So, I'm LATE! I know I haven't been joined in for the fun in the past week and a half. We've been getting settled in our new place and I've hit the ground at a sprint at my new job. HOWEVER, I've got Fridays off. So, Witch ( ), know that I'm more prolific Friday-Sunday than during the week. However, I will do my best to respond to any message sent directly to me on the forum, via e-mail, etc., in case you need a quicker response!

9/17/15

Pumpkin?
Yes!

Booze?
Sure, but I prefer clear liquor to brown. (This is not entirely true, as I enjoy Kahlua, etc. What I meant is that I don't do much in the way of whiskey or whatever the other typical brown liquor is. I prefer sweet drinks or things like mojitos.) I mostly drink "mid-range" vodka (though I don't drink too often). I don't really enjoy beer, but am learning about wine.

Want anything from Yellowstone? Be it postcards, key chains, shot glasses, pint glasses, or huckleberry what have you?
This sounds fun - not something I would have thought of, but I'm open to most anything!

9/18/15

I know there is a question about "decorating style", but if you're comfortable, could you show 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!
Sure! At the end of this weekend, I'd be happy to take a pic or two. We're finishing a few things this weekend.
9/19/15

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?
Do drink. So does Mr. EML298.
Are you a fan of the TV show Penny Dreadful?
I *want* to be a fan! This is one I've been meaning to watch with excitement, and just haven't gotten to in the midst of the crazy moving lately (twice in past year).

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 really enjoy both, though I drink coffee every morning and only take the time to have tea much less frequently. I enjoy hot cider and cocoa, though don't often take the time - not sure why. I should. Tea in bags is more likely to get used due to ease of use, though if I had some good loose tea, I've got cute strainers. Whole bean coffee is good - we've got a great grinder - though we use ground, too. Caffeine is great for 1-2 cups in the AM. In the past two years, I've learned to appreciate decaf in the afternoon and evening after making fun of its existence for years. I'd love to learn about really great espresso (beans), as well as what a great home espresso machine would be (yes, high end is okay). We mean to buy one, but get lost with all the choices and I keep using Nespresso. (lol) I like bold coffee, love Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha-ish stuff, and have Sugar-Free Vanilla Soy Lattes (made with my machine) most regularly.

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?
I think I'm pretty funny. I enjoy all of the types of humor listed. I work with soldiers, sailors, and marines, so whatever language filters I had are now gone. Favorite comedians....hmmm, I loved Eddie Murphy back in the day (mid '80s/'90s), maybe not so much this century. Seinfeld.

Do you like board games? If so, which ones? Traditional or more unique? (like Settlers of Catan, Small World, Red Dragon Inn, etc)
I haven't played any in a LONG time, though I'm not opposed.

Is there anything that you specifically do NOT want to receive?
I can't really think of anything. I would not enjoy sports-related things, ball caps, general style crew neck t-shirts (due to my body and their shape entirely not meshing), or black licorice.

Plain or fun socks?
Oh, fun socks! I like to wear my fuzzy socks to work! That said, I just moved to Maine and don't really have any very warm socks. My problem with socks is that, with plus size legs, the ankle part doesn't feel comfortable if I pull them up. I've found that Bath and Body Works shea socks and Old Navy fuzzy sleep socks are great. I've found other brands that work, and have meant to try some of Sock Dreams' choices, but have put it off.

Name one (or as many as you would like) thing you would like to learn more about?
Essential oils. I'd love to have access to someone to give me specific input about home DIYs once we're back in a house (and not a rental)...really, I want to learn more about painting your own space, rehabbing furniture, etc...it's just that at the moment I have nowhere to pursue that! (We do not have a garage or our own yard.)

What one thing you would like to do more of?
CALM myself. Enjoy reading (not just audio books) - I used to be an avid reader. Then, grad school happened, and I've never gotten back into it successfully. Reading was such a CHORE then, that something about sitting down to read words on paper still feels like work.

What are some things that fascinate you? Or, What would you like to know more about?
Makeup artistry. Body positivity. Tattoos. I read a lot about these things, but don't wear the lovely makeup I have much, have yet to get a tattoo, and am only beginning to make progress on the body positivity thing.

9/20/15

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've never had it, but I like cookie dough. It sounds like it would be good...?

Is there any particular piece (or pieces) of art (painting, photograph, etc) that speaks to you in some way?
Lately, several paintings (or figural representations) of wings have spoken to me. I think perhaps I feel they somehow connect me to loved ones for whom I will always grieve.

What kinds of things would you like from the Lilith BPAL or BPTP update (or are you joining a decant circle?)
Yikes. I've read about it and think several things sound really good. I've taken no action. I feel paralyzed a bit lately with BPAL. It's funny - when I had no money, I had all the BPAL, and ordered all the time; now, I am more financially solvent, but I am so busy that I'm having difficulty prioritizing that (for me) very long ordering process. I've not joined any circles. I will come back to this question and/or put some specifics in my w/l when I update it this weekend.

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?
Yes! I do not knit. I have never learned, but I am fascinated by some of the patterns I see or items I see posted.

What thing do you want to do (or get) but you keep putting off for one reason or another?
Take time to catch up on BPAL. Really. I have decants from LAST Halloween and Yule that are still in their unopened packages...bottles that I've never tested. The moves have just gotten me STUCK. I need to get our art hung. However, the landlords here are NUTS about hanging stuff on the wall so I'm paralyzed. I want a cool window cling (maybe a triquetra or a graphic related to Supernatural?) for my car that I've now had over a year and still haven't decorated. I typically always get one awesome cling whenever I get a new car. I want a cool makeup/cosmetic bag. I loved this one, especially that the brushes are in a separate area and have little holders for each brush, but really?? The price??

9/21/15

Would you like anything from Lush?
Yes, please. I love their patchouli and am intrigued by the new one (I think "Lord of Misrule"?). I used to be near four LUSH stores, but haven't been for most of the past seven years. My all-time faves are Blue Skies... (gel, bubble bar - anything), French Kiss bubble bar (though anything - why don't they have more French Kiss stuff), Olive Branch (though I'm stocked), and my facial holy grails are Celestial cream and Full of Grace serum bar. I haven't gotten any Angels on Bare Skin in a while, and I'm curious about Kalamazoo. I'm not really a fan of all the florals and candy stuff.

Do you prefer hand-made or store-bought?
This is tricky for me. In theory, I prefer hand-made. That said, I'm not crafty and, unfortunately for me, my small social and family network isn't either. So, I typically end up going a store-bought route. I'm very INTRIGUED by hand-made, though, and I often see posts on BPAL forum or BPAL FB groups of hand-made stuff and feel a bit twitchy that I don't have access to that stuff. I've commissioned a few things via the forum for swaps that I love - decorated BPAL boxes handmade jewelry, and paintings, to be precise.

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?
Hmmm...5? In the past, I'd have said 7 or 8. Then I learned what HOT really means. I like some spice, but I'm not a hero.

What is your BPAL "Holy Grail"?
Antique Lace, sadly. Fortunately, I also have some realistic loves! Dorian anything is always a winner

Analog or Digital? Or Both?
Huh. Both?

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 don't know, to be honest. I tried a few HoG a while back. Their customer service and packaging were phenomenal, but I just didn't get hooked by the products. I'm a little on the OC (Obsessive-Compulsive) spectrum (not clinically), and when I get "into" something, I kind of want ALL of it. This happened with Arcana - I started buying so much of it, I had to let it all go. (This is a little odd, eh?) So, I try to limit myself to one or two brands for most types of products. That said, I would be willing to try some of these other companies - especially if one of them had something close to Antique Lace!

9/22/15

Do you have an affinity for any specific animals?
I love horses - the contradiction of the size and grace of them. I want a pet unicorn. I love golden retrievers and look forward to a time when my lifestyle would be fit for one. I am a sucker for the face of a French Bulldog or Persian/Exotic Shorthair cat, but I worry about their breathing. My new obsession is Lykoi cats. And we'll have one in the next four months.

Kitchen Needs or Wants?
More cabinet space?? We just moved into the smallest kitchen we've had in about seven years. That said, I LOVE Halloween terry (ish) dish towels. I usually buy Target's annual offering, but didn't see anything spectacular this year. Just got a dining table I love (first time in years), and would love a pretty runner for it. (It's a black oak 72" rectangular table with ornate legs from Restoration Hardware - Grand Baluster Rectangular Extension Dining Table + 18Th C. Louis XV Side Chair.

Makeup! Do you like it, would you want some? If so what brands do you like to wear?
Yes, and I have a ton from Urban Decay. I don't wear it as often as I'd like.

Chocolate fiends ahoy! What kind of chocolate do you like? Do you like any other things in it or just plain good ole chocolate?
Oh, I love chocolate. I like dark, milk, and white (might love white the most but am the most picky about it, if that makes sense). I don't really want fruit or gooey, drippy syrup stuff in my chocolate. That said, I enjoy many types of nuts, caramel (yes, I know it's drippy!), nougat, hazelnut, you name it!

Would you be opposed to receiving a ton of Halloween themed items?
NOT AT ALL! Was I shouting? Sorry.

9/23/15

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?
I think I already missed this given I'm answering 9/27. But, it looks cool!

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?
OMG. I glanced at the update but haven't made any decisions. I promise, Witch, I will do that today (9/27), and I will update my w/l (linked in sig).

What's your favorite scary movie? Or movies, either way. If you don't like horror, what are your favorite movies to watch this time of year?
Hmmm...I really like scary movies. I prefer ones that are scary without ALL TEH GORE, but I don't avoid those, either. I don't see enough scary movies. I like to watch Nightmare Before Christmas this time of year. I have watched Amityville Horror and Poltergeist 345239659834 times, though not in the past few years. That reminds me I should do it!

9/24/15

Blu-ray or DVD?
We have both. Blu-ray, I guess, for better quality. However, some stuff isn't released on Blu-Ray. Honestly, we download most of what we watch. I buy the very favorite things only on hard copy. Does my witch have suggestions? I'd love them!

Game systems - console or computer? Mac/PC? Which console?
LOL. I'm not a huge gamer, though my other half is! He plays mostly computer games, though we have several consoles (PSIII, PSII, for sure). I am embarrassed to admit that I got dragged into playing Candy Crush on my phone, and a few other less popular games. It's a good distraction.

Are you dressing up for Halloween and if so do you need any accessories for if?
Probably not. We're new here and I wouldn't know where to go.

Talk to me about bags, what kinds do you like? Sizes and styles?
I love bags, of all kinds. I'm obsessed with finding a reasonable dupe for the Anya Hindmarch cosmetics bag (think I linked it somewhere already). Those should cost $10-$25ish, right? That price makes me laugh! But, I love that the brush compartment is separate AND has elastic holders for the brushes, all in one bag. / Otherwise, I *try* to find non-leather bags. I have quite a few Harvey's Seatbelt bags, including several NBC/Jack Skellington prints. I enjoy Reisenthel totes for home things. I'd like a smaller cosmetic bag for things like lip balm, ibuprofen, eyerbrow comb, etc, in my purse. I like bags I can hang over my shoulder easily, or possibly use crossbody (not necessary). I do not end up using bags with a short strap drop often. I loved the tokidoki x LeSportSace collab some years back. And, it's leather, but my large Botkier Howard Street satchel is my go-to. I've had it for years and was happy to score it used on Bonanza. (I could go on and on...)

What are your favorite fandoms and do you want to receive anything related to such?
Hmmm...BPAL. Okay, so you know that. I lovelovelove Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Twin Peaks, X-Files, and Supernatural. I don't have much related swag, though I've pondered "inspired" jewelry or those FUNKO Pop! figures, but haven't gotten in there yet. I have the first two books (seasons 8 and 9, I think?) of Buffy comics, but haven't picked up any additional. I'm trying to say I'm open to this, just not very educated.

What are you planning to order from the Weenies update?
See answer to similar question above - I'll update my w/l in sig today! (I have to review first.)

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!)
Oh, yea - missed it, but sounds fun!!

Do you like comics or graphic novels? Any issues or collections you want to read?
See fandom answer above.

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?
Have always been curious, but never actually delved into this. I'm not opposed to this. Any of my fave TV shows would work!

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!)
BPAL, Amazon, etsy - all need updating - will work on today! I should have a LUSH one!

9/25/15

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.
Oh, yay! Black, grey (charcoal), blue (like cobalt or electric), maybe hints of white or light gray for contrast? I also enjoy dark purples or greens at times. I will see about swatch pics...

Would you rather receive a bunch of little packages through the round, a couple of medium packages, or one big package at the end?
I would be thrilled with either! As long as I have some idea my Witch is out there before the end, I'd be thrilled with however he/she wishes to do things!

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)?
Yep!

Would Witchees like something from IKEA? (Or any other not always accessible by everyone store?)
I'm dying for a white Kallax or a large BIGARRA plant pot, but both of these are EXCEEDINGLY heavy and not suitable for witchery.

If/when you go to the mall, for which store(s) do you beeline?
I hate going to the mall anymore, but when I do, it's typically to Bath and Body Works to use a coupon (for a candle or candle holder), LUSH (if there is one), Sephora, or to return something ordered via mail to Lane Bryant.

Do you receive any subscription boxes (julep, lootcrate, ipsy, birchbox, etc.)?
Nope! If one was cruelty-free, maybe that'd be fun! I've seen some cool vegeterian snack box mentions here and there that have tempted me.

Do you like tarts/candles/incense? If so, what type of scents?
Yes! I think tarts are more work than I typically will go for, so I've mostly stopped with them. I bought a bag of soy wax flakes, so I add oil to those - either fragranced, BPAL, or essential. I don't use paraffin wax, but any other kind is good! I prefer minty scents for home - fresh, but not "laundry." Right now, I'm burning a Twisted Peppermint candle from Bath and Body Works. My husband just asked about it, and said, "That's mint?!? It smells like smoky fruit. LOL. Exactly. My FAVORITE was the BPTP "Lick It" candle from (I think) two Yules back. I'd never liked that scent, but took a chance on the candle and realized I LOVED it too late to get more. (Same thing happened with Blueberry Peppermint bath oil.) BPAL/BPTP mint is special.
Is there anything you wish you could have picked up from the Dragon*Con exclusives?
Gosh, I actually had a fairy and have not even touched my package yet. I know, that's sad. I'm so behind.
Is there a GC you've been dying to try but haven't got around to yet?
I'm sure! I'll updated list soon! Any new GCs in the past two years probably fall into this category.

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 think copper is interesting. I like colorful, but "limited" color. My normal palate is (are you tired of this, yet?) black, grey (charcoal), blue (darker blues), mixed with whites/light grey for contrast. I also enjoy natural textures (wood, stones, etc.), and sometimes dark hues of purple and green.

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?
Oh, sure! I love decorating. And, either would be grand!

Office supplies hound? Pens, pencils, journals, any preference, or favorites?
I love office supplies. Pens are always fun, and lately I'm looking for cool file folders to hold frequently used patient questionnaires, etc. I like the designs of the Nate Berkus collection at Target, but I'm always wishing it was silver or gunmetal instead of gold everything.

Talk to me about socks! Is there anything, dear, dear Witchee, that I can get for you from Sock Dreams? Anything from another place?
Yes! I dream of super long socks for plus size calves, legs! I'm in Maine now, and don't have proper socks. I also can never have enough fuzzy sleep socks. No tight ankles, though.

I live near a huuuuge candy store. What kind of candy do you like? Gummies? Caramel? Chocolate? Sour? Sugar-free?
I like candy. I don't like licorice for the most part, except Twizzlers. (Oddly, I don't hate it as a perfume note.) I like all the things listed above. I saw a Ouija (board) mint box (kinda like Altoids) once, didn't buy it, and now can't find it anywhere. Wish I could find that!

9/26/15

How do you feel about animal products? Not so much animal toys or food, but more like furs, paws, bones, etc.
My answer to this may be odd. I like the LOOK, but I wouldn't buy/use REAL ones. FAUX is the way to go for me. I have lots of faux fur in my decor scheme (in terms of pillow covers and throw blankets). Maybe not paws. I have bone-shaped candle holders and kitchen serving things from cool Halloween lines I've found - cast in metal.

Are you interested in receiving any restaurant.com gift certificates for your area?
Hmmm...I doubt there are any from my area. It's kinda desolate.

9/27/15

How do you feel about "toys" - stuffed animals and the like?
This is a tough one. I think they're adorable, and I LOVE them! However, I've recently (for the past couple of years) been really strongly filtering through the amount of belongings we have. We've moved a lot and I've just gotten a bit more of a handle/filter. So, I'm not necessarily looking for more stuffed animals. That said, if you MAKE them, I WANT them! I've seen some absolutely gorgeous pressed wool animals and other BPAL-critter type animals that I've coveted from afar. The more evil, the better!

9/28/2015

Did you see the eclipse last night? How do you feel about astrological events, like eclipses? Any interest in the Blood Moon Eclipse scent from BPAL?
No. Generally intrigued. Yes - just ordered a bottle - my first order in months from the Lab! (I'm at work and a patient cancelled.) I know I've been a bad witchee and did not update my BPAL w/l this past w/e as I said I would. Tonight?

Witchees - how tall are you? And perhaps, what's your arm span (from wrist to wrist)?
I am 5'5.5" and in the interest of your not having to wait a hundred years for me to have my husband measure my arm span, I'll say that I have average length arms. If anything, I find that sleeves are sometimes a tad shorter than I'd like them to be (though this is not universal).

How do you feel about the four elements? Or are you more of an Asian 5 elements person? Do you feel strongly about any of the elements, like a connection or a preference?
Ignorant. Intrigued, but ignorant. I know this is a thing, and I know I love being near bodies of water, am drawn to but scared of fire, and love being in the outdoors in cold areas - hate the heat. Teach me, dear Witch, if this is your thing!

How do you feel about bento boxes? Is it something you would use if you got one?
This is a great question. I think some of them are super cute. I bought a large Zojirushi cylindrical one several years ago and have yet to use it. However, I would probably use the smaller, cuter ones for storage of smaller, cute objects.

Scarves, shawls, or cowls? Mittens, gloves, fingerless mitts, or wristlets?
Wow - yes, yes, intrigued but somehow think they accentuate my larger chest. Probably not, ok, yes please!, and sure.

How do you feel about online classes? Like, say, craftsy or creativebug? Or even lynda.com?
Intrigued, but to be fair, I probably wouldn't use it. I learn better when I can interact, and be hands-on. I also got burned out on learning when I finished grad school five years ago. Keeping up with CEs is about as much as I'll do at this point.

9/29/2015

What do we want from Paintbox Soapworks?
OMG. I'm totally uninformed, but intrigued! Moisturizing creams/lotions/hair products are generally a safe bet for me.

If I were to make you some art, would you prefer a frame than hangs or one that sits? And what color/style would you prefer?
Hmmm...probably hang, though not by a strong margin! I like dark, moody things. Black, grey, blue, etc with some green or purple are typically my go-to schemes.

How do you feel about gourmet marshmallows?
I feel very good about this. Very, very good. I tried a lavender-flavored thing this past summer, and it made me more intrigued by floral confections than I ever thought I'd be. Vanilla's always awesome, too!

Are you a slatherer or a dabber?
Hmmmm....I know others have said this, but I slather when supplies are abundant, and dab when they are low.

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.
OMG. I am not very tea-informed. My current go-to is the Yogi Aveda Tea dupe (Licorice Mint, I think). I also enjoy Sleepy Time. I would like to have more berry teas (decaf) that are good with a bit of cream. In face, I'd love any decaf teas that are good with a bit of cream. I don't love bitter tea, but I don't want it to be SWEET. I want to be able to say more, but I truly don't know. I have infusers/strainers (what's the word?) for loose tea, but haven't used them much (am happy to do so). What else can I say?

Villainess is putting out brand new stuff for the first time in a while (as opposed to bringing back former lines). Sooo.... who wants it?
Me. I enjoy her smooches, whipped!, and the exfoliating bar soaps. For perfumes (at least thus far), I prefer BPAL. I don't think I've tried other products.

ETA (this is for when I add links or pics after the fact....so, it could be on the same day or later than the date of the last question answered above - in other words, it will always be at the bottom of this entry, even if I updated questions after this.):
9/27/2015 - This is an awesome pair of fingerless gloves, and an example of something I'd love to wear!

NOTE: TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, WILL CLEAN UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE <3