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By Silvertree February 7, 2012

Please be aware that we do not permit swap-related content on profiles or in blogs. Please post this content only in the For Sale, Swaps, and Wanted forums, or in the Wishlists topic. ~from Swapping 101 Thanks!
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Spring Shotgun SW 2010

Stuff I collect other than BPAL? gargoyles, groundhogs, watch parts What patronus would you have? i have no idea What color are your eyes? greenish-brown I'm a space junky. Love anything galaxy, space, star, etc related. I like space stuff, depending on what is it. I'm sure if my witch got me anything I would love it. Severed fingers? No thanks If you like tea, what are your favorite kinds? I don't like tea, so please please don't send any. Thanks! How do you feel about handmade stuffed animals? I like them. Are there any accessories you'd really like? i can't think of anything Is there anything you've had to give up that you really miss or want back? nothing right now Are you opposed to vegan baked goods? Or baked goods in general? not at all. I'm willing to try something new. What's your favourite flower?tiger lilies For those that have dogs, if I were to knit them a sweater, what colour would you like it to be?no sweater, thanks Lip balm?sure OPI Alice in Wonderland set? no thanks Hair stuff? Clips and things, do you need any? I can always use scrunchies and clips Your view of Valentine's Day?Meh. I prefer Groundhog's Day Do you like traditional Valentine's Day colors (red, pink, white, more?) ?not really A Favorite love poem? I don't think I really have one, I'll have to think on it more Turkish delight?I've never had it, but I'd be open to trying it. What's everyone's favorite semi-obscure (or underappreciated!) animal? What is your favorite sign that spring is coming?seeing the groundhogs out and about Are you a big Mardi Gras fan? What's your favorite part? not really I have been knitting a lot lately, would something hand knit be nice for you? What is your favourite kind of love story? romantic ,against all odds stories. I enjoy many different kinds of romance novels so I come across some really wonderful love stories of all different kinds Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things?no thanks who on the thread likes attending Ren Faires, SciFi/Comic Cons & the like? And do you dress up for them? I used to love to go to RenFaires, but I haven't been in a while. I never had the courage to dress up. Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, &c.? not that I can think of. Used books/cds/dvds, etc?I am totally fine with used books, dvds, cds For those of you with pets, would you like pet things? Toys, treats, etc? Sure, ,I have two dogs and two cats. The dogs like things that squeak and the cats love the nip. Interested in receiving gifts representative of Witch's country or culture?That would be awesome First five songs on the "Top 25 Most Played" list on iPod: The Pretender-Foo Fighters I Write Sins Not Tragedies- Panic at the Disco One Step Closer- Linkin Park A Beautiful Lie-30 Seconds to Mars Fireflies- OwlCity And then just for a little more insight, just a few more: For Your Entertainment- Adam Lambert Prayer- Disturbed All the Right Move- One Republic Thnks Fr Th Mmrs- Fall Out Boy All Around me- Flyleaf In Love With A Girl- Gavin Degraw Mad About You- Sting Wordplay- Jason Mraz But It's Better If You Do- Panic at the Disco Straight Lines- Silverchair Live Like Music- Alexz Johnson Dance, Dance- Fall Out Boy Drive- Incubus Broken Open -Adam Lambert Evacuate the Dancefloor- Cascade Warning- Incubus Everlong- Foo Fighters Anna Molly- Incubus In Between- Duncan Sheik Boom Boom Pow- Black Eyed Peas If you're a WoW player, do you have the Pandaren Monk and Lil' KT pets? Would you want them? I don't play WoW would you be interested in getting a mix CD from your witch? Absolutely! What's your favourite candy?I love chocolate but as a diabetic, I need to stay away from it. Think Geek plush microbes?I think they are cute but could never decide on whih one I liked the most. What about handmade sewn gifts? Any fabrics you wish to/need to avoid due to allergies, etc? No allegies and I would love anything my witch made for me. Kitchen gadgetry? none I can think of Nail polish?no thanks Do you like incense and/or scented candles, and are you able to burn them in your home? If so, what kinds of scents do you like? No thanks Boxes? For Bpal (bottles and/or imps) or otherwise. No thanks. I make my own boxes, so I have plenty of storage space. But, I'd be willing to help someone else out, should they need it. But, if my witch made me something, again, I would love it!!! So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found? I honestly can't think of anything I would want. again, I'd need to think about this.

syrenemyst

January 31, 2010

NaturalCyber's Blog

Himerus and Ded Moroz thoughts

I must have had something on my skin or something the first try because no soap smell with Himerus the second time either. However, it was a horrible sleeping scent. It aggravated my insomnia like whoa for some reason. It took a long while for me to drop off (the smart thing to do would have been to wash it off but, alas). It was still there when I woke up and I was still getting very faint whiffs when I did wash it off. I'm going to take a guess and say my average wear-time will end up around 10-12 hours. Note to self: check out the Somnium scents sometime. The reviews all seem to mention lavender, which I love on the plant itself (my poor dead root-shocked lavender plant, oh how I miss thee), but I have no ideas besides that. The name of Baku definitely pings me so maybe I'll try that first. My random pick of the day is Ded Moroz. It's so sharp and clean and amazing. I think I may have to get a bottle because I can see myself wearing it a lot. But definitely washing this one off before bed--I feel wide awake, even though I was tired before. And I haven't had any caffeine today. ... Huh, now that the Ded Moroz has settled I'm noticing that my wrists smell different! The left sweetened and got a bit flowery and the right is more like when it was first put on. Weird.

naturalcyber

January 31, 2010

jencallisto's Blog

February 2010 Shotgun Switch Witch Questions & Answers

~posted 2/16/10~ Fellow witches, if you were to give up something for 40 days, what would it be and why? Hmm. Pork, maybe, because pigs are really smart, and while it would be pretty difficult for me, it's definitely possible. I already don't usually eat octopus for that reason, but then, I don't find them that tasty. Pork is another story. I'd also consider giving up chocolate or cheese or eating out or something along those lines. Honestly, though, I'm not much into restrictions of that nature. Are you following the Olympics? What's your favorite sport to watch? Would you be interested in merch? I am only vaguely following the Olympics; I tend to not even realize that they're coming and then for one reason or another I end up watching just a little and get dragged in completely. I have to admit that for the Winter Olympics I do love the figure skating -- I am so thrilled for the Chinese pairs right now! But I actually enjoy almost everything that involves speed and grace... which is pretty much the entire Winter Olympics. Skating (I think hockey is awesome outside of the Olympics, too!) and skiing and snowboarding are all just darn fun to watch! For the summer olympics, gymnastics is totally where it's at, but I like to watch the swimming and diving events as well, and I wish rhythmic gymnastics got more airtime. I also now have a soft spot for handball after getting to see an actual match in Beijing, and archery and pistol are surprisingly mesmerizing, too (I think I might just enjoy watching women shoot things). Merch-wise, well, sure, I guess. I like merch! ~posted 2/13/10~ These are a few of my favourite things: ...? BOOKS! Food and drink! History and mythology (especially related to China or Ancient Greece, but I like pretty much all of it)! Abstract mathematics! (I would especially love some linear algebra or topology.) Earth science -- especially geophysics, petrology, hydrology, and environmental science. Winter! I also like autumn a lot, and have some fondness for spring. Lakes and rivers and waterfalls and glaciers and mountains. Water in general, really. Fjords. Storms, especially thunderstorms and tornados. Sexuality and polyamory and gender and ethnic studies. Jewelry, the color black, dancing, singing, sex, friends, love. Philosophy, metaphysics, the human condition. MUSIC! Travel! Games of all types! Geeks. (ETA: Oh, and I love wartime propaganda posters -- US ones, but also ones from different countries (Russian and Chinese cold war posters are some of my favorites). And movie and musical and theatre posters (I love books the most, but really I love all kinds of storytelling -- movies, television, plays, poetry, etc). And art in general.) I love to decoupage/collage boxes and notebooks. If you were my witchee, would you like one? What colors/themes would you want it to have? Find cute pictures--inspire me (and other crafty witches)! Sure! Any of the colors I like would work! I am not picky. Themes that sound fun off the top of my head: steampunk, space or space exploration or constellations, mythology, books or libraries, dance, music, mathematics (the abstract kind, not so much the numerical kind, retro, classic science... but I'm sure there are others I'd like. Picture-wise... hmm. I don't know. How abut this astronomical clock: http://www.hickerphoto.com/astronomical-cl...87-pictures.htm or the sheet music for Grieg's "Papillon": http://everynote.com/piano.show/1136.note or the surface of Mars: http://crism.jhuapl.edu/science/images/marsGeo/VL1.jpg or Sandman as illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano: http://readcomics.org/wp-content/uploads/2...m_hunters_1.jpg and http://www.neilgaiman.com/works/images/San..._1185846084.jpg -- just a few random thoughts. Alan Rickman? I adore him and find him (and oh, his voice) endlessly sexy. I loved him even when he (er, his character) had the bad taste to cheat on Emma Thompson in Love Actually! For a long time he was my top choice to play Crowley from Good Omens if a film version ever happened; he's probably too far out of the age range these days but I have a hard time bringing myself to care -- it's hard for me to imagine anyone else, at this point. Basically, he's amazing! Which 5 celebrities are on your "LIST"? Christian Kane -- down-to-earth, tough but sweet, gorgeous voice, gorgeous hair, can kick serious ass Jon Huertas -- dead hot, nice build, endearing sense of humor Naveen Andrews -- beautiful, incredibly hot, passionate Bob Bryar -- super talented and sturdy and sweet and quiet and stubborn Drew Barrymore -- adorable and fun and sweet and real, and with a sensual streak that absolutely works for me Next five: Kevin Zegers -- pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty, exudes sensuality, takes risks Clive Owen -- has a wryness about him that is extremely appealing, plus the magnificent combination of direct and rough and reserved and focused and all-around amazing Joaquin Phoenix -- maybe crazy but also crazy intense and super, super, super hot Clea DuVall -- is just hot, not to mention truly engaging and full of personality Angelina Jolie -- confident, interesting, has this aura of pure, luscious sex about her I could go on and on (I didn't even get to most of the musicians!), but I'll content myself with this. ~posted 2/12/10~ If you could have one "unselfish" wish (but personal) what would it be? For my super-sweet, super hard-working SO to get the job he wants -- he had the second interview for it yesterday! But honestly, there's a tiny bit of selfishness in that wish, so... I would like one of my friends to find long-term happiness with someone, either the guy she's with now or someone else. Or I'd like a different friend of mine to make it through her graduate program with flying colors, without driving herself tooooooooo crazy (and I am not using that term flippantly). I would also love it if yet a different friend of mine could find a job that she likes that also doesn't hurt her wrists, and one of my brothers needs a job while the other needs some friends in the city he just moved to... I'm having a hard time choosing! Are there any books you particularly want to read that you don't mind being 2nd hand (or 3rd or 4th ) I happy with almost any books being second hand, as long as they're in decent condition (I don't like writing in my books unless I put it there, it's one of the few things I'm picky about). I guess there are a few collectible things I'd probably want in near-perfect condition, but those are both few and far between and likely above the price cap anyway. If you had to choose SHOES or PURSES? Er. If I could only ever have one, I'd go barefoot (being able to feel the ground is really good for my weak ankles) and have a nice, mid-size, sturdy black purse (more like a courier bag than your average fashion purse) with lots of inner pockets. I don't really wear pants, you see, and skirt pockets only hold so much, even when they exist, so a purse or bag is essential. However, if we're talking about buying most often and collecting, then definitely shoes. I prefer to have only one purse at a time, though it must be a perfect purse that goes with everything and carries what I want, how I want it (perfect purse -- probably ballistic nylon or super sturdy but soft leather, water resistant, lots of useful compartments, will carry a hardcover book in a pinch and a trade paperback without much complaint but prefers mass market paperbacks, solid black with no accenting colors, a big inner pocket and at least one easy access outer pocket, and adjustable shoulder strap because while I usually carry it just on my left shoulder, in certain situations I prefer to I sling it across my body, usually for safety or for balance). But shoes... Even when I find a perfect pair of shoes, they wear out and get discontinued, and then I'm on the search again. Practicality and comfort are an absolute must for me, and I've been living in a warm climate (and tend to overheat easily and almost never get too cold), so I'm wearing more sandals and open shoes than other kinds of shoes (and I am super picky about my sneakers). I do have a beloved pair of beat-up steel-toed combat boots that I wear to shows, though, and could probably use something similar. In my wildest dreams, I'd love the Fluevog 40th Anniversary Derby Swirl boots -- the blackened gold is so gorgeous (http://www.fluevog.com/code/?pp=1&view=detail&p=1&colourID=2647). But in general, I like my shoes to be either really chunky (think Doc Martens, though I no longer buy them since they discontinued my favorite boot; I also love Earth shoes with their awesome negative heel -- terrific for my ankles as well) or super flexible and thin-soled. Butler Bags? Not even a little bit my style, but I do like the jewelry box: http://www.butlerbag.com/ProductDetails.as...=98&SCID=42 -- but then I'm always on the lookout for good jewelry storage. If you could have 5 mL of ANY ONE BPAL scent, what would it be? If this is in addition to what I already have... probably Champagne and Roses or Pumpkin Queen, or for a GC, maybe The Miller's Daughter. But if this were the only BPAL I could have ever, probably Baku. But Visiting the Temple of Auspicious Fortune Alone on the Winter Solstice, Agape, Gennivre, and Aglaea would all be close behind. Loose tea or bagged tea? Or both? Both! (And that Teeli Infuser looks awesome!) Do you like gardening,growing vegetables, house plants? Need any small tools, seeds, labels? No, I am an accidental killer of house plants. I just don't pay enough attention, and I might be moving around quite a bit in the next year or three, and house plants aren't that easy to move, and gardens are even more difficult. I guess I'm just more of a trees/woods/wetlands/arboretums/national and state parks sort of girl. Are there any soundtracks you'd be interested in getting a copy of? Glee! Whip It! Mysterious Skin, Were the World Mine, Zombieland, Newcastle, In the Mood for Love, 2046, Fallen Angels, High Fidelity, and Crazy Heart. Working (the 2000 CR and/or the orig 1978 BCR), Guys and Dolls (movie songs especially, but I'd take whatever), Hedwig and the Angry Inch, West Side Story, and Fiddler on the Roof. I'm sure there are more, too, but that's what I can think of offhand. Non-soundtrack CD-wise, if I could pick one thing, it would be the Joy Division Heart and Soul boxset or RT: The Life and Music of Richard Thompson boxset. (Note that already have a ton of Richard Thompson, but for Joy Division I only have the best of album and would welcome any other albums.) Within the price cap... probably Tool, Undertow because I had it on cassette in high school but never got around to buying a cd. ~posted 2/7/10~ OPI Alice in Wonderland? Love the concept, but I wouldn't ever wear those two reds, I'd prefer a black that's less multicolor, and while I do really like the blue, I'm a little worried about the glitter effects this reviewer: http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2009/12/opi-...hes-review.html mentions -- I like my nail polish to be super-smooth. (I haven't tried Seche Vite Topcoat, though, maybe that would help, though the idea of doing four layers on my nails does not thrill me, or five if I use a basecoat, which I probably should.) Oh wow. The China Glaze Wizard of Oz ones are really pretty, though. Glittery, but almost subtle. The blue, purple, silver, and gold all appeal to me, and even the pink and red have a strange hold (though I still kind of want the red to be darker). How do you feel about handmade stuffed animals? I love them! I have a little green knit Cthulhu who could use some friends. Are there any accessories you'd really like? (Keychains, little purses, etc.) Things to hold other things in -- boxes, pouches, purses, jars, tins, etc. What are your favorite animals? Cats (both big cats and housecats -- tigers and panthers and lynxes and the black and grey striped domestic shorthair are my favorites), bears (with a special soft spot for polar bears and black bears), octopi (they're so <i>smart</i>), spiders and bats (anything that eats mosquitos gets my vote, plus I feel like they're underappreciated), beavers (nature's engineers!) , and hedgehogs (prickly and adorable). Is there anything you've had to give up that you really miss or want back? Maybe something a witch could help out with? Well, I didn't exactly mean to give it up, but my signed, gorgeous, first printing hardcover of The Wake (the concluding trade compilation of the <i>Sandman</i> series by Neil Gaiman) somehow disappeared between when I moved out of my college dorm and into a house with four friends, and when I moved out of that house three years later. I have a sneaking suspicion one of my old housemates might have accidentally packed it up with his stuff (I lent him and his gf the series, with the caveat that the hardcovers didn't leave the house), but he didn't think he had it when I mentioned it in passing, and I've never actually pressed him about it -- for all that I loved that copy of the book (I'm not a fan of the graphic design of the current set of trade paperbacks; plus it's hard to beat a silver line drawing of Dream personalized to you and signed by Neil Gaiman on the endpapers of your book... though honestly, I'd love to have a copy of that edition (such a beautiful dark green) even without the drawing and signature), I'd rather keep the peace and his friendship. In the slightly more likely realm, when I moved away from Boston I gave one of my old housemates (she helped me finish packing, so she definitely deserved the bounty) a black skirt that I had gotten a little too skinny for. Of course, grad school was not exactly good for my health and that size 16 skirt would probably fit me perfectly again. It was paneled with an adorable fitted-then-flared shape and crisp cotton feel, black eyelet (the larger kind of eyelets rather than the really tiny kind; it had kind of swirling pattern, iirc) over a solid black lining; I think it was DKNY but I might be misremembering that -- I gave it away in 2004 so the details are a little hazy. I loved that skirt, and I like a lot of skirts like it, too. Tiny things? I like some tiny things, sure. The website is cute! I think I'm more likely to enjoy the papers and labels and flat decorative objects and cards (some of the cards are incredibly cool, especially the game cards and playing cards, though I wish there were more actual decks) and maybe some of the jewelry than random tiny things, but perhaps the right tiny thing would change my mind! If you were a student at Hogwarts, what house would you be in? Ravenclaw, all the way. I have the occasional Slytherin, Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff traits, but I am so much a Ravenclaw it's not even funny. Space & Star Trek? I think space is really cool, at least in the abstract and aesthetic senses. I'm most interested in planetary geology out of all the space-related disciplines, probably because of my latent love of geophysics from my undergraduate years. I like Star Trek a lot -- I grew up with TNG and so have a huge soft spot, but I do enjoy the original series as well and I loved the reboot movie. I never watched much Deep Space 9, alas, but wouldn't be averse to trying it out. My top six shows in space: Babylon 5, Firefly, the recent Battlestar Galactica miniseries (I haven't watched the rest of the show yet), Stargate: Atlantis, Star Wars, and Star Trek. Severed fingers? Well, if they're tasty or otherwise awesome... What's your Patronus? Non-Potter fans, what's your Spirit Animal? Almost certainly a bear. My last name means "bear" in Chinese, and though I am probably more like a cat in a lot of ways (my animagus form could well be a cat of some kind), I've always felt close to bears somehow. They look cuddly but can be seriously dangerous, they're by nature independent but not necessarily unfriendly (and can be incredibly nurturing; something I used to rebel against but have become more okay with over time), and they place high importance on eating (and generally like variety!) and are creative in doing so. Sun bears are even nocturnal, and polar bears like cold weather. Polar bears and black bears like water and swimming, too! Basically, bears are awesome. If you like tea, what are your favorite kinds? Fruity, sweet, chai, plain, black, green, red, white? I like pretty much all tea. A sampling of what I like: pretty much all chai unless they're overwhelmingly licorice, earl grey, lady grey, chrysanthemum tea with rock sugar, chocolate mint rooibus, Infusions of Tea Lillian's Treasure, rose tea, lavender tea, Moroccan mint tea, fresh green tea, genmai cha, pu-erh, white tea (white tea is especially good for fruit flavors, but I do like others as well), English breakfast, oolong, jasmine, bubble tea... Most Chinese and Japanese teas I like plain (with the obvious exception -- it's how they serve chrysanthemum tea in China!), most British teas I like with cream and sugar (preferably raw sugar or honey), other than that it really varies by the tea and my mood. Do you have any personal heroes / heroines and why? It's so cheesy, but definitely my parents. They came here as students and then got stuck and couldn't go back, but they made the best of it; I had a very happy childhood, and as I get older I appreciate more and more their philosophies about life and family. On a less personal level -- Hua Mulan, for obvious reasons, Yu Xuanji (a Tang dynasty female poet whose feminist bent makes me love her even though she was executed young for killing her maid; there's a translation of all her extant poetry here: http://web.archive.org/web/20080803054524/...edu/chinese/yu/ -- click the "Text" link and check out number 19; there are also a bunch of other translations listed here: http://home.infionline.net/~ddisse/yuxuanji.html), and, um, Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Are there any languages or countries that you're really interested in? ... Chinese and China, pretty obviously. I have some interest in Japan as well, but in a more analytical way than a purely Japanophile way. I also love French and am very interested in learning Ancient Greek (and am certainly interested in their countries), and I love Italy and Hungary (and find their languages cool, too). I'm interested in Norway's fjords, does that count? I think the UK is pretty interesting, too, and Australia and New Zealand, and Russia, and I've heard Turkey is amazing. I'd love to learn any ancient or unusual language, really; I picked up a handwritten book about Indonesian at a thrift store once, and a book about Etruscan at a used book store, and anything like Sumerian or Ancient Egyptian or whatnot would be kickass. I also think linguistics is really cool in general -- I love historical and comparative linguistics and etymology and language drift, linguistic anthropology, semiotics and the study of meaning, language acquisition, etc, etc. Creole languages are amazing, secret languages (thieves' cant!) are amazing, constructed and engineered languages are amazing, hybrid languages and language interactions are amazing. I haven't really seriously studied linguistics, but it's just inherently fascinating to me. If you could be in any fictional universe, what would it be? (Harry Potter, Firefly, Lord of the Rings, Silent Hill, wtv.) Hmmmmm. Maybe the world of the Chrestomanci novels by Diana Wynne Jones. So many possibilities! And not tooooooo creepy or difficult or distressing -- things that do make good literature, but that I wouldn't necessarily want to live in. The Chrestomanci universe does have those things, but it would be so easy to just experience one little slice of it; plus, in general, good prevails! ~posted 2/4/10~ I custom mix nail polish, a process called 'frankening'. If you were my witch, would you enjoy a custom 'franken', based on whatever colors/theme you chose? Absolutely! Since everyone is spending the same amount of money on this swap, would you be interested in seeing the cost breakdown of each item in your package? That might be interesting! But I'm okay with it either way. Do you like guessing who your witch is, or would you prefer to know? Do you mind knowing? I am fine with whatever, though a small part of me would at least like to know eventually (but, you know, if you don't want to reveal, no worries! it's alllllll good). My natural inclination is not to guess, but if you want me to guess, just let me know and I'll give it a shot! If it's going to be obvious who your witch is, would you rather she played the ninja and sent one big box at the end, or smaller packages along the way? Anything goes! I have no preference. Keys? Keys are awesome. I like jewelry with them, I like them in general, especially the old-fashioned kind. Sleepwear? I LOVE light, long or medium-length sleepshirts (in XL), preferably in natural, stretchy, comfy materials. Black is my favorite color for them, but really any darker color is welcome, and even some lighter ones. For sleeping, t's really more about feel. I also go through a lot of pajama pants, but those are really more for lounging about the house than for sleeping per se. Eye color? Dark warm brown. Are you opposed to vegan baked goods? Or baked goods in general? I am the opposite of opposed. To both questions! I will note also that I love many bakery items besides the ones listed in the 5-things bakery question. I am easy to please on that front, really. Roller derby? I adored Whip It, and would absolutely be interested in roller derby related things, and am thinking about going to a match one of these days. But I don't know that I'd ever actually participate in it myself... I'm just not all that sporty. I like to dance, but I'm not as into sports for whatever reason. What's your favourite flower? Probably roses, especially deep red and Texas yellow and deep rose, and even white (especially when mixed with red); not a huge fan of light pink by itself, but it can be nice mixed with yellow. (Two-tone roses are often really pretty.) Any flower in black or a deep purple or blue so dark that it almost looks like black will make me happy -- there are tulips of this type that I think are beautiful (for example, "Queen of the Night," which has a fabulous name to boot -- the aria is absolutely amazing). I also love lilacs, apple and cherry blossoms, honeysuckle, osmanthus (they smell so amazing), lavender, orchids, irises, daffodils, hibiscus (hibiscus tea and sprite is one of my favorite drinks), some sweet peas, and african violets and violets if they are actually purple (not a fan of some of these scents, but I do think they're pretty). I also like cactus flowers and a lot of wildflowers, but I couldn't tell you what they're called. hair stuff? I adore hair sticks and those little hair clips (I think they're called snap clips). I like decorative pins and combs as well, and no-snag elastics and fun stuff. I don't really wear headbands, and while I like some jaw clips only a few specific types work on my hair (in general they have to have a built-in space for hair, like those ones with the triangular cross-section, like these: http://www.scunci.com/product_detail.aspx?...id=78&lp=13 -- my hair is long and thick enough that holding it all up can be difficult for the standard jaw clip. I also like some other kinds of clips and enjoy trying new kind of hair toys. For example if I saw this: http://www.scunci.com/product_detail.aspx?...id=21&lp=22 in a store in the large size, I'd probably be tempted to get it. I also wear the occasional large barrette. My very favorite hair toy maker is The Bronze Jewelers: http://www.bronzejewelers.com/ but I like many, many, many others as well. For those that have dogs, if I were to knit them a sweater, what colour would you like it to be? No dog. Lip balm: Yay or nay? If yay, what are your favorite kinds (brands, consistency, whatever)? YAY! I used to wear a lot of Burt's Bees Beeswax, but it started to seem drying to me, so I switched to the Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil, which I still do like. But nowadays I mostly use the mango-melon (I think that's the right flavor) lip balm I bought at the Antonana's Fine Products aka Rituals booth in the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis, MN (this is their website: http://www.ritualsmn.net/ but the lip balm isn't listed and I'm not quire sure if it's even orderable online), and I like their rose one, too. It's really smooth, more buttery than waxy, and really natural and pure. I would definitely be interested in trying other lip balms from small-scale, natural retailers. I am also fond of Korres tinted lip butter, though I wish it came in tube form. I also really like lip gloss (especially less sticky, more smooth kinds), but for anything with color, darker is almost always better. How do you feel about home-canned goods, like pickles, jelly, preserves, stuff like that. I love preserves and jelly, and also things like canned tomato sauce or fudge sauce or other such things. I do like lightly-pickled cucumbers, and dill pickles, and probably some other pickles as well though I'm a little picky about them. ~posted 2/2/10~ Do you have any significant upcoming events in your life you'd like something for? A child/yourself graduating from high school/college? Are you buying a new home or car soon? Moving in with someone/getting married? Taking a new job? Moving to a new part of the country/world? I actually just moved to a different part of the US and quit my graduate program. Now I'm looking for a job in this area; if I don't find one in the next few months, I'm moving back in with my parents in Minneapolis/St. Paul suburbs. So I've got nothing planned, exactly, but a lot of things hoped for. If you're my Witchee, would you like a chance to win these (alicia_stardust) earrings? I think the earrings are utterly gorgeous, but I'm not sure how my ears would react to the copper. How are we feeling about Burlesque? I love the aesthetics and shows, but I don't do it myself. I might get into it in the future, though. Is there anything you're lusting after in the Villainess update? I would adore anything Raspberry Swirl, Lipstick Lost, or possibly Miss Edith. Truffle Trade Smack! also looks promising. I've tried only the tiniest bit of Villainess, there's so much stuff I've be psyched to experience. Would you like or accept an energetically-charged item or gift? Something that had power poured into it? If so, do you have a particular purpose that you'd prefer? (Love, protection, money, etc.) I would! That's a nifty idea. I'm currently in search of serenity, luck, and money (I'm unemployed and jobsearching at the moment, coming off a bad experience and making a lot of changes to my life). Sock Dreams? I'd be interested, certainly. I don't need any thick/heavy/warm socks, but gothy knee-highs (I have thick calves, if that makes a difference in sizing) and ankle-length socks would be welcomed and worn. Would you use a natural sea sponge? I'd certainly at least try it out. So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found? Most likely, the first edition of some book that I adore (for example, Alice in Wonderland, or maybe The Joy of Cooking; I'd love other classic cookbooks, too -- LaRousse Gastronomique (translated into English), or Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child). Or, really, I'd want a complete set of 1st edition hardback Sandman graphic novels. Also, I love antique jewelry, especially Asian stuff and Art Deco, and Ming dynasty furniture. I'd love to own musical instruments, too -- a cello would be my top choice, but a viola, violin, hammered dulcimer, harp, guitar, pipa (a traditional Chinese instrument -- guzheng are my favorite, but there's already one in the family), weighted keyboard, or nice piano would also cause much glee, and a drum set, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trombone, or nice recorder would probably intrigue me. What else... the complete set of Akira Kurosawa movies put out by the Criterion Collection? Oh, and The Cambridge History of China complete set to date (there are still a few not yet published). And, well, one more thing: I would adore a letterpress, or a even a fancy antique calligraphy set. Make that two more things: also, a classic mocha-colored (the sort of shimmery brown coffee color, not the orangey one) English Raleigh. I used to have one, but it was stolen at the Palo Alto Caltrain station while I was at a conference in downtown SF. Yes, I'm still bitter about that. A digital SLR should also be on this list, and Fluevog "Gorgeous" heels in black, size 8.5. Hmm. If I were forced to pick just one of these, I'd go with the cello. But I figured the thought process and rambling might help you, so I'm leaving it in. What about UNTOUCHED make-up samples or any other type of girly-sample thing? Sure, and even lightly used stuff would be all right with me. Bacon chocolate? I've had the Vosges bar, and it was tasty enough, but not nearly my favorite Vosges (Barcelona's my all-time favorite, and there are a couple more listed under the "favorite candy" question, and I'm sure there are a several more I'd like to try (or have again, because YUM). I'll note that the Enchanted Mushroom one evoked the same reaction as the Bacon Chocolate one (good but not great), though I bet the SO would be interested in trying some of that. I would be more interested in trying other bacon chocolate items, preferably actual bacon (cooked super crispy but not quite blackened) covered in high-quality dark chocolate. Actually, though, looking at the Vosges page, I think I had the milk chocolate bacon bar; maybe the dark chocolate would be better. The pancake mix and toffee also look intriguing. Especially the toffee. I am a sucker for caramel and salt together, and the addition of bacon and toffee sounds delicious. Do you prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? What flavors? If I were forced to pick only one, hot chocolate. I just love the stuff, all sorts of flavors (Chuao Chocolatier's Spicy Maya and Winter are my absolute favorites, but Burdick's is close behind, and I'm always up for trying new hot chocolate), with lots of whipped cream if possible. Tea is a very close second, though -- I love all kinds of tea. Top five: chrysanthemum tea with rock sugar (as you have probably guessed from my Questionnaire), earl grey, Infusions of Tea chocolate mint rooibus, chai of most kinds (I like the kinds with more ginger and pepper and cardamom and less anise better, but I don't think I've ever met a chai that I disliked, and... hmm. Lavender green tea with lychee jellies, or maybe just almond milk tea. I like lots of other tea as well, though, and adore trying new ones! I have to admit, though, that I also love coffee a whole lot. Kona and Blue Mountain, mochas and lattes and freezes, Vietnamese iced coffee and affogato, basically coffee is delicious. I don't make it at home, though -- I don't have any machines or methods (maybe I would if I did? maybe). So I mostly have it when I go out. Would you like some of my favourite recipes? Yes, please! posters, pictures, art? I like those things. Do you like alcoholic beverages? If so, what is your preference (beer, wine, liquor...)? And finally, is it legal to ship alcohol to your state? I do. I don't drink a ton (I'm a serious lightweight), but I do like a fair number of alcoholic beverages. My favorite thing in the world of alcohol is dessert wine -- I am especially fond of black muscat (which produces a gorgeous dark red wine with a lot of depth; my favorite dessert wine (and alcoholic beverage, really), is Quady Elysium (of the years I've tasted 2003 has been my favorite, but they're all delicious) and ice wine. I also like port and sherry and madeira, especially ruby port. I like non-dessert wines, too -- Syrah/Shiraz and Pinot Noir, Riesling and Gewurztraminer, lots of others. The only one that I know I have issues with is Chardonnay -- it's a very rare chard that I actually like (I think it's because I'm very not fond of tannins, even the ones from oak). Liquor-wise, I'm mostly a froofy drink kind of girl -- Grand Marnier, Baileys, Kahlua, Frangelico, peach schnapps, creme de menthe, Chambord, Amaretto, creme de cassis, and dark rum, among other things. I've been wanting to try St. Germain. Sadly, I'm not so into beer. I can drink the occasional hefeweizen, stout, or lambic, and I do like hard ciders and lemonades. Even more sadly, I believe that shipping into Texas requires a license, and that individuals just can't ship alcohol at all. I'd love wine or bar accessories, though! Or you might be able to get a retailer within the state or some licensed winery to ship. Would you like soaps? Especially from Paintbox? And ESPECIALLY the Valentines Special Edition Soaps?? I would love soaps! I would love Paintbox soaps especially! The Sweetheart looks especially delicious, but The Black Heart and Lavender Truffle also very much appeal to me, as do many of the other soaps. I'm totally intrigued now. Imagine that someone hands you their wallet and sends you into a really good bakery. They have everything, from breads to brownies, cookies to croissants, anything you could imagine, and you're allowed to pick out five things for yourself. What do you pick? Slot 1: A fresh fruit cream cake -- preferably includes blueberries, strawberries, peaches, kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, and mango. Extra points for edible flowers and/or flower flavoring -- rose or lavender especially. Slot 2: A butter-sugar pineapple bun (like your normal pineapple bun but with a center layer that was butter and sugar mixed together before baking, and when the bun is eaten is basically crunchy, buttery sugar). Slot 3: A peanut butter brownie or mint brownie, depending on my mood (the ones with the fudge-y brownie layer on the bottom, then a thick layer of peanut butter or mint cream on top, then a thin layer of chocolate on top). Slot 4: A pear-almond tart or sunrise danish (pastry cream and an apricot half centered on a croissant-like base), depending on my mood. Slot 5: An almond croissant if I got the sunrise danish, a chocolate croissant if I got the pear-almond tart. I would probably mean to get a really delicious french bread or or sourdough or dark rye or pumpernickel or challah, or a ham and cheese kolache or something, but I suspect I'd forget and end up with all sweets instead. Anyone like steampunk? I like steampunk a whole lot! I'm not deep into the scene or anything, but I love the whole concept of it as well as the aesthetic. Salted caramels? YUM. ~posted 1/31/10~ A Favorite love poem? My favorite love poem of all time is W.H. Auden's "Stop all the clocks," aka "Funeral Blues," aka that amazing poem from Four Weddings and a Funeral. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead, Put crêpe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. For nothing now can ever come to any good. I am also fond of Rainer Maria Rilke's "Again and Again," for something that involves less death. Again and again, however we know the landscape of love and the little churchyard there, with its sorrowing names, and the frighteningly silent abyss into which the others fall: again and again the two of us walk out together under the ancient trees, lie down again and again Song-wise, my favorite is probably "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by Richard Thompson. I like to sing this with the genders swapped for a friend of mine. Said Red Molly to James, that's a fine motorbike A girl could feel special on any such like Said James to Red Molly, well my hat's off to you It's a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952 And I've seen you at the corners and cafes it seems Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme And he pulled her on behind And down to Box Hill they did ride Said James to Red Molly, here's a ring for your right hand But I'll tell you in earnest I'm a dangerous man I've fought with the law since I was seventeen I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine Now I'm 21 years, I might make 22 And I don't mind dying, but for the love of you And if fate should break my stride Then I'll give you my Vincent to ride Come down, come down, Red Molly, called Sergeant McRae For they've taken young James Adie for armed robbery Shotgun blast hit his chest, left nothing inside Oh, come down, Red Molly to his dying bedside When she came to the hospital, there wasn't much left He was running out of road, he was running out of breath But he smiled to see her cry And said I'll give you my Vincent to ride Says James, in my opinion, there's nothing in this world Beats a '52 Vincent and a red headed girl Now Nortons and Indians and Greeveses won't do They don't have a soul like a Vincent '52 He reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys He said I've got no further use for these I see angels on Ariels in leather and chrome Swooping down from heaven to carry me home And he gave her one last kiss and died And he gave her his Vincent to ride For something a little more traditional (that, say, involves less death), I do love "All I Want Is You" by U2. You say you want Diamonds on a ring of gold You say you want Your story to remain untold But all the promises we make From the cradle to the grave When all I want is you You say you'll give me A highway with no one on it Treasure just to look upon it All the riches in the night You say you'll give me Eyes in a moon of blindness A river in a time of dryness A harbour in the tempest But all the promises we make From the cradle to the grave When all I want is you You say you want Your love to work out right To last with me through the night You say you want Diamonds on a ring of gold Your story to remain untold Your love not to grow cold All the promises we break From the cradle to the grave When all I want is you You...all I want is... You...all I want is... You...all I want is... You... One last quote about love, this one by the playwright Marivaux. I don't love its heteronormativity, but I think it's gorgeous anyway, and true. We deceive ourselves. And the world. We forget who we are. Forget what love makes us. If we could remember. What a man is. Or a woman. Or a man. What a woman is. All the pain of the world would be powerless to touch us. What is your favourite kind of love story? I am a fan of smart, competent, heroic, imperfect, devoted, snarky, stubborn, insistent, persistent love. I am not a fan of love that seems to inspire stupidity and uselessness and insipidity. In Sense & Sensibility, I adore Elinor and I want to strangle Marianne pretty much perpetually. I love love love Pride & Prejudice (and also The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery and Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, for that matter!), and if I had to pick any set of lovers from a play by Shakespeare, Beatrice & Benedict from Much Ado About Nothing are my favorite pair, by far. I also really love it when love stories don't necessarily reinforce heterosexual and/or monogamous norms; sadly this doesn't happen very often in mainstream published fiction. The song "Apple Candy" by Ben Lee has a sense of what I mean here, as at least it acknowledges the reality of these feelings: I wanna know what he knows I wanna feel what he felt I wanna go where he's been I wanna know what he knows I wanna hear your secrets I want you and I want him 'Cause you smell like apple candy And we're singin hallelujah And the edge in your affection broke my skin But I wanna know what he knows I wanna touch what he touched Call me by his name 'Cause I know you made a promise Told him he's your lover Make me feel the same 'Cause you smell like apple candy And we're singing hallelujah And I'm feeling so much younger than my years And I wanna know what he knows And I wanna go where he's been I want you and I want him So you said "go find some trouble" And you would do the same And we opened up our hearts so we could change But you smell apple candy And we're singing hallelujah And you smell like apple candy And we're singing hallelujah I wanna know what he knows I wanna feel what he felt I wanna touch what he touched I wanna go where he's been I want you and I want him What are the first five songs on the "Top 25 Most Played" list on your ipod? "Kill All Your Friends" by My Chemical Romance "My Vampire Heart" by Tom McRae "Cinder and Smoke" by Iron & Wine "Apple Candy" by Ben Lee "The Step and The Walk" by The Duke Spirit And because I've loved looking at other people's Top 25s, here's the 25 more (though I admit I fudged a little and stripped out repeat artists; plus I feel like it's skewing more recent -- there's a lot of other stuff I love, too!): "Windowsill" by The Arcade Fire "The Way" by Bonnie "Prince" Billy "Goddess on a Hiway" by Mercury Rev "Where Is My Mind" by Yoav "All My Little Words" The Magnetic Fields "Gasoline" by The Airborne Toxic Event "Lullaby" by James "Country" by Ghost of an American Airman "Bang the Doldrums" by Fall Out Boy "The Age of Understatement" by The Last Shadow Puppets "Shores of California" by The Dresden Dolls "Disarm" by The Smashing Pumpkins "The House Rules" by Kane "Start Again" by War Tapes "Bullet and a Target (live acoustic)" by Citizen Cope "She's a Rebel" by Green Day "How Will You Meet Your End" by AA Bondy "The Golden Age" by Beck "Lull" by Andrew Bird "Been Smokin' Too Long" by Nick Drake "Take My Hands, We're Free" by Oakley Hall "Guilty Pleasure" by Cobra Starship "Rangers" by A Fine Frenzy "Home" by Joshua Morrison "Ophelia" by Natalie Merchant What is everyone's take on Valentine's Day? I was never a big fan as a kid, too much social anxiety, though I guess I did also find it a little exciting. I do have a really distinct memory of my mom making glue out of rice to stick the envelopes down one year in very early elementary school when we ran out of Elmer's, so that's kind of sweet. By high school, I was all jaded and cynical, but come to think of it I did get the occasional card or flower (that's what comes from being a queen of the geeks, I guess). After high school, I'd say I've been half in relationships and half not, give or take, but for whatever reason I've never been much of a celebrant. I was probably at Boskone (a Boston-area SF con) if it fell on a weekend, and the SO I had the longest was definitely more of the anti-commercialism, shows love all the time kind (as am I, overall), though once on V-day, he did give me one of the best presents I've ever gotten, period -- a double-headed throwing axe. A different Valentine's Day and a different SO garnered one of the most poly experiences I've ever had as we went to a concert with a hilariously extended web of people who were dating. This year, my boyfriend as of last May seems really excited to do the whole dinner thing, so we'll do that. I might also find a place to go for dim sum earlier in the day, too, or maybe I'll just make some at home. Possibly his present will go to him in a red envelope for Chinese New Year... Do you like traditional Valentine's Day colors (red, pink, white, more)? I love some reds, mostly deep reds that lean more blue than orange; I have a huge thing for the classic Chinese red, that intense color of high-quality red silk. Red and black is one of my favorite color schemes and is probably what I'll be wearing for V-day if I don't go with just black. I also really like purple -- the mardi gras colors are more my speed than the Valentine's day colors, really. I'm not really against white but I'm not really a fan either (though red and white is an acceptable color scheme for me, and I do like black and white a lot), and while I don't dislike pink as much as I used do, I'm still kind of really picky about it. It can look good with black, at least. I'm just not that fond of pastels in general -- pale blue is pretty much the only one I would normally consider wearing. But at least I'm not kneejerk strictly against pink anymore. I'm not a big fan of the heart motif, either. I belong in the "anatomical hearts yes, heart-shaped symbol not so much" category. There are some things for which it's fine (generally purely decorative things -- Valentine's Day specific things get more leeway!), but if it's for jewelry or clothing, it's unlikely to be for me. Though if it's a black heart, that always helps. Turkish Delight? Yum, but not as inherently yum as some other sweets. I'd love to try homemade ones, though. What's everyone's favorite semi-obscure (or underappreciated!) animal? I became quite attached to the tapirs at the Minnesota Zoo when I was growing up. I'm also a big fan of hedgehogs, and I think spiders and bats are unappreciated -- they get rid of so many annoying insects! -- and they're cute it their own ways. What is your favorite sign that spring is coming? That water-trickling sound that pervades Minnesota as the snow melts. And lilacs for May Day! (In Minnesota, spring comes a little later than February.) Mostly I love winter and hate summer, so I'm more of an autumn gal. But spring itself can be nice. Would something hand knit be nice for you? Sure! I prefer super lightweight things, though -- heavier-weight stuff only gets use while I'm visiting Minnesota for a couple of weeks in the winter. I'm living in a pretty summer-intensive place now, so I spend a lot more time wishing to be cooler than wishing to be warmer, and even when I wish to be warmer, I only want to be the tiniest bit warmer, and probably for not very long. Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things? Sure! I prefer high-quality useful (but fun!) stuff to silly novelty stuff. TMI: I am pretty kinky myself, but my boyfriend is less so -- mild, intro-to-kink sorts of things would be especially welcome. But really, all sorts of things would be welcome. Who on the thread likes attending Ren Faires, SciFi/Comic Cons & the like? And do you dress up for them? I attend Ren Faires every once in awhile and sometimes dress up. I attend the occasional SF/book/Comic con; for Comic-Con itself I tend to dress up a little but always comfortably, for smaller cons (say, Arisia) I sometimes dress up more extensively as it's easier to get back to the hotel room and change during smaller cons. I have played live-action role-playing games in the past and hope to again, so more costuming is always nice. I also go to goth clubs and dress up more or less for those. The Qaire mentioned used books, but what about used CDs, DVDs, etc. Yup, it's all good. Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, &c.? I've been wanting a speaker dock for my iPod (3G nano), but that's most likely over the $ limit for the round. As for smaller things... well, I could use a case for it that actually had room for my Etymotic earbuds to fit in it along with the nano in its sleek rubber case. For those of you with pets, would you like pet things? Toys, treats, etc? No pets for me at the moment. And if your witch was international, would you be interested in receiving gifts that were representative of her country or culture? Absolutely, and I'd love regional US stuff, too. Would you be interested in getting a mix CD from your witch? Hell yes! I am always in favor of more music! What's your favourite candy? Besides chocolates, I like fleur de sel caramels, Reeses Pieces (and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, though they might count as chocolate), fruit-flavored Mentos, and fruit-flavored and flower-flavored hard candy. In chocolates, I like usually like dark chocolate more than milk, though sometimes milk (or even white) does really work for me, especially if it has lots of stuff in it. A few of my favorite chocolate bars: Vosges Barcelona, Vosges Woolloomooloo, Vosges Naga, Chuao Caracas (milk chocolate), Chuao Spicy Maya, Chuao Earl Grey, Ritter Sport Butter Biscuit, Ritter Sport Whole Hazelnut (I actually prefer the original milk chocolate for this one), Dolfin Chocolat Au Lait Hot Masala, Dolfin Chocolat Noir Au Thé Earl Grey, Dolfin Chocolat Noir Au Gingembre Frais, Scharffen Berger Milk Chocolate with Sea Salted Almonds, Theo Cherry & Almond, 3400 Phinney Chai Tea, 3400 Phinney Coconut Curry, Cadbury Fruit & Nut, and (the staple of my childhood) Hershey's milk chocolate with almonds. I also really adore Chuao Chocolatier's truffles and have a soft spot for Trader Joe's truffles, chocolate raspberry sticks, and dark chocolate almonds. And I love mint chocolate! Are you a big Mardi Gras fan? What's your favorite part? I wouldn't say I'm a big fan, exactly, but I do like Mardi Gras. King cake is delicious and fun, and I think the beads are pretty cool, too, especially in the green-purple-gold Mardi Gras colors. If you're a WoW player, do you have the Pandaren Monk and Lil' KT pets? Would you want them? Not a WoW player, though I do like video games. But I'm really more of a general gamer -- tabletop RPGs, LARPs, card games, board games, etc. Plush microbes? I've always found these cute and I don't own any yet. What about handmade sewn gifts? Any fabrics you wish to/need to avoid due to allergies, etc? Totally in favor! I don't have any allergies that I know of, but coarser wools do sometimes make me itch when next to my skin. Would you like new nail polish? If so, what colors are you craving? Sure! Deep, dark reds, variations on black, and super dark versions of most colors, especially blue and green and purple. I like swirls and pearls and iridescents and sometimes glitters. I like shiny a lot, but something more matte might be interesting, too. I don't wear nail polish a ton, but I do enjoy it, and would probably wear it more if I were gifted some fabulous stuff. I also think it would be neat to have some nail care stuff. Do you like incense and/or scented candles, and are you able to burn them in your home? If so, what kinds of scents do you like? Yes, and yes. For candles, I like foodie scents that aren't too cake-y -- I like spices, I like fruits, I like vanilla. I like some floral scents, pretty much the same ones as I like in perfume -- lavender, rose, lilac. I'm not a fan of clean scents and I am neutral on resins and woods. For incense... you know, I'm not that sure. I don't like things that are too heady, but I do like the scent of smoke; I'm willing to try whatever on the incense front, I guess. Kitchen gadgets? Generally in favor. I think the only thing of that sort that I currently own is a microplane grater. Boxes? For Bpal (bottles and/or imps) or otherwise. Always! I adore boxes and containers and could always use more, especially for bpal but just in general, too.

jencallisto

January 31, 2010

NaturalCyber's Blog

Iron Phoenix second try and a bit on Himerus

Wow, Iron Phoenix lasted even longer than Hay Moon. At 12 hours it was still very noticeable--I had to wash it off. Still having trouble washing them off too--I must remember to look for something that will help. Randomly picked out Himerus from my tiny tiny stash for tonight. I really like how this smells in the bottle, sharp and herby. It gets sweet on me very fast--my sister claims to smell honey--but it keeps that sharp scent too. I love it and when the imp runs out I will probably buy a bottle. Going to bed now; will report how long it lasts tomorrow. Hoping it's like Hay Moon and doesn't turn to soap at the end like they both did first try.

naturalcyber

January 31, 2010

NaturalCyber's Blog

Hay Moon, second try

Lasted a good 12 hours before I couldn't smell it anymore. So long lasting! Applied with a toothpick this time and wasn't all overwhelmed--toothpicks from now on for me! Still can't quite figure out what it smells like, but this time I smelled a grassy scent in it--not hay, or at least, not the hay up in the hay-loft hay-- and it was nice. And no soap smell this time! Whatever it was the last time seems to have changed (or maybe I slept through the soap smell). I think I need to find a new container to store my imps in. When I reach in to pick one out my fingers come away smelling like the scents--maybe one is leaking? must check. Today I randomly picked a scent without looking and picked up Iron Phoenix again, and I really like how it smells about a half hour after applying. I'll see how long it lasts and then pick out something else to try long-term after it fades.

naturalcyber

January 30, 2010

MotherKat's Blog

Valentine Shotgun SW Q's

Questions: Your view of Valentine's Day? It's lovely. Ha, bad pun. Do you like traditional Valentine's Day colors (red, pink, white, more?) ? yep A Favorite love poem? no patience for poetry Turkish delight? I'd like to try it, if for no other reason than to appease my curiosity. What's everyone's favorite semi-obscure (or underappreciated!) animal? Sugar gliders What is your favorite sign that spring is coming? no snow Are you a big Mardi Gras fan? What's your favorite part? I've really never done anything for mardi gras. I have been knitting a lot lately, would something hand knit be nice for you? yes! What is your favourite kind of love story? uh... Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things? no thank you who on the thread likes attending Ren Faires, SciFi/Comic Cons & the like? And do you dress up for them? I'd LOVE to attend one, esp a ren faire, but I never have. I would dress up if I got a chance to go though. Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, &c.? maybe a charm thingy for my phone? Used books/cds/dvds, etc? absolutely! For those of you with pets, would you like pet things? Toys, treats, etc? no pets Interested in receiving gifts representative of Witch's country or culture? You betcha First five songs on the "Top 25 Most Played" list on iPod I do not own one. If you're a WoW player, do you have the Pandaren Monk and Lil' KT pets? Would you want them? would you be interested in getting a mix CD from your witch? yes! What's your favourite candy? Reese's and butterfingers. Think Geek plush microbes? Those kinda give me the willies..but I like plushie stuff in general. What about handmade sewn gifts? Any fabrics you wish to/need to avoid due to allergies, etc? Yes! I have no allergies. Kitchen gadgetry? I'm good on that front. Nail polish? No thanks, I'd never use it. =\ Do you like incense and/or scented candles, and are you able to burn them in your home? If so, what kinds of scents do you like? I'm not a fan of incense, but I do like scented candles. Scents..uh...most anything from yankee candles except lavender-lemon Boxes? For Bpal (bottles and/or imps) or otherwise Yes pwease! New question--I'm calling this "could never happen in a million years": Your Witch is perusing the wares at a local yard sale. S/he looks down and sees [insert impossibly rare item that you've always wanted but could never afford] with a $5-10 sticker on it. Sheepishly s/he takes it to the guy behind the folding table. "Do you know what this is?" s/he inquires. The gentleman states that it belonged to his mother/sister/grandmother/Great Aunt Beulah and he thinks it's for, like, hair or something. With a trembling hand, s/hes pays the man and heads home with the inconceivable riches. So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found? I really have no idea. What about UNTOUCHED make-up samples or any other type of girly-sample thing? Sure Would you use a natural sea sponge? Eh... Would you like or accept an energetically-charged item or gift? Something that had power poured into it? If so, do you have a particular purpose that you'd prefer? (Love, protection, money, etc. I wouldn't mind something like that, but it wouldn't mean anything in particular to me. It gets asked every round but sockdreams? Yes! Do you like alcoholic beverages? If so, what is your preference (beer, wine, liquor...)? Gluhwein Are you into steampunk? Yes Do you have any significant upcoming events in your life you'd like something for? A child/yourself graduating from high school/college? Are you buying a new home or car soon? Moving in with someone/getting married? Taking a new job? Moving to a new part of the country/world? Nope not really. My hubby goes for training in three weeks, but eh. It's only a few weeks he'll be gone. How are we feeling about burlesque? Honestly I really don't know much about it. wouldn't mind finding out more though! Is there anything you're lusting after in the Villainess update? I haven't looked! or..ever tried villainess. I'll take a look and do a wishlist there. I custom mix nail polish, a process called 'frankening'. If you were my witch, would you enjoy a custom 'franken', based on whatever colors/theme you chose? It'd be cool but I'd use it once in a blue moon. =\ Since everyone is spending the same amount of money on this swap, would you be interested in seeing the cost breakdown of each item in your package? If you want to Do you like keys? skeleton keys are pretty, but I don't have any particular affinity Do you like guessing who your witch is, or would you prefer to know? Do you mind knowing? I'd LIKE to know sometime by the end of the round. If it's going to be obvious who your witch is, would you rather she played the ninja and sent one big box at the end, or smaller packages along the way? Whichever What color are your eyes? blue If you had to choose a color for a nightie to sleep in what color would it be? black or red, probably. Are you opposed to vegan baked goods? Or baked goods in general?nope How do you feel about handmade stuffed animals? kayoot! but they'd likely be appropriated by my kiddles. Are there any accessories you'd really like? (Keychains, little purses, etc.) I could use a cell phone charm OPI Alice in Wonderland set? see also: frankenpolish Hair stuff? Clips and things, do you need any? my hair is short, but I do use hair bands and some clips. Do you have any personal heroes / heroines and why? I've really never given it any thought. Are there any languages or countries that you're really interested in? I wish I could speak german (better) and spanish (at all.) If you could be in any fictional universe, what would it be? (Harry Potter, Firefly, Lord of the Rings, Silent Hill, wtv.) I was gonna say Firefly...but only if I can be on Mal's crew. And even then maybe not. I like my life a bit quieter... If you were a student at Hogwarts, what house would you be in? um...Gryffindor? If you like tea, what are your favorite kinds? Fruity, sweet, chai, plain, black, green, red, white? I like fruity and sweet chai. I like earl grey. I do not like english or irish breakfast teas or lady grey. I'm undecided on most black teas, I have no idea on green, red, or white teas. I like orange pekoe. What's your Patronus? Non-Potter fans, what's your Spirit Animal? Uh...um...I really have no idea. What are your favorite animals? I like most animals. Not bugs though. Is there anything you've had to give up that you really miss or want back? Maybe something a witch could help out with? handbells, but somehow I don't think my dear witch can help with that.

MotherKat

January 30, 2010

LisaNut's Blog-O-Matic

SW Links

I think I got these right. Scentbase - to see what I already own, what I like/don't like, what I "wish" for <a href="http://scentbase.com/profile.php?id=2010012613554266905">My ScentBase Profile</a> My ScentBase Profile Etsy wishlist: http://www.etsy.com/favorite_listings.php http://www.etsy.com/favorite_listings.php Here's to get an idea about books I like: http://www.librarything.com/profile/LisaNut (profile) http://www.librarything.com/catalog/LisaNut (library) It may be more trouble than it's worth to try to sort thru all that to figure out what I like! I'm "LisaNut" on Etsy, Library thing & Scentbase. If it's not on a wishlist (scent or book) but you think for any reason I might like it, go ahead & send it. Amazon lists are under my real name, but here's (hopefully?) links: http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/XT0R2XA900MI That one is called "Ever-Growing,Highly Eclectic" http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A224R...4847689-0016452 I also have a baby list for stuff I'd love for my daughter: http://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/KZJ4B6...p_baby_all_itms Hope that helps. Just want to give you some tools & make it easy for you to find something you think I might like whether it's on a list or not.

lmfaith

January 30, 2010

SW questions and such...

Valentine's Shotgun Round part 2

Mardi Gras?: Well, I've never lived/been anywhere where it's celebrated so I've never really experienced it. Plush microbes?: Yes! I love them! Though I've never gotten any for myself I've gotten them as gifts for other people before. I think they have their own site (with the full catalog) you can buy them from... somewhere around here... Ah! Here it is! Plush Microbes What about handmade sewn gifts? Any fabrics you wish to/need to avoid due to allergies, etc? I would love and cherish something hand-sewn! I can sew just enough to mend holes in my shirts and that's it so if you can sew me something (anything!) believe me, I will be amazed at your skill! Anything handmade from my witch (this includes crafts, clothes, accessories, food, sweets, candy, knick-knacks, jewelry, artwork, or anything else) will be loved by me! It will make me feel super special and loved that you took the time to think about me so much and actually craft something by hand just for me! Oh... and no allergies here. Except to medicine. But none of you will be sending me pills. or will you... Would you like new nail polish? If so, what colors are you craving? Yes, I would love nail polish! I like pretty much all colors with the exception of yellow and orange. (They clash with my skin.) I'm on the lookout for a really good deep, rich, velvet chocolate brown. I have a list of BPTP nail polishes I'd like on my wishlist. I have a good bright pink (it's a pretty light pink though, not fuchsia) and I have a good bright blue so I don't need those colors but pretty much anything besides that is fair game. Do you like incense and/or scented candles, and are you able to burn them in your home? If so, what kinds of scents do you like? I think I pretty much covered the "what kind of burny things do I like" part of this question in my questionnaire. (If my witch has any questions please feel free to ask!) I have some Voluspa candles on my "other companies" wishlist so that might give you an idea of some things I'd like. Scents I like: Foody (like buttercream or chocolate or cake or coffee... you get the picture), berries and fruit, sometimes I like the "fresh linen" or "ocean spray" type scents. Scents to avoid: melon, pretty much anything floral. WoW? nope. Boxes? For Bpal (bottles and/or imps) or otherwise. I think I mentioned something about this in my questionnaire, but yeah. My bottles are starting to outgrow their storage. I have a few ammo boxes for imps and I think I'm okay there. Favorite candy Running with the Valentine's theme, I looooove conversation hearts! Also chocolate, milk and dark and white. I'd like to try various kinds of chocolate-with-stuff bars. And salted caramel. I really want to try bacon chocolate!! Kitchen Gadgets: not really. sea sponge? sure! bring it on! Your Witch is perusing the wares at a local yard sale. S/he looks down and sees [insert impossibly rare item that you've always wanted but could never afford] with a $5-10 sticker on it. Sheepishly s/he takes it to the guy behind the folding table. "Do you know what this is?" s/he inquires. The gentleman states that it belonged to his mother/sister/grandmother/Great Aunt Beulah and he thinks it's for, like, hair or something. With a trembling hand, s/hes pays the man and heads home with the inconceivable riches. So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found? working on this one... lol What about UNTOUCHED make-up samples or any other type of girly-sample thing? sure! just keep in mind no SLS/SLES and no parabens Do you prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? What flavors? I think my questionnaire covers this pretty well. Me = coffee fiend. *takes sip of vanilla latte* I also like tea and hot chocolate... Imagine that someone hands you their wallet and sends you into a really good bakery. They have everything, from breads to brownies, cookies to croissants, anything you could imagine, and you're allowed to pick out five things for yourself. What do you pick? A warm buttery flaky croissant, maybe with some chocolate in/on it. a cinnamon bun some fresh-out-of-the-oven soft white bread soft cream cheese chocolate chip cookies (i count a few smallish cookies as one item) a pumpkin spice muffin Would you like soaps? Especially from Paintbox? And ESPECIALLY the Valentines Special Edition Soaps?? YES!!!!! In fact, I just saw those earlier today and added them to my Etsy wishlist Alcoholic beverages?: no thanks. Steampunk: I like it. I have some steampunk jewelry on my Etsy wishlist. Sock Dreams: Yes please! Would you like or accept an energetically-charged item or gift? Something that had power poured into it? If so, do you have a particular purpose that you'd prefer? (Love, protection, money, etc.) Sure! money would be nice (who doesn't want that, lol) or personal protection. Oooh! I thought of another one: confidence. Need me some more of that. Do you have any significant upcoming events in your life you'd like something for? A child/yourself graduating from high school/college? Are you buying a new home or car soon? Moving in with someone/getting married? Taking a new job? Moving to a new part of the country/world? Heh... nope. Regular old boring life for me. The only biggish thing I can think of that's coming up soon is my first cheerleading competition in March. I started cheering in August or so and I've performed with this squad twice (both at halftime shows of basketball games) but we are a competitive squad so my first time competing will be in mid-March and I'm kinda nervous. How are we feeling about Burlesque? Love love love it! I'd actually like to take a class in it sometime. (That and pole dancing ) I custom mix nail polish, a process called 'frankening'. If you were my witch, would you enjoy a custom 'franken', based on whatever colors/theme you chose? sure

unlaced

January 30, 2010

nekogrrl's Blog

Valentine SW Questions

Sexy time? Sure! Toys, accessories, erotica is all good by me. Candy? I just got a pound of salt water taffy from Shriver's in Ocean City NJ. If my witch would like to send me more, please feel free (but no licorice-flavored. ) Caramels are yummy, and fruit and nuts in chocolate are good. Chilies are not. RenFaires/ComicCons? I dress up for the RenFaire, but have never made it to a ComicCon. Gadgetry? I probably need a case for my iPod. Screen protectors probably wouldn't be amiss either. Perhaps a nice pair of earbuds for the cold day in hell warm day in spring I have to crank up the lawn mower. Computer and cell phone are covered. Gently used CD/DVDs? Sure! Mix CD? Sure! Top 5: Well, I tend to listen to albums when I'm on the computer, so these are my 'currently rotating albums': Anastacia - Heavy Rotation; Chris Cornell - Scream; Mozart L'Opera Rock; Apulanta - Kilia; Caravan Palace - eponymous; Vienna Teng - Inland Territory; Onmyou-za - Kongo; Apocalyptica - Cult. International/US regional gifts: Sure! Knitted things? Sure! Mardi Gras fan? Eeeeh, not really. But then, I've never been or seen it, so if I ever do, that may change.

nekogrrl

January 30, 2010

NaturalCyber's Blog

First post!

Since I don't feel confident enough to attempt giving actual reviews (I can't pick out scents yet, alas) I'll just ramble on about the scents I've tried here. :Dd I doubt anyone will read this, but that doesn't bother me. BPAL stays forever on my skin so far, which is good for wearing, but not so much for trying out more than new scent a day. I need to discover a good way to wash them off when I need to. So, hmm, might as well ramble about what I've already tried: Hay Moon-- I saw the name and notes and knew I had to get it so it was the first thing I actually bought, after the enabling scents my friends sent (and ironically, the first to arrive! lol). It doesn't smell like hay, unfortunately, but I do love whatever it does smell like on me. I used a Q-tip to apply and I think I got a little too much because it was kind of overwhelming at first. Warm and rich, with something that got sweeter the longer I had it on. Kinda got soap-smelling much later, but that wasn't bad either. I'm going to try some again tonight. Himerus-- mmm, spicy. There was that sweet hint again too, and something just a little flowery. ...also kinda soapy several hours later. Lilium Inter Spinas--smelled nice and...herby? in the imp but.... smelled exactly like cheap deodorant when I put it on. It didn't get better so I washed it off after a couple hours. Dove's Heart-- got a mostly empty frimp but even that had a completely overwhelming floral smell. I like the smells of flowers but I have yet to meet a floral perfume that I really liked the smell of on anybody. Aeval-- same deal, but this smelled more like store-bought perfumes to me. My sister might like it, though. I'll see about enabling her. Ded Moroz-- a friend raved about it so I found some to check out. And wow, this one is nice. Very sharp to start but turned quickly to sweet herbs and spicy flowers (I like the flower scent I get in this; very subtle. \o/) ... and some seven hours later: more soap, though slightly different from the soap of the first two. Maybe there's something these three have in common? Grand Guignol-- frimp and an amazing one. Fruit! but not too sweet. Peach or yellow plum, maybe? Something similar. And with that is something else that smells good but it faded well before the fruit-smell. (And hey, no soap!) Anniversary Phoenixes-- the descriptions sounded so cool but they were going away soon so I hurried and found some to test and see if I wanted a bottle of any. Didn't get Gold, Silver, or Copper yet though... Iron-- I loved the idea of it and thankfully it smelled really good on me too. Victory \o Could not for the life of me describe what I smelled but I definitely think I want more. Tin--lemon and something else! I like citrus and it doesn't smell like cleaner so definitely keeping it. Quicksilver-- sweet and sharp and fresh. No idea what it smells like but I definitely like it. Lead--I thought I would really like this, from the description, and it smelled very nice in the vial. It smelled good on my skin at first too, but then a new scent started up that was very very acrid and burnt smelling and I just couldn't stand it. Maybe the tobacco? I was thinking just dried tobacco leaf when I read the description and I do like the smell of that. On the other hand burning tobacco is very nasty to me. So, 7 and 4 out of what I've tried so far. ...maybe I can swap the Lead for one of the other varieties of Phoenix.

naturalcyber

January 30, 2010

millicurie's Blog

Switch Witch Answers - February 2010

What is everyone's take on Valentine's Day? I love hearing these stories about family V-Day, because I have a very similar experience! My dad has bought me flowers every single Valentine's Day since I was born, and since I'm a hopeless daddy's girl, that's what I look forward to most on February 14th. It makes me choke up a little just thinking about it. So for me, V-Day has never really been about romantic relationships, and my husband and I don't really do much in the way of celebrating. In fact, we got married in February, but I was adamant that we would not have the wedding on V-Day. We had it on Groundhog Day instead. Do you like traditional Valentine's Day colors (red, white, pink, more?)? I love all of those colors! Crimson red is one of my favorite colors, and I like most shades of pink. White is always good. I'm not a major fan of bluish-purples (which is another color I associate with Valentine's Day), but I do like reddish-purples. Favorite Love Poem? Pablo Neruda is my favorite poet. I had this one read at my wedding, and it's probably my favorite love poem. I truly wish that I knew Spanish, because I'm sure that Neruda's work is even more beautiful in its pure form. Sonnet LXIX Maybe nothingness is to be without your presence, without you moving, slicing the noon like a blue flower, without you walking later through the fog and the cobbles, without the light you carry in your hand, golden, which maybe others will not see, which maybe no one knew was growing like the red beginnings of a rose. In short, without your presence: without your coming suddenly, incitingly, to know my life, gust of a rosebush, wheat of wind: since then I am because you are, since then you are, I am, we are, and through love I will be, you will be, we'll be. What is your favorite sign that spring is coming? Honestly, I'm a winter lovin' girl. I'm always sad when winter draws to a close. I do like Spring Break from school though, so I'll go with that as my answer. What's everyone's favorite semi-obscure (or underappreciated!) animal? Another bat fan here! I think they are really cool and useful, and most of them actually don't have rabies. Would something hand knit be nice for you? Yes, yes! I'd love to get something handmade, as most of my scarves and gloves are store-bought. Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things? Sure! But I probably wouldn't use any of that flavored lube stuff, because it always seems kinda gross to me. Who on the thread likes attending Ren Faires, SciFi/Comic Cons & the like? And do you dress up for them? I'm not really big on Ren Faires, but the husband and I have been kicking around the idea of going to Comic Con this year. I'm definitely not into the dressing up aspect of these things though. Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, &c.? I have an iPhone 3GS that desperately needs some kind of protective case. I've dropped it a few times and I do not want to have to get it replaced. We also have one of those mini laptops that could use a cute case. WoW? I've never played WoW, but I do like other video games. What about handmade sewn gifts? Any fabrics you wish to/need to avoid due to allergies, etc? I'd love anything handmade! I don't have any allergies that I know of. What's your favorite candy? Alas, I can't eat candy. Kitchen Gadgets? I always love wine related stuff, and we never have enough measuring spoons! Do you like incense and/or scented candles, and are you able to burn them in your home? I don't have anything to burn incense, but I do have an oil burner. Love candles too! Would you like new nail polish? If so, what colors are you craving? Ooooh, yes please! I picked up a bottle of China Glaze polish from a clearance table at Ulta a few weeks ago that was a deep cranberry red, and it is really nice. I'm open to most colors, except I don't really like black for my nails. Maybe something with lots of fun sparklies? Think Geek plush microbes? Any of them are awesome for me, but I especially like the neuron and the blood cells. Are you a big Mardi Gras fan? One of my life goals is to make it to Mardi Gras someday. I went to NO over St. Patrick's Day when I was in college, and it was an amazing time. I have some of those big, gaudy beads with green clovers on them that I absolutely love. Boxes? For Bpal (bottles and/or imps) or otherwise. That would be great, because I'm not so good at the destashing. My need for places to store BPAL just keeps increasing. Would you use a natural sea sponge? Yeah, that sounds like something I'd use. Coffee, hot chocolate, or tea? I have an unholy love for tea, and I like it loose or bagged. I also like decaf coffee in fancy-pants flavors. Would you like some of my favorite recipes? If they are low-carb, sure! Would you like posters, pictures, art? Absolutely! Would you like Paintbox soaps? Yes, yes! I have fallen in love with them, and have some on my etsy wishlist. Your Witch is perusing the wares at a local yard sale. S/he looks down and sees [insert impossibly rare item that you've always wanted but could never afford] with a $5-10 sticker on it. Sheepishly s/he takes it to the guy behind the folding table. "Do you know what this is?" s/he inquires. The gentleman states that it belonged to his mother/sister/grandmother/Great Aunt Beulah and he thinks it's for, like, hair or something. With a trembling hand, s/hes pays the man and heads home with the inconceivable riches. So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found? A mint-condition Optimus Prime action figure from the 80s. I loved the Transformers as a kid, but never actually owned my own Prime. Have I mentioned that I'm a nerd? Imagine that someone hands you their wallet and sends you into a really good bakery. They have everything, from breads to brownies, cookies to croissants, anything you could imagine, and you're allowed to pick out five things for yourself. What do you pick? I wait until my benefactor isn't looking and then sneak around the corner to the meat store! It gets asked every round but sockdreams? Sure! Do you like alcoholic beverages? If so, what is your preference (beer, wine, liquor...)? Awwww yeeeeah! I am a huge wine lover. Are you into Steampunk? Definitely. The mad science aspect of Steampunk really appeals to me, and I've seen some super cool anatomical steampunk stuff. Would you like or accept an energetically-charged item or gift? Something that had power poured into it? If so, do you have a particular purpose that you'd prefer? (Love, protection, money, etc.) That would be really nice. Although I'm not much of a believer in things of a spiritual nature, I would really treasure something that reflected the beliefs of my witch. I could really use something that reflects health or peace. I have a lot of stress in my life right now! Do you have any significant upcoming events in your life you'd like something for? A child/yourself graduating from high school/college? Are you buying a new home or car soon? Moving in with someone/getting married? Taking a new job? Moving to a new part of the country/world? Hmmmm... I can't really think of anything. Ooooh! BPAL's beloved alicia_stardust is having a contest! If you're my Witchee, would you like a chance to win these earrings? Those are beautiful! I'd love to have a chance to win those. How are we feeling about burlesque? I enjoy burlesque shows, but only really get to see them when I'm in Las Vegas. Is there anything you're lusting after in the Villainess update? I'd love more Torchsong stuff! I custom mix nail polish, a process called 'frankening'. If you were my witch, would you enjoy a custom 'franken', based on whatever colors/theme you chose? Oooh, yeah! Got anything "radiation" themed? Since everyone is spending the same amount of money on this swap, would you be interested in seeing the cost breakdown of each item in your package? If my witch found any amazing bargains, or did some really creative spending, I'd love to see it! Do you like guessing who your witch is, or would you prefer to know? Do you mind knowing? I actually like not knowing. I think it makes things more fun to find out at the very end, so I usually don't try to do a lot of detective work during the swap period. If it's going to be obvious who your witch is, would you rather she played the ninja and sent one big box at the end, or smaller packages along the way? I completely defer to my witch's judgement. One of the best things about this swap is getting to experience lots of different witching styles. Last round, my witchee was talkative and my witch was quiet. I them both! Are you opposed to vegan baked goods? Or baked goods in general? Yeah, vegan and baked goods are both bad for me. I can't do carbs. Does EVERYONE here sleep in the nude??? Not a chance. I like to feel all fuzzy wrapped in PJs. What's your favourite flower? Stargazer lily, iris, orchid Lip balm: Yay or nay? If yay, what are your favorite kinds (brands, consistency, whatever)? I have a ridiculous amount of lip balm, but I'll always take more. Isn't that the way it goes with lip balm? I have gotten pretty spoiled to the really good stuff though, so the only non-etailer stuff I tend to like is Burt's Bees. Actually, I've been eyeing some of those colored lip balms from Burt's Bees for a while now. For those that have dogs, if I were to knit them a sweater, what colour would you like it to be? Oh, that would be amazing! I do have big dogs though, so it would probably be a bigger project. Brutus is the serious one, so I'd say browns or blues. Oliver is my clown, so crazy green or yellow for him. What is your eye color? They're really weird. Like, a dark green-blue with more emphasis on the green. Gold eyeshadow looks really good on my eyes, but I'm finding that most greens and blues make them look kinda muddled. Pinky-browns look pretty good too. Oh wait, this wasn't an eyeshadow question! Hair stuff? Clips and things, do you need any? I can always use hair stuff. I use claw clips, ponytail holders, and bobby pins a lot. OPI Alice in Wonderland set? Oooh, I really like all of those, but especially Mad As a Hatter. How do you feel about home-canned goods, like pickles, jelly, preserves, stuff like that. I would love home-canned pickles or pickled okra, as long as there isn't any sugar in them. Is there anything you've had to give up that you really miss or want back? Maybe something a witch could help out with? BPAL-wise, I don't think I've swapped away anything that I was sorry about. Hmmmm... Yeah, I can't really think of anything for this question right now. What are your favorite animals? Dogs!!!! I also like bats and frogs. Honestly, I love all animals, so feel free to send me anything animal-related. Are there any accessories you'd really like? (Keychains, little purses, etc.) I always love little boxes. I could also really use a pair of tiny scissors. How do you feel about handmade stuffed animals? I would love to get something like that from my witch! I am a total Star Trek geek. Anyone else? I was a big fan of Next Generation and DS9. I despise William Shatner, so the original series never really appealed to me. The new movie was fantastic. Truthfully, I'm more of a Star Wars geek than a Star Trek geek. Astronomy? I love anything science-related. If you were a student at Hogwarts, what house would you be in? I have to say Gryffindor. I'm tempted to say Ravenclaw because of the academic thing, but when I think about the things that I value most, it's got to be loyalty, courage, and being a little rebellious. Do you have any personal heroes / heroines and why? I generally reject the whole hero concept, because I think that it implies a standard that no human can live up to. Just look at all the so called “heroes” in sports, media, government, ect. They’re all people, and they screw up just like the rest of us. I just don’t think calling someone a hero is fair to them, or to the people who look up to them. Are there any languages or countries that you’re really interested in? I went to St. Petersburg, Russia last summer, and was so captivated by that country. It’s really sad though, because it’s so incredibly difficult to travel there. I’d love to learn Cyrillic, so that I could see Moscow without having to worry about hiring a guide. Scandinavia in general is wonderful too. If you could be in any fictional universe, what would it be? (Harry Potter, Firefly, Lord of the Rings, Silent Hill, wtv.) Probably Harry Potter (post-Voldemort, of course). If you like tea, what are your favorite kinds? Fruity, sweet, chai, plain, black, green, red, white? I adore tea of all kinds. I’d say that my least favorite is anything fruity, and my favorite is anything minty. What's your Patronus? Non-Potter fans, what's your Spirit Animal? I think my patronus would be a dog. Dogs just embody everything that is good about the world. Are there any soundtracks you'd be interested in getting a copy of? I love the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, but I've already got it. Hmmm...I've been meaning to get the Elizabethtown soundtrack for a while now. [/b]Are there any books you particularly want to read that you don't mind being 2nd hand (or 3rd or 4th )?[/b] Unfortunately I don't even have time to think about reading for pleasure right now. School sucks up most of my time, and when I'm finished reading my wordy textbooks I'm usually not in the mood to read anything else. If you've got something that you think I would love, I would be happy to get it though. Loose tea or bagged tea? Or both? Both! If you could have 5mL of ANY ONE BPAL scent, what would it be? I'd have to say Hollyberry and Mistletoe. I've been kicking myself for a year for not getting that one. I'll be kicking myself this year over not getting Playing With a Loaded Gun. If you had to choose SHOES or PURSES? Probably shoes, but I'm honestly not really big into either one. If you could have one "unselfish" wish (but personal) what would it be? I wish that my husband could find the confidence to apply for grad school. He's so smart, but spent a couple of bad undergrad semesters in a major he didn't want to be in, so his GPA isn't the greatest. The GPA thing is a really sensitive issue with him, and he's afraid to face the potential rejection. I love to decoupage/collage boxes and notebooks. If you were my witchee, would you like one? What colors/themes would you want it to have? Find cute pictures--inspire me (and other crafty witches)! Sure! There aren't a lot of colors that I don't like, and I love anything science related. These are a few of my favorite things...? My boys (dogs and DH), doggie kisses, mint tea, my couch blanket, diet Dr. Pepper, listening to music in the car, finding an unexpectedly great wine, anything that smells like lavender, beautiful colors, Friday nights, great stand-up comedy, Las Vegas Are you following the Olympics? What's your favorite sport to watch? Would you be interested in merch? Yes! I love the Olympics! My favorite winter sport is speed skating, but I've also really been enjoying the ski and snowboard events. I'd never say no to Olympic mechandise!

caseys

January 29, 2010

Dance your cares away!

Oils I have tried

Italics mean a review was posted! Love: Cheshire Cat Creepy 2009 Depraved Dia De Los Muertos 2005 Imp Lick It Mme. Moriarty Pickled Imp Pumpkin Patch V 2009 Shub-Niggurath Snake Oil The Feast for the Greatly Revered Ones Theodosius, the Legerdemain TKO Vixen Like: A Blade of Grass Aeval Al-Shairan Baobhan Sith Bengal Black Rose Blood Blood Countess But Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light Cathode Dance of Death Diable En Boite Gold Phoenix Gomorrah Gypsy La Vita Nuova Lambs-Wool Lick It Til It's Sticky Machu Picchu Malice Manipura Mother Shub's Pfancy Pfefferneusse Now Winter Nights Enlarge Ozymandias Pet Magah Bird Phantasm Plunder Pomona Pumpkin Patch II 2009 Pumpkin Patch III 2009 Pumpkin Patch IV 2009 Quicksilver Phoenix Silver Phoenix Spicebush Swallowtail Snow-Flakes 2009 The Lion Tin Phoenix Wrath Didn't like enough to keep: Anne Bonny Bewitched Black Phoenix Cathedral Catherine Death Cap Desdemona Desire Devil's Night 2009 El Dia De Los Reyes 2009 Embalming Fluid Faustus Harlot Hellcat Hell's Belle Hemlock Hetairae Hod (res) Horn of Plenty Iron Phoenix Lady Macbeth Lampades Lead Phoenix Last Squished Jelly Bean Mad Hatter Maenad Mania Mouse's Long and Sad Tale New Orleans O Pumpkin Patch I 2009 Pumpkin Pie Bath Oil Queen of Sheba Samhain 2009 Scales of Deprivation Sin Snow White 2009 Snowball Fracas Spooky 2009 Suck It Szepasszony Tattie Bogle Tavern of Hell The Black Temple Burlesque Troupe The Caterpillar Vice Whip

arlith

January 28, 2010

The Girl Anachronism

Switch Witch Questionnaire

Questionnaire last updated on 28 January 2010. Switch Witch Questionnaire Basic Info Birthday: 12 July Pets: One cat named Spot. Children: Just the cat! Religious orientation: Jewish Favorite Holiday: Hanukkah and St. Patrick's Day! Occupation/Major in school: Theatre Living arrangement (by yourself, with roommates, etc): With my lovely wife ow1goddess, the aforementioned cat, and temporarily my parents. Livejournal/Blog/Website: I'm on LiveJournal as thechildoftime Organizations/Causes/Activities (Things you belong to or causes you believe in): Animal Rights, Gay Rights (especially Marriage rights), Feminism, Planned Parenthood, Religious Freedom. BPAL Favorite BPAL oils: Incoming giant alphabetical list of the ones that are in heavy rotation: Al-Azif, B.B3, Boo, Cake Smash, The Chapel, Crowley, Cupcake Spatter Pattern Analysis, Devil's Night, Green Tree Viper, La Befana, Left His Nurse While in a Crowd, Mad Sweeney, Mme. Moriarty, Smut, Sugar Skull, Thirteen (July '07). Favorite notes: Sugar, Red Musk, Vetiver, Leather, Honey, Chocolate of any kind. Favorite non-BPAL perfumes: Burberry Brit is the only spray perfume I've ever loved. Least favorite notes: Hemp (I amp it to the point of killing all other notes in a blend), Amber turns to baby powder on me (apparently black amber is okay, though), Baby Powder, Rose (turns into soap). Least favorite non-BPAL perfumes: Pretty much all of them? I've never really tried other oil-based scents, and I'm wide open to those, but I hate the alcohol-based spray perfumes. They just smell chemical to me. Clothing & Jewelry Hair type: Fine, dark, and long. Eat more conversation hearts! Skin Type: Ultra-pale. I'm a MAC NC15. Also, I have sensitive skin. Allergies (specifically B&B related): I'm super sorry, but please don't get me cheap lotion, no matter how fun the packaging and smell, I'm usually allergic to it. This includes Jergens Sensitive Skin lotion which says on the damn package that it is hypoallergenic. I found that out the hard way. Stuff from places that are careful with their ingredients, like Lush, the Lab and Trading Post, and Villainess is fine. Other things to avoid: Cheap makeup/B&B products make my skin flip out. MAC is fine, and most homemade stuff is fine, and like I said basically anyplace that cares about what goes into the stuff is going to be okay. Tub, shower or both? I'm thrilled to be able to say both now! We moved the day before Halloween to a place with a tub that works after years of not being able to take a damn bath. I still mostly take showers, but I've been enjoying having the option! Favorite bath & beauty products: Anything from BPTP, Villainess, or Lush. Clothing Style/Fave garments: I wear jeans more than I'd like, usually paired with a t-shirt in the summer or a long-sleeved knit when it's cooler. I like to look nice, and I would prefer to be overdressed than underdressed. I love babydoll Ts! I'm usually a size L from BPTP/Jinx and an XL from ThinkGeek. Favorite clothing colors/colors to wear: Black, black, and more black! But with dark-wash blue jeans most days. T-shirt size and preference (standard, babydoll, tank, cami, etc): Babydolls look infinitely better on me than standard T-shirts. I also like tanks/camis, but it's cold here right now! Type(s) of jewelry worn: Earrings! I love earrings! Ring/wrist/collar size: Rings are size tiny. I think my wedding ring is a 5 or 5.5, and my college ring which is on my middle finger is a 7. My wrists are super small, too. The measuring tape says 6.5 inches. I don't really like necklaces with a chain shorter than 16", but that size or longer is fine. Gold or silver jewelry? Silver/white gold Do you have any allergies to metal? Not that I know of. Favorite gemstones: green garnet, emerald, garnet, Pierced ears, stretched ears, neither? Pierced several times, but not stretched. I'm plotting an industrial piercing at some point this year. Sock/Shoe Size: I have little feet. 7.5 Lifestyle Style/home decoration style: Clean lines and classic, warm contemporary stuff. Favorite decorating colors: Warm green, warm red, burgundy, brown, merlot, dark woods. Things you collect: Glass paperweights, BPAL bottles. Favorite music: The Dresden Dolls/Amanda Palmer, Indigo Girls, They Might Be Giants, Barenaked Ladies. I also love most 90s music. Least favorite music: R&B, Rap, Country. Vegetarian/Vegan?: (Please be as specific as possible to reduce confusion!) Used to be, so I eat more veggie stuff than most non-vegetarians, still like tofu, et cetera. Other food restrictions: Jewish, so I don't eat pork. Not even (gasp!) bacon (turkey bacon and Morningstar Farms represent!). Favorite flavors: Lime, any citrus, any kind of berry (including acai), pomegranate, pineapple, milk chocolate, Favorite foods/drinks: Soup in general, but if I had to pick a favourite it's probably french onion. I also really love a good steak (medium rare), and pretty much anything without sausage from California Pizza Kitchen (they also have great soup, haha). Favorite authors/genres: Fantasy--think Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Steven Brust, David Coe, and of course Tolkein. Least favorite authors/genres: Christopher Stasheff. I totally caught him recycling pages of text and trying to pass them off as descriptions of new creatures/places/people. Also John Ringo, Robert Jordan, and anything romance. Blegh. Books/authors you'd like to read, but haven't yet: I really don't have any. If something strikes my fancy I just read the thing! How do you feel about receiving gently used books as gifts? Bring it on! Favorite stores (including clothing stores): Lush, the local jewelry store that sells work by independent artists, White House Black Market (though I can't afford anything they have these days), Crate and Barrel, the Apple Store, Gamestop. Favorite online stores (including B&B stores): Obviously the lab and trading post, Villainess, Etsy, Sock Dreams, ThinkGeek, Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Yarn Pirate, Jinx. Magazines you subscribe to: None. Magazines you like, but don't subscribe to: Cooking Light, Women's Health, Interweave Knits in order. Favorite movies: The Princess Bride, So I Married An Axe Murderer Favorite TV show(s): Doctor Who! Also The X-Files when it was on, Hobbies/crafts done: Knitting, crocheting, miniature painting, and I'd like to try my hand at decorating boxes for BPAL to live in. Wishlists BPAL Wish List (including SW/SF Help): Right Here Other website Wish lists (amazon.com, etsy.com, etc): Etsy Favourites The Lush website is not giving up my wish list today for some reason. ThinkGeek Wish List Amazon.com Wish List Random Questions: - On a scale of 1-5, how organized are you? 3 - Where, outside of the U.S. would you love to visit? (if you're international, this can be anywhere) London, Edinburgh, Rome, Athens, Pompeii, Vancouver, Brazil, Sydney, Japan. - Do people tell you that you act older, younger, or your age? I've heard all of the above! When I was younger, I was always told I acted older. When I do sports, people think I'm younger. But I'm 29 now and I think I grew into myself. - Have you ever been skinny dipping? I hate to admit it, but no, I haven't. - Do you wear pajamas to places other than at your house? Absolutely not unless I'm at a friend/family member's house and spending the night. - Your least favorite feature about yourself: My saddlebag hips. - Do you live in a neighborhood or in the middle of nowhere? In a neighborhood. - Do you like to shop? Yes, but not for clothes! - If you were a shoe, what would you be and why? I would be this Fluevog. Not what people expect to see, but fun and interesting when you can past the difference. And it comes in green/brown too! - If you were on death row, what would you request for your last meal? Pretty much anything as long as it's cooked by Mario Batali! He is a culinary rock star. - They're making a bio-pic based on your life. Who's portraying you? Gillian Anderson. Rawr! - If Beth made a custom blend for you, what would the notes be, and what would you want the label art to look like? Sugar, red musk, either red or black currant, leather, and housecat fur (I love to bury my nose in my cat's fur and just smell him--happiest smell in the world). - Sunrise or sunset? Sunset. The colours are more appealing to me, and I am not a morning person. - Has a stranger ever told you that you did something really well? What was it? Yes. Acting, fixing computers, and fencing. - Do you like garage sales (boot sales)? Yes, but I never seem to go to them. - Something that you never buy for yourself, but you’d love to have: Flavored coffee, drinks from Starbucks, and stuff from ThinkGeek. Also there's a shirt on Jinx.com that says "Damn it Jim, I'm a cleric not a warrior" that I want but can't ever make myself spend the money on it. - I like to slather my food in: Interesting salt (currently Himalayan-mined pink salt) and Mrs. Dash. Also Grains of Paradise, but I ran out and no place here seems to have them. - State fairs or carnivals? Fairs. Not necessarily the state fair, I like county fairs too! - Do you like to splash in puddles after it rains? Did the thought make you smile? I don't splash in puddles after it rains because I don't like my clothes getting wet and grit in my Birks, but the thought definitely made me grin. Notes (Here's where you can add additional information you'd like your Switch Witch to know!): Ow1goddess is my lovely wife, so if you have questions or want an opinion about anything, or want some inside info about what makes me tick, she's the one to ask.

childoftime

January 27, 2010

endless ethereal whisperings

Master Perfume Wishlist

now here!

crazyredhead17

January 26, 2010

SW questions and such...

Valentine's Shotgun Round part 1

What is everyone's take on Valentine's Day? If I'm in a relationship I usually like to have a nice romantic night together. Maybe have a nice dinner or something. I'm currently single so I don't know what I'll be doing. Maybe I'll treat myself to some nice candy and a romantic evening with myself. Do you like traditional Valentine's Day colors (red, pink, white, more?) ? Red's okay. Especially dark red. Pink and white I don't really care either way. Purple is sometimes a Valentine's color right? I really like purple. Black is my favorite color though. favorite semi-obscure animal? SNAILS! I love them so! (are they obscure? I don't care!) People think I'm so odd for my snail love but I don't care It all started when I rescued a snail with a cracked shell from a plant when I used to work at a plant store/nursery. I took hir home and nursed hir back to health. (did you know snails are hermaphrodites? you do now! ) Now I have a giant snail stuffed animal and a snail t-shirt and my mom got me snail earrings for christmas and I love anything and everything snail themed. Favorite sign spring is coming: days getting longer, weather getting warmer (I really hate cold weather! Cool is good, cold is very not good!) Hand-knitted things?: yes! That would be super awesome! I would feel so special if my witch hand-knitted something (or had something knitted) special just for me! On the note of knitted things, something very useful my witch could knit for me would be a coffee cup holder. The Starbucks on my campus is always out of cardboard sleeves and I'd love to be able to provide my own sleeve even when they do have them so as to waste less cardboard. favorite kind of love story: I'll admit I love the sappy romance where the people involved have to overcome some sort of hardship but everything works out in the end and they live happily ever after. I'm the kind of person that tends to put myself in the story and imagine whatever's happening to the characters to be happening to me so if it's a horribly bittersweet ending I'll be imagining I'll never be able to see my true love again be I will always be able to feel their love for me when I stare out at the sea at sunset and see the light on the waves. And knowing me that actually will make me sad until I remember that that's not actually the case and I haven't found my true love anyway so I have nobody to lose at sea yet. Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things? Yes please! Was there some chatter about personalized romance novels? That sounds awesome! I would love to read myself in a book! I guess you'd say I'm pretty kinky but I don't know how kinky you can get for $28. Feel free to be creative! 'nother Q - the Qaire mentioned used books, but what about used CDs, DVDs, etc. sure! as long as it's not too beat up. Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, etc? I have an ipod classic and I could use some kind of cover or case or screen protector for it. I usually like cases/covers that are pretty thin. If it's too clunky I probably won't use it. I like the sleek silicone cases but it doesn't have to be like that. For those of you with pets, would you like pet things? Toys, treats, etc? My pets are pretty well set I think. Interested in receiving gifts representative of Witch's country or culture? Sure! That would be pretty awesome actually. Top 25 most played: Bartender Song - Rehab That's Not my Name - The Ting Tings Still Alive - GLaDOS Love Love You remix - ???? Funky Dealer - ???? Help I'm Alive - Metric Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt - We Are Scientists Holding Out for A Hero - Frou Frou 21 Guns - Green Day Party Join Us (English) - ???? Song of The Century - Green Day Know Your Enemy - Green Day Dance, Dance - Fall Out Boy Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying - Fall Out Boy Sophomore Slump Or Comeback Of The Year - Fall Out Boy I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me - Fall Out Boy 21st Century Breakdown - Green Day Peacemaker - Green Day Horseshoes And Handgrenades - Green Day The Static Age - Green Day White & Nerdy - Weird Al Something In Your Mouth - Nickelback Shakin' Hands - Nickelback Major Tom - Shiny Toy Guns Stripped - Shiny Toy Guns Whew... Obviously I've been listening to the new Green Day album a lot, lol. And some Fall Out Boy. (my guilty pleasure) would you be interested in getting a mix CD from your witch? Yes! I love getting new music!

unlaced

January 25, 2010

Forspecial Plate's Blog

Excited

I am so excited about Bioshock 2! I hope it doesn't suck. I pre-ordered the special edition, which has some nifty extras like a soundtrack CD, and also the orchestral soundtrack from the first game on vinyl. My turntable currently needs a new stylus but that's neither here nor there. It also has an art book of some sort. Kind of an impulsive purchase but there ya go. Now the only bad part is, it will take a few days for it to be delivered, and meanwhile other people will be playing the game already...... But....I've waited this long, I can wait a while longer.

forspecial_plate

January 25, 2010

Cam's Blog

Switch Witch - Shotgun Valentine 2010

Hi, my witch! This is the place where I will post answers to Q&A and any other helpful info that I think up. Thank you soooo much for witching me! <3 Cam If you like tea, what are your favorite kinds? Fruity, sweet, chai, plain, black, green, red, white? I like them all, really. Tea is awesome. How do you feel about handmade stuffed animals? That would be awesome. What are your favorite animals? Cats of any size, wolves, otters, owls, foxes, red pandas. Is there anything you've had to give up that you really miss or want back? Maybe something a witch could help out with? To echo others, I do miss my cloves, but it's best I don't have them. Although I am one of those rare people who can take cigarettes or leave them, my hubby is most definitely not. And he has asthma. So I have banned tobacco products from the house. If you were a student at Hogwarts, what house would you be in? Probably Ravenclaw. Pretty! How do you feel about home-canned goods, like pickles, jelly, preserves, stuff like that. Yum. What's your favourite flower? Stargazer lilies Are you opposed to vegan baked goods? Or baked goods in general? No indeed. I am quite a fan of baked goods. And anything coming from a switch witch is magically rendered calorie-free in transit. No lie. For those that have dogs, if I were to knit them a sweater, what colour would you like it to be? That is super kind and thoughtful, but Koto is not too enthused about the sweater idea, I'm afraid. And he'd probably eat it. Lip balm: Yay or nay? If yay, what are your favorite kinds (brands, consistency, whatever)? To answer my own question, I have a deep and profound addiction to lip balm, as I fight a near-constant battle against chapped lips, especially in winter. I tend to like balms more than glosses (and by "gloss," I'm specifically talking about the kind that come in a tube with a little stick inside and applicator on the end), because I find the latter tend to feel sticky to me. I love the flavored kind. Do you like guessing who your witch is, or would you prefer to know? Do you mind knowing? I never manage to guess correctly. I'm perfectly fine with not knowing until the end (tho I like a reveal so I can say thank you), but don't mind knowing before either. Whichever works best for my witch (and makes things the most fun for him/her too). If it's going to be obvious who your witch is, would you rather she played the ninja and sent one big box at the end, or smaller packages along the way? Again, whichever works best for my witch is a-ok with me. What color are your eyes? Hazel/greenish. If you had to choose a color for a nightie to sleep in what color would it be? Ahem. I, um, do not sleep in nighties . However, I do like cute, comfy stuff to lounge about in on weekends or after work, usually just in black. Keys? I love cool old (or just old-looking) keys, and often use a key motif in jewelry-making. Since everyone is spending the same amount of money on this swap, would you be interested in seeing the cost breakdown of each item in your package? Nah, that's not necessary. I custom mix nail polish, a process called 'frankening'. If you were my witch, would you enjoy a custom 'franken', based on whatever colors/theme you chose? Wow, that would be very neat! How are we feeling about Burlesque? I love it! I would love to take a Burlesque class or something like that. Would you like or accept an energetically-charged item or gift? Something that had power poured into it? If so, do you have a particular purpose that you'd prefer? (Love, protection, money, etc.) That would be very much welcome. Right now, something for business success/money would be super helpful. Villainess update? Torchsong is pretty. Right now I'm most interested in trying the Shanghaied and Silk & Cyanide facial smooches, tho. (And in general, for my witch's info, I am a sucker for scrubs, either for face or body. I lurves them.) Anyone like steampunk? Very much. I make steampunk jewelry. Sock Dreams? Oh hells yes (you dirty, dirty enablers. Yes, I'm talking to practically everyone in this thread.) Do you like alcoholic beverages? If so, what is your preference (beer, wine, liquor...)? And finally, is it legal to ship alcohol to your state? To answer my own question, yes. I'm a huge wine nerd. I love love love wine (both red and white) and am always eager to try something new. I also love hard cider and beer. Alcohol can be shipped to me at my office in VA. Would you like soaps? Especially from Paintbox? And ESPECIALLY the Valentines Special Edition Soaps?? Holy crap, YES! Do you prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? What flavors? I love all of them. Would you like some of my favourite recipes? Definitely. Posters, pictures, art? That would be great. Bacon chocolate? Zomg, Vosges bacon chocolate stuff is to die for! Would you use a natural sea sponge? Yes! What about UNTOUCHED make-up samples or any other type of girly-sample thing? Yes please! So, what is this unobtainable miracle your Witch found? Monster Bait: Underpants Would you like new nail polish? If so, what colors are you craving? Ooh, yes! I am currently craving some of the new BPTP polishes - Smokestack, Malediction & Robotic Scarab. Boxes? Yes please! I'm once again on the verge of running out of storage space on the little "photo ledge" type shelves I bought awhile ago. Plush microbes? I LOVE them, and have given them as gifts to several people, but don't have any myself. WoW? My main character is a Forsaken Warlock named Deadcam, but I haven't been playing much lately. Have been enjoying some games on PS3 instead. What's your favourite candy? Chocolate, of course. These two local chocolatiers (Earth and Sky and Chocolate Fetish) and Vosges are my favorites. First five songs on the "Top 25 Most Played" list on iPod The top 25 aren't particularly illuminating, since they're from a playlist I made for working out. It's all very heavy, tough guy type stuff that helps motivate me, and it's not the best representation of my tastes, which are wide and varied. Interested in receiving gifts representative of Witch's country or culture? Totally! That would be awesome. I'm really into exploring local culture/foods/art/etc. wherever I happen to be (huge locavore, food-wise), so I would love to receive gifts representative of where my witch lives, his/her culture, etc., wherever that happens to be. Would anyone like receiving naughty/sexy things? Sure, that might be fun. I love the Kama Sutra brand stuff. Who on the thread likes attending Ren Faires, SciFi/Comic Cons & the like? And do you dress up for them? OH HELLS YES! Love them, love dressing up. Do you need any accessories for your phone, computer, mp3 player, etc.? I am always open to that sort of thing, as I have a freaking ton of gadgets. 17" MacBook Pro (and do ya know how hard it is to find laptop bags to fit a 17"?? hard), Motorola Droid, Kindle 2, iPod Classic, iPod nano (purple), PSP. Cute little sleeves for any of these would be awesome. Gently Used CDs/DVDs? That would be great! For those of you with pets, would you like pet things? Toys, treats, etc? The furbabies would love that. Kitties will not eat treats tho (go figure). They love catnip, of course, and jingly/rattle-y toys. Would something hand knit be nice? Ooooh, YES! I love warm & snuggly things anyway, but it has also been an especially cold winter here. So this year I am in extra need of such things. What is everyone's take on Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day is my second favorite holiday. I've always loved it. Commercialized though it may be, I like the idea of a holiday devoted to love & snuggliness. In my family, we always gave each other cards and flowers and little presents, so even if I was unattached romantically, it's always been a special day. I even love the color scheme. Do you like traditional Valentine's Day colors (red, pink, white, more?)? I love them! I am especially fond of deep reds, and I like just about any variety of pink. I also really love the pink/chocolate color combination. What's everyone's favorite semi-obscure animal? Fishing Cats FTW! Fishing Cats on Google Image Search Baby fishing cats What is your favorite sign that spring is coming? Dogwoods in bloom Favorite love poem? The Hardness Scale by Joyce Peseroff Diamonds are forever so I gave you quartz which is #7 on the hardness scale and it's hard enough to get to know anybody these days if only to scratch the surface and quartz will scratch six other mineral surfaces: it will scratch glass it will scratch gold it will even scratch your eyes out one morning -- you can't be too careful. Diamonds are industrial so I bought a ring of topaz which is #8 on the hardness scale I wear it on my right hand, the way it was supposed to be, right? No tears and fewer regrets for reasons as smooth and clear as glass. Topaz will scratch glass, it will scratch your quartz, and all your radio crystals. You'll have to be silent the rest of your days not to mention your nights. Not to mention the night you ran away very drunk very very drunk and you tried to cross the border but couldn't make it across the lake. Stirring up geysers with the oars you drove the red canoe in circles, tried to pole it out but your left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. You fell asleep and let everyone know it when you woke up. In a gin-soaked morning (hair of the dog) you went hunting for geese, shot three lake trout in violation of the game laws, told me to clean them and that my eyes were bright as sapphires which is #9 on the hardness scale. A sapphire will cut a pearl it will cut stainless steel it will cut vinyl and mylar and will probably cut a record this fall to be released on an obscure label known only to aficionados. I will buy a copy. I may buy you a copy depending on how your tastes have changed. I will buy copies for my friends we'll get a new needle, a diamond needle, which is #10 on the hardness scale and will cut anything. It will cut wood and mortar, plaster and iron, it will cut the sapphires in my eyes and I will bleed blind as 4 a.m. in the subways when even degenerates are dreaming, blind as the time you shot up the room with a new hunting rifle blind drunk as you were. You were #11 on the hardness scale later that night apologetic as you worked your way up slowly from the knees and you worked your way down from the open-throated blouse. Diamonds are forever so I give you softer things.

cam

January 22, 2010

Ishi's Bpals

My Collection

My ScentBase Profile I update my profile regularly as I add to the collection. There are approximately 118 something scents I've tried so far, mostly imps.

Ishianti

January 20, 2010

Ishi's Bpals

Wishlist

Things I'm looking for and might swap. Bottles: Whitechapel Calliope Ichabod Crane Antique Lace Flowering Moon Dragon Moon Nuclear Winter Mouse's Long and Sad Tale Looking for any of: Shivering Boy Khrysee Snow White Pink Snowballs Monster Bait: Bloody Mary Punkie Night Swank White Rabbit Antique Lace The Velvet Unicorn Sugar Skull Lick It Till It's Sticky Lambs Wool Tissue The Torture Queen Bite Me Strawberry Moon Ogun Snow White Osun

Ishianti

January 20, 2010

RedRoseMaze's Blog

Good Judy: Shameful Secret

Shameful Secret Category: American Gothic Quantity: sample Description: SHAMEFUL SECRET We all come with a past. Certainly, some have more to hide than others. What we do with our lives is of no concern to them. Nobody need know your secret. Hide your shame. Stand tall and proud as it turns your stomach sour. Sweet milk, raspberry cream, absinthe, cassia Review: In the bottle: I smell cream, cassia, raspberry, and absinthe, in that order. It’s an interesting mix. Wet: It’s a little bit bitter, but very herbal, from the absinthe; yet very sweet from the milk and cassia. So far, the raspberry is still very far in the background. Dry: It turned sweeter, more fruity and juicy, but still with a tiny bit of bitterness/sourness underneath, but it’s really whispered like a secret. Verdict: Oh, I love this one! It fits me so perfectly, how could I give it a bad review?

RedRoseMaze

January 20, 2010

RedRoseMaze's Blog

Good Judy: Mephitic Vapors

Mephitic Vapors Category: Curio Shop Quantity: sample Description: MEPHITIC VAPORS Careful with that! The contents can be quite dangerous. That bottle has been passed around for generations and nobody is quite sure of how much is left inside. You see, it looks empty. That’s the danger. Bottled hundreds of years ago by an infamous resurrectionist, one whiff of the Mephitic Vapors captured in that bottle would surely bring instant death. You’ll want to make sure you purchase the Good Judy souvenir version. The real one can’t be opened anyway. The lid’s glued on. Accidents do happen though. Authentic Mephitic Vapors: A miasma of graveyard putrescence. Not for sale! Souvenir Version: Black oak, peat moss, graveyard loam, headstones, and damp air. Plenty for everyone! Review: In the bottle: It’s very masculine... I do smell the oak and moss very well. Wet: Yeah, that’s the old-fashioned graveyard caretaker’s favourite cologne. It’s a bit strong, and just so strange on me. Dry: Ok, I had to wash it off. It was just so absurd on me, even the dog started crying after she smelled me. Enough said. Verdict: I guess I’ll have to give this one... I don’t doubt this would smell good on a man, and preferably someone fairly older than me, because there really is something old-fashioned about it. It has also a dark/gothic feeling, like taking a walk in a graveyard in late fall, with a coroner passionately telling you all about his most fascinating cases... Well, you get the picture.

RedRoseMaze

January 20, 2010

Forspecial Plate's Blog

Breaking it down further......

These are worth a try...... Bijoux Y'Ha-Nthlei......."A strangely proportioned, opulent, lustrous scent: neroli, Hawaiian ginger, white musk, tarragon, beeswax, heliotrope, yellow rose, oud, coriander, amber, and lime peel"......worth a decant Inganok Jewelers....."Gleaming stone and silver"......might be cologney but worth a decant. The Steeple....."Otherworldly fungus, Provençal herbs, and dark, shadowy woods".....fungus might contain a dirt note, which doesn't always work......worth a try, though. Signior Dildo....."A scent of pearls and ivory: orris, violet leaf, narcissus, and Madagascar vanilla".....can't remember if I mentioned this in my first breakdown....might be too perfumey but I'd like to try it.

forspecial_plate

January 20, 2010

Forspecial Plate's Blog

Jan 2010 Lupercalia breakdown

For my own selfish reasons, because I have to sort out which ones I want, for now I'm only including wants or might-wants. First the Shungas...... Konseishin The Penis God......"Apple blossom, champaca, fir needle, cistus, myrrh, Peru balsam, and Tan Xiang".....I think Tan Xiang is sandalwood, and I don't see much about this scent that I don't like! Okayaki....."Olive blossom, cardamom pod, amber, morning star lily, bergamot, and a well-aimed snowball".....will be watching reviews. Penis Admiration....."Lilac, ho wood, smoky vanilla, galbanum, and tonka".....not sure about a couple notes here, lilac and galbanum, but I'll be watching reviews with interest. Prosperity Of A Country....."Frankincense, orris root, asuhi, leather, and ginger-infused cream accord"......I think asuhi is hiba wood. I'm really interested in this scent. Could be my "take-a-chance" scent. Ronin......"White sandalwood, rice flower, honey, black pepper, and oakmoss".....sometimes don't like white sandalwood, or black pepper, and usually don't like honey, but I like the art of this one and will watch reviews. Now Ode To Ares...... Andreiphontes......"Tonka, benzoin, black sandalwood, and nutmeg".....has potential. Enkhespalos......."Elder wood, leather, blonde tobacco, and cognac"......has potential. Enyalios......"Patchouli, frankincense, olibanum, thyme, cocoa absolute, Peru balsam, oakmoss, and juniper".......this could be too much dood-fume, or it could be really fantastic. Khalkokorustes......"Champaca, pear, cedar, black pepper, jasmine, and red sandalwood".....this sounds like some fabulous love-child between Quincey Morris and Dr. John Seward. I need to try this one. That is about it for now. I'll be reading others' breakdowns and thinking some more but really, those are the most interesting right now.

forspecial_plate

January 20, 2010

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Breaking it down further......

Jan 2010 Lupercalia breakdown

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