What are your thoughts on yarn and handmade yarny things?

I don't knit, and wool makes me itch. If someone really wanted to knit me something with plant-based fibers ... socks, or a scarf, or even a trivet would be awesome.

For bath and body products: do you have a bathtub or shower?

Shower only for the moment. I still use bath oils in the shower, though.

Dear Swappee: is there anything you might have forgotten to put on your survey?

I want to be more active and in better shape; anything you can think of to help me have fun doing so is welcome.

Are there any particular fandoms that you follow?

I'm sort of a music nerd - it's my job and my hobby too. I get into trivia games, serious analysis, weird tangents, etc. (I don't know if this is "fandom", but it's as close as I get, I suppose.)

Do you own a wax/oil burner? (If no, would you like one?)

I don't, and can't have one.

Would you like loose, fancy tea?

Sure, or bagged, fancy tea. I like strong black teas plain or with bergamot or with chai spices. I also like tisanes like peppermint, hibiscus or spice blends. Just no chamomile or other daisy family plants.

Incense, y/n?

Not for me thanks. One of my cats is sensitive to incense, candles and wax/oil burner stuff.

What is your favorite fall activity?

It's my favorite time of the year to cook, when there's an abundance of fresh local vegetables and fruits, and it's not too hot in the kitchen. I also like road-tripping to see the changing leaves, playing indoor gigs, getting to know my new students, and doing more writing in the colder months.

I'm in Japan, anything specifically Japanese-y you want?

I'd like to try Sakuma Drops. And I like Japanese street fashion, anything quirky that's comfy.

Please briefly describe (color, style, preferred type of beads) or provide a picture of (if it is suitable), the type of necklace (if any) you would be interested in getting. If you do not like necklaces, what kinds of jewelry (if any) would you want to wear?

I might like a pretty stone or a re-purposed curiosity on a long silk/satin cord. I don't do well with beads or metal clasps. I only wear jewelry for special occasions. I think I said this in my questionnaire ... I find that most jewelry gets in my way. Medium/large earrings, hoops or dangly, could work. I have pierced ears, one regular size piercing each. I do like accessories to put up my (now butt-length) hair, if that counts.

What about hot chocolate/malt drinks?

I like fancy hot chocolate, and I love malt flavors.

If you said that you are interested in books (or DVDs or any relatively big standalone sort of item), would you be okay with having multiples of such items spread over a couple of days, or would you prefer 13 distinct themish packages?

As long as there's decent variety overall and you have fun finding stuff you think I'd like, do whatever ratio works!

How into the day themeing mentioned in the first post are you? All themed? A few maybe if they are fun? Not at all?

A few maybe if they are fun.

Speaking of DVDs - are you interested in receiving movies and if so, what sort?

Sure, maybe some brainy comedy or something Bollywood?

Back to the books - if you said you would like books, would you prefer I send you, say, my favorite Halloween anthology or something else spooky/scary, or something off your wishlist/want-to-read on goodreads?

Something off my goodreads list.

Process question: Do you want to know who is sending to you right away, or would you prefer to be surprised on the last day, to the extent possible? Likewise, do you have a preference for specifically numbered packages or for reach in and grab according to your fancy?

Surprise or not according to *your* fancy. I have a slight preference for specifically numbered packages, but won't be disappointed if you prefer not to number them.

Would you be interested in solid perfume? What about lip balm?

Yes to solid perfume. I love those little Pacifica tins; otherwise I'm not all that familiar with what's out there these days.

I think I have all the lip balm I can use for awhile.

There was a lot of mention of not wearing costumes/not being allowed to at workplaces. Would you be interested in goth style or Halloween-themed(pumpkins, ghosts,etc.) normal clothes to wear instead, and what would be suitable?

My day-job persona is casual and subtly dressed. (I teach private piano lessons to people of all ages and walks of life.) My performing persona is more playful and dressed-up. Oh, and I should mention that in one of my bands I always wear Hawaiian shirts/dresses. If you can find anything that combines Hawaiian with goth style or Halloween themes, my hat is off to you!

I'm going to Rose City Comic Con during the shopping window. Any exhibitors/vendors/comics/etc. you're particularly interested in? OMG THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOONIES "NEVER SAY DIE" T-SHIRT! I AM TOTALLY GETTING THAT! Ahem. Yes. I mean... There are things! Are any of them particularly appealing to you and/or your inner twelve-year-old (mine is calling dibs on the Goonies stuff)?

I've been out of the loop for awhile when it comes to comics and the surrounding culture -- totally open to being surprised, though.

Day of the dead/ Dia de los Muertos stuff?

I attended a party last year where I saw some amazing makeup and costumes. I'd also be into atole, pan de muerto, etc (just no alcohol).

Does anything from this shop catch your eye?

I'd be into any of these perfume samples: Autumnal Equinox, Autumn Heirloom, Ichabod Crane, Beguiling Violet, Doll Parts, Aloha'oe, Paniola.

Dear Pumpkin: Do you have aversions to any animals or insects?

As far as what's likely to come up in a Halloween swap, I had mentioned bats. Most insects don't bother me, with the exception of anything that stings.

How do you feel about canned foods like jams and things along those lines?

I'm open to it, especially if it's something I can't get locally.

Do you have a favourite colour scheme?

Blue and copper or anything along those lines.

How do you feel about stickers (and stationery in general)?

I can use stickers in my job. I'm a piano teacher and sometimes give stickers to my younger students to reward good efforts.

 

How do we feel about fibercrafting (knit, crochet, etc.)? wearables? crafted critters? If you would like a scarf or something similar, would you like it to be themed, like fall colors, or have a skull or other halloweenie motif/border?

Yes, but I'm very sensitive to anything itchy -- cotton, bamboo, hemp and/or silk are definitely okay. A scarf in fall colors would be lovely.

What makes you feel pampered?

Silk things, soft socks, good coffee brewing, hot showers, hair care, brunch with a Sunday paper, vacations.

 

We've covered what critters you don't like, but what about the critters that you DO like? What are your favorite animals/creatures, real or imagined?

I love cats most of all. I'm also fond of horses, deer, butterflies, and blue herons.

 

Canadian stuff: I'd be into some maple syrup, or possibly some tzatziki flavored potato chips.

Paintbox Soapworks: The Nihilist coconut-free soap looks good, as does the Whiskers solid scent balm.

 

Is there is any TAZO tea you have a hankering for? Zen, Awake, Passion, China Green Tips, Vanilla Roibois, Calm, Refresh? (tea bags in a tin)

Ooh, I like the Refresh. And the Wild Sweet Orange -- do they still make that?

How about any Teavana tea? (loose leaf)

The Maharajah Chai looks good.

How about Starbucks coffee beans? If so, ground (and for what kind of filter) or whole bean?

I'm okay for beans.

How about Starbucks coffee via (italian, columbia, anniversary, vanilla latte?) or Iced coffee via (caramel or regular?) Fruit flavored via (berry hisbiscus, cool lime, strawberry lemonade?) Pumpkin Spice Latte via?

Maybe a regular iced coffee for one of my busy days.

Starbucks K-cups or Verismo pods?

I don't use these.

Coffee/tea travel mugs or ceramic home mugs?

I'm set for these.

Coffee maker (french press) or tea steeper?

I could actually use a tea steeper. Or a one-cup tea ball.

Anything else from Starbucks/Teavana? Syrups, honey, whatever?

Maybe a hot chocolate mix?

 

How would you feel about a gently-used card game? For example, something I may have purchased several years ago and maybe played with my daughter *twice* before she became a moody teenager, and too cool for card and/or board games?

Sure.

Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind?

I'm a non-drinker, but stuff to cook with is okay (e.g. sherry, marsala, etc.)

CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY?

Nay.

Name at least one thing that you really wouldn't like to receive in your package.

Glitter.

I have eyeshadow pigments which have been decanted from--as in the powder tapped out into another container,never used directly. (I don't use very much makeup, though I love it, so I keep shadow pigments clean so I can safely share.) Would a jar of pigment handled thus bother you or are you ok with cosmetic-type stuff that has not been directly touched?

Decanting is okay, but I don't use the loose powder eyeshadow.

For those with fiber allergies, is it ok if you get, say, an ornament/amigur-whatsit yarn thing that has wool in the blend, as long as it's not something to be worn? Also, because I don't know, do people with wool allergies generally also have sensitivity to other fibers like alpaca?

I have sensitive skin but am not allergic.

Does anyone especially like or want anything from cost plus/world market?

A lot of the gourmet minis look like fun.

Does anyone need any small kitchen items or utensils?

Wooden stirring spoons?

Dearest Pumpkin- do you have a preference of edible/drinkable vs. non edible items in your package? Would you prefer your package heavier on one side or the other?

Doesn't matter, as long as it's a mix of things you think I'd like.

Any guilty pleasures? TV show you're embarassed to admit you like? Musical group/preference that seems out-of-place for you?

Lots of teen and YA books, ABC Nashville, BBC Eastenders. Piano sheet music (or uke tab or bass lines) for just about anything - could be boy bands or hair metal or whatever.

 

And now, a new question: to sort of piggy-back onto the question about small kitchen items, do you like to bake or cook, and if yes, are there any special ingredients, spices, or decorations for baked goods (like sprinkles in seasonal shapes or those decorative picks you put on top of cupcakes, for instance) that you would like?

I like too cook, and would welcome just about anything for cooking. I don't like to bake.

Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants?

Love 'em!

Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use?

Very long. I like spin pins, flexi-8s, silk hair ties, scarves, buffs ....

 

If I were going to the mountains tomorrow, for the apple harvest, would you wanted some dehydrated apple rings???

I have too many apples as it is.

new question from me! how do you feel about music? would you like some? if so, what would you be interested in & in what format (do you still have somewhere to play CDs, or would a flash drive be better, etc)?

I feel good about music! If it's stuff you love and want to share with me, I'm all for it. I like lots of different stuff as long as it's not super-loud and abrasive. I think a flash drive works best for me.

If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap?

It's all things I'd be happy to get.

Are there any scents from the Lilith update you would like ? Any other you are looking for ?

I haven't even gotten decants, anticipating wanting lots of stuff from the Halloween update. The Lilith scents I'm interested in are Blueberry Picking, Lily Witch, Mermaids, The Hierophant and the Empress, and Very Pink Surprise Cake.

Do you like Hello Kitty?

It's not my usual thing, but if you find something you think would make me giggle ....