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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!- 5 comments
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Weenie SW 2014 help&answers
Halloweenie Switch Witch 2014
1. Pumpkin?
I'm not a fan of pumpkin edibles. Roasted salted pepitas are okay, and Stash decaf Pumpkin Spice tea (which I have, like, three boxes of), but that's about it. Pumpkin-*colored* things (nail polish, eyeshadow, scarves, socks, etc.) or scented stuff is okay, though. My family is from apple country, so autumn always means apples to me! Caramel apples, candy apples, dehydrated apple slices, apple pie, apple cider -- apple apple apple. And pears. I still remember the time right before my senior year of college (so mid-to-late September since my school started at the end of September) when my family went to visit my grandparents at their new house across the street from an orchard, and my grandfather took my brother and me across the street to steal the neighbors' apples and pears. Family bonding experience!
2. I currently have a CSA and my significant other is perpetually out of town for work, so I've been doing a lot of canning and baking with my vegetables. How do people feel about canned good (pickles, salsa, etc) and vegetal baked goods (squash bread, zucchini bread). I am slightly gluten intolerant, and my SO is deathly allergic to dairy, so I have good recipes that are both gluten free and vegan.
I have a weird phobia about baked goods in the mail, so I would pass on that, but I love pickles (especially sour/dill cucumber varieties! I'm not familiar enough with non-cuke types to know whether I would like them or not) and jams! No salsa, though, please, because I'm not a spicy food person, and cilantro is a migraine trigger.
3. Trading Post wants?
I have a wishlist there! http://blackphoenixtradingpost.com/my-lists/view-wishlists/?wlid=2094
4. What direct sellers do you not like and would prefer not to get things from? And also feel free to list any retail brands you really don't like.
No Bath & Body Works, please! It sets off a weird hoarding tendency in me like no other company I've encountered. (I'm on a serious etsy/indie etailer kick, though.)
5. How about y'alls coffee and tea preferences?
For coffee, whole bean! (We have a Keurig at work, but the office supplies the K-cups, so I don't waste my money on them.) I'm not big on flavored coffee beans (I use sugar-free hazelnut and vanilla Da Vinci syrups, though!). I do pourover (*cough*Portland*cough*), so that means doing Turkish grind at the time of brewing, and I tend to stick with hot coffee. As for tea, copying from my other posts: Ooh, yes! Hot and iced! I used to live in Seattle and developed a severe fondness for Dammann Freres (ugh, SO EXPENSIVE) Jardin Bleu and Earl Grey Gout Russe, and I haven't found anything close to those two flavors. I love berry-scented black and Earl Grey variations! I got an Earl Grey Cream from somewhere that was fantastic, but I can't remember where (Teavana, maybe?). If decaf is an option, I do prefer that so I can drink it later in the day! Tea bags, loose tea, herbal, black, green, white, decaf -- love it. I seem to be going through a serious rooibos phase right now. Not sure where *that* came from. Except I haaate licorice/anise, rose hips, and hibiscus. So... Uh. Yeah. Love tea! (Except Market Spice tea. The way it EATS THROUGH STYROFOAM AND PLASTIC kind of freaks me out.) (And I go to the Stash Tea company stores on a regular basis, so I have plenty of stuff from that brand. I would love to try things from other companies!) At home, I have one of those neat plastic tea brewing things where you put the hot water and tea leaves in the bowl/pitcher/basket/whatever-you-want-to-call-it, let it steep for however long, put the thing on top of your tea mug, and the tea drains out the bottom with the tea leaves getting strained out. Love that thing. At work, I just have a strainer basket that does the job.
6. Do you cook? Would kitchen accessories make you happy?
I seem to cook more in the autumn and winter, so while I'm not *currently* cooking very much, I'm looking forward to cool weather and spending Sundays making food for the following week! And I *love* kitchen accessories. This is the time of year I always look at the fun seasonal kitchen things and wait until my next paycheck, and then they get sold out! I have a small-batch baking cookbook that seems to call for smaller pans (cake bans, loaf pans, springform pans) than I have, so I have yet to actually make anything from it. And I just got a small-batch canning cookbook and have zero supplies for that. I am very superstitious about blades, though, so no knives or cutting/shredding/slicing things, please, unless you're giving them to me in person so I can buy them from you! (Even my kid brother who refuses to believe in or follow *any* superstition follows this one. It's hard-coded into our family's DNA.)
7. How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems?
I love them! I'm not an artist (one of my favorite things to do at comic cons is watch artists draw things), though, so I have no use for supplies.
8. What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you?
Um... I'll have to think about this.
9. Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)?
I'm sure I would love one, but I can't think of anything!
10. What do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests?
Read, watch tv/movies on Netflix, play with makeup, wander around my town.
11. Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc? Gaming accessories you long for?
The cats have yet to develop those opposable thumbs we've discussed, so I'll have to pass.
12. DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through Amazon?
I stream most movies, but I do have some stuff on my amazon wishlist (linked on my Wishlist blog page). I don't really care whether they're used or not as long as they work on my laptop! (Oh, yeah -- I don't have a tv, so everything gets watched on my laptop.
13. What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try?
Uh, all of them! Every time I go to a new place, I always like to check out the snacks and candy. I especially love crunchy salty carbs (like chips, crackers, popcorn, pretzels, etc.).
14. Do you have a favorite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom?
I've got my fannish fixations on my wishlist page. I don't really have a favorite meme. If I had to pick one favorite character, it would probably be Alice, as in Wonderland.
15. Do you have a Facebook profile (or other social media) that you are comfortable linking to aid your witch in stalking? Please note whether you are willing to add BPALers as friends.
I don't really do Facebook. You're really better off checking out my Instagram feed (buriedinboxes). That's where I usually post stuff. Facebook to me is just where I check out indie companies to see what they have going on!
15. Do you have a Facebook profile (or other social media) that you are comfortable linking to aid your witch in stalking? Please note whether you are willing to add BPALers as friends.
Your best bet is my Instagram account: buriedinboxes. I have Facebook but don't really use it other than to keep tabs on my favorite indie makeup companies. (Certain people on there who I can't unfriend get overly invested in anything I post there, so I just... don't.)
16. Anybody interested in something from Rose City Comic Con, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist?
This was my question, so I'll pass on answering this one since I'll be doing the shopping there!
17. When I do this swap, I really, really do it because I want to connect with another forumite, make friends with them, and communicate with my witchee.[...] So, everyone, how do you personally feel about this?
ALL OF THE NEUROSES. Not of the "Oh, no, someone wants to talk to me! WHAT DO I DO?" nature but really of the "no one *really* wants to talk to me. They're just being nice because they feel obligated. I'll let them off the hook and leave them alone so they don't feel bothered" nature.
18. Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing?
Other than jigsaw puzzles, love them! I was on the Maze of Games Kickstarter because of this! Jigsaw puzzles never end well in my apartment because my kitties are chewers.
19. If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions?
*Love* music! As far as the format, probably a digital version, although I do like physical cds, too. A physical cd would just be converted to a digital format, so if it was already digital, I wouldn't have to mess with ripping it or naming the tracks.
20. What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it?
Hmm... Most of my issues are more of the motivational nature, like cleaning my entire apartment, INCLUDING the Room of Doom.
21. How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? I.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin…
That would be really cool.
22. Are YOU superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations?
I think my big superstition is the traditional one about knives/scissors/anything with a blade or cutting edge. They CANNOT be given as a present. They *must* be purchased by the recipient. (In my family, it's usually a dead giveaway when someone gets a knife as a present because there's typically a coin taped on top of the package.) Also, when we see a hummingbird, it's my grandmother coming back to visit us! I can't think of anything I can't have in my house for superstitious reasons, though.
23. For the vegetarians and vegans: How do you feel about things (say, marshmallows or gummy candy) made with vegan gelatin or other typically-animal-derived-but-not-in-this-instance products?
I'm not a vegetarian, and what I'm about to say actually doesn't address the question, but I do want to elaborate on something on my original questionnaire here since the subject of gelatin is here: I don't eat beef, but gelatin is okay. There's something about the meat that I can't deal with but that doesn't seem to be in gelatin.
24. Ok, so we've covered pumpkin. How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples?
Heh. See #1 on this list. *Love* apples! I prefer the crunchy tart kind. Granny Smith was my favorite growing up, and now i seem to go more for Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, although if I'm at a farmer's market and I see an unfamiliar variety that promises to be tart, I'll try that, too. DO NOT LIKE golden or red delicious. They're mealy.
25. Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions?
Wool. It doesn't even have to touch me in order to make me congested. And itchy/scratchy fabrics. I love soft, silky, fluffy stuff like chenille, polarfleece, and t-shirt material!
26. How do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments?
I would pass. Christmas and Yule aren't really my thing.
27. How do you feel about Hello Kitty, and Hello Kitty accessories (including mugs, cups, etc)?
LOVE THEM! My favorite character as an adult is Badtz-Maru because he's a little crankypants. When I was a kidlet, there were only Hello Kitty herself, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars, so those are the closest to my heart.
28. If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study?
Horror movie special effects makeup. I've been obsessed with it since I was in high school! My friends were convinced that's what I would end up doing when I got out in the world, but, uh, that didn't happen. If it was something to actually *do* in the future instead of just learning how to do it just to have that knowledge, I would want to learn how to make/blend my own makeup!
29. Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like?
So funny this came up on this particular day! We were *just* discussing whether people were interested in poetry at work this morning. It's not really for me. I wish it was, but it's just kind of *there* for me.
30. Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character?
Sure! But my favorite Disney characters are the Avengers. Especially Hulk because rage issues. (While I love _Alice in Wonderland_, I'm not particularly bonkers about the Disney versions. I seem to be enthralled with everything *but* those.)
31. How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationery - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?)
I have to say that although I do think that stuff is cute, creepy is more *me*.
32. What is something you'd really like to receive from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!"
I’ve figured this one out! I would hope that my witch is as into horror movies (with actual story lines and not torture porn, please, because if I want to watch endless gore, I’ll watch a special effects reel) as I am and able to send me a nicely curated list of horror stuff to watch on Netflix Instant, free Hulu, and/or YouTube. I *could* go to a video store since there’s an amazing one on my way home from work, but, realistically, not gonna happen. The big catch here is that I watch a lot of horror movies, especially when I’ve had a stressful week, so I feel like I’ve already found all of the good stuff!
Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists.
Do You Remember Rock’n’Roll Radio — The Ramones
Hypnolude — Fatboy Roberts
Eight Miles High — The Byrds
Crosseyed and Painless — Talking Heads
Pink Pistachio Candy — The Pebbles
I Wanna Get High — Cypress Hill
Harder They Come — Poison Idea
Shouldn’t Be Ashamed — Wilco
You Should Be Dancing — Bee Gees
Pulled Up — Talking Heads
[*So* bizarre. My iTunes usually tosses Motorhead and Suzi Quatro in there at least once every six songs or so.]
Tarot cards, rune stones and/or other divination tools yay or nay?
Yay! (I actually won a trivia tournament thanks to my knowledge of the major arcana.) But not the Aquarian deck, please. I got it because I thought I would feel a special connection to it since I am an Aquarian. I ended up tossing it because it really unnerved me out in a way I couldn’t put my finger on. I have the Rider-Waite deck, of course, and the Wonderland deck! Because Alice in Wonderland! I was thrilled to find that the Wonderland deck *does* feel right. I’m not into runes or other stuff, but that’s just because I’ve never had the occasion to be exposed to them. I’m interested in them. I just haven’t done anything more than think about one day working with them and figuring out whether they fit in my life.
Questions: Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO
Not particularly, although I think I’m finally considering getting on the Tom Hiddleston train now that the Hank Williams biopic is happening. Maybe. Probably only in the “hmm, let’s see what else he’s done that’s on Netflix” way, though.
Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague?
It’s fine in makeup, especially if it’s fine/ultrafine/micro. Oh, glittery pens are awesome, too. I’m not particularly fond of it on things, like, say, a glittery skull. Well, let me rephrase that: I love that sort of thing. My cats lick *everything* (Ed is currently licking the envelope some eyeshadow was shipped in, and he will probably be licking a table in about five minutes). I do not want to see glitter in the litter box!
If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be?
The ‘60s. Hippie hippie. I love the ‘90s, but I’m not sure whether I miss the ’90s or being in my 20s in Seattle, and I’m not sure I should put that down here because it’s an era I lived through, not one that I look back and wish I could have been part of.
If you had to pick one or two quotes to live by, what would it be and why?
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” — Winston Churchill. It’s on my fridge a magnet that I came across when my mom was dying. It’s my attempt to remind myself that any current hell is just that: Current and temporary.
Do you prefer physical books? CD books? eBooks? If eBooks do you have preferred format, kindle/nook/kobo/PDF/ePub/ect? eAudio?
If it’s a good curl-up-and-*read* book, physical, definitely. If it’s a casual read-ten-minutes-at-a-time-on-the-bus book, Kindle (for my iPhone) is fine. I like the idea of cd/audiobooks, but I spend most of my listening time splitting my focus between whatever I’m listening to (music, podcasts) and doing *stuff* (cleaning, driving, working).
What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration?
Black cats! And bats! And skulls! And black birds! And I had forgotten how fond I am of witch hats and cauldrons until this evening when I saw some at the store and started smiling.
How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor?
I curse like a timber cutter. I call him Dad. Y’know how kids will sing along to songs on car rides? My brother and I would run George Carlin’s most famous bit. As far as humor goes, I guess it depends on what kind of off-color we’re talking about. I love people like Janeane Garofalo, David Cross, Eddie Izzard, Bill Hicks, and Margaret Cho. Racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. stuff is a no-go. Haaate insult comedy.
I make hairsticks...would you like/use them?
I’m extremely intrigued by them, and I think my hair is finally long enough to give them a try! I used to use chopsticks as hair sticks back in the ‘90s, but then I chopped all of my hair off in ’97 and didn’t start growing it back out until about a year and a half ago, so I’m still learning what can be done with it now that it’s inching towards my bra band.
Larping?
Nope. The closest I’ve ever come is seeing _Monster Camp_ at a film festival and then seeing the main dude at the grocery store pretty much immediately after the screening.
Would you completely freak out if I sent you a chocolate covered scorpion or some other food oddity? This includes things like 'bacon powder' from thinkgeek.com.
Weird food is groovy, but nothing involving bugs/spiders/insects/worms/larvae/etc. in any way, shape, or form, please.
This has kind of been covered, but, are you ok with receiving canned jam (from a veteran jammer!) and if so, what flavors would you like and not like?
I love blackberry and raspberry jam, especially if it’s seedless! Ooh, apple butter is yummy, too. I haven’t had that in ages. It’s *amazing* in a grilled cheese sandwich! I’m not sure if I’ve ever had cherry, but it’s something I would love to try. I hatehate*hate* strawberry and grape. But nothing spicy. Pretty much *ever*.
Nail polish! Meaganola kinda covered this above, but I want to ask a little more in depth. Let's talk nail polish. What colors do you love? Hate? Which brands are you dying to try? Have you ever used indies? Do you like glitter? Any textures to avoid (glitter, sand, etc)?
I love weird colors and finishes! There’s actually a Rainbow Honey section (I subscribe to their monthly mystery bag) and link to a Llarowe wishlist on my wishlist page! I tend to go for blues, greens, and silvers. And glitters, shimmers, and duochromes are the bestest! Ooh, and crellies. I do not wear red, pink, orange (*hate* orange), coral, brown, nude, or pretty much any “traditional”/office-appropriate colors (despite working in the back office of a bank), and I’m not a fan of creams. Texture: Glitters are awesome (tip: Use school glue as a base coat for easy removal!), and sands are okay, but I don’t like textured creams.
I make little monster plushes, from felt and yarn and buttons. How do you feel about getting a special Halloween plushie?
Sounds awesome and adorable!
I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun?
Hmm… Yogurt candies and neat pens?
Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of?
Croquet. I have *no clue* why I don't already have a bottle. I'm not even sure I have more than one imp!
I know not everyone likes Lush products, but if you do, which Lush items would you like to get from your Witch?
Ibiza Party Shampoo, if they ever make more. I just noticed it’s out of stock, and I have a really bad feeling it’s gone forever. Smells *so good*! I do love their citrusy shower gels.
Soooooo I seem to have more airline miles than money right now. no idea how that happened. Is there anywhere (in the US) that you are dying to get away to? Also when would you be able to get away. Would this even be something you were interested in? If so, go look at the Southwest sale for routes and dates and times.
Man, I would love to go to Las Vegas for my birthday (January 21st) or Chinese New Years. Or San Francisco in early-to-mid-November. I desperately want to go somewhere (and, really, anywhere), but I would need to look at the vacation budget at the end of September to figure anything further out. Hotel rooms are a killer!
If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc?
Men’s XXL over here. Lots of boobs and butt, and they inevitably become pajama tops!
ThinkGeek: Urk, I need to set up a wishlist! Once that’s done, it will go on my wishlist page.
Zombies, yes or no?
Yes! I think the original _Night of the Living Dead_ was actually what set off my obsession with makeup.
Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves?
Probably past elbow, although I am chunky, so they need to be very roomy!
Do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s?
Monkeys. My very first nickname was in fact Monkey until my mom realized I knew what monkeys were and referred to one as Meggie. She made my aunt come up with another nickname so my self-esteem wouldn’t be hurt, and that's when I became Nutmeg. (And then the real damage came when I got my first “real” haircut at the age of six, and my brother informed me that I was ugly.)
Paintbox: Lots of stuff! Clean Slate facial scrub. Bookkeeper's Butter Intense Hand Salve. Scrubs/creams/lotions only (that is, no bar soap): The Bees' Lament, Punkie Night, Guy Fawkes, Indian Summer, Miss Ada (eee! My girlkitty was named Ada, and I frequently called her Miss Ada! I miss her), Sweet Cheeks, Blackbird, Mandinka. I didn't see any wax tarts that really caught my attention.
How would you feel if your witch or a minion of your witch showed up in person
at your house with goodies? Thrilled? Annoyed? Completely creeped out?
Um… I would need advance notice to make sure I’m dressed and presentable in real clothes and not just a tie-dyed t-shirt and pj pants with my hair a sweaty disgusting mess from cleaning. And my cats FREAK THE HELL OUT when people come inside. So maybe that’s not optimal. But a drive-by package-leaving? Totally cool.
Do you have a ravelry account? Tell me about your yarn obsessions.
Nope. Not a yarn person.
Sock Dreams: Yay or nay?
Yay! I actually live in Sock Dreams City, so I go to the store itself on a regular basis and pretty much only buy long socks I've been able to check out in person due to my chunky calves. So many adorable knee and OTK socks! So few actually fit me despite being in the plus size section. I do have a Sock Dreams wishlist linked on my wishlist page, though, and their anklet and crew selections are awesome and an obsession!
Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors?
Love! For scarves and shawls, I love silky-feeling stuff. Not *silk*, but soft, like chenille. For dishcloths, cotton, all the way. No wool, please!
Is your Amazon WL up-to-date?
All wishlists are up to date! There are probably some things on my Powell's WL not on my amazon one and vice versa.
If you were to receive handmade caramels, would it matter if they were made with raw cream (unpasteurized)?
I've never had raw milk or cream, but it sounds awesome because CARAMEL. It is literally practically my middle name.
I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices?
I'll pass. I keep buying spices and then never even cracking the seal!
Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Are there types of incense you know you don't like? Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals to get you started with that, or would you rather stick to simpler types?
All of the above. Any form, any scent (my headache trigger notes don't seem to appear in incense very often), and occult underpinnings are very much welcome. I am always interested in trying new forms of it as long as I have the correct burner and instructions. I can't have open flames due to kitties, so candles are banned, but they don't seem interested in bothering burning incense. I do have a couple of coffin-style stick burners, so I'm set as far as those are concerned.
Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen?
I don't send letters, so it would be a waste to send lovely things to me because I would just use it for, like, grocery lists and my weekend agenda. But a quill pen? I love fountain pens and would love to give a quill pen a try!
Heat tolerance! (as in spicy food): On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "gimme that ghost pepper!" and 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" Where is your heat tolerance?
Probably a 2 at the very most. I always order the mildest Indian food, but I *do* eat Indian food. And there's not really any such thing as "too garlicky" to me.
What is your favorite type of Halloween candy?
The kind on my possession! Seriously, this is the *worst* candy season for me because I can never make up my mind. Caramel, Sweetarts, Skittles, gummies, chocolate, chewy cinnamon stuff (like bears), the whole candy corn/pumpkin/etc. family, peanut butter taffy -- you name it, I want it. Except marshmallow-based stuff. I think I had too many Peeps as a kidlet, and now I tend to avoid marshmallows. Individually-wrapped stuff is probably best because then I can put together little goody bags for myself when I go to movies. (And I love Gobstoppers and jawbreakers, but I need to *not* have any of those because those are just tempting tooth breakage, and I can't afford the dental work!)
Do you need or want any cosy footwear, like fluffy slippers, or slipper socks etc?
I love slipper socks and slippers! Slipper socks with traction things on the bottom are the *best*. Mis Klutzikins over here has been known to slip on *carpet* when she wear slipper socks without the traction things. As far as slippers go, I tend to go for slip-ons like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Ladies-Fluffy-Slip-On-Slippers/dp/B00FOAU08I
I'm not sure why. Maybe because Target usually has them for cheap when I'm in the mood for a new pair. I would be very interested in other styles, too!
New Question!! Are there any beauty accessories you need or would like? For example make-up brushes, facial brushes or eyelash curlers.
I love eyeshadow brushes with short, dense bristles! They're *wonderful* for my beloved loose pigments. I have a couple, but I always want MOAR (it's easier to switch colors if you have a stash of clean brushes handy). Even the $1 e.l.f. cheapies are fantastic for my purposes.
Wax melts: Love them! The Dark Candles website is a nightmare to figure out good scents, though. The scent description page is a dead link! So just in general wax tart terms, since we’re moving into cooler weather (fingers crossed! OH, HOT DAMN, IT LOOKS LIKE IT’S GOING TO RAIN THE SECOND HALF OF MY VACATION NEXT WEEK! You know you’re a native Portlander when you actively look forward to cool weather and rain during your vacation), the fruit punch-y stuff I was using in the summer is too sweet. I’ll just say that I would like my living room to smell like a cross between a hippie import store, a headshop, and a fortune teller’s tent.
PJs and undies: If they’re men’s knit pj/lounge pants, yes! Love those! I tend to wear XL or XXL in those. No undies, though, please.
M&Ms? I love the peanut butter ones! And the almond ones. And… Well, most of them. But I tend to have a bag or two stashed away that I’ve picked up and not broken into yet. (And never the dark chocolate ones! I had a migraine Incident after eating some shortly after they were introduced, and I have avoided them ever since.)
Streaming playlist sub: Not my thing.
Liliths: Hmm… I’m leaving towards Hearts for Ghost Friends and Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha,
New Question! Would you be interested in receiving a box of sugar cube skulls?
Aargh! Those are adorable! And I love sugar skulls! But I don't use sugar cubes, and I fear the return of an ant problem. I'll have to pass due to the fact that they're actual sugar.
Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? Lip balms? Yay or nay?
Cleanser: philosophy purity all-in-one. I have a huge (32-ounce, I think) bottle from last year's Nordstrom anniversary sale, though! I don't use toner. I don't really understand its purpose. Moisturizer: Typically facial oils. It seems like I'm constantly getting these in subscription boxes. I can't remember the last time I bought moisturizer aside from the time two Christmases ago when I had to buy some special moisturizer due to a nasty allergic eczema reaction. My skin leans dry and *hates* anti-aging stuff! I feel like I should use fancier stuff, and especially eye cream, but I don't, even when I get good eye cream in one of my sub boxes! Body lotions: I've recently gone bonkers over Haus of Gloi's pumpkin butters, and I'm intrigued by their body emulsions (and I have specific scents in my wishlist!). Lip balms: LOVE THEM. I keep them in every bag, purse, jacket, you name it. I don't think I've been more than four feet from one in about ten years. Maybe even longer.
If your witch was going to Salem Massachusetts, would you want anything from there? I was thinking mugs, keychains, postcards, etc. But what about witchy supplies like incense, candles, books, etc?
Yes. Anything. Touristy stuff, historical stuff, magickal stuff -- I'm fascinated by all of it (except that tv show starring Ron Howard's son-in-law. I *almost* got through one episode and abandoned it in disgust). Even the Arthur Miller allegory about the Red Scare. (If it wasn't a family name, I would name a cat Arthur after him, but I don't want to deal with the discussions about my childfree status that would generate. My dad's side of the family has zero use for you unless you procreate.)
If you happen to be my witchee, would you be interested in any of the items in my etsy shop? You can favorite them on etsy or mention the specifics in your blog https://www.etsy.com...f=hdr_shop_menu
Ooh! Scarves! Alas, it looks like everything has wool in it. Even if it doesn't touch my skin, I have problems with it.
Jamberry: I don't have a hair dryer, and I understand you need to use one to apply these wraps, so I would have to pass. I love nail wraps in general, though!
Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no?
Please no!
Pillows (the mostly decorative type)?
Ooh, yes! They would need to be kitty-proof, but I am seriously lacking in the throw pillow department.
Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc?
Grocery/tote bags are cool. This is going to sound weird and very gimme/picky, but... Coin purses/wallets/purses/etc. need to have at least a coin of some sort in it if they're a gift. This is my family's other gift superstition (see: knives).
Is there anything special coming up in your life?
I don't recall the exact date, but about a week after Halloween marks the third anniversary of the day I adopted my kitties! On a sadder note, October 6th would have been my mom's 54th birthday. Other than that, nada mucho.
I pass this shop every day, If you were my witchee would you like a custom chocolate bar? What would you choose?
http://www.chocolatc...e-your-own-bar/
Man... This is hard! Dark chocolate with any of the buttons? Any of the nuts except coconut? I love crunchy bits in chocolate. Ooh, white chocolate with freeze-dried strawberries/raspberries (this is probably the only time I like fruit with chocolate) and popping candy. That sounds *fun*.
Fatherhood update: Hmm... Playing Tag in a Garden Full of Gods and A Moment in Time, although I'm thinking decants would be better for me than bottles. (I wish they would all work for me and be bottle-worthy because I just absolutely adore the text. Especially for A Stroll Through the Quarter. I wish that one didn't have banana in it!)
Street art: *cough* I have a tattoo that's a mashup of this:
http://www.amazon.co...g/dp/B00634ROMO
and this:
http://www.amazon.co...duct/B004E7MJYK
So the moral of the story is: *Love* street art.
One note: Argh, this is hard! My body chemistry is in the middle of a shift, so I don't know any more! It would probably be something sticky (for lack of a better way to put it) and/or resiny, like red musk or red sandalwood.
Which one scent would you want from each of the following updates: Metamorphosis, Lilith and GC??? (I'm going to ask this about weenies once they launch too!)
Metamorphosis — Question Mark.
Lilith — Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
GC — I said Croquet earlier somewhere, but I’m thinking I want to change this to Crossroads! I always forget how much I like it until I come across either my imp or the description.
(And I'm mainly interested in decants, although I kind of want a bottle -- or at least several imps so I can collect them in a rollerball -- of Crossroads since I do know it agrees with me.)
NYCC — Anything from Fandom Cosmetics related to one of my (many) fandoms! Or if they have an event exclusive shade, that would be fantastic, too! (Eyeshadow gets prioritized higher than nail polish, in case that was a question. I have a spectacular weakness for duochromes, microsparkles, shimmer, and shift.) (But, eep, they have Teen Wolf polish!) (I’ve been wanting to order from them, but I have heard horror stories about TAT, so they’re on my only-in-person list. But they’ve never been anywhere I’ve been, so I don't have anything from them!) There will probably be a BPAL exclusive I will want, but I naturally don’t know what it is at the moment.
QUESTION! On a whim I have decided to go to the Tokyo Game Show this weekend. There will presumably be lots of silly free swag like postcards and stupid fans. Would something like that possibly interest you, witchee mine?
Fun free swag is a major weakness of mine!
If you have a significant other (or even a close friend that will laugh at the implications), would you enjoy of these couple rings? How about anything from the Halloween collection?
I would have to pass. I love most of this stuff, but I just don’t wear jewelry.
So - IF you imbibe at all ... preference between: wine/beer/cocktails and then glassware and/or bar-ware? cocktail gadgetry? Books on the subject/recipes? would you want sample bottles of local/regional/small batch craft spirits if they were home decanted and labeled? (I can't think of any craft distillery that makes minis.. at least not around here).
Glassware would be my first choice! Then barware, then books, then gadgetry. I don’t drink beer or wine (I have a few bottles of wine, but I think it’s all Chuck from TJ’s that I purchased to make specific recipes that I never made). My personal weakness is fruity rum-based stuff. Think rum punch. But very rarely. I’m not a huge drinker (it’s been months since I had *any* booze), but I like to read recipes and pretend I live a much more interesting life than I actually do. (It’s actually very similar to my stance on cookbooks.) Glassware and barware things are cool because you don’t *have* to use them for alcohol! (But nothing with a long stem, please, because SO CLUMSY. It *might* last fifteen minutes. If I was lucky.)
NYCC: So much! I think my biggest wants (decants are good on these as well) are: The Gas Lamp’s Flare Lips of Flame and Heart of Stone Mrs. Emma Marsh Tammany Free and Easy atmos spray both hair glosses! Honeyed Apple bath oil
2014 Weenies: Gah, I'm curious about SO MANY of these! (And again, Team Decant!) All Souls (because tradition!) Autumn Cider (because apples and booze) Autumn Overlooked My Knitting (because curious, although I have great misgivings about the leaves) Feeding the Dead (because it’s actually a cozy scent to me!) Samhain (see All Souls) Suck It (because red wine) Sugar Skull (see All Souls and Samhain) The White Witch (even though it looks like it has *way* too many notes for me, because red musk) Visions of Autumn III (just because) Visions of Autumn IV (because orange blossom and champaca) All of the single notes! (Well, except Pile of Fallen Leaves) Pumpkin I (because it sounds like a nice, creamy, cozy scent) Pumpkin IV (because champaca resin)
Switch Witch 2014 Help (Part 1?)
I haven't had any BPTP soap in a long while, any scent but Embalming Fluid would be nice
candles: Miskatonic University or Perversion would be nice
atmo sprays: would like a squirt of Down the Rabbit Hole
I'd also love one of those lanyards that people are getting as freebies with orders!
*EDIT* As for past LEs, I would love more Patchouli Clove Massage oil. I think there was something else too, hopefully I'll remember it eventually....
Disliked direct sellers or retail brands: For the most part, I'd say that if a product fits in with my tastes as I've explained them in my question answers, I'm not too fussed about where it came from. That means, for example, that something like Scentsy is lost on me because I don't enjoy that type of product, and explained that in my questionnaire. And I am not a big "makeup" person, so... say if my Witch found one really cool eyeshadow from one of the cosmetic companies listed, that would be fine, but if I got some kind of blush/lipstick/whateverelse combination set, or a bunch of makeup in general, I just wouldn't use it. As for Bath and Body Works, I think if my Witch really wants to get me one of their products, a candle in something other than a "generic holiday spice" scent would probably be okay, but that's about it... I feel like their stuff is a pretty common "gift of last resort" if one does not know what to get somebody, so I usually end up with some of their stuff every year anyway as gifts from co-workers or relatives. Coffee & tea preferences: Hmm... I went into quite a bit of detail about this stuff in my questionnaire, but I can try to think of any additional info that might be helpful on the subject. I do have a little coffee grinder and a non-fancy tea ball. Don't remember if I said this or not, but I prefer bagged to loose tea... I have a bunch of cool loose tea sitting in my pantry right now because I'm usually too lazy to make it that way. No preference really about places to buy coffee and tea... I guess most of the time we get it at the grocery store, but it is nice to get different stuff at World Market or similar once in awhile. I don't usually order them online. I think I talked about flavors quite a bit in my questionnaire, the only thing I don't remember saying is that I like cinnamon coffee as well as coconut coffee. Do you cook? Would kitchen accessories make you happy? Yes, and probably? I may need to give some thought as to what specific kitchen accessories I am in need of, and update this in my blog if I think of specific things. A mandolin does sound good though. *EDIT* A spice grinder or mortar and pestle would be nice. How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems? "Creative endeavors" seems to be a pretty broad category that could include things covered by many other questions (fiber arts, baked goods, paintings, etc.), so I'd have a hard time saying yea or nay in general. As for drawings/stories/poems, since they are mentioned specifically, that wouldn't really be my thing, sorry. As for crafting supplies and the like, as I mentioned in my questionnaire, I'm not into such things. What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you?
Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)?
Kind of amazed this wasn’t directly addressed on the questionnaire… but what do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests?
Not sure if there is a culture/country I have a particular connection to. I like many aspects of many different ones, I think. But I can update in my blog if something specific does occur to me.
Probably not, but again, I can update in my blog if I think of something.
Hmm... in the questionnaire I filled out to join this swap, I answered "Hobbies/crafts done:" with this information. Other than those things, I like hanging out here on the forum, and, uh, shopping? taking my dog for walks? Nothing else I can really think of that should make a difference for gift-giving....
1) Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc? Gaming accessories you long for? 2) DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through AMazon? I think I can answer both of these together. First of all, I'm fine with used stuff in general. The only games I actually own and play are Trivial Pursuit and Mastermind. I'm good on Mastermind, but for Trivial Pursuit, wouldn't mind either the newest version, or the old music expansion pack (my husband and I used to have both of these before the second time that our house burned down). As for additional games, Perquackey might be okay (doesn't have to be the newest version). Of course, I understand if my Witch doesn't want to get me a $50 game or a $20 set of cards though... the music cards do show up at thrift stores for like $2 sometimes. And I think I mentioned in my questionnaire that I'm not really into owning DVDs. What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try? I can't think of any that I want to try but haven't. I do like green tea kitkats and Meltykiss chocolate (I think the last flavor I tried was milk tea but I've tried others) from Japan, and various types of pocky and pretz... I guess that's in line with what I've already said in my questionnaire though. do you have a Facebook profile (or other social media) that you are comfortable linking to aid your witch in stalking? Please note whether you are willing to add BPALers as friends I have already added my information to the spreadsheet provided for this purpose earlier in the round so hopefully I'm good here. I agree with Lady_Fire (including the Sailor Moon part). So, hey, RCCC. As long as I'm mentioning it, anything you're interested in there, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist? If something catches your eye and it's in line with my already-stated preferences, sure, but I can't think of anything in particular. When I do this swap, I really, really do it because I want to connect with another forumite, make friends with them, and communicate with my witchee. So, everyone, how do you personally feel about this? Hmm... as I said in my questionnaire, I consider myself medium-low in terms of contact level. But I do have an email address that I use specifically for swaps, and do use it to communicate with swapees in almost every swap that I participate in. And during Switch Witch rounds I've sent e-cards and sent more than one package, and included notes and descriptions of items/why I chose them as appropriate. Now I feel like my witchee might figure out who I am based on this. Eh, I'm just paranoid. Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing?
If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions?
What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it?
How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? I.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin…
Puzzles... if you mean actual jigsaw ones, they'd need to be less than 1000 pieces, 500 would be ideal. Riddles are... okay I guess? Treasure hunts, definitely not.
CD, but I might not get much use out of it....
Having some co-worker trouble that I need to discuss with my boss. I've been considering doing the honey jar thing too.
Sounds great!
Are YOU superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations? Um, I like the TV or radio volume to be on an even number and not an odd one, but I'm not sure whether that's a superstition. I asked my husband if there are things we don't want in the house due to superstitions, but he couldn't think of anything either. I can update this in my blog if I think of anything though. Ok, so we've covered pumpkin. How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples? I'm not really into apple as a scent... I mean, I don't hate it, but there aren't any apple-heavy BPAL/candle/incense scents that I particularly love. Now, I remember talk of "apple crips" (not apple crisps) as a snack in a past round, and they sounded intriguing, so I'd try those if they were available. I do make a very nice Granny Smith apple pie with a great crumb topping, but unless you are in South Central TX and want to stop by my place sometime, you're just going to have to imagine it.... As for decorations depicting apples if that would count, they aren't really my thing... my deceased mother-in-law decorated her kitchen like that so that would be weird for me. Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions? Hmm... I usually say that wool stuff is fine as long as it isn't super-itchy, but this has me wondering how someone who wasn't me would determine that. Oh well. And I guess in general I'm more into natural fibers, but I own a variety of fabrics so it'd be difficult for me to figure out some kind of hard-and-fast rule there. how do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments? Yes, this a Halloween swap, just answer the question! They are fine. I like blue and silver, or peacock-type colors best I guess. I think I only own like 2 ornaments or something so definitely wouldn't mind getting more. How do you feel about Hello Kitty, and Hello Kitty accessories (including mugs, cups, etc)? I like Hello Kitty, and some of her other friends such as Chococat and My Melody. Mugs and cups sound fine too. How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationary - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?) Okay, I'm getting out of sequence here, but just wanted to answer/comment on this one: I mentioned that site in my SW questionnaire, actually, and own quite a bit of stationery from them, and even a couple from that same brand! But I wouldn't particularly enjoy the specific stationery you linked to because I don't really like parakeets or whatever those are! I'd like something like this stationery from the same brand though. So I guess I do like cute in general, but well, elegant/creepy/neutral is also good. *EDIT* If I got "not-particularly-enjoyed" stationery I would still use it though, to be honest, because I do have a handful of penpals and sometimes get sad about mailing away all of my coolest stationery. If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study? I'd love to put something esoteric and interesting here, but all I can think of in my barely-awake sinus-headache state right now is Spanish. I'm doing the Duolingo thing right now, which is free and online and seems really great, but it's going to be a pretty long road. I don't really think I need any learning-Spanish stuff from my Witch though. Same as usual, I'll update in my blog if I think of a better answer. Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like?
Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character?
What is something you'd really like to recieve from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!"
Yes, but like many of us, I was more into it in high school. I know I still like E. E. Cummings, Baudelaire, and Rimbaud. I think my husband and I used to have almost everything by Rilke too but I haven't read as much of his stuff. I don't spend much time reading poetry these days though. I have a hard time describing subject matter, but I'm probably not very much into like, straight-up nature poetry.
Nope, I'm not really a Disney person.
Well, as some others have said, I'd like my witch to have some leeway here. I think it'd be great if I could get something edible (could be anything from home-made baked goods to interesting candy from a store to salsa from the farmers' market, or anything else that wouldn't be counter to the food preferences I've mentioned), and something wearable (could be earrings, socks, fancy bobby pins, etc.), but if that isn't in the cards, that's fine too.
Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO No celeb crush. Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague? I do like glitter, especially glittery nail polish, but I don't want, like, an envelope full of loose glitter. And I don't wear body glitter, though I'm not sure whether that even still exists (ah, raver days!). What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration? I like cats and owls. I also like anything in a candy corn print. Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)? I went over this quite a bit in my questionnaire and previous questions, I think. I don't wear makeup often so don't need much, if any. Like I said, if you find one or two very cool eyeshadows in a user-friendly format (like I said, not a tiny baggie of loose pigment, though a little jar would work okay for that), that would be fine. I do not use/own lipstick, blush, or nail wraps. I do like lipgloss and lip balm, not in a pot or tin though, in a tube. I love nail polish in basically all colors, including wacky glitters, but I do not like the matte kind, or the stuff that's supposed to be like a "sand" texture, or the crackle or magnetic stuff that was popular awhile back. Hope that helps! I make hairsticks...would you like/use them? I think my hair is too short for those, sadly. girasol, on 12 Sept 2014 - 12:47 AM, said: I'm with girasol on the profanity/off-color humor thing. Does anyone here LARP? If so, what kind of LARP? And what kind of character do you play? Nope. Would you completely freak out if I sent you a chocolate covered scorpion or some other food oddity? This includes things like 'bacon powder' from thinkgeek.com. I don't really want bugs to eat, it's more the texture than anything else (same reason I can't eat lettuce!). Other food oddities that are not bugs and not super-spicy would probably be fine though. This has kind of been covered, but, are you ok with receiving canned jam (from a veteran jammer!) and if so, what flavors would you like and not like? Canned jam would be great. The only kind that I don't really like is jalapeno (yes, I know that's usually jelly and not jam, but I still thought it might apply here), mostly because people usually dump it over a block of cream cheese and eat it with crackers, which is unappealing to me. Meaganola kinda covered this above, but I want to ask a little more in depth. Let's talk nail polish. What colors do you love? Hate? Which brands are you dying to try? Have you ever used indies? Do you like glitter? Any textures to avoid (glitter, sand, etc)? I think I went into a lot of detail about this already both in these questions and in the questionnaire. I have definitely used indies, for example I have ordered several brands from llarowe. The only brands I can think of that I didn't really like are Julep and Contrary Polish, everything else has been cool. And I mentioned textures to avoid above. I make little monster plushes, from felt and yarn and buttons. How do you feel about getting a special Halloween plushie? That sounds very cool! I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun? Another thing I've talked about quite a bit in my question answers and in my questionnaire. I like Japanese candy like green tea kitkats and Meltykiss chocolate (would love to try any of their limited edition stuff in addition to the "normal" kinds... I know I liked their milk tea kind when it was available), and would of course try other Japanese candy too. I buy Japanese stationery and stickers online already but definitely wouldn't mind receiving more. I used to love phone charms but my current phone doesn't have a space for one... but I could use one of those decorations for the headphone outlet/jack or whatever it's called. Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of?
I know not everyone likes Lush products, but if you do, which Lush items would you like to get from your Witch?
I need another bottle of Aunt Caroline's Joy Mojo, and am also interested in a bottle of High John the Conqueror (currently just have an imp). I'd also love a bottle of No. 93 Engine... I used to have one but sold it a couple of years back because I needed money to get my nephew a graduation gift.
I may run out of time on this one so please check in my blog later if you are interested... a version of this question usually gets asked in these swaps so there should be previous answers there too. I need some shower gel right now, I know I like Flying Fox and Happy Hippy out of the currently-available stuff. I also like Freeze and Slammer which are Retro but sold out right now. Bubble bars: I definitely like Dorothy and Pop in the Bath.
airline miles: That's very generous, but I don't think my husband and I are planning to fly anywhere in the next year. I won't really have time for long trips until summer, and I'm almost certain that we decided that this summer we'd do a road trip instead of a plane trip. If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc? Hmm, thought I already answered something like this, but I guess it was a previous swap. T-shirts would be nice, but... it's complicated. Mens/unisex sizes: usually M, possibly L Womens sizes: usually L, possibly XL Juniors/babydoll sizes: usually XL, possibly XXL For example, in regular BPAL ladies' tees, I need an XXL, but in their tissue tees, I just need an XL. Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves? I think fingerless gloves would be better than arm-warmers but either would be nice I guess. No full sleeves, but either just-below-the-wrist or almost-to-the-elbow would be fine. MeiLin, on 12 Sept 2014 - 3:52 PM, said: I'm with MeiLin on this one! do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s? Not sure. I like many animals... here's something I wrote for a swap back in 2011: "how do you pick just one? I like cats, foxes, red pandas, and wombats (and a bunch of other animals I'm forgetting!). EDIT: yep, I forgot hedgehogs, bees, and deer, and got reminded reading someone else's post! I guess I like many fantasy creatures as well... but I can't think of anything but, like, kirins and, uh, owlbears right now." Anyone have any paintbox loves? I'm most interested in the hot process soaps... Rice Pudding, Mandinka, Whiskers, The Crofter's Bar, and Black Bart all sound awesome. Lotions sound nice too though, especially Blackbird. ThinkGeek whatnots ~$20 Limited Edition Hobbit Moleskine Cover Blubber Fabled Axe Tea Infuser Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors? Scarves would be okay, usually we don't get much of a winter here, but last winter was sorta something and I hear this winter may be too. I want this (full size though), but I think it's probably too much for this swap (counting both time and money)... I think my husband and I are going to go in on one for Christmas. So more in line with reality, a scarf in a cream or grey color would be nice. I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices? I need some black mustard seeds and some nigella seeds (yeah, I cook Indian food!), but that's about it. If you were to receive handmade caramels, would it matter if they were made with raw cream (unpasteurized)? That sounds fine. Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Are there types of incense you know you don't like? Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals to get you started with that, or would you rather stick to simpler types? I'm really only interested in stick incense, but otherwise this sounds great. I might as well plug my favorite incense company here too... they make incense for the Vatican, and are the best I've ever used... smell awesome, long burn time, etc. But of course I'll try other kinds! Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen? Maybe on the stationery or cards, as long as they were easily mail-able anyway... I do have penpals, as mentioned previously, so I'd probably use them. No on the quill pen though. What is your favorite type of Halloween candy? I don't really have particular Halloween faves... so I guess I'll just say that overall, it's best if it contains chocolate! Do you need or want any cosy footwear, like fluffy slippers, or slipper socks etc? I'm not really a "houseshoes" person but I do like slipper socks -- for example the maryjane style kinda like this, Target usually has similar ones with seasonal themes. I only have one pair so wouldn't mind another. It'd also be nice to get some warm wool socks to wear with boots -- I think I have only one pair right now. What is your favorite halloween candy/snack? (you don't have to pick one) What do you most look forward to each Fall? Oh boy, I'm probably going to give the un-helpfullest answer ever here (and yep, making up words = time to go to bed)! So, I already answered a question about Halloween candy here yesterday. As for what I look forward to each fall, uh, I make these once a year (only once a year, but definitely every year) so I guess it's them. Trying to think of something vaguely fall-food-like that a person could actually purchase for me, I do like maple sandwich cookies, the ones that are shaped like a maple leaf and have maple creme inside. I think I got some at Trader Joe's last year but I could be mis-remembering and have actually bought them at a Kroger's or Randall's even longer ago. Great, I'm rambling too. Gotta go to bed! What gadgets do you use in your everyday life and would you like a cool case for them - with your favourite fandom or artwork or saying? Um, I have an ipad for work (as in, all new employees get them, so I got one last year... but I do own it... they made us "earn" them through technology-related professional development), but it already has a nice case including a bluetooth keyboard (yeah, I paid for that... not sure how some of my co-workers get by without keyboards). I don't have a smartphone so don't need a case for that either. Sorry! Are there any beauty accessories you need or would like? For example make-up brushes, facial brushes or eyelash curlers. Um, do wandcaps for BPAL count? I don't think I've ever used a makeup brush unless those little eyeshadow applicators count, and I'm good on those. Never used an eyelash curler either. I guess I'd like to try Zoya's Renew or Armour if those count though. Would you be disappointed to get one big box, or would you prefer a bunch of little ones? And would you be disappointed if your witch actually had it together early and sent it to you sooner than later? I'm probably not your Witchee based on various things, but this is probably worth answering anyway. First of all, ultimately, whatever my Witch wants is cool, I want people to be themselves as much as possible! But if I really get down to the nittygritty of what I'd prefer, I guess it would be somewhere between "one big box" and "a bunch of little ones." Basically I think it's cool to get one or two little things early in the round, and a box of multiple things at the end. So I guess that answers the second of these questions too. But Witch, if an early reveal/one big box works best for you, then that's what you should do! I won't be disappointed either way. Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? And if so, what size? For PJ pants, do you like cotton or flannel? Undies, not so much, I'd rather pick those out for myself. PJs, yes! I especially need (boxer-like?) shorts, but I understand that Halloween ones are probably pants so that's okay too. About sizing, I think LadyWench said it pretty well, at least for junior-type sizes: "XXL is probably better at this point, sometimes XL can be fine but it depends on the brand, and I'd rather have too big than too small!" Old Navy or something similar, I could do an XL though. I think I already said this, but for number sizes, I'm usually a 16 or 18 depending on the brand. Finally, definitely cotton and not flannel or the even fuzzier stuff. Do you like M&Ms? Yeah, I like them. I do not like peanut M&Ms though (peanut butter ones are fine, on the other hand). I'd be fine with trying other wacky flavors. What scents from the Lillith update would you like to try? I will likely buy myself a bottle of (Not So) Penitent (Mini) Magdalene, so please don't get me that, Dear Witch! But I'd like to try Venustas too, so if you'd like to pick up a decant of that for me or something, that'd be cool. I'm not sure if they gift streaming subscriptions, but would you like one? Would it even be useful for you or do you prefer having real music in your hands? count me among the folks who don't understand this concept, so I don't think it'd be useful for me, sorry. Sugar Skull cubes on Etsy? They'd be fine. I think my husband is usually the sugar-cube user in the house though. Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? Lip balms? Yay or nay? I think I've addressed most of this stuff in my questionnaire and such. I really don't need any facial maintenance items... Witch, I'd let you know if there was something I was running low on, but I'm not. I could actually use a small body lotion for work... I thought I had one at work but I actually don't. Probably one that, uh, squeezes out would be better for this purpose than one in a jar with a screw-off lid, because that just seems less weird thinking about using it at work. As for lotion scent, I'm pretty open, the only things I can think of that I wouldn't like would be cherry blossom (I had some BBW lotion in that scent years ago that just didn't agree with me) or some sort of very sweet bakery type scent. Dear Witch, if you need to know anything more specific about this stuff, please just let me know.
Switch Witch 2014: The Weenie Round
So the great insanity of trying to get lists that make sense
Fall '14 Switch Witch! Answers and misc
General interests stuff (Switch Witch wishlist stuff included!)
My living space cohabitators are two kitties, both born in the summer of 2011 but *very* different in maturity! The big (probably around 20 pounds) gray kitty acts like he's about eight years old. The small (probably under ten pounds) black kitty seems to think he's ten months old, and he WILL NOT let anyone other than me be in the same room as him or even get within eight feet of the window of him (except the mailman. For some reason, he *loves* having a staredown contest with the mailman!) Because of these two, I have to avoid candles. Wax tarts, incense, and room sprays are awesome, though!
Things I collect aside from BPAL: Film festival catalogs/programs Things with bats, black cats, and/or skulls (year-round, not just a Halloween thing) Pens! I love blue/purple/green rollerball/gel pens! And fountain pens!
Hobbies/crafts: Sadly, aside from reading, watching stuff on Netflix, and makeup, I don't really have any. I want to learn how to knit, though!
I'm pretty much obsessed with fandom-based indie stuff, especially if there's a collection! In general, my biggest beauty obsessions are the aforementioned fandom indies, body lotions/butters, mini fancy hand cream, perfume oil (I can't wear alcohol-based stuff!), shower gel (I can't use bar soap), fine sugar scrubs, indie nail polish, bonkers nail wraps, and lip just-about-anything (I don't think I have been more than four feet from a lip balm in years!). I gravitate to limited edition and seasonal stuff.
Body product preferences: Whipped soaps, lotions, creams, oils (body, face, perfume -- just not stuff to be applied in the shower). I love fancy mini hand creams! Not a fan of white notes, though. They give me a piercing headache.
Fragrance preferences: Hippie. I love sandalwood, patchouli, dragon's blood, some amber, red musk. For shower gels, I tend to go for non-tropical tree fruit stuff, like citrus, peach, apple, cherry, pear. And pretty much any fruit blossom except cherry! Cherry blossom turns to hairspray and sneezing on me.
Past BPALs I'm kicking myself for missing (decants are awesome!):
Weenies 2016 Honeyed Apple Spiced Autumn Cider Apple VIII Apple X Four Grave Robbers Awaken a Ghost
Weenies 2015 A Witch Riding on a Dragon The Witches' Sabbath
Non-BPAL stuff I'm coveting: Any of the Nag Champa Seahorse variations from Nocturne Alchemy Possets Halloween Retour: Autumn, Baksheesh, Doped Pumpkin, The Female Souls of the Night, Re-God of the Sun, Redcap. Possets non-Retour: Madame X.
BPAL imps I collect for rollerballs: Bella Donna della Mia Mente Tamora Alice
My big fat fandom list: Mr. Robot Westworld Doctor Who/Torchwood (S1-3 only. Miracle Day does not exist in my world) Game of Thrones (show only) (I’m not a big fantasy fan, but I’m a *huge* Peter Dinklage fan ever since the original Death at a Funeral!) comic book movies (any of them, even if they're not superhero movies, but especially Marvel properties and… Well, really, anything not-DC! Except Wonder Woman. They kind of started to redeem themselves with WW. I'm reserving judgment on whether this is an aberration until we see how Justice League turns out.) CW DC universe Gotham Marvel Netflix universe Twin Peaks (probably my first fandom, although I haven't seen the reboot) Teen Wolf (yes, very trashy and utterly age-inappropriate. Don’t care. I'm only through S3, though!) Breaking Bad American Horror Story (all seasons except Cult!) Horror in general Sherlock X-Men (movies only so far, mainly because I have *no clue* where to start with the books. General request for anyone who might be willing to provide some assistance: If you happen to know the book side of things, I would love some help!) Supernatural My Hogwarts house would be Ravenclaw! I'm ever-so-slowly breaking into comic books and graphic novels, although I don't actually own very many. Alice in Wonderland. My earliest memory is of being in the middle of reading it!
Once upon a time, I was hardcore into: Buffy/Angel Stargate SG-1/Atlantis (I need to watch Universe, but I just never get around to it) Lost Heroes Battlestar Galactica (as a kidlet, I was obsessed with the original series. As an adult, I fell headlong into the reboot)
Fandoms I have a feeling I will be getting sucked into by the end of the year: Merlin Orphan Black Orange Is the New Black
Podcasts: Darkest Night, Rabbits, TANIS. I like horror fiction and mysteries! In general, though, I'm going heavy into true crime. I'm a Murderino! And not just murder. I also love Liar City and Criminal. And True Crime Garage, Based on a True Story, Canadian True Crime, True Crime Japan, Last Podcast on the Left, Casefile, Real Crime Profile, Court Junkie, And That's Why We Drink, and probably half a dozen more!
Items to avoid due to allergies: Bar soap Alcohol-based perfume Fragrance with any notes involving the word "white" in the description or any evergreen tree notes (pine, spruce, fir, etc.) Anything containing avocado flesh (avocado oil in cuticle oil is okay, but things like avocado masks and guacamole = hives)
I Cant Cheat
Halloweenie SW 2014
How do people feel about canned good (pickles, salsa, etc) and vegetal baked goods (squash bread, zucchini bread)? My questionnaire covers this. I’ve been (badly) burned in a foodie swap in a way that still grosses me out when I think of it. Not here, by the way, but elsewhere on the interwebz. I’m still too gun-shy to accept home-processed food. Whole, unprocessed stuff, however would be grand (assuming it can be safely shipped). And I’m the kind of weirdo that would love something like, say, a single apple.
How about y'alls coffee and tea preferences? I think I covered this pretty well in my questionnaire, but I’ll re-emphasize that I don’t like tart teas (rosehips, hibiscus, citric acid, citrus fruit) and that rooibos is repellant to me.
Trading Post wants? Always wanted to try the candles, but they’re pricey. I’d happily accept a used one, even. All of the following appeal: Black Rose, Bliss, Grave Moss & Upturned Soil, Khajuraho, Misk U, There Yet Shall Be Sorrows.
How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems? Creative stuff is awesome (not to mention touching). It's always among my favorite gifts. I prefer the useful to the purely decorative (unless it's for my Dia de los Muertos altar). As long as it’s not a terribly smelly and/or chemically, I’ll give most anything a whirl!
What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you? Ancient Mesoamerican peoples. And I have no idea why. No blood connection that I know of. Just always drawn to understanding them better. The various Celtic tribes hold almost equal sway. But there I’m at least Irish.
Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)? I would absolutely love a pic of my dog Lana, in any style (well, maybe not pinup...that'd be...weird). I’d frame it and hang it forever. She’s an old gal (almost 11), so such mementos mean a lot to me.
What do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests? I think I outlined that pretty well in my questionnaire, but I also do a lot of “beer tourism” (going to beer fests, touring breweries, that sort of thing). I also recently joined a homebrew club, which is a little funny, given that I’ve been brewing for about 20 years.
Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc.? Gaming accessories you long for? I don't do most tabletop gaming, but I'd love a set of Cards Against Humanity. Doesn’t need to be the official set. The print-and-cut version would be great too. I just haven’t found the time for the printing and cutting.
DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through Amazon? Used is always best for me. If you brag about how little it cost, I’ll consider that a sort of cherry on top. Sadly, I can't think of anything specific at the moment.
What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try? Weird-ass flavors of Kit Kats. Wasabi, Red Bean, etc. I look forward to sharing them with my horrified family. Otherwise, odd flavors are great. Flower candies, or things with traditionally "savory" seasonings.
What direct sellers do you not like and would prefer not to get things from? And also feel free to list any retail brands you really don't like. I don't use the products most of those companies make. As for companies I'd rather avoid, I mentioned Starbucks somewhere (questionnaire?), I can't readily think of any.
Do you have a favorite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom? I like (and find amusing) many, many memes. "Nailed it" jokes are usually funny. And Pun Husky still makes me laugh, almost in spite of myself.
Anybody interested in something from RCCC, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist? Wouldn't even know what to ask for. Know zilch about comics or their related cons (except that BPAL is sometimes featured).
How important to you is regular contact / chatter with your witch? My questionnaire covers this pretty well. I prefer chatty Witches, but I understand if they don't feel the same. Only complete radio silence bums me out.
Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing? Sure! I can't promise I'll be any good at them, though.
If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions? Digital, if possible. But CDs are okay too.
What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it? That list is far too long to address here.
How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? i.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin… I probably wouldn't carry anything with me unless it was small and I could put it in my wallet or somewhere similarly out of the way.
Are you superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations? I'm situationally superstitious...spidey senses and the like. But not about any one specific thing.
How do you feel about things (say, marshmallows or gummy candy) made with vegan gelatin or other typically-animal-derived-but-not-in-this-instance products? Go for it.
Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions? Most 100% wool doesn't work for me around my neck, but as I never wear scarves (I have one cashmere one that I love, and that's plenty in this climate). I can wear superwash wool, especially if it's spun with a little nylon. I don't really like "fluffy" fiber like alpaca or mohair, mostly because of all the fiber that it sheds. I do prefer natural to synthetic for the most part (my love of wool/nylon notwithstanding). I don't mind (soft--as in, not Red Heart) acrylic for things like fingerless mitts.
How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples? Apples are great, but I prefer organic. Honeycrisps are my favorite! Not really interested in apple as a fragrance.
How do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments? Don't use 'em. If I do decorate for solstice, I just use lots of candles and natural greenery.
Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like? I'm very, very picky about my poetry. Mostly I hate free-verse. I dig meter and rhyme, but hate triteness. Philip Larkin is my favorite poet.
Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character? No, thanks.
How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationary - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?) About the only "cute" things I like are Dia de los Muertos folk art. And MisNopalesArt' stuff.
What is something you'd really like to receive from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!" Everything on my wishlists (and things similar) is something I'd love to receive. I'm not really about receiving stuff from my wishlist. Thoughtfulness is so much more important.
If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study? Probably yeast cultivation and management at Siebel.
Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists: Matthew Sweet - Does She Talk Chairlift - Grimes - Old 97's - Grimes - Radical Face - Balam Acab - Ulrich Schnauss - Ramona Lisa - Fishboy -
Tarot cards, rune stones and/or other divination tools yay or nay? I'm good on runes. I'd love something different, like a black mirror or bowl for scrying.
Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO There are plenty of musicians whose work obsesses me, but I don't really conflate the artist with the art.
Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague? Mostly plague.
If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be? I can't imagine how any other era would deal with me. This one is having enough trouble.
If you had to pick one or two quotes to live by, what would it be and why?
And why? Hello, hedonist!
Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of? On my wishlist. Do you prefer physical books? CD books? eBooks? If eBooks do you have preferred format, kindle/nook/kobo/PDF/ePub/ect? eAudio? I like eBooks and paper books and some audiobooks (although sometimes narrators really annoy me).
Smut! Yes or no? If yes, what kink, er, kind? Probably not.
If you were to get a custom bottle from House of Gloi made for you what notes would create your perfect blend? Sandalwood, Beeswax and Honey, Dirt, Nag Champa.
What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration? I love jack o' lanterns. But really I love calaveras for Dia de los Muertos.
Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)? You, Madam or Sir, are not my Witch.
How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor? As long as it's not stupid, have at it. I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun? Weird candy, por favor.
I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices? Absolutely. I love dried chilies, especially powdered (I have a good collection of whole ones, but it would be nice to have some in a handier form). Smoked chiles are my absolute favorite. I also love Indian and Thai spices for curries. Whole seeds to grind are ideal (caraway, cumin, coriander, cardamom, chilies, dried turmeric/galangal/ginger chunks, white/green/pink peppercorns, bay leaves, makrut lime leaves...the list goes on and on!
Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Absolutely! I don't really have a use for stick incense, but powders and resins, sure!
Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals. I prefer burners with a grate to burn charcoal.
Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors? It doesn't get cold enough here to really need scarves or shawls, and I'm no fashionista, so they wouldn't see a lot of use. Dishcloths, however, are used hereabouts daily (no dishwasher). I've gotten into dishcloths densely knit/crocheted from crochet cotton (the thin stuff), mostly because they scrub nicely and dry quickly, especially in our wet winter climate. I'll gladly accept the regular "dishcloth cotton" kind, though. I'll use 'em all! I'd prefer lighter colors, and the design can be anything your heart desires, dear Witch!
Is there anywhere (in the US) that you are dying to get away to? Also when would you be able to get away. Would this even be something you were interested in? I try very earnestly to avoid flying. The whole experience leaves me cold (and frequently sick to boot).
If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc? I'm never sure about these definitions. Do babydoll tees have cap sleeves? Then nawp. Do they have longer sleeves but are more fitted (like this)? Yawp. I prefer round-neck to v-neck (but as long as the v-neck's not too wide/plunging, that's cool). I also prefer slightly longer shirts due to big boobages.
THINKGEEK! Who loves it - do you have a wishlist on there?? What are some things you are jonesing for on there for under $20? I think it's all cool, but there's rarely anything useful enough. Maybe the Swedish Fire Steel?
Zombies, yes or no? Mostly I don't get the long-term appeal. I enjoy the less-shambolic variety (28 Days Later, World War Z) and the hysterical (Shaun of the Dead), but really there's not much more to say.
Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves? I like scrunchable elbow length (my wrists are 7.5 inches around, and my elbows are 12) or to-the-wrist. I also love fitted sleeves without thumb holes so I can cover as much of my hands as I want and easily wear gloves underneath. In this climate, adaptable/convertible is key.
Do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s? Not really. I love 'em, and am endlessly fascinated by them, but there's nothing particularly totemic about any particular species. Well, maybe seals (not sea lions). It's a selkie thing.
Anyone have any Paintbox Soapworks loves? "What Smells?" has everything you need.
How would you feel if your witch or a minion of your witch showed up in person at your house with goodies? Thrilled? Annoyed? Completely creeped out? I'd be totally cool with it if I had, say, about a week's notice. My schedule is such that I'm not home a lot except on weekends, which are kind of sacrosanct (in that I hate putting on a bra). But given that my house is in bumfuck nowhere, it might be better to meet somewhere. Maybe Seattle? Bellingham? Maybe somewhere that serves beer?
Do you have a ravelry account? Tell me about your yarn obsessions. I'm a Raveler. I'm not really obsessed with a particular yarn, but I love superwash wool/nylon (especially merino and BFL). A little silk is nice too, or tencel, for drape (just not too much--I find yarns high in them "cold"). I love spinning fibers.
Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen? Awesome in concept, dust-collector in reality. I'm a typist. I type.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "gimme that ghost pepper!" and 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" Where is your heat tolerance? I'm smack in the middle. I like a little heat, but I care a lot more about flavor than mouth-scorching.
Would you be interested in receiving a box of sugar cube skulls. So awesome! I'd love a small package to decorate for my Dia de los Muertos altar. What do you most look forward to each Fall? So many things. Fallen leaves (and their associated fragrance), wood smoke, PRODUCE (squash, cabbages, Honeycrisp apples, root veggies for roasting...), the first frost (usually not until well into November here), walking to the bus stop on cool/clear mornings, Dia de los Muertos with friends. Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? I wash my face with unscented bar soap or just rub unscented shampoo on my face in the shower. For moisturizer, I usually use an unscented lotion I buy in bulk at the co-op. My skin's pretty sensitive, so I try to stay away from most (smelly) commercial brands. Lip balms? Yay or nay? Absotively! See my "What Smells?" list. Liliths Bday Scents? Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha is the only one that jumps out as Really Very Want. Otherwise it's a cavalcade of death notes. M&Ms: Meh&Meh.
Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no? I love all spiders, and I prefer them realistic over cute. Pillows (the mostly decorative type)? Nope. Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc? Can always use more sturdy, washable canvas shopping bags, yes! Bright colors are ideal (I forget them less if I notice them). Salem Massachusetts--would you want anything from there? Can't think of anything, but something witchy and useful (Coffee mug? Dish or bath towels?) would be cool.
Is there anything special coming up in your life? Depends on how you define "special". I've got Elysian's Great Pumpkin on 10/4 (husband and I make kind of a date weekend out of it and stay the night in West Seattle). Then it's Dia de los Muertos on 11/1 (biggest party I throw next to our summer shindig). My Witch is, naturally, invited.
If you were my witchee would you like a custom chocolate bar? What would you choose?
http://www.chocolatc...e-your-own-bar/: Guuuhyeah! A 55% Dark with anise, candied rose petals, and pink peppercorns would be the most intriguing thing evah.
Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? In all honesty, I don't like floppy-legged lounge pants, and I definitely couldn't wear them to bed (I'm night-runner, so they end up bunched around my knees uncomfortably). I lounge and sleep in sweat pants when it's cold. The kind with elastic around the ankles, not stretchy cuffs (which I hate). And I (not surprisingly) wear granny panties. Would you like a subscription for Spotify? Probably not.
If you imbibe at all ... preference between: wine/beer/cocktails and then glassware and/or bar-ware? cocktail gadgetry? Books on the subject/recipes? would you want sample bottles of local/regional/small batch craft spirits if they were home decanted and labeled? Not too terribly into cocktails, though non-frou stuff (like pre-prohibition recipes). Flavored waters (rose, orange blossom, spices/herbs) and bitters would be awesome, as would the fixins for 'em (like if you had a source of gentian root, f'ex). I wouldn't mind them homemade, even. And I also wouldn't mind decanted spirits if you think it's something I'll like.
Would you like some chai, lemon, rose water or other flavored sugar cubes? Not too terribly interested.
If you had to choose one currently available book (used-but-obtainable counts if you do used) costing $20 or under for your Witch to buy for you, what would it be? Any of the books on my wishlist would qualify. And I don't care much about condition, as long as the pages are all there.
If you could only pick one note that you love (e.g. Vanilla, Orange, Lavender, Rose) & you could only wear/have perfume, etc in that note, what would it be? Probably sandalwood. No, definitely sandalwood.
Do you want anything from the Fatherhood update at the Post? Fortuately none. Too girlie and flowery for me.
Street art! Into it? Not into it? Meh? Some of it's really amazing, some of it's crap (just like all art). They can't all be Banksy. Weenies update? Stupid freaking Weenies. Yes. Practically all of it. The list of what I don't want is shorter. But I'd especially like to try: Visions of Autumn VII & IV (in that order), Bonfire SN, Pile of Fallen Leaves SN, Pumpkin III, IV, & I (in that order). Caffeine or no? And is this a health or preference? I love coffee and tea, but I do limit my intake of caffeine for health reasons (assuming "GAH!! MY HEART'S COMIN' OUTTA MY CHEST!!" is a health reason). There's not enough caffeine in tea to bother me unless I drink a ton of it, but one cuppa fully-leaded coffee is about my limit.
2018 Halloween Switch Witch Stuff!
Amazon
http://amzn.com/w/2VIR5ZRSOBXHX
Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/people/samhainschimera/favorites
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/55922637?shelf=to-read&sort=date_added&order=d
Modcloth Wishlist https://www.modcloth.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-modcloth-Site/default/Wishlist-ShowOther?WishListID=47fc225ba910c01206fe36fa59
13 Nights of Halloween Answers
Trades / sales I need to ship
13 Nights of Halloween 2014 questions and answers
Swapper Help (wishlists, questionnaire)
I am on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Livejournal and Twitter, (though I use the last two infrequently) as syrenemyst. I have an etsy shop : Various and Sundry . I am also on Goodreads as Yolanda Holecz or syrenemyst
There are tons of questions from various swap rounds in my blog, which should help my partner get to know me a bit better
BPAL Favs
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****OLLA Eve****
Pinched with Four Aces
Scholar's Tower
Palmyra
Crypt King
Morrocco (scent, bath oil and hair gloss!!)
Sherlock Holmes
Black Silk
Wishlist
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More OLLA EVE
Other companies I like
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Haunt- Shapeshifter Glossing Spray, King's Folly soap and scrub, Hush (milk & cocoa) powdered bath elixir, fairgrounds & fireworks
LUSH Favs: Waving not Drowning, Ocean Salt , Big, Veganese, Ruby Red Slippers, Fresh Farmacy, Flosty Gritter, American Cream, Playdoze, Happy, Two Little Boys, Angels on Bare Skin
Pop in the Bath bubble bars, Ickle Baby Bot bath bombs, the new FUN soap in Blue, Green and Pink
Paintboxsoapworks- White Cotton Sheets, The Natural, Lady Linden, sorbetto scrubs.
Wishlists/Idea lists
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Etsy favorites
Amazon
A Cherry on Top
General Likes
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-Celtic items, celtic designs
-Scrunchies, hair sticks
-unusual or unique knick-knacks
-gargoyles
-decoupage and scrapbooking papers and items
-photography
-unique pieces and beads for jewelry making
-watch parts for jewelry making
-Hello Kitty
-groundhogs
-Polymer clay books, tools
Forum Name: syrenemyst
====================
Pets: 2 cats, 3 dog, 1 husband
Children: 1 daughter
Religious orientation: I believe in a higher power
Favorite Holiday: Halloween, Christmas, Groundhog's Day (long story)
Occupation/Major in school: stay at home mom
Living arrangement (by yourself, with roommates, etc): married, live with my
husband and the rest of my entourage
Livejournal/Blog/Website: syrenemyst.livejournal.com,
syrenemyst.deviantart.com, cyrenemyst.etsy.com
Organizations/Causes/Activities (Things you belong to or causes you believe in):
BPAL
Favorite BPAL oils: Pinched with Four Aces, Eve, Crypt King
Favorite notes: foodie, lavender, sandalwood, chamomile,
Favorite non-BPAL perfumes:
Least favorite BPAL oils: Namaste, Numb
Least favorite notes: patchouli, apple
If Beth made a custom blend for you, what would the notes be, and what would
you want the label art to look like?
Lifestyle
Favorite colors: forest green, dusty rose, cream
Style/home decoration style: eclectic, comfortable
Things you collect: bookmarks, gargoyles, dragons
Favorite music: rock, pop, alternative
Least favorite music: most rap
Vegetarian/Vegan: none
Other food restrictions: diabetic
Favorite foods/drinks: hot cocoa, flavored coffee
Favorite authors/genres: Laurell Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Mercedes Lackey. I enjoy romance (except for wild west settings), mysteries, vampire fiction,some horror, some thrillers
Least favorite authors/genres: westerns, crime bios
Books/authors you'd like to read, but haven't yet:
How do you feel about receiveing gently used books as gifts? I love
books, so used is ok
Favorite stores (including clothing stores): any book store, Michael's, AC Moore, JoAnne's, any crafty store
Favorite online stores (including B&B stores): Amazon, LUSH, Sock Dreams, any craft store, iTunes
Magazines you subscribe to: none
Magazines you like, but don't subscribe to: People, Entertainment Weekly
Favorite movies: A Knight's Tale, Serenity, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Underworld
Favorite TV show: Arrow, Flash, Castle, Marvel's Agents of Shield, Suits, Bones, Supernatural, Grimm, Once upon a Time, The Vampire Diaries,
The Originals, Royal Pains, Project Runway, Top Chef.... the list just goes on
past shows: Buffy, Angel,X-Files, Lost, Firefly, True Blood, Dresden Files, Lie to Me, Human Target,House MD,Sanctuary, Warehouse 13, Fringe,White Collar, Glee,
Hobbies/crafts done: decoupage boxes, polymer clay, beaded jewelry, steampunk inspired jewelry, making smash books and journals, scrapbook
Clothing & Jewelry
Hair type:normal
Skin Type:normal with t zone
Allergies: none
Other things to avoid: hair care products, IOE products
Tub, shower or both? both
Favorite bath&beauty products: sugar scrubs, lotions, creams, bath bombs,
salt scrubs, fizzies, bubble bars
Clothing Style/Fave garments:none please
Favorite clothing colors/colors to wear: jewel tones
Type(s) of jewelry worn: necklace with pendants
Ring/wrist/collar size: I wear about 36 inch length chains
Jewelry - gold or silver? silver
Do you have any allergies to metal? none
Favorite gemstones: emerald, hematite
Pierced ears, stretched ears, neither? pierced ears
Wishlists
BPAL Wish List (including SW/SF Help):
Other website Wish lists (amazon.com, etc):
This link had SW ideas, and links to other wishlists: Wishlist, which includes my etsy and Amazon lists
Random Questions:
I have a ton more of these questions here at this blog link http://www.bpal.org/blog/353-syrenemysts-blog/
- On a scale of 1-5, how organized are you? family tells me I am a 2 ,
fellow BPAler's have said a 4 or 5. I think a 3.
- Where, outside of the U.S. would you love to visit? (if you're international, this can be anywhere)Scotland
- Do people tell you that you act older, younger, or your age? younger
-If I gave you a toy gun with flashing lights, would you hide and start shooting people from around corners OR would you thank me on the IGI thread and then quietly donate it (a niece, Oxfam, Goodwill, wherever)? (there are no wrong answers for this, so don't be afraid to answer honestly)
I would totally hide around corners and shoot peope with it. I love doing silly things like that.
- What animal do you feel like the most? a groundhog
- Your favorite feature about yourself: my lips
- Do you live in a neighborhood or in the middle of nowhere? a neighborhood in the middle of nowhere.
-Have you ever thought, "oh, I'm going to get myself one of those one of these days" but then never do? List 1 under $10 and 1 over $10.
- How do you feel about boi witches? thumbs up for boi witches
- Do you like garage sales (boot sales)? on occasion.
- I like to slather my food in …: sometimes, ketchup
- State fairs or carnivals?carnivals
- You throw caution to the wind and runaway to join a traveling circus. What job would you want ( a main performer, a side show, a behind the scenes spot, etc) and why?
a clown, but one who works the side of the rings, not a main ring performer. I like to be funny and make people laugh, but I don't always like to be the focal point of the situation. Plus, I could hide behind the clown makeup, since I am sometime ashamed of what I look like.
- What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with? vampires
- Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. What do you choose? My smartphone, with recorded messages and videos and pics of things , people and places that I loved, my iPod, tons of regular pictures of my family and my life.
- Do you need storage boxes? not really, but if my witch wanted to make me one, I would love it!
- The world has given you the day off. You hear that, no chores, responsibilities, or budget you have to follow. What would you do in those 24 hours? honestly, sleep. Maybe buy lots of frivilous things, redecorate my house.
- Do you like steampunk & if so what kind of steampunk item would you most like to receive? yes, i love steampunk. I would love to have supplies to incorporate into my steampunk inspired jewelry.
- Do you have an etsy shop? yep http://cyrenemyst.etsy.com
- Would you like to receive baked goods, if so what kind? sure. We love cookies!!
- What is something totally random (yes, that thing that just popped into your head) that hasn't been covered by any previous questions?
Switch Witch 2014 - Help Post
To an extent? I can enjoy it now and again when I'm in the mood. Had the usual(?) teenage obsession with Poe. I used to love seeing Taylor Mead before he died. He was hilarious. But I don't often seek out poetry much. Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character?
No. No Disney (or Hello Kitty) or anything in that broader family. How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationary- or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?)
I've been given stuff like that, I never use it. Not into kawaii/anime/manga/cutesy. I do like odd bits, but I guess I would go call them elegant, eclectic, nature-oriented, and what I call "elfy" - or sometime fairy - but NOT tinkerbell kinda fairy, like Celtic mythology fae - more elves of Middle Earth, and things you'd find in an Irish goblin market than Disney in style. What is something you'd really like to recieve from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!"
I would like some long arm warmers. I've been marking lots of them on etsy and sock dreams to serve as a stylistic range/guide. I'm always so cold in fall/winter, and I have to be very particular about gloves because of my Reynaud's, so getting me gloves is rather moot, because the only gloves I've ever found that work for me are fur-lined leather (expensive!); but my gloves can go over/under any number of arm warmers layered over thermals and other sleeves. ------------------ Tarot cards/rune stones: No for me, I have the Stephanie Pui-Mun Law deck, and it's lovely, but haven't taken it out of its bag in a few years. Don't really do divination or anything like that; but that once, aesthetics trumped. Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists: (my zune set to random) Dream Theater - Wither Lacuna Coil - My Wings Amanda Palmer - Do It With a Rockstar Abney Park - Throw Them Overboard Blackmore's Night - Written in the Stars Tom Waits - The One That Got Away Alice in Chains - Got me Wrong Conjure One - Extraordinary Way Shawn Colvin - These Four Walls Beth Patterson - Steer by the Stars yes, I'm really that all over the place. ----------------------------------------- No crushes (celebrity or otherwise) I love glitter! Q: If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be? (19th century Victoriana? swinging 20's? Mad Men 50's? Groovy 60's? Disco 70's? Bold 80's? .. or any other time...) I think I'm mostly 20's with 40's as a close runner up - and I'd rather wear full ren-faire garb than bell bottoms or tie-dye. --------------------------------- If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc? babydolls are OK, and I do like tissue tees, normally XS or S - though I have sooo many black and white t-shirts, I'd rather only get t-shirts if they are a color. ThinkGeek: I do - but almost nothing on that list is in stock because I haven't touched it in a couple of years - I've kind of gone off think geek a bit. :-/ Profanity: Not really bothered as long as it doesn't get gross or incredibly XXX NC-17 rated. Not into "adult/racy" stuff (see: grey-asexual) Hairsticks - Yes, LARPing - No make up: short answer is YES! I'm always interested in new face masks, samples of treatments (I go for sensitive skin, moisturizing, and anti-aging) - I love to play with color so colorful eye makeup, eyeliners, shimmer/glitter are all good! I have 5 big stacks of True Colors shimmering mica stacks that I LOVE (I have the black diamonds, the blues, the greens, the purples, and the silvers that came out for the millennium - hey! Mica never goes bad!), and I LOOOVE lippies! Haunt lippies are fab, as are House of Gloi, but I also like tinted and full pigment, and pencils, and just about everything! So, skin care, eyes and lips, lots of color, not so much a drug store girl, but indie companies, even ones I don't know, are fine! - Oh, an I have terrible nails, so unless you can suggest a really great strengthener or vitamin fortifier or something... it's kind of pointless. Tiny stubby brittle nails that break all the time. -------------------------------------- Zombies: No! Arm warmers: Yes! over the elbow or full sleeve are preferred - THESE are my absolute favorites that I already have in red/black. In person? Most likely creeped out. Ravelry: No Paintbox has a discount code! SWITCH10 is 10% off! Anyone have any paintbox loves? I was gifted an awesome rose slip lotion from them a few years ago. Don't think I've seen it since... Animals? horses, unicorns, dragons, those are the big three, though I also like cats and foxes and gold finches as runners up. --------------------------------- Knitting: yes! I like knit stuff. I prefer natural fibers, love those multicolored recycled sari yarns! Also, I love red, but I seem to already have a LOT of red.. not a lot of greens/browns.. some blues, more teals though than really great true blue, or a fav color is kind of gunmetal blue? it's half way between royal blue and navy, but with a dose of grey to tone down the saturation. Hex color code: #545E9C is pretty close. Incense: no. I have lots of scent allergies (BPAL was the first smelly stuff I could use without rash or sneezing) Raw Milk: Fine by me! I'd drink unpasteurized milk straight if I could find it! Spices: I have a pretty well stocked spice cabinet - but if you know some place that has good quality neat stuff, or hard to find/exotic spices, I'd be interested! Stationary: I don't really use stationary, but a quill pen might be cool. I borrowed some calligraphy nibs from a friend for an art project, thought they were kinda cool... --------------------------------------- I like apple things - not so much for decorating, but I like the smell of apple (not too much cinnamon), and I like apple flavored things, especially baked goods (can have cinnamon). LUSH - I like a lot of their bath stuff, I can't do their bar soap, though. Most of the bubble bars, bath bombs and bath melts are all big hits with me. Favs are You've Been Mangoed, The Comforter, and Amandapondo - and I haven't tried any of the new bath macaroons, but they all look good! Space girl, blackberry, and butterball are my fav bombs. Though, I'm up to trying new stuff! It's been ages since I've been in a LUSH. You snap the whip is also a repeat fav, though I normally use it in summer after gardening, so that season's just about over. And if there's anything you adore in the body care/foot care line, I'm always curious! *Snacks/Candies from other countries/states - if it's something really local that I wouldn't have had or find in NYC, I'd love to try something really different, but I can't think of anything off the top of my head as far as foreign stuff goes. I know every spring I try and run down sakura flavored stuff (with minimal success), but wrong season... as stated above, not a huge fan of candies. I do like snackies, I keep a graze box subscription because I get snacky at the office, and I like having a little assortment of crackers, nuts, dried fruits, and surprising whatevers to snack on in small quantities. *Canned Goods - my Mom keeps us pretty well stocked in canned goods, honestly. I don't normally eat salsa. I do like homemade dill pickles (not sweet or spicy), and homemade jams. Spicy: low spice/heat tolerance. ------------------------------------------------------ Gadget cases: none for me, I just have a ratty little flip phone. I do have a Zune of some sort with a ratty old case with a clip on it, but I don't really *care* about tech much, as long as it functions, so I'm fine. Beauty Accessories: make up brushes! Talk about something I always forget about, always think "you should invest in some actual decent/new brushes" and then never do for I don't even know why. I have 2 kabuki brushes, one retractable and one just regular, and they're both so ratty and old that I have to pick hairs off my face when I'm done. This is a brilliant question that I never would have thought about! I really like retractable/travel style makeup brushes. -------------------------------------------------------- Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? And if so, what size? For PJ pants, do you like cotton or flannel? My Mom buys me new pajamas every year as a Christmas tradition, so I am awash in pajamas already. I think it's been answered, can't remember, but in general (in case of other issues) I generally take a Small in the bottoms and an XS in the top. If it's numbers, it really depends on the brand, but is normally about a 2, sometimes a 4, but if it's numbers, not XS, S, M, L, I'd generally suggest avoiding it. -------------------------------------------- Lilith's I'm curious about: Amicitia, Avunculus, The Hierophant and the Empress (I'm already buying Blueberry Picking 'cause it's perfect, story and all) ---------------------------------------------- Music subscriptions: nope Sugar skulls: Not really my thing. Skin Care Routine: Olay Daily Moisturizer, I forget which one, but it's 30 SPF and anti aging, normally followed by a CC Cream for the office - I keep changing up brands on that. At night, Olay reginerist wash with the tiny beads, and Roc night moisurizer with Retin-A. Periodic use of various masks for cleansing, toning, firming, soothing for sensitive skin... I do love to pamper myself with a really nice face mask now and again. No toners. I use serums and eye creams when I get free samples, don't know enough/haven't found the right one to really warrant the expense. I love body moisturizers of all sorts, but am also swimming in them! And, yes, I love lippies. I had an insane amount of them, but as they're always disappearing into various pockets, coats and purses, and it's not like they're normally very expensive, I use that as justification to keep getting more... I LOVE Haunt's Lip lusts, and House of Gloi's. -------------------------------------------------------------- Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no? no - I'm better about my arachnophobia these days, but best avoid all spider-y things, even "cute" ones. Pillows (the mostly decorative type)? I don't really have the space, though I admit I'm always attracted to them when I'm at Home Goods, especially when they're really great colors/fabrics. Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc? I'm good with reusable grocery totes - maybe small bags? maybe? guess it depends, never been much of a purse person, and as we get into coat weather, I'm going to try and shove everything in my pockets rather than carry a bag - unless it's impossible, in which case I fall back on my leather backpack. Anything special upcoming? Not for me, but the sith is turning 49 at the end of October. -------------------------------------------------------- *New Question:* If you had to choose one currently available book (used-but-obtainable counts if you do used) costing $20 or under for your Witch to buy for you, what would it be? umm, I think all 3 of the new Neil Gaiman Sandman comics would be under $20 altogether. Though, part of me wants to wait and just get the trade paperback when the whole series is done. Normally, I'd ask for one of my wishlist cookbooks - man I adore those - but it looks like the only one that's out now and has a used option under $20 is PokPok - which would be cool, but I honestly don't know how much thai cooking I would do in reality... Not a very helpful answer. -------------------------------------------------------- 'Weenies: I'm pretty much safe from this update. I'd be somewhat interested in decants (even testable sniffies) of this year's Suck It (I liked first year, second year was cough syrup, this year??), Autumn Overlooked my Knitting (I love red currant, but the rest??), Visions of Autumn III (normally not my style at all, but neither was Peach VI... will probably just test this one at NYCC and file the results in the brain for later), and Pumpkin I (I normally skip pumpkin, but black tea, cardamom, spice, and ginger milk? might need a decant...) -------------------------------------------------- Chocolate: I don't really care for standard hershey bars and the like, but I do love chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate - though I prefer if it's not just straight white chocolate, that's a bit cloying and much for me, but the white chocolate coconut bar Lindt makes is lovely. Dark and milk chocolate are the safest bets - and which I prefer varies by mood, and type. I love trying new/weird combos - just no banana, or raisin, I really detest both. Turkish Delights - no please, my sister brought some home from the UK years ago, and while the lemon was OK, the rose was like someone poured chemical perfume into my sinus via my mouth - TERRIBLE experience! ------------------------------------------- Holiday LUSH: So White Shower Gel Hot Toddy Shower Gel First Snow Dusting Powder Star Light Star Bright Dried fruits: I don't need any - I get Graze boxes at the office, and they're always at least half dried fruit (and I've got a back log because it'll be another week before I can eat any of that) Do you need any travel mugs, coffee mugs, tea makers, rock sugar, coffee or tea syrups, etc? the rock sugar in flavors I saw someone mention sounded interesting, otherwise I have lots of mugs for tea.
