1. So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy?

Depends on whether I'm pmsing or not. If yes, probably chocolate. (My Walgreen's has Green & Blacks dark cocoa and I keep 'em in my desk drawer and eat 1-2 squares a day after lunch. I also love those Lindt squares and the orange and pepper chocolate bars.) If I'm not pmsing, I might actually buy makeup. Maybe an eyeliner or two. I've been occasionally practicing lining my upper lid lately and all I have is a Revlon Timeliner in a sort of neutral brown shade (it's ooooold and probably discontinued). I like that it's soft and not pokey, but I could probably use a different color or two. Either that, or I'd buy more foundation wedges or foundation (Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer in Light to Neutral).

 

 

2. I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. Would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (It's Penzey's if you want to Google it.)

I am another one who totally loves Penzy's. I love a lot of their blends like Zatar, Rogan Josh, Balti and Garam Masala. I also use a lot of the Adobo, ground chipotle and the smoked Paprika. And I'm sure there are lots of other great ones!

 

3. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? Do you prefer machine washable materials? Do you not care?)?

Yes. Yes I do quite like them. The most useful colors for my wardrobe are probably black, scarlet, kelly green, emerald green and turquoise. But I also love all blues, fierce orange, gray and purple. I love all fibers except those that shed (no angora, please!)

 

4. Hey swap partner... could you use a new mug?

I can always use mugs, and also aluminum water bottles. For some reason my husband leaves those all over the country-side.

 

5. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try?

I can't think of anything in particular, but in general I love regional foods and things that are local to my witch. It's like a vacation in a box!

 

6. Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such?

Usually we do, although I really want a fake one this year because I am sick of vacuuming needles. It's not themed -- unless you count all of our childhood ornaments as a theme!

 

 

7. Would you like a special ornament?

Ornaments are always a good present at Christmas. There's no certain special kind I covet though.

 

8. Tim Tams. Yay or nay?

Yay!

 

9. Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store?

Points to signature... I will eat anything you send me. Truly.

 

10. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed?

Bunny would not mind. I don't use them super often, but I do go to holiday parties and occasionally have one of my own. It never hurts to have some nice serving items in the cupboard. I can always use more big bowls too.

 

 

11. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a body scrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist?

Absolutely! I like a slightly looser/more oily scrub (think Smooch rather than Smack). I like lavender and orange essential oils and even a little rose. I also like woody/resinous scents.

 

 

12. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? If yes, then what kind? Scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted?

Pasted from the candle relevant questions from my Hallowe'en round questions:

I like the ease of the self contained candle, so I would vote for a jar. Color would matter less to me than scent. I'm imagining something with lavender and lemon which would make my bathroom smell clean and fresh. Maybe some sweet grass or sage thrown in there as well. I really love the Luna scent from Archipelago Botanicals. It's lemon verbena, lavender and thyme -- very clean and fresh. I also love the Stonehenge scent from the same company - smoked cedarwood, bermot and amber. It is very comforting and warm without being cloying. For the Christmas season I also like AB's Black Forest candles which are douglas fir, ebony wood and black currant. From Yankee, I like the Sage Citrus which is also really clean and fresh.

 

13. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores....

I use a TON of bar soap. You can never go wrong sending me soap.

 

14. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams?

I have a ridiculous pair of multi-colored crocheted slippers my brother bought for me in a Native village in Alaska. They aren't really warm enough and I often layer then with socks. Slippers and socks are LOVE. And SockDreams is like Planet Love Fest. I covet, covet, covet a lot of their tights (usually the fairly plain black, grey and plain colored ones since I wear them to work. But the subtle patterns of the bamboo ones are just my new favorite thing. And someday I will own wool tights. Yes I will. The preeeeeeecccccciiiiiioooooooouuuuuussssssssssssss.)

 

15. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color?

Yes. See the color preferences in answer to #3. I try to keep my wardrobe fairly blendy.

 

 

16. New question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA?

Whole bean coffee, not flavored. I like African blends. But really, TEA is my thing. I tend to drink 1-2 cups per day, usually oolong or black (or flavored black).

 

17. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like?

Not for me, thanks.

 

18. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try?

Never tried anything. Her drama makes me shudder.

 

 

19. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences?

I don't really paint my nails. It makes them feel suffocated.

 

 

20. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!)

Cut and pasted from Hallowe'en round:

$50, huh?... Ok, here's the breakdown (I did three, one for bpal, one for bptp and one for the ideal world where you could combine orders from both sites)

 

BPAL

1 imp pack -$22

Contents: White Rider, Red Rider, Black Rider, Tombstone, Anne Bonnie & War

Then I would dither between a bottle of Safari ($28) and a replacement bottle of Vixen ($17.50). But, in the end, I'd probably go with Vixen so I had that extra $10 to buy two or three (depending on whether I want to come in just under or just over the $50) more imps: Velvet, Suhha Segara and O

 

BPTP

Soap: Port au Prince, Shub, & Snake oil ($8.50 x 3= $25.50)

Librarian t-shirt ($20)

Then I'd throw in a couple of magnets to get me to $50

 

 

Combined

1 imp pack as above ($22)

Soap: Shub (but I'd dither between that and P au P)

Bottle of Vixen

 

21. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own?

I wouldn't mind having Miracle on 34th Street (the OLD version).

 

22. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero?

I am ambivalent. I mean, I like them, but have no allegiances.

 

23. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online.

There is a too-long list in my Swap Faery Help post which is linked in my signature.

 

24. Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents?

If I had to make my own combination it would actually end up looking very similar to The Old Masters Set. Definitely Charming Man, Blackbird and Englishman; but I might swap out Dead Leaves and GFM for Queen is Dead and Beet It or Gingermilk.

 

25. Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety?

There is only J, and he'll totally just take whatever he wants anyway. (Food items and bar soap get shared between us automatically.)

 

26. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any?

Hmm...interesting honey would be appreciated, but I'm not sure what I'd do with beeswax.

 

27. Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist?

I miss TJs. I became addicted in law school and have been essentially without for YEARS. We usually make at least one four hour car trip a year just because we can. I especially love and miss: the nuts! (Thai Lime Chili Cashews and sesame honey cashews are freaking amazing. The plain Wasabi Almonds and plain Tamari are also good, but the Wasabi Tamari are out of this world.) I also adore a lot of their sauces (Moroccan Tangine, Thai Peanut, Punjab Spinach, all three colors of Thai sauce and Tahini rock my socks). Lots of the wine is more than drinkable for the price (dry, dry, DRY wine). The cheese and frozen stuff is also fantastic, but much less shippable.

 

28. The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything?

I think Yuletide Mariner sounds pretty fab and Snoggin sounds nice and comforting. I've actually never tried her stuff, so I have no preferences for soap vs. scrub etc. except to say that washy things like soaps and scrubs get used more than pampering things like lotions or creams.

 

 

29. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails)

I honestly didn't even read the 'weenies very closely this year to avoid temptation.

 

 

30. Will you be away for any part of the round?

I don't think so, but if a mini-vacation materializes, I'll be sure to let my fox know.

 

31. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade.

I'm not a member and am not crafty.

 

31. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything?

My amazon list is linked in my questionnaire.

 

32. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie?

Answered on original questionnaire.

 

33. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.)

I have never tried any, but would be game.

 

34. Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones ), the raw resin itself, anything?)

See above.

 

35. i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter).

Pretty darn hot. Not inferno, but above medium.

 

If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like?

Amazon is by far the most practical because it can go to kindle titles or other random items. I'd also be all over one to a favorite e-tailer, like Villainess, Elements & Artifacts, Mother Moon Gems, Joystreet or Orbiting Saturn Designs. Or sock dreams, because a girl can always use more black tights.

 

My numbering got all buggered up when I left for my anniversary. Sorry. If I miss anything you need, dear Fox, please just let me know (sneakily, of course!)

 

If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies?

Nothing to avoid, although I'm not super fond of gummies or marshmallows (marshmallow cream I love, but regular marshmallows taste like foam). I like toffee, fudge, peanut butter fudge, caramels (salted for the win!) as well as spiced nuts.

 

Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you?

All of the caramels look amazing and even though I just said I don't love marshmallows, the orange-chocolate ones look interesting. The lollypops don't really do anything for me.

 

Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update?

I think I have favorited most things on etsy. I'm feeling a little guilty for not ordering the necklace that matched the earrings I snagged, but I'm glad to see someone else loved it. Really, I love all Alicia's stuff. Of course, I also really love items from some of our other jewelry makers on etsy (MotherMoon, Orbiting Saturn Designs and JoyStreet.)

 

Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate?

Generally dark, although I will eat either.

 

reveal, yes or no?

That is entirely up to my fox and I will be happy either way.

 

Any favorite cuddly characters?

My husband? Umm...I like foxes. And rabbits.

 

Moxie Nouveau groupon?

Groupon? What? There was a groupon? I have never tried her scents, but the few I have sniff tested have been nice. The customs seem especially interesting.

 

what's your favourite colour?

Teal. Or scarlet. or black. Or electric blue. Unless it's kelly green. Or flame orange....

 

Your favourite gemstone?

I don't really have one. I like blue tones, green and flame tones. Also, amber. And pearls. Really, I like it all except really brown/muddy stones.

 

Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)?

Foxes! (Also, rabbits.)

 

And do you have any intense phobias?

Nope.

 

Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause?

I am not participating.

 

Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks?

I can always use boxes, but they are more apt to be for things like jewelry (earring and necklace storage of some sort would be aces) than perfume.

 

What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular.

Love

 

Do you like artisan oils and vinegars?

Yes.

 

Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type?

I actually just bought this one for my office.

 

 

Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines?

I heart all those options.

 

Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in?

I do not have a tart burner.

 

Do you need any holiday recipies? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things?

I do not have any requests, but sweet or savory are both appreciated.

 

Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for?

I am interested in them, especially Samhain. My usual scent preferences will guide my squee.

 

Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.?

I love gently used everything.

 

Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms?

Not really, although I do love things about food and the local food movement.

 

Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies?

Love them.

 

fingerless mittens or full mitts?

Fingerless for work and house wear. Full for actually being outside.

 

Do you like coin purses?

Yes. Although, I tend to lose them and use them for things other than coins (like earrings or hair ties or safety pins or credit cards). Right now I am carrying this big wallet in the Jade/Orange color with the matching little orange coin purse. But the coin purse is my credit card holder, so change is loose in my big bag.

 

If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks?

Either would be fabulous! I will say that socks would probably get MORE use, but a shawl would not be LOVED any less. Also, the non-lacy shawls someone posted are extra fabulous because they look nice and warm.

 

Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that?

I do not need one. I have three of the metal ones Villainess used to sell and they are the best ever. They keep the soap up out of water and their open mesh design prevents any water from pooling and helps the soap dry quickly. I am so sad they don't carry them any more because I loved giving them as presents with the soap!

 

Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions?

I can't think of any, but I have a new appreciation for pine/woodsy scents, especially paired with "cold." I wouldn't mind trying some of the old ones along those lines.

 

Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours?

I have always thought of myself as a Ravenclaw. That said, I got sorted as Slytherin at Pottermore and don't think it's wrong. I could rock out either house scarf.

 

Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or h ate it? Like some but not others?

I like almost all dried fruit except bananas. Those are just ick.

 

How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce?

I live in the land of cherries (hence, why I asked this), so please don't send me any!

 

What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above?

I like both solid and pattern. Striped socks are a wardrobe staple for me.

 

chile, yay or nay?

I am very pro chile. I love chili in chocolate (and hot cocoa) as well as in lots and lots of savory foods. We bought some really excellent chile flakes and powder last time we were in New Mexico and I am sad that the bags are getting low. I also cook with a lot of smoked chiles (everything from paprika to adobo and chipotle).

 

 

Would you rather have an early reveal, or would you prefer one close to the end of the round?

This is totally up to my witch. I really have no preference. In most SW rounds I've personally sent out 2-4 boxes and revealed at the end. However, because of how this round is structured, I think I'm going to do one box at the end. But hopefully my bunny will know I exist long before then, even if zie doesn't get mail for a while!