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.