yewberry

Apparently I ruin everything. In the Imp it smells like a lovely apple floral. On me, it's an unending source of old lady perfumey funk that amps endlessly. Much disappointment.

A decidedly non-exhaustive list of stuff that I could totally use that can be made cheaply and fairly easily: Make a tap handle out of anything T-shirt yarn tutorial I love single issues of how-to magazines. Check your local library book sale! Know Photoshop? I'd love custom beer labels for my homebrew. They don't even have to be printed. Just e-files would be great!

Giftster wishlists: Homebrewin' Boozahol! Bubble, Bubble Clothing Dia de los Muertos Lit Omnomnom She's Crafty Everything Else Etsy: Veery Beery Bath and Body Dia de los Muertos Accessories

Quintessence of Dust is very beeswax-forward, at least on me.

How would you feel about getting a gift certificate to a local store? Any favorites? I don't shop much. I love thrift stores and my local co-op. Do garage sales count? I go to my local homebrew supply store quite a bit (they sell cheesemaking supplies now, and I'd love to get into that more). Oh, and Otion (Bramble Berry’s retail store). I do most of my non-food shopping in either Seattle or Bellingham, so neither of those places are too far for me. I travel often to Uwajimaya, for example, to shop for both food and non-food items. There are also a number of cool bottle shops in the area that I frequent, namely our local Ale Spike (they allow dogs, so bonus!), Norm's Market, The Pourhouse (when I visit my father-in-law), The Beer Junction, Special Brews, Chuck's Hop Shop, and Brews Almighty.

I wonder what a potential witchee would think about being bombarded with PUMPKINS in various formats? Could work in the body care department. Or in the whole, unprocessed squash department (although probably really impractical unless you’re talking the little kind). How do people feel about canned good (pickles, salsa, etc) and vegetal baked goods (squash bread, zucchini bread)? My questionnaire covers this. I’ve been (badly) burned in a foodie swap in a way that still grosses me out when I think of it. Not here, by the way, but elsewhere on the interwebz. I’m still too gun-shy to accept home-processed food. Whole, unprocessed stuff, however would be grand (assuming it can be safely shipped). And I’m the kind of weirdo that would love something like, say, a single apple. How about y'alls coffee and tea preferences? I think I covered this pretty well in my questionnaire, but I’ll re-emphasize that I don’t like tart teas (rosehips, hibiscus, citric acid, citrus fruit) and that rooibos is repellant to me. Trading Post wants? Always wanted to try the candles, but they’re pricey. I’d happily accept a used one, even. All of the following appeal: Black Rose, Bliss, Grave Moss & Upturned Soil, Khajuraho, Misk U, There Yet Shall Be Sorrows. How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems? Creative stuff is awesome (not to mention touching). It's always among my favorite gifts. I prefer the useful to the purely decorative (unless it's for my Dia de los Muertos altar). As long as it’s not a terribly smelly and/or chemically, I’ll give most anything a whirl! What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you? Ancient Mesoamerican peoples. And I have no idea why. No blood connection that I know of. Just always drawn to understanding them better. The various Celtic tribes hold almost equal sway. But there I’m at least Irish. Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)? I would absolutely love a pic of my dog Lana, in any style (well, maybe not pinup...that'd be...weird). I’d frame it and hang it forever. She’s an old gal (almost 11), so such mementos mean a lot to me. What do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests? I think I outlined that pretty well in my questionnaire, but I also do a lot of “beer tourism” (going to beer fests, touring breweries, that sort of thing). I also recently joined a homebrew club, which is a little funny, given that I’ve been brewing for about 20 years. Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc.? Gaming accessories you long for? I don't do most tabletop gaming, but I'd love a set of Cards Against Humanity. Doesn’t need to be the official set. The print-and-cut version would be great too. I just haven’t found the time for the printing and cutting. DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through Amazon? Used is always best for me. If you brag about how little it cost, I’ll consider that a sort of cherry on top. Sadly, I can't think of anything specific at the moment. What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try? Weird-ass flavors of Kit Kats. Wasabi, Red Bean, etc. I look forward to sharing them with my horrified family. Otherwise, odd flavors are great. Flower candies, or things with traditionally "savory" seasonings. What direct sellers do you not like and would prefer not to get things from? And also feel free to list any retail brands you really don't like. I don't use the products most of those companies make. As for companies I'd rather avoid, I mentioned Starbucks somewhere (questionnaire?), I can't readily think of any. Do you have a favorite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom? I like (and find amusing) many, many memes. "Nailed it" jokes are usually funny. And Pun Husky still makes me laugh, almost in spite of myself. Anybody interested in something from RCCC, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist? Wouldn't even know what to ask for. Know zilch about comics or their related cons (except that BPAL is sometimes featured). How important to you is regular contact / chatter with your witch? My questionnaire covers this pretty well. I prefer chatty Witches, but I understand if they don't feel the same. Only complete radio silence bums me out. Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing? Sure! I can't promise I'll be any good at them, though. If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions? Digital, if possible. But CDs are okay too. What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it? That list is far too long to address here. How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? i.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin… I probably wouldn't carry anything with me unless it was small and I could put it in my wallet or somewhere similarly out of the way. Are you superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations? I'm situationally superstitious...spidey senses and the like. But not about any one specific thing. How do you feel about things (say, marshmallows or gummy candy) made with vegan gelatin or other typically-animal-derived-but-not-in-this-instance products? Go for it. Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions? Most 100% wool doesn't work for me around my neck, but as I never wear scarves (I have one cashmere one that I love, and that's plenty in this climate). I can wear superwash wool, especially if it's spun with a little nylon. I don't really like "fluffy" fiber like alpaca or mohair, mostly because of all the fiber that it sheds. I do prefer natural to synthetic for the most part (my love of wool/nylon notwithstanding). I don't mind (soft--as in, not Red Heart) acrylic for things like fingerless mitts. How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples? Apples are great, but I prefer organic. Honeycrisps are my favorite! Not really interested in apple as a fragrance. How do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments? Don't use 'em. If I do decorate for solstice, I just use lots of candles and natural greenery. Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like? I'm very, very picky about my poetry. Mostly I hate free-verse. I dig meter and rhyme, but hate triteness. Philip Larkin is my favorite poet. Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character? No, thanks. How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationary - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?) About the only "cute" things I like are Dia de los Muertos folk art. And MisNopalesArt' stuff. What is something you'd really like to receive from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!" Everything on my wishlists (and things similar) is something I'd love to receive. I'm not really about receiving stuff from my wishlist. Thoughtfulness is so much more important. If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study? Probably yeast cultivation and management at Siebel. Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists: Matthew Sweet - Chairlift - Grimes - Old 97's - Grimes - Radical Face - Balam Acab - Ulrich Schnauss - Ramona Lisa - Fishboy - Tarot cards, rune stones and/or other divination tools yay or nay? I'm good on runes. I'd love something different, like a black mirror or bowl for scrying. Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO There are plenty of musicians whose work obsesses me, but I don't really conflate the artist with the art. Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague? Mostly plague. If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be? I can't imagine how any other era would deal with me. This one is having enough trouble. If you had to pick one or two quotes to live by, what would it be and why? And why? Hello, hedonist! Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of? On my wishlist. Do you prefer physical books? CD books? eBooks? If eBooks do you have preferred format, kindle/nook/kobo/PDF/ePub/ect? eAudio? I like eBooks and paper books and some audiobooks (although sometimes narrators really annoy me). Smut! Yes or no? If yes, what kink, er, kind? Probably not. If you were to get a custom bottle from House of Gloi made for you what notes would create your perfect blend? Sandalwood, Beeswax and Honey, Dirt, Nag Champa. What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration? I love jack o' lanterns. But really I love calaveras for Dia de los Muertos. Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)? You, Madam or Sir, are not my Witch. How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor? As long as it's not stupid, have at it. I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun? Weird candy, por favor. I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices? Absolutely. I love dried chilies, especially powdered (I have a good collection of whole ones, but it would be nice to have some in a handier form). Smoked chiles are my absolute favorite. I also love Indian and Thai spices for curries. Whole seeds to grind are ideal (caraway, cumin, coriander, cardamom, chilies, dried turmeric/galangal/ginger chunks, white/green/pink peppercorns, bay leaves, makrut lime leaves...the list goes on and on! Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Absolutely! I don't really have a use for stick incense, but powders and resins, sure! Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals. I prefer burners with a grate to burn charcoal. Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors? It doesn't get cold enough here to really need scarves or shawls, and I'm no fashionista, so they wouldn't see a lot of use. Dishcloths, however, are used hereabouts daily (no dishwasher). I've gotten into dishcloths densely knit/crocheted from crochet cotton (the thin stuff), mostly because they scrub nicely and dry quickly, especially in our wet winter climate. I'll gladly accept the regular "dishcloth cotton" kind, though. I'll use 'em all! I'd prefer lighter colors, and the design can be anything your heart desires, dear Witch! Is there anywhere (in the US) that you are dying to get away to? Also when would you be able to get away. Would this even be something you were interested in? I try very earnestly to avoid flying. The whole experience leaves me cold (and frequently sick to boot). If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc? I'm never sure about these definitions. Do babydoll tees have cap sleeves? Then nawp. Do they have longer sleeves but are more fitted (like this)? Yawp. I prefer round-neck to v-neck (but as long as the v-neck's not too wide/plunging, that's cool). I also prefer slightly longer shirts due to big boobages. THINKGEEK! Who loves it - do you have a wishlist on there?? What are some things you are jonesing for on there for under $20? I think it's all cool, but there's rarely anything useful enough. Maybe the Swedish Fire Steel? Zombies, yes or no? Mostly I don't get the long-term appeal. I enjoy the less-shambolic variety (28 Days Later, World War Z) and the hysterical (Shaun of the Dead), but really there's not much more to say. Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves? I like scrunchable elbow length (my wrists are 7.5 inches around, and my elbows are 12) or to-the-wrist. I also love fitted sleeves without thumb holes so I can cover as much of my hands as I want and easily wear gloves underneath. In this climate, adaptable/convertible is key. Do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s? Not really. I love 'em, and am endlessly fascinated by them, but there's nothing particularly totemic about any particular species. Well, maybe seals (not sea lions). It's a selkie thing. Anyone have any Paintbox Soapworks loves? "What Smells?" has everything you need. How would you feel if your witch or a minion of your witch showed up in person at your house with goodies? Thrilled? Annoyed? Completely creeped out? I'd be totally cool with it if I had, say, about a week's notice. My schedule is such that I'm not home a lot except on weekends, which are kind of sacrosanct (in that I hate putting on a bra). But given that my house is in bumfuck nowhere, it might be better to meet somewhere. Maybe Seattle? Bellingham? Maybe somewhere that serves beer? Do you have a ravelry account? Tell me about your yarn obsessions. I'm a Raveler. I'm not really obsessed with a particular yarn, but I love superwash wool/nylon (especially merino and BFL). A little silk is nice too, or tencel, for drape (just not too much--I find yarns high in them "cold"). I love spinning fibers. Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen? Awesome in concept, dust-collector in reality. I'm a typist. I type. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "gimme that ghost pepper!" and 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" Where is your heat tolerance? I'm smack in the middle. I like a little heat, but I care a lot more about flavor than mouth-scorching. Would you be interested in receiving a box of sugar cube skulls. So awesome! I'd love a small package to decorate for my Dia de los Muertos altar. What do you most look forward to each Fall? So many things. Fallen leaves (and their associated fragrance), wood smoke, PRODUCE (squash, cabbages, Honeycrisp apples, root veggies for roasting...), the first frost (usually not until well into November here), walking to the bus stop on cool/clear mornings, Dia de los Muertos with friends. Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? I wash my face with unscented bar soap or just rub unscented shampoo on my face in the shower. For moisturizer, I usually use an unscented lotion I buy in bulk at the co-op. My skin's pretty sensitive, so I try to stay away from most (smelly) commercial brands. Lip balms? Yay or nay? Absotively! See my "What Smells?" list. Liliths Bday Scents? Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha is the only one that jumps out as Really Very Want. Otherwise it's a cavalcade of death notes. M&Ms: Meh&Meh. Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no? I love all spiders, and I prefer them realistic over cute. Pillows (the mostly decorative type)? Nope. Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc? Can always use more sturdy, washable canvas shopping bags, yes! Bright colors are ideal (I forget them less if I notice them). Salem Massachusetts--would you want anything from there? Can't think of anything, but something witchy and useful (Coffee mug? Dish or bath towels?) would be cool. Is there anything special coming up in your life? Depends on how you define "special". I've got Elysian's Great Pumpkin on 10/4 (husband and I make kind of a date weekend out of it and stay the night in West Seattle). Then it's Dia de los Muertos on 11/1 (biggest party I throw next to our summer shindig). My Witch is, naturally, invited. If you were my witchee would you like a custom chocolate bar? What would you choose? http://www.chocolatc...e-your-own-bar/: Guuuhyeah! A 55% Dark with anise, candied rose petals, and pink peppercorns would be the most intriguing thing evah. Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? In all honesty, I don't like floppy-legged lounge pants, and I definitely couldn't wear them to bed (I'm night-runner, so they end up bunched around my knees uncomfortably). I lounge and sleep in sweat pants when it's cold. The kind with elastic around the ankles, not stretchy cuffs (which I hate). And I (not surprisingly) wear granny panties. Would you like a subscription for Spotify? Probably not. If you imbibe at all ... preference between: wine/beer/cocktails and then glassware and/or bar-ware? cocktail gadgetry? Books on the subject/recipes? would you want sample bottles of local/regional/small batch craft spirits if they were home decanted and labeled? Not too terribly into cocktails, though non-frou stuff (like pre-prohibition recipes). Flavored waters (rose, orange blossom, spices/herbs) and bitters would be awesome, as would the fixins for 'em (like if you had a source of gentian root, f'ex). I wouldn't mind them homemade, even. And I also wouldn't mind decanted spirits if you think it's something I'll like. Would you like some chai, lemon, rose water or other flavored sugar cubes? Not too terribly interested. If you had to choose one currently available book (used-but-obtainable counts if you do used) costing $20 or under for your Witch to buy for you, what would it be? Any of the books on my wishlist would qualify. And I don't care much about condition, as long as the pages are all there. If you could only pick one note that you love (e.g. Vanilla, Orange, Lavender, Rose) & you could only wear/have perfume, etc in that note, what would it be? Probably sandalwood. No, definitely sandalwood. Do you want anything from the Fatherhood update at the Post? Fortuately none. Too girlie and flowery for me. Street art! Into it? Not into it? Meh? Some of it's really amazing, some of it's crap (just like all art). They can't all be Banksy. Weenies update? Stupid freaking Weenies. Yes. Practically all of it. The list of what I don't want is shorter. But I'd especially like to try: Visions of Autumn VII & IV (in that order), Bonfire SN, Pile of Fallen Leaves SN, Pumpkin III, IV, & I (in that order). Caffeine or no? And is this a health or preference? I love coffee and tea, but I do limit my intake of caffeine for health reasons (assuming "GAH!! MY HEART'S COMIN' OUTTA MY CHEST!!" is a health reason). There's not enough caffeine in tea to bother me unless I drink a ton of it, but one cuppa fully-leaded coffee is about my limit.

A bit of "In the Forest" with beeswax. Lovely!

A new favorite! I'm not even sure why I purchased this one save curiosity about the ambiguous notes. A surprisingly grounded (yet still ethereal), resinous floral. Incense-y but soft. All the notes are muted and perfectly balanced. Champa? Iron? Red sandalwood? Vetiver? Very mysterious... Moderate throw, and it really lasts. This one screams "wear me in your hair!"

Gorgeous pumpkin spice and chocolate in perfect accord. What a rare and unexpected treat!

In the vial, it's slightly green, berry-ish, soapy. On me it's like cheap truck stop soap. Bleh.

Like a pirate dad. A sweet one. Starts out pure almond, then dries down to incensey clove and patchouli. Overall? Pretty yum.

Dr Who? 'Fraid not. How much do you like lipbalm? Flavored or unflavored? What are your favorite brands and flavors? I use lip balm pretty obsessively the older (and drier) I get. I don't really have a favorite brand, but I prefer all-natural ingredients and flavored with essential oils. Oh, and sticks over pots, definitely. Do you like and wear lipgloss? If yes, what colours? Nope. For those of you whose wishlists contain only BPALs, are there any other perfume companies you like or would like to try out? I don't really go looking much outside BPAL. I'll go hunting and add a few to my wishlist. Do you need hair accessories? If so, what kind or color? I tend to like simple bandanas or wide (5" plus) headbands. What is your favorite shade of blue? Most shades except baby and teal (and only all by themselves--in combination with other colors they can be lovely). Deep jewel tones are very appealing. Do you have any kitchen gadgets (a SodaStream, a Kuerig/Tassimo) that you want mix things for? Nope. If you could have one rare BPAL, what would you choose? Chaos Theory DCCCV. Are you kinky? By proper kink standards, I'm pretty vanilla. Do you enjoy scented candles? Certain sizes that you like? What kind of scents or brands? I do. No specific brand, but I prefer things scented with essential oils and made from natural waxes (soy, palm, beeswax). Thoughts about South Africa? Have you been here, would you like to go? Would you like to receive anything South African? Yes to all. I can't name anything specifically, but region-specific stuff would be lovely. What about candy? Do you have a sweet tooth? Generally I can take it or leave it (my cravings run more the savory direction). I do love Flavigny Rose Pastilles and good chocolate (both milk and dark). I'm really getting into choco with weird stuff in it. So if it's weird and vegetarian (and SMALL), I'll give it a go. Do you have an e-reader? I've got an Android phone with a Kindle app. If your witch is an extremely crafty sort, and she were to send all kinds of homemade foody goodies and handmade crafty stuff - what are items you would NOT LOVE to receive: Sadly, I'm still not okay with homemade food stuffs. A bad experience kinda ruined it for me, and now I'm gun shy. Crafty stuff, on the other hand, is full of love, as long as it's useful in some way and not purely decorative...except for stuff that could go on my Dia de los Muertos altar. I don't really wear knitwear, but socks and fingerless mitts are awesome. Have you tried Fortune Cookie Soap? What products or scents would you like? Nope, but I'd be interested! Have you ever tried anything from Paintbox Soapworks? Tartchef and I go way back. Some stuff of hers in "What Smells?" as well. Do you use solid soaps at all? If so, what kind do or don't you like? I do, but I make my own, so I have gobs and gobs of it around all the time. I'd prefer no bar soap unless it's a really unusual fragrance. Do you like/have space to garden? If so, what do you grow? Veggies, veggies, veggies! I also love herbs that can be grown from seed. It's tricky to figure out things that work in my weird climate, though, so it's worth it to ask before you send an heirloom watermelon that won't have enough time/heat to grow properly here. Do you like sample sized things? Almost better than the normal sized ones! And they're cheaper to ship. Have you ever tried Cocoa Pink? If you are curious about it, what looks interesting to you? I'd love to try anything in Barefoot In the Garden, Blush, or Mad Hatter Tea Cakes. Everything in the Gourmet Summer Scrubs series looks lovely too. Do you like Lush? If so, what is your favorite product that is currently available, also, what is a product that you love but has been discontinued? I've tried some Lush stuff, but mostly the fragrances are just a little "off" to me. Still, foody bath stuff always intrigues, so... Do witches prefer the answers posted here, but a more cherry-picked number of questions answered, or a more exhaustive list posted in the blog, which means posting here much less? I post everything on the blog and reproduce a good percentage of it here to stay in the mix. Are there any companies, products, or items you boycott? I don't boycott per se, but I don't shop at WalMart, and really I don't buy retail except for underthings and consumables. As I am in Japan, what sort of things would you like from there? Weird candies in weird (but vegetarian) flavors. Anything but durian, which I can't abide. Since FB and the FB Gusp group (and the BPAL Sorority which is quiet) have become gathering places...what are some of your favorite Facebook pages you like? I love Plant Identification and love guessing species (it's the only online "game" I play). I visit a lot of brewery and tap house pages to see what's going on. Do you read literature/culture blogs or websites of any kind? I'm thinking about anything that would help a putative witch to get a sense of what your current tastes in books, movies, games, genres, approaches to culture and literature and so forth are. For the most part, nope. I love to read, and read a lot and watch tons of movies (foreign and domestic), but not in any kind of organized way. I work in a library, so I'm completely spoiled with browsing. I just look around until something intrigues. Not much help for a Switch Witch, eh? If you were put in a room with 100 random other people the same age and sex as you, from your country, in what way do you think you would be different from the average? I have absolutely no idea how to answer this question. I'm a weirdo, which most people get an inkling of just looking at me (Spider Senses and all that), and THEN I OPEN MY MOUTH AND IT GETS SO MUCH WORSE. Haus of Gloi did a Reverie update! Do any of them interest you? (Or anything else up currently?) Rose City Pumpkin Butter or perfume. Witchee, do you cook? Do you do all the cooking? Is it a chore or a pleasure? I do. And I do. And as with all truly good things, it is both. Which reading level do you prefer to read in YA or Adult? Or even both? Adult, please. What colors/style is your kitchen decor? And do you entertain in your home? Useful? I love kitchen towels, washcloths, that kind of thing. Natural materials, please. I use muslin cloths hemmed at the edges instead of paper towels. I do entertain, but all my friends know what to expect. Are your ears pierced? Yeah, but I don't use 'em. The piercings, that is. I use my ears fairly often. Do you like stuffies/stuffed animals/art doll type thingies? Not to own, but I love making them. If an enterprising Witch were to send me the fixins and specs, I'd happily put one together! Do you like bags? If so, what type (rucksack, clutch, shopping bag) colour and would you like/need a new one? Sturdy canvas shopping bags are always welcome. I try to hide a few everywhere so I don't forget 'em (in my car, at work). Loud colors/patterns are great because they're hard to walk by and forget, but honestly I don't care much about the color. What's your favourite comfort food (snack or candy etc) and/or drink? I love crunchy, cheesy, savory snacks most. Savory carbs in general. I love a perfectly-toasted grilled cheese made with real butter and smoked cheddar on seedy bread with a liberal amount of freshly-ground black pepper (add a bowl of roasted tomato soup, and WIN). These are actually becoming a serious problem at my house right now. I love all the flavors (yes, I've tried all the flavors) but I think I love the Wasabi Ranch and the Black Pepper flavors most. Both of the lentil flavors are way up there too. Seriously, it's an actual problem. Beverage-wise it's tea (spicy chai or Lapsang Souchong, specifically, and sometimes peppermint, especially in the summer)...or a nice barleywine or ruby port on a cold evening. Would you like anything from an European country? Any particular food or goodies, magazines, books, whatever would be available to your witch in his/her country. I can't really think of anything non-food, so I'll just focus on that: if it's a local specialty and vegetarian, I'll give it a whirl. What fandoms do you belong to? I'm a terrible fan. In that I'm not one. I just like what I like. I don't get obsessed, and when something starts to bore me, I drop it without much ado. What cheers you up? My dog at the end of the day, wagging and wagging and wagging. The antics of my chickens. Being outside among trees or near the water on a sunny day, any time of year. What question do you hate to answer? Questions about something I'm wearing, because all I do is try to "pass" fashion-wise. In my post-lottery-winning fantasy, I wear sweats, jeans, shorts, athletic sandals, and manky old t-shirts exclusively and forever. My toenails always have dirt under them. The vision is so lovely and pure that it sometimes makes me burst into tears. Random anecdote: I bought a purse recently to take on a trip because I needed something smaller than a backpack to carry around with me (and some stores are weird about backpacks...even though purses big enough to hold a toddler are okey doke...<shrug>). Now women ask where I got it, what brand it is (brand?) and I'm like "It has a bunch of pockets for my shit, is brown and goes with my Garanimals-esque 'wardrobe', and cost about five bucks secondhand...oh, and it looks nominally normal." They always walk away looking sad and unsatisfied. What is the best compliment you have/could receive? A genuine laugh at a joke I make. Is there anything small you try to collect from everywhere you visit? Beer is small right? I keep my collection in a dark room just below my esophagus. Could you name one thing you would be heartbroken not to get and one thing you would be a-ok if it didn't make it in your box? If my Witch sends me thoughtful gifts and takes my preferences into consideration, anything s/he sends is wonderful. Honest. Would you like something from Empire Edibles? I was gonna say probably not, but the palmistry chocolate slab is awesome. I'd share it with my friends at my DotD shindig. What are the three books you most want to read right now, and which you don't already have? Thinking about this a bit more, the Kindle versions of the Year's Best Science Fiction collections would be awesome. My husband and I like to read to each other, and having ebooks handy has become a really fun way to carry around several titles. Also, short stories are fun for short stays (like at a restaurant). Do you have any problems with swearing or particularly off-color humor? What an adorable question. <pat, pat> What would you like from the most recent BPAL update? What are you planning on buying for yourself and what would you like to try? Aurelia and Tympanidium sound kind of interesting, but I’m not planning to buy them right now. The bath oils look kind of interesting too, but not planning any purchases there either. Opinions on table top games, from cards and board games, to dice and rpgs. What do you like? What don't you like? Favorites? Any classics you like? Do you collect any? I'd love a Cards Against Humanity set. Doesn't have to be the "real" ones--the print-and-cut version would be just fine. What style is your sense of humour? Louis CK, only drier and more ironic (most of the time). Is there anything from Australia you would like? Regional spices/flavoring blends/sauces! Gift cards/vouchers - yay or nay? If you like them - which stores would you like one for? Absolutely. Especially for international Witching. Just makes sense. And any store that might interest me: gift card away! What is your favourite object, that you own, ignoring sentimental reasons for attachment? I'll go with cooking stuff. I love my stainless electric wok. I use it almost daily in the kitchen and heart it so much. Next would be my monstrous, '70s-era professional Cuisinart. All Japanese steel blades. Thing's a beast. My MIL gave it to me and I use it almost as often as the wok. Do you use wax melt tarts? I don’t think they’d get much use, I’m afraid. Put a wick in that thing, and you’re golden, though. Do you like Hot Chocolate? I don’t drink it, but my hubby does. Stuff to put in it would also go to him. He’d probably put it in his coffee (the hot chocolate and the other flavorings), as he likes sweet coffee drinks. I like my coffee with just a little cream. I have a feeling I will struggle with keeping my identity secret from my witchee. If you happen to find out who yours is, how much would it bother you? I don’t care at all. I did guess one former Witch because I (completely accidentally) read a thread where she said something similar to an email he sent me. It didn’t diminish the round for me one bit. And generally I cultivate obliviousness. It’s practically a gift. 10 Random songs: And here’s a list of what Pandora spit out for me: Talking Pictures – Swearing at Motorists Stumble on Air – Tristeza Going to Georgia – The Mountain Goats Lucky Break – Hank Dogs Do It Once – Andy Guthrie The Irony Engine – Franklin Bruno Left Behind – Zero 7 The Busy Girl Buys Beauty – Billy Bragg Know Your Onion! – The Shins Where Does the Good Go – Tegan and Sara And here's the one from my MP3 player: Cloudbusting – Kate Bush Icnocuicatl – Lila Downs Look Up – Stars Evacuation – Mason Daring Impossible – Doug Martsch Saltarello – Dead Can Dance Sunny Road – Emiliana Torrini Sally Go Round the Roses – Pentangle Lawyers & Truckers – Ed’s Redeeming Qualities Waiting for the Great Leap Forward – Billy Bragg Have you ever tried Spoonfudge? Would you enjoy it if your Witch would send you some? Which of the flavors would you like? Sounds amazing, but I'd prefer to stay away from fudge I can eat with a spoon. A quicker means of fudge conveyance is not what I need right now. What's your opinion on Moonalisa? Any favorites or products you'd like to try? I've tried a few solid soaps, which were lovely. Sea Witch was far and away my favorite, but I don't know if they still make that fragrance. <runs over to check> They do! I put a couple things in What Smells list. Is there someone on the forums (within SW or not) who knows you really well and might be able to help with stalking? Holborne and Twi know my sense of humor and my taste in fibery stuff for the most part (probably presumptuous on my part, but I think they do). Mordath (who's not playing this round) is a fellow Ravelry Rubbernecker and almost as awful as I am. Almost. Veronika Galt was my witchee a while back and we had, shall we say, a bit of a love connection. Ninjas or Pirates? Stock answer: Pinjas! Werewolves or Vampires? It's more about proper preparation. Werewolves should be braised to seal in their juices, but because of advanced age vampires need a long stewing. Zombie or Cthulhu? Elder Gods, por favor. Not that I'm really into Lovecraft, but CTHULHU SMASH!!! Do you want to receive one big package or a bunch of small ones? Digital stuff all at the end when the box should arrive or as we go? I admit a preference for lots of littles, but as long as there's some communication during the round I'm not going to be disappointed. Do you welcome knitted items? If so, what would you like most? (amigurumi, washcloth, socks, shawl, shawlette, scarf, wrist warmers, hat, etc.) Do you have any favorite fibers? How about any fiber allergies? Favorite color for knitted items? Knitted socks are love. My feet are very long (U.S. size 9.5 or 10) but narrow and I have skinny ankles. I prefer mostly natural fiber, but a touch of nylon makes socks wear well. Washcloths are always, always needed. Crocheted, knit, woven, whatever (even prefab would be welcome, for the non-crafter-Witch). 100% cotton, in any design or color my Witch chooses to send! Is there a Quote that resonates with you, or that you particularly like a lot. Would this be something you would like artwork made of for your walls or a shirt/bag/scarf? I don't really wear/carry things with sayings, quotes, or even images on them. This Jane is pretty plain. Also, STARBUCKS, Yay or Nay? Anything you particularly like? Nay. I prefer to go to small, local places (of which there are hundreds...maybe thousands). Do you have any symbols or totems that are meaningful to you? Yew trees. Especially the females with the red "berries". When you are having a really rough day, what do you like to do/have to make it a little brighter? A nice barleywine (winter) or a batch of cherry/mango sangria (summer), a funny movie (The Big Lebowski is kind of my go-to), a big bowl of homemade pho with noodles and veggies and lime and basil and cilantro... <drools> Would you like if your witch sent a regional pop/soda? If so, what type (Root beer, creme soda, cola, citrus-flavored, chocolate-flavored, etc...)? Sure, but maybe just a single bottle (cheaper to ship anyway). I like cola (but generally only if it's caffeine-free), citrus flavors (especially grapefruit), birch beer, and really spicy ginger ale (my absolute favorite). "Weird" flavors are cool too, like lavender, rosemary, rose... If you knit/crochet, what sizes of needles do you need? These in sizes 2 and 4. Nice soft cables. Super fast. They don't call 'em "turbo" fer nothin'. What styles of artwork do you like? Much like lit and music, I'm a know-it-when-I-see-it kinda gal. If you cook, would you be interested in-hand made spice mixes/rubs? Kind of out with the homemade food thing, sorry. Would you like Mexican vanilla or silver rings/necklaces? I only want Mexican vanilla if it's pure. Some brands have propylene glycol. My sister brought me a big bottle of vanilla from Mexico that I only used as a simmering room scent...which would be okay, I guess, but kind of a waste. I don't have a lot of interest in jewelry (except making it). I do love pewter and copper milagros, though. Especially flaming hearts. Is there anything from the Oddment Emporium you would like? Hmmm...Potter's Field Picnic and Voluptuary perfumes sound promising. Does anything from the TP Etsy update interest you? The Horticultural Building room spray sounds hilarious. Actually all the room sprays sound like me (with the exception of Snow Bunny). And actually the bath oils too (with emphasis on Frankincense, Myrrh and Rose Petal Beads...it sounds dreamy). Do you have any long trips coming up? If so, could you use things to occupy yourself? Nope. Just short day trips. I keep my knitting handy at pretty much all times, so there's always something to do. I'm going to Jungle Jim's next week (it's basically a massive international food gasm in Ohio, look it up); would anything interest you? Otherwise ungettable (stuff not distributed west of the Rockies, f'ex) craft beer in a variety of styles (esp. IPAs, sours, and Big Beers). Korean red pepper flakes (I make a lot of kimchi), weird candies (in small amounts)... Name three things that you could use, but might not necessarily think to get for yourself? A set of strong stainless steel measuring spoons (not the crappy ones that bend), and a clothesline ratchet (my clothesline is sagging, like so many things, in its middle age). I just found out Oreo is launching ones with watermelon flavor in the USA only. Is it something you would enjoy? It sounds like an abomination for which someone should be shot. So of course I wanna try one. ONE. What is your favorite color? Greens, but mostly as the backdrop to nature, with other colors layered on it. What is your favorite season? Here in the PNW, summer. It's more like an extended, fairly dry spring elsewhere in the country. Temps in the 70s and long days...mmm... If you could live anywhere in the world and money was no object, where would it be? Near Portland. Probably not in Portland, but somewhere with acreage where I could have a little farm...but with reliable bus service into a nearby small town (and on to Portland) so I wouldn't need to drive a car regularly. Would any witchee be interested in this comic? or any of her three comics? I keep trying to get into graphic novels, but I tend to put them aside and get back to reading-reading. What do you love about summer (even if it’s your least-favorite season)? Fruit. Warm(ish) nights. Walking for miles and miles with my dog. Trips to the beach (mid-week, if we can manage). Wearing shorts and a t-shirt and feeling comfy. Gathering most of what's for dinner from the garden. Happy chickens. Happy, warm old dog lying in the sun (she never seems warm during the winter anymore). The Summer Party (our big annual do with all our old friends...this year it's the 13th of July). The sweet sadness of knowing it won't last long. I know there's been a question about favorite quotes but this is specific: Do you have a quote that's not more than, say, a dozen words long that you would like in a cross-stitch? I love the idea of filthy cross-stitch. Or just mean. Or obscene. Okay, maybe not too obscene. Naughty. Bawdy. Something I wouldn’t have to put in a drawer when my extremely sweet mother-in-law comes to visit, but something she’d point to and G-ratedly ask “What the doodly-doo is that?” What are the three BPALs you would most like to receive - one GC, one not-hard to find LE, and one HTF LE from your dreams? There are currently over 180 items on my wishlist. I have no interest in pinning anyone down. I know the question about personal style was included in the questionnaire, but is there anything that could give your witch a better sense of your style/fashion or decoration preferences? I have no personal style (unless absent-minded is a style). Homemade hair gloss? Maybe...depending on the ingredients. I make my own hair oils with almond oil and essential oils, which sounds great. A whole lot of artificial stuff sounds less appealing. Seen anything lately that makes you go OH HOLY FUCK THAT'S AWESOME!! This. Also one of the few acceptable uses for a bottle of Beck's. Most of the things that make me go OH HOLY are of this ilk. Geeky little genius inventions. Almond Roca? Not a huge fan of crunchy toffee stuff. I mean, sure, I'll still eat it...and that's the problem. How do you feel about home-canned goods? About the same as homemade foodstuffs. Sorry. Is there a particular movie genre that you like? I always say that there’s nothing better than a good sci-fi flick…and nothing worse than a bad one. Guess which category most fall into for me? Do you have anything that you do ritually, every summer? Gardening is pretty much the only thing that leaps to mind. Starting seeds, weeding, transplanting, moving compost around...these all scream High Summer to me. Do you like audiobooks? Getting into them, though some are just terrible (the narrators, that is). Just finished listening to Margaret Atwood's Maddaddam series. Awesome. I am going back to Paradise Fibers today. They have like almost every type of fiber roving and dye and stuff available. If you're a spinner and have any fiber wishes, what would you like? Dyed or natural? Do you need dye? colors? brand? Any of the Washfast dyes would be lovely (although I tend to focus on primary colors, so the Bright Blue, Bright Red, Jet Black, or Sun Yellow would be my first choices). As for fiber, dyed, undyed...I don't care. I prefer wool to most other fibers for spinning. BFL is probably my favorite at the moment, but I also love Merino and rougher wools for non-clothing applications. I haven't worked much with wool/silk blends, but that might be fun. Also, could you pick me up a Schacht Matchless? They're cheap at only 1,100 bucks. I mean just while you're there.

There's a whole lotta childhood here. Grassy fields with clover, rolling around with one of those scented Strawberry Shortcake dolls. Very odd and oddly evocative.

I agree with the Jean Nate. Soapy '70s perfume. Sad. The notes sounded pretty ideal.

Everything about this scent screams "little girl". The kind of little girl I never was. But I can't help but love this bubbly effervescence. A sweet, candy-like fragrance that's unbelievably grounded by florals. Spring, spring, spring!