varieties be an acceptable replacement?   I have been dying to try Tim Tams even since I heard of them - provided they're vegetarian of course.   Is there any time during the holidays (or the rest of the round) when you'll be away from home for a significant period and it'd be best not to send anything by mail?   Not that I know of, and even if I were my address would still work.   Speaking of which, how many Browncoat witches do we have?? And if you are, would you be interested in getting a Kaylee parasol? If not, would you be interested in getting a paper parasol hand painted with your favorite colors?   *raises hand* I'm a big fan of Firefly and Serenity, although I don't know what I would do with a Kaylee parasol. Like big enough to use or just for decoration?   It seems like are quite a few knitting witches, so I assume they are on the Ravelry forum as well. If so, what are your names on there so I can stalk you?   I'm stariel on Ravelry too. I'm stariel everywhere.   Would you personally rather get handmade jewelry or the beads to make something yourself?   I'd rather get the finished item, I'm not that much of a beader so I'm sure my witch could do it better.   Do you like to cook? if so, what? Would you like things like spices, cookbooks, recipes, tips?   I do like to cook, but I bake more. Vegetarian recipes (especially Indian and Thai food) and recipes for baked goods are always welcome. I have quite a few cookbooks that I don't use much, but if there's an amazing one you know of then by all means.   Do any of you like puzzle books?   A friend tried to get me into Sudoku, and though I do enjoy it I don't often have the motivation to go start one - if I do I can't rest til it's finished.   I love Christmas music even though I'm pagany -- how about you?   Not really. I like to sing and there are a few Christmas carols that I sing, but I don't actually listen to Christmas music.   Anyone else have a sudden and unexpected favorite BPAL lately?   I have an ongoing obsession with Succubus, but that's really not unexpected or sudden. I just got an imp of Lolita and loved it at first sniff...   It's cold outside - what are your favorite drinks to keep yourself warm and cozy?   I love hot chocolate, chai, other tea, and hot apple cider (cold too!). When I'm going out I'm all about peppermint mochas.   Would my potential Witchee be up for some music stuff they'd never heard before if they couldn't understand the words?   Not understanding the words isn't a huge issue for me, but I'm rather picky about music. I really can't stand any rap / R&B or most country music, and I'm not into pop much either. And then even with genres of music I supposedly like (prog rock, metal, grunge, alternative, some punk), I'm very picky artist to artist - often for reasons I can't explain and which no one else seems to grasp.   What kind of candy/sweet treat would you like to receive?   I love marzipan and caramel, both chocolate-covered. I also like chocolate with nuts and sometimes fruit - like orange or cranberry... yum! And cookies are a favorite as well.

stariel

stariel

 

Questions Part 2

Who are your forum friends, person or people your witch can contact for ideas?   That would be bryghtrose, one of my very good IRL friends in Boston who was so nice as to get me into BPAL. Also HennaFairy, who I met online and IRL a few years back, she knows me pretty well too.   What cartoons did you grow up watching? Any animated shows you still watch?   I wasn't allowed to watch cartoons as a kid, so none. And I don't watch TV really, although I did like Fairly Odd Parents the few times I saw it.   Do you like honey? Will you like to try creamy honey with black sesame or with cinnamon powder?   I like honey pretty well. Cinnamon sounds yummy.   What is the biggest problem or sad thing in your life? Of course, I mean the saddest or worst thing you can confess here.   At the moment my life is sort of in limbo. I just left Boston and moved cross-country back "home" and I'm currently looking for a job. Once I find one I'll have to find an apartment in Seattle and then move my stuff, which is currently residing in my mom's garage in Oregon. So it's been pretty stressful and then there are the money issues that come with not having a job. But hopefully it will be resolved in the near future. And I need to find new friends since only a few of my friends are left in Seattle, and there's always the boy-drama...   What fashion item or style do you like, but never wear?   I'm very attracted to goth fashion (corsets, frilly lacy black things, the whole look in general) but I'm a very low-maintenance jeans and a T-shirt type of girl. Also jewelry - I adore jewelry but I rarely remember to put it on (the earrings stay on) - so once in a while I'll put on a ring or necklace and then wear it pretty much forever until I have to take it off for some reason and then I just go without.   Are you planning on buying anything off your BPAL wishlist during the round?   Because of the current state of financial limbo, probably not. Once I get a job I'll be dealing with moving costs and all those little home things that didn't make the trek across the country.   Do you read graphic novels/comics? Which ones?   Nope.   Which witches would want Bpal boxes? Or imp cases?   *raises hand* I currently have one box that a lovely forumite sent me when I bought some BPAL from her that holds 4 bottles. I have more than 4. And my imps are currently residing in ziploc bags or scattered in a ceramic bowl on the dresser.   How about a short - or longer - piece of fanfic?   I'm not really into fanfic, I never saw any until recently when I attempted to read some Twilight stuff and it just didn't interest me.   What is the weirdest and/or most practical thing you are not buying for yourself right now? The thing that you probably should be buying, but have been putting off in lieu of something else?   Everything. Aside from falling down and buying some yarn and a new coat this week I haven't been buying anything!   Would you like handmade piece of calligraphy as a gift?   Sure! I'm a huge fan of wall-hangable art of any kind. I have a small collection from friends who paint, and a lovely one from GirlInDenial from the Pay It Forward thread! What jewelry are you wearing now? What jewelry do you wear everyday-or do you change jewelry all the time?   At the moment I'm wearing a little silver star on a chain, it has a little blue stone and my name on the back and was a birthday gift from a good friend. I'm wearing 4 pairs of earrings - from bottom to top: long spiraly metal ones (14g), light blue star studs, dark blue star studs, and fixed ball rings in the cartilage. I'm wearing a ring on my right hand - silver with stars on it and an inscription about stars inside, it was a graduation gift from my then-boyfriend. (You may have noticed a star theme...)   I don't change jewelry often, but when I get the desire to change I'll put something different on, and then it stays until I take it off for some reason.   Boxes, baskets, etc.?   I'm not really into containers for no reason, but I like boxes with stars on them (of course) and things for BPAL storage would always be appreciated.   Chia Pet, do you need one?   As tempting as that is, the cats would probably destroy it. So no, I don't think a Chia Pet will be necessary.   Houseplants and/or things to put them in: thoughts?   I used to have TONS of houseplants in college, and a few in Boston but of course none of them made the move... 6 days in the back of a hot UHaul in the summer? I just gave them to friends before I left. But the cats tend to uproot them so I don't think I'll bother getting any more.   Do you like baskets, jars and other interesting containers? Filled or Empty?   I suppose I do like interesting containers, especially if they're filled with something awesome!   How do you like your chocolate? White, milk, bittersweet, as dark as possible? Plain, with flavoring, with chunks of stuff in? Fairly traditional, or weird and experimental?   I like most chocolate - white isn't my fave but it's still ok. I'd rather have chocolate with fruit or nuts or caramel than plain, but I'll eat plain stuff too. I don't know what exactly "weird and experimental" chocolate would be, but I suppose I could find out...   Favorite animals? Least favorite?   I like the vast majority of animals. My favorite would have to be fish (colorful tropical and saltwater primarily), cats, and horses... I guess. Least favorite: mosquitoes - for obvious reasons, and monkeys. Monkeys just creep me out, I think it's because they look almost-but-not-quite human.   How do you feel about Heifer International? Or do you have other favorite charities not mentioned in your application?   I don't really know much about Heifer International. As far as charities go I usually go with local ones or Doctors without Borders.   So for all witches of the shimmying types- would you like tassel belts/jingle belts/ ect and if so, how big are your hips?   Not a shimmying type.   What are 3 places that you'd like to visit, or re-visit?   Norway - I was there in 2002 for a study abroad and I'd love to go back both to see more of the country - probably more of Scandinavia in general too - and to visit friends that I haven't seen since 2002!   London - I don't know why, but I really want to go to London. Maybe it's Dr. Who.   Australia - I want to see the Great Barrier Reef before it's gone.   Literary erotica. Who doesn't love it?   I don't love it. I'm kind of a prude.

stariel

stariel

 

SW Questions Part 3:

What is one REALLY expensive, completely outrageous thing you would LOVE to get but totally don't expect to ever get from anyone?   An antique (or new, new is fine!) circular sock knitting machine. Like these. I've been rather obsessed with them for a while now, but I can't bring myself to drop upwards of $1000 on one since - as my friends say - "But you *are* a sock knitting machine!"   Do you like coffee mugs? Travel or stay at home? How big? Do you like ones from Starbucks?   I do like mugs. I have quite a few travel ones, and actually I rarely travel with beverages. As for home mugs, I have a favorite mug with dragonflies on it that is one of the tall variety that tapers towards the bottom and I'd love another one in that size/shape. Probably 16oz or so. Starbucks has one that's like a cup (the green + white, not the Christmas one) that has the little rectangles on the side to write in your drink order... I think that's cute.   If you drink coffee, do you like whole bean coffee or prefer ground? What grind? What roast (mild, medium, bold, extra bold)? Do you like flavored coffee?   I don't drink coffee at home.   Do you like tea? What kinds of tea (green, red, white, black, decaf, herbal infusions)? Feel free to get specific on brands and tea types. Loose or bagged? Do you need any kind of tea accessories? Pots/cozys/presses/strainers?   I love tea! Loose or bagged is fine, I have a cute little mesh strainer. My favorite is chai - I like trying all types and I have a small collection. I'm not a huge fan of plain black tea, and I really don't like Earl Grey, but black flavored teas are pretty good. I have ginger peach, ginger pear, and vanilla ones that are all good. I'm also a fan of herbal tea - mint is a favorite.   What is your favorite hot chocolate or drinking chocolate? Do you need Vegan or no?   I don't really have a favorite, but I'm a big fan of peppermint hot chocolate. I'm not vegan, but I am vegetarian so marshmallows are usually a no-go. Also I can't eat most artificial sweeteners so stuff with sugar is most appreciated.   Do you need any decanting supplies? Pipettes? Vials? How about any wand caps? Roller bottles? Some spray bottles (for oils mixed with alcohol?)   I'd love wand caps (I only have one) or roller bottles (I have none). I haven't ever mixed oils with alcohol, but it sounds interesting. Probably not happening soon though. And a few vials and pipettes would be appreciated, I might like to make travel sizes of my fave bottles. I'm a newbie to this stuff.   I wanted to ask a question: are there any rare (or even uber-rare) scents that you'd really like to try?   I'm actually not sure what exactly is rare, although I am interested in trying Snow White and Sugar Skull, which I think are on the rare side. In general I'm just interested in trying pretty much anything - so far my BPAL experience has been fairly limited.   Does your forum name have a special significance? Refer to something or someone you admire? Reflect your interests? Come on, spill!   I've been obsessed with stars for a long time, and in high school I was lamenting my lack of a nickname. A girl I knew made up stariel since it combines "star" and "Ariel", which is my name. I guess you could say it stuck since now my mom even calls me Stariel occasionally!   What's your favorite texture?   I don't know that I have a favorite texture, although soft and fuzzy is always nice.   What's one luxury item you want to pamper yourself with but haven't yet?   I can't really think of anything. Oh, Malabrigo sock yarn, but I don't know that I'd be able to resist buying some if I saw it.   Do you prefer arm warmers to the wrist, to the base of the fingers, or half fingered?   I don't really wear armwarmers, but if I did I think I'd like them to have a little thumb hole and go to the base of the fingers.   Any favorite cartoon characters? Disney, Sanrio, etc?   Well, Ariel from The Little Mermaid is sort of a default favorite since we share the same name, people give me stuff sometimes... bookmarks and such. As a kid Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty was my favorite.   Have you (or maybe the younguns in your family) been exposed to the Webkinz craze?   Nope!   Who's your favorite playwright?   I don't know that I have one. I do like plays, though.   Anyone into physical activities? ...is there anything you do as a sport/hobby in which you might need equipment?   Nothing that needs equipment.   Are there any witchy type supplies you're in need of, or would like to try etc.? Herbs, smudge sticks, resins, tarot/oracle cards, incense burners, pretty tools, stuff like that?   Nope!   On nut intolerance - does it include things like almond/coconut oil bases and essential oils in perfume oils, skincare products, scented candles and the like? N/A - I love nuts   If you are a fan, who were your favorite Buffy and Angel characters?   I am a fan, but that's a hard question! I think I am most like Willow, or perhaps Fred. But my favorites have to be Angel and Spike - a tie.   Do you like Shakespeare? Which plays?   I do, I've read quite a few of them and enjoyed it, but I'd have to say A Midsummer Night's Dream is probably my favorite.   Question for the Class: Favorite Musical?   I don't have one of those either.

stariel

stariel

 

More Questions - 12/17

How do you feel about winter-themed but not really holiday type decorations? Things like snowflakes and fake icicles and the like?   I like snowflakes, but I don't really decorate much. I have candy cane fleece PJ pants that I wear whenever it's cold, along with my Jack o' Lantern fleece blanket - there's a lot of holiday mixing.   Do you have a personal 'Good Luck' charm? Maybe you have a goddess figure to remind you of your Inner Goddess, or maybe you have a beautiful Cross to represent your faith...Or maybe you wear a Hand of Fatimah for protection....That kind of thing.   Not really. I usually wear a star necklace (one of a few that I own) but it's not a 'Good Luck' charm.   If you were to attend Hogwarts, into which House would you be sorted?   I tend to evenly split between Gryfindor or Ravenclaw depending on which test I take.   Would you be interested in some knitted wire jewelry?   I don't really wear dangle earrings, but I've seen wire knitted bracelets and I think they are supercool!   This is kind of a getting-to-know-you-type-thingie, but I always find it illuminating--what's on your computer desktop? Images? Color scheme?   At the moment it's Peter Petrelli from Heroes because he kind of reminds me of my crush. Plus it's a cool show. Usually it's pictures I've taken - I had a graveyard in Mass from about August to November.   What do you collect...besides BPAL?   Sock yarn. Also star stuff. That's about it.   Anyone a fan of Goddess art?   Not really.   Anyone else a Luis Royo fan?   No idea who that is.   What are your favorite websites (i.e., the ones you visit every day, or almost every day)?   livejournal, plurk, Molehill Empire (stay away, it's addictive!), and Gmail   How do you feel about Lush? Anything you want to try?   I like a lot of Lush stuff. I don't often take baths, but when I do I love bath bombs or bubble bars - I just had a Lush bubble bath today! I never really keep track of what they have, but I like fruity / foody scents the most. And I adore I Love Juicy shampoo and Charity Pot lotion.   How do you feel about home made lip balm, salt or sugar scrubs, soap, bath salts, etc?   Yay! I am a lip balm addict.   if you were to receive a hand-knitted item, what color(s) would you prefer AND are there any types of yarn that you just cannot handle (e.g. wool, llama, etc.)   Blue is my favorite color, I also like purple, black and grey. Some greens are good too. I don't do silk, but other than that I'm good on all yarnyness.

stariel

stariel

 

More Questions - 12/31

Who is your favorite villain of all-time?   Everyone else mentioned such good ones - I guess the #1 would have to be Snape.   Does anyone like Valerie Anands books?Or her Psuedonym Fiona Buckley...?   Nope, never heard of them.   If you could subscribe to every magazine you wanted, money no object, what would your list of magazines that would decorate your coffee table be?   I'm not really into magazines. But I suppose I'd take most of the knitting / spinning ones if money wasn't an object.   What plans does everyone have for NYE?   Not much, I have my Martinelli's and I'm having a quiet evening at home.   Who is interested in the room sprays? esp. from the inquisition?   I know nothing about them, but I like my rooms to smell yummy too, so sure.   Who's a Disney fan? Cartoons, theme parks, or just general stuff?   I'm not a big Disney fan, although I do like some of their older movies. Sleeping Beauty is my fave with The Little Mermaid as a close second.   Do you like mythical/fantastical creatures? Which ones?   I like most mythical horse-type creatures, fairies, and mermaids... though mermaids have gotten a bit old since The Little Mermaid.   What's on your key chain?   I have a few store cards and some keys (of course!) on a ring with a little dragonfly key-hangy thing. You can hang it over the pocket on a purse or something so you can find the keys. I had a keychain from Scotland but it broke. My dragonfly is getting chipped too, so I'm definitely in the market for new sturdy keychains.   Do you like caramels like coconut lime? Salted?   Yum! I adore caramels, with nuts and chocolate are my fave, but coconut lime sounds nummy and salted does too.   Do you speak any languages besides English? How fluent are you? Would you be interested in literature in a foreign laguage - phrase books, fiction, childrens stories?   I speak Norwegian pretty well - I majored in it in college, but I haven't had many chances to practice since so I'm a little rusty. I would be interested in books - fiction at the young adult reading level is probably about where I am, and I have my handy dictionary to look up anything I don't understand. I also speak a little bit of French... I took 3 1/2 years in high school but now when I try Norwegian comes out, but I can still understand it a bit.   What's your favorite animal?   OK, I swear I answered this but I guess I didn't. I like horses, cats, and fish. Porcupine puffers especially.   I'd like to know wrist size, circumference just below the elbow, and most importantly; what kind of fiber can you tolerate/not tolerate. Please be more specific than non-itchy wool. Alpaca, merino sheep's wool, silk, acrylic, stainless steel, you name it.   wrist: 6" below elbow: 10"   I can tolerate all fibers, though I avoid silk for vegetarian reasons.   Question to all the knitters out there, what size knitting needles do you use the most?   I almost always knit socks, and 2.25mm (size 1) needles are the ones I use most.

stariel

stariel

 

Summer SW Questions 7/12

Question...do you fret or take it personally when your witch or witchee gets too quiet? Like they figured you out and don't like you?   I try not to. My first witchee was very quiet, but acknowledged my packages with much enthusiasm, which really helped.   I tend to be sort of medium contact as a witch or a witchee. If my witch contacts me I'll contact him/her back and of course I squee appropriately about packages, but I'm not super chatty on the thread - though I do try to answer the questions. And I do try to keep in touch with my witchee, but life gets busy and sometimes I think "Oh no, I haven't emailed my witchee in over a week!"   <- Bad witch!   Do you try to figure out who your witch is? Do you want your witch to give you clues?   I'm too lazy to be a good sleuth, though if my witch gives me clues I might try. It's just that I don't "know" many of the participants well so I'm unlikely to think "Oh, that must be so-and-so!"   Who has a Kindle? If you do, would you like a Kindle gift card, Kindle accessories, etc. as a gift? Whadda you need?   I don't. I've thought about it - it seems like it would be good for knitting and reading, but I haven't taken the plunge yet.   What about other electronics (Blackberries, iPhone, etc.)? Do you need any accessories, etc. for those?   I have an iPhone, but I just got a lovely new cover for it. I don't think there are really any other accessories...   I've recently been listening to Rasputina's 'O Perilous World' album and am particularly enamored by '1816: the Year Without a Summer'. So I'd like to know if my witchee likes Rasputina, and would like any music by them?   They're not really my style.

stariel

stariel

 

Summer SW Questions 6/21

Are there any single notes (likely non bpal) that anyone is dying to have/try?   Can't think of any.   Netflix or the likes gift subscriptions? A month of Netflix vs a DvD?   I have a Netflix subscription, which I love, and a very full queue.   Adorable Japanese characters?   I guess I don't know of any... There was this adorable hedgehog bag a friend had that was the perfect size for a sock project, but I don't know if that counts as a "character".   My fiance sent me an early dvd rip of Coraline that he was given (pretty sure it's not been released yet, but I sometimes have a hard time keeping up) and I was wondering if anyone would like a copy of it?   No thanks, I'm going to buy it when it comes out anyway.   Do you collect dolls or miniatures? What kind? Do you like to get new clothes or items for them?   I do have a Blythe and another doll about the same size with jointed arms and legs that doesn't have the crazy eyes. I planned to knit clothes for them, but it hasn't happened, so if my witch likes to make stuff for them that would be cool!   If you were to make a seasonal mix CD for this summer, what would you name it?   Something boring I'm sure. Once my knitting group exchanged mix CDs and one person called theirs "Summer Affective Disorder" which was kind of cute.   Would you like any recycle/upcycle supplies for your crafting?   I have tons of yarn, so it's really not necessary (though if my witch spins or dyes I'd always love to get custom yarn!)   Is there a program you might have missed or show you love which is gone from the airwaves which might be found (or burned) for you by a Witch?   No, I think I've done pretty well on those so far.   Do you play any online games, like World of Warcraft? If so, what server do you play on, what's your character's name, etc.?   Nope.   Would anyone like bath bombs or bath melts scented with one of their favorite Bpal scents? I do these for myself sometimes and find them to be quite enjoyable.   Sure, that sounds awesome!   Would you like homemade cinnamon buns or sticky buns?   Yes, if you think they'll survive the mail. It's not all that hot here, but I guess it depends on where they're being shipped from.   Is there anyone here that likes Hello Kitty or any other Sanrio Characters?   I like cute stationery and such, but there's not a particular character I like. I used to have some stuff when it was Hello Kitty and stars!   Any non NZ or Aus witchee that I get gets Tim Tams, OK?   Yes please! I've always wanted to try them.   For non-US witches: is there anything from the US you'd love that you can't get where you live now?   I'm going to reverse this since I am a US witch. If I happen to have a witch in England I once got some little chocolates in a bag called Thornton's Choccies that were apricot and oatmeal. So delicious! So if they have those in your neighborhood, I'd adore some!   What kinds of crafts does everyone either enjoy making or enjoy getting? Do you have a certain type of handmade item that you love to collect? Socks, boxes, jewelry, dolls etc?   I enjoy knitting and make mostly socks, though I can do just about anything if my witchee happens to not be a sock person. I also spin!   I like to collect handmade art that I can hang on my wall - I have a sort of theme going with blue, purple, and stars and art from many friends and a few BPALers is hung around my apartment. I also love anything and everything with stars (the 5-pointed shape).   Clearly, vegans are not into soaps with honey or milk, etc. But, if you're NOT a vegan, how would you feel about soaps made with emu oil? Squicked out/concerned about animal cruelty, or willing to try them?   I'm not vegan, so honey and milk are ok, but I am vegetarian and wouldn't want soaps with emu oil. (also, I totally just typed "emo oil" and corrected it ohmy.gif )   Are there any of the BPTP bath oils you adore (particularly ones that you cannot get anymore). What about the room sprays?   I haven't ever tried any BPTP stuff but I'd be open to it!   How would you feel about an ultra-girlie shawl or wrap in summer-weight (lace)?   I'm not really that girly... I am planning to knit a small lacy sharf (a mini-shawl to be worn as a scarf, basically) mostly because I just want to knit some lace!   What would you think of hand-dyed items?   I'm not sure about clothing items, but if it was something else like, say, pillow cases that would be fun. (What, I like crazy bedding, ok! It would go great with my skull sheets! icon_wink.gif ) P.S. Maybe undies. Because I also like crazy undies.   So, I hear you don't like lacy wraps! How do you feel about hand-knit socks?   So glad you asked... I adore handknit socks! Though, being an avid sock knitter myself, I have quite a few... But I wouldn't turn down more!

stariel

stariel

 

Summer SW Questions 6/25

Are you interested in Tarot or Tarot art?   I think some Tarot cards are pretty, but that's about it.   What would you think of soap samples/shampoo bar samples? (I believe the latter can be used as soap if you are not shampoo bar inclined). Or other sample sized bath/beauty products, for that matter?   I rarely use bar soap and I'm not really a fan of solid shampoo.   What about burnables as in candles, tarts and/or incense?   I am a fan of scented or beeswax candles, but I have quite a few.   Who knits? Do you also spin and dye? What supplies, that you wouldn't buy for yourself, would you just love to have for that activity?   I knit and spin and occasionally dye. I think I have all of the supplies I need - I've been a bit indulgent lately. But if my witch is dying to get me something knit-spin related I wouldn't mind a pretty orifice hool / WPI tool for spinning. Otherwise I'm really doing just fine.   Do you like coffee? Whole bean or ground? Bold/Medium/Mild roast?   I only drink coffee-flavored beverages, like mochas and such, and I don't make coffee at home.   So you have enough socks and wraps... (shush, VCW!) Are there any other knitted goods you might like? Lap blanket? Fingerless gloves? Arm warmers? Little knitted animals? Silk scarf? Head band? Wrist cuff? Dish clothes?   I'd appreciate any knitting gift, though I think knitted dish cloths are just too pretty to use. Knitted animals would be cute!     Are you obsessed with honey? If so, is there a particular kind you like best? Spun honey, flavored honeys, certain types of honey....etc.   Hmm... not obsessed, but I do like creamed honey.   What are your favorite materials? Or material things? Some people like jewelry, some like woods, some plants...   I like plants and jewelry and yarn, but I have lots of that...   Is there anything you've been wanting to learn that your witch might be able to help you with?   Not that I can think of. I do want to learn to weave, but unless my witch is going to come over I don't think s/he can help me. I already have fabulous books.   Posters, yes or no?   Sure.   What are your favorite animals? Or, what animals resonate strongly with you?   Fish, especially bright tropical ones, and cats.   Are there any historical figures you are particularly interested in - say, that you'd enjoy reading about, or movies, etc.?   Not really.   What, if anything, are you earwormed with right now?   This song by The Fray is always playing on the radio station that my old-work listens to. But my last full day was Tuesday so I think I'm going to be saved.   What scent are you wearing right now, if any?   Succubus   Anyone reading an amazing book right now?   I'm reading The World Without Us which is quite interesting.   What socially responsible site would you recommend to ALL Witches?   Uh... no clue.   What is your favorite anime, or if you don't like that what is your favorite animated series? Do you like villains that are funny because they are meant to be, or are you like me and love the villain that just can't seem to get his evil schemes to work?   I don't watch anime and I don't really have a favorite animated series either. I like villains that are good at what they do, but I don't think they're funny. My favorite Disney character was Maleficent.   Tea. How do you feel about it?   I like it, but only some kinds.   would my future witchee like to receive steampunk style jewelry?   I suppose. I'm not super steampunk, but jewelry would be fine.   Does your feline like catnip?   Probably, but I try to keep them from it.   Salt soap bars (soap made with a large quantity of salt, like salt-scrub-in-a-bar)?   I'd give it a try.   How would you feel about homemade jelly/jam from home-grown berries?   Yes! Especially if it was blackberry!   Homemade dill pickles? Made from cukes, beans, snap peas, baby zucchini?   Sure.   Based on Prior Carnivale act prototypes...which one are you truly excited about?   Uh... prototypes? Well, I really like Zarita...   Would it bother you if you are not the first person to receive the same gift? Imagine a Witch who always sends her favourite book, for example.   That would be fine by me if it was something my witch thought I would like.   Pets: What do you have, and do they need/want anything?   I have two cats, and they're pretty well spoiled. They can't really eat treats because of dietary restrictions, but they'd probably appreciate toys.   Does anyone play video games? What platform(s)? Are there any new or vintage games you would like?   I don't. I'd like to get an Xbox 360 so I can watch instant Netflix and play RockBand with people I know in Boston, though...   Twilight fans, would you be interested in any products from this Etsy seller? If so, add the items you like to your Etsy favorites and make sure your wishlist is posted somewhere for your witch.   Not particularly, though I wouldn't mind trying it.   Are you in need of decanting supplies, wand caps, or other scent-related paraphernalia?   I'd love some wand caps, otherwise I'm doing pretty well.

stariel

stariel

 

Summer SW Questions 6/28

Which flavors are you interested to try from the Chocolate Research Facility?   Ooo, they have so many! I generally like chocolate with nuts and caramel, and especially marzipan.   Do you wear makeup or nail polish? Need brushes, containers, storage, mani/pedi supplies? What colors and brands do you like?   I don't wear makeup other than lip gloss, and my last SW stocked me up on that. I don't usually wear nail polish either since I have to wear gloves at work and wash my hands a million times a day... it doesn't hold up well.   Do you like shiney hanging porch decorations like windchimes or those things that spin and swirl in the wind?   I am sadly without a porch.   Hair adornments?   My hair doesn't really "do"... it's all slippery and doesn't like to stay in a style so the closest I get to an adornment is the occasional black elastic band holding it in a pony tail.   Is there any infomercial product you're dying to try even though you know it probably sucks?   Thankfully I've managed to avoid infomercials.   What are your favorite websites (besides this one, and the online shops you listed in your questionnaire)?   ravelry.com   We have so many talented witches and they really need to promote themselves more so, if you made something by hand for a previous witchee or have an etsy store or some other outlet for hand made goods, will you post it here with pictures or links? Or, if you want to brag on a previous witch's talent, this is the place for that as well.   I made socks for my last witchee, and have done a few for PIF too. I've also swapped knitting for other crafty skills and would be willing to do so again. I don't have an etsy shop since nothing is pre-made (nor would I normally sell my knitting, it just takes too long!) But if you're on Ravelry I'm stariel on there too. Or you can see most of my knitting on my flickr - here's the 2008 Sock Set.   As for previous witches, my witch syrenemyst made me some awesome BPAL boxes!   If you could make your perfect scent (or at least most desired at the moment!) what would be in it?   Hmm... orange blossom, since that is the note that seems to be in many of my loved scents. And after that I don't know. Something sweet and fruity.   So I have a question for the witchees, and hopefully mine will answer as well...In trying to decide what to fix for dinner, I thought that I've received some great recipes from friends (particularly the culinary mastermind that is scotchgrrl). I also have a few great recipes of my own. So would anyone like to receive some original, or very much loved recipes from his/her witch?   I'd be happy to receive any vegetarian recipes.   List things you DO NOT need any more of:   *note that for all of the following if it is something really special (handmade by you or someone you know, really awesome etailer) I'd be happy to receive it, it's just stuff I don't need in general   lip gloss (my last SW set me up for a while!) shower gels / soaps blank books / journals   Is there something that would offend you if you received it in your mail/gift/email)? (as in profanity, a bad words in an email/card/music ... or a card or something with a scantily dressed man/woman pictured on it, crude/immature humor tshirts, etc ...)   Hmm... Well I'm not all that easy to offend, but most of these things just aren't really my style. Profanity is ok in music if you think I'll love the music, otherwise it's best to avoid. Scantily dressed people of either gender don't really offend me, but they're also not my cup of tea. And crude/immature humor just isn't funny to me. In fact, most of the things that are supposed to be funny aren't to me. I think I just have a very odd / dry sense of humor. But certainly none of these on a t-shirt!   What do you like to snack on?   Kettle Korn, I'm obsessed. Other than that mostly beverages - I'm a big fan of coffee milk tea and Thai iced tea this time of year, and chai during the winter.   What is the color scheme you use most when you decorate?   Blue, blue, and blue. Yeah, mostly everything around here is blue, other than the walls which are beige but not by my choice.   If you have music or DVD's on your wishlist, do you mind getting a burned copy? How about if it is original packaging but previously used? Or do you only want it new?   Used is fine, but I'd rather not have a burned copy. I like to have the artwork for CDs and DVDs.   Who is your favorite artist? What are some of your favorite pieces of their work?   This is such a tough question! I am a fan of Escher and some of the less weird Dali paintings - I used to have a poster of one with butterflies and their shadows. And Starry Night, for obvious reasons.   Are you a candles person, incense person, or just a BPTP spritzer for room scents?   Candles are great, I'm not a big fan of incense, and I've never had BPTP room sprays.   What is your favorite latin or faux latiny phrase?   I don't think I have one!   How are you doing for BPAL storage? Need any boxes?   My last SW made me some beautiful boxes, but I wouldn't mind some more imp storage.   Is there any place you've visited where you feel like you left your heart there?   Norway. I studied abroad there in college and still have friends that I keep in contact with occasionally. I hope to go back and visit soon.   What one item would you just love to have that is made by a Switch Witch?   Hmm... another hard question. I'll probably appreciate almost anything made by my witch!   Is your abode a palace covered in fur, a disaster area ,or a neat freaks delight?   Currently it's a fur-covered disaster area, but now that I have a new vacuum and will have weekends off work it should be getting better.   Are there any phobias you have that you absolutely, positively, do NOT want anything from your witch referencing?   Not phobias really, but I'm not a fan of clowns.   Are you a good witch or a bad witch?   I'd like to say I'm a bad witch, but I'm a total goody two shoes.   What kind of a car do you drive and would you want something you could use in your car? Rear view mirror charms, steering wheel covers (a new thinkg for the knitters ), car blessing medicine bags   I don't have a car, so no car things necessary.   Do you want to know when you have something coming in the mail, or would you rather it be a complete surprise?   Either way is fine. I don't really care much about surprises so if you want to warn me I'd be glad to know.   What is your mailbox situation?   I have a small locking mailbox but most packages won't fit in there - my mail carrier usually just leaves them outside my door. If the package is meltable and it's possible you might want to try to time it to arrive on a Saturday. Or I'm sure there's a way to mark it not to leave? Then I'll have to go retrieve it at the PO, but that's fine with me.

stariel

stariel

 

Summer SW Questions 7/2

What styles of jewelry do you like? Bold and funky? Delicate and dainty? Short necklaces, long ones, chokers? Bracelets or anklets?   I don't wear a lot of jewelry - I can't really wear much on my hands since I'm taking gloves on and off all day and washing my hands a million times. I do wear stud earrings - I have a star theme going. I have a couple of star necklaces that I rotate through, but I usually leave them on for a few weeks so only stuff that's shower-safe.   Does my witchee like hats, a floppy summer sun hat or something more stylish? Would you like a hand knit cap or hat?   I already have a few hand knit hats, and I only wear hats when it's necessary for warmth. But if you're a knitter I wouldn't mind another!   What kind of shopper are you? Do you make a budget? Planner, or compulsive? Do you like to buy what's new, special offers, only the usual?   It depends on the price... for big purchases (basically anything over $50) I agonize and justify and contemplate for weeks. For smaller things I'm pretty chill.   Non-melting candies....what are your favorites?   Hrm... I don't actually eat much candy of the non-melting variety. I have a thing for chocolate covered raisins, but they're partially melty. I like Jelly Bellys in the coconut, watermelon, root beer, and juicy pear flavors.   Oh, a big part of this may be that many non-melty candies contain gelatin and I can't eat them. Skittles, Starburst, Junior Mints, many jelly beans, most gummies... the list goes on.   What are you happiest about (besides SW)? What makes you feel good this summer? Any summer?   Well, I'm not a huge fan of hot weather, so summer is a bit mixed for me. I'm loving my new job... I am looking forward to getting the chance to wear clothes that will show off my tattoos!   Do you like coffee and/or wine?[/b   I drink espresso beverages (like mochas and such), but not plain coffee. I don't drink wine.   What are your thoughts on World Market?   I think it's pretty fun, though I haven't bought much there in a long time. They have fun candy!   If you are a dog lover, or gigantic dog nerd like I am, would you like any breed-related items from this site? If so, which breed(s)?   No thanks, I'm a cat person.   A witch wants to cheer you up. What are we cheering you up from? In other words, what are the most pressing problems you're facing right now?   Hmm... well my life is going pretty well right now. Probably boy confusion - I think I am in a fairly constant state of boy confusion.   Who out there is equally challenged and would appreciate icons/banners as witchy gifts?   I don't need any, I don't think...   Lip balm?   I'm all stocked up, thanks!   What's that one thing you keep meaning to get but keep forgetting or passing over?   Metal Phoenix. My last witch sent me a decant and I liked it quite a bit, but I keep forgetting to look for one. Also Dorian. I love it, but I haven't ordered it yet.   Have you any desire to read Hannibal?   I have a moderate desire, so if you have a spare copy lying around I wouldn't mind it, but otherwise I can get it from the library someday.   If your witch goes to Convergence (or is bestest friends with someone, same thing), is there anything you'd love to have?   I'm not exactly sure what Convergence is, but I get the idea it is some *really cool* thing that I don't understand in my newbieness.   Are you freaking out over any of the discontinued scents, dear fellow Witches?   Well, I try not to get attached. Um... I'd like to try Strawberry Moon - it sounds pretty good, though that grass may not work.   For those candy loving witchees. Are there any 3 that u love and would like more of? And, are there any 3 that u just cannot stand and would not like any of?   3 candies? Oh, I don't know anything specific. I think my candy preferences have been stated sufficiently.   Do you have an electric stove, and would you like a bowl and tarts to use the residual heat (and for extra safety)?   No thanks.   What is your favorite classic fairy tale or children's story ?   Sleeping Beauty - spinning wheels *and* a really awesome villain!   What of the summer update (Egyptian, Lawn Ornaments, etc.) appeals most to you?   Spinning Multicolored Metallic Pinwheel sounds interesting. The Egyptian ones all seem to have wood notes or myrrh / patchouli which aren't usually good on me.   With all this talk of chocolate, do you prefer milk or dark?   Either.   Do you like coconut?   Yes! I once had a dream that my favorite brand of lip gloss, Unpetroleum, came out with a coconut flavor. Then a week or so later I was walking down the street thinking about how awesome that was when I realized it had been a dream and I was very very sad.   Puddin' posts ebay sales of older stuff every now and then - what of the current lot are you dying for?   Erm... I don't see any.   Do you tweet?   Yes, I'm stariel on Twitter. I also plurk!   What kind of mythology are you interested in?   Hmm... I'm kind of interested in Norse mythology since I speak Norwegian, but that's about it.

stariel

stariel

 

Summer SW Questions 7/7

What new scents from the update are calling your name?:   A few of them sound interesting, but it's always so hard to tell what will work... Also you just made me order Berry Moon - my first Lunacy shortly following my first Inquisition.   ALL IN THE GOLDEN AFTERNOON HOW DOTH THE LITTLE CROCODILE - the cedar could very well kill it, but chocolate mint?!? IMPERIOUS TIGER-LILY 'TIS THE VOICE OF THE LOBSTER - woody = bad, but the rest of it sounds so amazing I think I must try! TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE BAT   Also, tis a very good thing I read that because I think I might cry. No more Succubus? I need to go stock up!   I have easy access to Asian candies, tropical fruits(mangosteen, mango, durian, jackfruit) flavored biscuits/chips/snacks, dried tropical fruits, Japanese/korean/taiwanese cosmetics brands and music/CDs. Is there anything you will like from Singapore or Asia in general?   I'd be interested in any vegetarian-friendly Asian candies, I guess. Also loose Thai tea leaves would be awesome.   Do you play any musical instruments? Which ones? If not, are there any you'd like to learn? What styles of music do you play, and are you interested in learning any different styles?   Nope, I sing though. I always think I want to play guitar, but not enough to actually learn.   Are you partial to any kind of comedy?   I'm not generally a fan of comedy.   What did you do for the 4th and/or the holiday weekend?   I volunteered for Bumbershoot (a local arts and music festival) street team - the festival is Labor Day weekend, but we were getting the word out.   Partials, samples, sniffies?   Sure, although I prefer testable amounts since nothing smells the same on me as it does in the bottle / imp. Also since I heard the terrible news, any amount of Succubus is greatly appreciated.   Have you read anything by China Mieville, Neil Gaiman or Charles de Lint? If so, what? Like/dislike...??   I've read quite a bit of Neil Gaiman and loved it. Haven't read the other two, but I'd be willing to try.   Other than books/cds/dvds are there any "things" that you collect or symbols which you have an affinity for?   I'm a big fan of anything with stars (the 5-pointed shape) on them.   Do you like musicals? What have you seen? What do you want to see? Any you'd like to own?   Not really.   What are your thoughts on J.R.R. Tolkein?   I liked some of his stuff, but it can be a little dry.   If you answered that you would like recipes, are there any national or ethnic cuisines you prefer or don't prefer?   I love Thai, Indian, and Mexican foods. Most Asian food, actually - vegetarian of course. I'm open to pretty much anything!   What's your favorite summer activity?   Dunno... reading maybe? I'm not really a fan of hot weather.   Would you like a recipe booklet (homemade) for homemade smoothies and shakes?   Sure.   What's your favorite vacation spot?   I don't take a lot of vacations, but I did love being in Norway!   Would you like anything nostalgic? Things you loved from their childhood or maybe things you've always loved that were from a time before your own?   Nothing I can think of at the moment.

stariel

stariel

 

Summer SW Questions 7/16

Who knows about wizard rock and wants more? Who doesn't know but wants to?   Erm... I love Harry Potter but the one time I heard wizard rock (live, at the huge HP shindig in Cambridge, MA) I wasn't impressed.   What's the wallpaper/screensaver on your computer?   The bamboo that comes with Windows. I had to reformat recently and haven't switched it back.   Do you like Sugar Ray (the band not the boxer)?   Nah.   Would you be interested in receiving some pasties from your witch?   Erm... my boobs like more coverage.   How did you get your forum name?   Well, it's been my nickname since 1996 or so. I declared once that I didn't have a nickname, and a few days later one of my co-DJs at the radio station where I worked put "stariel's birthday" on the calendar and stariel was born. That's been me ever since.   Anything from the trunk show?   I'm trying not to covet anything old and rare. I've never tried any of it, though, and I certainly wouldn't mind a decant!   Anything from the newest ebay listing?   Same as above.   "If I could be I would be ____________ for a day." Fill in the blank.   a guy. I think it would be interesting.   What are your favorite types of baked goods? How would you feel about candied citrus peel, chocolate-covered or not? Would you be interested in the mix version of the baked goods or perhaps a spice mix, something along those lines?   I like most baked goods. Yes please! I would certainly be interested in a mix version, I like to bake.   Have you found any new loves since the beginning of the round that you wished you'd known to include on your questionnaire?   Not really. In fact, I've been really bad and bought a bunch of things because I was so excited about finally having a real job.

stariel

stariel

 

Fall SW Questions: 9/3 and 9/4

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

stariel

stariel

 

Fall SW Questions: 9/5 to 9/8

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

stariel

stariel

 

Fall SW Questions: 9/9

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

stariel

stariel

 

Fall SW Questions 9/11 to 9/15

Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic?   I have a great love of / obsession with five-pointed stars. Not for any significant reason that I know of, but just because I've loved them for at least 13 years now.   Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond?   Look at the grammatical correctness of this question! Um, no, not particularly.   Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive?   You know, when I was a little kid I always wanted to be Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty... until The Little Mermaid came out.   What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why?   Ooo, I guess mermaids. And, actually, that was pre-The Little Mermaid. I was obsessed with Splash as a kid.   How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines?   I have some canvas sugar skull mary janes, but other than that no.   Do you have a favorite poem or poet?   I can't think of one off the top of my head. I read waaaaay too much poetry when taking a creative writing class in high school   For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies?   Either is great! If you have a different craft than mine I would *love* something crafted. Yarn is always good too, though I have lots.   Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc?   Sure! Pill boxes would make great stitch marker boxes too. I used to have a hard ID case that I loved, but now I could use it to carry all the extra cards (for grocery stores and frequent buyer and such) that are crowding my wallet! And I love cute coin purses since my New Year's Resolution a couple years ago was not to throw change in the bottom of my bag.   Any songs you are desperately into at the moment?   I've been desperately into Into the White by Katatonia, Stained Silver by Cave In, and Say When by Fair to Midland for about a year now.   What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it?   Here it's usually pretty nice. Leaves change, it gets crisp but not too cold, and sometimes it rains but I don't mind it. I like the overcast days better than the sunny ones anyway.   What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's?   Oh, I adore Trader Joe's! I have easy access, so my witch shouldn't feel like s/he has to get me anything there. The chocolate covered raisins and the chocolate orange sticks are awesome. I also love the frozen steel cut oatmeal cuz I'm weird.   If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching?   Probably Bones, The Closer, Psych, or House. Or reruns of Law and Order while I knit.   Any Amy Brown art fans?   I like her stuff ok, but I just don't think it would fit much in my house. Though I don't know, if there was one with blue and stars that would be cool...   How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you)   I have a playlist for Halloween, but most of it isn't *really* Halloween music besides Black #1 by Type O Negative and a cover of Halloween by AFI. The other stuff is mostly just thing with "ghost" or "monster" or something in the title. I don't know... I'd give it a shot. Oh, also the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. I play that for Halloween too.   Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland?   I'm interested... mostly to see Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.   Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much?   Hmm... not really. There's an awesome bar in Cambridge, MA called River Gods that I love for the atmosphere, and I don't even drink!   Lolcats....yeah or nay?   Usually nay.   What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend?   I don't have one. I'm not really into creepy stories.   If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both?   Either, but I'm not a big fan of ghost stories.   If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style?   I've actually gotten to do this before from a friend I went to high school and college with - he's a good artist. I sort of gave him free rein except I told him I wanted blue. It's a painting of a blue sky with white stars and a hilly landscape in front of it with a rocky monument type thing on the horizon. My sister's best friend also painted me a sheep similar to the one in The Little Prince that is hanging in my knitting corner.   If I got to do it again I'd request something in the same vein as Starry Night - a swirly sky with stars. Maybe something in the foreground but I don't know what. And something fairly large so I could hang it over my couch as a centerpiece.   What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future?   I'm traveling to New York for the Sheep & Wool festival in October and visiting some friends in Boston. I'm excited for that!   What fictional character do you most identify with and why?   I don't really know. I used to (and sometimes still do) identify with Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye - not the pompous jerk part or all the swearing, but because I think underneath he's just someone who is growing up and seeing the world appearing to change around him when really he's just changing himself. I know I still feel that way sometimes when I have to do something particularly "grown up" and scary or make big decisions. It's like the world is changing so fast and leaving you behind, but then you realize that really the world is pretty much the same and it's *you* who is changing. And you don't feel ready to be an adult. But I think I finally realized that most people feel that way sometimes - it's not like adults have all the answers. That's when I felt really grown up. And there's a little window into my brain!   Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold?   I rarely travel with imps, but maybe that's because I don't have an easy way to carry them! I don't know, 4? 5?   As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness?   I like many little packages because it can be overwhelming to get a huge box of wonderful all at the end, but I understand that shipping prices can be high, so whatever works best for my witch is fine!   What is your idea of the perfect evening at home?   Curling up on the couch with some nice beverage (chai if it's cold, iced coffee milk tea if it's hot) and my kitties and my knitting and watching a good movie or TV show while I knit. Alternatively reading a lovely book.   Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends?   I do have a Facebook, but I don't usually add people who aren't my "real life" friends. Plus I hardly ever use it. I have a twitter (I'm stariel there too) but it's locked - if you want to follow me just leave a note about who you are and I'll add you. Otherwise I have a Plurk that's mostly public.   What kind of socks?   I love socks! I have a lot of crazy socks, both store-bought and hand knit. Mostly I like ankle socks for summer and normal size socks for the rest of the year. I don't usually wear knee-highs or anything higher because I have enormous muscular calves. I am so not kidding.   How often do you update your wishlist?   Whenever I find out about something I just must try, or try an imp and decide I want a bottle.   May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment?   I really want to be Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas for Halloween. I don't have anything appropriate. I seem to recall I knew someone with a Sally dress but now I can't remember who it was. I might just give up and make my black velvet cloak into a costume again. I don't costume for anything else.   So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out?   I think most the ones I know have been listed.   Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods?   I like Dali and Escher a lot. I also like impressionist landscapes like Monet. Oh, and Starry Night, of course.   What's your stance on cranberries?   I love them dried, love them in scones, and love fresh cranberry sauce if it's not too sour. But not from a can, ugh!   Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.)   Not at all! In fact, if you have a copy of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind sitting around unloved I'd love it - I always forget to get that one.   Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people?   I used to have a crush on Heath Ledger. Now I sort of have a crush on Peter Petrelli from Heroes. Oh, and Legolas. And Eric Northman from the Sookie books... because a tall blond with long hair who's also a viking *AND* a vampire? I even speak Norwegian! But I'm not really into fanfiction.   You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab?   I usually have a stash of granola bars. The chewy kind with fruit and nuts.   Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art?   I don't have / haven't seen that many LE bottles. I like Zarita the Doll Girl.   Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving?   I'm already getting quite a few of the Halloweenies. The Literary Vampires didn't really seem my style but I'd be open to trying them. I haven't even looked at the others.   There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate?   I think most of my favorite candy has chocolate. I can't usually do gummies because of gelatin. Oh, Red Vines! Totally obsessed with them. But not Twizzlers, those are totally different and I don't like them. I like candy corn in moderation. I'm sure I'll think of something later.   Do you have a Blu-Ray player?   Sadly no. I don't think my TV would even do it justice.   Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want?   I'm not really into illegal downloads. I do have a fast internet connection, though. I do really like mix CDs, I feel like those are more a "taste" of artists and then if I like them I can go buy more.

stariel

stariel

 

SW Fall Questions - oops, I forgot 9/10

Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.?   I feel like I answered this before... But sure, cleaning solutions would be good.   If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.?   I knit a *lot* but I also have a lot of yarn. If you find some fabulous sock yarn I certainly wouldn't be opposed, though!   What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual?   I usually take a couple of Excedrin, drink a lot of water, and go back to bed for a bit. It usually works.   Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile?   I like the sound of my kitties purr-snoring. So cute!   When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both?   When I send packages I don't usually individually wrap because I don't like the wasted paper, even though it is fun to unwrap gifts. Also cuz I'm lazy. So witch, if you really love to wrap things then go for it. If you don't then it's fine with me if you just throw them (gently) into a (well-packed) box.   Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT.   I think I mentioned this in my questionnaire, but I have a lot of empty blank books, so I don't need more unless they're really special. Same with bath products, though I always make an exception for Lush or some etailer I haven't tried (which is all of them).   But I think I didn't mention monkeys. I don't like them. I don't think they're cute. They kind of creep me out. Please no monkey toys / pictures of monkeys / etc. Clowns too!   What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why?   I've always wanted to try Fee, cuz it just sounds interesting but nearly impossible to get. I've been fairly lucky in finding bits more of things I love, but I also haven't tried anything *that* rare. But if you find me some Succubus I will be so happy! I only have one bottle and haven't found more since it got discontinued.   I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff?   I like the smell of rain on the sidewalks. Also citrus fruits.   Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee?   I don't really drink coffee.   Who has a birthday falling in this round?   Not I!   For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies?   Fruit, nuts, or chilies would all be fun. But no bacon!   Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart?   I had this board game called Catfish Bend. I loved it but most of the pieces had gone missing, but then I lucked out and found a brand new (well, late 70s / early 80s new) still wrapped one on eBay. Woohoo!

stariel

stariel

 

Fall SW Questions - 9/16 - 9/17

Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music?   I sing. I used to sing in choirs and small ensembles and such, but now I mostly just sing to myself or on Rock Band. I attempted to play piano as a young child, and flute in elementary school, but they just didn't take. I also had an ex-boyfriend who tried to teach me guitar, but I have a lot of trouble with getting my hand around the neck. I have little hands! That was also my main problem with flute.   Favorite musicals?   I'm not a big fan of musicals... they're ok but not really my thing. In 3rd grade I was obsessed with Phantom of the Opera and got to see it live, but now I'm over that. I do like the Buffy musical, though.   Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing?   I always have trouble remembering all the sins! I just looked them up. Well, I hope it can be greed, because I would like to accumulate some wealth! But I think if I ever accumulated a lot of wealth I would use it to benefit society.   I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use?   I don't know... there are a lot of their fragrances that I probably wouldn't like, but that's true of most things. I don't really care either way, but if you do want to get me scented candles or home scents I like fruity (especially citrus or tropical) scents and spicy / foody scents.   Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift?   There aren't really any organizations that I regularly support - mostly I just give to whichever I feel like when the opportunity arises. And I'm more likely to donate time than money, since that's what I have more of at this point in my life. I'd like to echo a previous poster (can't remember who at the moment) and say *please* do not donate to PETA on my behalf. I disagree with them on many points and don't want to support them.   Are you into 80s movies (like i am ) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters?   Not in particular, though I do like some of them, like Ferris Bueller's Day Off.   Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents?   Never tried them. I don't usually use bar soap, but I hear there are scrubs and those sound yummy!   Do you mind artificial colors in your food?   Nah, I don't mind. Just as long as they're not carmine / cochineal which is a bug.   Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc)   I wouldn't mind scrunchies / pony-o's as I do sometimes put my hair up. In fact, if I don't decide to cut a bunch of it off I'll be putting it up more frequently! But I don't really used the rest. Barrettes, while I wish they would work, always fall out of my hair. Same with clippies!   Big Dipper Wax Works: If you were my witchee, would you like any of the scents/sizes that are available on clearance?   I didn't go look at the site, but I love the smell of plain beeswax.   I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes.   No thanks, I wouldn't wear them and I don't really need more decorative stuff. As cute as these things are, I have nowhere to put them!   How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out?   Please don't send it to me. Well, shells are OK, but I don't think I'd *wear* anything with shells anyway... Faux is ok, except most faux fur does wig me out - if it looks real. I do have a coat from high school that looks like someone skinned a muppet, and that's ok.   How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind?   I like to knit or read, take baths with bubbles and such, or just take a nap.   You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor?   Hmm... well I don't know. I have this idea that jewelry making (like silversmithing) would be really awesome to learn. Not enough to actually go and do it, mind you. Oh, and photography. I've always wanted to get into black and white photography and developing. It just sounds so interesting! I don't know of any specific mentors for either of those, though.

stariel

stariel

 

Fall SW Questions 9/18 to 9/23

Do you wear lip gloss/lip balm? If so, what flavors/scents?   Yep! My favorite is the Unpetroleum tangerine flavor. I got a bunch of lip balms from my first witch with all kinds of cool flavors, so I'm pretty set at the moment.   What is one thing you constantly keep with you that you constantly loose?   Lip balm. But I usually find it again.   What are your favorite fruits?   I like lots of fruits. Kiwi, blackberries, apricot, nectarine, orange (but only peeled, not cut), apples (but only cut), pineapple, plums... I think I like most fruit, but not papaya. That's the one that tastes like perfume / soap, right?   If Beth made a perfume called "switch witch" what notes would be in it?   I'm never any good at these questions, but someone above said grapefruit and that sounded awfully yummy! Grapefruit, orange blossom... I don't know what else.   What is your favorite cookie type?   I like to eat cookie dough more than actual cookies. That said, I'm a big fan of molasses cookies, snickerdoodles, and lemon flavored sugar cookies. And oatmeal. And... Well, most cookies. Mexican wedding cookies are not my thing, though, and I'm not a big fan of cookies with jam. Oh, there is this chocolate cherry cookie at a local chocolate shop / cafe, it is delicious!   If i were your witch, and I wanted to make you a spell or mojo bag, would you be into that? or would you want it for a certain element? or would you want it for something more personal- and what might that be?   No thanks.   Are you a Miyazaki fan? Do you have all the films you like, or is your collection missing one? Is there any merchandise you want?   I haven't seen any of his films as far as I know, though I gather by previous answers that Spirited Away is one - I have that from Netflix right now. We'll see if I like it.   Lusting over anything from the Trading Post lately?   Nothing in particular. I think the scent lockets are beautiful, but I have yet to decide which one I would want. And I'm a little wary of the sizing on the t-shirts.   Fetish?   I'm not really sure what one is... so I guess no.   Do you like to find out there's a package on the way or to receive a tracking number to stalk, or do you prefer surprise packages?   Either is fine. I check my mail every day that it comes, and packages usually get left right in front of my door anyway.   But my witch already gave me a heads up that something might be going in the mail! So witch, I will be away Monday and Tuesday next week so if perchance it does come that fast, never fear, my apartment manager will pick it up and put it in my apartment! But I won't be home to squee until Wednesday night.   Do you drink alcohol? Wine, beer or liquor? What is your favorite wine/beer/mixed drink?   I don't drink. In fact (and I probably should have put this on my questionnaire) I hate the taste of alcohol. I don't even like boozy scents - though I know I put that in my ?aire. It even ruins things for me that you supposedly can't taste it in. So please, no rum cake, no truffles flavored like liquor, and please-oh-please no actual alcohol!   Who collects ACEOs/ATCs?   Not me.   Switch Witches, which shoes do you own that are your favorite? What are your "daily drivers"?   I've been wearing Adidas Sambas for many years, and I love them, but recently I decided to try to only purchase vegan shoes as my old shoes wear out. But then I had a crisis of conscience and thought maybe it would be better to buy *used* shoes, even if they're leather...   But if anyone has suggestions for vegan sneakers (and not just plain canvas ones like Keds or Converse) let me know! I also have a few pairs of Docs, and I used to wear them every day in high school, but they're just not that comfortable! I don't know how I did it!   If you could describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?   independent, friendly, spontaneous, snarky, and happy   Do you collect new/used stamps? Will you like to get stamps on your mails?   No, I tried to collect stamps when I was a kid but I never really got into it.   Any WKAP you're excited about?   I've been trying not to look. I wouldn't mind trying the Blackberry and Scone one.   How do you feel about stationary? (pens, notepads, cards, pencils, etc.)   I love it, but I have a lot. But if you find Alice In Wonderland stationery I really want some! Or if there's something super cute.   The New update is next week.....Is everyone ready for the Yules and everything else in store?   No! I just got my CnS for the Weenies, end of summer, and Lillith stuff that I ordered. Thankfully I think the Yules won't be for me, if last year was any indication.   Cake or death?   I have no idea what this is and can't be bothered to go look, cuz I'm tired!   Are there any foreign food products that you'd love to get or to try?   I think I already mentioned Thornton's Choccies (in the oatmeal and apricot flavor!) Other than that, I managed to acquire Tim Tams last round so there's nothing I can think of off the top of my head. But I'm always interested in trying new things as long as they're vegetarian!   Tea lovers, loose or bag? Paraphernalia?   Either is fine. I have a sort of collection of different types of chai from different places, so that might be fun. And I have a few accouterments for tea, like a very nice mesh strainer cup thing, but I am trying to find a teapot. Even a link to a nice one would be lovely if my witch knows these kinds of things.   Would you object to anonymous postcards (real ones) from your witch before the big reveal???   I object! My witch has already sent two, and I'm deeply offended.   Of course I don't object, and thanks for the most recent one, witch!

stariel

stariel

 

Fall SW Questions - 9/24 - 10/7

What are your thoughts on Incense?   I don't burn incense, as it often makes me cough or sneeze, though I do like the scent of Nag Champa. I'd much rather burn scented candles or oils.   What about handbags/totes/clutches?   I have quite a few - a big and a small Queen Bee bag and a Namaste bag along with a Lexi Barnes bag (the 2nd two are generally knitting bag companies). Of course, if it was a really special bag with stars...   Are there any particular movies you want on DVD?   Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but I feel like I already said that...   What about stickers??   I love stickers, but I have a lot so unless you find some perfect ones it's not necessary.   Do you just need anything from the Possets update?   I'm staying away so I don't spend *all* my money on perfume. For now it's just BPAL.   Suppose I have a bottle of something you (my witchee) really wants, and I want to share it with you. Would you like a rollerball bottle made from oil in my own bottle in it?   Sure! I actually really like rollerball bottles for application, but I'm not sure how one goes about putting oil in one...   Comic books or graphic novels?   I'm not a big fan. I have a couple of Owly and some of the Serenity ones.   Getting Dressed up for Halloween?   I want to, but I don't know what I'm doing. I'll probably end up using my black velvet cloak to form some sort of costume - that's what I usually do when I don't plan ahead. I really want to be Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas, but my attempt to make a dress with my mom last year was sort of a disaster.   New BPAL Update?   I haven't looked at it that much yet - I'm still trying to get caught up with the Halloweenies!   Homemade holiday treats?   I'm a big fan of pumpkin pie / bread / creme brulee, even cheesecake! I don't know about fruitcake, I hate the taste of alcohol so I definitely wouldn't want a boozy one, and those little dyed bits of dried "fruit" freak me out! But maybe a nice homemade non-boozy one would be nice...   Green tomato stuffs?   I've never had anything green tomato, though I've been told I must try fried green tomatoes. I do like some tomatoes, but only the really good ones - not those big ones that are kind of mushy and grainy, those gross me out!   Scarves?   I have quite a few scarves that I've knit or others have knit for me, and I generally only wear scarves when it's cold out. But if my witch found me a beautiful warm scarf I'd certainly wear it!   What movies do you want to see that are at the cinema?   I dunno, I'm excited for New Moon and I kind of want to see Whip It, but that might wait for DVD. I haven't really been paying attention to what's out.   What are your top 5 bath & beauty products that you "can't live without?"   1. Lush "I Love Juicy" shampoo & conditioner (I get different kinds) 2. some yummy smelling shower gel / body wash - I rotate between kinds 3. hand lotion - essential since I wash my hands many many times a day due to working in a lab - I like the Aveeno stuff 4. yummy bath stuff (bath bombs, melts, bubble bath) 5. lip balm - I really love the tangerine flavor of Unpetroleum, but I'm open to almost anything   Disney   I'm don't really feel much about Disney. I like Sleeping Beauty a lot (mostly cuz of Maleficent) but I haven't kept up to date on the newer movies. Pretty much anything past The Lion King I didn't see, except the Pixar ones.   Bacon   Obviously no, since I'm a vegetarian. I am a little confused by the whole bacon craze, but whatever.

stariel

stariel

 

SW Questions 10/9/10 to 10/18/10

10/18/10 So....let's say that you're my witchee, and you have an affinity for widgets. Let's also pretend that I sent you one of these widgets, but in a form that has a very special personal significance to me. Would you find that to be touching (in a "Yay, now I'll always use this and think of my witch!" way) or tacky (in a "My witch is making this all about her!" way)?   I think it would be great.   Have you had a chance to try Halloweenies? If so, which ones are you really really in love with this year?   I haven't tried any, but some of the more foodie ones (especially Ginger Skulls) sound fun.   Pocket shrines! Would you like one, made for a particular obsession of yours?   Maybe... the example posted in the thread looked cute.   10/14/10 Do you prefer scented or unscented lotions/moisturizers?   I prefer scented. I usually use lotions at night and BPAL in the morning, so they don't often conflict.   10/13/10 Today I got one of the Starbucks Halloween Bearista Bears - it's dressed like a werewolf! Is this something witchees might like?   Hey, it's my question! I already have one!   Are you interested in Halloween costumes for your pet(s)?   As fun as I would find it, I have a feeling the cats wouldn't put up with it at all. So no, unless it's a festive collar.   10/12/10 Would you want your witch to reveal his/herself? How?   I would love to know who my fabulous witch is at the end of the round.   10/9/10 I came home with some Dungeon Crawl and some Bedbugs yesterday. If you were my witchee, would you want some of either/both?   I'd love to try either if you think I might like them.

stariel

stariel

 

Spring 2011 SW Questions 3/10 - 3/22

March 22   Violette Market Update is up. Do you covet anything from it?   I'm not really sure what that is, and I try to stick with BPAL for perfume since I can't even keep up with that!   What is your favorite type of wine? Would you be interested in trying something new? In that case, is there anything you really DONT like? Ooooo how about dessert wines?   I don't drink.   March 21   What three things are you craving right now?   nachos, more wearable pants, sleeping in my own bed on my stomach again! (post surgery I have to sleep at a 30-45 degree angle on my back, so I'm on the couch propped up with pillows)   paper goods, anyone need? including resume paper, and formal stationery as well as casual cards.   I have a lot, but if you find some absolutely perfect stationery I wouldn't say no.   What is a scent that you've been trying to find even a sample of for a very long time to no avail? (What bottle would you die to get your hands on - even a partial?)   I want to try WKAP Blackberry Jam and Scones - I probably could find it if I tried hard enough, but I haven't.   Is there anything in your life that you'd like advice or a "selfhelp" book for?: (ie finances, eating healthier, meal planning)   No thanks.   March 19   If your Witch lived near you, would you be happy or creeped out to get a "coupon" for a service like cleaning help or babysitting or dogwalking or coffee out with your Witch or something like that? Would you be creeped out if a local minion personally delivered a package to your house from a far-away Witch?   Meeting my witch for coffee or something would be fun! A personally delivered package is probably fine, especially if I know the minion (I know my witch has already sent some stuff to me through Twilight). Cleaning coupons etc... I'm not sure. As much as I'd like *anyone* else to clean my house, it does seem slightly creepy.   Let's say I have a pair of something you collect, would you like one of them and we have matching things?   That would be cute!     March 18   Do you like poetry?   A bit. It's not something I read all the time, though.   What types of scents do you like to scent your home? Which do you totally avoid?   I like fruity / foody or spicy scents usually, I avoid anything boozy or outdoorsy, woods and most florals.   What are your thoughts on comics? Any you like? Any you have been wanting to try? Favorite characters?   I don't really read comics.   How do you feel about nail polish? What colors do you like? Sparkles?   I don't usually paint my nails, since it's not really compatible with work. (Wearing gloves all day does a number on nail polish!)   Household/kitchen goods/gadgets?   If there's something you think I could use... I wouldn't mind some nice measuring spoons, I just have some plastic ones from a friend.   Ok geek check - what sort of geeky things do you do? Do you read comics/graphic novels? Are you obsessed with something (a TV show maybe?) Do you work in a geeky field? Do you play rpgs like Dungeons and Dragons? Would you like gifts related to any of these?   I'm not a very good geek. I work in science (genetics research) but am otherwise pretty much not geeky.   Do you have a favorite fabric? If someone were to make you a fabric item, would you prefer it be out of any fabric? e.g. velvet, satin, silk, cotton, bamboo??? Would this change if it were an article of clothing vs. a bag/pillow/blanket/somethingelse   A friend got a blanket at her baby shower out of something which I think is called Minky - it's so super soft! I think a pillow or little throw blanket out of that would be awesome, especially if it comes in non-baby colors.   Anything with the Worm Moon update that you're already lusting after?   I haven't even looked!   March 17   Would you want an invite to a site that is invite-only ex. Diaspora, Demonoid, etc. If so, what?   I can't think of any.   Pillows? What size/designs/colors would most interest you?   I could use a couple extra pillows for my couch... it's kind of a dark slate blue color.   purses? bags? What style/colors?   No thanks, I have plenty.   Decorative scarves for hair and/or creative accessorizing? What colors?   Not really my style.   Would you like anything from Starring Fragrances. They make awesome hair stuff, natural deoderant, and home fragrance (and a ton of other stuff, those are just my favs)?   In general, I have far too many bath products, but if you want to get me anything like that hair stuff is probably the one I need most.   March 16   For those who like lipgloss, lipstick, tinted balms, etc, what colors do you wear (and warm? cool?) and do you prefer something sheer or more opaque? How do you feel about shimmer?   I like clear gloss or slightly tinted to a pinkish / reddish color, but nothing too noticeable.   Are there any fancy/gourmet/special herbs or spices that you'd love to receive? ie: good quality vanilla or other extracts, vanilla beans, saffron, lavender, etc.   If my witch wants to send me a recipe and it needs anything strange, then sure! Otherwise I have most of the things I use most often.   What's your favorite animal? Or is there one that's particularly significant to you?   Probably a cat, I like their independence - I'm much more a cat person than a dog person. I also love tropical fish just for their awesomeness and looks.   If you were able to get a vintage or prototype bottle from the upcoming West Coast Will Call, which one would you want?   It already happened, and I'm not sure what was there anyway.   DVDs, Blu-Ray, both, neither?   I have a DVD player, but I also have Netflix and rarely buy DVDs.   Sock Dreams? What kind? (anklets, footies, etc.?)   I love socks, though I wear handknit ones most of the year. Stripey knee highs that work for very large calves (I have tiny feet and my calves are about 16" around) or cute normal height socks with stars are always appreciated.   Since this is a price capped round, would you rather get one "big" thing or lots of "little" things or don't care?   Whatever my witch wants to do is fine, though I will say that I'd rather have useful things than knick knacks. If you want to blow most of the budget on something nice you'll think I love then that's fine, quantity doesn't matter to me.   Do you like pirate-related things?   Not especially, they're ok.   Soaps? Be specific: if there are BPAL soaps you want to try or are dying for more of, tell all here! Also, any other companies people like or love? Villainess, maybe? Or Lush? What flavors???   I hardly use bar soaps, and I have quite a little stash to get through so this probably isn't necessary.   What periods of art do you love most? Like, if someone was going to get you a tapestry or a box or some other item, what period would you want it to most resonate with? the pinks and golds of Rococo? the clean geometry of Art Deco? The romanticism of Art Nouveux? The strange lines of Cubism?   I like Impressionist art, and I like photography, and Dali.   Would you like caffeinated lollipops?: http://www.lollyphil...cks-caffeinated   No thanks.   I'm going to Disneyland in a couple of weeks, is there anything I can get you?   Statistically this probably doesn't apply, but something neat with Maleficent might be cool...   March 15   Booze? Yay or Nay? what kinds?   Nay   Steampunk inspired items? Yay or nay?   If you think I'd like it then go for it, but I don't have any special affection for Steampunk   Do you like amurigami dolls?   Sometimes... this is my favorite ever (totally worth a look) Norwegian Black Metal Guy   Pirates vs Ninjas vs Zombies - who wins? Which do you love most?   Of the three I'd have to pick pirates, though really I choose vampires. I don't like zombies and am ambivalent about ninjas.   Do you like wearing things in your hair? If so, what kind (snap clips, scrunchie, headband, etc), how big & crazy (lowkey, bigger the better), and colors.   Nope, other than plain ol' hair bands.   Piercings? - ears?? - elsewhere?   I have 4 piercings in each ear, the bottom ones are gauged to a 12   Chocolate. With stuff in it? Are you more a plain chocolate lover, a chocolate and normal items lover (normal items being nuts, fruit, caramel) or do you like weird stuff in your chocolate? (weird stuff being curry, chilis, balsamic vinegar, floraly things)   I like chocolate mint, or with stuff (orange, most fruit, nuts, caramel but I'm not supposed to eat caramel because of my braces). I'd try weird stuff as long as it's vegetarian.     March 14   surprise! the world has given you the day off. You hear that, no chores, responsibilities, or budget you have to follow. What would you do in those 24 hours?   I'd quick fly to Australia, go scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef (in my dreams I don't need certification) and eat some Tim Tams.   Do you have any blogs you regularly read?   A bunch of knitting blogs.   Do you need another bpal box? If so what would your fantasy one look like?   I'm actually doing quite well on boxes now!   Do you enjoy gardening? If so, what kind of stuff do you grow? Vegetables, flowers?   I don't have any place to garden, but I have a lot of indoor plants at work - we have huge windows.   Social Networking sites:   I'm not really into them. I'm stariel on Ravelry and last.fm, and I have a Facebook but I rarely use it and it's only for friends / family.   favourite artists or specific paintings?   I love Starry Night, of course, and I'm a fan of Dali.   March 13   how about mix CDs?   I'm pretty picky about music, but I'd give it a listen.   Hey, how do folks feel about little e-goodies, like links to stuff your witchee likes? (articles online, pix, fic, etc)   If my witch fines one s/he thinks I'll really like, then great. Otherwise I'm not a big fan of them in general.   Tim Tams? Yes or no? Chocolate Creme, Caramel, or Dark Chocolate?   Sure! Any is fine.   Is there any "classic" literature (Hemingway, Dickens, Elliot, Bronte, Hugo, Wilde, etc.) that you would like to add to your collection?   I think I'm doing OK there, I usually get it for free as an ebook on my iPhone or from Librivox.   candles and/or aroma melts: yay or nay?   Candles are good, I don't have a tart melter.   Get your music player, what are the first 13 songs on Random?   I'll just cheat a bit and look at what's been playing while I write all these - I have my iTunes on random:   1. #1 Crush ~ Garbage 2. Say When ~ Fair to Midland 3. 6 Underground ~ Sneaker Pimps 4. Ice Monster ~ Minus the Bear 5. Kill Caustic ~ AFI 6. Waking Up Beside You ~ Stabbing Westward 7. A Smart Kid ~ Porcupine Tree 8. Parabol ~ Tool 9. Hardwire ~ Metric 10. Black Balloon ~ Goo Goo Dolls 11. Change (In the House of Flies) ~ Deftones 12. Hush ~ Tool 13. Dope Hat ~ Marilyn Manson   I must say that's uncharacteristically calm for me.   Astrological charts and interpretation/ reports?   No thanks.   So how does everyone feel about receiving ebooks?   I don't have an ebook reader, but if it's PDF I can use it on my iPhone. I know MeiLin mentioned cookbooks and I'd definitely be interested in those.   March 11   Would you rather have HUGE list of things your witchee wants to try or just a highlight list?   A big list! (And I'm a hypocrite, because mine is small because I don't keep up with updates. I want to try pretty much anything sweet and fruity, with tea notes, or spicy.   March 10   Baked Goods? Yea Nay?   Sure, though keep in mind I'm only one person and I'd like to maintain my waistline.   If not Baked goods and you are changing eating habits..a book of recipes perhaps that will help the new eating lifestyle?   If you have a favorite cookbook I'd be open to it. I'm vegetarian and rather uninspired (I make my 12 or so favorite things all the time).   If you were to make an order RIGHT NOW (Not that any of you will make any bpal orders until SW is over, because you do NOT want to mess up any plans your witch might have!) What would you order (from lab, forum, DD, TradingPost, etc)   I haven't a clue. I don't order much because I feel like I have lots of BPAL and I should pay attention to what I already have.   What level of nudity are you fine with on items? Ex: none, tasteful, erotica   None to very tasteful, like classic art kinds of things. I'm a bit of a prude.   I know the ?airre asked about gently used books and if you like garage sales, but would you like other kinds of gently used items that may have come from a garage sale?   As long as it's something non-gross (i.e. not underwear, stuff that's hard to clean).   Do you like cooking seasonings, like the kind you can get in ounce sizes? If so, things you'd love to try out?   Not unless there's a specific something to make with it.   Do you like any particular kinds of green or black teas or coffees that could also be gotten in bulk?   I'm a fan of English Breakfast and I like some fruit flavored black teas. I don't really like green tea, and I don't make coffee at home.   Favorite snack foods (and can they be from bulk section as well?)   I don't do a lot of snacking, and most of the candy stuff I probably am not supposed to eat with my braces anyway.

stariel

stariel

 

Switch Witch Questions - 9/2 To 9/4

Booze. Do you drink it, would you like some? No thanks, I don't drink.   Do you like scented tarts? I don't have a tart warmer, I like candles though!   Lip balms? Love them, but some of my past SPs have stocked me up with quite a few. But if they are special ones then by all means!   What is your favorite artist or art style? Hmm... I like Starry Night, and pretty much anything with stars. Also I like Escher. And if my witch is an artist I would love wall art by them - I have a collection of original paintings / drawings.   Do you have any body mods? If so, do you need any new jewelry, o-rings, plugs, etc (and if so, what size, length, etc)? Do you like pro-body mod stickers? I have 2ish tattoos and 8 piercings - 4 in each ear. Mostly I don't change my jewelry much, but any star stud earrings are greatly appreciated as long as they're not super-tiny (I saw some the other day that looked like they would pull through the hole!) or super huge, because as you can guess with 4 earrings the ear real estate is a bit cramped. My lowest holes are gauged to a 12 and I love the dangling spiral metal earrings.   DVDs: Do you prefer widescreen or formatted? Widescreen!   Music: Any preference towards MP3 or CD? Either is fine, though I almost never listen to actual CDs so MP3s are great if it saves you blank CDs.   So for those of you who are into Harry Potter at all, which house do you think you'd be sorted into? Probably either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, I've gotten both on different quizzes.   Are you into Austen's books? I've liked most of the ones I've read, but I haven't done all of them yet.   Do you read Tarot cards? If not, would you be interested? I used to have a deck long ago, but I never got that into it.   What, if anything, is your guilty TV watching pleasure? I barely watch TV, and when I do mostly on DVD or instant watch from Netflix. Maybe The L Word?   If you cosplay or need a costume for your bellydance/burlesque hobby (or any other hobby which needs dressup/different from your normal wear), is there anything you need/want for it? I don't have any dress up hobbies.   Celebrity crush?: It was Heath Ledger, but then he had to go and die. Now Alexander Skarsgård.   Knitted things?: I am a knitter, but I'd love to receive knitted things too!   What about [mixed or otherwise] DVDs? Uh... mixed DVDs? Sure, I guess...   Hallowe'en plans? I don't have anything planned yet.   Mix CDs? Sure, if you think we have similar taste in music. I'm pretty picky.   Girlyness level? It's funny, a lot of people are posting about how they're not that girly and I think they sound much more "girly" than I am! I don't own a blowdryer, and I don't wear makeup other than (usually untinted) lip gloss. I only dress up on special occasions. I guess if you think that crazy socks are girly I could be a little bit, otherwise not much at all. I almost always wear crew neck band t-shirts - unisex ones at that - and jeans. I also generally wear mens / unisex sneakers, though it can be hard to find them in my tiny size. I do have longish hair, but I don't style it much beyond wearing it down or in a ponytail, and I don't have fancy hair accessories. The only really girly thing I wear is my underwear, and that's generally pretty functional rather than decorative too.   Baked goods: Sure, as long as they're vegetarian!   Gifts for other household members: My other household members are cats and fish. The fish don't really need gifts, and the cats don't get treats often, so they're plenty stocked up. They wouldn't mind toys I'm sure.   Are you someone who'd rather have lots of small testers of different things on your wishlist, or would you rather have one or two "big" things? I have a ton of imps I haven't gotten around to testing yet, so if possible I'd rather have "big" things. I'm open to imps too, though!   social networking usernames, ie twitter, facebook, livejournal, ravelry, anything else: I'm stariel on ravelry, twitter, and livejournal - though that one's friends locked, if you add me just tell me who you are on BPAL. My Facebook is reserved for people I know IRL, and I don't really update it frequently anyway.   would you like to receive Groupons or similar deals/gift certificates from your Witch? No Groupons thanks, I check them for my area and I'd get one if it was something I really wanted. But gift certificates to an online store you think I would like are welcome.   How about tshirt/bottoms sizes? Sadly clothing is pretty much out. Because of surgery I'll hopefully be having in the spring (preventative mastectomy and reconstruction) I have no idea what size I'll need.

stariel

stariel

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