The random question round-up, yay!
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Fave:
fruit -- strawberries, yum!
obscure instrument -- the glass harmonica
writing utensil -- ink brush
band this week -- the Hush Sound
cheer up song -- Here Comes the Sun
subject in high school -- Art classes, or my Biotechnology class (FTW, yo)
candy -- caramel apple lollipops
type of cheese -- smoked gouda
indulgence -- sugar scrubs (inedible); or, fruit slices and freshly whipped cream (edible)
shape -- star
number -- 8
kitty -- this one:
element -- earth; carbon
BPAL this week -- Golden wave
stuffed animal -- Radar, the teddy bear I stole from my (older) brother when I was 3
expression -- sadfais; "we'll burn that bridge when we get to it"
type of chair -- comfy recliner
type of pillow -- body pillow
actor -- Johnny Depp, Jack Black
actress -- Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Winslet
name -- Isabella and James
movie when you were little -- The Princess Bride
pattern -- mendelbrot fractal
language -- old english
How often do untested BPAL scents work on you? (excluding notes you already know will go bad / you dislike)
Out of ten random scents, 2 will be gorgeous, 5 will work but not be instant love, another 2 I'll not care for, and the last I'll need to scrub off (not because of any funky skin chemistry, but because I very strongly dislike the scent as a perfume). Of those same ten random scents, I'll keep the 2 gorgeous ones and maybe 1 or 2 or the five that work, then try to rid myself of the remainder. So... 70% will smell at least good, but when I go to cull out for updates, I'll only have ended up keeping about 35% of what I try.
What does everyone want out of the new update? (Lupercalia, Bony Moon & Earth Ox)
Voyeurs Among the Cherry Blossoms is the only one that calls to me strongly, though I keep eying Miller v California for the sheer lulzery of it.
Who is your favorite villain of all-time?
Spike from BtVS. Jackson Rippner in Red Eye.
Does anyone like Valerie Anands books?Or her Psuedonym Fiona Buckley...?
Dunno, haven't heard of her.
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 honestly have very little idea... ah, National Geographic, Discover, New Scientist. Shoot, I need to read more magazines, don't I?
What plans does everyone have for NYE?
Doesn't much matter anymore, but I was in Acapulco with my family (we were going on a cruise leaving from there, and decided to fly in a few days early)
Who is interested in the room sprays? esp. from the inquisition?
Take it or leave it, though the spray for Christmas Present almost tempted me into an order.
Who's a Disney fan? Cartoons, theme parks, or just general stuff?
*raises hand* I'm an unabashed Disney princess fan, and I love going to the parks.
Do you like mythical/fantastical creatures? Which ones?
Yep, dragons... also vampires
Do you like caramels like coconut lime? Salted?
Oh yes
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 some Japanese...very simple books would be helpful, as would kanji learning materials.
What's your favorite animal?
Cat
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What's on my key ring?
A little stylized metal feather, a "no more Hiroshimas" tag, and a monster-sized gimp/boondoggle/scoubidou I made this past summer
Arm measurements?
Wrist is 7", right below elbow is 12.25", distance between is a little under 14"
Personal Good Luck charm?
Magically reappearing again... my quartz necklace.
The Hogwarts Sorting Hat would say...
Slytherin, or Ravenclaw
What's on my desktop?
A picture of Mt Fuji, though soon to be replaced by a wallpaper I made of Ursula Vernon's little bee and a gear sketch
What do I collect, besides BPAL?
Rocks. Specifically those polished rocks you buy by the bag for about eight dollars in souvenier shops, and even more specifically those rocks when they're shaped right for makin pendants out of. Also, lapel pins from the different places I travel to. And I seem to be acquiring enough soap to count as a collection, though this is not necessarily on purpose.
How do you feel about Lush? Anything you want to try?
I actually have two Lush stores within about two miles from my school location. I like their solid shampoos for the convenience, LOVE Lemony Flutter, and wish I could justify purchasing one of their moisturising lotions (oh new england winter air, how I despise thee).
Do you want to try the Will Call only Champagne scents?
Champagne and Roses sounded nifty, but it's most likely that nagging want for something limited and rare (boohiss collector's mindset)
Would you please share your favorite e-card site? I am so horrible with e-card sites.
Don't have really any, just tend to explore from what others send me.
Do you play on-line games? Which one and which server? Do you need any funds/equipment/help adventuring?
I... really don't seem to have the personality for MMORPGs, given that I tend to be very hesitant with interacting heavily with people I don't know very well, especially over such an anonomysing medium such as the internet..
Do you have traditional holiday movies you like to watch?
The claymation ones, like Rudolph and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Also, Frosty the Snowman. Usually sections of A Christmas Story usually tend to get watched whether I care to or not, given that there is that 24 hour marathon playing on Christmas.
What are your "guilty pleasures" type movies? That you really secretly like but don't like to admit to it?
Gooshy happy romances. I feel like such a stereotype.
What are your favorite websites (i.e., the ones you visit every day, or almost every day)?
BPAL, deviantart, ebay.
Anyone a fan of Goddess art?
It's nice, but usually I prefer other things unless I connect personally to the image involved.
How do you feel about home made lip balm, salt or sugar scrubs, soap, bath salts, etc?
Hearts for everything except soap, since I have a bit too much right now.
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.)
I don't believe I have any problems as to yarn types, just that it not be itchy. Colors... black, maroon, dark purple, deep blue, cream, dark grey.
What is one REALLY expensive, completely outrageous thing you would LOVE to get but totally don't expect to ever get from anyone?
A wii. Or a Kindle. When I graduated HS I had most of the money for a wii (and probably could have convinced the parents to pay the difference), but I bought this instead.
Do you like coffee mugs? Travel or stay at home? How big? Do you like ones from Starbucks?
I'd love a travel mug of some variety, since all the ones living at home are imbued with coffee essence (see below)
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?
Not a coffee fan, actually. Not unless it's offset by lots of dairy and sugar (coffee ice cream)
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?
Chai! (chai of the super-spiced variety) Fruity teas! Instant honeyed ginger tea! I do not, in fact, have an infuser (or a teapot -- for shame).
What is your favorite hot chocolate or drinking chocolate? Do you need Vegan or no?
Dark and sweet hot chocolate, mmmm. I remember trying a chili drinking chocolate in Santa Fe -- that was yummy too. No need for vegan at all.
Do you need any decanting supplies? Pipettes? Vials? How about any wand caps? Roller bottles? Some spray bottles (for oils mixed with alcohol?)
Disposable pipettes and imp vials would make my life.
I wanted to ask a question: are there any rare (or even uber-rare) scents that you'd really like to try?
Prolly... Hexennacht (had a sniffie), and MB:Underpants (for the lulz). I wish I could track down more Golden Wave...
Does your forum name have a special significance? Refer to something or someone you admire? Reflect your interests? Come on, spill!
"Catimenthe" is a character from a story I'd like to write but will (most likely) never get around to doing so.
What's your favorite texture?
Super soft and slightly fuzzy; leather; velvet
What's one luxury item you want to pamper yourself with but haven't yet?
Bath bombs -- the tub in my suite is rather sketchy, so it has never made sense to buy any if I can't use them.
Do you prefer arm warmers to the wrist, to the base of the fingers, or half fingered?
Base of the fingers or half-fingered, plz
Any favorite cartoon characters? Disney, Sanrio, etc?
Chococat, nyanko... Belle, from Beauty and the Beast (always my fave Disney princess. She was a brunette! and a bookworm!)
Have you (or maybe the younguns in your family) been exposed to the Webkinz craze?
Dear god no
Who's your favorite playwright?
Bwah, dunno. Maybe Sondheim, or Guilbert and Sullivan, or...
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is nice, and I'm partial to Trifles by Susan Glaspell; also The Original Last Wish Baby.
Anyone into physical activities? For instance- I'm training to become a Combat Archer in the SCA, and something I would use would be an Archers glove...is there anything you do as a sport/hobby in which you might need equipment?
Nothing that I can think of atm
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?
No nut allergies here
If you are a fan, who were your favorite Buffy and Angel characters?
Spike FTW
Do you like Shakespeare? Which plays?
A Midsummernight's Dream -- though that might have something to do with the fact it's the only one I ever read on my own, outside of class
Question for the Class: Favorite Musical?
Sweeney Todd, Wicked, Into the Woods, Phantom of the Opera... always on stage. Stage stage stage.
Buying Moon of the Terrible?
Not I, said the Cat.
Who are your forum friends, person or people your witch can contact for ideas?
KillingLoneliness, a super-awesome RL friend (not sure if she knows about SW though). Earnknittoownit, my most lovely witch from the summer round.
Shoe size? Style of shoe preferred? Any interest in slippers?
US 12. Bah, it is so annoying trying to find nice shoes. I the high button boot style, but.... yeah, like *that's* happening before I win the lottery and can get something custom. T-strap heels -- like these. Snuggly warm slippers are a deep-down love of mine.
What cartoons did you grow up watching? Any animated shows you still watch?
Beetlejuice, Powerpuff Girls, Looney Tunes, Sailor Moon. Now I just watch too much anime.
Do you like honey? Will you like to try creamy honey with black sesame or with cinnamon powder?
Yes. Am definitely open to new flavors
What is the biggest problem or sad thing in your life? Of course, I mean the saddest or worst thing you can confess here.
I nearly constantly need validation from other people to feel good about myself; also, I'm entirely too well versed in justifying my own stupid actions.
What fashion item or style do you like, but never wear?
I like fitted, dressier clothing, but am pretty much stuck in jeans-and-tshirt. Also, stripes.
Do you like to cook? if so, what? Would you like things like spices, cookbooks, recipes, tips?
Yes, but my forte is baking and I haven't managed to really expand past that yet. Any of the above sounds nice, but are not necessarily needed.
Do any of you like puzzle books?
Yes, though fiction might end up being more useful in the end. Oh, but I LOVE lateral thinking puzzles.
Are you planning on buying anything off your BPAL wishlist during the round?
I'm getting decants of Midnight Mass and Snake Charmer (with possible bottle purchases a little further down the road), but I don't believe I'll be buying anything GC for a while.
Do you read graphic novels/comics? Which ones?
Yes, far, far too many. Have currently been harrassed into reading Sandman, but only currently own Preludes & Nocturnes and The Dream Hunters. I have lots and lots and lots of manga... though those seem to multiply all by themselves.
Which witches would want Bpal boxes? Or imp cases?
I currently have a bottle box which should hold me for a while, as long as my bottle purchase rate doesn't increase exponentially. Given that I've no job.... this shouldn't be a problem. Imps, on the other hand -- I have no good, upright-and-accessable solution for them.
How about a short - or longer - piece of fanfic?
Fwah -- kinda ambivalent. Original fic fitting in with my general reading habits would be an unexpectedly delightful surprise, but no expectations on my part. If you do feel like writing ff, then feel free to (surreptitiously, of course) ping me for my fandom preferences.
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?
Shelves of some variety -- my collection of random stuff and books is taking over all the horizontal space in my dorm room, but I really have no floor space to set up shelves or whatever. I'm pondering the situation and cautiously eyeing the measuring tape. Also, this, which I suppose classifies as half weird and half practical ('s been rather cold recently), but I've been holding back because of the lack of boiling water with which to reset it at my disposal (dorm contraband regulations, I'm looking at you).
Would you like handmade piece of calligraphy as a gift?
Eee -- that would be really cool
What jewelry are you wearing now? What jewelry do you wear everyday-or do you change jewelry all the time?
Three sterling silver rings; one an openwork celtic knot type of design, one delicate with swirly bits, one with a small blue opal cabochon. My chunk of quartz crystal tied up with leather. I have about 10 or so sterling ring that I pick from depending on my mood and how i present myself -- puzzle ring, dragons, ankh. I wish I had more delicate girly rings with colored bits to them -- stones and the like. My lovely three sets of titanium 18g curved barbell earrings.
Chia Pet, do you need one?
See below
Houseplants and/or things to put them in: thoughts?
I rather think it would be a bad idea to try and take care of any living creature besides myself at the moment -- except maybe one of these or these.
Do you like baskets, jars and other interesting containers? Filled or Empty?
Oh yes, yes yes yes. Filled would be fun, but empty's just fine too.
Anyone else have a sudden and unexpected favorite BPAL lately?
Embalming Fluid -- with the cold weather, I've been much on the resins and inscense train lately -- Blasphemare Reliquary, Priala, Snake Oil, etc.
It's cold outside - what are your favorite drinks to keep yourself warm and cozy?
Masala chai, but I like it best when it's made by someone who knows what they're doing better than I -- guess it's time to go to an Indian restaurant again. Hot cocoa, of the rich and dark and velvetty type.
Would my potential Witchee be up for some music stuff they'd never heard before if they couldn't understand the words?
Most definately
What kind of candy/sweet treat would you like to receive?
Something to do with candied ginger.
Would you personally rather get handmade jewelry or the beads to make something yourself?
Something handmade, since others always seem to have much more awesome design ideas than my own.
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?
Not quite a Browncoat, but a pretty parasol would be spectacular.
What are 3 places that you'd like to visit, or re-visit?
I'd like to get to Egypt and do the tourist-y thing there, back to Japan for an extended trip, and Carlsbad Caverns (again and again and again -- I love it there).
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?
Out of the country from 12/30 to 1/15, though there will be someone bringing our mail inside. And I already mentioned in my questionnaire about dorm move days.
Which witches would like hair accessories: clips, scrunchies, hairsticks, headscarves, etc?
Hair is just above shoulder length, but I'm trying to start a collection of clips and things
On a similar note, 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?
I love yarn, but it's probably best not to aqcuire more before doing stuff with what i've currently got.
Other craft supplies you desperately want more of and can't live without?
Does cute stationery count? oh, OH, black-grey-white-red fine fabrics for costuming purposes (doing costumes for 30s-40s noir-inspired Hamlet)
Anyone else a total nerd like me and would like DnD/Roleplay stuff (Dice, minis, books, corny tees, etc.)?
Not denying that I'm a nerd, but I don't think so
How does everyone feel about steampunk?
Since we're talking about warm winter wearables, who likes hats? Mittens? Arm warmers?
Hat! Armwarmers!
If your witch were to send you cookies, what kind of cookies would you like?
Chocolate-y ones. Ginger snaps, yum.
Would you like to receive ATCs (artist trading cards) or would you prefer something more usable, like bookmarks or something?
Bookmarks are welcome!
What witch would like a cloak?
If it's shorter than floor-length (like... knee-length or something)
Favorite animals? Least favorite?
Kitties, most definitely like the kitties of all varieties. Also like ravens and, um, rabbits.
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?
Bittersweet, usually, though milk chocolate is also love. Almaretto Lindt truffles were my favorite before they were discontinued. Chocolate with dried cherries mixed in is good...
And... think that's it for now.