alterosen

This is very pretty scent - much softer than the perfume which is quite a sharp tea rose on me. I was surprised to see the vivid blue & green when I unwrapped it because it smells like it should be a creamy pink colour

I'm undecided about this one. It's glorious once dry - creamy sandalwood with just a breath of strawberry but has a very odd & unpleasant phase where it briefly smells like fish oil & herbs that I'm not sure I can handle. No idea where that's coming from note-wise but I've had the same thing happen both times I've tried it.

Late May/early June 2011, I wasn't able to squee about my final package from my Witchy because the IGI thread was already closed. So here it is: I received an unexpected Switch Witch package the other day! What a lovely surprise - I'm sure the international postal people hung on to it for a while, just because. Picture here Inside was some great paper goods: a bookmark printed with Gouldian finches (so vivid!), 2 BPAL postcards I haven't seen before & a pretty postcard of the Sunset over Sydney Harbour with a note from my dear Witch. There was also some other awesome BPTP swag - the coveted white BPAL pen & an Underworld Cup pin (yay!) - Some very nice Emma Page jewellery: sparkly earrings & a silver heart pendant with a chain - awesome Australian Redback Spider socks (officially the coolest socks I own!) - Hand Balm in Tranquil Sleep from Lathers & Lights (very soothing) - a nice selection of imps: Al-Azif, Bohun Upas, Casanova, Lorelei, Night Raven & Psyche - a whole bunch of sweet origami cranes, stars & hearts! Thanks so much for all the goodies! Here's a picture of my first package: viola! . March 25 Are you interested in trying Super Villainess (from Villainess - the birthday scent that was just released tonight!) and if so, which item do you like the most? (Soap, Whipped, Smooch, Extrait, Smack...) - probably just the soap & a perfume sample (though I do like the Whipped product, it's a lot of lotion to use up if I don't like the scent - I'm looking at you, Just Desserts...) If I were to order you a Smack, which four notes would you like? - my favorite so far has been: Berry Patch, Spice Trade, Vanilla Bean & Incense, though Sugared Roses, Spice Trade, Red Woods & Raspberry Plum was pretty awesome, too. I've been toying with the idea of a rosy, citrusy combo for summer but am a little afraid of it going wrong - Sugared Roses, Lemon Meringue, Buttercream ...) Would you enjoy receiving a knitted gift from your witch? If so what would you be interested in (scarf, hat, wrist / handwarmers, socks, etc.) and in what colors? - I've been lucky enough to receive scarves from a couple of my past Witches ( blows smooches at Galahad & Baitu) & the wonderful stariel once knit me some fabulous socks (gentle glomp) so I feel like I shouldn't expect anymore handknit bounty but anything would be welcome March 23 Easter Candy - do you like it? If so, what types? - I'm fond of all things Lindt (come here, leetle bunnies & carrots!) & Cadbury Mini Eggs (even though they sell them year round, I still like getting a big bag at Easter & scarfing it down by myself), I saw some Cadbury orange -marshmallow eggs that I'd like to try. I'm also pretty keen on peanut butter filled things. What scent(s) are you petrified of getting DC'd? - Dorian (I have a back-up, but still), Perversion, Lady Una, Marie, Faith, Nemesis (for my DH) March 22 Violette Market Update is up. Do you covet anything from it? - I wouldn't mind trying the Lost Woods of Killarney & the Morrigan. The Turkish Delight from the Yules caught my eye more than anything from the current update What is your favorite type of wine? Would you be interested in trying something new? In that case, is there anything you really DONT like? Ooooo how about dessert wines? - I'm not crazy about really dry wines but will try anything! I mostly drink reds (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz) & the occasional glass of dessert or ice wine March 21 What three things are you craving right now? milk chocolate, warm vanilla milk with cinnamon & cardamom, some crusty rosemary bread with butter paper goods, anyone need? including resume paper, and formal stationery as well as casual cards. - I can always use more cards & cute notepads! What is a scent that you've been trying to find even a sample of for a very long time to no avail? (What bottle would you die to get your hands on - even a partial?) - samples of Sybil, Pumpkin King & Gypsy Queen (even sniffies!), Bottle-wise: either Hunger Moon or Sky-typing with Chem-trails would make me really happy Is there anything in your life that you'd like advice or a "selfhelp" book for?: (ie finances, eating healthier, meal planning) - de-cluttering & cleaning house ,*sigh* the will is just not there March 19 If your Witch lived near you, would you be happy or creeped out to get a "coupon" for a service like cleaning help or babysitting or dogwalking or coffee out with your Witch or something like that? Would you be creeped out if a local minion personally delivered a package to your house from a far-away Witch? - Nope, wouldn't be creeped out. I'm always happy to meet another BPALista but would prefer a bit of prior notice if someone's gonna show up at my house Let's say I have a pair of something you collect, would you like one of them and we have matching things? - You bet! March 18 Do you like poetry? - Yes, I do. (I was an English major, remember). What types of scents do you like to scent your home? Which do you totally avoid? - like foody, fruity & spicy, florals can be iffy What are your thoughts on comics? Any you like? Any you have been wanting to try? Favorite characters? - I really like Jill Thompson (characters: Scary Godmother & Delirium) & Ted Naifeh (GloomCookie, Courtney Crumrin) but haven't been trying to keep up on what they're doing How do you feel about nail polish? What colors do you like? Sparkles? - I'm a toenail decorator only. I like glittery reds & purples, wouldn't mind finding a nice sparkley blue or deep orange Household/kitchen goods/gadgets? - pot holders! and a decent pastry cutter would be nice Ok geek check - what sort of geeky things do you do? Do you read comics/graphic novels? Are you obsessed with something (a TV show maybe?) Do you work in a geeky field? Do you play rpgs like Dungeons and Dragons? Would you like gifts related to any of these? - I have all the Sandman graphic novels & some others but don't really collect them in general. I'm quite fond of Buffy (would enjoy Spike & Giles stuff) but am not as obsessed as some people & haven't really been enjoying the new comics. Not a D&D player but totally loved hacking & slashing my way through Diablo I & II. I do happily work in a library & know way more about LOTR & Greek & Norse mythology than I need to. I'm a bit of a Lovecraft officinado, too & have always wanted a stuffed Cthulhu. Do you have a favorite fabric? If someone were to make you a fabric item, would you prefer it be out of any fabric? e.g. velvet, satin, silk, cotton, bamboo??? Would this change if it were an article of clothing vs. a bag/pillow/blanket/somethingelse - I like velvet a lot or cotton, blanket would be best in something soft & cozy Anything with the Worm Moon update that you're already lusting after? - I have decants ordered & was lusting after the shirt but talked myself out of it March 17 Would you want an invite to a site that is invite-only ex. Diaspora, Demonoid, etc. If so, what? - Can't think of anything Pillows? What size/designs/colors would most interest you? - I like floral or paisley patterns or solids in sage green, cranberry or cobalt, any size purses? bags? What style/colors? - I'm always game for a new cloth shopping bag or book bag especially if it's not canvas coloured (beige) Decorative scarves for hair and/or creative accessorizing? What colors? - Sure! Blues, purples & greens & combinations thereof Would you like anything from Starring Fragrances. They make awesome hair stuff, natural deodorant, and home fragrance (and a ton of other stuff, those are just my favs)? - I had a sample of the sugar scrub in Gangster's Moll that was pretty delicious. I'd be into small sizes of shower gel & room sprays, too in anything foody/spicy. March 16 or those who like lipgloss, lipstick, tinted balms, etc, what colors do you wear (and warm? cool?) and do you prefer something sheer or more opaque? How do you feel about shimmer? - mostly cool colours like plum, dark pink, sheer or opaque, shimmer is good but not essential Are there any fancy/gourmet/special herbs or spices that you'd love to receive? ie: good quality vanilla or other extracts, vanilla beans, saffron, lavender, etc. - I'm good for most things but used to be able to get a spice mix called Zhug that I can't find anymore & I'm interested in trying Old Bay, vanilla bean paste would be nice What's your favorite animal? Or is there one that's particularly significant to you? - cats, crows & ravens, otters, hedgehogs, tigers If you were able to get a vintage or prototype bottle from the upcoming West Coast Will Call, which one would you want? - Cake Smash v3 or Victorian Rose Milk or Underpants (mostly to share 'cause I only have a third of a decant) or La Befana DVDs, Blu-Ray, both, neither? - dvds, please Sock Dreams? What kind? (anklets, footies, etc.?) - anklets or mid-calf Since this is a price capped round, would you rather get one "big" thing or lots of "little" things or don't care? - whatever my Witchy desires to do is fine by me Do you like pirate-related things? - Yar! Soaps? Be specific: if there are BPAL soaps you want to try or are dying for more of, tell all here! Also, any other companies people like or love? Villainess, maybe? Or Lush? What flavors??? - I've tried all the BPAL soaps but would be happy to have more Gingerbread Poppet, Shub or Snake Oil (pieces are fine), I'm quite fond of Villainess & have quite a few listed in my Switch Witch Help. I'd be especially interested in ones that are Soap Box Co. exclusives (Masala, Autumn Gala, Proserpina) 'cause I'm unlikely to ever order from them since Canadian shipping is over $20. Lush is easy for me to get. What periods of art do you love most? Like, if someone was going to get you a tapestry or a box or some other item, what period would you want it to most resonate with? the pinks and golds of Rococo? the clean geometry of Art Deco? The romanticism of Art Nouveux? The strange lines of Cubism? - I'm fond of Art Nouveau (I think it's all the swirly bits) Would you like caffeinated lollipops?: http://www.lollyphil...cks-caffeinated - ooh! nom nom. I generally like coffee flavoured things Copied CD's or DVD's? - I'm okay with it if they're hard to come by I'm going to Disneyland in a couple of weeks, is there anything I can get you? - Nightmare Before Christmas stuff is always good or Finding Nemo March 15 Booze? Yay or Nay? what kinds? - yay but probably too expensive to ship. - Cider, red wine, pale & honey ales, Calvados, sometimes liqueurs like Chambord, Grand Marnier, Baileys, Mozart Gold Steampunk inspired items? Yay or nay? - Yay! Do you like amurigami dolls? - Yes! Chewbacca is adorable! The black metal dude is hilarious! Pirates vs Ninjas vs Zombies - who wins? Which do you love most? - Pirates, all the way! Do you like wearing things in your hair? If so, what kind (snap clips, scrunchie, headband, etc), how big & crazy (lowkey, bigger the better), and colors. - I'm kinda picky about hair accessories - scrunchies in velvet or patterned/tapestry fabric would be a safe bet though Piercings? - ears?? - elsewhere? - ears only (7 holes but wear rings in all but the lowest which are the ones I change up daily) Chocolate. With stuff in it? Are you more a plain chocolate lover, a chocolate and normal items lover (normal items being nuts, fruit, caramel) or do you like weird stuff in your chocolate? (weird stuff being curry, chilis, balsamic vinegar, floraly things) - Bring it all on! March 14 surprise! the world has given you the day off. You hear that, no chores, responsibilities, or budget you have to follow. What would you do in those 24 hours? - there'd be a whole lot of napping & eating out going on (can you tell I'm feeling a little burnt out? ) Do you have any blogs you regularly read? - Neil Gaiman, FoodLibrarian, Bookshelves of Doom, Cakewrecks, Go Fug Yourself, Smart Bitches/Trashy Books, King Arthur Flour Baking blog Do you need another bpal box? If so what would your fantasy one look like? - I've been lucky enough to have been gifted a couple of fabulous ones already but could use one just for my rose scents (would have to have voluptuous old-fashioned roses on it, of course, on a dark background) Do you enjoy gardening? If so, what kind of stuff do you grow? Vegetables, flowers? - heirloom veggies (esp. tomatoes), herbs & smelly flowers are my faves Social Networking sites: I'm still resisting favourite artists or specific paintings? - I guess I like illustrators best: Arthur Rackham, Brian Froud, James Christiansen, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, Ursula Vernon. I'm also drawn to paintings of the night sky with the moon & stars March 13 how about mix CDs? - love 'em! Hey, how do folks feel about little e-goodies, like links to stuff your witchee likes? (articles online, pix, fic, etc) - love 'em! Tim Tams? Yes or no? Chocolate Creme, Caramel, or Dark Chocolate? - I can buy them locally but would be interested in trying any unusual flavours that we wouldn't see - like Dark chocolate mint, yum! Is there any "classic" literature (Hemingway, Dickens, Elliot, Bronte, Hugo, Wilde, etc.) that you would like to add to your collection? - I have some Kipling & other stuff on my Amazon list candles and/or aroma melts: yay or nay? - yay, candles! Get your music player, what are the first 13 songs on Random? - lately, I've only been listening to Sarah Harmer's new album, Oh Little Fire Astrological charts and interpretation/ reports? - You bet! So how does everyone feel about receiving ebooks? - I don't have a device March 11 Would you rather have HUGE list of things your witchee wants to try or just a highlight list? - huge makes it easier as long as there is also some ranking going on March 10 Baked Goods? Yea Nay? - Yay! If not Baked goods and you are changing eating habits..a book of recipes perhaps that will help the new eating lifestyle? - Recipes are awesome! If you were to make an order RIGHT NOW (Not that any of you will make any bpal orders until SW is over, because you do NOT want to mess up any plans your witch might have!) What would you order (from lab, forum, DD, TradingPost, etc) - I'd love a bottle of Kuang Shi or Marie or Fae & some Nemesis for my DH (I may have to get myself a Worm Moon t-shirt, too, because it's adorable!) What level of nudity are you fine with on items? Ex: none, tasteful, erotica - I like it fairly tasteful I know the ?airre asked about gently used books and if you like garage sales, but would you like other kinds of gently used items that may have come from a garage sale? - You bet! I'm always at the thrift store Do you like cooking seasonings, like the kind you can get in ounce sizes? If so, things you'd love to try out? - I'm set for most things but I'd love to try something regional from my Witchy's area or some kind of spice or herb mix they think is great Do you like any particular kinds of green or black teas or coffees that could also be gotten in bulk? - I like French roast coffee but I'd rather not get too much of one kind of tea at once because I like variety Favorite snack foods (and can they be from bulk section as well?) - Of course: gummis (especially Haribo), licorice, chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter- filled pretzels, yam chips, sesame rice crackers

If I remember correctly, the Lab doesn't mark items as gifts but does tend to low-ball the worth of the merchandise. They are usually marked as essential oils or shirt etc. but may not list everything in the package.

This isn't the woodsy, spicy, orange fest I was hoping for - it's kind of bitter & reminds me of some sort of shampoo. Doesn't work on my DH either.

Strangely, this is very sharp & unpleasant on me. I wish it was like Katrina van Tassel & Pink Snowballs but instead of creaminess, I'm getting a very high-pitched floral that my sinuses hate. I don't usually have a problem with tea rose, heliotrope or honeysuckle but something here does not like me at all. It gets a bit fruiter as it dries but is still, most emphatically, NOT for me.

Skin chemistry is a strange thing! This is very nice on me: a creamy berry-ish rose with a background of woods. I didn't realize it had frankincense - I was thinking sandalwood & maybe a hint of cedar (but only a hint or it would be pencil-shavings city ) The slight tangy spiciness that's contributing to the wood feel is probably coming from the honey. Delicious!

Banana Peel in a Graveyard is the only one I've tried that had strong banana (& stayed that way) - I didn't get that much from Shango, myself. It's not what I would call strong banana but Treat #2 kind of gives off a candied banana vibe: (A fine confection for discriminating trick or treaters: a fig meat, coconut, and buttercream bonbon rolled in orange rind, mint leaf, cardamom, clove and ginger, dipped in milk chocolate). I think it's the fig, cream & coconut combo.

Delicious appley goodness! So happy I talked myself into splurging for a bar of this!

On me, once it dries, Fae has a strong oakmoss note. If you like that, you might want to try Perversion, Fearful Pleasure (LE) & Cykranoshian Catnip (LE) For something kinda like Night Gaunt, I was pleasantly surprised by Baobhan Sith's grapefruit & flowers, especially because I've tried before & didn't care for it but now it seems rather nice.

I thought this one would be a total win on me but no such luck It was too green & cloyingly sweet for me.

#516 This is a strong buttery vanilla in the bottle and once on my skin a nice big waft of coffee comes out. It's a caramel latte! (not that there's a noticeable milk note, this is just what it reminds me of)

I wasn't sure if the label said #42 or #62 but since kikithepirate has #42 it must be #62 (it's a full bottle) Wet, it's a bright fruity floral scent that might be champaca (I'm not at all sure, just basing that on one of the past pumpkin blends which is the only time I've encountered it, could be something else entirely). As it dries, this changes into cherry blossom and then sweet, dark cherry fruit comes out to anchor it (ripe black cherries, not fake or almondy). It gets sweeter & more syrupy as time passes, maybe with a little bit of a cola note, too. Pretty tasty, though perhaps a bit too sweet for me. I'll have to dig out my decant of Suck It & compare - though this doesn't have a booze note, I think it might have a similar feel, especially once dry. eta: Not at all similar - Suck It is much brighter & fruitier, this is a way darker cherry eta: After about an hour, it turns into cherry blossom incense, hmm. eta: Feb/11 - Trying it again, I get a little bit of a wine note, too, especially in the dark cherry middle stage.

I don't really care for aquatics too much but I did kinda like this one. Clean, a little salty & quite masculine without too much harshness. For some reason, it smells a bit like berries (okay, maybe berries & a nice cologne) once dry but I seem to be the only one noticing that so it might be due to my skin's tendency lately to sweeten/turn-to-candy random things. Worth testing this one on the DH

Moxie from the Panacea section is a very bright zingy orange (many of the reviews think it also has some ginger in it). Not available as an imp unless you buy a set of all the Panaceas but you may be able to find a decant from someone. Lilith vs the Giant Crab was a forum-only from last year that smelled like creamsicles & sandalwood. Sorry both these recs are hard to get a hold of but it never hurts to put such things on your wishlist!

I really wanted to love this one but, alas, it was not to be. Even after a year of aging, the fir & tobacco are very bitter & make my eyes burn a little. I can sense the rose & clove somewhat but the overall effect on me is ashy rather than intriguing. Mixing with White Rose sweetens it up briefly, but it returns to something unpleasantly harsh on the dry down.

Orange water & thick musk to start, then gets all incensey but not in a way that appeals to me The rose wasn't apparent to my nose but may have contributed to the heaviness of the musk in the beginning.

Autumn! It's a little hard to find because it's a Retail-only Salon blend but I totally get some apples mixed in with the rose & spicy fallen leaves of Autumn.

Sugar Skull, of course! It smells like someone's just started making candy & is melting sugar on the stove (before the caramel stage) with a hint of fruit (maybe pear?) It's a Hallowe'en LE that's been released several times so it appears in the sales/swap thread on occasion. Mr Nancy seems to have a similar base with the addition of lime & La Befana has a bit of violet & berries over the sugar. I find the chocolate scents are quite different from one another & you really have to try them for yourself to see if they work. Most are not intense enough for me (exceptions being Boomslang, Velvet, Tezcatlipoca & some of the 13's). For cake-like scents, you should have a look at this I want to smell like a bakery thread. Cockaigne & Chimera are ones that are mentioned often - I personally like Shub, Saw-Scaled Viper, Gingerbread Poppet, Sugar Cookie & Cake Smash when I'm in a foody mood.

Necrobump! Any more recent recs for bergamot goodness?

You might want to try Viola from Illyria (gentle tea rose, lilac, Calla Lily, and Somalian Rose layered over golden Peruvian amber, Spanish moss, red sandalwood, rosewood, and myrrh, with the lightest touch of Mandarin) There's a lot of notes but I found it to be sweet & pretty with kind of an innocent feeling (& decided it didn't suit me, lol). Pink Snowballs reminded me a bit of Katrina von Tassel so that might be another one to consider if you can do the cream note. FWIW, Seance was very woody on me (so much that I don't tend to think of it as a rose blend) as was Snooty Rose but I tend to amp the woods (though not in Viola, strangely). The Rose was like a lighter version of Rose Red. I was unlucky with Victoria turning soapy, too. Two, Five & Seven was wretched on me (sharp rose in a pet food store ) My favorite for pure tea rose is London with Peacock Queen as second choice being slightly less sweet (if I remember correctly - I traded it away a bit prematurely).

Switch Witch Questions - Valentine's Shotgun Round 2/16 If you were to give up something for 40 days, what would it be and why? - It wouldn't hurt me to lay off the french fries for a while, so my pants fit better 2/14 Are you following the Olympics? What's your favorite sport to watch? Would you be interested in merch? - no thanks, I'm at Olympic central here so I can get whatever I'm interested in 2/13 These are a few of my favourite things: ...? - Kitties, my kids, chocolate, tea, coffee, napping, fragrant flowers, big pile of books 2/12 I love to decoupage/collage boxes and notebooks. If you were my witchee, would you like one? What colors/themes would you want it to have? Find cute pictures--inspire me (and other crafty witches)! - You bet! 2/11 If you could have one "unselfish" wish (but personal) what would it be? - That my sister's cancer continues to stay in remission 2/10 If you had to choose SHOES or PURSES? - Purses but I need shoes more If you could have 5mL of ANY ONE BPAL scent, what would it be? - Monster Bait: Underbed or Sybil Loose tea or bagged tea? Or both? - Both, slight preference to bagged 2/9 Who are your fantasy five? - Colin Firth, Spike, 2/8 Are there any books you particularly want to read that you don't mind being 2nd hand (or 3rd or 4th )? Anything on my WL can be used Do you like gardening,growing vegetables, house plants? Need any small tools, seeds, labels? - no houseplants but I'm always game for seeds & trowels Are there any soundtracks you'd be interested in getting a copy of? - Grosse Point Blank 2/7 Do you have any personal heroes / heroines and why? Are there any languages or countries that you're really interested in? If you could be in any fictional universe, what would it be? (Harry Potter, Firefly, Lord of the Rings, Silent Hill, wtv) 2/6 If you were a student at Hogwarts, what house would you be in? -Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw What animal would your Patronus be? I'm a space junky. Love anything galaxy, space, star, etc related. I'm even getting a milky way tattoo one day. And I am a total Star Trek geek. Anyone else? Sure - I'm quite fond of Star Trek in most of its incarnations Severed fingers? -Um, probably not If you like tea, what are your favorite kinds? Fruity, sweet, chai, plain, black, green, red, white? - Fruity, chai & black (is that plain tea?) 2/5 How do you feel about handmade stuffed animals? - Cool! Are there any accessories you'd really like? (Keychains, little purses, etc.) -A new keychain would be fun What are your favorite animals? - cats, tigers, otters Is there anything you've had to give up that you really miss or want back? Maybe something a witch could help out with? 2/4 Are you opposed to vegan baked goods? Or baked goods in general? - Baked goods are swell What's your favourite flower? -roses, lilies & dahlias For those that have dogs, if I were to knit them a sweater, what colour would you like it to be?- Kitties don't like clothes too much Lip balm: Yay or nay? If yay, what are your favorite kinds (brands, consistency, whatever)? -Yay! I quite like My Lipstuff (so many flavors!) & ones that are a bit tinted How do you feel about home-canned goods, like pickles, jelly, preserves, stuff like that. -Nom! OPI Alice in Wonderland set? - I'd like the blue but I think it's a no-no to mail nail polish to Canada Hair stuff? Clips and things, do you need any? -Sure! 2/3 I custom mix nail polish, a process called 'frankening'. If you were my witch, would you enjoy a custom 'franken', based on whatever colors/theme you chose? - That would be cool Since everyone is spending the same amount of money on this swap, would you be interested in seeing the cost breakdown of each item in your package? -If my witch wants to Do you like keys? - Yup! The older looking the better Do you like guessing who your witch is, or would you prefer to know? Do you mind knowing? -I'd like to know but don't mind trying to guess If it's going to be obvious who your witch is, would you rather she played the ninja and sent one big box at the end, or smaller packages along the way? - Either is good What color are your eyes? - Greenish blue or blue grey depending on the light & what I'm wearing If you had to choose a color for a nightie to sleep in what color would it be? -Purple or blue 2/2 Would you like or accept an energetically-charged item or gift? Something that had power poured into it? If so, do you have a particular purpose that you'd prefer? (Love, protection, money, etc.) - That would be cool: energy, peace, protection, abundance would all be great Do you have any significant upcoming events in your life you'd like something for? -Nope Ooooh! BPAL's beloved alicia_stardust is having a contest! If you're my Witchee, would you like a chance to win these earrings? -You bet! How are we feeling about burlesque? -It's not something I'd take part in but I can appreciate it Is there anything you're lusting after in the Villainess update? -Raspberry Swirl & I'm sad there's no Miss Edith smooch or whipped 1/26-2/1 What is everyone's take on Valentine's Day? - Chocolate is always welcome My husband was well trained in his youth & always produces gifts & cards appropriate to the occasion Do you like traditional Valentine's Day colors (red, pink, white, more?) ? - Red or dusty rose A Favorite love poem? What's everyone's favorite semi-obscure (or underappreciated!) animal? - coatis What is your favorite sign that spring is coming? - snowdrops & other early bulbs Do you like hand-knit Things? - Oh, yes! For those of you with pets, would you like pet things? Toys, treats, etc? -Sure - catnip toys are always a hit What's your favorite Love Story? Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things? Who on the thread likes attending Ren Faires, SciFi/Comic Cons & the like? And do you dress up for them? -I've never been to anything like that but could get into it if I went with the right friends Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, etc.? - not really What are your feelings on gently used CDs/DVDs? - Fabulous First five songs on the "Top 25 Most Played" list on iPod. - Joe Strummer - Redemption Day, Bauhaus -Ziggy Stardust, Rancid - Timebomb, Soundgarden - Outshined, Hard Rock Miners - Black & Blue Would you like a mix cd from your witch? -Oh yes! Are you interested in receiving gifts representative of Witch's country or culture? - You bet! Do you like candy? What kinds? -Oh yes, see Switch Witch Help for specifics Do you play WoW? - Nope Would you like one of those Plush Microbes? - Sure: they do amuse me What are your feelings on Mardi Gras? - not a local tradition but I do like the colours green & purple together Would you like homemade sewn stuff? Any fabrics to avoid? -You bet: anything is fine Do you need any kitchen-related gadgetry? - I'd love an egg timer in the hour-glass style - I can't seem to find them anymore Do you like incense and/or scented candles, and are you able to burn them in your home? If so, what kinds of scents do you like? - Japanese incense preferred & spicy fruity candles - See Switch Witch Help for specifics Boxes? For Bpal (bottles and/or imps) or otherwise. - I thought I was all set & then tried to fit something else in the box I've been using for my rose scents & couldn't, so I guess I could use another Would you use a natural sea sponge? - Sure Are you interested in bacon chocolate? - Yes! I'm most curious Coffee, hot chocolate, or tea? - All Would you like some of my favorite recipes? -Yes! Would you like posters, pictures, art? -Sure! But not super large Would you like soaps? Especially from Paintbox? And ESPECIALLY the Valentines Special Edition Soaps?? - I wuv soap & am rather curious about Tartchef's beet soap & Black Heart & This Charming Man New question--I'm calling this "could never happen in a million years": Your Witch is perusing the wares at a local yard sale. S/he looks down and sees [insert impossibly rare item that you've always wanted but could never afford] with a $5-10 sticker on it. Sheepishly s/he takes it to the guy behind the folding table. "Do you know what this is?" s/he inquires. The gentleman states that it belonged to his mother/sister/grandmother/Great Aunt Beulah and he thinks it's for, like, hair or something. With a trembling hand, s/hes pays the man and heads home with the inconceivable riches. So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found? -A Daum or Galle vase, something in Royal Winton's Sweet Pea pattern, an Arthur Rackham print or book Do you like salted caramels? Oh, yeah! Imagine that someone hands you their wallet and sends you into a really good bakery. They have everything, from breads to brownies, cookies to croissants, anything you could imagine, and you're allowed to pick out five things for yourself. What do you pick? - Rosemary olive oil bread, Apple, caramel & thyme foccacia, chocolate florentines, raspberry mousse torte & a cranberry pear galette (I'm pretending my two favorite bakeries are one) It gets asked every round but sockdreams? - Of course! Do you like alcoholic beverages? If so, what is your preference (beer, wine, liquor...)? - Pale ale, red wine, cider, Grand Marnier & Frangelico would just about cover it Are you into steampunk? - Sure

******9/17***** Are you into 80s movies (like i am ) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters? Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents? Birth Rite, Krakatoa, Ginger Snapped, Kill Switch Do you mind artificial colors in your food? Not really Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc) Sure! If you were my witchee, would you like any of the scents/sizes that are available on clearance? I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes. you bet! How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out? Fur would squick me out a little but the others would be fine How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind? Reading, listening to music, puttering in the garden, having a big nap You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor? ******9/16***** Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music? Favorite musicals? Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing? Sloth or Gluttony Anyone want a nickname and embroidered headband from PandaBite? No thanks I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use? I don't mind Yankee Candle Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift? great! ******9/15***** Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive? What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? Do you have a favorite poem or poet? ******9/14***** For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? Either! Slight preference to something crafted but not everyone is so inclined Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? I don't really need any but I do like these sort of things Any songs you are desperately into at the moment ? What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? It's usually nice in September & gets steadily cooler & crisper - we get a nice show of leaves unless the rains start early What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? I've never had anything from them - there aren't any here If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? kid's shows or History Channel Any Amy Brown art fans? Somewhat - I seem to be drawn to the ones where the clothes & hair are streaming off to one side like Cloak of Stars or Passage To Autumn How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you)I'd like some! Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? Kinda. I've seen too many versions that were overly wacky & made me cringe Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? I used to love going to Vancouver Kid's Books when I lived right in Vancouver - they have a ton of cool books with mini staff reviews & awesome stuffed animals (I will forever covet the enormous gryphon puppet) Lolcats....yeah or nay? Yeah! What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? The Wendigo freaked me out, too! If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both?Both would be very cool! If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like - colors, size, style? Something mysterious in cool dark watery colours ******9/12-13***** What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? What fictional character do you most identify with and why? Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? I have several but I do like them, 5-6 imps is enough As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? I enjoy getting a few packages but none of them need to be huge! What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? Kids early to bed, big fat book & munchies or my DH & I watching & discussing a show together Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo,etc)? Not really my thing What kind of socks? thin black cotton, or thicker cotton grey/blue heather-type blend How often do you update your wishlist?Fairly often - after getting new stuff or if there's an update May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? I'd love some pointy elf ear tips (& adhesive), horns or a fanciful leather mask So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out? Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? What's your stance on cranberries? fond of them Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? Used is good! Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? I like Colin Firth, Alan Rickman & Johnny Depp so Darcy, Snape & Captain Jack Sparrow material would be fun You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? usually cereal, yogurt or a sandwich, sometimes popcorn or chips Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? I love Harvest Moon '05 & its pumpkin with spindly legs - actually most years the Weenies & Yukes are pretty appealing, Rose Moon '07 with its silver phoenix made of roses is also lovely Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? I've ordered an embarrassing amount of decants ******9/11***** There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate?I like licorice, toffees, caramel, tootsie rolls, fruit (esp. black currant or raspberry) or floral (rose, violet) flavoured hard candy. Not a huge fan of sours, marshmallows or lemon/lime. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Nope Do you have any objections to receiving downloads?Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily?Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I wouldn't object but things would have to be Mac compatible (& fairly idiot proof) %20******9/10***** Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.?Sure! If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind: knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushions, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I'd love a fun pincushion & beads or findings are always welcome What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Ibuprofen or tylenol & a nap Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? I love the sound of rain (especially to fall asleep to), my kids & cats snoring, waves, birds, bees humming - wind actually makes me a bit nervous since I've always lived in places with large trees around & bits do fall off When you receive your SW packages... do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Doesn't matter too much, I'll whichever my witch feels like doing Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT.WANT. can't really think of anything What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? I'd love to try Pumpkin King & Bat of Wealth & have more than my decant of MB:Closet I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Fallen leaves, freshly ground coffee, baking bread (actually all baking sends a nice waft), baby head (right now there's a hint of vanilla from the yogurt that he smeared in at lunch ), clean sheets, wet pavement, roses & herbs Coffee drinkers, what types of beans do you like?Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted?Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? whatever's in Starbucks' French Roast suits me fine; no flavored coffees please Who has a birthday falling in this round? not I For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything in your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies?Oh yes! Praline, toffee, sea salt, coffee, cocoa nibs, ginger, nuts & seeds, chili & other spices (even curry & I especially like cinnamon & cardamom), lavender, fruit (except raisins), orange peel Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart?Muppets & 1970's Sesame Street, Mr Dressup, Friendly Giant, the Munsters ******9/9***** Superpower? If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them pre-ground for your convenience? I have a coffee grinder but not one for spices For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea and/or coffee-related accessories/etc?(Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I like accessories! (Whether I need them is another matter) I take my coffee with milk & my black tea with milk & sugar, some herb/fruit teas require honey Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? I'm not in the US In our perfect world it is chocolate and...? more chocolate! Some coffee would also be acceptable How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? candles, homemade room sprays & occasionally incense What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie?Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Creme brulee Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? A bit of both What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Order winning over chaos in my home ******9/8***** What was your favouritest job ever, and why? I quite like my present job (helping people find material on Art & History topics at a Public Library, some data entry & fact checking) but enjoyed it more when I was in another department with staff who were more social & outgoing Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"?Snake Oil, Morocco, Perversion or Fae -but I made sure I have a backup of Dorian & Shub %20******9/7*****%20 Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers?Fancy Spices?Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders?(like from our very own Pottersville!) Something else? I like kitchen stuff & could use some new pot holders actually - mine are either burnt or irretrievably grubby What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? mini Mars bars & O'Henrys What are your phobias? heights, flying, driving What is your favourite flower (or plant)? I'm liking autumny things at the moment: asters, mums, sunflowers, dark coloured dahlias Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? They're kinda interesting An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? Take my sister out for a fabulous lunch/dinner & day of spoiling for her 50th birthday which is this October Who likes coloring books? Sure! Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series?Sure am! A lot of the series I follow, I no longer buy because there's too many of them (Terry Pratchett} or I no longer love them but still want to find out what happens (Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris). I can't seem to go wrong with Patricia Briggs, though Do you have a Good Reads profile?If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! It's right here but I just started so there's only a few books so far ******9/6***** You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? Take-out usually occurs on payday; fortunately my kids like mac & cheese & ramen with veggies If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I'd love to give my house the fab retro 50's kitchen it never had Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? Canucks (though I should resent them - my DH is the rabid fan, I've joked in the past about being a hockey widow) What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) cats, otters, tigers This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? Elder gods! In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) I suspect mankind won't be around Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? Yes, I think the natural world is pretty amazing & mysterious & I believe in the interconnectedness of things. I feel it's kind of arrogant to think we know all that can be known about the universe. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I probably could resist because I'm naturally cautious (though I would want to have a good look at it) ******9/5***** Do you like pinup art/images? Yes, but don't need any What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? I take my eldest Trick or Treating (I may or may not dress up myself) while my DH stays home & gives out candy. He carves the pumpkin that always goes outside our door. I often set up a small ancestor/remembrance shrine with photos of loved ones & a candle Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! my former witches have all been excellent What is your favorite color? tied between blue & purple Any other steampunk fans/lovers? I like! Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! I'd get an assortment of fabulous sandwiches, foccacia & desserts from Terra Breads in Vancouver & treat my friends under the huge trees at Jericho Beach enjoying the incredible view of the mountains ******9/4***** Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? Fraid not Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Not for me What is your favorite Halloween icon? black cats & pumpkins Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? A dried rose & sprig of rosemary, a couple of favorite books, some perfume, favorite jewellery bits, some recipes, various photos, figurines of a a warrior, a knight & a monkey (for my DH & kids) some plush or ceramic black kitties with everything wrapped in a velvet shawl Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. Never-ending home fix-ups & yard work Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? I do get beef cravings sometimes: Monty's mushroom burger from White Spot or A&W's Mozzaburger; otherwise I'm a chicken burger gal What's your favorite childhood toy? my sister had an awesome replica of the Disney castle from the 60's with little plastic figures that I adored (I never wanted to be a princess though) If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? major catnip addicts, also like foam balls Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? nope Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? nope ******9/3***** What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? I'd love Nightmare Before Christmas, Scary Godmother & Rocky Horror Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? as long as they're the savory versions What's your favorite pie, my dear SW's? I like making apple & pumpkin - both spiced with cinnamon & cardamom & a touch of vanilla What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? Too warm right now but last week I had on some thick cotton blend house socks Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? anything but I doubt a headband would get much use How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I've always loved to read ghost stories (true accounts & Poe would be welcome, too!) Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? I haven't seen but it sounds like it's my kind of thing Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Love both! Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Love regional products of all sorts, don't need olive oil thanks to last switch witch (quimerula!) & I do like lavender (particularly combined with orange) Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? yes to all What is your favourite historical period? Hard to choose: Medieval, Regency, Victorian, Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt & China, 1920's What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? pumpkin spice latte, baby! Did you order anything from the most recent update? Bottles of Lamb's Wool, Pomona & Falling Leaf Moon, a gazillion decants & a Falling Leaf Moon tee Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? slight edge to vampires What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? I sometimes crave german foods from my childhood like Rotkohl or Schnitzel

I really like this one, too! It doesn't get nearly as much love as it deserves, IMO. Smoky leaves & slightly fruity roses... My other Autumn faves are Samhain (especially '05), Devil's Night, Harvest Moon '05, Pumpkin Queen, Shub-Niggurath & Pumpkin #1 (05/06 apples & mulling spices). I love spicy apples so I'm really looking forward to trying Lamb's Wool & Pomona.

I love this one! It's Sugar Skull with berries & a little violet. Yummy! I couldn't understand how I missed it when it came out but I see there's no berries in the description & I was probably afraid of the lilies. Thankfully, I don't notice them or the chimney dust. This is a new favorite!