How does everyone feel about duct tape crafts? Any favorite patterns? I fear it would be something to collect dust and take up excessive space in my house. No, thanks.
Are there any flowers you especially like? When I was 10, I was told that poppy was my birthday flower, and I've had a fondness ever since.
Would you be interested in any cozies or cases (yarn o fabric, not hard cases) for tech stuff (phone, laptop' etc) or for cups/mugs/bottles or anything else similar. I tend to make my own covers and cases for tech, so no, thanks.
Would you like Halloween or Day of the Dead themed ornaments or a "bunting"? No thanks.
Are there witchees who would like book related gifts like a booklight, bookmark, bookseat or something for your reading gadget,like a cover or a light for example. Ooh, I'd love these, but I fear my witch is already spending crazily on postage!
I make handmade journals, mini albums and similar items. Would my witchee be interested in something like that? Interested, yes. However, I have an excess of journals already, so probably not a good idea!
What songs/music/artists/CD's do you like to listen to around Halloween? Same ones as I listen to the rest of the year? But if you have anything you think I'd like, make me a playlist on a thumb drive or something!
Are you interested in leg warmers at all? not really.
Is your Halloween style scary, cutesy, folksy, grotesque . . .? None of the above? I was really hoping to do a Halloween theme to our house, but I fear that won't be possible given that my stepbrother/stepsis-in-law's birthdays dinner is scheduled for that night. And I was really quite looking forward to the kids trick-or-treating...
I bought the Portal board game last week & it came with a Portal 2 steam free download code. I already have the game on another console & it's one of my favorite series of all time. Soooo, would you want it? Don't play.
Have you read The Martian? Or do you plan on watching the movie? So many of my friends loved it that I feel I should go see it. My interest was 'meh' before it hit the screens, though.
NaNoWriMo - Pertaining to that, how does everyone feel about such things? Will anyone be participating? How about NaNo swag, is there any you want? Yes, I'm participating. Thanks, but no swag. (I'm so sorry I'm an awful swap participant.)
Honey or beeswax products? Discuss. LOVE. Not sure it would make it through customs, though, and I have an awful lot of 'specialised' honey in jars that isn't being eaten at home.
How do you feel about bumper stickers and car magnets? What do you like--cute, pretty, snarky, geeky/fandomy? Not big on them. I never know what to do with stickers - my mother's dislike of stickers on anything being transmitted across the thirty years since childhood.
Do you have any phobia's that your Witch should be aware of? Tryptophobia, sort of. (the one with holes) It gives me creeps.
Trading Post Weenies are live! Anything calling to you?
I think I'd like to try one of the Hair Glosses: but probably not one of the Weenies, because I don't do dirt, leaves, blood, or pumpkin scents... Sorry!
Speaking of nail things, it that time of year and I am doing my jamberry order, Would you want some Lovely Jamberry's for your nails? Thank you, but no.
Do you like or want to try Marmite?
No, we do Vegemite here in Aus, and it's quite good enough, thanks.
Some folks have already said they do not want used nail polish. If you haven't already chimed in about that... would you be interested in a bottle of BPTP claw polish (in this case, either Event Horizon or Baku) that has been used for one manicure? Not bothered.
Are there any DISCONTINUED (not LE) BPAL oils that you wish you had, or had a little more of? No.
Is there anything fairly basic that you're always running out of and need to buy more of? No.
Anything interest you from the recent Blooddrop update?
No.
How to you feel about foreign spices/flavorings? Love them.
Dearest Witchee, can I get you anything from Shiro Cosmetics? I'm going to place an order soon and perhaps you are interested in some of their goodies? https://shirocosmetics.com(https://shirocosmetics.com) I am sincerely the boringest witchee that ever got witched. No, it's fine!
So, after three or so years of absence, I've come back. Older, wiser, and rather less smelly than before. But that's okay, because I'm in the process of refining my preferences and finding out what works with my skin these days.
I've come to learn my scents: an amber base with tobacco and a touch of sweetness.
So far, the three scents that are kickers are: Mdm Moriarty, Red Lantern, and The Soldier. The first two more than the second. Except that I just sold my bottle of Mdm Moriarty for a song. Yes, a song. Kicking myself from here to neverland. And seeking a new bottle. Which i might have to swap some super-rares for, alas. Oh well, I was only going to sell them anyway.
Speaking of which, I have to find out how much people are paying for certain super-rares these days. I am quietly hoping that I haven't recently sold some rares to on-sellers, because that's depressing.
Otherwise, I'm trying to deplete my collection, the major difficulty being that a) nobody wants to pay postage, the scents I have are not scents people are looking for.
GRARGH.
September 17th
Anyone going to see any good concerts this fall?
Haven’t been to a concert in years!
Do you like Star Trek? Original TV series, films, spinoff series, etc? Favorite characters?
I never watched any of the TV series, but I loved the movie. My favourite character is Uhura, and I love the way they worked the Uhura/Spock thing into the movie.
Witchee, would you like a framed photograph and of what?
Framed photographs make me think they have to be kept. Postcards are easier.
[uSeptember 18th[/u]
Do you wear t-shirts? Are there particular things you like on them? Would you like one designed by your Witch? And, if you don't mind saying, what size t-shirt do you wear?
T-shirts are awesome. Funny/clever/geeky ones are plus-one awesome. One designed by my Witch would be plus-a-million awesome! I’m usually a size 10-12 Australian/UK, which is probably about an 8 US. The BPTP t-shirts I get are usually Small and Babydoll (I like the v-neck, or something that isn’t up around my throat), although I have a long waist, so they’re usually a bit on the short side...
How do you feel about pumpkin scented things? Not perfume related, but soap, candles, etc....
Not an enthusiast of pumpkin scented stuff.
Has anyone else heard of or does anyone else love Glamourkin?
Never heard of it.
If you had an international witch, is there anything you would like from the UK? (Or Australia, Belgium, France any other country we have witches from.
I would love anything from anywhere. Local stuff (with a story behind it) is always very very cool!
Dear witchee, if you answered 'Mac' to the Mac/PC question previously issued by another participant, please tell me what kind of computer you have, what peripherals you own (like the wireless trackpad, wireless vs/wired keyboard and mouse), and whether you're interested in Apple-related items (stickers, keychains, other things with the logo, etc).
Samsung NC20 netbook, with an apple keyboard and a baby mouse. I’d love a mousepad, actually. One can never have too many mousepads.
SOCK PREFERENCES?
Would you like/wear a pair of these? http://www.ravelry.c...rary/yoga-socks If so, what color?
Not a huge
Is there anyone here who likes toe socks? You know, those socks with a place for each toe?
There may be people who like toe socks around here...but they are none of them me!
September 30th[/b]
Witchee, would you like anything from this particular Haunt update?
Don’t collect Haunt.
Who's interested in Halloween: Montreal?
Not I.
You get a package in the mail containing 3 things you have really wanted more than anything else you've mentioned so far in this thread. (they are all reasonably priced of course! ~$20 or less apiece). What are they?
Marshmallows from FusionSweets on Etsy
how do you feel about hemp? jewelry, soap, etc?
I love the Body Shop’s hemp lip balm, hand cream, and foot balm - but I already have these, so no need for more!
September 29th
What kind of purse do you prefer? Leather, cloth? over the shoulder or crossbody, or something that can do either? Do you like bold bright prints with fun things, or monochrome, solid colours?
Long strap that I can wear crossbody, but not so long that I can’t rest my hand on it when it’s hanging down (I hate fishing for stuff in my purse). If leather or synthetic leather look, then black; if cloth then any bright colour.
julep maven monthly boxes:
Whu?
Your favorite restaurant or type of food to eat out. Would you use a restaurant.com voucher? Groupon?
I’m not in the US, so this voucher doesn’t apply. The Australian version is probably Spreets.
Like commercial socks?
Sure! I’m size 7 Australian (38 UK?) and I like them ankle-length.
What kind of bear is best?
Teddy bear.
Is anyone interested in reading The Night Circus?
Yes.
Hershey's Pumpkin Spice kisses?
Love ‘em.
I have a not-so-secret love for The Broship of the Rings. Are there any prints from her store you'd like?
I like her art. I’d get any of the ones with female characters. Especially Eowyn.
Who here likes Stephanie Pui-Min Law's artwork?
I do! I kind of wish she had more Asian women in her graphics - I adore this ‘self portrait’ - http://www.epilogue.net/cgi/database/art/view.pl?id=19362 - but it’s still good.
Do you drink wine?
Do I drink wine, or do I drink...wine?
Is it just me who is nervous at revealing herself to her witchee, and finding out who her witch is?!
Probaby not. J
Witches, did you lament NOT getting one of the condom case/imp cases that got released with the courtesan series???
Not really.
I recently saw candy corn in non-candy corn flavors like CHOCOLATE and CARAMEL APPLE. It's not a fancy brand, I just saw it in the drugstore, but who here would like something like that?
We don’t get candy corn at lal, so any flavour is good!
September 28th
JONES SODA CO has LE soda packs for The Guild, Buffy, D&D, So Cute, etc. Would you be interested in these, Witchee?
Probably wouldn’t get through customs.
It'sBanned Books Week! Are there any books on the list you'd be interested in checking out?
The Hunger Games.
I have just been enlightened to THESE. Are these flavors relevant to your interests?
Nope.
September 27th
What is something people are always surprised to learn about you?
That I’m a computer programmer. They think I’m too chatty and socially cluey to be a geek.
So who else watched Babylon 5?
I have the first two seasons from a friend...haven’t watched it.
If you had to decide what your stripper name was, what would it be?
Priscilla Boundary. And I would work it, baby!
Sooooo Witchees, have you ever taken that particular personality test? If so, are you an Analytical, a Driver, an Expressive or an Amiable?
Nope. Don’t really have time to take it either.
Is anyone else afraid of or creepy out by dummies/puppets/Muppets/etc? Other things you're squicked/freaked by that's best left by the wayside?
Not really, but I’d rather not receive a moppet or anything.
what level of contact were you hoping for?
I’m happy with what I got.
Are there any local museums/attractions you keep never getting around to going to?
Not really.
September 26th
Is there any kind of international candy you love or would like to try?
Any and all!
What is something totally random (yes, that thing that just popped into your head) that hasn't been covered by any previous questions?
Honestly? I’d love a fanfic.
EPICFIC for either Stargate Atlantis (Teyla, John/Teyla), Sanctuary (Kate, Will/Kate), or *coughs* Harry Potter (Harry/Luna). Actually, I’ve just started HP NextGen shipping (someone shoot me, like, now).
Is there any cheesy/non-cheesy Canadian stuff you'd be interested in?
I always love maple syrup things. J
If you were to go here and create your very own chocolate bar, what might it have in it?
...It’d probably be chocolate covered salted caramel. That’s all.
Is there anything you're wanting from LPMP?
I’m getting you’re not meaning Lembaga Penjaminan Mutu Pendidikan which is the Indonesian Educational Quality Assurance Council...
say you stumbled into Camp Half Blood (or whatever the Roman camp ends up being named <bounces in anticipation>), which god claims you?
Lady Hsi Wang Mu - the Chinese Mother Goddess of the West. Or possibly Amaterasu - Japanese Sun-Goddess, although I’m not of Japanese descent.
September 25th
Stuff you've been meaning to do:
My taxes. Tidy my room. Build a chicken tractor to help weed and fertilise my garden.
Would you be interested in regional jams, jellies, or other preserves?
I would. But probably so would Australian Customs if they thought that anything had seeds in it that might affect our crops or native flora and fauna.
Do you have any bedtime rituals? Is there any particular product you have to apply or a certain shirt you wear or an act you perform to get you in the "bedtime" mood?
I read to get me to sleep. Whatever else happens, I have to read myself to sleep or else I don’t sleep.
Are you interested in today's/any recent Tee Fury shirts?
Sure! Anything Joss (Buffy, Dr. Horrible, Serenity), anything BSG, anything recent Dr Who...
Princess Bride? Yay or nay?
Yay.
What's your favorite classic fairytale, witches
Classic? I’m not sure. Cap-O-Rushes, perhaps? Kind of Cinderella, only with less fairy godmothers. I like the fairytales that get turned on their head - An Ordinary Princess, Dealing With Dragons, etc. In the Disney Heroine range, I really love Mulan.
September 24th
how do you feel about ethical animal fiber, i.e. wool and the like?
Fine with it. Fine without it.
What about little wee creatures for your desk or mantel?
No, please. Nothing that will gather dust.
Look down. What are you wearing, right now?
Blue jeans, a t-shirt that reads “I fight like a girl” with a silhouette of a woman in a dark forest with blood dripping off her swords.
Kerchiefs?
More things to gather dust, I’m afraid. No.
It's the weekend, and you find yourself without a single chore or responsibility for a few hours. Right this very moment, what's the one thing you would do if you could do anything?
Sleep.
September 23rd
Is there anything you'd like from the Mütter Museum Store?
That Crime Scene scarf looks pretty awesome!
I just noticed that Cocoa Pink has 5 ml Perfume Atomizers. Yay or nay? Scents you would like? Scents you would NOT like?
No, thanks.
what's your favorite kind of pizza?
Super Ssupreme - everything and the kitchen sink.
who are your style/fashion icons? post pics if you want!
Anyone who manages to co-ordinate their clothing, accessories, and jewellery. I’m a t-shirt and jeans kinda gal. For snark, though, fugly.com always does the trick.
Are there any food items you're craving/aren't able to find around your area?
Only the Fusion Sweets marshmallows - Lychee Rose, Rose, Lemon Meringue, Raspberry Lemonade, Lavender, and Tickled Pink Strawberry.
September 22nd
If you're interested in a handmade pouch/cover for an item you have (phones, tablets, books, keys, kettles...), what would your ideal pouch/cover have? Design, material, additional functionality/features like pockets or lights or secret hidey-holes?
I would love a cover for my Sony Reader 350. The 6” screen? Any design is fine so long as it can be closed tight/fastened so the Reader doesn’t fall out into my bag, and the colours are bright.
Would you like a photo collage based around your interests/favorite colors/favorite themes?
No - but I’d take a graphic wallpaper - it’s a nice thought.
If you're crafty, are you interested in spoonfeather? And if so, what things there delight your eyes?
Spoonflower fabric, you mean?
Colors! What are your favorite colors and what colors do you not like? Pictures and links, people!
Any strong, saturated colours. I hate muddy colours when that’s all there is to the colour scheme - it’s got to have at least one colour that really pops and drags all the other ones in together.
What is your favorite word?
‘Fiddlesticks!’ Okay, I have lot of favourite words, but ‘fiddlesticks’ is definitely one of the fun ones - along with ‘tarradiddle’, ‘inconceivable’ (a la The Princess Bride), and supercalifragilisticexpialadocious.
What are the feelings on arm warmers? Color, style, texture, length?
I have no feelings on arm warmers and would prefer not to receive them.
Do you like tarts? tealights? jar candles? votives?
I have some tarts, but I haven’t really used them. And I’ve still got unused candles lying around the place - no need for any more, honest!
What's your favorite flavor? Sour, sweet, bitter, salty?
Sweet-salty, or sweet.
So, are there any online gaming witchees who covet purchasable in-game items or other gamer-y stuff? (yup, geek question)
Not a gamer.
Anyone doing anything cool for Mabon (or the start of fall, if you aren't pagan?
Nope.
What is your favorite coffee blend at Starbucks? If you don't have one, what is your favorite roast of coffee?
I like the pumpkin spice latte that you can get in the fall, and the cinnamon spice latte that they sell around Christmas.
September 21st
Cthulhu: yay or nay?
Nay.
Is there something that you wish you could do, but you keep putting it off?
Go to Asia?
Put your current mp3player (I am the anti-apple, so no ipod ), winamp playlist, what have you, on shuffle, list the first 10 songs:
Hymn - Bond
Gothic Power - X-Ray Dog
I Won’t Say - Hercules
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Stranger - OAR
Smile (Lily Allen) - Glee cast
Chemical Heart - Grinspoon
Faith of The Heart - Russell Watson
Almost Lover - A Fine Frenzy
The Wizard And I - Wicked
Witchee, have you made (or are you planning to make) any Lab or Trading post orders soon? And if you did (or plan to), you should share what you're getting
I’m not collecting very much right now unless I see something I really want. I wasn’t planning to order anything.
Do you have any interest in rocks? Not like, polished colorful stones.. but like... rocks. With geologic significance!
Not really. J
If your witch were to knit you a scarf/shawl/cowl, which would you prefer, and what features would you want? Would you prefer something light and drape-y or thick and warm? What kind of colors would you prefer? Do you have any fiber allergies or preferences?
Scarf, long, thin and drapey, I like the synthetic feather ‘wool’ rather than ‘real wool’ - I find most woolens really itchy. Something in strong reds, oranges or pinks - fire colours.
If you have a pet, could you please post a photo of it? I really need to see what your pet, if you have one, looks like.
I had a cat for fourteen years but she died earlier this year. We’re thinking of getting some more, but none yet.
Do you like/own/wear/want fairy wings or something of the like?
Heh. No. But what I’ve always wanted is a pair of skeletal metal-feather steampunk wings... Yeah, I know...
How do you feel about terrariums?
I’ve always wanted to make a Macquarium! *geeks out*
What's your favorite horror movie?
I hate horror movies. My nerves can’t take it.
If your witch was the practical type and wanted to include one or more of your everyday essentials, what would those include? I'm talking about the bath products, lotions, face lotions, teas, food, etc that you really use every day.
Dear Witch, a small jar of a black tea blend of your choice would be awesome. Something that can be drunk with milk and sugar. Just make sure there aren’t seeds in it, or Customs will probably open the package.
Jane Austen .. Yay or Nay?
Yay.
I put up quotes I love in my office and studio to get me going, They range from goofy to sarcastic to inspirational... Are you interested in a hand painted quote? Do you have one in mind, or a topic in mind?
Sure! Encouragement towards success is a big issue for me right now, so I would love these.
Do you like period or period-styled paraphernalia? Stuff like postcards, notecards, jewelry, office supplies, what-have-you?
Ooh! Notecards, office supplies, and post-it notes are always useful!
If you like manga, comics, and/or graphic novels, what is it about them that you like, in general? The story, the art/style, etc?
Ideally a comic or graphic novel would have both. But mostly I like the speculative aspects of storytelling - the could bes, might have beens, may bes, and should bes. I believe that stories are how we teach ourselves to cope with the world and the things we don’t know - which is why it’s important to have diversity in main characters, that different people are seen to be taking the lead and struggling, and that it’s not the white male character who’s always the one fighting while everyone else gets cast as a victim.
If you could choose a Smack, what would it have in it?
...Smack?
if you could have a salon scent made, based on any artwork(s) what would it be?
Mucha - The Moon And The Stars: The Moon:
http://www.artsunlight.com/NN/N-M0016/N-M0016-067-the-moon-from-the-moon-and-the-stars-series.jpg
Mucha - Times of the Day: Night’s Rest
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j9VUmBswTWg/TTZpZ5Av6wI/AAAAAAAAAWY/hehPpMkdtR0/s1600/Art-Alphonse-Mucha-Night%2527s-Rest-The-Times-of-the-Day-Series.jpg
Are you scientifically curious and/or process-oriented? Would you like a project-type gift that allowed you do do something like make soap from scratch, take and (nontoxic-ly) develop photographs using a pinhole camera, use plant dyes on yarn or fabric, etc.?
I’m more design and goal-oriented: the processes aren’t so important as the finished product.
What's 'your' song/your theme song?
Right now I’m listening to the Battlestar Sonatica (by Bear McCreary): I think that could do for a themesong in my quieter moments. Otherwise, ‘24’ by Jem.
What would be your superpower?
The ability to strike down with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my sisters...
Oh, wait.
Um. Telekinesis?
Witchee, would you like a gently used BPAL tshirt?
I would!
Do you like homemade snack mixes? I know Puppy Chow was mentioned in a previous question, but what about healthier and more natural type snacks like granola or trail mix? You can put a lot of delicious and fun things into trail mix, yeah? If you say "Sure, I'd love some!" what kinds of things do you like/not like in those kinds of snacks, ie coconut flakes, raisins, certain nuts (allergies??), candy, etc. Give us your list of DO's and DON'Ts!
No trail mix. Australian Customs will take it.
Do you like charm bracelets? If you had a bracelet, what sort of charms would you want on it? Favorite hobbies, symbols, whatever?
I have an Italian charm bracelet somewhere. (I think it’s Italian.) But I haven’t worn it for years...
September 20th
Would you like any ecotools makeup brushes? They're kinda one of my favorite things ever, and they're animal-friendly and the handles are bamboo. And to top it all off, they work really well for applying makeup.
No thanks.
Do you like Legos? Especially mini-fig key chains, Lego block keychains, small Lego sets, etc?
I love Lego!
Since the previous question about "what would you buy from the Lab if you had unlimited funds, etc" left WAY too much to the imagination with no limitations (my answer was pretty much BUY ALL THE THINGS!), what would you do if you found a $50 bill on the ground and a nagging voice in the back of your mind told you that you HAD to spend it on BPAL or else face Death. Also, say they had free shipping (LOL) so don't factor that in. What would you get? And spend it all! Or as close to $50 as you can get.
I’d buy The Lion at the BPAL Etsy shop, and The Ecstacy Of St Therese.
Are there any characters that you love or identify with?
Disney’s Mulan
Stargate SG1: Sam Carter
Stargate Atlantis: Teyla Emmagan
Sanctuary: Kate Freelander
Buffy/Angel: Faith (particularly S4 Faith)
Justice League: Wonder Woman
A question! If you are crafty, what's your personal art style? I'm not talking just about what art you like to look at, but what kind of art do you like creating? Do you have a "process" while you're creating beauty?
Bright and strong - good contrast, popping colours. Geometric shapes and things that deceive the eye (like straight lines appearing to be circles in the kaleidoscope quilt pattern url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/seldear/6186849515/][/url]
Kaleidoscope QAL top: Santorini Sun And Sea by SelDear, on Flickr
Are there any Arcana Weenies that you MUST HAVE?
Nope.
So what say you? IS an "unexpected" visit/in-person witching OK?
Absolutely!
September 19th
What strange misc. items would you love to receive that you just haven't gotten for yourself?:
I’d have to think about that one.
How do you feel about franken polish? Are you okay with all chemicals, or would you prefer 3 free? Would you want glitter or holographic glitter? What colors would interest you?
Not really into nail polish, and I prefer ‘natural’ colours.
Dear witchee, how do you feel about lip balm? Favorite style (twist up tube, pot, tube with wand, etc.)? Favorite flavors? Flavors to avoid? Favorite brand? Do you need more right now or are you set? Are you one of those people who could never have enough lip balm even though you have a bowl on your dresser overflowing with them and 10 in your purse and an order for more on the way?
Love lipbalm, but don’t need any, thanks.
Would you be interested in getting fountain pen inks or art supplies via JetPens and or DickBlick? (I know I have a wishlist on JetPens and just love using fountain pens in my artwork)
I would love fountain pen inks or art supplies! Just for writing, mind - I’m not that great an artist.
-For those interested in watercolors, how would you feel about getting a palette filled with paint from my watercolor tubes but not getting the paint tube itself? (kind of like this but without the covers for the compartments and bigger http://www.flickr.co.../in/photostream)
Not really a watercolour person.
-How do you feel about getting art supplies in general? (copic markers, watercolor, brushes, paint, sketchbooks etc.)
Sketchbooks would be nice. I’m not much of an arty person.
-How do you feel about Threadless tshirts?
Love them!
If you were turned loose in a basic drug store (CVS, Walgreens - a pharmacy with attached mini-mart, basically!) with a $20 bill, what would you pick up?
A nice moisturiser with sunscreen (don’t really have a brand right now, just using plain sorboline), and any Turkish Delight they happen to hav earound the place.
Darling Witchee, would you enjoy farmer's market pickled veggies (green beans, garlic, asparagus, etc) or fresh canned peaches or something of that nature?
Would I enjoy it? Absolutely! Would it get through customs? Not a chance in hell!
Do you prefer color or white photographs? Nature or abstract?
Depends on the photograph. I love either.
would you be interested in something like this? https://lostcrates.com/how-it-works
That looks quite fascinating - yes! Yes, I would!
Amigurumi, yes or no?
No idea what it is.
I have a question! What are some of your favorite paintings? (famous or undiscovered?) Feel free to link to examples!
Anything by Mucha. It’s the Art Nouveau period that really gets me, although I love the art in a bunch of other periods, too.
If you could have an image painted for you - sky is the limit - what would it be?
Heh. I’d find someone who could do a Mucha-style portrait of Mulan, all dressed up for war. The style would be very traditional Chinese, and in bold, bright martial colours.
Name your 3 favorite scents for candles
Rose, amber, and vanilla.
Name your 3 favorite types/flavors of tea:
Chai, Earl Grey, and Osmanthus.
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8th Sept
From the Weenie Update....what are you most wanting to try?
LA CALAVERA CATRINA : The Lady of the Graveyard! Autumn leaves, wild roses, bourbon vanilla, dry chamomile, and a bouquet of bright chrysanthemums and Mexican marigolds.
LE REVENANT: A shroud of gardenia, narcissus, and sandalwood with ambrette seed, white cognac, muguet, davana, and white musk.
THE GLITTERING APPLE OF THE STARS: Heirloom Malus, ylang ylang, white and blue musks, crystallized vanilla, tiare, frangipani, and bergamot.
MUSE OF THE NIGHT: Muse of the Night, Luis Ricardo Falero.
A soft, resinous indigo musk with black currant, ylang ylang, Tunisian jasmine, opoponax, rose otto, benzoin, Tahitian vanilla bean, and opium tar.
NIGHTMARE: Vanilla-soaked linen accord with lavender, opium poppy, Moroccan jasmine, golden amber, white honey, and blackened fruit gums.
A NOCTURNAL REVERIE: Violet musk and oudh with black amber, ambergris, agarwood, black currant, dark musk, fig, and lavender incense.
HYGEIA:Red musk and red amber, sweet incense, Mysore sandalwood, tobacco absolute, golden musk, orris root, frankincense, and helichrysum.
PALLAS ATHENE: Antiqued amber, cumin, saffron, frankincense, Atlas cedar, myrrh, mandarin, Ceylon cinnamon bark, and osmanthus.
Who's into nail polish? What colors/brands?
I’d actually love a bottle of OPIs ‘Barefoot in Barcelona’. I’ve been looking for a bottle of Estee Lauder’s ‘English Toffee’ for over ten years now, but I don’t think they sell it in Australia anymore - I’m not even sure they make it! It was a wonderful pink-brown colour that looked pink in some lights and brown in others - even one of my male housemates back then noticed it.
Is there a quote (or lyric or part of a poem) that really resonates with you or is your favorite?
I presently have:
He rides across the nation
The thoroughbred of sin
He got the application
You just sent in
It needs evaluation
So let the games begin
A heinous crime, a show of force
A murder would be nice of course
Bad Horse!
Dream candle? Scent, color, type (tealight, votive, pillar, jar, etc.), throw...
Really thick roses. Although I don’t really need any candles right now.
Do you like knitted goodies? If so, what would you like and what colors?
Ooh. A scarf or socks are always good! In red-purple, or blue - maybe blue and gold?
Would you be interested in homemade edibles that are NOT sweets? Any specifics?
Interested, yes! Would they get through customs...probably not.
What GC do you live in mortal terror of the lab discontinuing, but never get around to buying?
None really.
Yo, yarnies! Do you Ravelry? If so, who are you over thar?
Not a yarnie and I don’t Ravelry.
Social Media?
Mostly Twitter these days, Blogspot, some LiveJournal - mostly for fannish stuff and a little RL.
Do you have wishlists for non-BPAL e-tailers? And if so, could you provide a link or a list?
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/tielan/favorites?ref=si_fav
Witchee, do you use a PC or a Mac?
PC - Samsung NC20 netbook
What is your favorite animal?
Dragon! But in RL, a cat. So independent and fluffy and adorable. And I miss my cat who died four months ago.
What are you going to be for Halloween?
I haven’t decided, but an American friend is holding a Halloween party here in Sydney so I have to think of something to go as!
If you could have a piece of oil painting jewelry (pendant, pair of earrings, or ring) with absolutely anything painted on it, what would it be?
Poppies. Bright red with thick black centres, brilliant and bobbing.
How do you feel about nick-knacks?
Got too many of them already, would prefer not to have any more.
What traditions (family, holiday, or otherwise) are important to you?
Christmas - traditionally when we get to see the relatives and cousins with whom we’re close.
Do you like going to the movies?
Not really. I like watching things with people, though, so I’ll invite people over for movie days or TV show days.
What are your favorite restaurants?
I rather like the high-end fusion-y ones - but anything that has sharp, crisp flavours or thick, melding spices blended together.
Do you play any video games?
...does Angry Birds count?
Do you like any anime?
Not really. I love the design and graphics of them, I just never found anything to hook me in.
Do you have an E-reader/iPad/something similar that you need a cover/case for?
Ooh, yes! I have a Sony E-Reader 350.
how much do you like jewelry? like, if you were to get a shit ton of it during the round, how excited would you be?
I love jewellery! Unfortunately, I usually forget to wear it. So unless it’s fine filigree steelwork flowers, I’m not likely to be wearing it.
How would you like to receive some of your Witch's favorite recipes, tailored to your likes/dietary restrictions? And specific wants?
I would love it! I love to cook!
Do you need any boxes to store your smellies in? What would you store in said hypothetical box--imps, bottles, supplies, all of the above?
Not in need of any boxes - I can paint and decorate my own boxes.
Muppets: yea or nay?
Yay!
Do you have an affinity for Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, The Far Side, and other comic strips? If so, which is your favorite?
Calvin and Hobbes, oh yes! And I love The Far Side’s dry take on ridiculousness. Oh, I recommend B&E
Favorite Mythological Creature?:
Dragon! Specifically the Chinese dragon, but dragons generally.
Do you like hair things barrettes, headbands, flowers
Not really, unless they’re very unusual...
9th Sept
Do you like to burn incense? If so, what are your favorite kinds...sticks? cones? resins? What are your favorite scents?
I’m not much of an incense burner.
- Harry Potter - a fan? If so, what house are you?
Yes, I guess. At least, I’ve writtne fanfiction for it. Probably Ravenclaw. Possibly Slytherin - I have a ruthless and cunning streak to me that’s rather practical and bloodless.
- If you were to receive a gift card, what places would you like to get one from?
Something I could use in Australia? I’d rather not receive a gift card, actually. It’s very bloodless - I’d rather something that you’d put time and effort and thought into.
Is there a particular myth/folktale/legend/fairytale/godstory that you're drawn to?
Persephone in the Underworld: how did a daughter of daylight come to live in the darkness with Hades? Did she come to love/desire him as he wooed her? What did she think as she walked in the fields of the dead and met with the heroes of old, saw the forgetful and lost in the Fields of Lethe, watched the punishments meted out in the Pit of Tartarus?
If you RP, tabletop, forum, or otherwise... Do you have any original characters you'd like to see art of? If so, please give information! Even if it's a link to a web page or a profile or picture!
I write characters, but I don’t want art of them.
If you could see anything, what would it be? Can be a person, an event, a landmark or monument, an object, etc. And it doesn't have to be on this planet, or in this time period, or in this reality!
I’d like to fly on a dragon in the skies of Pern. Or travel to Atlantis through the Stargate in Cheyenne Mountain. I’d like to fly a Viper Mark II from the Galactica’s flight deck. Or stand on the observation deck of the Justice League’s Watchtower...
When you are having a really rough day, what do you like to do/have to make it a little brighter?
Snuggle down under a comfy quilt, read a familiar, happy novel or story with chocolate to hand - or something buttery and pastry-y.
What are your thoughts on comics? Any you like? Any you have been wanting to try? Favorite characters?
I used to read the X-Men range - from around 1997-2001. I loved Jean Grey and Jean/Scott, Rogue and Rogue/Gambit, and Ororo and Ororo/Forge. Around 2004, I started watching the animated series of Justice League and fell in love with Wonder Woman and Batman and Bats/Wondy. I never really got into the comics, but I do love the characters and the fanfic that gets written about the animated versions of the Justice League. Oh, and I love the Batclan, with Babs as Oracle and Cass Cain as Batgirl and...see, this is why you should never get me started in comic books!
Basically, I love the female superhero characters.
Are you musical? Do you play an instrument, and if so, what? If not, what do you wish you could play or do?
I guess I am. I did 10 years of piano, 6 years of flute, and 2 years of tuba. Not sure I could play the tuba anymore, but I’ve always wanted to learn oboe! I love classical music - specifically symphonic stuff in the ‘Classical’ or ‘Romantic’ periods - although stuff for Concert Bands are pretty amazing.
Does anyone garden? And if you do, what do you grow? If not, would a starter garden kit be something you'd be interested in?
Okay, I love gardening - I’m planning on starting a Permaculture garden with chickens, a wormfarm (already have) and compost - but there’s no point in sending me a starter garden kit, because Australia is draconian about what’s allowed into the country and seeds are definitely a no-no.
However, some Australian seed sites are:
Do you decorate for Halloween? Is your decorating taste elegant, kitschy and fun, or scary?
In Australia, so we don’t really have Halloween. However, if you want to open a conversation with me about possible costumes, I’d be happy to talk!
Witchee, do you have any symbols or totems that have special meaning for you?
The dragon is my ‘totem’ - I was born in the Chinese year of the Fire Dragon, under the Western zodiacal sign of Leo. My mum got me a personal chop with my Chinese Name on it, and a dragon engraved into the side.
Is anyone fond of programs like Adopt a Tree/Highway/Library/Manatee/Acre of Rainforest/etc?:
I believe in programs like Kiva - and the philosophy of The Saviour Of The World Is A Twelve Year-Old Girl.
10th Sept
What #1 actor, director, author and/or musician are you obsessed with?
None, really. I tend to like individual works, or admire certain people - Joss Whedon and Terry Pratchett in the drama/comedy realms of TV and books (respectively) are kind of amazing, and JJ Abrams shows are MADE OF EVIL TWISTEDNESS AND ANGST, plus I adore certain female actresses (Rachel Luttrell, Grace Park, Agam Darshi, and Zoe Saldana comes to mind), mostly because they’re so often given so little to work with, but do they work it, baby? Oh yes, baby, they work it!
But I wouldn’t say ‘obsessed’...
are you interested in anything from the Villainness Bad Apples update?
Nope. Never collected Villainess and trying not to add to the BPAL collection.
If you have a pet, would he/she/they like to receive a treat or a toy as a gift? Does your pet have any dietary restrictions or other preferences w.r.t. said treat?
My cat died earlier this year and we haven’t gotten around to getting a new one. So, no, no pet things please.
What are your top three "I want to try them but I think I'll never get to try them" (or, "I've tried them and I want moar moar moar, but I don't think I'll ever get any") scents/bath oils/sprays?
Oh geeze. Parker Lily, Aqua Vitae V2, and Stargazer Lily SN. Yes, I know.
Is there a particular artist and piece that you would like a print of? If so, what is your max size that you could spare on your walls?
Almost anything by Alphonse Mucha.
If you are in to beauty and makeup related stuff, what kind of stuff do you like? What is your skintone and hair color? Are there any beauty products you've wanted to try but just never purchase?
I suck at makeup. I buy it and forget to use it, and then just end up using very basic black and gold eyeliner. That’s about it.
Do you like coffee or tea? Would you be interested in trying some different types?
Coffee, yes. Tea...you have to be really careful - any kind of viable seeds will get the package torn apart by Australian customs. I once had them pull apart a ‘green apple tea’ teabag by Twinings cos they thought it might have viable apple seeds in it.
Are there any CDs/Albums you've been wanting but haven't bought yet? What format do you prefer? (i.e. mp3, actual cd, record, etc)
I haven’t bought CDs/albums in years.
Are you going away for any part of this round?
Nope.
Would you like to receive a mix-CD from your Witch?
Ooh, yes, please! That’s how I tend to get most of my music these days - someone making me a mix-CD!
If your witch were going somewhere on a vacation during the round, would you want a little souvenir?
Postcards only - I have no real need of knick-knacks to clutter up the already-cluttered room!
Do you enjoy any outdoor activities? Do you have a favorite form of "exercise"?
Hockey! (That’s ‘field hockey’ to the Yanks and Canuckistanis. We’re not big on ice hockey down here.) I play in a local hockey competition during the winter (it’s too hot in summer), and a short summer hockey competition in late spring/early summer. I regularly go to the gym - at least twice a week, sometimes three, and I’m thinking of upping it to four. I mostly do Body Pump, which is great for not only burning fat, but also strengthening muscle. When hockey stops, I’ll take up Body Jam which is a choreographed dance class, and now that there’s a Body Step class available, I think I might take one of those, too.
Any witchee's with a ravelry account have any favourited patterns that cost money that would be a welcome gift?
Not a knitter. I can do (roughly) rectangular things like scarves, but not much more. (Admittedly, I’ve never tried.)
Do you work/study at a desk and enjoy interesting or cute office supplies?
Post it notes! Pretty letter paper! Funky A4-size sheets on which you can print out (or write out) letters. I love stationary.
Witchee, are you a fan of musicals? If so, which ones?
Oh yes, I’m a fan of musicals!
Wicked is definitely one of the best, but I have soft spots for Chicago, most Disney musicals, Mamma Mia, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis...oh, so many musicals over the years! Oh, yeah, and almost any showtune sung on Glee... (They make the damn things so catchy - I download the songs...I don’t even watch the show!)
Blu-ray or DVD?
Either/or. We have a Blu-ray player...we don't use it much.
Game systems - console or computer? Mac/PC? Which console?
Neither really, although we’re a PC household.
Are you dressing up for Halloween and if so do you need any accessories for if?
I’m in Australia, so we don’t really do Halloween, but some of the neighbourhood kids were trick or treating last year, just after we’d moved in, and I mentioned to my sister that we might receive trick-or-treaters this year. So we’re going to see about maybe setting something up this year. I have a rather nice Victorian/Edwardian dress in dark grey, with the appropriate dress up bits, and I have a bowler-esque hat with a teeny tiny feather in it. I'd kind of like something more elaborate.
This is the pic of me in the dress back at Dragon*Con this year. Sorry about the awful white balance (or lack thereof). And I didn't have the hat with me at the time.
Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles?
Ooh! Alas, any bags which I like are either ridic big or ridic expensive. (I’m sorry, dear Switch Witch, I have really expensive tastes) But for examples of bags I like, try these:
The Amy Butler Weekender Bag
The 241 Tote by NoodleHead:
Both these versions were made by my friend Angie at GnomeAngel.com – I have the pattern for the 241 but I haven’t yet made it. Haven’t even bothered looking at making the Weekender Bag…
Sew Sweetness is a designer who designs some lovely bags – I have a few of her pattern but, again, haven’t yet actually tried making them…
The Aeroplane Bag:
The Tudor Bag:
As you can see, I’m a fan of large-sized tote-like bags, suitable to put everything into.
What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such?
Right now, I’m pretty entrenched in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, although that may change within the year. My favourite character is Maria Hill, then Melinda May, Skye, Helen Cho, Pepper Potts, with Wanda Maximoff, Jane Foster, Peggy Carter, and Natasha Romanoff after. I don’t particularly like Darcy Lewis – possibly the only person in the known universe who doesn’t.
What are you planning to order from the Weenies update?
I’ve joined a decant circle for the things I’d like.
The Last Huzzah of the NY Renaissance Faire happens this weekend and I'm going! Is there anything you might want? (Besides a turkey leg, which won't ship well!)
I have no idea what you get at NY RenFaires. And I suspect the weekend has already passed by and gone, so… Thanks. But, yeah, nope.
Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read?
I do! I wouldn’t say no to the ‘filler’ pieces for the MCU, although none of them have Maria Hill (my favourite character in the cinematic universe – and yes, I know she’s in Civil War comics and X-Men and plenty of other titles, but I’m in the MCU and I came to the character from the MCU, not the comics.)
Do you like fanfic? Would you like a story written for you as part of your gift? What characters/fandoms/pairings etc do you like?
I would love fanfic. Except my favourite character is Maria Hill, and my favourite pairing is Maria Hill/Steve Rogers, and if you can write that, then I already know you, because there are only, oh, about 10 of us writing it at AO3.
Where do you have wishlists at? If you could please link to them or to a post that links to them. (Amazon, Etsy, Think Geek, Pinterest, Sephora, Lush, BPAL/BPTP, Soap Box Company, everywhere and anywhere!)
Amazon: http://amzn.com/w/1113OJE2Y6CS4
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/au/people/tielan/favorites
Book Depository:
Let's say you have indicated interest in receiving a hand knitted item. What colors, exactly, do you like? If you could provide color swatches here or to pinterest (or something visual), that would help out a lot.
Sox! Anything bright and colourful is good!
Would you rather receive a bunch of little packages through the round, a couple of medium packages, or one big package at the end?
Whatever is easiest for you, dear Witch!
For those of us with out-of-country Witchees, would you be happy with receiving a few packages from local to you merchants (say, through Etsy or equivalent)?
I can do that. I’d like at least one card/letter from you, however!
Would Witchees like something from IKEA? (Or any other not always accessible by everyone store?)
No, thanks. We have an IKEA pretty close, and I need to go back for some stuff.
If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline?
It used to be ‘bookstores’, but these days it tends to be “the store with the thing I came to get”. I shop very directly – a little window shopping, but mostly I’m here to pick up groceries, or get a new dress, or buy a new computer. I’m here for something; I get it, and then I get out.
Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)?
Nope. I think they’re mostly centered in the US and I don’t really end up using the things that get sent in such boxes. But they do look very pretty!
Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents?
We don’t do tarts or incense, although my sister LOVES candles. (I kind of expect her to burn the house down someday.) I like candles, I just don’t generally light them very often.
Is there anything you wish you could have picked up from the Dragon*Con exclusives?
No. I was at Dragon*Con and I looked over the stall but didn’t end up getting anything.
Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet?
Nope. Sorry!
The questionnaire asked about gold & silver jewelry, but how do you feel about copper jewelry? Do you like colorful jewelry, or do you prefer to keep it neutral?
I love copper jewellery, have no problem with it. And I love colourful things. I can’t promise I’ll wear them, but I’ll try!
We asked about decorating style, but are you interested in receiving decorations for your home? Are you interested in things that go on the wall or things that go on shelves?
No, thanks. We have no wallspace left, and two adorable kitteh (Maladicta and Smokey) who jump on anything that isn’t nailed down, and wrestle it to death. (Smokey does, anyway; Maladicta waits until Smokey has checked that it’s okay to kick and pummel, and then she takes a turn when Smokey gets bored.)
Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites?
I shouldn’t. I have crazy numbers of pens, pencils, and journals. But I will ask for some nice letterstock. I try to write to my cousin once a week – she has breast cancer and things aren’t looking good. She can’t always answer emails or FB, but she likes receiving regular letters, so I try to remember to write her once a week. (I’ve been really bad at the regularity thing.)
Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place?
Ankle socks, please. Cotton rather than wool, and bright colours would be nice. (Most of my socks are very staid.)
I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free?
ALL OF THE ABOVE. I love chewy caramels, nuts, fruity gums/jellies, and sours. I prefer dark chocolate, but a good quality white chocolate is a beautiful thing. I love truffles and pastille-filled chocolates and turtles and marzipan and…
Don’t bother with sugar-free. If I’m going to go sugar-free, I’ll have a salad. (Mmm…salaaaaadd….)
How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc.
No, thanks. It’s not my style.
Are you interested in receiving any restaurant.com gift certificates for your area?
Thanks, but no.
How do you feel about "toys" - stuffed animals and the like?
Well, my cats love the beanie babies. I have a lemming called ‘Daniel’, a polar bear called ‘Aurora’, a bear called ‘Parka’, ,and an unnamed lemur. I also have a pony called ‘Teyla’, an unnamed Pittsburgh Steelers bear, and a yellow duck that was supposed to be a hot water bottle cover before Smokey decided he made an adequate resting place (‘Ducky’), and they all get dragged around the house, ending up in peculiar places (usually outside closed doors) because the cat has dragged them there as an offering to mummeh (who is steadfastly ignoring them in order to get Things Done).
I think these were decants from the Yules and Portraits:
Discarded at first sniff Portrait of an Unidentified Man as Mphistopheles Liebeszauber Satan starting from the touch of Ithurle's spear Second Spring Meus Amor Aeternus Apple Cider Candied Apple La Femme De Satan
Try on skin The Magic Cicle The White Witch The Sorceres Depart Pour Le Sabbat Blood and Judgement Well Commingled en garde the worst pill, once upon a time
how do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com?
I'm a member of Craftsy and I have a few classes there, but I keep forgetting to actually take them.
What do we want from Paintbox Soapworks?
Nothing, please.
If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame that hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer?
Hangs. I'd find somewhere to put it.
How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows?
I think it was someone on this forum who got me into gourmet marshmallows. *shakes fist vaguely at them* So delicious! So expensive!
Are you a slatherer or a dabber?
I would love to be a slatherer, but my skin can't take it. And the best notes on me are musks and ambers. The last time I slathered myself (Red Lantern; it was amazing) I came up in rashes for the next week. It didn't help that I was on holiday in the hot wet of Vietnam after the cold dry winter that Sydney had been experiencing.
Talk to me, dear witchies, about tea. I know we've covered this a little, but I really need the nitty gritty here- not just companies you like and don't like (Teavana? Adagio? David's? Some tiny place?) but I also want to know the other stuff: top 3 flavors, loose or bagged, the kinds of tea accessories you use- or have always wanted. Be specific. Provide links if necessary.
A few years back, I got an Adagio sample set of a Firefly tea set. It was WONDERFUL. And expensive. I certainly don't expect that. (I should order some of that myself, really.) I love black tea, flavoured and scented. Something that works with milk/cream and honey/brown sugar. (And I mean real milk/cream, none of this 'creamer' stuff. For the Americans: think of me as the kind of person who takes half-and-half with her tea, and stirs in a spoonful of honey - the tea is brewed strong and black and the cup is only half-full with it - the other half is the milky stuff. That's my kind of tea. (Yes, I'm a weird tea person.)
Top three flavours? Earl Grey English Breakfast Lapsang Souchang
Is there anything from ThinkGeek that you want??? (especially in the geek points section, 2400 points or under?)
That squirming tentacle USB! The Death Star ice cube mold! The Newton's Cradle Fridge Magnet!
I admit, I've always wanted the "all edges brownie pan". Must get that sometime.
What is your BPAL "Holy Grail"?
I don’t think I have one. Most of the time if I want something, I go hunting for it and I buy it. So I have ridiculous rares which I paid ridiculous amounts for, but…I have them.
Maybe some more aged Madame Moriarty? But I could just buy some now and hold onto it for a few years so…
Analog or Digital? Or Both?
Digital. Mostly.
What scents from other perfume companies are you really wanting to have in your collection and or are just really wanting to test? Companies like NAVA, Arcana, Solstice Scents, Possets, Haus of Gloi etc.....?
I’m BPAL only.
Do you have an affinity for any specific animals?
Cats and Dragons.
Kitchen Needs or Wants?
Hm. A new basting brush would be lovely.
Makeup! Do you like it, would you want some? If so what brands do you like to wear?
I like makeup, but I have all the stuff I can handle (and it’s rather more than I even bother using most of the time): I’m an ‘eyeliner and lip gloss at most’ kind of woman.
Chocolate fiends ahoy! What kind of chocolate do you like? Do you like any other things in it or just plain good ole chocolate?
Dark chocolate, up to 85%, with fruit. Single origin cocoa beans make a world of difference to the flavour! And we have no trouble getting Lindt or other Swiss/Belgian brands here in Australia – but I’d be interested in US-based darks and single-origins (if you can afford it; if you can’t, really, don’t push yourself out!)
Would you be opposed to receiving a ton of Halloween themed items?
A ton? No. A few? I can do that. I’m still debating my feelings about things like Candy Corn and Halloween Peeps, though!
Would you be interested in any special little thing I might be able to pick up from the Great Lakes Bat Festival this Saturday? Both Janell Cannon (author of Stellaluna and other kids' books) and Fiona Reid (illustrator for lots of animal field guides) will be there, so would you possibly be interested in something like an autographed copy of Stellaluna or one of Cannon's or Reid's other books? Or something from the Organization for Bat Conservation, like a shirt or other swag?
Hm. I have various friends with kids, so if you don’t mind me passing it on to those kids, I’m happy to gift them on! Otherwise, don’t worry.
What items from the Weenie update interest you, should you have to option of getting anything as a gift from your Witch??? Would you be ok with decants, or bottles?
I’m getting decants of these in a circle:
The White Witch 2015
The Sorceress
The Magic Circle
Départ Pour Le Sabbat (Aufbruch Zum Hexensabbat)
Liebeszauber
La Femme de Satan
Portrait of an unidentified man as mephistopheles
Satan Starting from the Touch of Ithuriel’s Spear
Second spring
I pretty much went through looking for red musks and ambers.
And contemplating getting this in a bottle, although I'd like at least one decant...
Candied Apple SN
What's your favorite scary movie?
I don’t do scary movies. Not even mock-scary.
I have a ridiculous number of imps, gleaned over the course of three or four years of buying ,swapping, and collecting.
Tried this evening from the bottles:
- Peacock Queen: faded really fast
- Silentium Amortis: same
Onto the sale pile, I think.
A couple of imps that faded really fast and I put them in the 'sale/giveaway' pile.
And then a few of the stronger rare scents.
- Doc Buzzard: I'm liking the woody/amber smell - it is a very masculine scent. Doesn't change much once it's on my skin.
And it's HTF so of course this one would suit me. I'll have to see if anyone would swap for a Storyville, or maybe a Voodoo Queen
- Gypsy Queen: found an imp of it - naturally, after I'd sold the bottle: not as good a scent as Doc Buzzard, more subtle, incensy, but it's fading to green. Wait, the amber's coming back in again. A bit more subtle than I like. I'd rather the steady solidity of Doc Buzzard.
I've decided I'm not going to keep things just for their rarity. If i can swap them for things that suit me, so much the better.
I did find half an imp of Formula 54. It's rather nice. But, frankly, I have buckleys of getting that...
L'Essence de le Ardeur - roses that turn to powder on my skin - sell.
Joyful Moon - very delicate, fruity/floral - I like how it starts and I have a fondness for this so I'm keeping it.
Seraglio - starts off almond turns to roses and musk pretty fast, but not powdery roses.
Black Death - tobacco, musk, heavy scent, rather masculine, but I don't think it's worth keeping.
To try:
Summer Lace
Mourning Lace
Black Silk
About Midnight - Judgement rendered: vanillic sandalwood, holy balsam, cedar, and frankincense.
Upon Man and Upon Beast - Dry patchouli and white sandalwood oozing with lesions of labdanum, wet red cherry, and opoponax.
A Very Grievous Murraine - Brown musk, myrrh, and sun-baked leather afflicted by splotches of saffron and red musk.
All the Dust of the Land - An infestation of Ceylon cinnamon bark, black patchouli, tonka absolute, bitter almond, and frankincense.
Solid Wants:
7th October
Would you like to receive international magazines, even if you don't speak the language it's written in, just to ogle the pictures or for the novelty of it? If yes, what kind of magazines, or what magazines in particular?
Vogue Italia! Vogue Italia!
would you have interest in any of the new Christmas stuff from Lush?
Not really. I think I still have a box of Lush stuff from my stepbro last Christmas...
Oh, witchee-poo... if there was one bottle you could have from the NYCC exclusives, what would it be?
British Blondes
If someone were to make you one of the items in this post which would it be?
#3 or #4
If you were my witchee, would you mind a gift certificate where you'd have to do it old school style and mail it in with your order form?
I don't know if they'd accept gift certs for postage to Australia.
Do you have a preferred weight of yarn to work in? Lace, sock, worsted, bulky, handspun with variation?
Lace or homespun!
Anyone like little seasonal decorative wreaths? Like gravevine wreaths embellished with silk flora, etc.?
No, thank you. Terrible dust magnets.
Do any witchees need a Snuggie?
No thanks.
So, who here loves pomegranates? Are the good as a fruit, a flavoring or just a scent?
Fruit and flavouring, and I rather like Persephone, although I've ordered the Pomegranate patch just to see. And I love the legend of Persephone.
Haunt Update?
No.
Villainess has an update. Anyone wanting anything from it?
No, thanks.
how are all the witchees fixed for purses--lunchbags, etc?
I could actually do with another purse. (Have I already said this?) My main satchel is growing corner-worn.
Now, I have a question for you. About notes. Which are your favourite ones? Do you have a kind of "note top ten?" Anything that works particularly well on you? Do you have a perfume category (foody, floral, aquatic, musky) that you favour? And are there any notes you have never tried, but think would work well on you?
Ambers, lighter musks, with a dash of heavy floral - deep rose, narcissus, lavendar, lilac, etc.. Bay rum seems to work really well on me, and vanilla bourbon, too. I tend to like the resinous scents best - they last on my skin the longest.
Would you like a sugar skull decorated by your witch? Or do you like sugar skull stuff in general?
I...don't know. I've never gotten sugar skull stuff before!
1st October
Is there one scent that is your goto for comfort on a bad stressful day? Like the perfume equivilent of a security blankie?
Not really, although I'm thinking that my imp of Marquis de Carabas (heavy on the bay rum!) is rapidly becoming it. Panther Moon might, too - except for the rash that tends to develop. And I'm really quite liking the incense-y scent of All Saints 2010
What are you going to be for Halloween?
Hadn't thought about it. Halloween isn't big here, although I've been invited to a Halloween party by a BPAL friend, but I think another friend is celebrating her birthday the same night. I'll have to work out what, either way.
If you could make a scent that represents where you live (or have lived), what would be the ingredients?
Sydney - hot summer sun baking the ground with the faint damp scent of eucalypts, and a sea breeze sleeking through the air.
Are you in need of Roller bottles or anything of the like?
Not really, thanks.
Just curious, but if your witch was to make an amigurumi critter (or other plushie) just for you, what would it be?
OOH! PLUSHIE! Not fussed about what kind.
Would you want a local/tourist item from your witch? Like a t-shirt, mug or shot glass?
Hee. Yes, please! Mugs and shot glasses always welcome!
Last Unicorn?
The book, the movie...is it a scent range now?
Who is your fav Disney Villian/villianess? How about hero/herione? (doesn't have to be specifically Disney though)
I don't know that I have a favourite Disney Villain. Ursula, probably, because she sings so delightfully.
Heroine is definitely Mulan. Girl saves China! And doesn't get the guy! (Not explicitly, anyway.)
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?
I don't collect them, although they're beautiful. I could probably make hanging things out of them if I had a little time and the inclination. It's finding the time and inclination that's the tricky part...
What's your favorite Halloween Music?
Don't really have any favourite Halloween music - Halloween isn't big on the list of times of year to celebrate.
If you could get any one thing hand-painted from your witch, what would it be and what would be on it?
A box for keeping my BPAL in
Would you (assumin' you're a yarnie) be interested in a naturally-dyed yarn that's designed to very gradually fade with washing?
Ooh. Yes, I would - and I'm not even a yarnie!
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.
Uh. The HUUUUUGE box of stuff my Witch from last year's Summer round gave me! *hugs Anita* With all kinds of stuff in it!
24th September
Do you have a deviantart print wishlist or favourites list?
No! I didn't even know you could have them - although it stands to reason, I suppose.
Is there anything from Blooddrop that you want to try? GC? Halloween update?
I'm afraid I only really collect BPAL and that's more than enough.
What kind of shoes do you need/want? What size shoes do you wear? Would you mind gently used shoes?
You know, I'd *love* gently-used shoes - crazy silly high-heels in ridiculous colours and styles that shouldn't be seen outside of a bordello. But I imagine the postage would be ridicuously prohibitive.
Do you like paper dolls (new or vintage) or coloring in books?
I do, but I don't really need something else to clutter my room.
Do you like weird scary things as traditionally girly fashion items like heels and handbags?
Not particularly. I'm generally quite boringly classic when it comes to style. Sometimes I think I should spice up my wardrobe with a few unusual items while the rest is simple classic.
What song is on heavy rotation for you right now?
"Don't Rain On My Parade" as performed by Lea Michele from Glee. I just love the determined defiance of the song, and Lea has a gorgeous voice.
Are you coveting any of the NYCC atmospheric sprays?
Not really. I don't use them that much. Although samples would always be nice.
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 think I'd like to pass on the garlic, thanks.
Can I talk to you about the living dead? How do you feel about Zombies?
Not crash hot on the Zombie genre.
How many bottles of BPAL do you have?
One, two, many, LOTS... Um, at least 50, probably over 80.
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?
I'd rather like to join a Zumba class, but I like my regular Body Pump classes for workouts. I probably wouldn't mind a pair of yoga pants but I have no idea of my size.
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.
What's your take on homemade apple butter? Want some?
Oh, gosh, YES. Unfortunately, that small pesky thing about transport time and customs processing.
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?
Oh yes, I read fantasy! All kinds and types, although the epic ones are my favourites. Strong female lead characters with political chicanery all around them:
- Melanie Rawn's 'Dragon Prince/Star' - and her 'Exiles' series;
- Elizabeth Moon's 'Serrano Legacy' (although her anti-Muslim rant saddened me greatly);
- Jacqueline Carey's 'Kushiel' series - particularly with Phedre no Delaunay;
- Jo Graham's 'Numinous world' series and the characters in them: Gull, Charmian, Cleopatra, Iras;
- Terry Pratchett - all his books, particularly the ones with the witches, the guards, and Death.
- Mike Shepherd's 'Kris Longknife' series - sci-fi/fantasy with technoscience and politics
Soaps : do you like them? What brands? What scents? Anything you're dying to try?
I don't mind testing slivers - full soaps tend to be a bit much. My skin can sometimes react adversely with certain oils and scents, and so I usually use an unscented medical wash.
I wondered if my witch or any witch would enjoy things like nice pens to draw with or anything similar?
No pens. I love pencils and paints and such, but I'm well-stocked and not in need of anything.
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.?
Not really a yarnie, and since I already have several boxes full of materials for quilts already, I'd rather not add to it...
Did someone ask about incense yet? Would you like some? Something to store or burn it in? What scents? What form?
No incense, please.
Who likes hair toys, and if so what kind?
Maybe one silly hair toy. But not too much. I have plenty of 'stuff' and am trying to avoid collecting any more.
Does any art we may send need to be child safe, either in the actually safe sense or the non X rated sense?
Nope.
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 warmers, gloves, socks, or a hat. (I'd be tickled if I got one with the flaps like Jayne Cobb's in 'Firefly'.)
How do you feel about altered/recycled/upcycled items of clothing or accessories?
Love it.
What is your favourite habitat and climate to live in? How about to visit? (ie. forest, canyons, mountains, by the beach; temperate, tropical...)
Temperate in the hills with forest, tropical down by the beach, summer hiking in the mountains. But I'm not so good with the hammering heat of the desert.
What do you wish you could make/craft if you had the know-how and supplies? Specifically, which particular items?
I always think I should learn to knit something other than a scarf or a rectangular item.
Am I alone in this, or is there a Book Fair/Comic Con scent you're dying to get your paws on, too?
Sibyl. OMG. Sibyl. But, yeah, everyone else wants this too, so, yeah, not too likely.
Are there any particular movies, tv shows or cd’s that you’ve been meaning to buy for years but just never got round to getting? Would you mind a gently used dvd/cd if your witch had it or could get it??
There are heaps of movies and DVDs and TV shows I intend to watch. And...I haven't watched any of them. I'm kinda flat out and I never seem to have the time for sitting down and watching something through.
Would you like a custom/altered toy either from a seller or from your witch (like My Little Pony, or a Barbie or any particular toy that can be changed?)
Oh wow. YES.
Do you like the candy apple, candy corn or pumpkin spice kisses?
Ooh. Yes! They sound delicious and we don't get them here at all!
Which web comics do you enjoy?
Any that I get around to reading. XKCD, mostly.
If I were to knit a scarf, would you prefer a skinny one, or a wide one? A short one, that when wrapped once around your neck will just tuck under your jacket, or a long one, at least to your waist?
Wide and long by preference. And not made of wool. I'm beginning to think I may have a wool allergy like my sister, although not as bad as hers.
How do you feel about recipes?
Would be AWESOME. I love other people's recipes - particularly their 'local', 'homemade' or 'family tradition' ones. I'd share my mother's steamed fish, her bolognaise sauce, her stewed pork belly, her tomato-and-egg beef, her strawberry mousse; my grandmother's garlic-and-chilli water spinach, and my smoked tea eggs. (We like our food in our family, we do!)
What kind of a cook/baker are you?
Pretty good. Not Masterchef class, but decent enough to put a meal on the table.
Are you happiest calling for delivery or microwaving a lean cuisine, Or will Food Network be asking you to host their new program?
I prefer home cooking. Although it's nice to eat out at a fancy restaurant - they often think of food combinations that I'd never consider in the kitchen.
If I send you something home made would you like the reciepe for it?
See above. Yes, yes, yes, yes, and YES.
If you are someone who doesn't want baked goods sent, would you like a collection of some of my favorite recipes?
...I think I've answered this in the previous five questions!
How about home made mixes or kits? Kind of like the cookie in a jar thing, where you would need to add the perishable ingredients?
Probably not a good idea. Customs once confiscated a box of cornbread mix because it contained dried egg. Australia has very stringent customs and excise laws, and anything with seeds, or which might contain something that could bear disease isn't an option. *is sad* I wanted that cornbread mix!
if you are a tea lover, what are your flavor preferences? Green? Black? Herbal (I know, technically those are NOT teas, but tisanes)? Flavored blacks/greens?
Black. Except that I have lots of teas and forget to drink most of them.
--
Original post
OK, I know that lots of folks love socks. Do you have a preference of length? Materials? Patterns?
If you're making them, then anklets are fine. I love hand-made socks for padding around the house in spring when it's too warm for uggs, but still too cold for bare feet!
Dream Costume.
A steampunk angel in a red velvet dress circa early 1900s, with lace collar and hat, and skeleton wings that actually unfold. Or Maleficient.
How do you feel about recipes? If I send you something home made would you like the recipe for it? How about home made mixes or kits?
Recipes are great! Food is not. Australia has really stiff customs laws - even loose tea is suspect. I once had a box of cornbread mix confiscated because it contained dried egg products. So, the recipe would be great; the actual food...not so much.
Would you enjoy homemade bath products (bath salts, fizzies, etc.) and/or linen sprays? Esp. if scented with some of your favorite BPAL scents?
No. Much as I love BPAL, I kinda have more bath and linen products than I can comfortably use.
For holidays, do you decorate? Would you like decorative stuff, weenie or otherwise? If so, do you lean towards the elegant, the crafty/folksy, or the more, erm, campy?
We don't generally decorate, but if we were going to, we prefer the crafty. Campy is completely out!
What interests you from the latest lab update?
Everything? I actually ordered a decant of everything from the update! But I didn't have a chance to order the t-shirt before the order went in so...right now, just the t-shirts!
Find your iPod (or other MP3 device), put it on shuffle/random. What are the first five songs to come up?
I'm away from home this week and I left my iPod at home, alas! I was looking forward to just listening to music.
Chocolate or other types of candy?
Both?
For tea drinkers, do you prefer loose leaf or tea bags?
Tea-bags. I buy loose leaf, but I never ever seem to remember to take the teapot along with me.
Is there anything you need for your kitchen, ie measuring cups, spoons, grater, ect?
Nope. We actually have several kitchens' worth of stuff.
Music, DO you prefer Live or Studio? Edited or explicit?
Studio. I don't care about the rating too much, although when ever second word is an expletive, it seems rather pointless. Swearing should be used judiciously, for effect and when things are really bad.
If you are an animal lover, is there a specific type/breed that you love most?
Cats! *cuddles her kitteh*
How do you feel about silly, funny knick-knack, dollar store stuff, stickers, magnets etc? Would you like receiving that kind of stuff or rather not?
I'd rather not. I acquire junk at a ridiculous rate, so knick-knacky stuff? Not so much.
Is there a specific book you've been wanting to get but haven't found the time or the opportunity to?
There's a whole bunch of 'em! Try either my Amazon wishlist, or my Book Depository wishlist
Do you read mangas/watch animes? Which ones? Do you have a particular favorite? Would you like to receive mangas or anything related to them?
Not into manga, thanks.
Are you open to receiving things that are not on your wishlist, maybe something your Witch thinks you might like?
Sure!
Do you like journals/notebooks/sketchbooks?
I do...but I have too many as it is!
How do you feel about stationery, like nice pens or notepaper?
Notepaper! I can always do with letter-sized sheets of paper!
Would you like homemade preserves (e.g. marinated vegies, pickled onions, chilli jam?)
If they can get through Australian customs and excise, sure!
Would you like something you have to make yourself?
Hm. Not really.
Say you were my witchee, and I found things on your wishlist that I could totally make. Would you want me to make it? Or would you rather it be purchased for you?
Whichever is easier for you. I love home-made, but I wouldn't want to put you out!
Partial bottles?
Yup!
Who is your favorite soap etailer?
Don't have one. Other than the Lab, of course!
What kind of make-up do you wear? What colors? Is there anything you'd like to try but haven't yet?
Not much. Eye-liner and lip gloss. Browns and dusky pinks mostly, a little gold about the eyes - subtle shades. And I don't generally wear that much make-up so please don't send me any - it'll just sit around doing nothing!
Lip Gloss Colors:
Browns and dusky-pinks mostly.
What about vintage decoration items, teacups, etc etc?
Ooh, Vintage decoration items!
With regards to your gifts, would you prefer your presents' awesomeness evenly spread out (several packages of pretty terrific things) over the round or a slow build-up of awesomeness (going up from pretty cool things to something super-duper cool at the end) to go out with a bang? Do you have a preference?
I wouldn't mind a few packages of terrific things. However, the cost of postage might very well require one big package at the end of the round!
Do you crave many Ecards and contact or are you okay with little contact from your Witch?
I don't mind. However, my Witch seems to be pretty high-contact so far! (Thank you for the card, oh Witch! Although, yes, the punnage was dreadful! )
If you witch made you something and it didn't come out just right, would you still want it?
Of course! It's a feature, not a bug!
If you could see one concert right now, who would it be?
Pink.
Do you like maple sugar candy?
Yep!
Do you have a place where you list all the BPAL you have or have tried?
I have a spreadsheet, but I've been a bit lax about updating it for the last six months.
What is your position on the chocolate & bacon flavor combination?
YUCK!
Go to your spice cabinet, what are the three most used spices?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom.
Microsoft or Apple?
Not bothered. Most of my stuff is PC rather than Apple, but Apple does have some nifty gadgets in the iRange of stuff. However my open-source soul objects to their proprietary formats.
Where was your last vacation? What did you like most?
Canada for my birthday earlier this year! And I really loved catching up with the friends I hadn't seen in a long time. And having dinner with them at a nice restaurant. With Canadian salmon. Oh man that salmon was delish!
Would you appreciate receiving handwritten letters and/or postcards (anonymous or not)?
Yes! Oh yes, please!
Would you like a tea cozy?
Hee! It would be cute, but my teapots are all the wrong size! (they're the small size for two, maybe three cups of tea)
Vampires/Vampire literature:
Meljean Brooks writes really good vampire lit, but I have all her books already. What I really want to read is about a Queen of the Night who hooks up with a (male) Slayer. The alpha male/helpless female is okay most of the time, but sometimes I just want to read about a guy who likes a dominating (but not domineering) woman.
Consoles:
None. We used to have an X-box (that is to say: my stepbrother had an X-box) but I think he took it back. Oh, wait, my mother has a Wii! With a fitboard! But that's over at her house, not at ours.
Plants and flowers:
I would LOVE plants and flowers - particularly heirloom seeds. Unfortunately, Australian customs and excise would confiscate them before they got anywhere near me. So...no.
Permaculture is a private fondness of mine, although I suck at actually implementing it. I'm thinking of starting with chickens in the yard, though...
How do you feel about marzipan?:
Mmm...MARZIPAN...
If you could have 3 BPAL bottles fall (gently) out of the sky right this second that you've been looking for or pining for - which 3 would they be?:
SIBYL
Black Lace (original)
Milk Chocolate and Buttercream
Are there any international treats that you love and have a hard time finding?
Not really.
NaNoWriMo?
Almost every year since 2003. I won four years in a row and then flunked out in 2008 because I was travelling. I don't remember my excuse last year, but I'm going to do it this year! That YA novel with a female heroine from a non-European background, where the story isn't about her not being European.
Just when I thought I'd gotten out of this...
Pumpkin?
As in, actual Pumpkin or pumpkin-flavoured or pumpkin-scented?
I’m in Australia, so we’re not huge on Halloween, although I’m seriously considering it since the neighbourhood kids do a bit of trick or treating and we’d only just moved in last year… Also, anything fresh-ish isn't going to make it down here okay.
Pumpkin-flavoured is fine. Pumpkin-scented, probably not so much.
Booze?
Yes, please! (Not sure it would get through Australian customs, though!)
Want anything from Yellowstone? Be it postcards, key chains, shot glasses, pint glasses, or huckleberry what have you?
Postcards! Always will take postcards!
I know there is a question about "decorating style", but if you're comfortable, could you should us some photos of your spaces? For those of us who like to art and craft, it can be nice to have a visual sense of decorating style!
House and garden pics are in this album here.
For those of you who don't drink alcohol, can you specify if you live with any drinkers or ever have alcohol on hand for guests, vs. abstaining and preferring not to have it around at all?
I drink alcohol, so not a problem.
Are you a fan of the TV show Penny Dreadful?
Nope. Me and TV shows are not even kissing cousins. Although if you think I should watch it, I’ll try and give it a go. Keep in mind I don’t have Netflix or cable (see: in Australia), so my access is basically limited to commercial TV (I think the USians call it ‘network’), and illegal downloads.
What are your coffee and tea preferences? Do you prefer one, the other, both, or neither (and if it's neither, what about things like hot cider and cocoa)? Loose leaf or bags, whole bean or ground? Is caffeine OK? Any gadgetry you're in need of? Any brands or flavors that you particularly love, loathe, or want to try?
I love coffee – single-origin, ground, and bold if you’re inclined that way, but, really, don’t bother if you’d rather not because the stuff I like is inevitably expensive. (I have expensive tastes. This is okay, I can afford to have expensive tastes. I do not expect my Switch Witch to be able to afford it!)
I love tea, but there’s been issues before with herbal teas. Someone on the BPAL forums once sent a teabag of apple-flavoured tea by a commercial supplier, with the teabag sealed in a little pouch. Australian customs read that it was tea and opened the box. They read that the tea had seeds in it, and opened the little tea pouch. I’m kind of surprised they didn’t pick the seed out – I guess they decided that it wasn’t viable.
The short version: herbal teas with seeds in it are not kindly taken by Australian Customs and Excise. But I'd love to try your black and green and white teas! (But I recommend checking first when you buy tea that the tea company you're buying from aren't already in Australia.)
What's your sense of humor like? Do you enjoy puns? Play on words? Dirty humor? Dry humor? Who are some of your favorite comedians?
Dry, witty, droll, a touch dirty. Avoid scatological humour or things involving humiliation of minorities/underdogs - sometimes it's amusing watching ignorance, but there's always a cringe factor, too. Word plays are generally great, and situational humour. XKCD. Cunning satire - Lord of the RPGs. Damn You Autocorrect.
Do you like board games? If so, which ones? Traditional or more unique? (like Settlers of Catan, Small World, Red Dragon Inn, etc)
I love board games, but I don't play them much anymore - my friends are scattered through Sydney and we're not much for board games. If we do have weekends away, we're more likely to play games like FLUXX and Cards Against Humanity.
Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive?
We're a small house with limited space and we're still learning how to manage the space we have, so probably not any fussy knick-knacks that I'll need to put somewhere and look after, please?
Plain or fun socks?
Fun, of course!
Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about?
Finances, investment, business. I don't because it's hard going and not my mental area. But I'd like to be more fiscally aware than I am.
What one thing you would like to do more of?
Write. Garden effectively. Convert my house to be more eco-friendly: red-worm composting toilets, grey water usage for the toilet and the garden, water tanks to develop rain catchments. The house was built back in the 1960s and while it's not horrendously unconvertible, it's still pretty difficult and expensive.
What are some things that fascinate you? Or, What would you like to know more about?
...so many things not half enough time. Sorry!
Would you like any cookie butter (just to be clear, store-bought, not home-made, and does contain wheat since it's, y'know, cookie butter)?
I have no idea what cookie butter is, but I don't think it would get through Aussie Customs and Excise.
Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way?
I can't think of them right now. I love the drawn art of my friend
What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?)
I've joined a decant circle to get the scents I want.
Do you want to received knit or crocheted items? If so, could you describe or even link to a couple of items similar to what you would like to receive?
Not really, please!
Would you like anything from Lush?
I believe I covered this in the questionnaire. I love their bath bombs.
Do you prefer hand-made or store-bought?
Depends what the item is. If it's a badly made sweater, I'll take store-bought over hand-made. But if it's really nice home-made sweater, I'd much rather that!
SPICY! Scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" and 10 being "ghost pepper? scorpion pepper? I laugh at these! I love as much heat as you can throw my way!" Where are you?
I'm probably a 6 or 7 - I like to taste it - piquancy, but I want to be able to feel my tongue and mouth afterwards.
October 6th
Do you like liquorice? If so, hard or soft? Sweet or salt? Normally salted or so salt it pulls your face into a fishy shape? And which shapes do you like?
I loathe liquorice flavoured candy. Avoid! Avoid! Avoid!
Mac using witchees, what computers do you use? What peripherals/accessories do you have and what would you LIKE to have? What do you use your computer for?
I use a PC.
Do you like listening to audiobooks? Would you like to receive one, and if you would, what sort of audiobook would you like--or is there a particular audiobook you've been meaning to get?
Not huge on audiobooks, although they’re pretty neat. If you’d like to send me one, then why not? Surprise me!
[u ][b]October 5th[/b] [/u]
Are there any DIY / Crafty / Free / Budget items you'd love to get but haven't noted yet? (Or, maybe you'd just like to emphasize something you may have only noted in passing?)
Not that I can think of. Alas, my tastes run to champagne on a beer budget...
Do you own a DSLR camera? Are you interested in a minky camera strap like these? What about anything from Photojojo?
No DSLR.
Is anybody else into film photography? Interested in receiving film, supplies, etc from Lomography?
Nope.
Are you musically inclined? Do you play an instrument or sing? If so, what?
I used to play the piano, flute, and tuba. Now I just sing in church.
October 3rd
Does anyone else like collector Barbies?
I admit, I had a yen for these when I was in my twenties - and still do! I don’t mind ball-jointed-dolls, either.
What small everyday items would you like, that you keep forgetting to get?
...I can’t remember. This is why I haven’t gotten them yet. Oh, egg rings? *laughs*
Tarot
I don’t do tarot, but there’s a part of me that would love a pack if the art on them was good!
Tell me about something you like, and why you like it.
I like playing hockey (field hockey) because it’s a team sport, I can be competitive and aggressive, and yet I can gear back and just have fun too! And the women I play with are awesome and it keeps me fit!
If you're the MMU type of Witchee, what Geek Chic Cosmetics tickle your fancy?
Not an MMU type of witchee.
Would any witchees be interested inQuinn Popcorn?
Oh, why not?
October 2nd
Who likes silly items from Archie McPhee???
No idea what that is.
Nocturne Alchemy's NAlloween Pt. 2 update is live here! (And for a few days, last month's update too.) What do you want?
Nothing, please!
What are you drooling over from the Sock Dreams Halloween stuff?
Uh, nothing.
Luck charms?
Nope.
Does anyone want anything from... here...?
I want the whole shop! Unfortunately, they don’t deliver to Australia.
For those of you that like candles, do you like stuff from Yankee Candle? And if you had to choose, tarts or candles?
I rather like the Yankee Candles! And I prefer candles to tarts! I have several tarts that were gifted to me in previous Witching Rounds, but I have nothing to melt them in!
Would you be interested in getting a custom necklace fromhere?
Oh yes!
Is there a movie you want so badly that you don’t own now?
Captain America. Because it’s adorable.
Is there a song on Itunes that you haven’t downloaded yet?
Nope.
Is there a rare book you’ve always wanted?
Nope.
Is there anything you want to buy yourself but have been too embarrassed (R rated or pg)?
Nope.
Have you seen the Lush holiday update? Do you like the look of anything from there?
Don’t follow Lush updates.
if you were my witchee, would you want some candied walnuts?
Oh man, YES!
October 1st
Is there anything you either didn't like or had never heard of that you're now curious to try thanks to the discussion in this thread?
Not that I can think of!
Reveal?
Yes, please! My last two Witches didn’t reveal themselves (at least, not that I could find in their letters/cards) and I would have liked to get to know them better.
Would you be interested in the #occupywallstreet scent?
Not really.
Love you, oh Witch!
Most recent at the top:
21st March
Pillows? What size/designs/colors would most interest you?
Square with slip-on covers in bright colours! Patched and quilted! Saturated colours, cottons, satins and silks, whatever there is! (If it's manageable, of course.)
Purses? bags? What style/colors?
I'm not much of a bag person, actually. I've used the same leather satchel-bag for the last three years and now it's starting to wear down at the corners, I'm thinking I should look for a new one. Hm.
Decorative scarves for hair and/or creative accessorizing? What colors?
Not really. I have loads of scarves and already forget to wear them all!
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 justmy favs)?
Don't know of them - haven't really heard of them I'm afraid!
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 don't mind comics, although I'm no collector. I love sci-fi-ish TV shows: Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis have been my big obsessions the last few years, and I'm just hovering on the edge of Sanctuary right now. I'm a computer programmer so I have natural geek tendencies, although I'm not heavily hardware- or platform-oriented. Linux is still 'hardcore' to me.
I would love any and all gifts my witch gave me!
What are your thoughts on comics? Any you like? Any you have been wanting to try? Favorite characters?
I used to collect Marvel comics - mostly the X-Men range - about 1997-2000. I still love the 90s X-Men and the Age Of Apocalypse storyline. (AUs FTW!) Then I moved and stopped collecting. But I still have a fondness for Jean Grey and Cyclops, Psylock (Japanese Ninja version - see? NINJAS!), Rogue (with Gambit), and Storm (African Weather Goddess version, not Halle Berry's movie version).
Around 2004, I started watching the Justice League Animated series and fell in love with the Trinity of Bats, Wondy, and Supes. Mostly Bats and Wondy, with Supes in there only if Bats is also there. I have both the Bats and Wondy 12" dolls at home. *coughs*
What types of scents do you like to scent your home? Which do you totally avoid?
Vanilla, floral, herbal. Nothing dirt or too heavy.
Do you like poetry?
Love it. Prefer classical and non-Western (with translations, since I speak only English).
How do you feel about nail polish? What colors do you like? Sparkles?
I'm very conservative with nail polishes - browns and pinks. (Pinkish browns?) Unfortunately, the Post's polishes are too dark for my regular wearing tastes, and I can't remember the OBI colour that I like.
Anything with the Worm Moon update that you're already lusting after?
The Japanese scents sound pretty nice. But I applied for a decant circle (not sure if I got in: haven't heard back)
Is there any kitchen gadgets or goods or what not that you need/want?
Cookie cutters! Always good!
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
Any fabric is good. I'm not allergic to anything - I just don't like scratchy on my skin.
--
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?
I usually just use Vaseline or The Body Shop's Hemp Lip Protector. Nothing scented or tinted. But I've got golden olive colouring, so something in the darker, browns and dusky roses shades would be better than pinks, scarlets, or oranges.
If you were able to get a vintage or prototype bottle from the upcoming West Coast Will Call, which one would you want?
...I'm tempted to say 'MB:Underpants, but I think Victorian Rose Milk sounds lovely. Otherwise, Threnody or Katharina!
DVDs, Blu-Ray, both, neither?
DVDs, yes. I think the stepfather has Blu-Ray. They certainly have 3D. But DVD is safest.
Since this is a price capped round, would you rather get one "big" thing or lots of "little" things or don't care?[\b]
I really don't mind either way. Lots of little things is nice, but since I'm in Australia, I usually just get one big parcel.
Do you like pirate-related things?
I don't mind it. I'm more problematic about 'knick knacks' otherwise known as 'fillers' - little erasers, plastic 'joke' bits and pieces - things that just end up in the rubbish bin because otherwise they float around for way too long, cloggind up my space.
--
Favorite artists or specific paintings?
Mucha for the Art Noveau, Klimt for the movement, Escher for the mix of mathematical and bizarre, Cezanne and Van Gogh for colours and atmosphere, bold colours and bold lines are always good. But I have great fondness for 'grandscapes' such as "The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon by Sir Edward John Poynter"
Booze? Yay or Nay? what kinds?
Sure. I prefer liquors, but somehow I don't think that anyone's going to send me a bottle of, I don't know
So how does everyone feel about receiving ebooks?
Would love. About to get an eReader (Sony Reader, I think) and also about to make a fairly big trip to Europe during which I will need books!
Is there any "classic" literature (Hemingway, Dickens, Elliot, Bronte, Hugo, Wilde, etc.) that you would like to add to your collection?
Any and all! I think we mostly have Austens in our physical library, so anything you see fit would be welcome!
Get your music player, what are the first 13 songs on Random?
I have a really bizarre mix of stuff on my iPod - a lot of instrumental/soundtrack (Merlin, Firefly, Sarah Connor Chronicles, Indiana Jones, Jade Empire), a heavy dose of modern classical (Bond), remixed musical (Glee), with a dash of jazz, nineties/noughties light alternative (Live, Powderfinger, Pearl Jam), and more than a few 'dumb pop' artists (Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, and Taylor Swift. Oh, and the Spice Girls).
Miles Dyson's Grave - Bear McCreary (Sarah Connor Chronicles soundtrack)
Don't Call Me Baby - Madison Avenue
Lancelot Leaves - Rohan Stevenson (Merlin: Series Two soundtrack)
Bust Your Windows - Amber Riley (Glee Vol. 1)
Goodbye My Friend - Spice Girls
Even Angels Fall - Jess
I Love You (from 'Samson and Delilah') - Bear McCreary (Sarah Connor Chronicles soundtrack)
Perfectly Perfect - Elizabeth and the Catapult
Rose's Turn - Chris Colfer (Glee)
Mass Destruction - Faithless
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
28 Days - What's the Deal
In The Next Room - Noen Trees
Rock Star (Jason Nevins Remix Edit) - NERD
Pirates vs Ninjas vs Zombies - who wins? Which do you love most?
I don't like Zombies, so it's Pirates or Ninjas.... And much as I love the romanticised pirate narratives of the modern day, I'd have to go with ninjas myself. Moving like the night...never seen them coming or going, and then BAM!
Piercings? - ears?? - elsewhere?
One hole in each earlobe.
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've discovered a love of chocolate-coated salted caramels thx to this local market I went to and bought their chocolate-coated salted caramels and their chocolate coated turkish delight. Must go back this Sunday...
I'll try anything at least once!
--
Do you need another bpal box? If so what would your fantasy one look like?
Thanks, but no. I have one that I've been doing up (for a while now) so I don't need one. But my fantasy one would feature a trompe l'oeil that made it look like there was a hole in the lid and a dragonet inside the box.
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?
Take my day in stretches of reading, quilting, writing, with a big breakfast at the local café and a tasting dinner at an expensive restaurant in the city that night.
Do you have any blogs you regularly read?
Via my f-list/dwircle: Cakewrecks. Slacktivist. Jim Hines. Diane Duane. Fandom_Wank, Unfunnybusiness, XKCD... I'm also subscribed to an Intranationalities community, a Politics community, and several comms for people of colour via Livejournal/Dreamwidth.
I read Sunny Singh Online: http://sunnysinghonline.blogspot.com/ and used to read All Men Are Liars (Except Sam DeBrito): http://blogs.smh.com.au/executive-style/allmenareliars/ but haven't in ages.
Other than that, I read a bunch of quilting blogs:
Moda Bake Shop, Stash Manicure, Quiltville, Live a Colourful Life, ps. I quilt, crazy mom quilts, a quilting life, twin fibers, naptime quilter, Quilt Inspiration, Gen X Quilters, Red Pepper Quilts, Canton Village, Fat Quarterly, Freshly Pieced, Stitched in Colour.
Astrological charts and interpretation/ reports?
Nope.
How about mix CDs?
Yep. Anything you like listening to, I'll give a go!
Do you enjoy gardening? If so, what kind of stuff do you grow? Vegetables, flowers?
Vegetables, mostly. When and where I can, which isn't much.
Contacts:
LiveJournal:
tielan - fandom, BPAL, etc.
seldear - RL and quilting (old fandoms)
Dreamwidth :
tielan - everything
I have Twitter and FB, but I barely use them. My usual post consists of "I'm exhausted. Send caffeine." Or something equally boring.
Minion things I can do:
Not much. I can quilt, but I won't have time to put anything together for anyone but my witchee before the deadline. I could put together a fabric pack if someone would like one for their witchee, though. Or send Tim Tams. Make cards or send cardmaking equipment...
Steampunk inspired items? Yay or nay?
That's a definite yay!
What styles of jewelry do you like? Bold and funky? Delicate and dainty? Short necklaces, long ones, chokers? Bracelets or anklets?
Delicate and dainty rather than chunky and bold. But either is still good from my Witch!
Does my witchee like hats, a floppy summer sun hat or something more stylish? Would you like a hand knit cap or hat?
Australians all let us wear hats, the summer sun is hot! I never say no to a floppy summer sun hat. Don’t worry about being stylish - I can get a hat like that in any old shop!
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?
Compulsive, mostly, although when I’m trying to be more organised, I make a budget.
Non-melting candies....what are your favorites?
Someone I swapped with sent me a pack of Willy Wonka Nerds. Those were delish - I haven’t had them in years! But, yeah, fruit jellies most of the time - really anything fruity.
What are you happiest about (besides SW)? What makes you feel good this summer? Any summer?
For me, summer is the end of the year, Christmas, holidays, warm weather, and a growing garden - having summer in the middle of the year seems so strange to me! And, frankly, I’d be glad to be rid of this cold I’m presently down with.
Do you like coffee and/or wine?
Yes and yes. But I wouldn’t advise my Witch to send me any - the postage would be ridiculous. I’d love to send my Witchee a bottle of Australian red or white, but, again, ridiculous postage.
What are your thought on World Market?
Uh, what’s World Market?
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)?
Alas! Cat person right here...
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?
Cold and flu, with accompanying exhaustion and despair.
Who out there is equally challenged and would appreciate icons/banners as witchy gifts?
No, but I can make icons/banners as witchy gifts...
Have you read anything by China Mieville, Neil Gaiman or Charles de Lint? If so, what? Like/dislike...??
Nope. Nothing at all! Therefore no opinions at all.
Questions by my witch (who has been very busy!):
Nail polish, yes or no? And if yes, what are your color preferences?
Yes! Caramels and dusky pinks. Natural colours rather than bright ones, though.
Who is your favorite book character from a book?
Oh, this is a tough one - there are so many! Um... Okay, I'll narrow it down to three:
1. Phedre no Delaunay from Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel sextet: sexy, sub, and strong, with a thirst for knowledge and the wisdom to know when to use it.
2. Esmay Suiza from Elizabeth Moon's Serrano Legacy series: competent, conservative, and clever - I love that she grows into herself through the course of the last four books of the series.
3. Mara of the Acoma from Janny Wurtz/Raymond E Feist's Daughter of the Empire series: intelligent, political, and innovative - taking her House from the verge of extinction to the highest honour in the Empire.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I have many. Uh, people who enter a debate, but don't bother running their posts through spellcheck. If you want people at a high standard to listen to your words, then you have to aim for their standard of writing and arguing. Someone might have an IQ of 163, but if they can't be bothered to use the basics of language and grammar in communication, then they might as well not be in the debate at all...
And the general ones!
Honey?
Love it. All types and kinds. It would have to be vacuum-sealed though, and quite obviously clear, because I’m not sure if there are customs requirements that forbid honeys and stuff coming through to Australia.
Coffee?
I do love coffee, but it would have to be pre-ground; we don’t have a grinder, and short of tipping a whole bag of beans into the hopper at work, there’s no point in me getting smaller bags.
Tarot art?
Not really. The art might be interesting if it was in a style I liked - say, art nouveau - but divination is not my thing.
Is your abode a palace covered in fur, a disaster area, or a neat freaks delight?
A disaster area. The fur is incidental. My kitty, she is tabby and each individual fur is striped black and white and brown. No matter what I wear, I’m fairly certain to be doomed to have fur show up on it...
Mailbox sitch?
Uh, the way it works down here is that letters and most padded mailers go in the mailbox. If there’s a box that’s too big to fit in, then the local post office slips you a card to say, ‘come pick up your stuff’. If it’s a registered post, or something you have to sign for, then, again, the local post office slips you a card to say ‘come sign for your stuff’.
BPAL storage?
I could do with a box to keep my bottles in! The GC imps I keep in a partitioned toolbox by alphabetical name, with separate ones for the LEs and rares. It doesn’t look very elegant, but it’s functional and easy to carry along to M’nSs!
I left my heart in...
I've travelled a lot, but I've never left my heart anywhere. The cities of the world are great to visit and the wonders off the beaten track are beautiful to behold, but the only place that calls me back each time is home.
I’m always travelling - I love being free!
And so I keep leaving the sun and the sea.
But my heart lies waiting over the foam...
I still call Australia home!
A Favorite love poem?
e e cummings
Turkish delight?
Oh yes!
What's everyone's favorite semi-obscure (or underappreciated!) animal?
I always liked the three-toed sloth myself.
What is your favorite sign that spring is coming?
The lack of need of two quilts on the bed.
Are you a big Mardi Gras fan? What's your favorite part?
Okay, here in Australia - or, at least, in Sydney - 'Mardi Gras' means the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which happens in late February, early March around these parts. I don't really watch it, actually - I never hear when it's on until after it's happened.
I have been knitting a lot lately, would something hand knit be nice for you?
I love hand-knitted stuff: especially since we're going into winter down here in the southern hemisphere.
What is your favourite kind of love story?
Partners or equals growing into love over time and through experience, taking turns at being the leader, and supporting each other. both a contrast and a balance - a little of each. I like them to soothe the rough places in each other - to anchor each other and give each other wings to fly - the fixed star and the solid rock.
Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things?
No, thanks.
who on the thread likes attending Ren Faires, SciFi/Comic Cons & the like? And do you dress up for them?
Cons, yes. And I did some cosplay for the last one - I dressed up as Six from Battlestar Galactica.
Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, &c.?
I have an iPod classic and I'm learning how to use it. I love music though - fanmixes, your favourite songs and artists, any style, any type.
Used books/cds/dvds, etc?
Definitely!
For those of you with pets, would you like pet things? Toys, treats, etc?
Only if they roll. My kitty isn't one for collars or catnip. She does like things that she can bat away and chase after, though. (The potential of a load of ping-pong balls...oh yes.)
Interested in receiving gifts representative of Witch's country or culture?
Absolutely! Anything you want to send is great.
First five songs on the "Top 25 Most Played" list on iPod
Top Five Most Played
I Won't Say - from Disney's Hercules
Anna Rose - Vienna Teng
Horobushko - Bond
Victory - Bond
Explosive - Bond
Top Five Most Played - not including Bond songs
I Won't Say - from Disney's Hercules
Anna Rose - Vienna Teng
I'm A Fool - American Hi-Fi
Blood Of CuChulain - The Boondock Saints
Everyone Is Totally Insane - Dandy Warhols
If you're a WoW player, do you have the Pandaren Monk and Lil' KT pets? Would you want them?
Not a WoW player. I dodged that bullet.
would you be interested in getting a mix CD from your witch?
Oh yes! New music = love.
What's your favourite candy?
Fruity and sugary. I don't think I have any in particular.
Think Geek plush microbes?
Hee. I think they're cute as heck - but really, it would just gather dust.
What about handmade sewn gifts? Any fabrics you wish to/need to avoid due to allergies, etc?
I love sewn gifts - my last witch gave me an awesome cloth bag for carrying stuff around in!
Kitchen gadgetry?
Nah, don't need any. I can get it myself if need be.
Nail polish?
If you like - browns and dusky pinks are best for me.
Do you like incense and/or scented candles, and are you able to burn them in your home? If so, what kinds of scents do you like?
I can burn incense and scented candles, I just don't do very much of it.
Boxes? For Bpal (bottles and/or imps) or otherwise
Ooh, yes please!
New question--I'm calling this "could never happen in a million years":
Your Witch is perusing the wares at a local yard sale. S/he looks down and sees [insert impossibly rare item that you've always wanted but could never afford] with a $5-10 sticker on it. Sheepishly s/he takes it to the guy behind the folding table. "Do you know what this is?" s/he inquires. The gentleman states that it belonged to his mother/sister/grandmother/Great Aunt Beulah and he thinks it's for, like, hair or something. With a trembling hand, s/hes pays the man and heads home with the inconceivable riches.
So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found?
A hand-operated mulcher - something that chops up leaves, twigs, stalks, etc. without chewing petrol. Toss it all in, turn the handle, and bingo! Mulch pieces for the garden!
alcohol
Don't think you'd get it past customs. Same with loose teas, or anything that might have seeds in it.
bakery
1. chocolate eclair (evil evil evil)
2. green sugar and icing frog - look halfway down this page http://thebestjudge.com/2009/04/25/still-a-balfours-boy/ - I know, it looks disgusting, but it's the bestest thing EVER.
3. croissant (this is touch and go - some places have really amazing butter croissants, others just taste like they used the same dough mixture as the bread but made it puff pastry)
4. loaf of sourdough bread (I love good sourdough)
5. nenish tart (actually, I've only found one place that makes these really well - and by 'really well' I mean 'has a decent jam layer beneath the cream' - it was half a centimetre thick!
steampunk?
Love it, but don't have anything in it right now.
recipes?
Yes! Although I need to convert them to metric most of the time, that's okay. I love hearing about people's favourite foods.
salted caramels
Not sure I've tried them, but I'm perfectly happy to try anything you think I should try.
coffee, tea, chocolate
Would love any of the above! Just watch out with the tea - if it has seeds in it, Australian Customs will open it and inspect it - most chais I've been sent don't through Customs unmolested. Leaf teas are usually safe, though.
Hair stuff?
Sure! I'd love some new big comb-clips. My hair is thick and long and black and I snapped all my old http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:qTgsr_D...L500_AA280_.jpg hair clips except for one that's electric blue and goes with maybe two or three tops.
Canned goods?
Since I'm in Australia, probably not a good idea!
OPI Alice?
They look pretty cool, but I probably wouldn't use them all that much.
Severed Finger?
Can I specify whose severed finger? *looks innocent*
Tiny things?
Sure! I'd love a keychain!
How do you feel about handmade stuffed animals?
Anything handmade is awesome. I have a small collection of stuffed animals who are dotted around the landscape of my room, from Philly pandas to polar bears wearing pink hearts that say 'Australia Or Bust!'
Are there any accessories you'd really like?
Not that I can think of right now.
What are your favorite animals?
Cats. Without a doubt. So sleek and adorable and their little paddy paws and the way their ears swivel. Plus, they're fiercely independent, softly cuddly, and really cute to snuggle with on wet rainy days.
If you were a student at Hogwarts, what house would you be in?
Ravenclaw, I suspect.
Astronomy?
Actually, I've been looking for an astronomical map of the Southern Hemisphere for a while - we used to have this really neat 'star chart' that had a moving wheel to depict the stars and constellations visible from south-east Australia...don't know what happened to it.
Star Trek?
I love the nuTrek movie! Great story, great acting, great reboot, and I have a girl-crush on Uhura.
Fave flowers:
Oh this is tricky. Roses or Freesias for scent. Tulips for restrained elegance. Poppies for casual waywardness. Sunflowers or gerberas for cheerful charm.
Eye color:
Brown on brown. Dark brown.
Stuff I collect other than BPAL:
I used to collect stamps. I still collect book series I like... Otherwise, only little Swarovski crystal figurines, and, honestly, if my witch happens to find them cheap enough to fit in this round, she'd do better to resell them and make money for herself!
Breakdown of spending:
Not necessary. Unless my witch wishes to display her thriftiness, in which case, I shall be appropriately awed!
If you like tea, what are your favorite kinds? Fruity, sweet, chai, plain, black, green, red, white?
Chai. I love chai! Unfortunately, sending anything with seeds through Australian Customs is liable to either be confiscated or else opened and riffled through. Ever tried to drink apple cinnamon tea from tea-bags that have been stuck back together with yellow tape that says, "Australian Customs And Excise"? I wouldn't recommend it. The glue tastes awful.
Patronus:
A Chinese Dragon.
Do you like gardening,growing vegetables, house plants? Need any small tools, seeds, labels?
Dear witch,
Much as I love gardening and growing things, unless you happen to be a fellow Australian (and possibly not even then - WA is under some fairly stringent interdictions in this area), anything you send me of a seedy nature is going to be confiscated by Australian Customs. Anything viable, anything that could be planted, anything they even think could be planted, anything that could carry pestilence, disease, or infection to these shores, is probably going to be taken away.
As an example of the kind of obsessiveness of Australian Customs, a friend once sent me a box of cornbread mix from California. It got confiscated at Customs, we think because of the dried egg product that was listed as an ingredient in the mix. Now, exactly what danger dried egg products are going to be, I can't imagine, but it was 'no cornbread for T' which was very sad-making.
So, uh, yeah. Nothing viable, green, seedy, or with eggs.
For Witches, Sneaky Swap Fairies, and on the off-chance someone is looking for a gift for me!
cosmetics, scents, creams, and unguents
I am actually a very non-cosmetic person. BPAL is an addiction as much for the community and fun of it as it is for the lovely scents.
That said, I do love scented/oiled bath bombs and will use them quite happily. Hand- and foot-creams likewise, but I always forget about body butters.
My adored BPAL scents tend to be the expensive and rare ones, alas! However, some of my GC favourites include Persephone, Centzon Totochin, Bon Vivant, Salon II: Arrival At The Sabbath, and Whip. My Carnivale Diabolique favourites so far are Ashultum, Inez, Wulric Wolfman, and Priala The Human Phoenix.
crafty things
I would love knitted socks if you're a knitting kind of person. I would adore spun wool if you're a spinning kind of person. I do some quilting, mostly for friends and family - weddings and significant birthdays. I have a Dollfie, but she sits on the shelf and gets little-to-no love from me. I have a plethora of ponies (My Little Ponies) that I've always planned to do up, but have never actually worked on.
Card-making, ATCs, and scrapbooking are things I enjoy doing, but don't actually do that much of. I ought to work more on it...in all the free time I don't have!
books, reading, writing, art
I do a fair amount of reading - mostly fantasy, sci-fi, and romance, although I’m also a sucker for a good mystery. I write a little - mostly fanfiction, although I've written some spec fic pieces before. If you write fanfiction, I would adore, pimp, and bless you for years for an action-adventure/drama Stargate Atlantis fic about John Sheppard and Teyla Emmagan.
Art is a subjective thing, but I love a whole bunch of types and kinds, from the beautifully detailed paintings of the Romantics, to the fluid lines of Art Nouveau furniture and jewellery, to the lovely clean lines of cartoons, comics, and anime/manga.
In the end, though, I'm reasonably 'mainstream' in my interests, so you shouldn't have trouble finding anything for me! I'm easy, honestly!
OK, I know that lots of folks love socks. Do you have a preference of length? Materials? Patterns?
Dream Costume.
How do you feel about recipes? If I send you something home made would you like the recipe for it? How about home made mixes or kits?
Would you enjoy homemade bath products (bath salts, fizzies, etc.) and/or linen sprays? Esp. if scented with some of your favorite BPAL scents?
For holidays, do you decorate? Would you like decorative stuff, weenie or otherwise? If so, do you lean towards the elegant, the crafty/folksy, or the more, erm, campy?
What interests you from the latest lab update?
Find your iPod (or other MP3 device), put it on shuffle/random. What are the first five songs to come up?
Chocolate or other types of candy?
For tea drinkers, do you prefer loose leaf or tea bags?
Is there anything you need for your kitchen, ie measuring cups, spoons, grater, ect?
Music, DO you prefer Live or Studio? Edited or explicit?
If you are an animal lover, is there a specific type/breed that you love most?
How do you feel about silly, funny knick-knack, dollar store stuff, stickers, magnets etc? Would you like receiving that kind of stuff or rather not?
Is there a specific book you've been wanting to get but haven't found the time or the opportunity to?
Do you read mangas/watch animes? Which ones? Do you have a particular favorite? Would you like to receive mangas or anything related to them?
Are you open to receiving things that are not on your wishlist, maybe something your Witch thinks you might like?
Do you like journals/notebooks/sketchbooks?
How do you feel about stationery, like nice pens or notepaper?
Would you like homemade preserves (e.g. marinated vegies, pickled onions, chilli jam?)
Would you like something you have to make yourself?
Say you were my witchee, and I found things on your wishlist that I could totally make. Would you want me to make it? Or would you rather it be purchased for you?
Partial bottles?
Who is your favorite soap etailer?
What kind of make-up do you wear? What colors? Is there anything you'd like to try but haven't yet?
Lip Gloss Colors:
What about vintage decoration items, teacups, etc etc?
With regards to your gifts, would you prefer your presents' awesomeness evenly spread out (several packages of pretty terrific things) over the round or a slow build-up of awesomeness (going up from pretty cool things to something super-duper cool at the end) to go out with a bang? Do you have a preference?
Do you crave many Ecards and contact or are you okay with little contact from your Witch?
If you witch made you something and it didn't come out just right, would you still want it?
If you could see one concert right now, who would it be?
Do you like maple sugar candy?
Do you have a place where you list all the BPAL you have or have tried?
What is your position on the chocolate & bacon flavor combination?
Go to your spice cabinet, what are the three most used spices?
Microsoft or Apple?
Where was your last vacation? What did you like most?
Would you appreciate receiving handwritten letters and/or postcards (anonymous or not)?
Would you like a tea cozy?
Vampires/Vampire literature:
Consoles:
Plants and flowers:
How do you feel about marzipan?:
If you could have 3 BPAL bottles fall (gently) out of the sky right this second that you've been looking for or pining for - which 3 would they be?:
Are there any international treats that you love and have a hard time finding?
how-to or amusing videos
What wouldb e your last meal if it could be anythingi n the world?
NaNoWriMo
if you are a tea lover, what are your flavor preferences? Green? Black? Herbal (I know, technically those are NOT teas, but tisanes)? Flavored blacks/greens?
A record for my Switch Witch, June 2009!
Single Notes?
Any and all, but especially the 'odd' ones like tonka bean, opoponax, champaca, the various musks, honey, etc.
Net Flix?
No, thanks. Not in the US to appreciate and I wouldn't use it anyway. Lovely thought and brilliant idea, though!
Coraline?
Nah. I'd watch it in the cinemas, and if I liked it enough, I'd buy the DVD proper.
Hello Kitty?
Letter paper/envelopes; yes. Toys and keychains and stuff; not so much.
Seasonal MP3 mix?
It would be a Winter mix for me, and I'd call it: I Can't Stand The Rain! Because it's been raining something dreadful around here for the last month, our courtyard is beginning to grow moss...
Recycle/Upcycle craft products?
Yes please! Cotton shirts in particular - I could use them for patchwork quilting. But, really, any papercraft, beadwork, or pretty/unusual/textured materials would be lovely! I also collect Christmas card fronts with pictures that I can reuse. Of course, this assumes that I have the time to actually put them together come Christmas - which I rarely seem to do.
TV show burning?
Scarecrow and Mrs. King anyone? I've never seen it and I have a friend who loves it, so I'm curious. But it would be good to have it playable on my computer instead of videotapes (which I'd never end up watching, to tell you the truth.)
Bath Bombs?
Love bath bombs! My Shotgun Witch, LunaLiquid, sent me a beautifully scented bath bomb and I luxuriated in the fizz and the fumes for hours!
Online Gaming?
No, thank heavens. The extent of any online 'gaming' of mine is limited to Lexulous (online scrabble).
Non US Witch?
Yup. And my Witchee will be TimTammed. (Unless she doesn't want to.) If my Witch is in California, if you could hunt up some Dulce du Leche M&Ms - I know a friend had them back in 2006 when I stayed with her, and the M&M site said they were available in CA with a planned rollout to the rest of the US. If you can't find them...uh...I'll take more Hershey's Caramel Kisses! (*smooches hepkitten, who sent her a big pack along with a lovely mass sale*)
IPod/MP3 Player?
Nope. But I'm thinking about getting an SD card for my Palm Treo (or upgrading to the Palm Pro) so I can store music on my phone. I'm a 'convergent technologies' kinda gal: I want to carry around one item that's phone and organiser and MP3 player all in one!
Shawl or wrap?
Oh yes. Those knitted shawls look beautiful! I would love something like that if my Witch could make it. (If you're not crafty, don't worry about it, honest!)
Hand-knit socks?
Again, I'd love some hand-knit socks. I'm going to try to knit some of my own, but I suspect my attempts will be laughable for some time yet.
Crafts to make/get? Collectables?
I don't really collect anything to tell you the truth. Other than BPAL. I make stuff, yeah, but that's pretty much a case of 'whatever's available to make
Soaps made from animal oils?
The emu-oil lady and her methods sound pretty awesome, actually. I'm okay with animal products in my gifts, although I'd prefer they were responsibly farmed.
Decanting equipment?
Would be loved. I've been having trouble procuring vials and pipettes from the US - they don't seem to make them in Australia. I've bought a whole bunch off Ebay, but, yeah, more are always good!
Favourite Carnivale Diabolique?
Ashultum. Madame Moriarty, Misfortune Teller. Priala, the Human Phoenix. Wulric, the Wolfman. Anaconda!
BJD dolls?
I have a BJD, but she's very basic - I haven't gotten around to doing her up yet. Don't know if I ever will! But accessories would be great for her. I think she's a 12" standard Dollfie, IIRC.
Kitty likes catnip?
I think she does.
Food products: buns, jellies, canning stuff.
I would LOVE to receive jars of homemade stuff; however it is unfortunately quite inadvisable to send to Australia, especially anything that has seeds in it. Our Customs and Quarantine department is very restrictive. (Understandable, but still frustrating.) You might be able to get away with jellies and canned foods if they're small and vacuum sealed and very obviously cooked like mad, but no guarantees.
Other things:
Twilight - No.
Steampunk - Yes!
Etsy - Haven't really looked around that much.
Beer? Not so much. Microbrews, etc. = interesting, but small amounts. I'm more of a wine/spirits girl.
Actually, I'm more of a tea girl. Hot and strong, with plenty of milk and sugar! (And sometimes a dash of cream.) I kinda hope I get a witchee who likes hot tea!
Favourite animals? Cats and felines, generally.
Historical Art Styles? Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Steampunk, illuminated manuscripts of the Mediaeval times, Egyptian images/heiroglyphs, and Chinese scrolls.
Scent currently wearing? I tried Baghdad this morning, but didn't like the muskiness. So I dabbed on some Butter Rum Cookie, and now I smell like boozy bakehouse. Mmm...
Book collections? Cookbooks, definitely. Other than that...only the occasional cloth-covered book of poetry, prose, or 'wisdom'. And what I want to read, of course.
Chips? Kettle chips (as a type, not the brand) - I like flavours such as 'sour cream and chilli' or 'sweet onion' or 'honey soy' - but plain is good, too!
Posters: Would be lovely! Nature or art, large or small - whatever suits your fancy and I'll find somewhere to put it up! Hey, we have Nat'l Geog posters up on our walls, so anything goes in our house!
Wood: Anything natural, polished, or oiled. I love all types and kinds of wood-crafting.
I'm not convinced there are "good people" in the world. Only people who make wise and stupid choices. Some people make many wise and some stupid choices. Some people make many stupid choices with only occasionally wise ones.
Some people seem to make all-stupid choices.
Of course, the standards of 'wise' and 'stupid' are variable according to the individual, their situation, background, ethics and morals, and the choices they've made in the past. Which means it's a whole lot of relativity and little absolutism. Then again, 'stupid' is not the same as 'evil', so maybe there's another layer in there.
Is it evil to make self-centered choices? My sister would believe so. She's very oriented towards unselfish choices - to the point where she'll run herself into the ground rather than tell someone 'no'. That may be 'unselfish' but it's also 'stupid' - at least in my books. I believe if a little healthy selfishness - with the words 'little' and 'healthy' being key.
