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More SW questions

Do you use henna at all (hair or skin)? No.   What about 2010 Wall calenders? Or 2010 journals or appointment diaries? What subject? I'm quite picky about journals but a wall calender might be good. Something pagan-y, or photos of nature, cats, maybe fairies... something like that.   What are your thoughts on Halloween decorations? Very good! Nothing that breaks easily or can be chewed by the cat, though, so things that I can hang high up or flat on the walls, or use in other ways (e.g. kitchen things like the excellent napkins my Witch already sent me!) are best. Or confetti and stickers and small things like that.   Do you collect new/used stamps? Will you like to get stamps on your mails? No although I know people who do so I have someone to pass them onto.   Are there any foreign food products that you'd love to get or to try? I think I've already talked about my love of all things American in the candy/chocolate department... Brach's candycorn and mellow creme pumpkins are not available here at all so would be excellent, and seasonal! And Starburst Jelly Bursts (original, not the sour ones) and Reese's peanut butter chocolates (all types).   Tea lovers, loose or bag? Paraphernalia? Either - loose tastes better but bags are more convenient so it's win-win, really. I was recently given some empty teabags you can fill with your favourite loose tea - they are excellent and make the whole process very smooth - the flavour of the (better) loose tea and none of the usual mess and faffing about with strainers and things.   Would you object to annonomous postcards (real ones) from your witch before the big reveal??? No objections, that would be fun.   Do you drink alcohol? Wine, beer or liquor? What is your favorite wine/beer/mixed drink? Yes. Mostly wine (all types) or "simple" mixes e.g. rum & coke or vodka & coke. Or Pimm's and lemonade, nom nom! I don't like beer.   If I were your witch, and I wanted to make you a spell or mojo bag, would you be into that? And, if you were, would you want it for something like love, prosperity or luck? Or would you want it for a certain element? Or would you want it for something more personal- and what might that be? Sure! Maybe something related to all the new things in my life, or for energy to cope with it all.   Do you wear lip gloss/lip balm? If so, what flavors/scents? Yes, mostly balm (or lipstick/lip tint) and any flavours that I like otherwise (e.g. no coffee!). Currently in use are a Body Shop shea butter one for night time use, Bunnybutt Apotechary vanilla balm and Lush Let Them Eat Cake.   What is one thing you constantly keep with you that you constantly loose? Nothing, I'm very good with not loosing important things. *knocks wood*   What are your favorite fruits? Red and white grapes, grapefruit (except I hate preparing them, too much work...), strawberries, bananas, plums, cherries... and many more. What is your favorite cookie type? Chocolate chip, Snickerdoodles, honey. I like others too!Mor

etienne

etienne

 

Random q's part one million and two thirds...

Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents? I do indeed! Trauma is probably my favourite. I also like Birth Rite, Killer Beez, Ginger Snapped... there are some on my wishlist, I'm also interested in other foody scents in their soaps. I don't tend to wear foody perfumes but in other b&b products I like them.   Do you mind artificial colors in your food? No. I probably should but I can't think of everything... Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc) Sure. Hairclips are probably the most useful because my hair isn't long enough to tie back, and headbands tend to make me look like a 15 year old which is no good... I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes. Sure! Earrings would be fab, I'd worry a phone charm would get crushed in my bag.   How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out? I do wear leather shoes and own a leather jacket (even though it was bought second hand so I feel slightly better about it). I'm definitely anti-fur, though. And fake fur isn't my style at all.   How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind? By having loasd of therapy. Ha! Cuddles with the cat, listening to music, watching something mind-numbing on TV (I developed a QVC habit during the time I was writing my dissertation, I just love watching all the product presentations). I like nature, or living in a city, most often just parks and more quiet outdoorsy places like that.   You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor? I would say psychoanalysis (although obv it would be a bit impossible to be an apprentice in that, as such) and Susie Orbach whose writing influenced my Master's dissertation a great deal.   Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music? I'd love to be but it's one department where I'm sadly lacking in skills. I did play the guitar for a while but struggled to read music. Sheet music would most probably end up being used in crafty pursuits and be a bit wasted on me. Favorite musicals? Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia (Yay Abba!), The Sound of Music.   Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing? Sloth.   I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use? I've only tried a few of theirs but have liked them. I like the idea of candles but I'm a bit too anxious about having them around with a cat around so don't end up using them much. I have L'Autunno and La Primavera from BPTP sprays in constant use and my decanted small spray bottle of Snow White, too. And I use tarts sometimes but again, it's the open flame issue.   Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift? It would be great! A donation to any no-kill cat shelter would be the best. The one I personally donate to is the Celia Hammond Animal Trust where my kitty was adopted from. They do some amazing work. (Have tissues at the ready if you're going to read their website, I cry every time I read the stories of the adopted kitties.) Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? I'm quite drawn to the Triple Moon and all it symbolizes.   Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? Not in particular, I try to embrace all aspects of the Goddess. I guess Bastet is one I'm particularly fond of, though... (cats!)   What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? I wouldn't say I identify with any but I like fairies best of those.   How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? I don't know a huge amount about it but what I know is really interesting. Do you have a favorite poem or poet? Sylvia Plath For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? Either, or both - or neither! I'm easy.   Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? Yes, there's always some use for this kind of things! Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? I've been on a Sarah McLachlan kick lately so many of hers.   What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? Quite lovely really. I hate the super grey days when it rains all day. I love the crips mornings and the trees changing colour, and being able to wear autumn clothes and boots again. And that back to school feeling!   What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? I have no idea what is available there! If they sell anything chocolate or tea based, that would be a good bet...   If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? QVC or BBC News 24 most likely. Or The West Wing on DVD. I might have watched through the whole series when I should have been reading and researching for my dissertation... ahem.   Any Amy Brown art fans? Yeap! The Cloak of Stars is one of my favourites of her art works. How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) I don't think we have such a concept as Halloween music in Europe. I'm open to trying it! Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? Yes, anything Alice in Wonderland is worth looking forward to.   Lolcats....yeah or nay? Yeah!   If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? Recorded might be fun! What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? Starting my counselling course - induction day next Weds, can I pack the pencil case yet? In a more low-key way, some packages in the mail that I'm waiting for. Royal Mail has been striking about every two weeks during the summer and mail is still occasionally delayed, apparently they have backlogs. Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? I have a couple that I can use so I don't really need another.   As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? Either way is fine, and whatever is cheapest for you in terms of postage costs!   How often do you update your wishlist? Not that often, and I don't tend to buy things for myself off my wishlists (apart from stuff I use all the time, such as Villainess Slick). What's your stance on cranberries? Like them - as a food and as a scent.   Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) Not at all, used is fine!

etienne

etienne

 

Halloween 09 round q&a catchup!

There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I'm otherwise a vegetarian but sometimes give in to the temptation of eating candy (that contains gelatine - i.e. making it not vegetarian). I love candy corn and the pumpkins made out of the same stuff. I'm also quite partial to Jelly Babes and that kind of candies. I don't really like hard candies, and I dislike anything with aniseed or ginger.   Do you have a Blu-Ray player? No.   Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? No objections. I don't really download TV shows or movies, though, mostly just music. Internet connection is fast enough to deal with them. Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Sure! I'm interested in natural remedies, and try to buy ecological cleaning products etc. whenever possible. Everything needs to be safe to use around cats, though.   If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I already talked about this in my questionnaire but I love card making supplies! Especially clear stamps, embellishments of all kinds (especially Prima-style paper flowers), mica-based watercolours, pretty papers and cardstock etc. I also make jewellery but I have loads of beads and other supplies. Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? Music does. And the noises my cat makes, she's very talkative. When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? I love when everything is individually wrapped. Unwrapped is absolutely fine, too, though!   Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. Anything with meat/poultry or fur. And in b&b products, anything that smells of earth or dirt.   What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? Given this is a BPAL forum, this is probably strange but I'm kind of not that into BPAL anymore... I still love wearing the scents I have but I can't keep up with all the new scents that are coming out, and have never been into rares. Champagne & Roses is one I really liked when I got to sniff it so that would be one I guess. I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Cat's fur. Baking smells - mmm, pie! And I love the smell in the air after fireworks (although I wouldn't wear it as a perfume!).   Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? I don't drink coffee.   Who has a birthday falling in this round? Not me, I'm an April baby. For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? Yeap, all of the above. And also fondant-type centres in chocolates, like strawberry filling. Oh, and peanut butter. Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? The Very Hungry Caterpillar. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? I don't want coffee... but with spices, yes, would be able to grind them.   For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I have a lot of mugs already, infusers are welcome, though. And sugar crystals sound good. I drink black tea with milk and sugar and other varieties with just sugar or sweetener. Some kind of a storage jar for keeping my basic black tea bags might be nice.   Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? I don't think we have it in the UK...   How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? Tarts, mostly, but I think I want to explore reed diffusers because I'm a bit worried about open fire when I have a cat around.   What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Vanilla ice cream with toffee sauce. Heaven. And I love cake and pie and most desserts, really! Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I believe we have some control over it, certainly... But there are things, like certain people coming into my life and I just know they're there for a reason, so that would be destiny bringing them to us. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? An extra room in my flat as a craft room/office space. I hate having to use my dinner table for everything. What was your favouritest job ever, and why? I loved working as a publicity & communications officer at a small charity. But hopefully my favourite jobs are still ahead of me as I'm about to start training to become a therapist.   What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? A bottle of Black Rose. And another back up of Hymn to Proserpine.   Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? My kitchen isn't huge so I can't fit in much new stuff to be honest. I do enjoy cooking so spices and things are definitely welcome, and smaller items.   Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? Yes, although for the past goddess knows how many years I've mainly been reading study related stuff... I love Alice Sebold's books, Gaiman's Neverwhere, Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series (my guilty pleasure), autobiographical accounts of people's experiences in psychoanalysis/psychotherapy. What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? I don't get trick or treaters here so I don't stock up really, but I always keep chocolate for any chocolate related emergencies.   What are your phobias? I used to be phobic of spiders but I'm a lot better about it now. I still don't like anything spider related, though (although a picture of a small, cute spider on a Halloween card is absolutely fine!). I also have emetophobia - fear of vomiting/of others vomiting.   What is your favourite flower (or plant)? Roses.   Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? They're not really very "me" at all, no.   An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? Some really good quality clothes for sure, and probably crafty items and probably a gift for my mum.   Who likes coloring books? Well, I like to colour in rubber stamped images with mica based watercolours... so maybe that counts. You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? I usually have something homecooked in the freezer. Or I might get a take-away pizza, naughty naughty me... If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I would definitely do up the bathroom with the walls and floor tiled with new tiles, a huge mirror and shelves, and some black/dark burgundy accessories and decorations.   Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? Not a sports fan.   What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Cats for sure. I also love sheep.   Do you like pinup art/images? Not especially - I don't dislike them either, though.   What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? No plans yet and no traditions, it's not really celebrated that much over here.   Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! wikkidraven, Emma2403 and samarablackcat.   What is your favorite color? If I have to choose just one, then purple. Any other steampunk fans/lovers? I don't like the jewellery and otherwise, I'm not sure... not a huge fan anyway.   Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) No, they kind of creep me out.   What is your favorite Halloween icon? Black cats. And witches.   Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? A hardback copy of Sigmund Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams, a pair of dangly sterling silver and gemstone earrings, a bar of milk chocolate, a mix CD of my favourite music, a photo of my cat and a tissue with Body Shop White Musk perfume dabbed onto it to scent the whole thing.   Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. The project of becoming me. No, seriously, becoming a good psychotherapist and working on myself in the process.   Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? A veggie cheese burger with a side of fries for me, please. Nom nom. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? She's on a diet so healthy treats, she has a catnip habit... and little toys she can chase around the flat. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? Yeap, http://twitter.com/witchlostintime (it comes from the same Tori Amos song as etienne does.)

etienne

etienne

 

Even more randomness...

How do you feel about winter-themed but not really holiday type decorations? Things like snowflakes and fake icicles and the like? Those are all very good!   Do you have a personal 'Good Luck' charm? Maybe you have a goddess figure to remind you of your Inner Goddess, or maybe you have a beautiful Cross to represent your faith...Or maybe you wear a Hand of Fatimah for protection....That kind of thing. Not really, although I don't tend to leave the house without wearing my Cheshire Cat locket and silver bracelets.   If you were to attend Hogwarts, into which House would you be sorted? Gryffindor... Would you be interested in some knitted wire jewelry, like this? Sure   This is kind of a getting-to-know-you-type-thingie, but I always find it illuminating--what's on your computer desktop? Images? Color scheme? A Tori Amos desktop wallpaper from the American Doll Posse album and colour scheme is silver/grey.   What do you collect...besides BPAL? I don't really actively collect anything although I've ended up with loads of things with sheep on them. Anyone a fan of Goddess art? Yes, just nothing overly tacky... I like the more darker ones - Nene Thomas especially. Anyone else a Luis Royo fan? Who?! What are your favorite websites (i.e., the ones you visit every day, or almost every day)? bpal.org, Live Journal, Facebook, Possets forum, Gmail, icanhazcheezburger (lolcats), a couple of news sites and others   How do you feel about Lush? Anything you want to try? Like them although the soaps haven't impressed me (compared to Villainess or Arcana etc.) I love their Karma fragrance and everything in that scent. Interested in trying more of their face stuff, I tried Angels On Bare Skin and that didn't really work for me. Can't really use bath bombs or bubble bars or the shower emotibombs either. I'm a fan of their shampoo bars and Jungle conditioner. How do you feel about home made lip balm, salt or sugar scrubs, soap, bath salts, etc? All good as long as you know what you're doing with them, I don't want anything that will kill me.   if you were to receive a hand-knitted item, what color(s) would you prefer AND are there any types of yarn that you just cannot handle (e.g. wool, llama, etc.) Black, grey or purple would probably be best. Wool is ok as long as it's not super itchy. Do you like coffee mugs? Travel or stay at home? How big? Do you like ones from Starbucks? Not for coffee but for tea, yes! A travel mug would be amazingly useful for taking my own tea to uni.   If you drink coffee, do you like whole bean coffee or prefer ground? What grind? What roast (mild, medium, bold, extra bold)? Do you like flavored coffee? No coffee for me please!   Do you like tea? What kinds of tea (green, red, white, black, decaf, herbal infusions)? Feel free to get specific on brands and tea types. Loose or bagged? Do you need any kind of tea accessories? Pots/cozys/presses/strainers? Yes, love tea. Chai, roobois, flavoured black tea, herbal infusions and tisanes, love them all. Starting to prefer loose, they just taste so much better now that I'm used to them. Black tea is ok bagged though because that's just so much easier. What is your favorite hot chocolate or drinking chocolate? Do you need Vegan or no? Just ordinary ones or flavoured ones, too. Not vegan but vegetarian please. Do you need any decanting supplies? Pipettes? Vials? How about any wand caps? Roller bottles? Some spray bottles (for oils mixed with alcohol?) Would love vials and pipettes although I have a stash left still from when Wren08 was still selling them. Would also love to get some rollerballs - about 3-5 ml size and glass. I don't use spray bottles or wand caps.   I wanted to ask a question: are there any rare (or even uber-rare) scents that you'd really like to try? Bakeneko, Champagne & Roses, Storyville, Crypt Queen, Orange, Noir... I'm not that fussed about rares, though - I'd rather get a full bottle of something more easily obtainable LE or a GC so that I can actually enjoy wearing them rather than just having a drop in the vial...   Does your forum name have a special significance? Refer to something or someone you admire? Reflect your interests? Come on, spill! It's from the Tori Amos song "Etienne Trilogy". I know it's a male name really but who cares... I also like the "look" and sound of it - it's simple enough and actually to me looks feminine because it ends with an "e" but I'm sure there's no logic to that...   What's your favorite texture? A cat. Soft things mostly. If it's to touch, obviously, and not to eat or something... (in which case a cat wouldn't be the right answer!)   What's one luxury item you want to pamper yourself with but haven't yet? I don't think there's anything in particular... I have no self-restraint and if I want something, I'll usually end up getting it sooner or later. Well expect the travel mug, actually. (Like a thermos style one that I could carry to uni with me.) Do you prefer arm warmers to the wrist, to the base of the fingers, or half fingered? Base of fingers with a thumb hole for winter, or to the wrist if they're more lighter ones. Any favorite cartoon characters? Disney, Sanrio, etc? Not really into cartoon characters much.   Have you (or maybe the younguns in your family) been exposed to the Webkinz craze? No   Who's your favorite playwright? I don't think I have a favourite really...   Anyone into physical activities? For instance- I'm training to become a Combat Archer in the SCA, and something I would use would be an Archers glove...is there anything you do as a sport/hobby in which you might need equipment? Not really no.   Are there any witchy type supplies you're in need of, or would like to try etc.? Herbs, smudge sticks, resins, tarot/oracle cards, incense burners, pretty tools, stuff like that? Resins and stuff for burning loose incense is always welcome.   How do you like your chocolate? White, milk, bittersweet, as dark as possible? Plain, with flavoring, with chunks of stuff in? Fairly traditional, or weird and experimental? Prefer milk, flavourings or stuff inside is good - truffels or nougats or the strawberry ones from Quality Street. Experimental is good too.   Favorite animals? Least favorite? Favourites: cats, dogs, sheep - Least favourite: spiders, rats How do you feel about Heifer International? Or do you have other favorite charities not mentioned in your application? I don't know who they are... All no-kill cat rescue places are good. So for all witches of the shimmying types- would you like tassel belts/jingle belts/ ect and if so, how big are your hips? Not a shimmying type... What are 3 places that you'd like to visit, or re-visit? New York, Stonehenge, Paris Literary erotica. Who doesn't love it? Can't say I've read much of it but sure, sounds good.   Are you planning on buying anything off your BPAL wishlist during the round? No, not from the wishlist but possibly from the next lunacy and more Snake Charmer and Lines Written Among the Euganean Hills. Do you read graphic novels/comics? Which ones? No   Which witches would want Bpal boxes? Or imp cases? I might have said before that I don't need boxes but actually my collection is expanding so a bottle for my non-BPAL bottles would be amazingly helpful to make room for more BPAL in the usual box where I keep it. I'm a-okay for imp storage. How about a short - or longer - piece of fanfic? Not really very me I don't think... What is the weirdest and/or most practical thing you are not buying for yourself right now? The thing that you probably should be buying, but have been putting off in lieu of something else? Hehe, the travel mug gets a 3rd mention (although I might get one for my own witchee actually!). Would you like handmade piece of calligraphy as a gift? Sure if my witch does calligraphy.   What jewelry are you wearing now? What jewelry do you wear everyday-or do you change jewelry all the time? Right now just my Cheshire Cat locket. On a daily basis: the locket, 2 silver bracelets my mum got me, a silver snake ring, my black/silver watch and a pair of earrings from my huge collection of mostly self-made earrings. Boxes, baskets, etc.? Anything for storing things is always good in this household.   Chia Pet, do you need one? What are they? Probably not... Houseplants and/or things to put them in: thoughts? No, the cat would eat plants if I had them. Except maybe grass for cats...   Do you like baskets, jars and other interesting containers? Filled or Empty? Sure, filled or empty is fine, I'm sure I could soon enough empty it if it was filled with chocolate for example.

etienne

etienne

 

Winter SW random questions part I

What is the biggest problem or sad thing in your life? Of course, I mean the saddest or worst thing you can confess here. Long standing mental health issues - mostly depression/anxiety... and paradoxically, therapy. I mean, therapy is the best thing I've ever done but it's also very intense and at times unbearably difficult so there are days when I get back from a therapy session and just want to crawl into bed and hide from the world...   What fashion item or style do you like, but never wear? Corset/waspie style waist belts. I always admire them but wouldn't know when to wear them...   Do you like to cook? if so, what? Would you like things like spices, cookbooks, recipes, tips? I do like cooking and spices and vegetarian cookbooks are very welcome.   Do any of you like puzzle books? No, not really.   I love Christmas music even though I'm pagany -- how about you? Only if it's a bit more "indie"... maybe general winter music instead of Christmas music. Although I've been listening to a gothic Christmas album I downloaded (Black Noel) and it's really quite good.   Anyone else have a sudden and unexpected favorite BPAL lately? No but a sudden and unexpected favourite Villainess - Retrograde perfume! I'm currently contemplating just how many bottles I can allow myself to order... at least 2 for sure. As for BPAL, I've been trying to spend more time discovering new GC loves out of my huge pile of yet untested imps. Black Rose is one of my new loves.   It's cold outside - what are your favorite drinks to keep yourself warm and cozy? Tea and hot chocolate. And hot Ribena, which might be a UK thing? Ribena is a blackcurrant juice.   Would my potential Witchee be up for some music stuff they'd never heard before if they couldn't understand the words? As someone who has a native language (Finnish) most people don't understand, that's no problem at all!   What kind of candy/sweet treat would you like to receive? Chocolate is always good! I'm vegetarian so can't eat many of my old favourite sweets because they have gelatine in them.   Would you personally rather get handmade jewelry or the beads to make something yourself? Beads. Unless you make jewellery that is very different from my style in which case handmade jewellery is great, too. But I'm not really the best person to buy jewellery for because I make it.   Speaking of which, how many Browncoat witches do we have?? And if you are, would you be interested in getting a Kaylee parasol? If not, would you be interested in getting a paper parasol hand painted with your favorite colors? Not a Browncoat at all, sorry.   Is there any time during the holidays (or the rest of the round) when you'll be away from home for a significant period and it'd be best not to send anything by mail? No, I will be here all the time.   To make up for the fact that I probably won't be able to send my witchee homebaked goodies, will Tim Tams in any number of varieties be an acceptable replacement? Absolutely! Well, if they're vegetarian?   Which witches would like hair accessories: clips, scrunchies, hairsticks, headscarves, etc? Clips and grips are best. My hair is very silky and nothing tends to stay in it so hairsticks are pretty much out...   On a similar note, who likes yarn? What kinds/colors/weights/fibers? Handspun? Glitter? Funky art yarn made from shredded jeans, fake flowers, lace, sequins, and the tattered souls of your enemies? Other craft supplies you desperately want more of and can't live without? Yarn is very good although I have to admit I hardly get time to knit anything these days. But maybe if I had yarn sent to me, then I might feel inspired! As for other craft supplies, I have a weakness for rubber stamps.   Anyone else a total nerd like me and would like DnD/Roleplay stuff (Dice, minis, books, corny tees, etc.)? No, not for me.   Question: who would like a pair of handknit socks? Size? Color preference? Cabled, ribbed (for your pleasure), stranded colorwork, etc.? I would love handknit socks! For the past four years I've been wearing these socks my grandmother knit me as bed socks or just at home when it's cold. Colour preference - something black, grey or purple, or deep red. I would mostly likely wear them indoors and to bed so whatever seems suitable for that. Size is UK 4/EU 37.   How does everyone feel about steampunk? Quite neutral, really. I'm not crazy about it, but I don't have anything against it either. The jewellery is not really me.   Since we're talking about warm winter wearables, who likes hats? Mittens? Arm warmers? Yes, all of them. Arm warmers especially are much loved and needed.   If your witch were to send you cookies, what kind of cookies would you like? Anything really - maybe chocolate chip?   Who likes tshirts? What about homemade tshirts? Like with transfers I made myself.... I do! I usually wear a tshirt under a cardigan when it's colder. Homemade is good!   What witch would like a cloak? That would be amazing! Something black with maybe purple lining, or just pure black.

etienne

etienne

 

And more questions...

Do you like Mystery Science Theater 3000? Have you tried out (and if not, would you be interested in doing so) its weird little brother, RiffTrax? I have no idea whatsoever what this is... I should probably google to find out.   What will you like from Singapore? Candies? Food? Asian crafts/toys? I can't think of anything in particular but sure, I'm always up for trying new candy etc.   What is everyone's "luck" item? My Cheshire cat locket is fast becoming just that. And also my two silver charm bracelet, my mum got me most of the charms.   Do you like art deco/nouveau - style prints? Sure.   What is one thing that, if you received it in the middle of all the hubbub, would make you smile and take your mind off of all you have to do for a bit? Even just a nice ecard! Chocolate. Something nice and completely unexpected.   How do you feel about Hello Kitty? Neutral... It's ok, especially some of the "darker" stuff but I'm not really into HK much.   Legwarmers? Armwarmers? Yes to both, especially arm warmers. I added a pair on to my Etsy wishlist the other day...   What makes everyone stand out from the Switch Witch herd? I thought about this for a long time and couldn't think of anything. It's not hat I'm average, just that all the things that would usually make me stand out are not all that unusual here.

etienne

etienne

 

And even more SW question ketchup...

If you have pets, is there a SPECIFIC toy they like to play with; brand and size? Is there a treat/cookie they eat? What brand and size? Nothing specific. She's on a diet so is not meant to eat loads of treats but sometimes she falls off the wagon a bit. She is quite picky about toys but likes long things she can chase after. She likes homemade catnip toys, and everything that makes plastic bag type sound (but obviously no actual plastic bags, although she would like them but kitty eating plastic bags = not good.)   What's your ringtone? One of the standard ones from my phone. I mainly use my mobile for texting.   Just to throw a silly question out there...Munsters or Addams Family, y'all? Addams Family because it's an inside joke, kind of...   What think you about receiving tea accessories and/or miscellany (like mugs, cups, saucers, strainers/filters, honey, natural sweeteners [like stevia])? Tea accessories are good. I think I talked about tea bags and stainers in an answer to another question. What is stevia? Honey is good too but not sure if that's allowed in the post, especially if my Witch is international.   How do you feel about copies of music or dvd's that your witch might have that you might enjoy? Not just mixes, but whole copies? DVDs from other countries might not work on my DVD player. Music is great, copies, mix CDs, anything!   Tarts? Yes/no? Yes! I love Dark Candles tarts (I might add some to my wishlist, in fact) and Alternative Breeding sounds interesting, too. My home fragrance preferences are spicy scents, incense-y scents and rose.   I'm wondering if my witchee would like to try these types of things (like the caramel with sea salts or chocolates with chilis/bacon/salt etc.) No bacon in my chocolate, please! Chocolate with chilli is great, though. And salty candy is fine, I'm used to salty liquorice being from Finland where we practically live on the stuff.   What's your favorite animal? Cats. Then sheep and bunnies/rabbits.   What one (or two, if you really must) BPAL bottles are you most longing for? More Hay Moon, it's a surprise hit on my skin.   If you could have dinner/drinks/coffee with any 3 living people that are not your family/friends already, who would they be-? Tori Amos, Beth (as in kebechet) and... and... hmm, I can only think of dead people!   I wonder if my witchee would like a blanket type thing. Would you? I would cherish it if I got one but I'm not especially in need of one.   What's your favorite "I know it's bad for me but I can't help myself" treat? Chocolate, most definitely.   What is your favorite art movement and/or style? ie impressionist, surrealist, art nouveau, etc. I don't know if there's a particular movement I like to be honest...   Do you have a case for your mp3 player/digital camera? If you would want one, what size is your digital device? My MP3 has one already (handmade by me and I'm very proud of it...) but my camera doesn't. It's a pretty ordinary camera size, not super slim or anything. It's one of the older Fujifilm Finepix ones.   My questionnaire is chock-a-block with ideas for Witching me on the cheap, and without sending "stuff for stuff's sake". And I just came up with another one--make me a Pandora, Finetune, or Last.fm station you think I might like! What manner of affordable Witchery might you covet? Ecards make me happy, I like knowing I'm still thought about.   Does your cell phone have a place to attach charms? No, can't see a place - my old phone had one and this doesn't seem to.   If you drink coffee (and make it yourself) do you use a French Press, regular filter basket coffee maker, Espresso Machine, Percolator? I don't drink coffee, ever. I used to try to teach myself to like it but never did so I gave up and now haven't had any for a few years.   What movie soundtracks (or scores) do you love? The only one I can think of is The Hours soundtrack/score. (I have the CD.) I've been meaning to explore Philip Glass's music a bit more.   How do you scent yourself? Do you layer soaps, moisturizers, etc. or do you go straight to slathering your bod with BPAL? I don't especially layer, I tend to put moisturiser on before bed so it doesn't have much scent left in the morning. Then it's straight into the BPAL!   Do you/how do you scent your world? Candles, incense, diffusers, potpourri? None of the above? Tarts and incense are preferred to candles. I'm a bit worried about having open flame around because of the cat. Well, apart from spell candles but they don't have a scent anyway. And I like the BPTP room sprays but I'm well stocked on those.   BPAL is such a scent-ual experience. What are your other tactile, aural, or olfactory pleasures? Tactile is probably the cat. And music, obviously, and chocolate.   How do people feel about receiving baked goods/kits to make said goods? Or other cooking items? Would you enjoy oil or vinegar flavored with herbs grown at home? Strange and exotic spices with recipes to try? Cookies made with carnation petals? Baked goods are a-okay. Spices are great, I love cooking.   What are your pet's names, and what are they named for? The cat is Iona and she's not really named after anything in particular, it just felt like a name that suited her. It's a Celtic name.   Who here is a complete, over the top, Alice In Wonderland fanatic? I'm not a fanatic but especially since discovering BPAL I've got more into Alice. And Cheshire cat, can't forget Cheshire cat!   Are you a Trekkie? If so, which series do you prefer? Do you have a favorite character? No, not at all.   Do you have phobias? Spiders!   How do you like your mix CDs? Random? Stuff you know you'll like? Random is good, I like exploring new music.   Would you rather get food or jewellery? Jewellery. Or chocolate. Have you ever heard I like chocolate?   Do you like children's toys, such as jacks, those little things you tilt around to get the ball in the right hold (wtf are those called?), the aforementioned caplet dinosaurs, cap guns, etc?: I don't know what any of those are but generally toys are fine. Or just little random things, Halloween stuff...   Fanfic as a gift* - yay or nay? Your fandom? Slash preferences?*well, a virtual gift obviously. You know what I mean. I don't have a fandom, anymore.   Any beaders here? Need beading supplies? Yes, and beads are always welcome. I use a lot of Czech glass beads (dark colours especially) and some semi precious gemstone beads.   Do you like making up your SW packages around a theme, or prefer to mix it all up? Mine last round were a mix really.   Band-aids: do you like the fun and funky ones? Yes!   What kind of music (genres, please) do you like? Loads... but mostly I tend to listen to rock/pop/indie - the Tori Amos, Heather Nova, etc. type... Classical is fine, too, I like Sarah Brightman. And more jazz-y stuff is fine also.   What kinds of eye shadows do we all like? Mineral ones - I've just discovered the She Space and their shadows/pigments seem good. And I like Fyrinnae, and MAC pigments. Usually shiny, metallic colours in different shades of browns and greys although occasionally I wear purples and greens, too.   Do you like lip balm? If so, do you like tinted, glossy, sparkly, pearly or just plain lip balm? I love lipbalm! Tinted, glossy, pearly and plain (but flavoured!) are all good. I prefer tubes over pots.   What are some of the SW gifts/finds from past rounds (or you can just name a gift in general that you found for someone if this is your first round!) that you are the most proud of in terms of your sleuthing skills? I think the donation to the ASPCA really hit the spot so to speak, and my witchee also loved the bottle of Snow White.   And, secondly, what is something you've been searching for but just can't find? Self-control. But that might be hard to ship (although if you see it lurking around, tell it to come back asap!) so chocolate with peanut butter in it would be good, too. Reese's Pieces is one thing I can't find here and love.   Do you knit/crochet? Do you need any supplies? I do although not much. So supplies are welcome although I can't think of anything in particular that I need right now.   That's all... I hope that was helpful, dear Witch.  

etienne

etienne

 

More SW random questions answered...

What would you tell yourself 6 months in the past about 2008 so far? It'll just get better and better, all the hard work and enduring the painful and difficult stuff will most definitely pay off!   If you had one minute of fame, what would you do/say in the spotlight? I would probably panic a little and say something strange.   Robots versus zombies: who wins? Zombies.   What would zombie say? Nothing, they would just stalk silently.   Where are a few of your favorite places? The little woods by the sea where I spent my childhood summers, Stockholm in the summer, Greenwich (in London), and my home because it's very "me" and I've made it into my own little sanctuary.   What is one (only one) object that you collect, that totally goes against your personality or beliefs? I don't know if it goes against my beliefs really but I really like sheep - little soft toy sheep, sheep mugs, sheep stickers...   Are you a soap addict? Anything you like to avoid in soaps (goat's milk, lye, dyes, etc...) or any particular scents you like or brands you want to try? I don't have a huge soap stash (nothing like my BPAL stash!) but I do love nice soaps. I don't avoid anything in them but prefer handmade stuff. Some of my favourites are Arcana's soaps and BPTP Snake Oil soap. Lush is good, too, except I don't really like their Honey I Washed The Kids, it just doesn't feel as nice as some others.   Do you like kilts and would you wear one? It wouldn't really be my style but I do have some other tartan skirts (kind of Vivianne Westwood style) that I wear and like.   What's your favorite book? There is no simple answer to this! I recently read Angela Carter's The Magical Toyshop and loved it, my guilty pleasure is Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta books, I also loved Harry Potter...   What size socks do you wear? How about hat size? Sock size is UK 4 or EUR 37, I'm afraid I don't know what that is in US sizes... Hat size - I think I have a fairly large head.   Do you read comics? Which ones do you love and which can't you stand? No, not really into them.   Symbols that are meaningful to me? I really love the Wiccan triple moon.   By nature are you a morning lark or a night owl? Night owl most definitely.   What's your favorite type of music to hear live, rather than recorded? Tori Amos is amazing both live and recorded.   What is your favorite autumnal-seasonal drink? Tea but I like that every season. Hot chocolate.   Crossword puzzles? Other pencil puzzles? Maybe... I'm not really into them but don't hate them, either.   Favorite artist? Gustav Klimt   Favorite poet? Sylvia Plath   Halloween. Do you like it kooky or creepy? Both but not too creepy. Bats, cats and skulls rather than blood.   Reserved or Raunchy? Usually reserved but there's definitely a raunchy side to me, too...   Earth, Wind, Fire or Water? Hopefully a healthy mixture of all.   Tea or Coffee in the morning? Never coffee. I don't usually have a hot drink in the morning, tea is for drinking during the day and in the evening. Mornings are for a nice glass of juice.   Fruity snacks or chocolate? Both. But I do really love chocolate, even though I'm trying to be good and not have so much...   Would you accept art? Absolutely.   Antiques or Brand New? Both are fine, depends in what context.   What keywords do you use when searching for items for yourself on Etsy? Lately: witch, wicca, pagan, perfume, soap, cat, fairy, goth.

etienne

etienne

 

SW random questions!

Are there any of y'all who are allergic/sensitive to having natural fibers on your skin? No allergies here. As long as it's not scratchy and itchy - like some fibers can be if worn next to skin.   What was your favorite ghost/scary/campfire story growing up? I don't remember any, although I remember watching a tv show where a bunch of kids would sit around a campfire and tell each other stories.   Bugs? Do you like 'em or not? Nooo! I'm really scared of spiders, and of most other bugs for that matter. I like bees, though, as images at least... I really want to get my next tattoo - a bee on my ankle.   i haz no imp storage. do you? I do, I do! I have 3 blue ammo cases (100 slots in each) - they're not all full, but one houses my GC imps, one has LE and other special decants, and one has other etailers' samples.   If you have a garden/planter box, what do you grow? I don't have a garden but I really want to start growing herbs (both for cooking and magick) on the kitchen window. I'm not sure autumn/winter is the best time for it, though.   Do you decorate for Halloween? What sort of decorations? Dress up for Halloween? I haven't decorated before but I'm really into Halloween this year and I finally have my own flat so I think this is a good year to start! I dressed up as a Witch last year.   Bats, cats, skeletons, monsters, vampires, witches or what other ghoulies do you prefer? Cats for sure, and bats, witches, skulls... it's all good in fact!   Do you like horror flicks? Not really, no.   Who here prefers stylus and ink to ballpoint? Anyone invested time and effort into calligraphy or proper Victorian writing? I love fountain pens but usually just go for felt tip or ballpoint for the convenience.   What about stationery? Need some? What styles do you like? I'm not a big letter writer but I like notepads I can use for writing notes to go with swaps etc. I also like notecards. Nothing overly cute or girly, please. Cats, fairies, dark roses - that sort of thing would be cool. There are some examples on my Etsy wishlist.   What is one item that you've wanted forever, could have afforded, but have never gotten and why (haven't you gotten it!)? I've been lusting after a red patchwork wall hanging for a long time (or a purple one, for that matter!) - it's not that I can't afford it as such but more that it seems so crazy to spend a lot of money on something that essentially is just going to hang on a wall when I could spend the money on shoes or perfume instead...   What Halloween scent are you most looking forward to? Katrina van Tassel, definitely. And I've never tried Samhain before, so that, although I suspect it might not work on me...   Tattoos! Do you have em? Do you want em? Whatcha got or getting? I have a simple star on my lower back. I really want to add to it somehow - perhaps a small star on the side, or add some shading. My plans for the next two are a bee on my ankle (from Tori Amos 'Sweet The Sting' lyrics that say "wisdom comes with the sting") and the Wiccan triple moon symbol either on my wrist or on my back. If my Witch is artistic, the most amazing gift you could give me would be the draw a bee I could get tattooed on me! Seriously. I want something fairly simple, not cutesy, black and white. I've planned that tattoo for years, I've just been waiting for the right image.   Reduce - REUSE - recycle. Do others feel the same? Absolutely. I buy a lot of clothes used and definitely recycle whatever I can. I also try to buy fairtrade, local and organic whenever possible. I do love fun little things and random Halloween things but please don't feel you should buy something like that for me - I'm trying to cut back on random clutter. I'd prefer something small from my Etsy wishlist over a mass produced plastic knick knack any day.   What is your favorite crafting supply? Beads! Glass, gemstone and wood beads. I will also always have a use for ribbons, lace and fabric flowers.   Any period of time that you love? Victorian. I dream of living in a Victorian house one day - that's quite a realistic goal considering there are loads of them in London!

etienne

etienne

 

Reviews of the new GCs

Some reviews of the new GCs...   from Doc Constantine's Pharmacopoeia   Slippery Poppy Tincture poppy flowers, acai berry and honey   Wet: Very 'green' and fresh floral - I think that's the poppies mixing with the acai berry as there's something a bit similar, sharp than in Australian Copperhead. I'm not really getting any honey out of this at all. Too 'fresh' and 'green' for me. The longer it sits on my skin, the more I'm actually starting to dislike it.     Stimulating Sassafras Strengthener sassafras, vanilla extract, oak, leaf, CO2 butter extract, and onycha   Something quite medicinal - almost like menthol, or the smell of a cough syrup! I get some of the sweetness of the vanilla mellowing it down, too. It's interesting but not something I would wear as a perfume at all. It's also quite masculine.   from Phoenix Steamworks   Galvanic Goggles Metallic notes with Indian musk, tobacco flower, and African balsam.   Pleasant - quite masculine - the metallic notes always translate to me as something quite fresh and manly. Not something I could imagine myself wearing but definitely a nice, pleasant scent.     No. 93 Engine Balm of Gilead, benzoin, frankincense, balsam of peru, beeswax, saffron, galbanum, calamus, hyssop, mastic, lemon balm, and white sage.   Deep, spicy. Reminds me a lot of some of the "God incense" we use at Wiccan rituals, I think it's the galbanum I'm picking up on? This is definitely a nice scent but again something that evokes quite a masculine image in my mind so I don't imagine I would wear this myself.     The Obsidian Widow Pinot noir, dark myrrh, red sandalwood, black patchouli, night-blooming jasmine, and attar of rose.   Definitely the red wine at first. I'm also noticing the jasmine because it's the note of doom... As it all settles, it's actually very pleasant and quite a 'classic perfume' smelling. Classy and sophisticated, not an every day scent but something for special occasions. So far my definite favourite out of these.     The Robotic Scarab Polished metallic notes, glossy leather, frankincense, star anise, and thin lubricating oils.   Once again the metallic notes scream 'masculine' to me. I don't get much of the leather but I sense it's there, as a base. Notes-wise not something I would pick up for myself but not unpleasant in any way.     Smokestack Creosote, coal, and industrial waste.   Oh yes, hello vetiver! I can't even skin test this. Bleurgh.     Violet Ray White mint, purple musk, violet, lilac, ylang ylang, lavender moss, and sandalwood.   Very floral - I think it's the violets and lilacs I'm getting so overpoweringly. Not me at all - just an average floral scent, not very pleasant. I seem to have a problem with 'fresh' smelling florals.

etienne

etienne

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