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    Mod post: No wishlist posts in blogs

    By Silvertree

    Please be aware that we do not permit swap-related content on profiles or in blogs. Please post this content only in the For Sale, Swaps, and Wanted forums, or in the Wishlists topic. ~from Swapping 101  Thanks!
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Eldritchhobbit's Blog
 

31 Days of Dark Academia: Halloween 2021

October 8: Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber (1943)  Quote:  Things are different from what I thought. They’re much worse. Film Adaptations: Weird Woman (1944), Night of the Eagle (A.K.A. Burn, Witch, Burn!) (1962), and Witches’ Brew (A.K.A. Which Witch is Which?) (1980)
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

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Eldritchhobbit's Blog
 

31 Days of Dark Academia: Halloween 2021

31 Days of Dark Academia: Halloween 2021 October 4: Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (1967) Quote: The girl so far had remembered nothing of her experiences on the Rock; nor, in Doctor McKenzie’s opinion or that of the two eminent special­ists from Sydney and Melbourne, would she ever remember. A portion of the delicate mechanism of the brain appeared to be irrevocably damaged.  “Like a clock, you know,” the doctor explained. “A clock that stops under a certain set of unusual conditions and refuses ever to go again beyond a particular point.”
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

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Windbourne's Scent-A-Day
 

October

Hooray! October! It's Weenie season! 🦇🎃💀   October 1: The Haunted Beach -- Salty-sweet ambergris and musk. I got a decant when this came out, but didn't pick up a full bottle until it popped up on the Lab's Etsy recently. It was so worth it. This is lovely, a little like Dream of the Fisherman's Wife, but less overtly sexy. Mild throw, but the ambergris lasts for a very long time after the salt and pale musks have faded. (This is normal for me. My skin clings to that note really ferociously.) If this beach is haunted, it's haunted by wisps of pale mist, not anything especially ferocious. (decant/bottle)   October 2: Pumpkin IV (2008) -- Pumpkin with white sage, cherry tobacco, honey, smoky vanilla, cedar, and pine. -- I wore this all day and alternated between wrinkling my nose and enjoying it a great deal. It was so sticky on and off! Sticky and almost medicinal, it was very weird. But sometimes it settled down and was a beautiful woody warm pumpkin with a hint of smoke! And then it would shift and smell like cough syrup in an antique store. Very odd. Throw was mild, but it lasted the entire day and then some. (decant)   October 3: The Gorobble -- I always expect to like this more than I do, but it turns out that, while I enjoy eating slightly burnt marshmallows, I'm not super fond of wearing them. It's reasonably accurate rendition of that scent, I get the sweetness, the charcoal crispiness, a hint of smoke, and the slightly sour odor that I often get from having left my marshmallow over a gas flame for too long. My skin really brings out the smokiness, and the combination is almost stomach-turning until it dries fully. It lasts several hours, and the burning fades after a while, leaving a faint sugary fragrance behind. (decant)   October 4: Pumpkin I (2014) -- Pumpkin cream with cardamom, black tea, allspice, and ginger milk. -- Pumpkin Chai Latte, made with pumpkin puree and not "pumpkin spice syrup". That's the whole story on me. It smells like it's been sweetened with honey or maple syrup rather than sugar, mostly because the Lab's pumpkin note used here is pretty thick on me and it gives a gooey aspect to everything it touches. Pleasant, foodie, pretty decent throw, doesn't last that long, though, maybe 3-4 hours. (bottle)   October 5: Visions of Autumn III (2014) -- Bourbon vanilla, aged patchouli, honey, and Ceylon cinnamon. -- This is really beautiful, though the patch is quite strong at first and makes the initial twenty minutes or so a little more intense than I'm generally in the mood for. After that it lightens up considerably and becomes more balanced honey-patch. There's something in it that's reminding me of cedar, though; it's a little bit pencil shavings on my skin for a while. I'm a bit surprised it's not sweeter at any phase, tbqh. It fades relatively quickly, maybe five hours before completely giving up the patchouli-scented ghost. (bottle)   October 6: Dr. John Seward (Order of the Dragon 2006) -- Like some (but not all) of my older BPAL bottles, this takes a few minutes to really get going on my skin. At first, it's almost transparent, but it ramps up fast, hitting me with sweet opium smoke with a bit of gingery bite. The champaca follows at a more sedate pace, then takes over as it dries. It remains sweeter than some of my other champaca-heavy scents; the tonka is very present, sweet and vanillic with a hint of hay. The sandalwood is not very strong at all, mostly acting as a support rather than a featured player. It's nice, but not a major favorite. Throw isn't terribly strong, but it's lasts quite a while. I'm still getting whiffs of soft champaca several hours later. (bottle)   October 7: Jo(h)nathan Harker (OotD 2006) -- Apparently his name is misspelled 'Johnathan' on the label, and so on the review thread. 😂 But it's right (Jonathan) on my decant. Anyway. At this point in time, Mr. Harker's scent is a pleasant light herbal cologne, mostly lavender and lemon verbena. It's a little soapy at first, but the sandalwood and late-blooming iris help mitigate that somewhat on me, though the white tea makes a brave attempt to fight back and pull it towards astringency. This has a number of cousins in the GC, many of them called out in the review thread: Embalming Fluid, Shanghai, Zephyr, Villain, and so on. None exactly the same, but if it sounds nice to you, I'd recommend trying one of those. Pleasant little scent, generally inoffensive unless those notes smell like cleaning fluid to you; would probably be lovely to smell on your favorite person, but only if you really cuddled up to them. Lasts 2-3 hours at decent strength, trails off into a fuzzy orris-sandalwood haze for an additional hour or so after. (decant) (ETA: I ended up really enjoying wearing this one. I'd consider a bottle if one caught my eye at a reasonable price.)   October 8: Count Dracula (OotD 2006) -- I have 6 out of the 11 scents from this series, three bottles and three decants, and I'm just goin' through 'em.   ...Though my nose is extremely borked today, because I am really, really tired and having some allergy problems, so I may have to come back to this one at a later time for a proper test. Right now this smells mostly like black musk and a hint of clove and maybe like...cumin? I'm pretty sure it's a little more than that, but ... not right this minute for my poor sense of smell. 😅 I'm glad I picked this one instead of one I know I love. >_>;; (decant)   October 9: Wilhemina Murray (OotD 2006) -- Sure did snooze out before posting yesterday. >_<;; Anyway, this is a beautiful perfume. It starts off all billowy pale blossoms and then pulls a radical shift on my skin into a dark, currant-y myrrh and musk. It's really neat! It lasts only a few hours before fading away, but the entire journey is lovely and evocative. (bottle)   October 10: Brides of Dracula (OotD 2006) -- If I loved lily & plum blossom, I would be in heaven about now. Unfortunately, lily has grown to be a scent-ruiner for me and plum blossoms are often as laundry-ish as cherry blossoms are. I can smell the rest of the notes under the heady floral and honey blast, but they're faint by comparison. As it dries, the lily backs off a bit and the skin musk steps up a notch, accompanied by the not-quite-peachiness of the osmanthus and a hint of white amber. It really would be lovely on someone who isn't me, I think. Pretty good throw & lasting power. (decant)   October 11: Lucy Westenra (OotD 2006) -- An interesting, citrus-floral scent that warms over time on my skin to a surprisingly deep floral. This is one that can smell wildly different on me depending on the time of month -- sometimes it's very bitter and the jasmine feels like it overwhelms the other floral notes, sometimes it feels like it's mostly white musk, and sometimes I get a beautiful bloom of magnolia and rose as it dries. This is one that I never expect to like but defies those expectations once it's on my skin. Fascinating. Minimal throw, lasts for several hours but fades differently almost every time. (bottle)   October 12: Hypnotize Me (Order of the Dragon II 2019) -- This is the only perfume I picked up from the second Dracula series. I love mugwort, and this is a very, very mugwort perfume. It has that unique herbal mustiness, almost furriness, in absolute spades, combined with a very pure and light lavender note. It isn't sweet at all, but the combo isn't sharp on my skin either. It's soothing in a ...well, hypnotic way. I can (and do) wear this as a sleep scent, but I also wear it out and about when I want to feel serene and detached. It belongs in the anti-social sector of my collection. :} Very low throw, fairly short wearlength at strength, but the mugwort is still detectable hours later. (bottle)   The next several will be decants from various years. I'm making a certain effort to note when something is a decant, partial, or bottle because scents can age differently depending on their source and manner of storage. I've often found that, for various reasons, bottles tend to age more gracefully and stay most like their original scent.   October 13: The Gambols of Ghosts (2016) -- Ooh, I can tell both why I picked up a decant of this and why I didn't buy a bottle. The beeswax is very lovely and the olive blossom is mellow and smooth but then the violet and a very oddly metallic amber pipe up and it becomes increasingly dusty and mildly unpleasant on my skin. I'm not a big fan of violet, which is hilarious, because I am a fan of orris, and the two are often compared to each other. Orris is, for me, a more silvery, usually smooth scent, while violet is more greenish and often smells dusty but also pale, like the dust left in an empty packet of those pressed-sugar violet candies. Sometimes it's tolerable and sometimes it takes a scent I think I might otherwise really love and makes it smell a bit like a lightly floral beeswax candle that's been gathering dust in your Nana's guest room for at least thirty years. It's fairly bright and sort of vintage in nature, and suits the name very well. Very good throw, lasts for quite a long time. Would I buy a bottle, hell no, but I'm not sad I kept this decant for five years so I could test it definitively against my current tastes.   October 14: The Witches (2015) -- ...You know what isn't awesome, at least to my tastes? Plasticky sugared pumpkin. You know what this smells like on me? Got it in one. 😂 Pumpkin isn't my favorite note, and I prefer it a bit more vegetal than what this has going on, because this version of the pumpkin note (especially plus cream & honey, yikes) really hits that fake, oversweetened scent. It's so thick it almost reminds me of maple syrup? Or like, pumpkin spice syrup, without any particular spice notes. It's pretty much the same from wet to late, late drydown, and it fades gracefully and at some length, maybe 4-5 hours to finish up.   I'm a little tempted to skip a decant day and compare this to Pumpkin V (2012), which is: "Lightly spiced pumpkin pulp swirled with bourbon vanilla, French vanilla, and raw vanilla bean." vs The Witches: "Pumpkin cream, honey, vanilla sugar, and smoked vanilla bean." .... Honestly, having a bottle of that Pumpkin Patch scent might be why I only got a decant of this one. 😂 Y'know what, sure. Next four scents are a bottles-only pumpkin party: the aforementioned Pumpkin V, Blue Pumpkin Floss and Pumpkin Latte (both '10), and Theme in Yellow ('13). Come on, pumpkins, let's go. 🎃 I probably have more pumpkins in my decant stash, but four (five including today) in a row of pumpkin is probably enough for one October for me.   October 15: Pumpkin V (2012) -- Lightly spiced pumpkin pulp swirled with bourbon vanilla, French vanilla, and raw vanilla bean. -- As promised. This is, indeed, possessed of the promised spice (cinnamon and a little nutmeg, maybe?) and a much gourd-ier pumpkin than the uber-sweet one in The Witches, so despite the rest of the notes, this feels much lighter and brighter. It's not unsweet, but the sweetness isn't overwhelming, nor is it excessively spicy on me, it's just right. This was one that I tried first at a Will-Call, rejected a few times, then tested over and over until I finally gave in and bought a bottle. 😂 It's really nice, and exactly the kind of pumpkin I like to smell. It's not quite my favorite pumpkin scent, but it's up there. The only downside to it is that it has zero throw and very little longevity. It's great for days at home and repeat applications, though!   October 16: Blue Pumpkin Floss (2010) -- Nowhere in the description does it indicate how initially cinnamony-spicy this is. 😂 But most of the reviews mention it, so at least my nose isn't bonkers. Otherwise, this is a medium-strong, very spice-addled pumpkin that is extremely sweet but in a fluffy way (as suits the candyfloss/cotton candy part of the description). The berry part is pretty light until it's fully dry, and then it becomes a very weird ever-so-slightly-plastic but surprisingly delicious scent. Do I love it? I'm not actually sure. At one point I definitely kept it because it has very cute label art and was the first of the Pumpkin Floss series (the rest are all BPTP), but I do like it once in a while. Pretty low throw, but extremely long-wearing. I wore it to work and could still smell it very clearly almost nine hours later.   October 17: Pumpkin Latte (2010) -- That year was first outing for this one, which has come back a couple more times since. This starts as a very deep, heavily spiced coffee (though not as much as Kobold Barista) then the sweetness and pumpkin notes bloom out. There's a gently smoky/dusty aspect on my skin which is interesting, but not unexpected considering it has both milk and 'smoky vanilla bean' as listed notes. It's pretty perfect for exactly this time of year, when the pumpkin latte craze is peak and the leaves are still in the process of turning. As it dries, it loses a lot of the coffee, and turns into a more milky pumpkin with a hint of coffee. I think I like it best at that point. I do like this quite a bit (and the label is very cute), though being mostly coffee and nearly-maple-like sweet pumpkin, I don't want to smell like it very often. Starts with a big chonkers throw that fades into a mild one, lasts for a few hours at strength then sits politely on my wrists for another few.   As an aside, I'm not getting anything from this year's Weenies that contains pumpkin, whenever they drop. I'm feeling pretty pumpkin'd out. I've typed the word pumpkin so many times it's starting to lose meaning. 🎃 I have one more bottle of pumpkin to go, and then I think I'll avoid it until the 31st, if I can.   October 18: Theme in Yellow -- For a pumpkin perfume, this is really, really nice. 🎃 It's got a lovely orange-yellow glow to it, a hint of almost fleshy sweetness, but no sugary notes, and no spice at all. There's a bit of wax in there, and maybe just a hint of smoke. For me, this is just a perfect, round, nicely squashy pumpkin with a pleasant smile carved in & a candle lit to tell children that they can ask for candy at that home. It always fascinates me when reviews show such a sharp division -- half say this smells spicy/cinnamon on them, and half don't -- is this batch variations, or are people smelling what they expect rather than what is actually present, or what? If it's over time or the reviews cover versions from multiple years, sometimes it's aging enhancing or diminishing certain notes. But this was a single release and the reviews cover about five years with the same differences of opinion. For this, I'm inclined to suspect batch variation. I'd be curious to try a sniffie of one that has a review that claims spice, because my bottle just doesn't have any. Pretty hefty throw, solid longevity.   Whew! Made it through my pumpkins! I saw the Weenies drop (briefly) and I think I'll try samples of Pumpkinville and Pinched with Four Pumpkins, but that's it for pumpkins for me for a while.   October 19: Goblin Market -- Turns out I have a bunch of things in my Weenie decant drawer that aren't actually in the Weenie collection. 😂 They may have been released around the right time, but they aren't tagged as Weenies, so I had to shuffle a few things around. I still have more than enough for the month, though.   This Weenie from 2013 is based on a poem that I love, so I got a decant despite being pretty sure the fragrance would not be to my tastes. This reminds me of the scent of a Lush store during times when they have a lot of fruity soaps & bath goods available. It has that slightly dusty bathbomb aspect, mixed fruits, and a slightly musky-sweet undertone. Takes me back to working there and how the storage room smelled during the holidays. I don't really like this as a perfume, but it might make an interesting room scent. Moderate throw (I could smell it as I was working on the computer), sort of mediocre longevity (faded fast, vanished after three hours).   October 20: Noctiphobia -- Gotta be square with you, I can barely smell this. I haven't run into many things that I'm completely anosmic to, but at the moment, this seems to be one of them. I can smell other things perfectly fine, so I haven't lost my sense of smell, it's just this one thing. It doesn't smell bad, or like it's turned, it's like absolute nothing on my wrist and in the vial, like I dropped water on my wrist instead of perfume. This is one, like Count Dracula, that I'm going to have to come back to later. Ah, well. ^-^; (ETA: So I slept on it, and in the morning it was a very lovely, subtle, lightly woodsy cologne. I don't even know what happened last night but ...it's pleasant and apparently lasts a very long time.) (decant)   October 21: The Byronic Antihero -- This reminds me a lot of Peter Quint + a really strong carnation note. I'm not quite sure how it manages that, without (probably) containing any leather or ambergris, but here we are. I think perhaps the way the particular vetiver & patchouli are blending is giving me the impression of a slightly smoky leathery note? I'm a little surprised at how pleasantly this is wearing on my skin; carnation is pretty frequently a weirdly spicy-sweet mess for me, but something here is keeping it tamed. This is really nice, and if I'd had my current tastes when this came out, I probably would've picked up a bottle. I'm pretty happy I have the decant, though! Strong throw, amps up as it dries, good lasting power.   October 22: Sugar Skull '04 -- So I have already reviewed a Sugar Skull, and they do have the same notes, but many of them are just slightly different. This is the OG, first release, cobalt bottle version, and it's real nice. It is a very low partial (at this point there's maybe a single decant left?) and I got it secondhand, which is why it has a reducer cap. I hate reducer caps with a violent passion. This one dumped a colossal amount of oil on my wrist (by which I mean maybe a full drop or two; I tend towards extremely light applications), so I'm smeared with Sugar Skull to the elbow on both arms and am living in a beautiful brown sugary halo. If I do a super-discerning sniff, I think there may be some of that mildly lemony white sugar note in with the darker, deeper sugared notes, plus some softer confectioner's sugar, but that may also be partly the fruit notes. It's a little boozy, and a little fermented, but mostly it's sugary sweet and amazing. I'll run out of this soon enough and have to decide if I want to find another bottle, probably not of '04, but I've got ...eleven different versions to choose from (per the tag on the review post + 2020), so it probably won't be too hard to find one.   October 23: The School-House ('08) -- I only have a couple of bottles from the Sleepy Hollow release, and this one was picked up as a half-bottle somewhat after the fact, due to the fact that I found I really enjoyed the birch note in the decant I got. It's a lovely fragrance, sweetly green and gently outdoorsy, more meadow than forest, but not at all grassy to me, which is nice because I'm not really a fan of grass notes. This would be perfect for late summer or early autumn, when the shadows are getting longer but before the leaves have really started changing. It smells warm and fresh and bright, but with just a hint of darker things (fir) around the edges. Virtually no throw, but I can still smell a hint of soft green on my wrists several hours later.   October 24: The Girl ('09) -- Another scent featuring birch, but this one I'm not as fond of. Immediately on application it's bright and pale and lovely, but after a while the immortelle & ylang ylang crank up the syrup and this becomes a weird mash of floral notes and gooey sap on my skin. Later on the jasmine gets stronger and that's almost nice, but it's still got a slightly odd funk to it. This was a massive hit the year it was released, and continues to be a bit legendary, but like many of those that get compared to Antique Lace and the like, it's not especially good on me. Good throw, mostly jasmine and amber, dries to white amber/musk and stays lively and fragrant for quite a long time. (decant)   October 25: Halloween: New Orleans ('10) -- Ahh, this is still so lovely! I mentioned it when I wore A Little Piece of Eternity, so I was looking forward to pulling it out. It's a beautiful, densely humid scent, with a wonderful sweet olive (osmanthus) note over a deep and murky aquatic with a hint of almost-musty moss in the background. As it dries, the moss comes forward a bit more and the later drydown is mostly a light haze of moss over water and a hint of peachy-almost-citrus olive blossom wayyyyy in the back. The overall effect is very tea-like, in a way. I have some osmanthus oolong that smells a little like this if I oversteep it. I got this (and the matching atmo spray) after sniffing the protos at a Will-Call and have never once regretted it.   Lasts many hours, with a throw that starts very strong and tapers off gently. (bottle)   October 26: The Glittering Apple of the Stars ('11) -- I'm not a big apple fan in general, but this one has a fresh, almost crisp apple note that doesn't show up in many other places and I enjoy quite a bit. Most of the rest of the notes have blurred some over the years, and where it was once extremely bright and twinkly, as it dries down it's now more subdued and sweeter, a little more perfumey with tiare and the musks. It's still a very lovely perfume, though it's never had strong throw or longevity, but it's nice to reapply on days I wear it for that apple burst. Bright, fugitive, shiny. (bottle)   October 27: The Tears of Lilith ('12) -- This starts with a big syrupy blast of honey-sweetened wine and red musk and dries down to a gorgeous silvery ambergris with a lightly bitter undertone and a hint of rose petals. The opening and early drydown are a little hard for me to sit through, it's really sweet, sticky, and intensely grape-y, but fortunately that phase only lasts ~40 minutes to an hour (depending on how warm I am and what my hormones are doing at the time) and then it gets really beautiful. Late (4-6 hours) drydown is all ambergris all the time, like it usually is on me. This was another I picked up after testing at a Will-Call, and it was definitely the drydown that sold me. Lasts a very long time, throw is pretty hefty. (bottle)   The thing that I love about ambergris, and why I have so many scents that feature it even though it really does take over almost every time, is that the end result is always just a little different. Still noticeably and decidedly the Lab's ambergris accord, but touched with a hint of whatever else is in the perfume. Tears of Lilith ends with a light reddish bleed through the otherwise silvery-gray ambergris core, in contrast to say, Dream of The Fisherman's Wife, which ends with a salty seaweed undertone to the ambergris. I do have the SN and it's just as shifty and changeable. It's really fascinating and I love it a lot.   October 28: A World Where There Are Octobers ('13) -- I don't really like the dead/dry/autumn leaves note in general, but this one is a rare exception. I still don't like it much initially, as it has that very sharp, prickly aspect at first and for maybe twenty minutes or so until it dries fully, but as it goes the maple -- and I should say, I don't really like maple in general either, especially in foody perfumes -- the maple brightens and sweetens it and it becomes a lovely early fall day with a brisk breeze rattling the leaves. It's a wonderful atmospheric scent, makes a good room scent as well, and the maple is subtle and not too sticky. IDK, this is just one of those where the name and the inspiration and the scent meld together and I don't even care if the notes aren't the sort of thing I usually wear. It's beautiful. Minimal throw, moderate longevity. (bottle)   October 29: The Ghost of Darius Appearing to Atossa ('16) -- When this was fresh, this was much sharper and less pleasant, but with a few years on it, it's an amazing deep resinous scent that throws like a beast and lasts forever. In the bottle and for the first few minutes or so, the galbanum is very strong and green, but it settles to the back after a bit. I'm always really happy to get a dark scent that doesn't contain any patchouli, and this is a very good one, up there with Minotaur for me in this particular field. Minotaur is muskier and sweeter, but they both have really beautiful myrrh notes. (Lingum aloes is also known as aloeswood, agarwood or oudh; onycha is an ancient incense component, most likely thought to be derived from a part of sea snail shells. Beth probably composed an accord for that one, since the real deal would not be vegan.) (partial bottle fr. decanter)   October 30: This Wan White Humming Hive ('16) -- Hhhhhhhhhhh I love this. Beeswax, delicate pale patch, and light incense (champa & maybe a hint of sandalwood, I think?) plus a low buzz of ambergris that comes up saltier as it dries. It's warm and sweet in a very honeyed way, rather than containing any sugary notes. This is a combination that is really beautiful and very much to my tastes most of the time. Once in a while it's a little too heavy. Throw comes and goes, sometimes very strong and sometimes barely noticeable, but it lasts a very long time, fading to a soft sweetly honeyed ambergris on my wrists. (bottle)   October 31: Samhain ('08) -- Textbook 'nice scent and I don't like the way it smells on me'. 🎃 It's a lovely, atmospheric, autumnal scent, with a medium-strong apple note and pleasantly woody waft, but something in it ends up smelling strongly smoky on me and it ends up almost ashtray-like. Skin chem weird. It's possible that sometime I should try some other years (I might have one or two lurking in my decant box, I should check again) but after I tried this one and it was entirely meh on me, I sort of stopped. It's just not the sort of thing that I enjoy wearing, unfortunately. Good throw and solid weartime, though.  
windbourne

windbourne

0
Miss Twilight's Blog
 

Shotgun Samhain Swap 2021 Q&A

what sizes do you wear for jewelry purposes - rings, etc. My ears are not pierced so no earrings please.  I wear an 11 in ring size and my wrist is about 7.5" (I think.)  I don't really wear a lot of jewelry since I don't actually leave the house very often and I have allergies to metals.  (Sterling silver is ok, surgical steel is also ok.)  I would like to get my ears pierced again but I think I'll gauge up and do a hollow needle instead of the "gun".  Someday when I have money for things like piercings and tattoos.       what's your favorite fall food based treat? Hm, good question.   We make a lot of our own and right now it's all the types of zucchini bread (chocolate, ultimate, lemon blueberry...)   I love pumpkin ginger bread (haven't found a recipe that mimics what I used to get at Uptown Espresso in Seattle though - right now Smitten Kitchens is my fav recipe.)   It isn't food, but going to CORN MAZES in the Seattle area was always my favorite fall "treat" -- Spooner Farms and Carpinito Brothers.  Hot spiced cider and kettle corn.  Going to the fall farmer's markets.  and all of the fall book signings!!  those are the things I miss.
Are you more interested in a spiritual service you haven't mentioned practicing yourself, or would you prefer to receive something you do practice? Do you have a preference for if it's provided in writing/placed in the package vs over a skype/phone call? I have major anxiety with talking to people in real time be it in person, skype, phone calls, chat, etc.  So in writing/in package would be my preference.  
For item no.5, what kind of thing would you most appreciate? (5) anything else you wish to send, maybe something fun, a movie, maybe a decoration, something homemade, handmade, something precious and old, ????) I will appreciate everything you curate especially for me!  (maybe not a movie though since I don't currently have a blu-ray or dvd player in my room and that is where I do everything.  I just stream things from netflix/hulu/hbo/disney + -- I "share" accounts with other people since I can't afford them myself.)   My amazon lists are humongous so that should give lots of ideas for tarot cards, stickers, wall hanging stuffs, all kinds of fall and halloween things.  (I have multiple lists, the book list is the default so click on the other ones and you'll get an idea of the things I like.)  However, I TOTALLY NEED MORE CARNIVOROUS PLANTS.  I planted some purple pitcher plant seeds -- two packets -- and zero germinated.  I was soooo disappoint.  Occasionally they have Cobra Lily seeds too but really I'd like an already living plant since germination seems iffy.  Would love Sundew too.  Yeah, I don't know how you would ship them.      I always love palm stones / crystals / rocks.  I love bath milk/salts from luvmilk (scent lists in my SW help and on Amazon.)   
Anything in particular you're interested in from the UK? Heck yeah!  Tea (Whittard / Bird & Blend plus lots of tea from your neighbors in France like Damman Freres and Mariage Freres), LUSH, wine gums, fancy chocolates (except now I'm "sensitive" to chocolate but I think I would risk it!!)  Future Primitive Ghost Smoke anything (except bar soap and perfume - whipped soap would be AMAZING, I need like 50 of them, lol!)  STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING.  I could really use a pudding steamer and good pudding recipes for sticky toffee and christmas pudding.  without wheat flour, haha.  or corn syrup.
Any interest in apothecary style indies, e.g. essential oils, natural skincare, flower waters? I have sooo many essential oils and flower waters that I never use, it would be wasted on me.  I'm doing The Ordinary skin care regimen right now so I don't want to add anything else.
What is it that you're most wanting out of this fall season? (e.g. that could require magical assistance) I don't know.  Right now I'm trying to transform myself back into a useful person so I can work or go to school or both.  Seeing a physical therapist and a dietician; pretty much just started so I have at least six months of this.   Help with motivation, perseverance, clarity (massive brain fog).  Help with self love is always necessary, as well as household harmony since five people are living here (all adults, three generations) and tempers got hot occasionally.  
Books. Are you a big reader? If so, do you prefer ebooks, audio, or printed? Would you enjoy an art or photography book? Do you like poetry? I absolutely inhale fantasy (and some sci-fi) books.  I only do ebooks, mostly .mobi (kindle) unless a book is on my wishlist in a different format.  I'm not huge on poetry;  an art or photography book isn't that exciting in kindle format.  Space is a huge issue for me and I really don't have room for physical books right now, my room is so crowded that I have to squeeze through a narrow aisle to get to my desk or closet.  (Staying with family after divorce forced me to move from Seattle but I'm too sick to work, so I'm working on getting healthy.)   Is there anything typically sold at a Renn Faire that you'd be interested in? ALLL THE THINGS.  I especially like the cups sold at the Michigan faire (Messier pottery?) with the bats, pit bulls, etc.  I got a gnome one for my mom and it's her favorite.  (purple or black finish.)  I love hippocampus or other fantastical equine buttons.  I love the celtic knot tapestries in purples, blues, or greens - with dragons, horse, corvids, dogs, ferrets...   I have a great pirate-y jacket from local artisans in the PNW as well as a floppy felted wool hat that can be made into a tricorne or a musketeer or just left floppy.  I have quite a few drinking horns with horses painted on them.  I always find tons of things I want!  The fresh birch beer is my favorite (like root beer, not alcoholic.)   Candles. Any preferences? Taper/Pillar/Votive/Jar/Chime/etc.? Scented vs Unscented?  I have plenty of chime candles (as well as tapers, votives, etc.)   (I used to be a chandler and I also used to sell PartyLite and I have SO MANY CANDLES.)   However my respiratory issues make it really hard to burn them so I have to be really careful about candles I purchase these days.  Sihaya's seem to work for me and I'm super interested in Black Roses.  Also love Ember and Mallow, London Fog, Secret Society, Samhain Dusk, I am Here I am Whole, Long Distance Hug, Sisterhood of the Moon, Orphic Lodge, She is Still a Mystery, or The Divine.   Are there any types of makeup/nail polish that you would or would not like to receive?  I always need a really good non-smudging black eyeliner - but my skin is super oily and "waterproof" doesn't work; I need oil proof!  I keep reading reviews on Sephora but haven't found the perfect one yet.  I use Stila the most as it has been the best so far (not liquid, one of the smudge proof "pencils" that turns instead of needing sharpening.) I love pretty nail polishes but again...  for the past few years I haven't used any of the tons that I have....   I rarely wear eye shadow these days.  I could use a really good foundation / powder / and setting spray but it's hard to pick the color for foundations over the internet!   Is there anything you definitely DON'T want (either because you don't like it or already have it)? Nothing with SLS / parabens / phthalates.  No bar soap or coffee mugs (unless they're like 16-20oz and have a lid - so much dog hair floating around and my carnivorous plants aren't doing their job at catching the bugs that are tiny and fit through the screens!)    I am "sensitive" (still haven't figured out exactly how I'm sensitive but blood testing showed that I am?  Maybe the brain fog/fatigue/body aches/pain / respiratory?) to wheat, yeast, corn, eggs, casein (milk/cheese), and chocolate.  I haven't had a chance to go over it with my doctor yet to see if I can do sheep/goat milk/cheese.   Are there any art/craft supplies you currently need? I always "need" more yarn (but no, I really really don't since I haven't felt like knitting the past two years and I have over 1k skeins.  Except when I REALLY want to make something and none of my yarn is appropriate for the project.  Plus most of the yarn I "need" is around $30 a skein.  Please do not get me craft store yarn, I am a super picky yarn hoar.)  I would love a small oil paint set with a lot of colors.  (I have canvas / brushes.)   I would love some paper clay to make runestones for stitch markers or for gifts.  Also need a sculpting needle and some metallic paint (silver though, not gold.)  And I need a good pair of jewelry pliers (with springs.)  I added some tools to my Amazon "Jewelry" list because my craft supplies list is private and I don't want to make it public right now because I don't want to sort everything.       Homemade treats...any likes and preferences?? I have a texture thing so I don't like nuts in my cookies or fudge or brownies or whatnot.  No corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.  Prefer organic ingredients / non GMO, so I'm ultra picky about flour / dairy / eggs / butter.   I keep looking at all of the fun things on Gather Victoria's website and wanting ALL of those treats if you're looking for inspiration.   They have some awesome fall / Samhain recipes.  I wish I could afford to be a patreon and I'm waiting very impatiently for their cookbook.  I totally love the seasonal tea wreath!   And I want to do a cake for priestesses of the dead.  And the crabapple galette (I have two crabapple trees.)  Anyway, so, I love all kinds of things.  Smitten Kitchen is other my other homemade treat recipe supplier but doing a russian honey cake is probably too hard to ship.    I love chewy caramels, especially sea salt and chocolate covered.  Butterscotch is another favorite flavor (but not the hard candies) for homemade things.  I should make a pinterest board with all of my smitten kitchen recipes for treats I want to try, but I think I already have a pinterest board with snacky treat things if you want to go look at it.  Link should be in my SW Help page (link to that in signature.)   AND YES, I am also wanting to know what flavor/s of fudge you would love to get if I happen to be your Adept  I totally love Holly's fudge - especially the creamy melt in your mouth penuche.  Seriously, I want the recipe for this.  Most penuche that we attempt to make is more like Scottish Tablet (crystallized and crunchy.)  I have looked at 500 recipes and tried SO MANY and I can't reproduce Holly's.  (I don't do corn syrup, so was trying to stick to sugar, cream, butter but yeah, I can't seem to do it.)  Also love the apple pie fudge (who would have thought I'd like that) and the forest fruit fudge.  And peanut butter chocolate fudge.  No nuts in my fudge or penuche please.    Also holly made me the most wonderful christmas pudding a couple of times.  And I love sticky toffee pudding.   What are your thoughts on sweet treats? If you like them, what are your favorites? And what is one that you consider extra special? I do love sweet treats.    Penuche fudge (SUPER CREAMY LIKE HOLLY DOES - otherwise it's more like scottish tablet, which is fine, but not my favorite.)   Milk chocolate covered sea foam.  Butterscotch pudding.  Chocolate mousse (especially from the Dilettante cafes in Seattle area.)  Creme Brulee.   Bailey's Chocolate Tiffin (with chocolate shortbread and dried cherries.)  Chocolate shortbread in general.  Really good Key Lime Pie.  (yeah, like some of these things don't ship well but you asked.)   Milk chocolate / caramel / pecans (turtles?)  Chocolate covered sea salt caramels from Frans Chocolate (Seattle area.)  Moonstruck Chocolate truffles.  Vosges chocolate truffles.  Tony's Chocolonely milk chocolate (also with hazelnuts or caramel or toffee or ...)  Purdys chocolate!  (They usually have halloween chocolates like sugar skulls or coffin assortments.)   Licorice / Anise caramels.     OMG some extra special ones would be from L. A. Burdick.  They have seasonal black cats this year but I think they're out of the price range for this box unless they sell them separately in their stores.  I'd love to try the mouse and/or penguin samples.   
twilighteyes

twilighteyes

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Eldritchhobbit's Blog
 

31 Days of Dark Academia: Halloween 2021

October 1: Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson (1951) Quote: Poor things, she thought - do they have to spend all this energy just to surround me? It seemed pitiful that these automatons should be created and wasted, never knowing more than a minor fragment of the pattern in which they were involved, to learn and follow through insensitively a tiny step in the great dance which was seen close up as the destruction of Natalie, and far off, as the end of the world. They had all earned their deaths, Natalie thought…
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

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EmStam Blog
 

Shotun Samhain Swap 2021

FIRST QUESTION:  what sizes do you wear for jewelry purposes - rings, etc. No rings please. Necklaces of pretty much any length are appreciated! Earrings that are super hypo-allergenic (I can do gold, silver, and surgical steel posts). I rarely wear bracelets.    Question: what's your favorite fall food based treat? Ummmm...... any fall fruits. Ciders : apple, mulled, etc. Mulled wine. Pumpkin pie/pumpkin bread/pumpkin everything else: pumpkin, not just pumpkin spice  . I function at my highest when I don't eat gluten.    Are you more interested in a spiritual service you haven't mentioned practicing yourself, or would you prefer to receive something you do practice? Do you have a preference for if it's provided in writing/placed in the package vs over a skype/phone call? Any is great! I would prefer a zoom/skype/phone call vs a physical spell, but I accept any and all manifestations of good energy.    For item no.5, what kind of thing would you most appreciate? Anything handmade with love! Anything curated for me with care!   Anything in particular you're interested in from the UK? I love local art stuff, and interesting treats that you can only get in your neck of the woods.    Any interest in apothecary style indies, e.g. essential oils, natural skincare, flower waters? Sure, especially if they're related to the changing seasons and celebrating the passing of time. I don't do floral smells for my body, and I don't scent my house.    What is it that you're most wanting out of this fall season? (e.g. that could require magical assistance) I mentioned this in my questionnaire, but I'm looking towards a big... hatching is the visual that's coming to mind, oddly - a new growth spurt, which I would love to support in any and all ways possible. I'm also finding that time is passing by without my noticing lately, so anything that helps me take notice and celebrate the change in season would be great.    Books. Are you a big reader? If so, do you prefer ebooks, audio, or printed? Would you enjoy an art or photography book? Do you like poetry? Yes. All the books. Many books. I like pre-loved paperbacks or Kindle editions. I love to read magical realism. I enjoy poetry. I'm not the best audience for an art/photo book.    Is there anything typically sold at a Renn Faire that you'd be interested in? Not specifically, but anything that fits into my other gift genres is great.    Candles. Any preferences? Taper/Pillar/Votive/Jar/Chime/etc.? Scented vs Unscented?  No preference, but I would only like to receive a candle that has a ritual/spiritual significance, since I don't scent my spaces (and I also sell very nice candles in my gift shop that I can take whenever I want).    Are there any types of makeup/nail polish that you would or would not like to receive?  No makeup or nail polish, please.    Is there anything you definitely DON'T want (either because you don't like it or already have it)? I can't think of anything right now. I trust your instinct!   Are there any art/craft supplies you currently need? Not that I need, but I do knit and spin and I like adding thoughtful yarns and fibers to my stash.     Homemade treats...any likes and preferences?? AND YES, I am also wanting to know what flavor/s of fudge you would love to get if I happen to be your Adept  All of them, please. All of the fudges. I don't like raspberries, raw celery, onions, or caraway seeds. 
  Quick question for the group: What are your thoughts on sweet treats? If you like them, what are your favorites? And what is one that you consider extra special? I enjoy them! I especially love anything home made, or local to you, or small-business-made. I prefer fruity, tart, creamy, or dark chocolate, but I love small tastes of pretty anything! Or Butterfingers. I really love Butterfingers and I have a rule to never buy them for myself- they’re a strictly gift/steal/nab from the candy jar treat for me. EDITED TO ADD: I'm avoiding refined sugars at the moment for health reasons!   If I were to knit you an adornment would you prefer a hat, fingerless mitts, a cowl, or a shawlette (small shawl, worn like a scarf.)  mitts, please! But honestly whichever feels like the most fun, or whatever pattern you're itching to try out.    If yes, are you ok with soft wool (I have mostly merino)?  What colors would you prefer? yes wool. Blue, purple, black, cream, grey.    Do you have a wishlist for BPAL perfume / gloss / atmosphere sprays? Yes, it's in my signature.    Are you interested in a sewn or knitted tarot bag? Yes.   Would you like to sample our home made liqueurs?  (Rosepetal and/or lavender vanilla bean and/or plum) Yes, all of those sounds lovely. I'm most attracted to the lav/vanilla.   How about jams?  (peach, huckleberry, cardamom plum, cardamom/cinnamon/clove plum, anise plum, ginger jalapeno peach) Yes - no raspberry please. I'm especially a fan of peach jams, but I love them all - we make (GF) pancakes every Sunday and I eat them with jam/preserves.   Other canned goods?  (green tomato relish, chokecherry jelly) YES!   Fudge?   YES!!   Lemon blueberry zucchini bread? My heart wants to say yes, and my body needs to say no unless it's gluten free ALTHOUGH the rest of my household eats all the things, so I could have a nibble and they would eat the rest. 
Estamets

Estamets

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Miss Twilight's Blog
 

13 Nights of Halloween 2021 edition

***  Prefer CLEAN makeup / nail polish (clean ingredients) ***    *** fair trade or organic food / tea / coffee / chocolate when possible ***   8/8/21   Would you be interested in a cross stitched Halloween ornament? Sure!  I would probably hang it on the wall though?  I don't have a tree.  And it should be good for all year since I display gargoyles/grotesques, bats, skulls/skeletons/bones, corvids, etc. all year.  No pumpkins, witches, zombies, scarecrows, or a lot of orange please.     8/11/21   Are there any collage artists in the mix?   I would LOVE to curate one of spooky autumn goodness if my person were to be interested! As long as it is more bones/ravens/bats/goth and not harvest/orange/pumpkins.   Have you seen the Dragon con list?  & would any of them appeal to you? I have a fairy.     Which Harry Potter house are you?  I am pissed at JKR because transphobe, but I still love Harry Potter, so it's ... difficult.  In the olden days, Pottermore always placed me in Hufflepuff (eew, yellow!  but .. honey badger?  YES HONEY BADGER.)  but on Ravelry in the House Cup group I was a Slytherin (probably because I had made Slytherin things for other people and some snake things, haha.)    Which is hilarious because I'm way more attracted to Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.    I do adore badgers though.     8/12/21   Do you like any art from these two sellers? They are local artists and I will probably pick up some stuff for myself soon! 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlinMcCarthyArt -- I like The Faun (Straight out of Pan's Labyrinth.)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatinYourBelfry -- oooh!  Plague Doctor pin!  The Black Dog Runs at Night (TWIN PEAKS YESSS), Hour of the Wolf pin (OINGO BOINGO!), GHOST STEED PIN, ok, there are a lot.  I added them to my etsy wishlists under stickers, pins, and art.  I love Krampus, Black Philip, Mari Lwyd, etc.   Prefer FRAMED if possible, SILVER colored things...    I make beautiful and very lightweight yarn-and-ribbon hairfalls - would you like a set in the colors and length of your choice? If yes, name up to four colors and length in inches! Black, silver, purple, blue!  ummmmmmm I'm not sure on length.   Would you appreciate a skein of handspun yarn? If yes, what weight? What colors? How do you feel about beads? Any allergies to typical fibers? It depends -- plied, yes (not a fan of singles.)  Semi solid or gradients.  Fingering (500-600 yards preferred), DK, Worsted, whatev.   I prefer blacks, greys, purples, blues, blurples, blackened red (like MadTosh's Tart), jewel tones.  No neons or pastels.  I have 6/0 beads but I don't make beaded things (with knitting) very often.  O_o   I'm very allergic to acrylic.     I really prefer merino and silk.    Now, larger beads for bracelet and necklace making is totes different.  I would love beads made from stones (obsidian, rainbow obsidian, labradorite, amethyst, hematite... anything silver, black, purple, blue, green.)   Do you like stickers? Patches? Buttons? Yes, meh, maybe.  Pins for sure.   Do you spend time in the outdoors? Unfortunately?  It's freaking HOT or freaking COLD here.  Neither of which I enjoy.  Also I have chronic respiratory issues and the smoke is awful here.  I have N95's just to go outside to feed the animals.  I miss the Western side of the state.   Do you enjoy cooking and/or baking? Yes, but rarely get to do it since I'm staying with family and one of them is a total kitchen / food control freak.     8/13/21   The Paintbox Soapworks Weenie collection went live today! Would you like anything? Fairytale in Bath Struesel or Sorbetto!  Hex on the Beach bath streusel or Sorbetto!   I've always wanted some of the Clean Slate scrub too!   Other favorite scents are GTFO and Blackbird.  Any of the sorbettos in the sample size is great.  Red Cow bath streusel sounds amazing as well.  And Rice Pudding.  OMG, Man in the Moon!  Queen is Dead!      The Pickety Witch is taking pre-orders for their new Halloween pins (estimated ship date: early September). Have any caught your eye? I love them!!!  Vampire Bat enamel pin and Black Phillip - Autumnal are probably my favorites.  I've had Black Philip on my wishlist for years now, lol.  Vampire Bat looks new!   Zeep's Spooky Collection drops some time next week. Here's the scent list. Would you like any wax melts, candles, whipped soaps, sugar whips (whipped soap/scrub hybrid), body butter sugar scrubs (moisturizing scrub), meringues (lotion), bath bombs, or bath rocks from Zeep? I have never tried Zeep!   Bath bombs, bath rocks, whipped soap, sugar whips, and body butter sugar scrubs all sound amazing, assuming no parabens, phthalates, SLS, etc.   I do have a wax burner too!   The scents that sound good to me are:   Boo-nilla Scream, Hocus-Pocus, Jack-O-Lantern, Season of the Witch, Candy Corn Sugar Cookie.  Wax:  Ghost Stories, Haunted Mansion, Halloweentown, Fireside Pumpkin, Candy Corn Cake, Pumpkin Queen, Salem.   8/14/21   Does anyone here like vintage halloween? 
Sometimes - I'm into bats, crows, skeletons - so vintage of those is fine.  I don't care for the vintage cats / moon / people.   Vintage Krampus is perfect.  But y'know, for Yule time.   It seems like a lot of shops’ Halloween lines have items related to the same standard fandoms, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Addams Family, etc.  Do any of those (or other ones) particularly resonate with you?   I'm not a huge fan of Hocus Pocus but I love the rest (except Beetlejuice -- I like Lydia and other things from the movie, but not Beetlejuice himself, lol.  They did way too good a job of making him hideous.)  NMBC is my fav and I love the Haunted Mansion and Addam's Family.     How do you feel about atmospheric/novelty scents and novelty food items? Things like "new car candle" or "eyeball jawbreaker" or whatever. I'm not too excited about "new car" scent but if, say, it's in a pack with other stuff I like -- like the car jar pack I have on my wishlist from  Yankee Candles then yes.   I like the non-harry potter brand butter beer stuff that comes out around halloween - I might have one a year just for fun (I *rarely* drink carbonated things.)  Meh on novelty candy.   If you like tea, how do you want it delivered? Loose? Bags? Tiny little messenger pigeons (subject to availability)? I prefer loose leaf tea and I can always use more 32 oz tea brewers that dispense out the bottom, like the ingenuiTEA.   Would you prefer to receive ONE HUGE (more expensive) GIFT and 12 inexpensive ones, a few more expensive, or all about the same price? I'll let it up to my 13 Nights curator!    What are your fandoms, if any? Firefly, NMBC, Doctor Who, LOTR, The Locked Tomb, Labyrinth, Princess Bride, V for Vendetta, Sandman, sooo many more in past blogs that I can't remember off the top of my head.   Witcher, Umbrella Academy...    Do you collect things like tarot decks?  If so do you have a wish list or a list of ones you already have?  Would you like a silk tarot bag? I have:  Crow Tarot, Wise Dog Tarot, NMBC, Game of Thrones, Last Unicorn, and a Vampire deck somewhere.  I would love the Dark Wood tarot!  And I'd love a silk tarot bag or charging crystal slabs.   Do you like rocks/crystals?  What colors / kinds?  Would you like them with holes drilled (either as a pendant - you'd need to stick a bale in, or a bead?) yes!  all of them!  Especially black moonstone,  moonstone, howlite, carnelian,  sodalite, rose quartz, blue green kyanite, rhodonite, black heart rhodonite, garnet, black opal, mystic merlinite, zebra jasper, crocodile jasper, red tiger's eye, lepidolite, lapis, dragon blood jasper, lemurian crystal, malachite, septarian, ruby kyanite, citrine, ruby, garnierite, rubellite, dumortierite, black kyanite fan, labradorite, spectralite, aqua aura, hematite... anything blue, purple, grey, black, rainbow-y or that has helpful properties.  So like, everything.   I like palm stones, towers, pocket pebbles, spheres, bowls, pendants, beads / holes drilled, cabs, chunks, druzy, everything!   My mom has an etsy store - she makes bags.  Do you love anything from it?  I love all kinds of project bags, dice bags, bpal bags.  I adore sugar skulls, bats, ravens, anything gothy.   Cotton or canvas with satin lining. Silk.  yesss.  I pick out a lot of the fabric for the store (hence all of the skulls and NMBC and mystic things, so you can see an idea of what I like.)   Let's say you want something knitted.  What are you most interested in?  I have a "make for me" list on Ravelry, lol. * What colors would you prefer said knitted object in?  black, grey, purple, blue, blurples, greens, blackened reds, jewel tones.  No navy, orange, yellow, brown, cream. * Stripes, gradient, semi solid, variegated?  Stripy mitts or socks, gradient mitts, shawls, shawlettes, infinity scarves/double cowls.  semi solid is good too. * What type of yarn would you prefer?  I prefer merino, merino silk, mcs.  mcn is ok.  I love tencel shawls or shawlettes too.   Are you interested in receiving any of the following homemade / home dried / home canned goodies?  YES.  I would love to try almost anything!!  lawardrop makes spectacular canned goodies too.   8/16/21   How do you feel about oracle decks? I have a kickstarter one on order - The Knitters Oracle.  Haven't used any other ones but I'm open.   Would you like witchy/ritual oils/sundries? Any limitations (e.g. deities you won't work with)? yes!  I have only worked with Hecate and Expedite.  Open to any.   Is there anything you would like to try from the UK specifically? (e.g. Lush exclusives) OMG YES.  Bird & Blend tea, LUSH, Whittard tea, chocolate -- I'll add things to my Amazon wish lists (tea is under beverages, chocolate under snacks, LUSH under bath / body.)  My son loves future primitive's ghost smoke whipped soap!  I hope they make some this year, last year they only did soap and conditioner.   Oh, and are you into astrology? Not super, as I don't know my birth time.  I've always wanted my chart done accurately.  (Virgo.  Metal dog.)   What size shoe do you wear (inc wide/narrow, etc)? It depends on the shoe!  Most fluevogs women's 12 or larger except a couple styles that are 11.  Most other unisex type shoes are probably men's 9, women's 11.  Women's shoes are probably a 12.  So weird because I was a women's 10 forever and all of my 10's still fit me?    I'm probably wide since my feet are swollen - kidney issues, whee.   Do you like/would you want to receive comic books? Any favorite genres or characters? Nah.  Graphic novel compendiums are great and I have some on my amazon wish list but they're $$$.   Would you like a palm stone, or anything else, from Haute Macabre? OF COURSE.  Witche's Cross pocket pebble, moonstone, black moonstone, howlite, carnelian,  sodalite, rose quartz, blue green kyanite, rhodonite, black heart rhodonite, garnet, black opal, mystic merlinite, zebra jasper, crocodile jasper, red tiger's eye, lepidolite, lapis, dragon blood jasper, lemurian crystal, malachite, septarian, ruby kyanite, citrine, ruby, garnierite, rubellite, dumortierite, black kyanite fan.  Any of the spheres, palm stones, pocket pebbles, or whatever!    (I have spider's web obsidian, velvet obsidian, shungite, fluorite, selenite, black tourmaline.  I can always use more obsidian though, especially the flat scrying mirrors or crescent moon shape, they're just kind of spendy.  I love towers too, but again they're probably out of the price range for this swap.)   Would love to try Velvet Void, It Wasn't Just a Phase, Occultism.  There are tons of other things I'd love too but my wish list there seems to have disappeared -- I logged in and checked, has all of my orders but my wish list is gone.  argh!   What's your favorite flower(s)? Pretty much everything purple, blue, black, and super fragrant?  (or white for a moonlight garden, also fragrant.)  I like tulips and bearded irises in the spring (same colors), lilacs, grandiflora / floribuna / rugosa / tea roses (must be my fav colors AND/OR super fragrant, lol.)  Lavender of all kinds.  Star gazer lilies.     What's you favorite woodland creature? Unicorns!   Do you prefer receiving a big box with all of your goodies, or is it okay if one or two things are shipped directly to you separately (with notice!!) for customs/shipping cost purposes (i.e. if there's something customs might not allow in from the States that can be shipped from within your country)? It's ok if they're shipped separately as long as I know not to open them.     Would you like a fabric face mask? If so, do you prefer a dome shape or a pleated shape?  I like really large pleated ones, I don't think I've had a dome shaped.  I prefer ties over ear elastics as those never fit me.   I have a literal stockpile of skincare products.  Can I interest you in cleanser, sheet masks, moisturizer, sample things etc etc.?  Or a general pampering package? What is your skin type? So I *just* started doing a new face regimen with products from The Ordinary so I kind of want to stick with their things for a while and see how they work.  I have their cleanser and so many serums.   Anything from here?  ChocolateStorybook on Etsy any of the cake / vanilla / classic / cottontail / unicorn / blue raspberry -- I added to etsy wishlist under noms.   I have been enjoying the incense from here hand-dipped incense sticks | Hexennacht and here Hand-dipped incense sticks | Mr. Hex (mr-hex.com)  Any thing interesting from either site? Hexennacht: All Soul's Night - molten marshmallow blobs on scorched sticks, plumes of woodsmoke, and hot, glowing campfire embers on a cool autumn night. Calm the Fuck Down (essential oil blend) - lavender, vanilla, ylang ylang, bergamot, aged dark patchouli.  (would be nice in atmosphere spray too) Tabac - fresh tobacco leaves, unlit pipe tobacco, blonde tobacco absolute.   Mr Hex:   Catto Va-meow-ah (Tobacco Vanille - Tom Ford type) Witch's Mew (Yankee Candle - Witch's Brew type)   8/16/21   Would you like some delicious coffee? If so, do you prefer whole bean or ground? If ground, what grind? Also, light or dark roast? Flavor preferences? If it's super special, sure!  I do love flavored coffee so if you have any whole beans from your local special coffee shop I would try some!  Dark roast.  Cinnamon, Irish cream, orange chocolate, hazelnut, black forest.  When I lived in Toronto I would always go into second cup for Irish cream!  And when visiting upstate new york (well, business more than visit) I stayed in a hotel across from an awesome coffee shop that had the best chocolate orange and Black Forest, so I brought home beans.   I may be going to the Renaissance Fair this weekend (if not this weekend then soon and multiple times), any Ren Faire goodies you may like?  Always!  I can't think of anything specific but I love love love ren faires and shopping at them.  Sometimes I buy buttons, torcs, leather goods, rings, etc.  I get a lovely metal rose at the Colorado Ren Faire.  (I collect nice roses made of different materials like leather or metal.)  I got purple horns at one in Maryland.  (shrug)  
I always go to my town's local Farmer's Market and they have booths selling things like candles, Gourmet Pickles, Flavored Oils and Vinegars, dog treats (like bones and animal feet), honey, and bath products. Would you like any of these things? HONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I love dill pickles.  ALL THE DILL PICKLES.  And dill pickled garlic.   I do love flavored basalmic vinegar (white or natural), especially if it's super thick.  I have orange and huckleberry from one of our local vinegar peeps.  (no oils please.)   No bar soap.  Bath bombs and other products are welcome as long as they are clean (no SLS / parabens / phthalates, etc. etc.)  My dogs would love dog treats.   Do you have a preference for numbered packages for each night of the swap vs randomly selecting from unlabeled goodies?  Don't have a preference.    If you didn't say much about your reading preferences in your survey but would be interested in receiving books, can you elaborate a bit? My goodreads and amazon book wish list should tell you.  *wink*   prefer ebooks (strong preference to .mobi but I can do .epub if necessary) unless I posted them on my wishlist as hard copy or whatnot.    Mostly epic fantasy with some urban fantasy and sci-fi thrown in.  A little cyberpunk.     Are you interested in cocktails, be it recipes, infusion kits, tools, supplies, specialty bitters?  Mmmmmmm infusion kits and samples of alcohol would be awesome.  I had a big list of samples I wanted to try on one of my older blog posts.   8/18/21   Is there something that you definitely prefer to not receive in any category (anything to avoid if you hadn't/forgotten to mention)? Bar soap, candles of unknown quality (sihaya ones seem ok for me, but I have major chronic respiratory issues and inexpensive candles seem to exacerbate my symptoms), anything with food color, corn syrup, added msg, artificial sweeteners (other than stevia.)  I try to only do fair trade /organic /  ethical chocolate.  There is a list of good chocolate companies at the ethical chocolate link and I have a ton on my amazon snacks list too.  Ummmm no acrylic yarn; any yarn you find at a big box craft store is probably not something I want - sorry!  I have like 1,000+ skeins of yarn so I am uber picky.  I think I'm overloaded on lip balm right now.     Are there patterns/prints (more guidance than general Halloween/Autumn) you like for things or are you open to whatever I may find that speaks to me?  I have tons of prints on my etsy and amazon wishlist under artwork lists.  What I really need though are FRAMES.  I have sooo many prints from Brian Serway that I haven't had a chance to hang yet because I am out of 8x10 matted frames and I don't have an income right now, so frames are kind of a non priority.  So if you send a print and it isn't framed, it will go into hibernation with the rest of my non framed art.     I have lots of knitting patterns on my ravelry wishlist but ... I haven't been knitting lately and I have over 14k patterns.  But of course I do always want to knit the new stuff that just came out because dorky brain.  And then none of my 1k skeins of yarn will be right for it and I'll need new yarn!  It is known!   Any significant other or other special person? Like if I wanted to send you specialty cocoa for a date night, would that be OK? I am making up the cocoa part, but you get my drift. Nope.  Unless you count my dogs, they both sleep under the covers with me and are pretty much my platonic life partners.  I'm also currently living with my parents (in their late 70's), my son (early 30's) and his friend who is on this forum (their alias here is chase.)  We also have goats, sheep, and pigs.  The pigs especially think they are special and people.  (lots of photos on my instagram.)   I would love to request folks to to put their wish list in this thread and link in their signature. I would love to decant from my oils if I have any my person is looking for!  I already have a post in that thread and linked in my sig.  I also have a wishlist on my google docs destash page that is probably updated more frequently.  *blush*   If you happened to list some favorite fandoms earlier, would you also name your favorite character(s) from those fandoms? Death and Delirium (Sandman), The Goblin King natch (Labyrinth), The Man in Black / Westley (Princess Bride) but Inigo is awesome too.  Kind of equally V and Evie from V for Vendetta.  Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice.  Jack and Zero from Nightmare Before Christmas.  Toothless from How to Train your Dragon.  Demogorgon from Stranger Things.  Everyone from Firefly but especially Wash I guess (I have his dinosaurs.  We do make cunning hats tho.)  Hmmm 10th doctor.   Loki (MCU.)   Gideon (Locked Tomb.)  Legolas / Arwen / Strider (LOTR.)   Geralt & Ciri.  (Witcher)   Klaus (Umbrella Academy.)   Krampus (does he count as a fandom?)   Black Philip (again... does he count?  lol.)   Agent Cooper and his coffee!  (Twin Peaks)  The Unicorn (Last Unicorn)   Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland)     Orlando Bloom in everything.  Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge (but not with the hair cut in Star Wars, lol.)   You can probably tell some of them by looking through my wishlists. 
  8/19/21   Do you have an Amazon link?  Can you post it??  yep, it's in my sw help signature link and I posted it again here:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/OITDSSITKNDN?ref_=wl_share
if you are a knitter/crocheter, are you over on Ravelry?  If so, what’s your user name there?? yep, misstwilight:  https://www.ravelry.com/people/misstwilight   8/20/19   I make homemade fire ciders, would that be of interest? Non-alcoholic and they are quite fiery.  Not unless they are super delicious.  My mom made a big batch of fire cider once and labeled it as "caution, may make you puke" so no one would drink it.  hahaha.  We do make our own elderberry syrup (elderberries, honey, apple cider vinegar) so I'm totally not opposed in the slightest to home made remedies and supplements.   Are you interested in getting other BPAL items besides perfume, like hair gloss, bath oils or T-shirts? It depends on the scent of hair gloss and bath oil!  *wink*   I'm going to pass on the t-shirts though, I destashed all of my women's babydoll ones (xxl was too small) and I don't like men's / unisex t-shirts.     8/21/21   So partner, would you be interested in a Frankenbag done in Halloween prints? As long as it's mostly black, purple, etc. with no orange.    ALL THE SUGAR SKULLS AND BATS.   Y'all with furbabies... Are there any food allergies/sensitivities or quirks to know about? dogs:  I avoid anything sourced or produced in china because of all of the things found in dog treats / food that come through.  I do try to do grainless and avoid legumes as well.  Dried liver or homemade cookies with nut butters and pumpkin (make sure your nut butters do not have any xylitol or artificial sweeteners!)   pigs/goats/sheep:  They're good.  They get lots of things from our garden and a lot of leftover fruit and veggie scraps along with their grain/hay.   how do you feel about (ethically sourced) butterfly / moth art (in a jar or shadowbox) They don't bother me but they really aren't my style either.  I do have some butterflies in a shadowbox sort of frame (completely sealed) that I got in Panama in 1981 or 1982 or so.  Death's Head Hawkmoth might be cool.   I recently beheld a "tarantula moth" at our house - he was so cute!  (Polyphemus moth - Giant Silk moth!)   I may have preemptively picked out 2 Halloween-themed mugs with cute matching spoons, before I knew who my match was going to be! So I leave it to you: Bat, or Cat? I will *always* choose bat over cat but please do not send me mugs unless they are on my wishlist!  I am drowning in mugs!  I collect the Starbucks City Mugs (although I would prefer the ornament or demitasse size for space reasons) but mostly to drink out of I prefer 18-20 oz mugs (stainless / ceramic) with a lid to keep out the dog hair.     8/22/21   If you mentioned aversions to any common Halloween decor items (skeletons, witches, spiders, etc.), how encompassing is that? Specifically, is a "kid friendly" drawing of that same item on a piece of decor (like, a book cover or wrapping paper) still a preferred pass?  I had to go back and look at what I posted for aversions.  None!     It's just that I prefer stuff I can re-use (wrapping paper / bags) or can have out all year.  I use my NMBC shopping bags all freaking year at the grocery store, for example.      And I have skulls / skeletons / bats / ravens / gargoyles / grotesques up all year.  Not really into witches, spiders, black cats, zombies, or any harvest-y things (fall leaves, pumpkins, orange, corn, scarecrows, etc.)  Tim Burton-esque is very much my style with black and white/purple crooked lines, black swirl-y hills, etc.     Would you be interested in receiving a never-used eyeshadow palette from Nororiously Morbid (gothy colors) and/or a never-used eyeshadow palette from Pretty Vulgar (romantic neutrals)? I haven't worn eyeshadow for the past four years (I rarely ever leave the house) but .... I do love some smoky eye and gothy colors.   8/23/21   I live in Japan. Are you interested in anything specifically Japanese I could get for you here (doesn't necessarily have to be Halloween themed)? For example, are you a fan of the anime Demon Slayer and want merch? Are you interested in trying some fun kit-kat flavors? Do you need a new set of pretty chopsticks? ALL OF THE KIT KATS.  I can get green tea and cranberry nut ones here but any other flavors!  yas!  I also collect Starbucks City Mugs so if they have any Japanese mugs in that style, would love!  Japanese incense!  Origami paper!  All the things!   there is an excellent chance teeturtle will have a sale in time for this swap: anything (particularly tshirts or socks) that appeal? Sizes?   I have a bunch of t-shirts on my amazon universal wishlist under clothing.  The largest women's size (2x?)  Their socks don't fit me unless they've started carrying men's sizes.  Honestly their shipping is SUPER slow so I don't know that you would have time to order.   Haus of Gloi Fall Part 1 drops soon, anything here you like?  https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/blog/fall-lineup-2021 I have always wanted to try Ghost Puffs and I have an empty Candy Corn bottle that is amazing! Ghost Puffs:  Bubbling Scrub, Eau de Parfum, Butterbombs, REFRESHER SPRAYS!  Lip balm (Ghost Kisses!)   Candy Corn candy bowl perfume. The Amethyst and Tranquility butter bombs sound good too.   8/24/21   Could you use a journal or sketchbook?  No, I don't write - my hands don't work well at writing.  I am however trying to start painting (which is funny when I can't write legibly) and I might be able to use some nice watercolor pads and a watercolor set.  Or maybe watercolor pens?  (I have lots of brushes.)  I could also use a starter set of oils.     Do you need BPAL storage?  Imps?  Bottles?  Nope, I'm destashing so much that I've been giving away my bottle storage boxes.  I'm probably going to sell all of my imps and ammo cases as well.   (major respiratory... skin breaking out from perfume... too lazy to change my scent locket all the time...)   Do you wear socks?  What kind?  No show, ankle, knee high, over the knee?  Fibers? Hardly ever.  Bare feet and sandals the majority of the year except for boots when I go out to feed the animals in the winter (snow from Nov - Feb at LEAST, sometimes September - April.)  However, I could use a bunch of nice no show or ankle black cotton.  Inexpensive in a pack is totally fine.   Do you have a favorite candy(ies) [or prepacked individual snacks] that you wouldn't mind filling up your box as packing material? Or teas/coffee blends you'd enjoy? If you prefer none of this, that's fine too!  I think most of the tea and snacks I like would be much too expensive to fill up a box as packing material!    Unless you can find a ton of the "iced tea" tea candy (I usually get it at an international market in the Seattle area, DK Market.  I have a hard time finding any in the Spokane area but maybe I just haven't found the right place) - it's super light, I put it in my swaps and sales.     I'm going down the Shore for a few days! Any treats you'd like from a cute beach town- salt water taffy? Fudge? Wrist fans? Tie-dye beach dress...? What are wrist fans?   I want to go with you!  A tie dye beach dress could be fun but it would need to be like a size 22.  black, purple.   How do you feel about fancy marshmallows? They're ok.  I haven't been impressed by any that I've tried.  But if you could make rose or lavender, I'd be down.  Or clove!     8/25/21   We've asked about candy, but let's talk specifically about gummies. Do you like crazy shapes, sweet/sour?  Sweet over sour.  Don't really care about shapes too much.  Usually I just get the Black Forest organic gummy bears at Costco or Wine Gums from World Market.  If I splurge and get weird shapes and flavors, I'll soak them in vanilla vodka or something.   Anything from these Etsy shops?  Kodiak Sea Charms   nope   Halloween Hill Studio,  too pumpkin-y, not enough bat   Grave Markings meh, glow in the dark moon is ok.     What about the Mutter Museum's gift shop?  too spendy.   8/27/21   I grow mugwort and it's harvest season. Would you like dried leaves for bathing or tea? Or a bound bundle for smoke cleansing? (Its said to be excellent for divination or lucid dreaming, but do not use if pregnant.)  its also a digestive bitter and tastes great on chicken. I would love more bound bundles and some dried leaves!   I grow loads of other herbs and I'm drying them now. Any favorites you might like? Mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemon balm or others? Yesssssssss all of them plus lavender and vervain if there any.   I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest? Hello, yes.  ALL THE GARLIC.  And Onions.   Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like. ALL THE FEATHERS but especially peacock tail.   I grew a boatload of Green Shiso this year and plan to make a shiso pesto with it. Would you like some? (Nut wise it has pistachios)  If it is shelf stable, sure!   I also plan to experiment with infusing it in vodka. I'm planning a plain shiso infusion and a shiso citrus infusion. If they turn out would you like some? Yes!  I love unusual vodkas.   8/28/21   Would you be interested in this hand sanitizer dispenser/keychain that doubles as a light (its eyes light up when you press between its eyes!)?  (see photo here) YES ALL THE BATS although really I have no use for a keychain or hand sanitizer dispenser but it's so cute!   If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in? I don't really have people to play with very often but I have Unstable Unicorns Control & Chaos (from the kickstarter, not the regular game), Exploding Kittens NSFW version, Talisman (god, that's ancient - I played it before my son was born and he's 31!)  I have some games on my amazon wishlist but not very many since ... out in the middle of nowhere, no one to play with except when I can convince my mom and son to play with me.   8/29/21    DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES?  Not especially.   DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING? No, I don't really do magazines unless I want a specific knitting pattern and there is NO other way to get it.   If you are enthused by the idea of receiving coffee, do you want whole bean or ground? AND do you have flavors that you like (or definitely hate and never want again)? Whole bean or k-cups.  I hate Green Mountain k-cups and most el-cheapo ones.  I love Peets, Tim Hortons, Dutch Bros, Deathwish Coffee k-cups.  For bean, I love Vivace from Seattle (either of their roasts is fine but I always tend towards the ones described as caramel-y or foody and the darker the better), I can do Starbucks small blends/special blends, some seasonal blends, and Sumatra.  (Right now I'm drinking Casi Cielo and I have some Anniversary blend from over a year ago, lol.  We just found the grinder so most of my beans are really old but so far they seem fine.  shrug.)   I've found some chocolate orange, black forest, irish cream, and other flavors that I like at coffee shops - (but never the ones from the grocery store or bulk bins.  They SMELL good and I'm always tempted but the coffee I make with them is always nasty.)   I'm totally open to trying your favorites.  I'll drink medium and blonde too, dark is just my go to.     8/30/21   Would you be interested in some very size-inclusive tights? There are Halloween patterns, but also most colours under the sun, and are very comfy. Not right now, I'm about to start physical therapy, seeing a dietician, etc. and am hoping to lose like 100 lbs, lol.  So no new clothes until I am at a new weight!  (except t-shirts and hoodies, I don't mind if those are too big.)   What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level? I like habanero and jalapeno level heat occasionally and I add sour cream if too hot.  Chutneys that is harder to do, so maybe way less heat on those.  I do love pepper jellies but my dad made like 50 jars of it last time (kind of the bronco berry arby's style) so I'm good for a while but if it's a specialty of yours I would still love to try it!  I think I have one jar of plum chutney left so I'm getting low.  I was thinking of making some peach but ... not sure yet.  I adore spicy dill pickles too, especially with lots of garlic!  Dill pickled anything really -- carrots, beans, whatev.
  In case anyone else shares a love for adorable tiny plushies, any interest in v soft and cute vegetable/fruit plushies? There are also small animals. My dogs would totally steal them.  I do adore tiny goth amigurumi and plushes - egyptian, cthulhu, equines of all sorts, baphomet, black philip...  I like the super dark but cuddly.  (like the squishables!!)   The Polish Pickup/Indie Pickup is live for wishlisting, and will ship in time for this swap (this year). Anything strike your fancy? (It's not just nail polish...there's jewelry and bath scrubs and wax tarts and all manner of things. It's fun!)  https://polishpickup.com/ I could use some really good nail strengtheners since my right thumb nail is splitting and won't freaking stop; it's down in the nail bed so I can't cut past the split.  I like shimmery and holographic polish but no glitter as I have a hard time getting that off.  Only five (seven) free polishes please - I looked through the ingredients and the ones I listed below seem to be ok.  Some of the polish on that site is definitely NOT... found some nice colors that contain Ferrocyanide and/or Camphor and/or Toluene.   Since I am really picky about clean ingredients, I didn't even look at the other bath and body. * Ring magnet * Paint It Pretty Polish | Party At The Castle * Whatcha | Night Of Mischief * EDK | Halloween's Finest Trick or Treaters   8/31/21   Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/ yes, all the things.     Hayden Evens Art has released some new Halloween and Disney-themed prints and stickers.  Do any spark your interest? I'll look through and add any to my art / sticker etsy list if I find any.   So would you hate or be into more miscreant Halloween vibe decor - like wholesome figurines repainted, creepy dolls, goats with horns, (fake) animal skeletons, things in jars? Is anything too dark, morbid, or recoil worthy? ALL THE GOATS WITH HORNS AND ANIMAL SKELETONS (real or not real.)  No room for things in jars and no creepy dolls kthx.  I don't really have room for figurines either... mostly for stuff that hangs on doors or walls really.     do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like? I shave the sides and backs of my head, bleach my hair, dye it bright colors... or just dye it blue or violet black or a wine-red.   I love Aveda hair products and Artic Fox hair colors (bright purples, blues, and wine-reds.)   what about skincare? i am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this. Right now I'm using The Original serums and cleanser.     9/2/21   Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out (https://cellardoorbathsupply.com/collections/halloween-fall-collection😞 anything you might be interested in? Black No. 1
Michigan Moonglow
Once Bitten
Zombie Repellent   These all sound good.  I would take candles or soap in all of them.  (I KNOW I SAID NO BAR SOAP BUT.)   Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don’t enjoy?  I think I covered this already but I drink mostly black tea.  Sometimes herbal (my Breathe Easy and Throat Coat or Aveda Tea/Licorice Mint.)  Very occasionally green (especially Jasmine.)  I do not like rooibos, mate, or pu erh.  White tea is ok.  I like matcha but I mostly purchase the matcha packets that you shake up with water because I don't have a milk steamer or the whisk/bowl things that go with matcha.  (mmmm matcha lattes.)  I love bubble tea too but not sure if that counts here.    Mostly lavender milk, rose milk, jasmine milk, or honey milk.  Tapioca pearls ftw.   9/4/21   are you interested in eco-friendly menstrual products? There are some beautiful gothic print reuseable pads I'm looking at specifically. I keep hoping mine will just totally stop.  I'd be down with trying some reusable pads or a cup.   9/6/21   Bath and Body Works? I know this is a bit of a love em or hate em company, but I really love their foaming hand soaps and scented hand sanitizers and my kids like their body wash, so I'll be placing an order with the next good sale. Anything that catches your eye? Too many unclean ingredients in their body care.  I don't mind the wall flowers but I have a ton because I don't use them very often.   The Marshmallow and Fireside roomspray is a yes.   Would love that in a wall flower too.   9/14/21   I'm making homemade applesauce this weekend with apples I picked last weekend. I'm going to try my hand at canning for the first time (got my mom, the experienced canner, on speed dial lol) If I succeed would you like a jar? If it's unsweetened, sure!   9/22/21   How do you feel about sniffies? Meh.  I would like at LEAST a little bit of 'fume to skin test.
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13 Nights of Halloween 2021 Master Question List

Master Supplemental Questions List:     8/8/21   Would you be interested in a cross stitched Halloween ornament?     8/11/21   Are there any collage artists in the mix?   I would LOVE to curate one of spooky autumn goodness if my person were to be interested!   Have you seen the Dragon con list?  & would any of them appeal to you?   Which Harry Potter house are you?    8/12/21   Do you like any art from these two sellers? They are local artists and I will probably pick up some stuff for myself soon! 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlinMcCarthyArt
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatinYourBelfry   I make beautiful and very lightweight yarn-and-ribbon hairfalls - would you like a set in the colors and length of your choice? If yes, name up to four colors and length in inches! Remember- this can be part of your Halloween costume!    Would you appreciate a skein of handspun yarn? If yes, what weight? What colors? How do you feel about beads? Any allergies to typical fibers?   Do you like stickers? Patches? Buttons?   Do you spend time in the outdoors?   Do you enjoy cooking and/or baking?     8/13/21   The Paintbox Soapworks Weenie collection went live today! Would you like anything?   The Pickety Witch is taking pre-orders for their new Halloween pins (estimated ship date: early September). Have any caught your eye?   Zeep's Spooky Collection drops some time next week. Here's the scent list. Would you like any wax melts, candles, whipped soaps, sugar whips (whipped soap/scrub hybrid), body butter sugar scrubs (moisturizing scrub), meringues (lotion), bath bombs, or bath rocks from Zeep?   8/14/21   Does anyone here like vintage halloween? 
  Examples:              It seems like a lot of shops’ Halloween lines have items related to the same standard fandoms, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Addams Family, etc.  Do any of those (or other ones) particularly resonate with you?     How do you feel about atmospheric/novelty scents and novelty food items? Things like "new car candle" or "eyeball jawbreaker" or whatever.     If you like tea, how do you want it delivered? Loose? Bags? Tiny little messenger pigeons (subject to availability)?     Would you prefer to receive ONE HUGE (more expensive) GIFT and 12 inexpensive ones, a few more expensive, or all about the same price?     What are your fandoms, if any?     Do you collect things like tarot decks?  If so do you have a wish list or a list of ones you already have?  Would you like a silk tarot bag?     Do you like rocks/crystals?  What colors / kinds?  Would you like them with holes drilled (either as a pendant - you'd need to stick a bale in, or a bead?)     My mom has an etsy store - she makes bags.  Do you love anything from it?  We can also do box bags, draw string bags, dice bags, etc. and if you want a different type of material or a different fabric pattern, I'm open to links to specific things.   (yes, we have harry potter things.  We bought most of it before JKR showed herself to be a twat since we buy lots of bolts at the same time - yes, we have a whole room stuffed full of fabric.)       Let's say you want something knitted.  What are you most interested in?  (hat, fingerless mitts, scarf, shawl, cowl, infinity scarf, shawlette, gnome, doily, coffee mug cozy, talisman bag, dice bag, soap sack, washcloth (I have a pattern with the leviathan cross for bpal), amigurumi / toy, bracelet, cuff, necklace, other?)   (Can you link to a photo of what you envision or a pattern on ravelry?  Or put it on pinterest or something if you have that.)   * What colors would you prefer said knitted object in?  * Stripes, gradient, semi solid, variegated? * What type of yarn would you prefer?  ("wool", BFL, merino, merino/silk, merino/silk/cashmere, merino/cashmere, just silk, just cashmere, tencel (non-animal, plant based), other?   I also have non-dyed organic wool (mill spun) from our own sheep - finnsheep and shetland.  The finnsheep is dark brown (sun bleached black sheep from Sarge and our two black ewes we can't tell apart so they're ewe 1 and ewe 2) or a lighter silvery beige (from freckles) and the shetland is white.  (we just call her shetland.  They're mom's sheep, she should have named them, lol.)  Most of my stripy yarn is either merino or merino cashmere.) You can check out some of my finished projects on Ravelry if you like (click on the project for more photos)  (I'll have to make a list of which items are available  because I knit a lot of things and then just put them in a cabinet and gift or sell them.)       Are you interested in receiving any of the following homemade / home dried / home canned goodies?  (just erase the ones you don't want when you answer to make it easy?) (see list in this post under spoiler because long)       8/15/21     How do you feel about oracle decks?   Would you like witchy/ritual oils/sundries? Any limitations (e.g. deities you won't work with)?   Is there anything you would like to try from the UK specifically? (e.g. Lush exclusives)   Oh, and are you into astrology?   What size shoe do you wear (inc wide/narrow, etc)?   Do you like/would you want to receive comic books? Any favorite genres or characters?   Would you like a palm stone, or anything else, from Haute Macabre?   What's your favorite flower(s)?   What's you favorite woodland creature?   Do you prefer receiving a big box with all of your goodies, or is it okay if one or two things are shipped directly to you separately (with notice!!) for customs/shipping cost purposes (i.e. if there's something customs might not allow in from the States that can be shipped from within your country)?   Would you like a fabric face mask? If so, do you prefer a dome shape or a pleated shape?    I have a literal stockpile of skincare products.  Can I interest you in cleanser, sheet masks, moisturizer, sample things etc etc.?  Or a general pampering package? What is your skin type?   Anything from here?  ChocolateStorybook on Etsy   I have been enjoying the incense from here hand-dipped incense sticks | Hexennacht and here Hand-dipped incense sticks | Mr. Hex (mr-hex.com)  Any thing interesting from either site?
8/16/21   Would you like some delicious coffee? If so, do you prefer whole bean or ground? If ground, what grind? Also, light or dark roast? Flavor preferences?   8/17/21   I may be going to the Renaissance Fair this weekend (if not this weekend then soon and multiple times), any Ren Faire goodies you may like?    I always go to my town's local Farmer's Market and they have booths selling things like candles, Gourmet Pickles, Flavored Oils and Vinegars, dog treats (like bones and animal feet), honey, and bath products. Would you like any of these things?   Do you have a preference for numbered packages for each night of the swap vs randomly selecting from unlabeled goodies?    If you didn't say much about your reading preferences in your survey but would be interested in receiving books, can you elaborate a bit?   Are you interested in cocktails, be it recipes, infusion kits, tools, supplies, specialty bitters?    8/18/21   Is there something that you definitely prefer to not receive in any category (anything to avoid if you hadn't/forgotten to mention)?   Are there patterns/prints (more guidance than general Halloween/Autumn) you like for things or are you open to whatever I may find that speaks to me?    Any significant other or other special person? Like if I wanted to send you specialty cocoa for a date night, would that be OK? I am making up the cocoa part, but you get my drift.   I would love to request folks to to put their wish list in this thread and link in their signature. I would love to decant from my oils if I have any my person is looking for!    If you happened to list some favorite fandoms earlier, would you also name your favorite character(s) from those fandoms?   8/19/21   Do you have an Amazon link?  Can you post it?? 
if you are a knitter/crocheter, are you over on Ravelry?  If so, what’s your user name there??   8/20/21   I make homemade fire ciders, would that be of interest? Non-alcoholic and they are quite fiery.    Are you interested in getting other BPAL items besides perfume, like hair gloss, bath oils or T-shirts?   8/21/21   So partner, would you be interested in a Frankenbag done in Halloween prints?   Y'all with furbabies... Are there any food allergies/sensitivities or quirks to know about?   how do you feel about (ethically sourced) butterfly / moth art (in a jar or shadowbox)   I may have preemptively picked out 2 Halloween-themed mugs with cute matching spoons, before I knew who my match was going to be! So I leave it to you: Bat, or Cat?   8/22/21   If you mentioned aversions to any common Halloween decor items (skeletons, witches, spiders, etc.), how encompassing is that? Specifically, is a "kid friendly" drawing of that same item on a piece of decor (like, a book cover or wrapping paper) still a preferred pass? 
  Would you be interested in receiving a never-used eyeshadow palette from Nororiously Morbid (gothy colors) and/or a never-used eyeshadow palette from Pretty Vulgar (romantic neutrals)?   8/23/21   I live in Japan. Are you interested in anything specifically Japanese I could get for you here (doesn't necessarily have to be Halloween themed)? For example, are you a fan of the anime Demon Slayer and want merch? Are you interested in trying some fun kit-kat flavors? Do you need a new set of pretty chopsticks?   there is an excellent chance teeturtle will have a sale in time for this swap: anything (particularly tshirts or socks) that appeal? Sizes?     Haus of Gloi Fall Part 1 drops soon, anything here you like?  https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/blog/fall-lineup-2021   8/24/21   Could you use a journal or sketchbook?    Do you need BPAL storage?  Imps?  Bottles?    Do you wear socks?  What kind?  No show, ankle, knee high, over the knee?  Fibers?   Do you have a favorite candy(ies) [or prepacked individual snacks] that you wouldn't mind filling up your box as packing material? Or teas/coffee blends you'd enjoy? If you prefer none of this, that's fine too!    I'm going down the Shore for a few days! Any treats you'd like from a cute beach town- salt water taffy? Fudge? Wrist fans? Tie-dye beach dress...?   How do you feel about fancy marshmallows?   8/25/21   We've asked about candy, but let's talk specifically about gummies. Do you like crazy shapes, sweet/sour?    Anything from these Etsy shops? Kodiak Sea Charms, Halloween Hill Studio, Grave Markings   What about the Mutter Museum's gift shop?    8/27/21   I grow mugwort and it's harvest season. Would you like dried leaves for bathing or tea? Or a bound bundle for smoke cleansing? (Its said to be excellent for divination or lucid dreaming, but do not use if pregnant.)  its also a digestive bitter and tastes great on chicken.   I grow loads of other herbs and I'm drying them now. Any favorites you might like? Mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemon balm or others?   I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest?   Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like.   I grew a boatload of Green Shiso this year and plan to make a shiso pesto with it. Would you like some? (Nut wise it has pistachios)    I also plan to experiment with infusing it in vodka. I'm planning a plain shiso infusion and a shiso citrus infusion. If they turn out would you like some?   8/28/21   Would you be interested in this hand sanitizer dispenser/keychain that doubles as a light (its eyes light up when you press between its eyes!)?  (see photo here)   If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in?     8/29/21    DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES?    DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING?   If you are enthused by the idea of receiving coffee, do you want whole bean or ground? AND do you have flavors that you like (or definitely hate and never want again)?   8/30/21   Would you be interested in some very size-inclusive tights? There are Halloween patterns, but also most colours under the sun, and are very comfy.   What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level?
  In case anyone else shares a love for adorable tiny plushies, any interest in v soft and cute vegetable/fruit plushies? There are also small animals.   The Polish Pickup/Indie Pickup is live for wishlisting, and will ship in time for this swap (this year). Anything strike your fancy? (It's not just nail polish...there's jewelry and bath scrubs and wax tarts and all manner of things. It's fun!)  https://polishpickup.com/   8/31/21   Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/   Hayden Evens Art has released some new Halloween and Disney-themed prints and stickers.  Do any spark your interest?   So would you hate or be into more miscreant Halloween vibe decor - like wholesome figurines repainted, creepy dolls, goats with horns, (fake) animal skeletons, things in jars? Is anything too dark, morbid, or recoil worthy?   do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like?   what about skincare? i am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this.     9/2/21   Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out (https://cellardoorbathsupply.com/collections/halloween-fall-collection😞 anything you might be interested in?   Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don’t enjoy?    9/4/21   are you interested in eco-friendly menstrual products? There are some beautiful gothic print reuseable pads I'm looking at specifically.   9/6/21   Bath and Body Works? I know this is a bit of a love em or hate em company, but I really love their foaming hand soaps and scented hand sanitizers and my kids like their body wash, so I'll be placing an order with the next good sale. Anything that catches your eye?   9/14/21   I'm making homemade applesauce this weekend with apples I picked last weekend. I'm going to try my hand at canning for the first time (got my mom, the experienced canner, on speed dial lol) If I succeed would you like a jar?   9/22/21   How do you feel about sniffies?
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Thuy's shenanigans
 

13 Nights of Halloween 2021 Q&As

Original Thread here. IGI thread here. **Things that I forgot to mention in my questionnaire - I've started a blog post with my "wishlist" since my Amazon and Etsy lists are more for me keeping track of things I want/hope to get for others. I will also always welcome decanting supplies (looking for alternatives to the usual slink/imp vials for accessibility reasons)!   Cross-stitched Halloween ornament? This sounds hella adorable!!

Are there any collage artists in the mix? I occasionally make postcard collages to send out! This would be lovely!

Dragon Con 2021 scents? I love a good peach scent, but I think Fuzzy Peach Sweater and Mug of London Fog and Peach and Sugared Oranges Slices speak to me most...But that Working Title one's got my attention for the name alone.

HP House? Not into this fandom and I don't like JKR.

Do you like any art from these two sellers? In general, I love a good pin and sticker, which these two artists look like they have! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlinMcCarthyArt - AHH bury me in books! Athena, Artemis, Persephone, Freya! https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatinYourBelfry - oh I love so much here...!
  Lightweight yarn-and-ribbon hairfalls - would you like a set in the colors and length of your choice? This would be cool but would this still look cool with my side shave? My favorite colors are noted in my questionnaire answers, and length... Maybe an inch past shoulder length at most.

Would you appreciate a skein of handspun yarn? If yes, what weight? What colors? How do you feel about beads? Any allergies to typical fibers? I'm not a fiber arts person, but wool makes me itchy. As for beads, I'm indifferent but I don't do much with them unless they're unique and on the larger size.

Do you like stickers? Patches? Buttons? Yes, yes, yes!
Do you spend time in the outdoors? Not enough but I enjoy it when I do.
Do you enjoy cooking and/or baking? Yes! Though I cook more than I bake.

The Paintbox Soapworks Weenie collection! Would you like anything? MMM Fairytale sounds delicious - bath streusel or the hair/perfume oil! G.O.A.T in hot process soap, bath streusel, or hair/perfume oil. I'd also consider sample size lotions of either scent.

The Pickety Witch is taking pre-orders for their new Halloween pins. Have any caught your eye? THAT TRICK OR TREATING BABY GOAT IS ADORABLE. I'm also really diggin' the vampire bat.

Would you like any wax melts, candles, whipped soaps, sugar whips (whipped soap/scrub hybrid), body butter sugar scrubs (moisturizing scrub), meringues (lotion), bath bombs, or bath rocks from Zeep? I'm down for bath bombs or bath rocks!

Does anyone like vintage Halloween? Sometimes as it depends on what it is.

It seems like a lot of shops’ Halloween lines have items related to the same standard fandoms, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Addams Family, etc.  Do any of those (or other ones) particularly resonate with you? I actually don't care too much for any of those. Hocus Pocus actually annoys me a little because of how everywhere it is. Halloween for me is general spooky (black cats, witches, ghosts, corvids, supernatural things, don't get too gorey), much pumpkins and general fall/autumn things.

If you like tea, how do you want it delivered? Loose? Bags? Tiny little messenger pigeons (subject to availability)? Well, now I need it to be delivered by tiny, little messenger pigeons if it's available. I don't have a strong preference but pre-bagged does make it easier for me to take it places without needing to take extra gear.

How do you feel about atmospheric/novelty scents and novelty food items? Things like "new car candle" or "eyeball jawbreaker" or whatever. I love ridiculous things like this! I'm fine with most novelty scents, but I ask that you keep it to the smaller sizes (i.e. 4oz candle vs 8oz if you have such options). Novelty food items? I'm game for whatever you find interesting for me!

Would you prefer to receive ONE HUGE (more expensive) GIFT and 12 inexpensive ones, a few more expensive, or all about the same price? I'm sorry if I'm the worst with this answer, but it's whatever YOU are most comfortable with (even though we're all on the same budget). Do what speaks to you about me.

What are your fandoms, if any? I feel like I may have touched on this in my questionnaire but should I have forgotten, I love Hannibal, The Expanse, Criminal Minds and the CSI's series. Attack on Titan was the last anime I watched and enjoyed. Deadpool is my favorite sassy mercenary. Oh, and How to Train Your dragon!

Do you collect things like tarot decks?  If so do you have a wishlist or a list of ones you already have?  Would you like a silk tarot bag? I don't collect tarot decks but my best friend gifted me a beautiful Salvador Dali deck two years ago that I cherish deeply. A (large) bag for it would be delightful.

Do you like rocks/crystals?  What colors kinds?  Would you like them in bead format (holes drilled?) I love shiny rocks and crystals! I love ones that look like an oil slick. My latest is a Purple Labradorite Palm Stone from Realm & Reason. I find moonstone, onyx and smokey quartz to be really pretty, but I also just love most things purple.

My mom has an etsy store - she makes bags.  Do you love anything from it?  These bags are so cute and look great for me to stow away my knick knacks (or plethora of makeup). I'm drawn to the Ravens & Bats, She Blinded me with SCIENCE, and the Bones prints.

Let's say you want something knitted.  What are you most interested in?  Shawl or amigurumi/toy (I love octopuses, cuttlefish, otters, chipmunks, hamsters). *What colors would you prefer said knitted object in? Either true to what they are in real-life or some take on the bisexual flag colors! My favorite color is purple so shades of purple would work, too. *Stripes, gradient, semi solid, variegated? No preference! *What type of yarn would you prefer? Whatever is softest! I don't usually know which that is but I feel like cashmere, silk, and tencel fall under that category. My eczema-prone skin likes to be pampered lol. Are you interested in receiving any of the following homemade / home dried / home canned goodies? Dried Honey Crisps (I LOVE apple crisps!!) Dried elderberries (wildcrafted) Canned any variation of plum or peach jams/goodies - I particularly love peach! Any of the homemade liquer/brandy Open to zucchini or pumpkin bread - I do not have a favorite recipe for either as I personally do not make either. Generally I love a lot of the autumn spiced baked goods.   How do you feel about oracle decks? I don't know enough to have an opinion, so let's pass altogether lol.
Would you like witchy/ritual oils/sundries? Any limitations (e.g. deities you won't work with)? No, thank you!
Is there anything you would like to try from the UK specifically? (e.g. Lush exclusives) Oh, I'd be down for any Lush exclusives! I totally forgot about those.
Oh, and are you into astrology? I dabble but not like up to my eyeballs deep in it.

What size shoe do you wear (inc wide/narrow, etc)? Women's US 7 regular.

Do you like/would you want to receive comic books? Any favorite genres or characters? Yes! I like sci-fi, Deadpool, horror. I'm not too picky. I appreciate a good story.

Would you like a palm stone, or anything else, from Haute Macabre? WOULD I EVER YES. Stones I love are moonstone, celestite, obsidian, sodalite, ruby kyanite, lapis lazuli, rainbow fluorite, and any of the quartz. The spheres are extra cool to me! I also love note/greeting cards, i.e. the moth ones.

What's your favorite flower? I love lilies and roses.
What's you favorite woodland creature? Chipmunks and squirrels...but I think river otters might fall into this category (if so, definitely otters).

Do you prefer receiving a big box with all of your goodies, or is it okay if one or two things are shipped directly to you separately (with notice!!) for customs/shipping cost purposes (i.e. if there's something customs might not allow in from the States that can be shipped from within your country)? I'm fine if some things were shipped directly and separately, as long as there's a note for me to connect two and two together... Otherwise I'm gonna sit here and be confused but thrilled that I have a secret admirer???? But yeah, go for it if shipping separately saves on shipping or whatever.

Would you like a fabric face mask? If so, do you prefer a dome shape or a pleated shape? Sure! I prefer the dome-shaped versus pleated. I do have a strong preference for those with the nose-wire as that has helped with keeping it from fogging up my glasses.

Can I interest you in cleanser, sheet masks, moisturizer, sample things etc etc.?  Or a general pampering package? What is your skin type? I'm open to sample-sized skincare! Sheet masks, definitely yes! Pampering package, also yes. I have eczema so I'm a sensitive dry type. I could also use new SPF moisturizer - my favorite has been long discontinued (algenist's sublime blurring moisturizer) and I'm still struggling with finding a new replacement.

Anything from ChocolateStoryBook etsy? OH MY GOODNESS, YES. Chocolate Strawberry, Churros, Banana Split are the top three I'd love to try!

Anything interesting from either Hexennacht or Mr. Hex? Definitely the perfume oils! Hexennacht wishlist: Hannibal Loves Clarice, Black Cherry Fizzy Soda, Sleep Paralysis, Kona Mocha. Mr. Hex blends that I love more of: Catatonic (Lush Twilight dupe), YKW? IDEK (discontinued Hexennacht), Thundercat (Demeter Thunderstorm dupe), and I'd love to try the Lost Kitty body oil (TF Lost Cherry dupe). Would you like some delicious coffee? If so, do you prefer whole bean or ground? If ground, what grind? Also, light or dark roast? Flavor preferences? Yes! Whole bean or course grind for a french press. I prefer medium to dark roasts. I would kill for a good chocolate cherry coffee again, but I'm open to most things!

I may be going to the Renaissance Fair this weekend, any Ren Faire goodies you may like? Sure! Whatever that speaks to you of me 😄 I can't think of anything specific. I'm always curious to see what things make people think of me.
I always go to my town's local Farmer's Market and they have booths selling things like candles, Gourmet Pickles, Flavored Oils and Vinegars, dog treats (like bones and animal feet), honey, and bath products. Would you like any of these things? Yes, yes, yes! No flavored vinegars though. I love it when people share their local goods with me, especially since we're not traveling a lot right now.

Do you have a preference for numbered packages for each night of the swap vs randomly selecting from unlabeled goodies? I do not, but if there's something I should definitely open up first before something else, please leave a note somewhere! There's a good chance I might have to do that for the goodies that I'm packing.

If you didn't say much about your reading preferences in your survey but would be interested in receiving books, can you elaborate a bit? My favorite books/series are Dune, The house of the Scorpion, The Expanse (series and the novellas), and I just finished The Empress of Salt and Fortune! (Absolutely love it, so much so that I just gifted a copy to a friend recently.) I believe I may have also elaborated a bit in some answers from my Spring cleaning swap (link in my sig) so you can browse there too for ideas.

Are you interested in cocktails, be it recipes, infusion kits, tools, supplies, specialty bitters? Tiki cocktails!

*Is there something that you definitely prefer to not receive in any category (anything to avoid if you hadn't/forgotten to mention)?* Water bottles because I'm kind of picky about those and I have enough currently. Headbands - my head/hair never quite looks right in them. Dark oudh like that in BPAL's Ganymede makes me sick. We don't really use beverage koozies in my house. And please keep the glitter to a minimal!
*Are there patterns/prints (more guidance than general Halloween/Autumn) you like for things or are you open to whatever I may find that speaks to me?* My favorite sports teams' prints are fair game. Otter themed prints/patterns that are in the autumn/spooky season? yes! I'll take autumn leaves over pumpkins, but I can appreciate a good jack-o-lantern. I always find glow-in-the-dark things fun. Ooh vintage prints would be cool! Bats, black cats, crows/ravens/corvids - I love.

Any significant other or other special person? Like if I wanted to send you specialty cocoa for a date night, would that be OK? That would be so sweet, whatever it would be! My main squeeze is the hubs, but I do have date nights with my best friends whenever we're in the same town.

If you happened to list some favorite fandoms earlier, would you also name your favorite character(s) from those fandoms? Obviously Hannibal and Will Graham, lol. I adore Naomi, Camina Drummer, and Amos from The Expanse. Gritty is my lord and savior. Deadpool is my favorite sassy mercenary. I'm not sure who my favorite is from BTS, Jin or Jungkook. Oh! Supernatural - I love everything (for the most part) about this show!

Do you have an Amazon link?  Can you post it?? I don't have one that's useful for this swap, but I did make a blog post that should suffice!
if you are a knitter/crocheter, are you over on Ravelry?  If so, what’s your user name there?? I'm neither of those.   I make homemade fire ciders, would that be of interest? Non-alcoholic and they are quite fiery. I'd try these! Are you interested in getting other BPAL items besides perfume, like hair gloss, bath oils or T-shirts? Absolutely. I've actually been eyeing the honey and mischief HGs. I prefer the men's/unisex size small in shirts though.   So partner, would you be interested in a Frankenbag done in Halloween prints? uh, YEAH THAT SOUNDS SO FUN AND COOL.   *Y'all with furbabies... Are there any food allergies/sensitivities or quirks to know about? I don't currently have any furbabies or pets for that matter. Except for the occasional cricket that finds its way into our home.   How do you feel about (ethically sourced) butterfly / moth art (in a jar or shadowbox)? Uh, I'd fckin' love this! I find moths to be cuter but I do appreciate a gorgeous butterfly specimen.   I may have preemptively picked out 2 Halloween-themed mugs with cute matching spoons, before I knew who my match was going to be! So I leave it to you: Bat, or Cat? Bat! lmao this was me shopping this weekend figuring I'll just take a gamble since my match was very behind on questions until maybe twelve hours ago (and well after I've done the bulk of my sourcing of things). All is well though!   If you mentioned aversions to any common Halloween decor items (skeletons, witches, spiders, etc.), how encompassing is that? Specifically, is a "kid friendly" drawing of that same item on a piece of decor (like, a book cover or wrapping paper) still a preferred pass? A kid-friendly drawing would be fine.   Would you be interested in receiving a never-used eyeshadow palette from Notoriously Morbid (gothy colors) and/or a never-used eyeshadow palette from Pretty Vulgar (romantic neutrals)? I'd prefer the Notoriously Morbid one, but open to either. I can't even recall if I have any neutral palettes, but I've only ever reached for such shades when I've been asked to do someone's makeup for special occasions.   Are you interested in anything specifically Japanese I could get for you here (doesn't necessarily have to be Halloween themed)? For example, are you a fan of the anime Demon Slayer and want merch? Are you interested in trying some fun kit-kat flavors? Do you need a new set of pretty chopsticks? I love weird/fun kit kat flavors!!! I would LOVE to get my grubby hands on more of the wasabi one! It was such a wild thought but man, it was so good. Any of my friends or family who have gone to Japan always come back with something Pikachu-related for me. I'd love an Oshawott plush though, just to switch things up. I'd love JRock merch - Dir En Grey has been a long time favorite of mine, next up is the GaZette. I'm also just a sucker for cute things. (No chopsticks unless it's hilariously Pikachu-themed.)   In the meantime- there is an excellent chance teeturtle will have a sale in time for this swap: anything (particularly tshirts or socks) that appeal? Sizes? I have a soft spot for the otter things! And I love the reversible octopuses or axolotls. I think I'd be a medium in the women's shirts, and socks are fair game! You can never have too many fun pairs of socks, right? Also, the Haus of Gloi Fall Part 1 drops soon, anything here you like? I'm not sure. I haven't been wow'd but this house but I'm open to trying new things if you find something that lines up with what I like... I'd be interested in any form of the perfumes or candles. I've also just discovered that they have a black cherry soda soap and I need this.   Could you use a journal or sketchbook? I'd love a watercolour sketchbook! But I'm open to regular journals or sketchbooks  Do you need BPAL storage?  Imps?  Bottles? Kinda sorta? My imps/decants are starting to run wild... Do you wear socks?  What kind?  No show, ankle, knee high, over the knee?  Fibers? Yes! Ankle or crew socks! I don't think I have a fiber preference but wool might be a little too warm for where I am.   *Do you have a favorite candy(ies) [or prepacked individual snacks] that you wouldn't mind filling up your box as packing material? Or teas/coffee blends you'd enjoy? If you prefer none of this, that's fine too! I've bubble wrap scraps out the wazoo, much to hubby's dismay, lol. Me? I love Hi-Chews (we love the cola & ramune ones, but I love most of the fruits), M&M's, gummy cola bottles, peach rings... I do love me a good dark chocolate...and chocolate covered cherries or raisins! I haven't found these in a while, but milk chocolate covered BANANA gummy bears! yes, only the banana gummy bears.   How do you feel about fancy marshmallows? Uhm, I love marshmallows. Gimme.   We've asked about candy, but let's talk specifically about gummies. Do you like crazy shapes, sweet/sour? I don't think I care that much about shapes but I tend to prefer sweet over sour. Anything from these Etsy shops?  Kodiak Sea Charms - these are all so pretty! Silver is my preferred metal, earrings or necklace works for me (plain glass with no charm). Also very not opposed to a jar of pretty sea glass. Halloween Hill Studio - too ghoul for school sticker! Grave Markings - the glow cat skull pin or cat skull vinyl sticker! Blindfold, Ram, or the She's Coming to Get You prints. What about the Mutter Museum's gift shop? UMLAUT, UMLAUT, UMLAUT. But I also love postcards, regular cards, earrings, the wood rib cage necklace. I love this museum even though there's a few things there that do weird me out (that wall of skin ailments is so fascinating but sometime gross lmao).   I grow mugwort and it's harvest season. Would you like dried leaves for bathing or tea? Or a bound bundle for smoke cleansing? (Its said to be excellent for divination or lucid dreaming, but do not use if pregnant.)  Oh, neat! I'd love it for tea or bathing! I'm definitely curious about it on chicken. I grow loads of other herbs and I'm drying them now. Any favorites you might like? Mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemon balm or others? I love mint and basil! Maybe some chives too... Is lemon balm like lemongrass...? I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest? I'll never turn down some good garlic. Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like. Uh, yes, please! I love cool feathers!   I grew a boatload of Green Shiso this year and plan to make a shiso pesto with it. Would you like some? (Nut wise it has pistachios) I'd love to try shiso pesto! My parents grow the purple one, but I never thought about trying it as pesto. I also plan to experiment with infusing it in vodka. I'm planning a plain shiso infusion and a shiso citrus infusion. If they turn out would you like some? Uh, yes please!   Would you be interested in this hand sanitizer dispenser/keychain that doubles as a light (its eyes light up when you press between its eyes!)? This is adorable but I don't think I use a consistent bottle of hand sanitizer that would fit it... It's unbelievably adorable though. If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in? I'm okay in this department!   DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES? I don't mind them. DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING? I don't mind them but I don't seek them out.   Would you be interested in some very size-inclusive tights? I'd enjoy some cozy tights! What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level? oooh yes! On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being just barely and 5 being my pants on fire - we like at least a 3.
In case anyone else shares a love for adorable tiny plushies, any interest in v soft and cute vegetable/fruit plushies? There are also small animals. YES. SO MUCH YES.   The Polish Pickup/Indie Pickup is live for wishlisting, and will ship in time for this swap (this year). Anything strike your fancy? So much! Bath bombs are always a hit here, I like jewelry, and all the polishes are so pretty - I don't think you could go wrong with whatever you decide on.   Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/ hooooboy gimme some fancy salts or the fruit sugars! We *are* running low on a good ancho chile powder though... Really open to any of the culinary blends for poultry, beef or pork.   Hayden Evens Art has released some new Halloween and Disney-themed prints and stickers. Do any spark your interest? Nah, nothing's vibin' with me.   So would you hate or be into more miscreant Halloween vibe decor - like wholesome figurines repainted, creepy dolls, goats with horns, (fake) animal skeletons, things in jars? Is anything too dark, morbid, or recoil worthy? Pass on the creepy dolls but I've been loving some of the repainted wholesome figurines. I do like jar specimens but nothing too big, something that fits on a small shelf would be ideal. I hate that I can't think of what would be too dark until I see it, lol.   do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like? Yes! I have front sections bleached and dyed blue and fiery orange. I'm looking for a better blue or purple dye brand that would last longer... Manic Panic has been great in vibrancy but does not last long in my hair despite cool/cold washes once a week. Otherwise I don't really use much else in terms of hair products. Sometimes a smoothing spray, BPAL HGs. what about skincare? i am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this. I have a pretty established routine and set of products. I do enjoy K-Beauty! I love their sunscreen products that wear better in my opinion.   Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don’t enjoy? I think I'm a dominantly black tea drinker, but cold drinks will usually be white or green teas... I don't drink a lot of herbal blends unless it's like the sleepy time ones!   Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out: anything you might be interested in? oh my GODS Once Bitten sounds AMAZING - give that to me in both soap and candle forms! Pumpkin Chai latte, October Road, and Autumn apple fest also sound right up my alley; and I think I'd love those as candles...but I won't turn down soaps, lol.   are you interested in eco-friendly menstrual products? LORDY YES. I've actually been trying to find some more reusable pads!   Bath and Body Works? I know this is a bit of a love em or hate em company, but I really love their foaming hand soaps and scented hand sanitizers and my kids like their body wash, so I'll be placing an order with the next good sale. Anything that catches your eye? LMAO BBW discontinued all of my favorite products and scents. (give me back my warm milk and honey foam bath, and the sleep aromatherapy line in lavender cedarwood!!) Though I am eyeing that old fashioned cider donut candle....   I'm making homemade applesauce this weekend with apples I picked last weekend. I'm going to try my hand at canning for the first time (got my mom, the experienced canner, on speed dial lol) If I succeed would you like a jar? Sure! I'd love to partake in your success.
Thuy

Thuy

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Kitab22n - Shotgun Samhain Swap answers!!!
 

Samhain shotgun all questions

Ring/jewelry size? 9/9.5  and I love chokers and super long necklaces and not so much the mid length 
  fall treat? My favorite fall treat is probably hot apple cider yum!!!!    Are you more interested in a spiritual service you haven't mentioned practicing yourself, or would you prefer to receive something you do practice? Do you have a preference for if it's provided in writing/placed in thepackage vs over a skype/phone call?  No preference to the type of spiritual services but leaning away from Skype or phone call ever so Slightly because of my social squickyness    For item no.5, what kind of thing would you most appreciate? I love beautiful things and antique items, can be anything unique and from the heart   Anything in particular you're interested in from the UK?  omg! I love British biscuits, anything interesting or “strange” (it’s all relative) I’m all over it   Any interest in apothecary style indies, e.g. essential oils, natural skincare, flower waters? heck yes!! 
  What is it that you're most wanting out of this fall season? (e.g. that could require magical assistance)   Smooth sailing for grad school, a cleaner (more organized really) home, and success at work!   Books. Are you a big reader? If so, do you prefer ebooks, audio, or printed? Would you enjoy an art or photography book? Do you like poetry?
yes I love books! Love poetry and art as well!! I prefer print books    Is there anything typically sold at a Renn Faire that you'd be interested in?
i love small daggers, pouches, and long dresses with flowy sleeves, and cloaks omg    Candles. Any preferences? Taper/Pillar/Votive/Jar/Chime/etc.? Scented vs Unscented?  all of the above and scented. A highly decorative unscented candle is also amazing    Are there any types of makeup/nail polish that you would or would not like to receive? 
i use dark nail polishes and black eyeliner, mascara and rouge frequently and pressed powder 😚   Is there anything you definitely DON'T want (either because you don't like it or already have it)? cant think of anything!!!   Are there any art/craft supplies you currently need?  will come back to this one,  can’t think of anything now —- back! Polymer clay in unique colors,    If I were to knit you an adornment would you prefer a hat, fingerless mitts, a cowl, or a shawlette (small shawl, worn like a scarf.)  If yes, are you ok with soft wool (I have mostly merino)?  What colors would you prefer? i love love wool, soft wool, and fingerless mittens.  and I love blues and greens but also I love any beautiful colors, purples etc.   Do you have a wishlist for BPAL perfume / gloss / atmosphere sprays? i do love hair gloss and atmos. Longing for dead leaves and blueberry cream. As well as hair glosses in the pie flavors!!!!!!! Banana cream pie +key lime pie gloss are top priority. Very open to trying    Are you interested in a sewn or knitted tarot bag? Yes! I have a deck that would love a bag home! 
  Would you like to sample our home made liqueurs?  (Rosepetal and/or lavender vanilla bean and/or plum) yes!!!! Personally I made elderberry liqueur and Japanese plum liqueur and would love to share As well. Love homemade liqueurs!!   How about jams?  (peach, huckleberry, cardamom plum, cardamom/cinnamon/clove plum, anise plum, ginger jalapeno peach)  YUM YUM to homemade jams. No restrictions besides if it’s so hot it will burn my mouth but most jalapeños in sweets that I have had is very manageable.    Other canned goods?  (green tomato relish, chokecherry jelly) Heck yes!!!!!   Fudge?    Also a heck yes! 
  Lemon blueberry zucchini bread? also yes sounds so good!! Love lemon anything   
Kitab22n

Kitab22n

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Crescentwench's Switch Witch Blog
 

Shotgun Samhain Swap questions (10/8)

Oh dear! I don't know my ring size - I rarely wear rings as I work with my hands (former seamstress turned mail carrier). My wrist measures around 6.5", I prefer shorter necklaces to longer ones and I have 9 holes in my ears so earrings (esp big wacky statement ones) are always welcome.    Question: what's your favorite fall food based treat? mine is anything apple, esp hot spiced cider. Runners up include pumpkin/chocolate or pumpkin/cranberry baked goods.   Are you more interested in a spiritual service you haven't mentioned practicing yourself, or would you prefer to receive something you do practice? Do you have a preference for if it's provided in writing/placed in the package vs over a skype/phone call? I always enjoy trying new things, and in the past have enjoyed having my tarot read or other similar divinations. I would probably prefer written (or even photos and writing) because my work schedule is really heavy and I'm not usually interested in talking to people in after hours.    For item no.5, what kind of thing would you most appreciate? This is a tough one, but one the best things about this type of swap is being surprised with things I did really know about to even want. I always appreciate things that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing as well as food/tea, housewares or clothing items. I particularly enjoying receiving items that were handmade.   Anything in particular you're interested in from the UK? Have I mentioned tea and food yet? Lol. But really, I'm a huge Anglophile and love many many british things. I've heard tell of a few mythical items like gluten free jaffa cakes and crumpets that you can't get stateside for neither love nor money. I'm also a fan of LOTS of british telly, esp. panel shows and Taskmaster, so related items that aren't available in the US would be neat.    Any interest in apothecary style indies, e.g. essential oils, natural skincare, flower waters? Of course! My fav apothecary/natural skincare vendor is LBCC historical (you'll see her in my Etsy favs), she makes all kinds of historically based skincare goodies. I'm also open to trying new vendors or homemade as well, I just have to avoid the florals. Orange Blossom seems to be okay at least from LBCC, but I can't do things like rose or lavender.   What is it that you're most wanting out of this fall season? (e.g. that could require magical assistance) Honestly, I'm almost 3 months in at a new job as a postal carrier that is already fairly stressful and is going to get a lot more so over the next several months. What I'd love is some peace/rest,  some more skills for or support for overcoming stress and generally conquering chaos and making it my bitch.      Books. Are you a big reader? If so, do you prefer ebooks, audio, or printed? Would you enjoy an art or photography book? Do you like poetry? I am a classic former bookworm. I spent 90% of my childhood reading and now as an adult rarely devote time to it despite still loving books deeply. Lately I've been reading A LOT of webtoons/web comics since they are in nice small digestible bits. I also use audio books when I sew, but I haven't been sewing since starting the new job. I'd love an art or photography book. As for poetry, I'm pretty particular and generally prefer prose.   Is there anything typically sold at a Renn Faire that you'd be interested in? The better questions would be is there anything I wouldn't be interested in. I'm a fantasy nerd at heart - those books I was talking about reading as a kid? ALL of them were fantasy or historical fiction. So yeah, costumes, jewelry, tankards, swords. You name it, I would be interested.   Candles. Any preferences? Taper/Pillar/Votive/Jar/Chime/etc.? Scented vs Unscented?  hmm..probably votive? I live in a smallish apartment so we don't really light candles that often. I don't even light the menorah anymore because the only really safe space is on top of the stove which feels weird somehow.    Are there any types of makeup/nail polish that you would or would not like to receive?  I like lipstains/lipsticks a lot and eyeshadow/eyeliner, but I don't wear much else makeup wise outside of cosplay. I don't wear nailpolish because the mail is both filthy and really hard on your hands. I got a dip manicure early in my job and it didn't even last a full day intact!   Is there anything you definitely DON'T want (either because you don't like it or already have it)? I'm not a fan of white chocolate, but that's all I can really think of that I would definitely not want, and even if some turned up my partner would eat it happily.    Are there any art/craft supplies you currently need? Good lord, no. My craft room overfloweth and with me not actively working on new projects the last thing I need is more stuff.   NEW QUESTION  Homemade treats...any likes and preferences?? AND YES, I am also wanting to know what flavor/s of fudge you would love to get if I happen to be your Adept  I'm not big on fudge usually because its typically too sweet for me - i prefer dark chocolate (70% cocoa or above) so if its dark and not too sweet, particularly with things like dried fruit - cranberries or raspberries - and or nuts other than peanuts I'd be interested. Otherwise for homemade treats things like cookies, candied/dried fruits/peel, truffles, most baked goods (if gf), teas, jams, pickles.    Quick question for the group: What are your thoughts on sweet treats? If you like them, what are your favorites? And what is one that you consider extra special? i like sweet treats! I've already talked about what kind of foods/homemade treats I like but I can always talk about food more 😂 this time of year I like caramel apples but can't eat chewy caramel lumps because of my teeth. I like rice crispy treats and midnight milky ways too. For an extra special treat its always macaron. They taste amazing and I get to pretend I'm extra fancy.   NEW QUESTIONS   If I were to knit you an adornment would you prefer a hat, fingerless mitts, a cowl, or a shawlette (small shawl, worn like a scarf.)  If yes, are you ok with soft wool (I have mostly merino)?  What colors would you prefer? Ooh, probably fingerless mitts - since I'll be outdoors all winter and using my hands. Wool is amazing imo, one of my favorite fibers so no worries there. My top color choice would be green but blue would mean I can wear them for work since they'd go with my postal uniform.    Do you have a wishlist for BPAL perfume / gloss / atmosphere sprays? I do! I'm pretty sure its already in !y questionnaire and my Sig so I'll skip adding it here too.    Are you interested in a sewn or knitted tarot bag? Not particularly. I sew myself and I don't actually own a tarot deck. (I've been trying to get my hands on Fyodor Pavlov's new deck but haven't been able to snag one yet)   Would you like to sample our home made liqueurs?  (Rosepetal and/or lavender vanilla bean and/or plum) Plum, yes please. No to the others because floral.    How about jams?  (peach, huckleberry, cardamom plum, cardamom/cinnamon/clove plum, anise plum, ginger jalapeno peach) The first four sound delicious. I'm not a huge anise fan and can't do much spice so I'd pass on the last 2.   Other canned goods?  (green tomato relish, chokecherry jelly) sure!   Fudge?   I've addressed this above I think.   Lemon blueberry zucchini bread? If its gf! I love anything lemon. I'm of two minds about blueberries (my sister once vommed several pints all over me as kids) but this sounds yummy so it gets a pass. 
crescentwench

crescentwench

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BoneBone's Circular Swap Answers
 

Shotgun Samhain 2021 Answers

what sizes do you wear for jewelry purposes - rings, etc. Rings in sizes 9.5, 10, and 10.5. For necklaces, the longer the better. I'm plus sized and chesty and hate necklaces that are tight around my neck or that fall right on my cleavage, so I prefer ones that are super long. I don't like wearing bracelets cuz my wrists are quite plump.    what's your favorite fall food based treat? Oooh, more like what's not my favorite fall food! Anything pumpkin, anything with yummy spices. I love chai tea. Pumpkin all the things. Dark chocolate. Mulled wine. Spiced/salted/roasted nuts. Dried apple slices. I suppose I'm not big on caramels or other very sugary things, but I'm generally pretty open to most treats, provided they are gluten free.   Are you more interested in a spiritual service you haven't mentioned practicing yourself, or would you prefer to receive something you do practice? Do you have a preference for if it's provided in writing/placed in the package vs over a skype/phone call? No preference when it comes to the service - whatever is your forte is probably best, though I do enjoy trying new things, so if there's something obscure you do, or something you're learning rn, I'd be up for that too! In writing/placed in the package is preferable, but if it makes more sense to do something over zoom, I'd be game.   For item no.5, what kind of thing would you most appreciate? Books or self-care/pampering items probably, but I dunno, I'm open to surprises!   Anything in particular you're interested in from the UK? Oh gosh, I'm not sure. Maybe a type of tea or treat not available in the US. Maybe something mystical tied to legends about Avalon or pagan priestesses??   Any interest in apothecary style indies, e.g. essential oils, natural skincare, flower waters? Certainly! I love trying out new products and brands. I have combination skin if that helps to know. And I like lavender/calming scents for bathtime or bedtime products, and more invigorating scents (like citrus, aquatics, mint, herbs, spices) for daily use items.   What is it that you're most wanting out of this fall season? (e.g. that could require magical assistance) I'm really trying to focus on my creative pursuits this fall. I just self published a poetry book, so any magics having to do with selling or gaining attention would be good for that. I'm also going to be participating in NaNoWriMo, with the goal of finally finishing a manuscript I've been working on for years (a fantasy novel called Seven Shards). For that I could use help on the focus, determination, and inspiration fronts. If your practice has more to do with providing guidance, then career guidance on how to best focus my energies to start building steady income from my creative projects so I can eventually quit my day job and do creative things full time. If your practice has more to do with healing, I could always use more help with recovering from a toxic relationship I was in for 15 years (got divorced in 2018/2019, have completely rebuilt my life since and have done a lot of healing already, but there's always a little more to do!).   Books. Are you a big reader? If so, do you prefer ebooks, audio, or printed? Would you enjoy an art or photography book? Do you like poetry? Big reader of fantasy, fairy tales, supernatural (vampires especially), and female POV historical fiction having to do with asia, britain, or anything that ties into mythology or legends. Books about paganism, taoism, feng shui, crystals, astrology, etc. too. Printed books are preferred, but I'll read shorter reads as ebooks too. Art books yes, photography books only if it's very stylized photography. Poetry yes, but a little picky about it. My Goodreads Bookshelf.   Is there anything typically sold at a Renn Faire that you'd be interested in? Mead, elf ears, elven/fairy tiara, good incense.   Candles. Any preferences? Taper/Pillar/Votive/Jar/Chime/etc.? Scented vs Unscented?  I could definitely use more chime candles (unscented) for magic use - any and all colors. For scented candles I prefer ones in jars or tins, any size.   Are there any types of makeup/nail polish that you would or would not like to receive?  I'm always on the lookout for a matte blush or bronzer that's light enough to use for contour on my very pale skin - so like a light mauvey-taupy-greigey, muted sort of color. I don't really need any eyeshadow or foundation color, but I'm always up for new nail polish colors. I don't wear lipstick a lot, but I am on a similar hunt to the blush/bronzer hunt, for that perfectly muted-but-not-beige taupeish-plumish-pinkish lip color that doesn't read too bright or bold against my skin.   Is there anything you definitely DON'T want (either because you don't like it or already have it)? I don't want oracle decks (I do read Tarot though and am open to a new deck - I already have the RWS, Prisma Visions, Alphose Mucha, Dragons, Game of Thrones, Celtic Faeries, and New Vision decks). I can't think of anything else I haven't already mentioned in other answers.   Are there any art/craft supplies you currently need? I'm pretty well-stocked right now.   Homemade treats...any likes and preferences?? GF of course. Brownies, cookies, anything dark chocolate. I like peanut butter, matcha, key lime pie, lemon, butterscotch, pumpkin, cinnamon, marshmallow, and mint chocolate treats. Salty things are great! For salty foods I'm not big on spicy flavors or bbq flavors (though I do like bbq sauce, just not bbq-flavored chips or whatnot). Not big on most berries, though I do love strawberry. Favorite nuts are cashews and pecans. I love sesame brittle and honey.   What are your thoughts on sweet treats? If you like them, what are your favorites? And what is one that you consider extra special? I don't have the biggest sweet tooth, but there are certainly some sweets I do love. Dark chocolate anything. Chai/cinnamon-vanilla/pumpkin spice -type things. Matcha treats. Mint chocolate. Peanut butter w/ chocolate. Ooh, chocolate covered espresso beans are a big fave!! I usually don't like things that have a taffy/toffee/nougat consistency, like the harder, sticky treats that get stuck in your teeth. Pass on those, but yes to anything soft or gooey or crispy or crumbly.   If I were to knit you an adornment would you prefer a hat, fingerless mitts, a cowl, or a shawlette (small shawl, worn like a scarf.)  If yes, are you ok with soft wool (I have mostly merino)?  What colors would you prefer? Fingerless mitts would be awesome - especially if they can be made a little more roomy than a typical set. OK with whatever material you like to use. Colors: Grey/Charcoal, Navy, Teal, Deep Green, Dark Purple, Burgundy   Do you have a wishlist for BPAL perfume / gloss / atmosphere sprays? Yes - it lives here. I'm open to more of the atmo sprays than I have listed, with similar scent preferences to my perfume preferences, but with more foodie notes being okay too.   Are you interested in a sewn or knitted tarot bag? Yes!!   Would you like to sample our home made liqueurs?  (Rosepetal and/or lavender vanilla bean and/or plum) Oh heck yes! Those all sound good.   How about jams?  (peach, huckleberry, cardamom plum, cardamom/cinnamon/clove plum, anise plum, ginger jalapeno peach) Certainly - any of those plum ones sound good! I could see using that ginger jalepeno peach one to make a yummy sauce too.   Other canned goods?  (green tomato relish, chokecherry jelly) I haven't tried either of those things before, and I love trying new things, so yeah!   Fudge?   Usually fudge is too sweet for me, but I'll make exceptions for certain flavors (like peanut butter, mint chocolate, lavender, pumpkin spice, maybe like a dark chocolate-potato chip fudge if such a thing exists?, pretty much anything I've mentioned in the other food-related questions)   Lemon blueberry zucchini bread? If it's gluten free, bring it on! Anything that actually tastes and feels like a bread or cake or biscuit or cookie while being GF would be a huge treat. I've found that GF flour blends that include quinoa and/or tapioca flour are the most convincing.
BoneBone24

BoneBone24

0
Renazuki's Blog
 

Updated questions

9/3 answers to moar questions  This should have me currently updated to the questions. Missed one! Anything from these Etsy shops? 
Kodiak Sea Charms -Very pretty but nothing for me here. 
Halloween Hill Studio – Think I will pass on these as well. 
Grave Markings Interesting but nothing that says buy me. I grow mugwort and it's harvest season. Would you like dried leaves for bathing or tea? Or a bound bundle for smoke cleansing?
Maybe for bathing that would be good.    I grow loads of other herbs and I'm drying them now. Any favorites you might like? Mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemon balm or others?
Catnip if you have it please for the boys.  Mint and lemon balm are other favorites, especially for tea.  I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest?
yes please!  Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like.
That’s awesome.  Hmm bet the boys might like them to play with?  I have four spoiled rotten cats. I grew a boatload of Green Shiso this year and plan to make a shiso pesto with it. Would you like some? (Nut wise it has pistachios) 
=o I don’t believe I’ve tried shiso, but I’d be willing to try the pesto.   I also plan to experiment with infusing it in vodka. I'm planning a plain shiso infusion and a shiso citrus infusion. If they turn out would you like some?
Yep! Would you be interested in this hand sanitizer dispenser/keychain that doubles as a light (its eyes light up when you press between its eyes!)?
lol oh yes please.  That sounds like my kind of dispenser/keychain If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in?
We have a few board games – monopoly, talisman, clue, cribbage, and cards against humanity.  We drag those out on Christmas Eve to play with whoever is left and drink lots of mead. This has not much to do with 13 nights but more vague ideas about my partner…. DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES? I find then spooky and like to watch some in the autumn in particular.
YES! Anne Rule has been a favorite in our house.   DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING?
uhm no not really.  When I bake it’s usually from a recipe from Gramma’s book or one I snagged from the net.  Attempting Welsh cakes this weekend. If you are enthused by the idea of receiving coffee, do you want whole bean or ground? AND do you have flavors that you like (or definitely hate and never want again)?
Just got a French press from an estate sale today.  I’m partial to Kona coffee in a medium roast – whole beans preferred but I’ll take ground as well. Would you be interested in some very size-inclusive tights? There are Halloween patterns, but also most colours under the sun, and are very comfy.
I don’t normally wear tights as I’ve got some chunky legs. But I am working on getting them more in shape.   What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level?
mmm Chilli sauces.. yummy! I love a raspberry/berry/jalapeno jam/jelly. I’m going to say about a medium on the heat.  In case anyone else shares a love for adorable tiny plushies, any interest in v soft and cute vegetable/fruit plushies? There are also small animals.
Plushie dragons! Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/
*blinks* oh jebsus.. we’ll be here all night… though the gourmet salt/sugars/peppercorns look amazing. So would you hate or be into more miscreant Halloween vibe decor - like wholesome figurines repainted, creepy dolls, goats with horns, (fake) animal skeletons, things in jars? Is anything too dark, morbid, or recoil worthy?
I think this would be a pass.  Do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like?
I get my hair done every 8-10 weeks.  As Fall/Halloween arrives, Chi (the gal who does my hair) usually turns it a dark brown/black with heavy purple highlights. Spring/Summer is blonde with reds/brown highlights.   What about skincare? I am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this.
I hadn’t seen this, and it looks interesting.  I have sensitive skin and maybe this will help.  I don’t get breakouts on my face and for the most part not a lot of wrinkles.  Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don’t enjoy? 
I love tea and drink a lot of it during the day – both hot and cold.  I prefer black teas, oolong, some herbals. Not a fan of the green or white teas.  When I buy it for me, I’ll get it loose leaf.  If I buy it for the house, then it’s going to be in tea bags/sachets.  I know I have a list out there for Dryad’s Tea.  I am a fan of breakfast teas as well as Earl/Lady Greys.  Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out (https://cellardoorbathsupply.com/collections/halloween-fall-collection😞 anything you might be interested in?
So long as it doesn’t have pachouli in it, it should be fine.
Renazuki

Renazuki

0
Rhonorv's blog
 

Q&A for 13 Nights of Halloween 2021 swap :)

Would you be interested in a cross stitched Halloween ornament? Sounds adorable, sure! Especially cats      Are there any collage artists in the mix?   I would LOVE to curate one of spooky autumn goodness if my person were to be interested! Yeah! I like vintage-y stuff and Victoriana and ghostly things but really, throw whatever at me.   Have you seen the Dragon con list?  & would any of them appeal to you? Not particularly -- not a huge fan of peach!   Which Harry Potter house are you?  I would like to think Ravenclaw, but in truth, probably Hufflepuff.  Huffleclaw.   Do you like any art from these two sellers? They are local artists and I will probably pick up some stuff for myself soon! 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlinMcCarthyArt -- wow WOW wow yes these are gorgeous and I love them all???
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatinYourBelfry -- RAT KING! I like all of the animal ones here a lot   I make beautiful and very lightweight yarn-and-ribbon hairfalls - would you like a set in the colors and length of your choice? If yes, name up to four colors and length in inches! No thank you!   Would you appreciate a skein of handspun yarn? If yes, what weight? What colors? How do you feel about beads? Any allergies to typical fibers? 150% yes please! Acrylic makes me itchy. I love a DK+ weight yarn, and surprise me on color! Prefer my yarn unbeaded, but I love beads on their own.     Do you like stickers? Patches? Buttons? I have way too many stickers and buttons, but I love patches!   Do you spend time in the outdoors? As much as I can, though I live in a city.   Do you enjoy cooking and/or baking? Very much so -- mainly baking! Always interested in neat spices/sugars/etc. And would love some cute cookie cutters!   The Paintbox Soapworks Weenie collection went live today! Would you like anything? Those sugar scrubs look so nice -- I've never tried this shop before, but I would love one of those, and all the fall scents except Guy Fawkes sound nom.    The Pickety Witch is taking pre-orders for their new Halloween pins (estimated ship date: early September). Have any caught your eye? Ok I know I said I have too many pins, HOWEVER, how-ev-er, I would definitely love the cat on a broom or May King pin, my goodness.   Zeep's Spooky Collection drops some time next week. Here's the scent list. Would you like any wax melts, candles, whipped soaps, sugar whips (whipped soap/scrub hybrid), body butter sugar scrubs (moisturizing scrub), meringues (lotion), bath bombs, or bath rocks from Zeep? Never heard of this shop either! I have a wax burner, and I love a leaf/pumpkin/bonfire home scent, so fire away with any of those (Fall Eats and Pumpkin Queen and Beetlegeuse  caught my eye for sure).   Does anyone here like vintage halloween? 
Yes! Especially Victorian/Art Nouveau-y stuff. Love cats, ghosts, skeletons, bats.   It seems like a lot of shops’ Halloween lines have items related to the same standard fandoms, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Addams Family, etc.  Do any of those (or other ones) particularly resonate with you?   Not really a fandom person, so no thank you!     How do you feel about oracle decks? Never heard of them! Will stick with tarot for the time being.   Would you like witchy/ritual oils/sundries? Any limitations (e.g. deities you won't work with)? I'd love a little dish/plate for candles. I've also had my eye on some of the notebooks from Haute Macabre (https://haute-macabre.myshopify.com/collections/accoutrement/products/femina-ferox-notebook-by-open-sea-design-co)... really anything from HM is a safe bet.   Is there anything you would like to try from the UK specifically? (e.g. Lush exclusives) Ooh, I love Lush, so yeah, if there are any exclusive scents/bath bombs/masks I'd love to try 'em!   Oh, and are you into astrology? Not too much. If it's helpful I just looked it up and I am a Sagittarius with Capricorn rising and a Scorpio moon!     Would you prefer to receive ONE HUGE (more expensive) GIFT and 12 inexpensive ones, a few more expensive, or all about the same price? I don't have a strong preference!   Fandoms: Don't have any!   Do you collect things like tarot decks?  If so do you have a wishlist or a list of ones you already have?  Would you like a silk tarot bag? Would love a bag! I have a few decks and am not in need of more.   Do you like rocks/crystals?  What colors kinds?  Would you like them in bead format (holes drilled?) Love 'em. Would love a string of beads, a palm stone, a geode, really anything. Am especially fond of labradorite and moonstone.   My mom has an etsy store - she makes bags.  Do you love anything from it?  Not particularly -- they're neat! But I have a pile of empty makeup + knitting bags waiting to be filled with stuff.   If you like tea, how do you want it delivered? Loose? Bags? Tiny little messenger pigeons (subject to availability)? Any way is fine, messenger pigeons/squirrelpost gets exrta points.   Also, how do you feel about atmospheric/novelty scents and novelty food items? Things like "new car candle" or "eyeball jawbreaker" or whatever. Shmeh!   Let's say you want something knitted.  What are you most interested in?  Sure! Am always happy with infinity scarves, shawls, cowls, and hats. Here's my Ravelry favorites list 4 vibes: https://www.ravelry.com/people/rhonorv/favorites * What colors would you prefer said knitted object in? Earth tones or ocean tones, or black or grey  * Stripes, gradient, semi solid, variegated? Solid, or a dyed-variegated yarn! * What type of yarn would you prefer? Mohair or chunky knit   Are you interested in receiving any of the following homemade / home dried / home canned goodies?  (just erase the ones you don't want when you answer to make it easy?)   dried (we have a commercial sized dehydrator): Dried Honey Crisps Dried catnip Dried elderberries   canned: Candied jalapenos Cardamom plum jam Vanilla peach jam   homemade liqueur / brandy: Rose Petal liqueur (small sample) Plum Brandy (Slivovitz) (small sample) Lavender Vanilla Bean liqueur (small sample)   We are SWIMMING in zucchini right now.   Would you like any zucchini bread? No thank you!    How about pumpkin bread? Heck yeah!   If breads don't appeal, do you have a favorite baked or homemade treat recipe you'd love to have made for you? I would love to try your favorite thing to make, whatever that is!    Shoes: Size 5, but I am pretty overshoed at the moment and picky always. I will never say no to socks or slippers, though!     These are my questions, which I am also answering, because why not: Do you like/would you want to receive comic books? Any favorite genres or characters? Heck yeah! I have a ton but love indie comics and old single issues, especially weird sci fi and anything X-Men.   Would you like a palm stone, or anything else, from Haute Macabre? I love all of HM's site and have some of their stones (grey moonstone, garnet, labradorite), but am always happy to receive other special rocks and books from them.   What's your favorite flower(s)? Orchids and peonies!   What's you favorite woodland creature? All of them, even the bugs. But if I had to choose I'd say owls and chipmunks   Do you prefer receiving a big box with all of your goodies, or is it okay if one or two things are shipped directly to you separately (with notice!!) for customs/shipping cost purposes (i.e. if there's something customs might not allow in from the States that can be shipped from within your country)? Don't mind at all: whatever is easiest for you!   Would you like a fabric face mask? If so, do you prefer a dome shape or a pleated shape?  Sure! Dome, please (Also, I have a small face/head)   And back to other folks' questions:   I have a literal stockpile of skincare products.  Can I interest you in cleanser, sheet masks, moisturizer, sample things etc etc.?  Or a general pampering package? What is your skin type? I have pretty oily skin, so anything that exfoliates would be nice! I enjoy samples.   Anything from here?  ChocolateStorybook on Etsy Cotton Candy!!!! Anything except the banana one for sure   I have been enjoying the incense from here hand-dipped incense sticks | Hexennacht and here Hand-dipped incense sticks | Mr. Hex (mr-hex.com)  Any thing interesting from either site? I can get a little sneezy with some kinds of incense, so I will pass.
8/16/21   Would you like some delicious coffee? If so, do you prefer whole bean or ground? If ground, what grind? Also, light or dark roast? Flavor preferences? Oooooh yes! Espresso ground only please; I don't have a grinder. I like coffee-flavored coffee but will try fancy flavors in small quantities, light to medium roast 😛   8/17/21   I may be going to the Renaissance Fair this weekend (if not this weekend then soon and multiple times), any Ren Faire goodies you may like?  Oh fun!! I miss fairs of all kinds... I realize that you have already gone and come back from the fair, but, in case it's helpful anyhow a fun pen, perhaps? Or a brooch/hair comb?   I always go to my town's local Farmer's Market and they have booths selling things like candles, Gourmet Pickles, Flavored Oils and Vinegars, dog treats (like bones and animal feet), honey, and bath products. Would you like any of these things? Am always happy to receive pickles and interesting spices/oils. No dog treats, though.   Do you have a preference for numbered packages for each night of the swap vs randomly selecting from unlabeled goodies?  Very slight preference for numbered packages but please don't knock yourself out if that's too much!   If you didn't say much about your reading preferences in your survey but would be interested in receiving books, can you elaborate a bit? I think I did, but will add a few more thoughts! I really love history books, though I have a toooon of books on Rome and Britain. I love non-fic nature/ecology books as well. I also love older sci fi, especially short story collections. I've been on a Virginia Woolf and Daphne DuMaurier kick lately, so anything by them/similar except Rebecca, To the Lighthouse, or Mrs. Dalloway would surely be enjoyed.   Are you interested in cocktails, be it recipes, infusion kits, tools, supplies, specialty bitters? Meh! If I got them I bet I would try them, but I'm not a big cocktail maker at home.   8/18/21   Is there something that you definitely prefer to not receive in any category (anything to avoid if you hadn't/forgotten to mention)? Not that I can think of!   Are there patterns/prints (more guidance than general Halloween/Autumn) you like for things or are you open to whatever I may find that speaks to me? I dearly love a good plaid, and a realistic floral.   Any significant other or other special person? Like if I wanted to send you specialty cocoa for a date night, would that be OK? I am making up the cocoa part, but you get my drift. I have a husband! Coincidentally he loves hot cocoa, so.   I would love to request folks to to put their wish list in this thread and link in their signature. I would love to decant from my oils if I have any my person is looking for!  Done!   If you happened to list some favorite fandoms earlier, would you also name your favorite character(s) from those fandoms? Not a big fandom person!   8/19/21   Do you have an Amazon link?  Can you post it??  I don't!
if you are a knitter/crocheter, are you over on Ravelry?  If so, what’s your user name there?? I am, hooray! @rhonorv    8/20/21   I make homemade fire ciders, would that be of interest? Non-alcoholic and they are quite fiery. Sure!!   Are you interested in getting other BPAL items besides perfume, like hair gloss, bath oils or T-shirts? Big yes to bath oils, have never had the pleasure! No thanks to t-shirts, and HG decants are welcome!   8/21/21   So partner, would you be interested in a Frankenbag done in Halloween prints? No thank you   Y'all with furbabies... Are there any food allergies/sensitivities or quirks to know about? Two of cats are pretty particular about food/treats with their panoply of old-cat GI complaints, but the other two are sturdy. They all love cat nip and silver vine.   how do you feel about (ethically sourced) butterfly / moth art (in a jar or shadowbox) Would love! I have a small butterfly shadowbox on my wall right now   I may have preemptively picked out 2 Halloween-themed mugs with cute matching spoons, before I knew who my match was going to be! So I leave it to you: Bat, or Cat? Cat!!!   8/22/21   If you mentioned aversions to any common Halloween decor items (skeletons, witches, spiders, etc.), how encompassing is that? Specifically, is a "kid friendly" drawing of that same item on a piece of decor (like, a book cover or wrapping paper) still a preferred pass? No aversions!
  Would you be interested in receiving a never-used eyeshadow palette from Nororiously Morbid (gothy colors) and/or a never-used eyeshadow palette from Pretty Vulgar (romantic neutrals)? Sure to the romantic neutrals!   8/23/21   I live in Japan. Are you interested in anything specifically Japanese I could get for you here (doesn't necessarily have to be Halloween themed)? For example, are you a fan of the anime Demon Slayer and want merch? Are you interested in trying some fun kit-kat flavors? Do you need a new set of pretty chopsticks? Oh!! Matcha Kit Kats!!!!! Any kind of printed fabric I could make into a scarf or headband would also be delightful   there is an excellent chance teeturtle will have a sale in time for this swap: anything (particularly tshirts or socks) that appeal? Sizes?  Socks welcome! I'm a size 5 shoe. I've got way too many t-shirts  I love all of these: https://www.teeturtle.com/products/purrfect-together-socks?variant=19577791455078 https://www.teeturtle.com/products/black-cat-socks https://www.teeturtle.com/products/running-with-chainsaws-socks https://www.teeturtle.com/products/lucky-kitty-socks   Haus of Gloi Fall Part 1 drops soon, anything here you like? https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/blog/fall-lineup-2021 I've never tried this house! Persephone's Descent, Amethyst, and Spider Silk are the scents that most appeal to me. All the lip balms look great too.   8/24/21   Could you use a journal or sketchbook? For sure!!   Do you need BPAL storage?  Imps?  Bottles? Imp storage would be really nice!! I have about 40 that are in all different little cardboard jewelry boxes...   Do you wear socks?  What kind?  No show, ankle, knee high, over the knee?  Fibers? I do! All either ankle or calf-height (for boots). I prefer thinner socks (cotton/rayon)   Do you have a favorite candy(ies) [or prepacked individual snacks] that you wouldn't mind filling up your box as packing material? Or teas/coffee blends you'd enjoy? If you prefer none of this, that's fine too!  That's such a cute idea! I love Werthers and raisinets. Am also a fan of tea, especially rooiboses   I'm going down the Shore for a few days! Any treats you'd like from a cute beach town- salt water taffy? Fudge? Wrist fans? Tie-dye beach dress...? Big yes to taffy or fudge!   How do you feel about fancy marshmallows? Pretty good!   8/25/21   We've asked about candy, but let's talk specifically about gummies. Do you like crazy shapes, sweet/sour?  Any kind sound good to me!!    Anything from these Etsy shops? Grave Markings I love! No ty to the others     What about the Mutter Museum's gift shop? Oh ho ho, anything there is a safe bet for me!   8/27/21   I grow mugwort and it's harvest season. Would you like dried leaves for bathing or tea? Or a bound bundle for smoke cleansing? (Its said to be excellent for divination or lucid dreaming, but do not use if pregnant.)  its also a digestive bitter and tastes great on chicken. No thank you!   I grow loads of other herbs and I'm drying them now. Any favorites you might like? Mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemon balm or others? Love mint! Would happily try any of the listed dried, edible herbs.   I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest? No thanks!   Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like. YES! I am generally interested in any natural artifacts from places where I don't live (leaves, feathers, shells, stones).   I grew a boatload of Green Shiso this year and plan to make a shiso pesto with it. Would you like some? (Nut wise it has pistachios) Sure!!   I also plan to experiment with infusing it in vodka. I'm planning a plain shiso infusion and a shiso citrus infusion. If they turn out would you like some? Also sure!   8/28/21   Would you be interested in this hand sanitizer dispenser/keychain that doubles as a light (its eyes light up when you press between its eyes!)?  (see photo here) No thank you!   If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in? I enjoy Dominion (have the base game), Pandemic (have the Cthulu version), and Catan (don't have a copy of my own), and I like trying new board/card games too!      8/29/21    DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES?  DO I EVER!!!!! TRULY A LOT.    DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING? I've never had one but I love random magazines and backing, so yes!   If you are enthused by the idea of receiving coffee, do you want whole bean or ground? AND do you have flavors that you like (or definitely hate and never want again)? Ground, espresso if possible please! Will try small amounts of any flavor, but I prefer regular coffee.   8/30/21   Would you be interested in some very size-inclusive tights? There are Halloween patterns, but also most colours under the sun, and are very comfy. Sure!! Kind of low on tights right now, actually, and I wear a small + am pretty short (5'2") if length is an option.   What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level? Sure -- Mild to medium spicy works!
  In case anyone else shares a love for adorable tiny plushies, any interest in v soft and cute vegetable/fruit plushies? There are also small animals. All plushies will be requisitioned by the cats of the house, so anything safe for them is fine I don't collect them myself..   The Polish Pickup/Indie Pickup is live for wishlisting, and will ship in time for this swap (this year). Anything strike your fancy? (It's not just nail polish...there's jewelry and bath scrubs and wax tarts and all manner of things. It's fun!) https://polishpickup.com/ Nothing jumps out!   8/31/21   Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/ Oh cool!! The seafood blends and sugars all look amazing.   Hayden Evens Art has released some new Halloween and Disney-themed prints and stickers.  Do any spark your interest? Nope!   So would you hate or be into more miscreant Halloween vibe decor - like wholesome figurines repainted, creepy dolls, goats with horns, (fake) animal skeletons, things in jars? Is anything too dark, morbid, or recoil worthy? Hail Satan, so sure! My line is like, actual stuff in formaldehyde (mainly because of Cat Breakage Risk). Love skeletons and bones. Shmeh on creepy dolls.   do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like? I'm pretty boring on the dye front, though I do love silk/satin scarves and ribbons for braids!   what about skincare? i am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this. I'd definitely try sample sizes of some K-beauty! I used to visit a shop regularly (that has since closed :,( ) that was all K-Beauty and it was the best. Love me some snail mucin/bee venom.   Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out (https://cellardoorbathsupply.com/collections/halloween-fall-collection anything you might be interested in? Oh, I just ordered some Once Bitten soap and a candle, so I'll pass!! haha   Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don’t enjoy?  Rooibos and basic green and Paris from Harney and Sons are my favorites. I also love fruity teas (I make them into iced tea!)   9/4/21 are you interested in eco-friendly menstrual products? There are some beautiful gothic print reuseable pads I'm looking at specifically. No thanks!   9/6/21 Bath and Body Works? I know this is a bit of a love em or hate em company, but I really love their foaming hand soaps and scented hand sanitizers and my kids like their body wash, so I'll be placing an order with the next good sale. Anything that catches your eye? They unfortunately often make me sneeze :,(   9/14/21 I'm making homemade applesauce this weekend with apples I picked last weekend. I'm going to try my hand at canning for the first time (got my mom, the experienced canner, on speed dial lol) If I succeed would you like a jar? Heck yes! Good luck!   9/22/21 How do you feel about sniffies? Just fine!
rhonorv

rhonorv

0
Windbourne's Scent-A-Day
 

September

Starting with a week of Luper bottles. 🌹 This batch has a few notes in common: hay, rice milk, and roses make repeat appearances, and all of them are in the category of scents that, whenever I wear them, I always think, "Omg, why don't I wear this more often???" (the answer is that my collection is silly-big. that is all.)   September 1: Trois -- If you've been following along, at this point you're probably aware of my fondness for obsession with ambergris and white roses. I have a LOT of scents featuring one or both of those. I also have a lot of scents that feature orris or iris. This one is all three in a beautiful, simple, straightforward blend. Salty pale roses with a light dusting of orris powder. Just flippin' beautiful. I mean, provided that you're into that sort of thing. ;} Reasonable wear length, fairly low throw.   September 2: Flickering Lantern -- Taking advantage of a day off to wear something that I absolutely cannot wear to work. 😂 This is a very, very strong scent on me, a glorious, heady mix of sweet tobacco, big densely-petaled purple roses, and, above all, a really thick, lightly smoky beeswax. Time has given this one intense throw -- I left a room and my SO commented on my perfume still being present five minutes later -- and fantastic longevity. It feels like dimly lit rooms and velvet curtains. It's a little dirty. I love it. 💜   September 3: Cinq -- If I'd have thought this through a little harder, I'd have worn Trois today and this two days from now. But, no, I was not clever with my picks this week and went with gut feelings instead of brains. Anyway, this is a slightly tart biiiiiig fluffy pink tea rose perfume that dries down to shortbread cookies on me. It's pretty fun; I actually like it more now than when I first got it, though tea rose remains my least favorite rose. If this one were made with white or red rose notes instead, I'd love it even more, but the way it shifts abruptly and absolutely on my skin is something of a delight as it is. I wore it to work because it only has significant throw for maybe five minutes, then settles down to a soft, inoffensive buttery cookie scent. It lasted almost all day, and now, eight and a half hours later (including transit time), there is only the memory of shortbread and I really have to sniff hard to get that much.   September 4: Parlement of Foules '08 -- Oh, why not. One more rose before I move on to the hay and rice milk. (I actually swapped a couple bottles out because I felt like I had too much rose for one week. ...not that there's really any such thing BUT ANYWAY.) Another very simple rose blend: white rose and soft resins. I'm pretty certain the resins are frankincense, myrrh, and a bit of benzoin. The balance here is very nice, both aspects are distinct and present and, on me at least, neither overwhelms the other. It feels very pure, very smooth, and very delicate without ever being faint or weak. This was one of my first big rose loves (along with To Helen and Her Voice) and I still really enjoy wearing it. It's one that definitely needs rolling before wear -- the resins settle to the bottom over time. Throw is fragrant but not overwhelming, and it has a good weartime.   September 5: Round Dance -- This one hit me a bit out of left field, tbqh. About half the notes are ones I don't especially like (carnation, strawberry, pink ["blush"] amber) and the rest (lavender, hay, vanilla cream, candyfloss) are often iffy. But somehow, somehow this pulls itself out the realm of sticky sweet plasticky candle, which is what I expected when I originally tested the decant, and draws me into a softly sweet quasi-floral pink haze that drifts around me for hours, shifting slowly but constantly. The hay and lavender do a great job balancing out the sweetness and the whole thing is very smooth. I was very glad I took a chance on this one. I tested it three times before I committed to a full bottle because it was so generally outside of my usual tolerances, but it really does smell great on me.   September 6: Kitten with a Shamisen Daydreams of a Phallus Palanquin -- Obviously a Shunga. 😂 Soft, springtime pear with a background of cool rice milk blended with white musk. It really does what it says it does on the package. The pear is very mellow, more Bartlett than anything else, but not quite ripe, so it isn't too sweet; the rice milk is light and translucent and not as dense as the standard milk or cream notes; the white musk is clean and very slightly laundry-fresh. It's a very pleasant blend, with low enough throw that it's worksafe for me. The wearlength and tenacity is pretty impressive, though. I took a shower and the rice milk & white musk survived, though the pear completely vanished. Good stuff.   September 7: Rendevous With Her Lover Behind the Rice Straws -- The notes are hay absolute, rice milk, and sugar. It smells, on me, a bit like a scented eraser intended to smell like a bowl of cereal milk. This isn't a bad thing! 😂 It has the slightly lemony sugar note and a warm, almost herbal sweetness from the hay, plus that delightful rice note, but it doesn't smell natural, if that makes sense. It smells like perfume, and it has a very slightly plasticky aspect on my skin. So, scented eraser by association. I do like it quite a bit, and it has a decent throw and long wear time. It was very sharp when it was new, but a year and a half later, it's mellowed considerably.   September 8: Pericardium -- One more Luper snuck in. :3 I'm pretty sure I got this mostly looking at the rice milk, but it's primarily a pale woods and resins scent with a punch of clove. The first review mentions a similarity to Liz (Hellboy) and I can see it. Liz is stronger and much more smoky, but I would consider recommending this to someone who wants something in the same ballpark, but maybe a little less on fire. As it were. The white amber, very perfumey, amps up as it sits on my skin. It never quite goes single note, remaining a lovely, complex blend throughout the wear (5-6 hours) but most of the other notes take a back seat. I find this one a moderately strong blend, but I'm also weirdly neutral about it. It's nice, but kind of boring after a while.   September 9: Öndurdis -- It was sweaty today, so I picked a cooling perfume. This is yet another one of the Lab's wintry wonders, bracing pine and snow first, but unlike some of the others, this really fades sweet on me. Towards the end it's almost entirely something like honey and berries with a hint of pine. Low throw, but good lasting power. I can still smell a hint of it on my wrists after a full day of work. This isn't a huge favorite, but it's nice and worth keeping a partial for days like this.   September 10: Scorched Oak & Blonde Tobacco -- I almost didn't want to put this on my skin. 😂 I know several people who loved this, so I'm glad to have gotten to test it, but hoo boy, it is not for me. It smells as it sounds like it ought, lightly burnt oak wood, perhaps hit by lightning, since there's some ozone that comes out on my skin, bolstered by pale, slightly damp tobacco, but on my skin that doesn't translate into something I want to smell like. It's perfumey and slightly tannic in the wrong ways and sniffing it makes my nose kind of wrinkle. Not into it. It has a moderate throw, but I'm not sure about the full wear length because I covered it up after an hour or so because I was tired of smelling it. 😅 The good news is that layered with NCD Ceraunophilia, the oak mellows out and it instead adds an extra 'this lightning definitely hit a tree' aspect to that scent, which is much more pleasant for me.   September 11: Mochitsuki Tanuki (proto 2012) -- Let's do some weird stuff! So in 2011/12 there was a Will-Call location near where I lived and they regularly got protos for upcoming series and sometimes allowed regulars to snag those bottles afterwards. Once in a while, those scents never actually materialized, and so there are some bottles floating around that are permanent protos. This is one of those. If you search 'mochitsuki' on the forum, you'll find a few references to it (some of which are me, lol). There was a Tanuki-centric release that spring, and I assume this was intended to be part of it, but didn't make the cut for whatever reason. I'll always be a bit sad about that, but not too sad, since, well, I have this bottle. It's mostly a mildly sweet rice scent -- having eaten fresh mochi, it does smell like a perfumer's interpretation of that -- possibly with a hint of light musk and a little sandalwood. I really love it. (As an aside, if you do that search, you'll see people speculating that it was supposed to be a Lunacy because tsuki means moon. They are 99% likely wrong. ^___^ Tsuki can mean moon, but 'mochitsuki' means 'mochi pounding', and is a traditional part of Japanese New Year's festivities.)   September 12: Great Hole Full of Stardust (Map of Dreams/proto 2012) -- The next three are a series. There was small collection that was based on Sydney Sime's Map of Dreams that came out around the right time, but they have different names and smell quite different from the ones that were released (I have decants of three of the four), so I suspect these ones were scrapped rather than renamed. I would honestly love to see The Lab revisit this map; there are a TON of amazing possible perfume names that could be pulled from it, both ridiculous and evocative. This one smells fizzy, to my nose, a bit gingery, with possibly some myrrh and a cooler aquatic note. One of the Will-Call reviews mentioned tea, and I could see that as well, it has some of the earthiness on late drydown that matcha can have. The bottle I have of this is a very, very low partial because at some point it spilled all over the others in this batch of protos. You can poke around the internet and find pics of these specific bottles (I got these three secondhand but Mochitsuki firsthand, long story) ...the labels on them over the Lab's labels are my handwriting because I helped clean up. 😂   September 13: Nightmare Brink (Map of Dreams/proto 2012) -- The source for this is the same as yesterday's scent. I said in my Will-Call review that it reminded me of Chaotic, and it still does, albeit without the sharp pungency of the wasabi. But I'm inclined to suspect a few musks (at the very least, brown) and some element that brings out a dried fruit scent as well as some woody notes, probably not sandalwood, but possibly cedar. Very, very late drydown I get something reminiscent of leather as well, but I don't think it's strong enough to be one of The Lab's actual leather notes, it's more like ... fruit leather. I know there's something fairly common that gives a leathery impression but isn't leather (like benzoin gives a vanillic impression but isn't actually vanilla)  but I'm excruciatingly tired and can't remember what it is atm. ^^;   September 14: Sea of Moon Dew (Map of Dreams/proto 2012) -- So I thought this was waxy when I initially sniffed it, but now, several years later, I think it's mostly florals. It has that particular funk that lilies, especially, have on my skin, plus some very shimmering musk, possibly white musk and/or skin musk. I still think there's a bit of white rose in here, as well as some other pale floral. It's very soft, dreamy, and almost misty. Late drydown is mostly a soft musk. It's not bad at all, but I actually like it more in the bottle than I do on my skin.   Next up, I'll test the three that I have four scents from the actually released Land of Dreams collection. I'm missing Wake, but I have the others. Lol, actually, I do have Wake. I have a low partial instead of a decant. Friends, don't let your collection get like this. 😂   September 15: Sleep (Land of Dreams LE 2012) -- I poked my email archive to see what the Lab had to say about this release, and this is what I found: "As a preview for the upcoming addition to Somnium, we present the compass points of Sidney Sime's map of the Land of Dreams." But instead, a couple of things were DC'd and the expansion never happened. ^^; These were LE and have largely quietly vanished from the BPAL consciousness. I've got them, though, so I may as well wear them! This is almost entirely very herbal lavender on me.  The zdravetz is present but not overwhelming, enhancing the herbaceousness and adding a bit of woodiness. After it fully dries down, a hint of the lotus sweetness and darker tobacco and vetiver slide in, but by and large, it's a cool, mellow woody  lavender, not sweet at all, and very relaxing. I was already tired when I put it on (*after* work, like a sensible person) and I ended up snoozing out on the couch for a few hours. So, ah, I guess it works, though given my state prior, I'm not sure if that should be used as a metric. 😂 Judging by the amount I've used from this decant vs the other two, I'm guessing I must have worn it quite a bit for a while, but I'd be lying if I said I remembered it. This is not that unusual for me with sleep scents, however, since they're there primarily to assist in going to sleep so I don't pay as much attention to the experience of wearing them as I do those that I wear for the scent. I should have a bottle of Sopor, the recent TAL sleep scent, in the mail & arriving Friday (along with a number of other things, hooray!) so I'll be curious to see how that one does for me. :3   Wellllllllll...my Lab order(s -- it was three combined >_>;; ) arrived today instead of tomorrow. Soooo.... I'm going to let 'em rest a bit and finish this series and then it'll be a few new things. :3 (In case you were curious, Sopor, sniffed fresh outta the mailbox, smells approximately halfway between TKO and Sleep. It's sweeter than Sleep, but less so than TKO and much more herbal. Also, there's a ton of lavender buds and other small plant bits in my bottle. )   September 16: Dream (Land of Dreams LE 2012) -- This one's interesting. It starts with a burst of very fresh lavender, but that fades fairly quickly and it rapidly becomes a warm, fascinating, incense-like scent. If I sniff extremely hard, I can still smell a little lavender, but otherwise, it's buried under the other notes. The rose and white musk are purely assists here, I can only tell the rose is there because I obsess about it.   I looked up shamama attar and found that it's a bit of a trade secret, apparently, each place that produces it does so with slightly different ingredients. There's a pretty neat article about it here on Fragrantica (login needed) but other articles mentioned the same thing. But it's definitely a part of this scent, giving it a much more musky aura than the rest of the notes would indicate. I wore it during the day, so I can't say if it might result in odd dreams, but it's a very pleasant scent, lasts quite a long time, and is very fragrant. I can still smell it (5+ hours later) wafting off my wrists as I type.   September 17: Nightmare (Land of Dreams LE 2012) -- Hm. I do not especially like this one at first. It's very sharp on me, with thick, almost syrupy background. As it dries it gets nicer, the resins start coming up and softening it considerably. Late drydown the champaca takes over. It's fine, but not something I'm likely to seek out more of in the future. The lavender in this is quite mellow and chills in the background here; I never even get the burst like I did with Dream. Decent wear time, low to moderate throw.
September 18: Wake (Land of Dreams LE 2012) -- I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again, but man, I really do not like tuberose. 😂 It's thick, unpleasantly waxy (not like beeswax, like paraffin), and just so gross on my skin. And this, despite a very bright poppy beginning featuring a lot of citrus and a good hit of mint, goes strong on the tuberose for me. I wore it for a couple of hours, wrinkling my nose every time I caught a whiff, and after that, as it started to fade, I covered it up with something else. Tuberose smells fab on my bestie, however, so I will be passing this partial along to her to see if she likes it.   September 19: Drow Yoga Instructor -- I picked up this bottle and imps of all the rest of the new RPG releases, even the ones I'm pretty sure I won't like (*coughbeholderoptician*), but this one especially because my current D&D character is a Drow Druid. :3 V. soft boy, very adorable, and this scent suits him pretty well. It's going to be even better after it's had time to mellow out a bit, but even right now, I like this quite a bit. It's got a big, dark lavender waft that you think is going to steamroller everything else, but then it recedes and a pleasantly tart plummy note pops up. After a while, the sandalwood incense starts to dominate the scent, but it's so mellow about it, it's lovely. The whole experience is indeed very calming, chill, and meditative, very faded purple in tone. I feel very comfortable wearing it, like I'm in my comfiest pants getting ready to chill out. Zero regrets on buying a full bottle of this untested.
September 20: Drider Crossing Guard -- When I was in high school-ish, I had a solid perfume from a mall shop -- Garden Botanika maybe? -- that was primarily plum, pomegranate, and some spicy notes. I loved it a lot. ...You can see where this is going. (almost) I love the way this smells in the vial, and hate the way it smells for the first half-hour or so on my skin. The plum is very commercial, like plum-scented candles, and a little too sweet, and the pepper is giving me a reason to call it a note I dislike. But then, after that time has passed, suddenly it's a dead ringer for that solid perfume (which I still had until quite recently, I'm embarrassed to say). I'm not going to lie and say I suddenly absolutely adore it, as black pepper is still a note I'm not super-fond of on my skin. But I like it a lot more, and huffed happily until it faded out completely after about six hours. Will I buy a bottle, probably not. Am I weirdly happy to have this imp? Yeah, you bet I am.   September 21: Kobold Barista -- Oh, this one needs aging. It's an already an earthy coffee and spices, but I'm betting a little time will give it a lot more heft and throw. It smells like the grounds at the bottom of a cup of spiced espresso, no sugar, no milk. Very nice. If I liked wearing coffee perfumes more I'd jump all over it, but I have a few others already and I rarely wear them because most of them smell just a bit odd on me. I like this, though, and if you feel sad about missing some of the LE coffee scents like Bah! or The Turkish Village, or find the shisha in Café Mille et une Nuits to be too much, this may just be your cup of quality espresso.   September 22: Lizardfolk Park Ranger -- This is really nice. The sniff from the vial was not overly exciting, mostly a foresty scent like many other BPAL foresty scents, but on my skin, the various woody and leafy notes really bloom, and especially the hazelnut, which I really enjoy in Blackbear Moon, and the mossy notes. As it dries, the other notes take turns being stand-outs, and the stone note, which I generally do not like, stays muted and soft, like a moss-covered stone. I feel like I should pull out Theoi Nomioi to compare notes with this, but IIRC that one doesn't have the lovely nuttiness that this does and is more purely forest. This gives an excellent sense memory of being a kid and getting into mischief while on family vacations to the North Cascades National Park, so I'd say it feels like a good scent for the name. Lasts quite a long time and has a mild-to-moderate throw. IDK if I'll get a bottle, since I have Blackbear and Theoi, but ... It's really good, and if I didn't have them (and Wolf Moon, and Oborot, and...), I'd scoop it up. It's an excellent addition to the GC, and very worth a try if you like these kinds of scents.   September 23: Bugbear Doula -- I'm kind of torn on this one. Part of me wants to like it and the other part is like, 'ew'. It reminds me a bit of some of the Metamorphosis (Butterflies & Moths, various years) blends, a couple of the Sasquatch blends, or even some of the Mad Tea Party. It's interesting. Ah, I know why it reminds me of Metamorphosis -- Paper Kite has angelica in it. Anyway, this is interesting. The motherwort is very bitter -- I've never smelled it fresh, only as a tea, but it's not really a note I'd ever have wanted as a perfume? -- and a little earthy. The angelica is brighter, along with the tea, which has that slightly citric acid-like note I associate with white tea on my skin. The chamomile is mild and brings a pleasant fruit-adjacent aspect, and the furry notes blend it all together in similar ways to Lady Cecily, though in a milder way. Later drydown is very mild and furry. The overall effect is very soothing and comforting and I find it very, very gently repellent. 😂 It's a very pleasant scent, but I don't like it. I'll give it some time and a few more tests before flinging this imp at someone else, but right now: 🙃.   September 24: Beholder Optician -- AHhahahahahahaa I hate this. 😂 I was pretty sure it would smell more or less fine in the vial and like hairspray and strawberry hard candy on my skin and I was completely correct. It's definitely translucent, it's not a thick or dense smell at all. On someone else or possibly to someone else's nose, this is probably lovely. On me and for me, aw hell no. ...Yep, hairspray and strawberry hard candy, the kind that's very smooth and shiny and clear, not the opaque kind that has a chewy center. ...Please excuse, I'm just going to go wipe this one off my skin.    September 25: Tiefling Therapist -- This really reminds me of a new age store that I used to frequent during high school. Like, really reminds me of it. They usually had incense of various types burning in various corners of the shop, which was very clean and brightly lit, and the scents blended together into a peculiarly bright incense with a hint of smoke, and that's what this is like on me. Very clean, very bright, weirdly safe despite the Satanist's bibles mingling with the books about angels and astrology. This therapist will listen to you with zero judgement, and has created a very safe, cozy space for their clients. There may be a hint of brimstone in the air, but after a while, it doesn't matter at all. You're in good hands. (Minimal throw, so-so longevity, but as it ages that will probably change. Those notes are built to last.)   September 26: Sopor (TAL) -- Smells amazing, very lightly sweet lavender and chamomile and hops, plus a bit of additional soft woodiness. The vetiver sits low on my skin at first, but comes out more as the lighter herbal notes fade, until finally it's a beautiful earthy-almost-smoky scent with a bit of very soft lavender. It's very good. It doesn't make me sleepy at all, but once I get to sleep, I stay there, which is nice. I've been thinking of it as TKO++ because it's a little like TKO, but so much more. I've worn it to bed several times since I got it, and I'm pleased that I went straight for a bottle. As an additional note, there's quite a bit of plant matter floating in my bottle, mostly lavender buds, but bits of a few other things as well. The Lab warns for it with TALs pretty frequently, but this is the first time I've bought one that had this much. I think it's charming. :).   September 27: This is a Perfume About My Dog Eating Peaches -- I picked up two from this year's DragonCon scents, this one and Fuzzy Sweater. Fuzzy Sweater will be waiting a while, quite a long while. But I wore this one today for a ...third time, I think, since I got it? It's a really lovely little perfume, the peach is mostly sweet and not very sweat on me, and otherwise smells pretty deliciously creamy and marshmallowy with a bit of a tangy nibble. I'm pretty happy I elected to pick up this bottle. Also, the photo is adorable. I keep calling it a lot of different things: Peach Doggo, Peach-Dog Perfume, Dog Eats Peaches (news at 11!), etc. ^w^ Longevity is medium, throw is minimal on me. Late drydown is just a sweet haze.   September 28: Bliss -- I'm on vacation so I grabbed a couple of random GC imps I've gotten recently in Lab orders. Both are things I've tried and felt neutral about in the past, but figured why not, I'll try them again. This batch of Bliss smells more like cocoa powder, to me, really good cocoa powder. However, on my skin, it goes a bit sharp, then a bit tart, and then a bit waxy, like perfectly acceptable but sort of cheap chocolate. As it dries the powder aspect comes back, until after about an hour, it smells more like it does in the vial. I can't help compare it to some of the thicker, richer chocolate scents I own, and here Bliss comes up lacking. It does have a reasonably powerful throw, but only moderate longevity and very little depth. It definitely gives me SN vibes. I do have chocolate SNs, both absolute and accords, from other companies, and they're not quite the same as this, but the absolute has certain similarities that make me think that there is a bit of chocolate absolute in Bliss, but it's softened by other components, possibly a milk or cream note, since those not infrequently smell a bit dusty on me. Anyway, lovely scent, but my skin chem laughs at it a bit. I still wouldn't buy a bottle.   September 29: ...I was just wondering where my migraine was, and now it is here. 😐 I've got meds with me so it should pass, but bleh.   September 30: Goblin — The migraine subsided suspiciously easily compared to my recent experiences, but I’m not complaining. This fresh Goblin on me is mostly barely sweetened patchouli, very thick and a bit funky. The coconut is similar to the one in Tiki King, but I like that one more than this. …idk, this is just fine for me, not great, not awful, just okay. I like it a lot more with the added spicy-sweet gingerbread note. It’s got decent lasting power & a bit of throw, but it’s mostly patch after a fairly short time.   Nine months down, now it’s time to see if I can manage (or stand) a whole month of Weenies.  I have enough scents to do it, even with the ones I’ve already worn, but can I live with one theme for 31 days? Let’s find out!
windbourne

windbourne

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