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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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Winter Swap Q&A

So here are my questions for my Fox! I'll try and keep up to date on these from now on! 1. So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? hmmm...A Physician's Formula shimmer strips for brown, green, or hazel eyes (I have green-brown hazel eyes, so any of them would work). Essie nail polish in dark and/or earthy tones. flaming hot cheetos. Hotpockets. I love me some hotpockets. 2. I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. Would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (It's Penzey's if you want to Google it.) I love cooking, so anything really! But I'd definitely love the Baker's Assortment or Cocoa Lover's box sets. 3. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? Do you prefer machine washable materials? Do you not care?)? Yes, yes, yes!!! Pretty much anything, but I'm partial to hats, snoods, and handwarmers/armwarmers/fingerless-gloves (fingerless glove armwarmers would be the most awesome thing ever). Nay on wool, mostly because I can't stand itchy things, soft = yay!, but also stuff that's really durable. machine washable is awesome, but not necessary. I do however need it to be okay with some sort of cleansing, especially for hats, since I sometimes wear hats to hide icky hair. I love fall and earth-tones (esp. esp olive green!), and I also like multi-coloured stuff such as This hat which is my favourite hat. (I apologize for the sort of dorky photo that makes me look like I'm 6 years old. sheesh.) To be extra helpful: head circumference ~23", wrist-to-elbow= 10", wrist= 6.5", arm-circumference-at-elbow= 12", fingerless-glove finger length= 1" (my fingers are ridiculously short). uh, yeah. I like knitted things. 4. Hey swap partner... could you use a new mug? I have so many mugs...unless it's a HUGE mug, like those "Big Mug Of Tea" mugs, no thank you. 5. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? Coffee Crisps (Canada. My FAVOURITE CANDY BAR EVAR ), Fruit gums (Canada, UK). Mori Naga caramels (Japan). Local honeys and cheeses. I'm generally excited about trying foreign and/or regional goods, those are just the ones I can think of right now. 6. Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? My family does a tree, so right now yes. No particular theme, although wacky-but-easy-to-hang ornaments are especially liked. I have a bit of a personal theme: pickles. I have 4 pickle ornaments 7. Would you like a special ornament? Yes! I would love one! I'm actually part of the tacky-ornaments swap 8. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? I've never tried them, but they look like they're related to my beloved coffee crisps, so sure 9. Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? I prefer homemade goodies ALWAYS! and I would LOVE to have homemade goodies. I'd love whatever is your preference/specialty, but if you don't have any ideas I love fudge, molasses cookies, and ginger snaps. ...and I'm not going to lie, deep-fried cookies sounds intriguing. 10. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? For the most part, no thank you. But I would love a "really-big-bowl-o'noodles/ramen" size bowl, whatever theme, I always need more of those! 11. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a body scrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? oooh, I would love one! (more handmade goodies, yay!) I like sugar scrubs, and ones that are more moist. I like cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and orange! (I think all of those can be translated into EOs...can bergamot and sage be EOs? I love those as well) 12. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? If yes, then what kind? Scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? YES! I love candles. esp. esp. beeswax, shaped or unshaped. I do like pillar candles as well, as long as I the wicks don't have a tendency to get lost inside the candle I love cinnamon-y/christmassy scented candles, mango-y scented candles, and coconut, decorated or undecorated (I prefer painted to stuff stuck in the candles). I also always appreciate plain tea lights for my oil burner. 13. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores.... I like them, although nothing that's got strong sandalwood and no florals (esp rose, I'm allergic) please. See my sig for list of fave notes.I prefer soap over body wash, actually. I'm currently lusting after villainess' Anti-hero *sighs wistfully* 14. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Yes! Love me some socks! I've never ordered from Sock Dreams, but they look awesome!!! I knee-highs and footies, and nothin in between Although I really love any kind of bed sock. Also, I love funky and/or animal slippers, I really could use a pair now that I live somewhere with cold cement floors. 15. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? Totally! Especially in olive green, chocolate brown, aubergine, or deep ruby red. 16. New question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? BRING ON THE TEA. I'm generally not a fan of coffee, unless it's in a very chocolately-mocha. But mmmm, tea. I'm a fan of basically all tea, although I'll usually add sugar to stuff that's more bitter. 17. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? Sure! I'd love to try Lafayette, Twirl, or Glisten. 18. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? Just checked them out for the first time, the Voluptuous body butter is the only thing that really catches my eye. 19. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I love nail polish. Of the kinds I have tried so far, my favourite has been Essie, but I'd like to try china glaze. colours: burgandy-red, aubergine, steel/deep blues and blue-greens, olive green, chocolate brown, mushroom brown, peachy-pinky-shimmery. 20. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) Paladin and Hunter 5mls, and an imp of Lightning (or Dorian, I can't decide which!). 21. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Nothing I can think of. 22. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? I honestly have no opinion either way. 23. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. So. Many. Choices. Angels Delight Soap, ***Christmas Kisses Bubble Bar*** , Cinders Bath Bomb. 24. Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? Yes, yes, yes! Omg, I only heard about this company today. Comfort and Joy,The Yule-tide mariner, and The Englishman! 25. NEW QUESTION! - Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have 4 cats, 2 hampsters, and a budgie (small parrot). Any gifts for any of them are always appreciated, but certainly not necessary. No need to worry about safety though, I'll keep the string away from my string-eating cats! 26. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? GIMME. GIMME IT ALL. er, I mean...*ahem* 27. NEW QUESTION: Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I don't really need anything from them, but thanks. 28. The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? White Snow Bright Snow, The Yuletide Mariner, Comfort and Joy. 29. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails) Harvest atmosphere, October 2011, Autumn Cider are all ones I wish I could try from this round of weenies, but don't have money for. 30. Will you be away for any part of the round? Nope! I will be home the whoooooole time. Sigh. No exciting trips for me. 31. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. I has not an etsy store, sorry. 32. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I love books, but...well, all the books I want are really expensive books on 1400s/1500s Florentine fashion, or I don't really have space for the books I'd like. ETA: Oh, I'd love a nice hardbound copy of the works of H.P. Lovecraft though. That'd be awesome. 33. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? Traditional or Jazz, particularly those containing choirs/roundels, cellos, or harp. :3 34. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) I am allergic to roses, so no, sorry 35. Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones ), the raw resin itself, anything?) Never heard of it before, but I'd love to try a bun. 36. I live in the city of the chicken wing. If I were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? I love love love chicken wings, esp. hot ones. Hot, hot and sweet, yum. Either one. I have a VERY high heat tolerance, although I don't really feel the need to prove my manliness (er, womanliness?) by eating ridiculously over-spiced wings that are hot for the sake of being mind-bogglingly hot. 37. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a gift card from anywhere, as in any store food-wise, music wise etc., what gift card would you like? Mac, Sephora, iTunes, Thinkgeek, or Amazon please 38. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? No bacon chocolates, or spice-chocolate (cinnamon is an exception), nor anything that's more than 60% cocoa please. I love nuts, cherries, caramel, coconut...I esp like deeper milk chocolates. My favourite holiday candies are chocolate covered maraschino cherries (a family favourite), ribbon candy, venetian glass candy, and candy canes. 39. Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? Red Hot Cinnamon Berlingots, Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle, and spiced apple cider caramels! YUM! 40. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? oooh. Shiny. I like the Holiday Ornaments:Gold Glitz Handblown Glass Globe Earrings, but I also really like the Halloween Harvest pumpkin earrings. 41. What was the best holiday present you ever got? Um, this is going to sound really, really stupid, but it was my best friend's friendship. (She's Hello Kitty here on the forums, I her so much). I guess to generalize that I'd say getting friends/someone who'd like to keep communicating past swapping boxes. On a less gooshy note, the hat that I posted a pic of in an earlier question was my favourite material gift. 42. Bunny, what scent are you desperately wanting to be resurrected this year with the Anniversary update? Uh, I haven't been here long enough. What is this? I can tell you what I want resurrected though. Loviatar. I pray on my knees every night. I will buy 6 bottles. Please, BPAL Gods, give me Loviatar. 43. Groupon for Moxie Nouveau! Dear Bunneh, is this something that would interest you? Yes! In order of what I'd like to try: Nicholas, Donner and Blitzen, Dear Santa. 44. Bun-bun, what's your favourite colour? Olive Green, Chocolate Brown, Aubergine, Deep ruby red, Steely-blue-grey, Blue-Green (teal), Peachy-pink. 45. Your favourite gemstone? Opal or ruby, swiftly followed by sapphires and aquamarine and fluorite. I collect gemstones. 46. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? Cats, Elephants, Griffins. 47. And do you have any intense phobias? Medical professionals and heights, although I don't think those would be relevant 48. Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? I tried, but I've pretty much fallen off the wagon already. I'm happy with merch or donations to the cause though! I think it's a wonderful thing! 49. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I'd love a box that's better suited for holding 5mls, mine doesn't close all the way because they're too tall and it's almost full anyhow. 50. Coffee or tea? With caffeine or without? Flavors (if so, what?) or no? Whole bean/ground/loose leaf/bags? TEA TEA TEA. Caffeine please. I prefer Black over green. Flavors: Quince (my favourite tea is a black tea with quince flowers and fruit shipped from Denmark cause that's the only place I can find it. I love it in the green tea version too. ), most fruit, chocolate, cinnamon/clove ( my second favourite tea is Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice, and I can't find it anywhere!), chais, fancy earl grey, Not-very-bitter green teas esp. Jasmine tea. A good soothing non-caffeinated mint is always pleasing too. White teas are good, but not my favourite because they're not very strong. Loose or sachet, although sachet is favored (but you can't get as nice tea in sachets! My life is hard). 51. Do you have a strong preference for any sort of bath and body product brands (i.e. etailer/etsy type cos, department store/specialty brands like Lush) or are you cool with anything that doesn't smell like Bunnybane? I really like Chagrin Valley Soaps! Other than that I don't much care. I am rather interested in the Paintbox soaps though (see previous questions) and Villainess' Anti-hero soap. 52. A question: reveal, yes or no? Up to my fox, but only just after they've sent the goodies out if revealing! I don't want to give in to my stalking-urges and make assumptions/guesses about what I'm getting too far in advance. 53. Any favorite cuddly characters? Hello Kitty! or Cinnamoroll (a hello kitty line character), but he's more rare. But really so long as it's soft, squeezable, snuggly, cuddly, and good company for sleeping, it's a winner with me. 54. Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? Definitely!!! 55. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? AMG YES. Pretty Boys in Eyeliner, Wench, and Exp.#5. *squeals at the idea of getting these* I'm totally buying these myself if I don't get them :3 56. Do you need any holiday recipes? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? Yes please! Your fave recipe for turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, molasses cookies, ginger-snap cookies! I'm not no/low sugar at all, but I like savory things too! 57. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? I LOVE the idea of a BPTP candle! I'd love a Hunger Moon or a Loviatar Candle...But alas, that's not very likely, is it? 58. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? Not at all! 59. Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? I'm a big RPG/LARP nerd, and an American Studies/Popular Culture and Film nerd. I like math and I like Shakespeare. I LOVE HARRY POTTER FANDOM specifically Snarry (yes, I'm a dirty dirty lady) and I am a proud Hufflin (Hufflepuff with a little bit of Slytherin ). I am also a huge Panic! At the Disco, My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds To Mars, and Linkin Park Fangirl. I also Fangirl Taylor Lautner (Jacob from the Twilight movies. Shut up, he's hot okay?) and Mark Harmon(Gibbs from NCIS. The sexiest grey man I've ever laid eyes upon *swoon*). 60. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? ...Lemon pound cake? *big anime sparkly eyes* 61. Fingerless mittens or full mitts? Fingerless mittens! Although see question 3 for extensive rambling on my deepest desires in fuzzy hand-wear \ 62. What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. I am rather anti-anise, but I like all other traditional holiday flavorings! 63. Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? Yes! Especially oils 64. Any crafty pursuits you’ve been dying to experiment with? Would you like a little kit of something you’ve never tried? Do you need any particular items for your new or existing stash? I'd love to have a knitting loom. I've had limited success with knitting in general, and I've always preferred knitting in the round anyway. 65. Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? Sure! I think a page-a-day one, there's not enough wall space for a hanging calendar 66. Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? There are so many. It's quite sad. I'd love imps of: Frost at Midnight, Midnight Mass, Gelt, Lick it Discreetly, Onduris, The Country of Eternal Light, Days & Nights in the Vaults & Charnel Houses, Inextinguishable Hatred, Wonderful Light, The Most Magnificent Christmas Tree. I'm dying for bottles of: Diable en boite 2011, Sugar Cookie,Woods in Winter, and Workshop of Flithy Creation. 67. Do you like coin purses? Not particularly, I have more of them than I use. :/ 68. Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? Yes! Especially if it's a travel one. 69. If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Socks 70. Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? I AM A HARRY POTTER NERD OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!!! I'm a Slytherpuff, A Hufflepuff with a little bit of Slytherin in me So either house's colors work for me. I'd love knitted things/replicas/accessories! 71. Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? Uh, uh, yes. I'll get back to this one. I have to look through my wishlist and pick out all the Yules. 72. Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or hate it? Like some but not others? I love love love it! 73. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? I like cherries! I usually prefer sweet. I'd love a cherry jam or pie filling, but cherry hot sauce also sounds intriguing. 74. Bunnies! What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? All of the above! I'm not much of a tights person, but I love patterns. 75. Bunny, are you interested in anything from Geek Chic Cosmetics? No thank you.

archionblu

November 6, 2011

neptuneanblog

Winter Holiday Fun Swap Help: Let's try this again!

The first time that I did this, it got deleted due to "incorrect use of one of the board files." So I dunno how long this will stay up, but I'm trying it again, to help my foxyfox out (not sure that these will be in correct order or complete since I'm having to start over, but I'm trying)! Wow, didn't expect to see so many new questions to answer at this point!!! Here goes... cranberries/types of nuts: I like cranberries. I also like most nuts, particularly pistachios, almonds, cashews, and walnuts. In theory I like hazelnuts, but in reality when I get them they always seem to be stale receiving many edible treats: Sure, that'd be great. I'm actually traveling out of state this Christmas (the 22nd to 27th, so not during this swap... visiting my husband's relatives, my first Christmas spent this way even though we've been together for 10+ years), so I won't be cooking or baking nearly as much as usual for the holiday, so it'd be cool to eat stuff that other people made. I'm assuming that nothing extremely perishable would be sent in the mail anyway (like, um, a casserole, I dunno), so anything edible should be fine! wild rice: That sounds great! hot buttered rum 5ml: No thanks, just doesn't appeal to me. Jane Austen Knits: I'm not a knitter either! scarf colors: I'm not basing this on my favorite colors, but on what scarf colors I already have and what would coordinate with my other winter stuff. Really I could use a light grey or cream-colored one. I know that's kind of boring though. Next-most needed would be some kind of "autumnal" color like any kind of brown, or olive/non-bright green, or rust, etc. "Accidents" would be fine... the way scarves are worn, at least by me, doesn't lend itself to close inspection of every little detail. Add me to the list of folks who'd be interested in Hogwarts-themed tea! I bought some Serenity (or was it Firefly?) themed tea at a Renaissance Festival last year even though I haven't seen those things, just because it sounded good, well, the "Earth that Was" flavor, anyway (I think it was from the Austin Browncoats or something... oh yeah, here it is!), so in summation, my rambly self would definitely appreciate tea associated with something I'm actually familiar with! baking supplies: Sure, I need all the baking supplies! I've really only replaced the basics, and we're quickly heading into baking season! Anniversary update: I already ordered Leather Phoenix I figured it'd be easy to re-home if needed. The Phoenix at Dusk also sounds interesting. plush microbes? That'd be fine. Two fires ago, I bought my husband the stomach ulcer one, because it was cute and he'd had a stomach ulcer, but I haven't bought any more since. The cutest ones available on thinkgeek right now appear to be bad breath, brain cell, herpes, and nerve cell. chiles: Sure, that'd be fine. Where I live, combining chocolate and chile is kind of a big deal, so I've had lots of chocolate brownies or cookies with chile in them, and they are pretty great (chipotle, which are smoked jalapeno peppers, are popular for this, though of course other types of peppers can also be used). And of course I've had it in chocolate bars too... and I love New Mexican style chili powder for cooking purposes. So again, bring it on! (But as one might guess from my description, I'd much rather have useful/edible chiles than decorative ones) Geek Chic cosmetics: I guess not. I'm finding that site pretty hard to navigate (which rarely happens to me), so it would take too much time and energy to pick out eyeshadows or whatever for myself. socks or lacy shawl: socks if I'm choosing between the two. For more details about preferred knitted items, see prior questions soapdish: I think I'm good on those. I'm pretty picky about them in terms of wanting one that actually drains in some way (i.e., the soap is raised above the main surface in some way, instead of a soapdish just being some kind of fancy saucer or whatever). past Yules: I have a DISO out right now for A Golden Idol... love it, especially since vetiver usually doesn't work on me but does in this case! Also pretty interested in The School, though I haven't actually tried it. Would love to though!!! *Editing to add Comforting Plush Companion, which I also haven't tried but want to. Some of the other stuff on my BPAL wishlist (linked in my signature) might also be Yules and I just don't know it, so I guess check there if you're curious!* Harry Potter: Here's another rambling answer for ya... I've kinda already gone into this in previous questions, but Harry Potter was more of a big deal to me awhile back. I'm still a fan, but no longer feel the need to have multiple Harry Potter t-shirts or anything. Also, even though I am not much of a fan of the Harry Potter movies (I'm the annoying person that points out all the stuff that they changed from the book for no apparent reason), I prefer Ravenclaw's colors in the movies more than their colors from the books! Yep, I've always fancied myself a Ravenclaw, though I'm sure the Sorting Hat wouldn't agree with me! Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or hate it? Like some but not others? I'm not that big of a fan. I think I like one specific kind of dried mangoes, but not the ones that are super-hard and sugary. Maybe it's Phillipine dried mangoes? Not sure. I also eat dried cranberries, but not the artificially sweetened ones that are referred to as "craisins." Oh, and I enjoy the occasional individually-wrapped prune, but I'm set on those. Finally, I do enjoy crystallized ginger for cooking and baking. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? I like to eat Rainier cherries fresh, but not any other kind. I cherry butter (you know, like apple butter, but with cherries?), but I've only found that from one specific place in West Virgina (which is nowhere near my home state), so I'm not sure if that's something my fox can readily find. I suppose I'd try jam/salsa/hot sauce/bbq sauce made from cherries, but I'm not sure how much use I'd get out of anything on that list other than jam. accessory patterns: Bring 'em on! Again, I'm re-building my wardrobe after losing everything, so really I could use whatever, and am not afraid at all of patterns coin purses: I guess I like them, but I am very picky and can't find any examples online of the kind I like, so for now let's say I don't like them! The one I use seems to still be going strong, anyway Yules desired: Well, like many of the folks in this swap, I just signed up for a bunch of decants. But there are a second and third tier of things that I was interested in but didn't request. So here's the second tier: AMIABLE & LOVELY CREATURES A DREARY NIGHT OF NOVEMBER MOCKING THE INVISIBLE WORLD WITH ITS OWN SHADOWS A WONDERFUL LIGHT decided to request a decant of this one after all! THE COLD HOUR OF DAWN (added on after crossing out the one before this one) crafty pursuits: nope, no time for such things due to the whole long-process-of-recovering-from-a-disaster thing. The last time our house burned down, my husband and I did a little bit of collage-making as self-prescribed therapy, but if we decide to that again, we can probably find our own old magazines and such calendars: sure, that'd be cool. I guess the "big"/monthly ones would be most preferable... I prefer stuff like, uh, art (I like asian stuff, abstract stuff, Mucha, arts and crafts stuff (the art movement, not the, uh, avocation), or nature scenes (but NOT nature scenes with inspirational quotes), not stuff that's like photos of fuzzy animals or whatever. On the other hand, I did purchase an awesome calendar last year from jbox.com, which was a weekly calendar of Japanese TV station mascots... but we used that more as a decoration than an actual calendar. Man, I loved that thing! Anyhow.... What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular: Sounds good. Coriander also shows up in some of the traditional cookie recipes... and I like it that way! Well, and of course then there's allspice and clove and.... artisan oils and vinegars: Sure! I'd normally say oils more than vinegars, but I just realized that before the fire I had and used at least 4 kinds of vinegar, so I guess either thing is fine! boxes for perfume/knicknacks: I guess so. Don't really want anything that's like, plain unfinished wood though. reveal? Yes, I'd love one. And yes, I'm planning to reveal! EDIT... another question was asked about this, so here's the answer: I'd rather have a reveal at the end than an early reveal, but either way would really be fine cuddly characters? I like all sorts of cute/kawaii things, but I'm not sure there's something in particular I'm wanting to collect. charity gift? not to be Scrooge-y, but no thanks this year. I have given back quite a bit in the past (including buying Heifer International stuff at Christmas: I loved giving people bees), but this year have had to be the recipient of charity what with my house burning down in September and all. Hopefully I will be, uh, back to giving back soon, but I'm still in the recovery process right now! If you wanted to get me items from Ten Thousand Villages or something, I'd be down for that, though tarts? no thanks, just not into these. holiday recipes? Yes please!!! I thought I'd "backed up" all of my recipes, but I'm realizing that there are in fact some holes in my collection looking forward to BPTP candles? I'd love one, but honestly the two scents mentioned so far sound okay but not great. They'd probably still actually be awesome, though. Gently used things? Sure! Considering my current situation, I'd be prettymuch bereft of anything if I wasn't okay with used stuff! I also spent some percentage of my formative years working at thrift stores, so yep, totally okay with all of that nerd for particular subject/fandom? I'm a neuroscience nerd for sure. I was a teaching assistant for that class in graduate school, and I'm still a subscriber to Scientific American Mind, etc. Not really all that into any fandoms though... I was pretty into Harry Potter back when the books were still coming out (not into fanfic, but into the midnight release parties and all of that, had some Harry Potter shirts and whatnot), but that's all in the past now (the movies to me were just okay). lemon-flavored treats: Sure, they sound great! So...someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from walgreens to ONLY use on things for yourself. no necessities here. what do you buy? Yep, I guess I'm hopping on the "nail polish train." (Choo Choo!) I basically like (and wear! my work has never said anything about my nail polish colors, and since I already keep my tattoos at least mostly covered at work, I'm taking advantage of the nail-polish-freedom to let my freak flag fly maybe just a little) all colors of nail polish from nude to neon to gunmetal (well, y'know, dark colors) and back again, so that's probably what I'd do. I guess I might glance at the barrettes as well, but I'm pretty picky about those so probably wouldn't actually buy any. I need all kinds of cooking spices, and will use them all! I had an insane collection of spices up until the beginning of September (when my house burned down.) I've bought some of the basics again at my small-town grocery store (just did it 2 days ago in fact), but I still need a lot more, especially the stuff involved in Indian cooking, most of which I have to go to a more populated area to get. Oh, and about knitted goods: sure! I'm not much on mittens, but anything else (gloves/hats/scarves/socks/etc.) would be cool (or, uh, warm, as the case may be!). I'm not that picky about colors, but probably would get the most use out of something in autumnal/muted/neutral colors, or in just about any shade of blue. About mugs: Sure, I could use mugs. But the rim (the part that one puts ones lips to in order to drink) needs to be round, not square... my husband and I ended up with some square-rimmed ones recently and had to donate them because they weren't working out. About regional foods I might want to try: can't think of anything off the top of my head that I haven't tried but want to (that would keep well, anyway... I was just thinking the other day that I still haven't had takoyaki, but I don't think that's really ship-able), but I do know that I love green tea (matcha) kitkats (and most other Japanese green tea flavored chocolate products) so if my fox could get ahold of some of that, that'd be cool... I'll update if I can think of something I haven't tried before but want to. Christmas tree/ornaments: We won't have a Christmas tree this year, too much trouble what with having to buy all of these necessities again after losing everything in September. When we do have Christmas trees, there isn't a particular theme (though I do especially like blue/white/silver, and maybe peacock-ish colours). I still wouldn't mind getting an ornament though... we'll be back to doing Christmas trees eventually, I'm sure, and an ornament doesn't even have to be on a tree to be displayed! Tim Tams: I think I have tried them and have no particular love for them, but I wouldn't mind getting them, I suppose.... homemade goodies: yes, please! That would be great! body scrub: no thanks. I've never been into these, and use enough idiosyncratic bath products as it is! holiday serving bowls: sure, sounds good! Any theme! candles/soaps: Yeah, I like candles and soaps. For both, I like a good variety of smells from vanilla cupcake type to woodsy cedar stuff to lavender herby stuff. The only smells I don't like for candles are of the "holiday spice" type variety (I do like soaps with cinnamon or clove or similar though). I do also like unscented candles to burn while I chop onions and such (I often use novena candles for this). Not too picky about the appearance or style of the candle, but I do not do wax tarts, just actual candles socks/slippers/sockdreams: yes to all three! basically I need everything in whatever colors! It would especially be nice to get some cool colorful kneesocks (or over-the-knee socks... I have big calves)! cowl: no thanks. not sure that I'd actually be able to incorporate something like that into my wardrobe. coffee: yes to coffee of any kind, caffeinated please! I do especially like coconut coffee and can't often find it, but other kinds would be nice as well. (EDIT: I saw that perhaps this question also mentioned tea. Yep, I like tea as well, prettymuch any kind, black, green, herbal, flavored, etc.) obsessive compulsive cosmetics: stuff looks cool! for the loose eyeshadow, I think I'd like distortion, atmosphere, lafayette, auric, twirl, static, or oberon. for nail polish, pool boy and swamp thing look neat. cocoa pink: I'll pass on this one. I have similar items to most of the things that look interesting on this site. Nail polish: I mentioned this in the "Walgreens" question, so I'll copy and paste from there I basically like (and wear! my work has never said anything about my nail polish colors, and since I already keep my tattoos at least mostly covered at work, I'm taking advantage of the nail-polish-freedom to let my freak flag fly maybe just a little) all colors of nail polish from nude to neon to gunmetal (well, y'know, dark colors) and back again, so it's all good! $50 to the lab: I guess this comes out to $52.50, but I'd get 3 bottles. Dragon's Eye and Salome, which I love but only have imps of so far, and Defututa, which I love and had a bottle of before the fire, but don't now. Holiday movies: My questionnaire covers my particular love for the Rankin-Bass special "The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus," but I'll mention it here too. That's about it though Superheroes: Hmm. I think I know a fair amount about superheroes and comic book characters, but I don't think I'd really want any associated merchandise/paraphernalia. I did have this back in the day though, and wouldn't mind having it again.... Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. I do use Lush skincare, but since that's part of an everyday regimen for me I'm pretty well set there. So I'll focus on shower gels and bubble bars. The shower gels I know I like are the Olive Branch, Flying Fox, Happy Hippy, Slammer, and Freeze. I'd also like to try It's Raining Men, B Never too Busy to Be Beautiful, Back for Breakfast, Flying Saucers, Happy 4 Sad, and Tramp. As for bubble bars, any would be cool, actually, but particularly Christmas Eve, Dorothy, Pop in the Bath, Happy Bubble, Temple of Truth, Phoenix, or Hot Toddy. Well, and I wouldn't say no to a Fairy Jasmine or Space Girl bath bomb either, though I prefer bubble bars to bath bombs. Paintbox: Most of the scents sound great, actually. I especially like the sound of The Man in the Moon, Blackbird, Lavender Truffle, The Queen is Dead, The Olive Tree, Silken Peony, Gold/Frankincense/Myrrh, Gingermilk, and Pants Relief Elixir. So yeah, basically whatever the kids/pets question I have no children, but I do have pets. Two cats: Marisol and Penelope, and a dog: Potemkin. Marisol and Nelly (Penelope's nickname) could use some catnip, I guess, since we haven't bought any post-fire. Potemkin would love some kind of squeaky toy without stuffing (it can be cloth/fabric, just the stuffing-less kind). Actually, he'd love to get one WITH stuffing, but that really doesn't work out well, so we have to stick with toys without it! Honey/beeswax: As others have said, I'm not sure what I'd do with just beeswax. Love it in candle form though! And honey is a definite yes, I love honey and use it quite a bit! Trader Joes: I don't think I want to get too far into the madness with this one. I've heard great things about their Matcha Green Tea Cake Mix though, so I would be interested in trying that. Green tea sweets in general are a favorite of mine, so if they have anything else in that vein, I'd probably like it (and of course if a Trader Joe's product matches up with one of my answers to a different question, I wouldn't turn my nose up at it or anything) .... Paintbox Yules: Snoggin' and The Victorious Sun sound nice. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails)? I'd like the Vampire Bride, please. Somehow that one slipped my mind when I got decants, and the reviews sound awesome! Will you be away for any part of the round? It's possible I might be away for some part of Thanksgiving week (November 20th-26th), but not probable really. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. no etsy store What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I linked my amazon wishlist in the original questionnaire for this swap (um, the one we sent in a PM to the people running the swap), so all that stuff would be there. Christmas music? I said "perhaps" in the original questionnaire, but really I don't need any more. My husband collects all kinds of Christmas music and apparently it was all backed up so we didn't lose it in the fire. I did just think of "Snowflakes are Dancing" by Tomita, but that's not really a necessity or even actually Christmas I guess. Rose/mastic flavored things? I love rose flavored things. Rose tea, rose candy, rose gum, rose syrup, rose gelato, etc. But I do not like the texture of the Turkish Delight I've tried in the past. Also, I think I've tried mastic... a friend of mine came back from NYC with some imported jam-like stuff called "mastiha" or "mastiya" or something, so I ate a teaspoonful of it once in awhile until it was gone, and liked it okay... but I wouldn't mind trying it again, whether or not that was in fact what it even was.... i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? Um, I order my Indian food medium-spicy, and eat Mexican food including salsa and such on a regular basis, so I guess I'm somewhere in the middle. Definitely not a spice daredevil by any means though. And I definitely don't mind sweet and savory together. However, I don't like chicken wings (not that I'd be receiving them in the mail anyway, I guess/hope). Too much work for very little payoff (same with ribs, pomegranates, and probably some other stuff I forgot)! giftcard: Target, Torrid, J Crew, Anthropologie, SockDreams would rock as well... I think something has slipped my mind, so I may be back to update this one! UPDATE: Ikea was what I originally forgot, I think! chocolate/holiday candy: I said in my original questionnaire that I prefer dark or white chocolate to milk chocolate, but that doesn't mean I dislike it, just that I like it less. I guess I'm not much for chocolate-covered cherries (and again, my questionnaire mentions my dislike of marshmallows), but otherwise, whatever! As for beloved winter-holiday candy, I love chocolate oranges (the dark version if possible, of course... I think the brand is "Terry's"?), and I really, really love mint m&ms (I was so sad the couple of years that I couldn't find them in stores, but they seem to have appeared for the past two years at least)! Fusion Sweets: Caramels in bacon sea salt, french sea salt, matcha, belgian dark chocolate, french lavender, roasted black sesame, masala chai, rose/orange blossom/vanilla. Chocolate chai caramel tarts. Matcha and black sesame white chocolate. Old fashioned English toffee. Chocolate-covered caramels with sea salt. So yes! Elements and Artifacts: I like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84898259/reserved-for-autumnslioness-winter, but obviously it's reserved. Same story with these: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84895404/reserved-for-mothermoongems-snowfrost. Hmm... this is pretty cool actually: http://www.etsy.com/listing/78768798/autumn-bramble-vine-antique-silver. best holiday present I ever got: My engagement ring, Christmas 2008 (we married in July 2009, after 8+ years as a couple/5+ years of living together). BPAL anniversary resurrection wishes: I dunno. Love's Philosophy? Not sure I've been seriously into BPAL long enough to properly answer this! Moxie Noveau: So... I looked at the site and wrote down a long list of stuff that sounded pretty cool. Then I was like, "What am I doing?" I have so much BPAL at home waiting to be tested, it's not even funny. So I've narrowed it down to one: Candlemas. If my foxyfox wants to get me something from that company, get me that! Favorites (just a warning to begin with, I'm terrible with favorites , so this most likely will not be helpful at all!): color- I dunno... like many folks, I enjoy a variety of colors. I really like grey (dark more than light), and olive green, and I look really good in navy. I also like most other colors of blue, most "fall" colors (yes, even orange!), purples, burgundy, blah blah blah. Well, and of course I like black... doesn't everyone? And yep, I'm totally into the tacky 70s colors too... come to my house if you don't believe me! gemstone- rubies (my birthstone... of course the most expensive one!), garnets, lapis (though for some reason most lapis jewelry does not excite me), opals, moonstones. Also into druzy necklaces these days. Druzys/druzies (no idea how to pluralize) are like hipster geodes or something. animal- how do you pick just one? I like cats, foxes, red pandas, and wombats (and a bunch of other animals I'm forgetting!). EDIT: yep, I forgot hedgehogs, bees, and deer, and got reminded reading someone else's post! I guess I like many fantasy creatures as well... but I can't think of anything but, like, kirins and, uh, owlbears right now phobias- I'm also in the afraid-of-heights-but-loves-flying club! Can't really think of any other phobias. As a big William S. Burroughs fan, I'm not too cool with centipedes, but I guess I'm probably safe there! Nano-ing: Nope, I have enough stress and not enough free time as it is! facebook/twitter: Um, maybe we can do that after this circular swap? This is my first one of these swaps ever, and I'll probably want to be saying specific stuff about what I'm making or buying for my bunny since I'm so excited, so that would give stuff away, right? and, some misc stuff from the thread that may or may not have really been actual questions:

I agreed with Venneh that I'd like a 4th doctor or nyan cat scarf, and that I'd much prefer gloves (with fingers or not) to mittens.
about pink, it's not my favorite color, but I'm not totally against it either
there was a question, which I'm not going to look back up, but I think was kind of an omnibus for all of the questions about different health and beauty products that were going around. Basically about whether we're "married" to certain brands or certain types of brands, or if we're cool with whatever brand/maker/etc. as long as the gift otherwise fits our specifications. I myself am prettymuch cool with whatever, perhaps with the exception of Bath & Body Works, basically because there's a good chance, as with every year, that someone IRL won't know what to get me for Christmas and will get me stuff from there/a gift card from there. If my foxyfox really wants to get something for me there, I guess some kind of candle that's not like a generic "holiday spice" scent would be okay

neptuneanblues

November 6, 2011

nothing to see here...

Nothing to see here!

I had a nice blog entry going that was answers to in-thread questions for the Winter Holiday Fun Swap, but it was deleted, apparently because of some problem with the content??? I tried to start over and do a new blog entry, but somehow I made two blogs. So this one is here for no reason. Sorry!

neptuneanblues

November 6, 2011

Switch Witch

Winter Swap Questions

Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? I have a bit of a nerdy thing about fungi which makes my friends laugh. I'm a microbiologist during the day and I like to look for fungi when I'm out and about. I don't have any fandom type things. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? No, not at all. Do you have a strong preference for any sort of bath and body product brands (i.e. etailer/etsy type cos, department store/specialty brands like Lush) or are you cool with anything that doesn't smell like Bunnybane? I like trying Etsy stuff, I'm fairly happy trying anything new. A question: reveal, yes or no? Yes please. Any favorite cuddly characters? No, I think I'm a bit old for that Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? I do all my family (not children) holiday shopping like this, we exchange charity gifts and buy cards etc from places like The Woodland Trust, RNLI , Oxfam and Traidcraft Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in?Interested , happy to try any scents Do you need any holiday recipies? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? Recipes are good, if I can translate them into metric. I use Delia's Christmas for indulgent holiday cooking Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I can always use a box or two, I have way too much BPAL so I shouldn't really get more boxes as I will fill them up. Nano-ing: Is that the writing thing? If so , no. facebook/twitter: I have a Facebook account, under my real name, don't use it that much. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? Chocolate is always good unless it is alcohol flavoured or Hershey's. Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? Some of the caramels in yummy flavours sound good,marshmallows I'm not so keen on and the postage to the UK is expensive. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? I have some lovely earrings that I was gifted with in the last SW round, I like lots of things, they are a little pricey though. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Don't know, maybe Amazon. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails)? I'm starting my testing tonight. Will you be away for any part of the round? Unlikely, possibly a night away with my youngest first week in December, may even take a few days right at the end of the round as I have a scary birthday with zero at the end just after the round finishes (half the age it says on my profile page) Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? No Etsy, not a crafty being. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I do have some on Amazon list. Rose/mastic flavored things? Rose, meh, mastic never tried, Turkish delight is un-delightful to me i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? Please no chickens, they wouldn't be liking the journey and I am vegetarian. I like hot food generally , spicy is good. Honey/beeswax? Yes, why not? Trader Joe's? I know nothing about this store, I keep seeing the name on the forum. Holiday movies: Can't think of any Superheroes: Not really. would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? I've been lucky enough to get one in Switch Witch last year, all the scents were lovely. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. Lush is much cheaper here in the UK and we have a shop in Cambridge Cocoa Pink? Never tried. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? No only wear on my toes and not that often If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) I just got my weenie decants today so I'll get back to this after I've had some sniffy time I have way too many bottles as it is Tim Tams? I wouldn't mind trying them. Talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? I like tea, I prefer it plain black, with occasional departures into the flavoured varieties. I drink coffee too Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? Never tried Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? No thank-you I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? Not squicked, homemade or shop are good. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? I would love a scrub made by you, I am not an expert so no idea about the questions. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? Also what do you think of little soaps? Candles in moderation, like tarts too and soap. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Never had anything from sock dreams, don't wear long socks just the ankle type, which are always welcome, as log as they accommodate fat feet and ankles Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such?We have a tree, non religious, with an assortment of baubles collected over the years, some handmade, no theme whatever. Would you like a special ornament? I just joined the ornament swap. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? Lots of regional goodies sound exciting . I guess it depends where you are sending from. hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? A new mug for work would be appreciated, my colleague is an angel and always makes my tea for me and my mug is past it's best.It could be difficult to post. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? Do you prefer machine washable materials? Do you not care?)? Of course I like knitted things, blue is always my favourite, I prefer washable and non-itchy, scratchy but I know very little about types of yarn. I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). In the UK we get lots of great spice mixes from India and Pakistan, I'd love to get Spice mixes from wherever you are. Someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from walgreens to ONLY use on things for yourself. no necessities here. what do you buy? I google-d the store and found that I would buy some Burts Bees stuff and Reeses Peanut butter stuff or Peanut Butter M&Ms Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? I love lemony flavours. pink?Oh no thank you "fingerless mittens or full mitts? Probably fingerless But the question then becomes, do you want all 12 feet worth of Tom Baker scarf? No thanks, I knitted two when I was 17 (when Tom baker was the current Dr Who!!) Do you like snow and wintery scenes?Not if I have to drive somewhere Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? I don't think I'd use it, sorry Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? Both,milk slightly more Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? I do like fresh pressed olive oils, that would cost too much to post.:What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular.Cardamom is one of my favourites, not so keen on anise. Any crafty pursuits you've been dying to experiment with? Would you like a little kit of something you've never tried? Do you need any particular items for your new or existing stash? just bought a whole load of soap making stuff, I haven't tried it out yet.Maybe it won't work If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Inquiring foxes want to know! Socks Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? I don't think I'd use it. chile, yay or nay? Yay Would you rather have an early reveal, or would you prefer one close to the end of the round? Whatever makes my Fox happy. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? Nom, Nom

mimosa

November 5, 2011

lucyboo21's Blog

Winter Swap Questions

Winter Holiday Swap So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? Lindt White Chocolate Stracciatella Truffles (the ones in the blue wrappers), fun eye make up, glittery purple, bronze or grey liners, sparkly pink or purplish lip gloss, fuzzy socks. AAA batteries (because I never remember to buy them), any good smelling room sprays or candles. A book if any of them look interesting. I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). I LOVE Penzey’s and I miss living near one! I like (and can use) most of the baking spices right now. Especially vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, all spice… Those are the ones that I can think of right off hand. I also love to try new things, and would be thrilled to receive any of their sets or gifts. (They also have really yummy hot chocolate mix!) Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? do you prefer machine washable materials? do you not care?)? I am a sucker for anything handmade! I have a lot of examples of things that I like in my Etsy wish list. I don’t think I could find a use for fingerless gloves or arm warmers. I could really use a pair of warm mittens. I’ve recently seen a hooded scarf that looked like something I would get a lot of use out of, too. The only colors that I’m not very fond of are mustardy yellows, golds and oranges. hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? I could really use a largish, insulated travel mug to use at work for hot chocolate. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? PLEASE TO NOT BE SENDING ME ANY MAPLE SYRUP!!! My family makes it every spring, and at last count there were 159 gallons in the basement! Also, my fox can pretty much be assured that she will be receiving some if she indicates she would enjoy it! I I’m slightly rabid over Black Forest TimTams, and am currently considering retiring to Australia to be able to get an unlimited supply of them! Girasol is completely to blame for this, BTW. She also sent me some caramel koala bears that I would be willing to stab a baby with a fork over, too. Otherwise I like Cadbury chocolate, and I’ve seen people raving about flake bars, but I’m not sure what they are, but if they are chocolate I’m pretty sure they would not be set around waiting to be tested for long! Do you do a Christmas tree? No, I don’t do a Christmas tree. Last year I did 7 Christmas trees. The most I’ve ever done was 13, and that was just a little silly! This year I will do at least 4. I do one in the kitchen/dining room that is decorated with gingerbread men, candy canes, dried fruit, antique cookie cutters and red plaid bows and such. I do a tree in my office that is a fun tree, ornaments that have come from swaps, and friends, and are silly and make me smile. This tree has the ornaments that Hannah the cat likes best at her level. This tree is also attached to the wall with wires and I-bolts! The tree in my bedroom is usually done with gold or silver ornaments, white lights, teddy bears and lots of pink flowers and dried babies breath, kind of Victorian/romantic looking. The tree in the living room, that Santa visits, has all of my antique ornaments from my grandparents and mom, and the special ones. This tree is also attached to the wall with wire and I-bolts. Depending on who is visiting I’ll do a tree themed for that person in the guest room. I’ve done fishing, football, baseball, stock cars and tractors before. I also have little trees in each bathroom and some ceramic ones scattered here and there. It really does look like the Christmas fairy threw up at my house by the time I’m done! Would you like a special ornament? I would love one! As you can tell from the above answer, I’m sure I’ll have no trouble finding a home for it! As you can tell, I’m a holiday freak! One of the things I love to do is bake and make candy! Pretty much anyone who comes to my house is forced to take a bag of goodies home with them. The last few years I’ve done upwards of 300 dozen assorted treats. I’ve already started stockpiling the butter, sugar and flour for this year’s insanity. I do lots of traditional Scandinavian cooking where the main ingredients are butter, sugar, flour, and some more butter. Maybe an egg. Then just for fun, sometimes we deep fry all of the butter/sugar/flour instead of baking it. Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? 10. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? Absolutely! More plates/trays/bowls/platters etc. just give me more things to fill! 11. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a body scrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? I love scrubs (the scrubbier the better)! I like citrusy and pine essential oils. Please no cinnamon or other warming types. 12. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? If yes, then what kind? Scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I have a serious candle addiction! If it will burn and/or melt, and will make my house smelly, then bring it on! I use lots of pillars and tarts. My favorite candle scents are Witches Brew and Midsummer Night from Yankee Candle. Anything that has patchouli in it is usually a winner. I also like pine scents at Christmas. I really don’t care for cinnamon or bayberry scents. Heavily scented and little to no decoration. I also really like everything that I’ve gotten from Dark Candles 13. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores.... I think I have to say no to the bar soap. Not because I don’t like it, but really, I could probably send everybody in this swap a bar or two and still have enough to get through the next few years! Of course, if you find something that you think I would LOVE than, by all means send it, and I promise it will not sit around unloved! 14. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? YES!YES!YES! My feet are always cold! I love sock dreams socks, but have to be a little fussy about the kind I get. I have one leg that can swell up, so I try to only wear socks that are ankle length or a little higher, definitely below mid-calf. I really like soft fuzzy socks. And slippers will get much love at house of Lucyboo! I wear a woman’s 9/10 and I kind of have Fred Flinstone feet, that are wide at the toes and narrow at the heel. 15. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? I would jump up and down and squee till my neighbors came to find out what the commotion was all about! I would love it! Pretty much any color would be good. If it helps in your planning, I have two winter jackets that I wear for the most part. One is chocolate brown and the other is red and black. 16. New question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? PLEASE TO BE SENDING ALL OF YOUR COFFEE AND TEA TO SOME OTHER BUNNY! I do like hot chocolate and hot cider. 17. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I had never heard of it before, but some of it looks interesting. However, to be honest, I don’t think I would know where to start. I kind of have the dumb when it comes to make up. I am really trying to find something that looks like Archtype’s Northern Lights Shadow. If someone could find that for me, I would love them forever, and bake them cookies until they begged for mercy! 18. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I LOVE Cocoa Pink!!! Anything that was picked out for me from there would be loved! I use Princess Poo, Shine Sweetie, SoulMate, Anti-frizz, Glisade, and Ends with Benefits. I also love their Soft Bubbles Sugar Scrub and I really like the linen sprays for trying new fragrances. Right now I’m obsessed with the Blood Orange Cotton Candy, and I need to get it in the 30ml perfume spray soon. The only scents that don’t work on me here are similar to BPAL, in that if they have my evil arch-nemesis MINT, or the Holy-crap-get-it-off-me-now CINNAMON, then I probably won’t use them. 19. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? Sorry, polish here would be wasted. I still haven’t out-grown chewing my nails. 20. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) Hmmm… Possibly back ups of Sprinkle Cake and Halloween Las Vegas that just arrived today, and both have me swooning! TKO? Dorian? Bon Vivant? Those are ones that I go through at an alarmingly fast rate. Of course I keep meaning to get bottles of Black Forest, Crib Girls, and Haloes and Tattered Lace (I know those aren’t from the lab, but I keep putting off getting them). 21. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? I actually think that I have all of the ones that I love. 22. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? No comics for me. 23. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. I’m slightly embarrassed to have to admit this, but I’m a Lush virgin. Another place that intimidates me, and I wouldn’t know where to start! 24. Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? Let me tell you a little secret: I have a little fantasy that I quit my job, run away to Pennsylvania, and Tarty lets me be her assistant! I LOVE her things! I’m addicted to the scrubs and slip, with my favorite being The Queen is Dead. I’m afraid to have to admit this, but I have yet to try her thicker lotions, and I really want to. My only excuse is that I made my last gargantuan order, and she put them up like a week later. I did try one of the proto versions and it was lovely! **and in case anyone is interested, I think her holiday LEs are going up in the next day or so. I’ll be sure to add them to my favorites on my Etsy wish list. 25. NEW QUESTION! - Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have two furbabies, and I think most people who hang out in the SW or GUSP threads have heard about my critters. Hannah the 24lb cat and Madame Cee Cee La Roux, the 4 pound dog. Hannah enjoys most kitty toys and treats and has no restrictions. And of course her newest love, courtesy of my SW, KittyDemonCrack. Cee Cee because of her age (12) and her previous life in a puppy mill she never learned how to play. Also because of her previous life she doesn’t have any teeth, so while she would love a giant bone, she will either try to A. swallow it whole, or B. carry it around and guard it from Hannah, until I have had enough and throw the thing away. So, any treats for her need to be soft. Incidentally, if you would like to come over and rub her belly, that would be fine with her, too. 26. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? I have a good local supplier of it. 27. NEW QUESTION: Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? LOVE Trader Joe’s. Unfortunately it is a several hour drive to the nearest one. I love their crystallized ginger, jojos, and I really miss their fresh mozzarella (but that probably wouldn’t be a good thing to ship!) 28. The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? Yuletide Mariner and Poinsettia in both slip and sorbetto! Also the Victorious Sun Hand and Body Cream. 29. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails) Halloween Las Vegas and Sprinkle Cake. I’m in love with both of them. 30. Will you be away for any part of the round? Nope! You will be stuck with me the whole round! 31. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. No store for me. 32. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I like popular fiction/mystery stuff. My favorite author is Janet Evanovich, and I love the Stephanie Plum novels, but I haven’t read any of the new series with Diesel, and I would like to. 33. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I think I touched on music in the original questionnaire, I like fun, upbeat stuff, or classics, but no traditional hymns, please. 34. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) I’ve never tried any, but it doesn’t sound like something that I need to try, either. 35. Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones ), the raw resin itself, anything?) No thanks. 36. I live in the city of the chicken wing. If I were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? I do not like spicy! The only exception to that is ginger, which I eat like potato chips! 37. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a gift card from anywhere, as in any store food-wise, music wise etc., what gift card would you like? Villainess, Soapbox, Sock Dreams, Amazon, Bathed & Infused. 38. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I kind of get squicked out by raisins hidden in things. They remind me of ticks. Favorite candy is probably Angel Food. Also turtles, caramels, toffee, if it’s candy, I’ll probably like it. 39. Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? All the things! I love them!!! My favorites are the caramels, either sea salt or lavendar. 40. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? Ummm…. I hate to admit this, but I kind of went a little nuts at the update, and bought all the things. I figured it out, and what I spent on E&A this update is enough to heat my Northern Wisconsin home for a month and a half this winter. I told Alicia that I suffered from the terrible debilitating disease of S.O.S. (Shiny Object Syndrome), and she said I was just a magpie! (which may also be true. Either way, there are LOTS of Elements and Artifacts items in my Etsy wishlist, along with lots of other jewelry and other assorted sparkly things. 41. What was the best holiday present you ever got? A scrapbook kit specially geared toward family history and recipes. Also, a painting that my mom had done for me of my dog. 42. Bunny, what scent are you desperately wanting to be resurrected this year with the Anniversary update? Skadi or Stranger in Camp 43. Groupon for Moxie Nouveau! Dear Bunneh, is this something that would interest you? I’ve never tried any of her things, but they look interesting, and I’m easily enabled. 44. Bun-bun, what's your favourite colour? Dark teal blue, pink, winter white. 45. Your favourite gemstone? I like lots of things (as you can tell from my answer to the Elements and Artifacts question). I like pearls, especially grey or peacock ones, pink tourmaline, sapphire, garnets. 46. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? I suppose I had better say this one: 47. And do you have any intense phobias? Snakes!!!! Ewww!!! Can’t watch them on tv, can’t walk past the snake house at the zoo (they might escape!), cannot go into the boathouse at my Dad’s cabin, I HATE SNAKES!!!! 48. Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? Not this year. 49. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I need a new bottle box as the bottom came out of my chest of smellies, but I want one that can hold my 300+ collection of BPAL, and I can’t find one I like/afford. 50. Coffee or tea? With caffine or without? Flavors (if so, what?) or no? Whole bean/ground/loose leaf/bags? Tea and coffee should best be sent to people who are not me. 51. Do you have a strong preference for any sort of bath and body product brands (i.e. etailer/etsy type cos, department store/specialty brands like Lush) or are you cool with anything that doesn't smell like Bunnybane? I’m addicted to Paintbox’s Sorbettos! I really like scrubby scrubs, and am always up for trying new ones. The other thing that I go through a metric-butt ton of during the winter is lotion. Specifically really thick, heavy lotions or body butters. Right now I’m really liking Bathed and Infused and Isle of Eden for those. 52. A question: reveal, yes or no? I hope she will, but if not I shall just sing her praises from afar (and since I’m singing, you’ll be happy that you are a far!) 53. Any favorite cuddly characters? BEARS! I love bears! 54. Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? Anything that benefits animals would be a winner! 55. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? I’ve never tried them, but again, I’m easy to enable! Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? Do you like coin purses? I have one that I use. Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? What? Where is the white love??? Please be sending me your white chocolate! Or milk. There is an ugly rumor that dark chocolate could be good for you, so I try to stay far away from that! What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. Anise, I do not like! Other than that, bring it on! Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? I do, oils more than vinegars. If you have a recipe that you use a specific oil or vinegar in, I’d love that, too. Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? I have a day planner that I buy refills for each year. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? I’m looking forward to the Yule candles that were out at will call. All of them sound yummy! Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? I love used books. And a plug for my favorite used book seller, Better World Books. Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Nothing that I can think of right off hand. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? Mmmm LEMON! Love it! fingerless mittens or full mitts? Full mitts! I hate having cold fingers. 65.Ok, random question that came to me in the shower (sorry ) I have a ton of soaps and not one soap dish. Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? I could use another soap dish that drains well. 66.ALSO. I have a question. If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Inquiring foxes want to know! I’d love socks, but I have the goofy leg that I have told you about, so it would probably be best to say no. I would love a shawl! Or anything that you hand made. 67.Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? I enjoyed the movies, but wouldn’t consider myself enough of a fan that I’d need anything. 68.Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? Skadi 69. (oh la la)Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or hate it? Like some but not others? Ginger!!!! Holy Jesus, do I love crystallized ginger!!! It’s like crack for me!!! 70.How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? I like cherries, and would enjoy any version that you would like to send. 71.Bunnies! What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? Any of the above! I’m not really much of a tights person though… (I’ve never really found any that fit comfortably). 72.So, apparently Geek Chic Cosmetics will be closing down next week to prep for a huge sale and a new line - the words "bigger on the inside" have been used for the new line. Bunny, are you interested in anything from Geek Chic Cosmetics? I have never tried anything from them, but again, feel free to enable me! 73.Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? Sooooo many Yules…. My head is spinning! I’ve ordered a couple, but I will update my wishlist within the next couple of days. 74.Chiles? No thank you. 74.I had a question for everyone else though! A friend and I were recently talking about those Giant Microbe plushies, if you were my bunneh, would you like one? Which would you like? I think those are adorable! I like the common cold, herpes, white blood cell really any of them! 75.Do you need any baking supplies? Are you interested in winter/holiday specific baking supplies? Always!

lucyboo21

November 5, 2011

kate nash

Winter Swap Questionnaire

What, if any, winter holiday do you celebrate? Do you celebrate religiously or secularly?: I celebrate the Winter Solstice as a pagan. What are some holiday/winter traditions you love?: Lighting candles, drinking cider, carols, mistletoe kissing What's the winter weather like where you live?: ICY ICY HELL What is your favorite thing about winter/the holidays?: The cold weather and the warmth of winter clothes, fires, and camaraderie What's your least favorite thing about winter/the holidays?: All the Jesus messages around Holiday music- yes or no?: YES and the older the better What kind of things do you like to eat?: Dark chocolate, avocadoes, fruit snacks What do you like to drink?: apple cider, iced tea, hot tea, coffee... What do you NOT like to eat or drink?: Actually, is it okay for me to ask not to be sent food? I am in eating disorder recovery and having sweets around can be a huge trigger for me. Alcohol, yes or no?: Not unless it's gluten free Any allergies we should know about?: Casein, latex, dairy, gluten, cucumber Are you vegan or vegetarian?: Pescetarian Scents/notes you love?: Chamomile, rose, tobacco flower, champaca, carnation, lavender Scents/notes you HATE?: I DON'T LIKE FOODY THINGS Do you use a bathtub or a shower?: both Clothing size?: I don't wear t-shirts and things like that; my waist is about a 25-inch size, usually "smalls" fit me. What kind of jewelry do you like?: I love brooches and pins, WWII Sweetheart jewelery, lockets, pearls, charms for my charm bracelet (which is yellow gold). Jewelry sizes?: My ears are stretched so please don't send me earrings. My ring size is a 4. My wrists are quite small, but I haven't measured them recently. Sock/shoe size?: I wear around a size 8 to 8.5 US What are your hobbies and interests?: WWII -- especially the homefront, the 1940s in general, vintage fashions and style, swing music, jazz, home-made cleaners and the like, candles, polaroid photos, writing, learning to sew, playing piano, old movies, yummy tea Describe your personal style/aesthetic (kitschy, cutesy, classy, rustic, etc.): vintage 1940s is my favourite style and how I tend to try to dress -- seamed stockings, pussybow blouses, WWII-era a-line skirts, cardigans... Do you have any wish lists?: my amazon wishlist is here -- http://amzn.com/w/110LFVA1V71J6 Is there anything you specifically DO NOT want?: please don't send me FOOD. I know it says something yummy, but really, I don't want food. Tea or cocoa or something else like that is okay, though! Is there anything else your partner should know?: I don't like knick knacks or empty journals. Adding questions on from the thread...: Do you have any children or pets?: 2 cats, 2 dogs Dark, milk, or white chocolate? I can only have chocolate that is gluten & dairy free... Are there any past or present Yules you are currently interested in? I always wish I bought a bottle of "Yule" but I never do. That's about it really. Would you be interested in soap? If so, do you have a preference? I love soap. I like Villainess, Paintbox Soapworks, and Arcana soaps. Do you watch tv? If yes what kinds of shows/programs do you like? Right now I watch Glee, New Girl, The Secret Circle, and Big Bang Theory. And uh, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic OBVIOUSLY. Astrological sign (purely for convenience)? Aquarius Favorite genre(s) of music? swing, folk, bluegrass, sweeping instrumental film soundtracks... but I also like punk, jazz, old country like Patsy Cline, piano, and Asian pop (all kinds, really). Do you wear or like makeup? If yes, colors/brands/favorite items? I have some trouble with allergies when it comes to makeup. I kind of stick to what I've got. I love Besame lipsticks though, and many of the nude/neutral shades of MAC eyeshadow. Do you like any other scenties/brands? I like Guerlain & Chanel perfumes generally, and LUSH bath bombs. In commercial perfumes I tend to stay towards ones that were popular in, like, the 1940s. MORE QUESTIONS: 1. If you were to receive socks, what kind would you like? Do you have a preference about style, length, color, etc? I'm picky about socks... there are some ones at Sock Dreams I want that have terry-lined feet. I have a pair in grey that I like and I'd like more colours of them, but, I can't remember what they cost so I'd not expect such a thing from someone. 2. What are you really interested in reading? Would you like a hardcover, softcover or electronic copy? I have a Nook. I think my Amazon wishlist has books on it I'm interested in, but I'm particularly hankering after the newly-released Sailor V and Sailor Moon manga volumes. 3. Are you planning on going anywhere during the round? Yes. I am going to Iowa tomorrow to see my parents. 4. Would you be interested in recipes? If so, do you have a preference? I can only use meat-free gluten-free dairy-free recipes, but feel free to lay 'em on me. 5. Do you have a favorite cuddly character or plush? I don't care for stuffed animals. 6. Are you interested in anything from the BPAL Anniversary update? The Phoenix at Dawn sounds nice. 7. Would you be interested in any artsy or baking related supplies? Shaped cookie cutters would be fun for me. Bunny, how do you feel about holiday zombies? OBVIOUSLY. Is there anything you are just craving to have from Etsy? My etsy favourites are here: http://www.etsy.com/people/katherynne/favorites?page=1 How would you feel about receiving dried fruit? Any preference? I like dried fruit quite a lot, actually. All kinds. Is there any holiday movies you are looking for? Format? I think they're all on my Amazon wishlist. If you were to receive a giftcard from anywhere, what giftcard would you like the most? LUSH or Amazon!! Say I were to make you or find artisan or custom chocolate. Is there any ingredient that I should avoid? oh fox, please don't end send me food.

Katherynne

November 5, 2011

Winter Holiday Fun Swap Help!!

Holiday Fun Swap!

Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? I identify with Gryffindor on a personal level, but the Slytherin house colors are two of my favorite. I'd love anything Harry Potter!! I think a Slytherin scarf would look sweet!! Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? Hmm... Not that I can think of. They're bringing back The Peacock Queen, Rose Red, and Snow White, so I'm pretty much set, lol. Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or h ate it? Like some but not others? I loooove fruit. Any kind. Every kind. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? I love cherries!! Bunnies! What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? I'm not a huge fan of stripes on tights, but everything else sounds great! Bunny, are you interested in anything from Geek Chic Cosmetics? No thanks. Urban Decay and Clinique is enough for me. I can't afford to be addicted to more than one high end makeup line, lol. Coin purses? Sure! Soap dish? No thanks. My bathroom counter is too small, lol. If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Ooo!! That’s a tough one!! Probably a shawl, if I had to choose. But I looooove me a pair of fuzzy socks. Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? Ooo!! So many yules, so little time. I have signed up for a decant circle and I live with Alethia (she's my big sister )and she's signed up for a few, so between the two of us, pretty much the only scents that I want to try but didn't order are The Horrors of my Secret Toil, Sugar Cookie, Rose Red, Midnight Mass, and Gelt. I may have added Sugar Cookie to the list because I want to eat a sugar cookie right now, though... hmm. I'm going to see what my paycheck looks like this week and I may or may not be joining a few more decant circles. Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? I honestly don't have a preference. I love chocolate, no matter the cacao content. What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. I don’t care for anise, but cardamom is delicious!! Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? I would like an artisan bottle for my oils and vinegars, but I’ve got a really nice selection of oils and vinegars where I live. Any crafty pursuits you’ve been dying to experiment with? Would you like a little kit of something you’ve never tried? Do you need any particular items for your new or existing stash? I’m not much of a crafty person, sadly. I tried knitting once and it didn’t work so well, lol. I gave the yarn to my, very unamused, cat (the only thing that trips his trigger is catnip. He’s an addict, lol) and regifted the needles. Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? No thanks, I’ve already bought mine. Fingerless mittens or full mitts? Fingerless! My hands are always freezing, but I like to still be able to text and type. Pink? I generally don't wear it as a shirt color because too much pink overwhelms my complexion and brings the red undertones in my skin out. But if it's a hat or scarf or nail polish color or accent color or anything like that, I love it. I really love the color, it just doesn't like me that much, lol. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? Lemon is, arguably, one of my top five favorite flavors of all time. So yes, you to be sending me all your lemon things naow? Kthnksbye? Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? Silk Sheets, Tease, Teatime With Mary Pickford, Parasol, Satin Sheets, Sex Kitten, Kitchen Alchemy all sound wonderful!! Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? I prefer to donate my time to charity. I volunteer at some local soup kitchens and the opera company I work with is actually doing a charity fundraiser this Christmas! We're going to have a Winter Gala to raise money for the homeless in our community! Do you need any holiday recipes? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? I would love some recipes!! Cooking and baking are two of my favorite pastimes! I don’t have any dietary or allergy restrictions, so if my foxy has a favorite recipe he/she’d like to share, I’d love it!! Looking forward to BPTP candles? Yeah! They’re going to be awesome!! Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? I would love second hand anything!! I get most of my books from the used bookstore in our library. Second hand items have more life in them. I would love any gently used item!! Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? I’m a music/theatre and math nerd. I’m also a hard core comic book nerd. I love all comic books, but Batman is my favorite. The Joker and Batman is probably the best villain/hero paring ever. The psychological aspect of the whole Batman universe is so fascinating that I have literally spent hours discussing it with whoever will listen, haha. I also love Harry Potter and the Anita Blake series. But I'm, very sadly, getting to the point in the series that everyone warned me about. Where the storyline kinda goes out the window? I just finished reading Burnt Offerings and my sister said that it goes downhill from there. But! Jean-Claude is totally my fictional boyfriend, so I'll keep going for him and his sparkly blue eyes!! And, don't make fun of me, but I collect Barbie Dolls. So anything Barbie related I will go out of my way to purchase, lol. Bun-bun, what's your favourite colour? Green is my favorite color!! Any shade of green, but my most favorites are kelly and emerald green. But I love pretty much every color except for orange. Because orange makes me look like a pumpkin, lol. Your favourite gemstone? Ohhh... this is a dangerous question, lol. I love jewelry more than it should be allowed for a college student to love anything, lol. And as a wise man once said, "I have champagne tastes, but l have beer pockets." But I love the fake gemstones!! They shine just as bright as the real stuff!! And I love every gemstone known to man. I prefer silver to gold and the only color gemstone I don't like is anything orange. That color just doesn't agree with me. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? I love poodles, cats, giraffes and penguins!! As for imaginary animals I like any kind of mythological creature; dragons, fairies (although, I don't know if they're really considered animals, lol), unicorns, and the like. And do you have any intense phobias? Sharks. I am terrified of sharks and always have been. Like, so bad that sometimes when I'm in bed, I'm afraid to hang my feet over the edge of the mattress because I'm afraid a shark will come up and bite my leg off. Yes, I realize that I am in my bed and sharks don't live in the carpet, but it doesn't calm my irrational fear of sharp, pointy teeth. Lol. Groupon for Moxie Nouveau! Dear Bunneh, is this something that would interest you? Sure! Why not! Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? I'm not nano-ing. Facebook/Twitter? I have a facebook account. I actually think I'll go link that into my signature now! Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? Yes! I would love them!! Coffee or tea? With caffeine or without? Flavors (if so, what?) or no? Whole bean/ground/loose leaf/bags? Coffee and tea with caffeine please. I love flavored tea, but I prefer unflavored coffee. Loose leaf or bags of tea, and ground coffee. Do you have a strong preference for any sort of bath and body product brands (i.e. etailer/etsy type cos, department store/specialty brands like Lush) or are you cool with anything that doesn't smell like Bunnybane? I don't have much of a preference. I love to try new things! A question: reveal, yes or no? Yes! I would love to know who my foxy is!! Any favorite cuddly characters? Pretty much there is no such thing as a non-adorable cuddly character. So I love them all!! ... except sharks... please no sharks? Lol. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Foodwise: probably Starbucks, Genghis Grill, Olive Garden, Subway, Wendy's, or Micky D's. Music wise: iTunes. Clothing wise: probably The Gap, Hot Topic, American Eagle, Target, or Rue 21. Everything Else: Sephora, Ulta, Hastings, Walmart... and that's pretty much it! If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? No dietary or allergic restrictions for me! And I don't really have a favorite holiday candy. I like all candy! Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? Holy crap. Pretty much everything looks amazing. Its so hard not to just copy and paste every flavor of everything!! Lol. I'd love to try Rose Orange Blossom Vanilla Salted Butter Caramel, Dark Chocolate Rocky Road With Handmade Marshmallows, Hong Kong Style Coconut Tarts, Guava Lemongrass Berlingots, Black Sesame White Chocolate, Lychee Rose Almond Infused Marshmallows, Lychee Vanilla and Coconut Berlingots, Appleless Caramel Apple Butter Caramels, Zesty Lemon Meringue Marshmallows, French Sea Salt Butter Caramels, Forgive Me I Have Sinned Dulce de Leche Coconut Macaroons, Organic Vanilla Sugar, Bacon Sea Salt Caramels, Caramel Pecan Tarts, and the Mango Raspberry Berlingots!! Hmmm... it was probably not a good idea to have made this list while I was hungry, lol. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? Oh my! I literally didn't see one item I did not absolutely adore!! All of her jewelry is soooo pretty!! Best holiday present I ever got: Hmm... that's a tough one... I can't pick!! Every present I've ever gotten as been the best!! BPAL anniversary resurrection wishes: Black Lace and Champagne, Chocolate and Cheap Sex. Or Yvaine. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I love any and all kinds of holiday music. I’m that annoying holiday shopper that sings along with whatever the store is playing on the overhead speaker, haha. Things flavored like rose/mastic: I’ve never heard of mastic and I’ve never really tried anything rose flavored, but bring ‘em on!! I’m totally up for trying new things! I live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter). I can’t really handle much heat, lol. I do like spicy flavor, but I generally get the mildest sauce I can find. I like sweet, savory, and sour too!! Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Not really, no. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. Any of those bath bombs, emotibombs, or bubblebars look pretty cool!! That website is awesome! I'd love to get pretty much anything from there! Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? I've never tried Paintbox before, but they look divine! The Man in the Moon, Lavender Truffle, The Queen is Dead, Sweet Cheeks, Silken Peony, White Cotton Sheets all sound wonderful!! And of the limited editions The Yuletide Mariner, Poinsetta, White Snow Bright Snow, Indian Summer, and The Victorious Sun sound great!! Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I don't have any kids, but I do have three kitty muffins and two poodle muffins. You don't have to worry about any kind of safety or gifts for them, though. They're so spoiled, lol. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? Sure! Why not! Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I've never been to a Trader Joes, but if my fox sees anything he/she thinks I might like, or if they have a favorite they want to share, I'm totally game!! If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? Some imps of your choosing!! Anything with apple, maybe? Or whatever you liked and want me to try? Will you be away for any part of the round? Nope! Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. I don't have an Etsy store and I've never heard of Tradeaholics, but if anyone is looking for anything for their bunny I'd love to help out!! I'm a pretty awesome baker and whatever isn't for my bunny is totally up for grabs. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? My favorite genres are mystery/thriller, science fiction/fantasy, and the occasional literature. But pretty much I'll read anything. I freaking LOVE books. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? I personally am a DC girl. I'm a total comic book nerd. Batman is, hands down, my favorite!!! The Bats and I go waaay back. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I've never tried anything from them, but their website looks promising! The Black scents ( the basic black and the chocolate & raspberry ones in particular), Couer de Vahine, Dracula, Fairytale, Lime sugar, London Lemon Curd, She’s a Peach, Strawberries & Champagne, and Violet Kisses all sound amazing! I think any of those scents I'd rather have in a lotion/scrub/bodywash than a perfume oil. Or maybe thats my subconscious trying to tell me I can only afford to be hooked on one brand of perfume oil, haha. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) Ohhh thats a tough one... I'd buy a bottle of... uhh... Helena. No! Whip. Wait... Marie? I'd pick one of those to have in a 5ml and then take the remaining money and buy a ton of imps. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Those. Look. Delicious!! If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? I love love love homemade goodies! But the ones from the store are tasty too! Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? Sure! That sounds great! Probably more winter/Christmasy themed, rather than fall or Thanksgiving, though. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Oooo!! That would be wonderful!! Lavender, peppermint, rose or anything you see fit would smell divine. And definitely a more moisty sugar scrub. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I love candles!! I like scented candles in all colors and everything else is up to the good judgment of my awesome bunny! Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores. I think that sounds great! Soap is always good! Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? I wear both socks and slippers. And sock dreams is an adorable website!! Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? Yeah! In a dark green, a bright emerald, or black! Talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? I’m addicted to coffee. Ground preferred, but whole bean is okay, not flavored, and whole caff. We have a drip coffee maker and a keurig. And I also adore tea! The only thing I don’t really care for in my tea is any kind of anise flavor, but other than that I love samplers with a bunch of different flavors!! Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I love makeup!! My favorite items are any kind of lipsticks, glosses, stains, balms. I love any shade of reds or pinks (and I mean from one end of the light/dark spectrum to the other, lol), but I stay away from corals, oranges/yellows, blues, and purples. Nail polish is also another favorite item, and the only shade I don’t care for is orange. Also any kind of eyeliner in the black/brown/silver/grey color range is fun! Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? Yes!! Every year!! It doesn't have a specific theme, though. Just a bunch of random ornaments!! Would you like a special ornament? And I would love a special ornament!! Someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreens to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? -A tube of Maybelline’s The Falsies Black Drama Mascara in black and waterproof. -Nail polish in some fun color!! -Some kind of chocolate (I’m really not picky, lol). Maybe lint! The milk chocolate and peanut butter one! Or some kind of exotic dark chocolate bar. Like dark chocolate with chili, cherries, and almonds! But I like Hershey’s too!! -Maybe a mystery paperback? Or some kind of good book. -Some kind of fun lipbalm or maybe I’d try out a lipstain in red? -And Burts Bee’s Peppermint Foot Lotion and/or some fuzzy socks!! Would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). Yes! I love to cook and bake!! Some fresh ground cinnamon, cake spice, Greek seasoning, Hint of Mint Hot Chocolate mix, regular hot chocolate mix, orange peel, Rocky Mountain seasoning, vanilla beans, or whatever you think sounds good!! Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivities or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? do you prefer machine washable materials? do you not care?)? I would love anything knitted!! From hats to scarves to pot holders! I love every color except orange. When I wear orange, it makes my face look like a pumpkin, lol. Wool does make me a little itchy but I don’t mind if it’s not machine washable. Hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? Hell yeah!! I collect them!! Funny mugs, cool mugs, mugs with bands on them, mugs with superheroes on them, mugs mugs mugs!! Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? I miss the beignets from Café du Monde in New Orleans!! Ohhh my whole family was born there and we haven’t been back in soooo long!! A small cup of their coffee and chicory with one sugar and cream, and a bag of deliciously hot beignets literally smothered in powdered sugar. Mmmmm. But I love to try new things!! Especially foods or things that are specific to where my fox lives!! (Also, I adore the snowbunny and fox thing!!)

Marie_Nightingale

November 4, 2011

Shadows

Winter Holiday Fun Swap Q&A

So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from a drug store to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? Burt's Bees things (I like hand salves!), fake eyelashes or nails, and Ritter chocolate. I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. Would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (It's Penzey's if you want to Google it.) I use garlic like it's going out of style, so any kind of garlic blend would be awesome. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? Do you prefer machine washable materials? Do you not care?)? Knitted goods are fabulous! I love scarves, specifically, and my color scheme is generally black although I love pink, too! I also really like machine washable things, as I tend to be a bit of a klutz/mess-maker. Hey swap partner... could you use a new mug? Yanno, I'm a Starbucks barista, so I have a LOT of mugs... but a travel mug would be awesome! I only have one or two of those and they are in varying states of falling apart. When we get the holiday merchandise in at my store, I hope to purchase my favorite mug (and quite possibly several other things, haha) for my snowbunny! Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? I so very much miss my German instant mashed potatoes that came in a cup noodle sort of package, just add hot water. Such a silly thing, but I loved them. Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? I haven't in the past as I've lived alone... but perhaps this year I will! Preferably sentimental ornaments, no matter what the design. Would you like a special ornament? Sure! Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Not opposed, but I prefer Jammie Dodgers. :-D Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? Ohhh, home made and/or fried sounds great to me! Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? If they were Halloween/spooky themed, I sure would. And this goes for any time of year... we have quite a silly goth aesthetic in my house. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a body scrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? I don't know much about body scrubs... perhaps I should just say that I occasionally have dry skin, adore vanilla and lavender, and I think the idea of a body scrub sounds fabulous. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? If yes, then what kind? Scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I am a candle fanatic. No, really. My house is littered in Yankee Candles of all varieties - I like foody scents and patchouli, although my all time favorite from YC is Witch's Brew. Colors are all great! Sculpted sort of freak me out because if they don't burn well, you can end up with a headless horse candle or something... quite distressing. I hope my snowbunny likes tarts/candles! Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores.... Hmmm... I don't know! I tend to use B&BW body wash, but perhaps a foody or holiday sort of scent would be a great soap. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? I have a passion for over-the-knee socks that is completely ridiculous. I don't wear slippers too often, though. And I adore Sock Dreams! Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? Oh my goodness, yes! Black would probably go best with what I generally wear. New question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? Haha, I am a coffee snob! Whole bean all the way, no flavoring, and caffeine is preferred. I have a crappy flat bottom drip at the moment but am considering a french press as they are awfully cheap with my afore-mentioned Starbucks job. And I LOVE tea! All sorts of tea, I have a tea strainer for full leaf so no problem there. I have a soft spot for Celestial Seasonings' holiday blends, like Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I'd be interested in trying the lip tar - probably in a shade like vintage. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? No, but it seems interesting! Maybe shampoo/conditioner in a musky, vanilla scent... they seem to have tons of scents. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? Sigh... I can't wear nail polish at my job. I do love dark colors for the very rare occasion when I have a few days off of work in a row, or when I'm feeling like giving myself a pedicure. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) I love magical BPAL unicorns! Probably Snake Oil, Horreur Sympathique, and ... hmm... Hemlock? Eat Me? O? One of those, it would be tough to choose! Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Ooh... I am a SUCKER for holiday movies! From comedy to classics, I just love them. So basically, any, as I don't actually own any - I have Netflix and I tend to watch things online, but having a dvd is always nice. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? I like the idea of superheroes - I enjoyed Ironman and Watchmen as films - but I am not an avid comic book reader... yet! Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. Edited answer: I just had the opportunity to try their Big Shampoo and it is amazing! I'd love some Lush shampoo/conditioner/shower products, and I plan to get some in the near future. 24. Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? What neat packaging! Man in the Moon and Gingermilk seem up my alley. Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have three adorable rescued fancy rats (Bruiser, Missy and Pitbull) and a very handsome Arabian show horse (Prism). All of them eat small amounts of people food, so if I were gifted something that was rat or pony safe (horses can eat just about anything - rats a little bit less so), then I hope my fox wouldn't mind me sharing with my pets! How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? I don't actually know what I would do with beeswax, but I do love honey and putting it in my tea, so it would be a very welcome gift. Trader Joe's? Nah, I can always stop there when I visit my mom in Atlanta. Paintbox Soapworks Yules? Comfort & Joy sounds lovely, though I feel I should mention that I rarely use soaps and gravitate more towards shower gels. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails) Hmm, not sure! I have fallen in love with the one scent from the Pickman Gallery that I ordered - La Mort - but I'm not sure what else will really interest me. I do have Triumph of Death & Regina Erebi on the way, though. Perhaps whatever was your favorite? Will you be away for any part of the round? Probably not, at least, not in the sense that I won't have computer access. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. No etsy store here - not really so crafty. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? Haha, I would really like to get my hands on some Lovecraft! I currently am reading the complete Sherlock Holmes... insanely amazing. Also a big Potter and Gaiman fan, here. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I'm really not picky, so I suppose traditional - but anything I can sing along with, really. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) To be honest, I have absolutely no idea, but I wouldn't mind trying some! Same with the mastic. I live in the city of the chickenwing. If I were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? I do like chicken wings, but I gravitate towards the medium realm - and I do love sweet/hot things, as well as hot/garlic. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store food wise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Gonna go ahead and say Amazon for myself, too! If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I love those silly holiday white-peppermint Hershey's Kisses, as well as peppermint bark, and I have no problem with nuts - macadamia are probably my favorite. I don't normally like very dark chocolate, but I'll try just about anything. Does anything from FusionSweets interest you? Bacon sea salt caramels sound interesting. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? Wow... what beautiful jewelry! The Aurora Borealis pendant is lovely, but I really like her notecards.

84trillion

November 4, 2011

The Open Crypt

From: Lotion, oils, butters, massage bars, and anything else

Source: Lotion, oils, butters, massage bars, and anything else

Stella V

November 4, 2011

endless ethereal whisperings

Winter Fun Swap Help

November 9th Yules: I'm interested in Maison en Pain D'Espices, Pumpkin Masala Rooibos, Colder and Colder and The Horrors of my Secret Toil. Pumpkin Masala Rooibos will probably be a bottle purchase, but not until January and I want to see reviews of the other three before I pounce on any of them. === November 8th Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? I will eat dark chocolate, but I prefer milk chocolate and I love good quality white chocolate. === November 7th What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. Yum! Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? I haven't really worked with them, but fancy oils would give me an excuse to keep good bread around. Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? I usually go calendar shopping between December 26th and early January (unless I see something awesome, in which case I pounce. The earliest I've bought a wall calendar for the following year is April). I love regional calendars especially - I'm still kicking myself for not getting a calendar full of gorgeous landscapes in Montana back in 2001, for instance. (The April 2006 calendar purchase was National Parks in CO, UT, NM, and AZ and I bought it from Mesa Verde National Park). I don't use the daily calendars, and I'll need to pick up a new planner for my purse but those I get picky about (can't be too big/small/thick, I like some layouts over others, etc). === November 6th Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? Fair trade stuff is always good. I'm picky about charities though. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? I have some scents up on my kaboodle. I haven't looked at any of her new ones or seasonals, but I'm less picky about candles than I am perfume so as long as it isn't flowergeddon I'd be okay. Do you need any holiday recipies? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? In terms of recipes, whatever I want to cook I can usually find either in one of my cookbooks or online. There isn't really anything that I'd have during this season that I can't make for myself (a couple notable exceptions, but for the most part I don't need to be eating them, like fudge). Otherwise I'm up to being surprised. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? I'd have been more interested in tarts, tbh. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? Nope! Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Geology and Meteorology I tend to be nerdy with. I'm also a total francophile. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? Yum! fingerless mittens or full mitts? I prefer convertible with fingerless gloves under the mitt part. == November 4th Any favorite cuddly characters? Eeyore. I have two that I snuggle with - a special holiday version that is all white with royal blue accents (like the inside of his ears) and an older one whose mane has seen better days and the tail is long gone that I've had since high school. Moxie Nouveau groupon? Its too late to get the groupon now, but there wasn't really anything from their Christmas update that grabbed me and there are no ingredients listed for the lotion that you'd get. what's your favourite colour? Pink! Your favourite gemstone? Probably my least favorites are rose quartz, diamonds, and rubies. I have a bachelor's degree in geology, so everything else is fair game. I also love glass. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? Cats, red pandas, snow leopards. And do you have any intense phobias? Heights and elevators. Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? I did Nanowrimo once, at least five years ago.. and dropped out by about the 5th because I ran out of stuff to write about. Haven't felt the urge to do it again. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I've got a cigar box that is starting to get a bit full, and I could use imp storage. == November 3 and earlier so...someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from walgreens to ONLY use on things for yourself. no necessities here. what do you buy? I really like Wet n Wild's eyeshadows. I'd probably pick up one of the other baked mineralized palettes if they're still out (I have.. Bake a Cake? has a couple pinks and a pretty periwinkle) and maybe a trio (I have the I have Good Jeans and the Getting Sunburned (or something like that) trios - I'm unsure about reds, blacks, yellows, and oranges in eyeshadow (although I have a couple golds and I <3 them).. and uh.. usually I'm only in Walgreens to look for WnW stuff or to get more real sudafed. Maybe a fluffy magazine, a bag of chips, or some pretty smelling shampoo? I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). The manager at my local Penzey's recognizes me as a regular. Stuff I haven't been able to justify: the cheese sprinkles, salad topping/dressing blends, and the non-vanilla extracts. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? do you prefer machine washable materials? do you not care?)? I am allergic to wool, but any other fibers are good. I can hand wash things. Colors.. Not too fond of yellow and orange, love most shades of pink, any jewel tones (including golds and more burnt oranges), bright colors (but not neon, unless it's an accent). I have really good fleece convertible mittens, so I'm covered there, but I could use a scarf or a hat that will all the way cover my ears (the nordic print/patterned hats with the pompom on top and the earflaps with the cords are a favorite style), and I'm always game for socks and slippers and whatnot. hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? No new mugs until I break enough of them (not a habit I have, really) to make space for new ones. Although I could use an idiot-proof travel mug. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? New York style bagels. I've found things that are close.. but not quite. And good hard rolls and portuguese rolls.. and I could never ever give up carbs. Every so often I get a hankering for Dipsy Doodles or Tastycake's Butterscotch.. thingies. And huckleberry stuff. And I *miss* the fresh pasta selection I had in Italy, but I don't expect anyone to mail that. Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? Would you like a special ornament? I do a tree. When my husband and I decided on artificial, we decided to go all the way artificial - it's a solid white tree. We're currently using these mini LED lights (with a green cord) and our star is LED lit and alternates between green and blue, and there is currently an overabundance of blue ornaments on our tree (many of which are glittery) so I've been trying to even that out with uh.. everything but blue. And I seem to lack the gene necessary to deem things too tacky to hang on a Christmas tree (the same goes for magnets on my fridge). I still regret not getting the miniature pair of antlers I found at Walmart a few years ago (I went back a few days later and they had [/i]sold out[/i].) So I'm game for new ornaments. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? I've only had the America ones - my world market doesn't seem to stock the Australian ones - but the ones I've tried were yummy! Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? Home-made goodies are yum! While I'm kinda terrified of deep-frying things myself, I'm fine with receiving them pre-fried. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? I would be game.. I prefer sugar over salt and more moist scrubs. In terms of EO's, I'd probably go for soothing things like vanilla or lavender. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? I don't really have storage space for holiday specific serving things, but I'm open to holiday linens (table cloths, table runners, cloth napkins). Probably more Winter/Thanksgiving/Fall - I have a decent selection of Christmassy ones at the moment. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I'm more of a tart person. My cats are too interested in flames for me to feel comfortable burning candles all that often. Scent-wise, I don't care for ones that are heavily floral, but I like aquatic scents, foodie scents, some herbal ones (like fresh mint or basil). Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores. I go through soap super slowly so little bars are nice because I can get more variety. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Unless it's the middle of summer, I'm almost always in socks. I could use slippers.. and I've never ordered from Sock Dreams. Would you wear something like this (knitted cowl) if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? It's enough material that I would probably never really figure out how to wear it correctly. I swear my mom and my sister love sending me sweaters with unreasonably gigantic collar bits so they can laugh while I figure out how to make it look right/not awful. new question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? I drink coffee and tea. Tea can be loose or bagged, and I'm game for pretty much any flavor (although my allergies have to be doing particularly well for me to be able to taste white teas). There was this one tea that my mom got years ago that we found at a tea exhibit at a local museum (teas and tea pots and sets from different ages and cultures) that Martha Stewart crowed about that tasted roughly like straight-from-the-tree pine sap, so none of that, tho. I don't really care for most herbal teas either. (although I love roibos). Coffee - I have a keurig, but I have the my k-cup thing and I use that because bagged coffee is way cheaper than k-cups. I don't have a grinder, so pre-ground is needed. I think infusion grind is best, but I use coffee ground for automatic drip all the time and it still tastes good. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I have zero clue on how to use loose eyeshadows. I'd probably make me look clown-like. There's a bunch of colors that look interesting, but I'm more used to eyeshadow in more solid forms. The lip tar looks interesting, although I generally go for sheer/semi-sheer glittery glosses - I'd probably go for Stalker or NSFW (because of all of the colors, the ones I'm least afraid of are the bright reds). Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I haven't ordered since Ilona still ran the company (due to lack of funds, not distrust of the new owner). The coco-mango body butter was amazing, and I liked the junket cream conditioner. CP stuff tends to be stronger scented that I go for, so I'd probably get the body butter unscented and the conditioner either unscented or something less complex so it would go with my perfume choices instead of clashing or completely overshadowing them. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I wear nail polish. Most of my polishes (and current top and base coat) are 3-free. I have so many greens and blues that I'm getting kinda picky about them but I won't refuse more.. I don't care for traditional pinks, reds, and neutrals (or orange and yellow). My favorite finish is probably shimmer - I like cremes (especially in more out there shades) and a lot of glitters, but some glitters (like the holiday ones from Zoya this year) do not-nice things like get stuck in my hair, which pulls a chunk of the polish off my nail. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) Probably bottles of Snake Oil and Black Phoenix, and three imps off my gc wishlist. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? Not a comic fan. I don't hate them, I just don't follow them. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? I used to have a copy of this one, but I don't know where it went. I can't remember the name, but it's a Muppet Christmas special where they all descend on Fozzie's mom's house unexpectedly (and she's heading out of town) and Miss Piggy gets stuck in the snow and the Swedish Chef wants to eat Big Bird, and Robin and Kermit meet the Fraggles and Jim Henson appears at the end washing dishes. I'd also love a copy of The Muppet's Christmas Carol (no cheeses for us meeses). (We have both blu-ray and regular DVD players). Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. The few products I've tried didn't really seem to be worth their cost. would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? Whenever I manage to use up my soap stash (which is.. two bars plus the current one? But I only use bar soap for washing my hands in the bathroom, so it takes foreeeeeever to use up a bar) I'll probably switch to the paintboxes so I can have more variety in soap scents. Scent-wise, I tend to toss things that look good on my etsy wishlist. (including the new yules). I love the sorbetto, and slip is nice but I still have about have a bottle of Avast (that I bought in early July) - it's awesome for summer (for my skin) but it's not really enough for winter time. I'd be interested in trying the body butter of hers that doesn't contain shea (if I'm remembering right, one formula had shea but the other didn't). NEW QUESTION! - Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have two cats who are pretty well spoiled, but they are feline and like knocking things off tables and stealing shiny things off my Christmas tree. The husband is deployed and won't be back until May. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? Honey is growing on me - I have a big jar or raw meadowfoam honey I bought from a hippie dude last fall that my pantry ate for six months (I spotted it over the summer and used tongs to fish it out of the corner of the cabinet that it - I've since gotten a step stool) so I'm good there, but I wouldn't mind a whipped honey (especially one with cinnamon) as that's easier to put on things like bread. I also like beeswax in body products. NEW QUESTION: Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I don't live near one, and when I've visited home (northern NJ) my family has offered to take me to one and I refused because I don't want to know what I'm missing. A few questions of my own- If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? None of the Weenie's really grabbed me this year. Will you be away for any part of the round? Maybe, but I'll post in the thread if that happens. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I have books on my amazon list, but I'm open to trying new authors too - I like fantasy, some sci-fi, some romance, mysteries, erotica (as long as its more plot than sex), fiction.. non-fiction if the subject is something I'm interested in. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) I don't know that I would go for Turkish Delight, but I'd probably eat candied rose petals (or other edible flowers, although I have dried lavender buds in my pantry so I don't need more of those) or other rose flavored things. Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones), the raw resin itself, anything?) No clue what it is, but I would try it! i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter). I don't like heat for the sake of heat. I hate most buffalo wings (whenever my husband drags me out for wings I go for non-buffalo sauced ones, often with a higher heat rating that the buffalo wings my husband gets because it's ginger teriyaki or lemon and garlic with an emphasis on the garlic or something like that). But I love spicy heat, like in Indian food, and I've ordered things with flame symbols next to the picture in South Korea and survived. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Barnes and Noble (to feed my Nook), Starbucks, AAFES (which is probably tricky for non-military), Chilis, World Market, Whole Foods, iTunes, Groupon/Living Social If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I don't care for fruit or chilies in my chocolate. I'm currently on the fence about salted caramel so I don't know that I'd go for salted chocolate. Favorite holiday candies.. I am spoiled in that where I grocery shop (a military commissary) has an awesome selection of German holiday goodies - my favorites are a couple of the cookies, actually. Fusion Sweets: I have a weakness for homemade marshmallows so I haven't really looked at the caramels. I'm also intrigued by their berlingots - but I've always preferred hard candies over caramel. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? I love looking, but pretty much everything I like is either reserved already or expensive. How about mulling spices? I have some currently. Bunny, what scent are you desperately wanting to be resurrected this year with the Anniversary update? Maybe Snake Charmer, but my bottle is still pretty much full. Death Adder (which I also have an aged bottle of), but that'll hopefully come back when CD comes back. I haven't had a blend I adored get discontinued yet, and I've either got the hard to find blends I love, or they don't work for me.

crazyredhead17

November 4, 2011

Winter Holiday Fun Swap!

Swap Help!

Hello my Fox! I'll be gathering my answers to the questions here for easy stalking How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? Superman and Batman 4evah! Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. No thank you would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? No thank you Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? Sure! I have 3 kitty babies and 2 poodle babies. Holiday DVDs? A Christmas Story! Tim Tams. Yay or nay? No thank you. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Yes! That sounds wonderful. Definitely sugar and moist with clean white flower scents. Ooo, or a salt moisty scrub with ocean like scents! But, and I know I’ve said it before, I do have a very severe nut allergy, so please no nut oils. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I loooove candles! My favorite brand is Yankee Candle, but homemade candles would be very much appreciated. Clean scents; like linen, cotton, ocean, white flowers, and lavender. For the colors: white and every shade of purple and blue you can imagine. Anything else I would love for my fox to decide! Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores. No thank you. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Socks for me. I just recently checked out Sock Dreams! Very cool. I would love a pair of those fuzzy socks with the aloe in them? I saw a pair at Ulta and my feet just about sprang out of their shoes! I have mostly stone tile in my house, so socks are a must in the cold months. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? http://www.ravelry.c...gap-tastic-cowl No thanks. Plain old scarves for me! Talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? I love coffee!!! Ground, not flavored, loooots of caffeine. I love Starbucks, Goldcoast, or anything dark and strong. But my favorite is French Market Coffee and Chicory. Yay for tea! I prefer black and strong. (No flavors, please.) Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I tend to keep my makeup on the light side. So no makeup for me. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I only have eyes for bpal. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I love OPI! Any color you send me would be great!! If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) A bottle of Pool of Tears, if I could get anything in Needlework I would jump for joy, and a cool t-shirt. Now, my dear bunnies, a question for you! Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? I Would love homemade goodies as long as they contain no nuts or nut oils,or mango or celery/celery seed or avocado- sheesh Miss Allergic of the century. If my Fox loved to bake or do home made edibles and he/she didn't cross contaminate with the above mentioned items I would be sooo very happy to receive yummies Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? I love serving bowls/trays/plates with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years themes! Any and all!! hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? Oh my gosh we have soooo many mugs but I am always up for a new and unusual one so, Yes! Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? Unfortunately I have severe food allergies so no treats for me However if my Fox were to send something edible no worries as there are lots of people here who can eat anything! Penzey's - Yes I love to cook and am always looking for good spices, bay leaves, chili, lavendar, clove, good cinnamon and all salt. knitted goods - Yes to scarves,anything home made is always welcome. My most favorite color is anything in the purple family or wine colors1 If I had $20 to spend at Wallgreens I would buy some Old Wisconsin Turkey Sticks, some citrus Jelly Bellys and a book. I love Walgreens!!

Stella Luna

November 4, 2011

A Tavern Wench at the H-Bar

Winter Holiday Fun Swap 2011 Questions

So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? Altoids, Starlite mints, Smarties, Symphony nugget things, Burt's Bees stuffs, fizzy water. (Can you tell it's lunch time?) I live near a brick and mortar location for a really, really good spice store. would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). Vanilla beans, smoked paprika (okay, I don't actually need paprika, since we have it coming out of our ears here, but we don't have smoked and I want it! I want to make Spanish food), interesting salts, the double-strength vanilla, more Vietnamese Extra Fancy Cinnamon, Ceylon softstick cinnamon, sate seasoning, hint of mint chocolate mix, mahlab, Northwoods seasoning, pink peppercorns, zatar, and vanilla sugar. Um, I really like spices. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? do you prefer machine washable materials? do you not care?)? I love knitted goods! My favorite colors are in a question below. I don't mind about machine washing, but I do prefer non-scratchy yarn - I'm one of those people who have to cut the tags out of clothes. Hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? Always! I have a pretty large collection, but it's justified because I drink everything but alcohol out of mugs. I like the bigger ones, because I am a coffee addict. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? I love trying regional stuff. I tend to go straight to the drinks cooler and then to the candy aisle if I find myself in a grocery store in a new place. I miss a few Russian things in particular - sushki (dip in honey and eat with tea, nom!), medovukha, kvas, tarkun, my host babushka's borscht, Teremok... Dear Snow Bunnies: Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? Yep! Ornaments are ones my family has collected over the years, so no real theme. Would you like a special ornament? Yes! Tim Tams. Yay or nay? SO MUCH YAY. I can only get the milk chocolate ones at World Market. I am intrigued by this Black Forest flavor. I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? I love, love, love homemade goodies. Frying is excellent, as long as I don't have to smell the fryer. No nuts besides almonds or ground walnuts (somehow, this is far more tolerable than having them whole) and no coconut or raisins, though. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? No, thanks! We've got enough here. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? I've never actually used a body scrub before, but I'd love to try. I've favorited a few at Paintbox Soapworks to give an example of my taste. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? Yep! I like jar candles. Plain is easier to convince myself to burn. I like peppermint, cinnamon, sweet clove, and probably most things I like in perfume. Not fond of foody smells that aren't actual food, though. I get all hungry and disappointed. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores I like them! I'm the only one washing hands in my bathroom right now (sisters are at college; brother has his own bathroom and only uses the shower), so no one else would use them up or get them all nasty. They would be mine, all mine! Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Sock Dreams is my favorite. I love knee socks and arm/wrist warmers and fingerless gloves. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? I don't know if something that size is really my style. I'm kind of short and would be afraid it would eat me. Talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? ALL THE COFFEE. Whole bean is best. I love moka java, and I always want to try new types of coffee. I don't really do flavored in the morning but like it in the afternoon and evening, so it might be best if that were decaf, since I'd have to share it with my mom. I like all caffeine, all the time, but she does not. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I am fail at makeup. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I haven't and I'm not looking, lalala! Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? My fingernails are too short, but I'd like jewel tones for my toes. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) I answered this for Switch Witch, but my mind is extremely changeable, so it's probably different right now. Imps of the RPGs and a bottle of Leanan Sidhe, perhaps. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Not really. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? Meh. [ETA: Actually, I would like to get into comics. I also really want some Iron Man band-aids.] Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. I have a huge list of Holiday wants in my Switch Witch help, I think. Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? Most of them, but especially Man in the Moon. Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? Nope. Pets are already spoiled. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? Love! I eat a lot of honey. Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I haven't really tried much from Trader Joe's, but it sounds like there is a lot of tastiness to be found there! The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? Yes, and I added them to my Etsy favorites. I want everything in Man in the Moon, too. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails)? Haven't tested all my BPAL decants or the bath brews from BPTP yet, so I don't know. I still haven't bought a bottle of Sonnet D'Automne like I wanted, though. Will you be away for any part of the round? Don't think so, besides a couple days around Thanksgiving. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Don't have a store and am afflicted with craft!fail. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? Patrick O'Brian, currently. I want to buy the Norton paperbacks of the whole Master and Commander series. I want to get into magical realism, too. Also like to read classic literature, fantasy, historic fiction, and nonfiction (linguistics, history of languages, teach yourself language books, astronomy, popular science, ancient history, archaeology, so many things! I just love to learn). If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? Traditional. Please, no poppy Christmas music! Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) I'd love to try it! Don't think I'd like Turkish Delight, though, but I'd be willing to give it a shot. Goo sounds especially nommy. I live in the city of the chickenwing. If I were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? What my favorite Thai place calls American hot. Sweet and spicy is okay, but I prefer savory. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store food wise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Whoa, totally missed this question. World Market, Sock Dreams, Amazon, Elements and Artifacts, Joystreet, Think Geek, Barnes and Noble, probably others I'm forgetting. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? Candy canes! I love them so much. I use them to stir my hot cider, which turns out to be weirdly delicious. I don't really like nuts except for small doses of almonds. Coconut is also bad excepted for toasted and covered in chocolate and caramel, as in Samoas. Does anything from FusionSweets interest you? Oh, yes. Added to my Etsy faves. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? ALL THE THINGS. I love winter themes and colors. Moxie Nouveau groupon? There are a couple of things there I'd like to try! What's your favourite colour? Purple! I also like other dark colors, like blues, greens, reds, and greys, as well as black and rich browns. Your favourite gemstone? I love amethyst. Gems in the above-listed colors are also nice, as are topaz and sunstone. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? Elephants and cephalopods. Do you have any intense phobias? Nothing I'm likely to get in a package! Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? Yes. My bottle collection has gotten a bit large. ETA: My Switch Witch sent me the most magnificent book-shaped box! As such, I no longer neeeeeed a box, but I still like them very much. Chile, yay or nay? (Example: I had a delicious dark chocolate bar the other day that had dried cherries and red chile....YUM! There are local cookies here that are shortbread type with chile. And of course, in NM we are famous for our chile ristras which are mostly decorative (though usually you could use the dried chiles if you wanted to). Ooh, that chocolate sounds delicious. I'd love to try all the chile things! Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or hate it? Like some but not others? I like some of it. Don't really go for bananas, raisins, or prunes. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? Love them with much love. All of that sounds nommy. What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? All of the above! Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? I am in need of one for my nice soaps, as the ones built into the shower are right under the spray for some reason. If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Really, I'd love anything knitted. Socks might get more wear, as I'm not very good at figuring out what to do with accessories. Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? Yep! I'm fairly sure I'm a Ravenclaw, and I love both book and movie House colors. Ravenclaw paraphernalia would certainly be welcome. Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? There are probably a bunch on my wishlist. I missed last year's due to lack of funds. Off the top of my head, I want to try Dreadful Lies and The First of the Three Spirits. Ooh, and Nuclear Winter. Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? Very nearly all of them? Do you like coin purses? Yes. Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? Not too picky about chocolate, really. I even like that impostor "white chocolate" in peppermint bark. What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. Love cardamom. Anise is okay in small doses. Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? Very much! Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? I usually get a page-a-day Dilbert one for Christmas, but if you find a neat one of either variety, I'd love it. Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? If you have a charity you love and trust, go for it! Wouldn't say no to fair trade, either. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? I haven't got a tart burner, because my room is currently a fire hazard. Do you need any holiday recipes? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? I love to try new recipes. Send me all your favorites! (Unless they are seafood, in which case keep them FAR AWAY ) Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? I wasn't that interested in the Halloween ones, but the Yules are sounding interesting. I hear tell of one with an espresso note? I would be willing to overlook my general "no foodies" policies for a coffee shop scent. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? Nope! I love used bookstores - they smell the best. Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Ha, I think my answer to the earlier question on books answered that pretty well. For fandoms: Merlin (I want the Merlin and Arthur action figures so much!), Doctor Who, Firefly/Serenity, pretty much any variation of Sherlock Holmes. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? I love lemon! Send me all the lemon things! Fingerless mittens or full mitts? Either! I want some fingerless for work, but I love most varieties of winter-wear. Cthulhu: yes or no? Yes! Any crafty pursuits you’ve been dying to experiment with? Would you like a little kit of something you’ve never tried? Do you need any particular items for your new or existing stash? I don't really do anything crafty on a regular basis, but I like to dabble in calligraphy and am not really well-supplied for that. I'd love any kind of kit! I can almost guarantee that I will be terrible at whatever craft you'd like to introduce to me, but I will have a great time doing it. Would you rather have an early reveal, or would you prefer one close to the end of the round? No preference! Whatever my Fox would like is fine with me. Baking supplies? Baking supplies are my favorite! Crafts and I don't mix well, so I work out my desire to make things with food. I don't need anything basic, since I'm living with my parents until the next school year, and my mom's got all that covered, but holiday-specific things would be lovely, as would unusual-for-VA spices! Anniversary Update! Does anything interest you, Bunny? Everything! I love Beth's interpretations of light and time of day. I'd especially like to try Phoenix at Dawn and Phoenix at Midday, but then Dusk and Midnight are night blends, and I tend to adore those, too... Giant microbes? So cute!

chaismolokom

November 4, 2011

lioness' Blog

Winter Holiday Fun Swap Answers!

November 12th chile, yay or nay? (Example: I had a delicious dark chocolate bar the other day that had dried cherries and red chile....YUM! There are local cookies here that are shortbread type with chile. And of course, in NM we are famous for our chile ristras which are mostly decorative (though usually you could use the dried chiles if you wanted to).) November 11th Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or h ate it? Like some but not others? How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? November 10th Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? November 9th Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? Do you like coin purses? November 8th Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? November 7th What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? November 6th Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? Do you need any holiday recipies? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? fingerless mittens or full mitts? November 4th reveal, yes or no? Any favorite cuddly characters? Moxie Nouveau groupon? what's your favourite colour? Your favourite gemstone? Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? And do you have any intense phobias? Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? November 3rd What was the best holiday present you ever got? My cat, Rumpleteazer. I got him from my Mum and Grandfather for Easter the year my Grandfather died. I wish he lived with me here in Toronto, but alas, it didn't work out that way. I love going home to my parents to see him though. Bunny, what scent are you desperately wanting to be resurrected this year with the Anniversary update? I'm not even sure to be honest, maybe Le Père Fouettard November 2nd Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Off the top of my head, no, but I'll take a look online tomorrow and see if there's something I can come up with How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? Adore Marvel! I love the X-Men, Gambit is my favourite! But I adore Sailor Moon and Buffy comics too Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. I don't buy Lush, please don't send me any, thanks would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? Hum, Blackbird, The Englishman, Sweet Cheeks, The Queen is Dead, Lavender Truffle. Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have a dog, a shiba inu named Tenou, and two cats, Luna and Heroe, I also have a husband, Q, I tend to keep all my goodies away from him How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? Oooh yes! I adore the smell of Beeswax, and would love to get a candle, but I find they're always so expensive. Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? Never been to one, any goodies that my fox likes is good with me! The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? I would love to try her Snoggin' but I'm also interested in getting slips and sorbettos in Avast, Guy Fawkes and all three in Indian Summer. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? I sadly haven't gotten my weenie decants yet (My friend and I ordered together, we haven't had a chance to get together today yet) BUT, that said, I have a big feeling that I will be wanting at least one bottle of The Gorobble. I'm also very said that I missed grabbing a bottle of Beaver Moon Will you be away for any part of the round? Yes, I'm going to be visiting my sister in Edmonton from the 22nd-29th of November. I'm bringing my laptop, so I'll be online, but won't be able to receive or squee. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. No etsy store, I procrastinate too much.... What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I love Smutty historical romances (The smuttier the better, Avon is a great Publisher for those) and historical fiction, I love Dresden and Harry Potter, A Song of Ice and Fire and Sookie Stackhouse. I also like historical fantasy and vampire books. My favourite historical romances are the Regency period and the Scottish Highland series books. I also love our very own MeiLin's books If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I really like all christmas music to be honest. I have my favourite cds that I listen too, and I LOVE the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) Turkish Delight is one of my favourite candies in the world, sans nuts please! I also fairly like any floral candy. Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones ), the raw resin itself, anything?) Never Tried Mastic, but I'd be interested in trying it! How about Mulling Spices? Mmmm Mulling spices! i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter). I like Franks Red Hot, but like most people in the thread mentioned, I like the flavour rather than the heat. I should mention that I've had a weird reaction to a local hot sauce, and I've stayed away from that restaurant because of it. I wish I could tell you what was in it, but maybe it's best to stay away from that kind of thing. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Chapters or Amazon, Paintbox SoapWorks or Elements and Artifacts, Body Shop, Bpal? If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I love chocolate and stuff in chocolate! I love fruit flavours in chocolate, and I've been dying to try bacon chocolate for ages. The best chocolate bar I've ever eaten was Chocolove's Chilies & Cherries in Dark Chocolate. I also love plain Cadbury's Milk Chocolate Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? Um, Yes! Anything I saw that I was intrigued by has been favourited! Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? Of course! I've had 4 items put aside for me. I must be insane... October 30 Dear Snow Bunnies: Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? ORNAMENTS! YES! PLEASE! I want to get a small real tree this year if possible, and we have a VERY small collection of ornaments. Would you like a special ornament? YES! Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Of course! I've heard there's a black forest flavour, and that would be amazing! I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? BAKE ME GOODIES DEAR FOX! (Ahem, that is, if that's something you're into!) Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? No thanks, I have a ton of the like and a very small apartment. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Oh yes, that sounds awesome! Essential oils, I'd love something with Thyme in it, it's one of my favourite scents. Either sugar or salt is good, and probably middle ground for moistness. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? Yes! Jars, pillars, tarts, scents to go with are anything similar to my perfume likes, or take a look at other wls/question blogs. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores Sure! I use the paintbox mini bars as hand soap in the sink, so we can always use more. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Not a big fan of slippers, but I do love me some fun socks! I really like those tabi socks from sock dreams, where the big toe is separate from the other toes. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? http://www.ravelry.c...gap-tastic-cowl Not so much, I prefer scarves to be honest. talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? Decaf if coffee, I do have a french press, but I rarely drink coffee at home to be honest. I love tea, all flavours of tea, I have a tea cupboard of doom! Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I'll have to check it out, but I rarely wear more than eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? Never tried Cocoa pink, but I must say I am intrigued. I'll have to check it out when I have a moment and get back to you. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I love nail polish, I love all colours, though I am trying to find metalic gold/silver/bronze/copper/brass colours, and I like the Matte colours as well. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) With $50, no shipping, I'd get a bottle of Eclipse, and a bottle of Detox, and an imp of the lights of mens lives. October 29th So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? Do they sell Chocolove Chilies and Cherries in Dark Chocolate bars? Then, probably a couple of those Possibly nail polish, and some snack of some sort. Maybe a lip balm (I really like Blistex in the blue tub) or some really thick and as natural as possible body butter for my dry elbows and knuckles (winter skin) Maybe a foot soak item? Or some hair ties, bobby pins and clips. (We don't have walgreen's up here, but we do have something similar, so I was going off what they have at those stores) I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). I was looking at them, but holy crap they have a ton of stuff! I am really wanting to get some non Dutch processed Cocoa to make real red velvet cake, and I'd love some real cinnamon, past that, I'll have to look! Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? do you prefer machine washable materials? do you not care?)? Does a bear shit in the woods? sorry to be vulgur, I just REALLY love knitted goodies! I'm all set for scarves, but a hat/headband or gloves/mittens, (or even socks!) would be lovely! hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? As long as it's HUGE, of course! I drink pretty much everything out of mugs (my family thinks I'm weird) and I like using different ones once in a while Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? Hum, I'm not really sure, I liked these oat cake things I got once from Scottland (Or maybe they were bought in England... I can't remember lol!)

lioness

November 4, 2011

The Amber Dawn Blog

Switch Witch Help 2011 Part 3!

What's on your list of formerly fun activities to reclaim, witches?? Well, I don't know? I have been trying to be more actively adventurous and just have more fun with life in general with everything. As a Witchee, are you interested in clues to your Witch's identity? I'm pretty sure I would never ever be able to guess, so clues wouldn't be much help! Is anyone interested in participating in the sketchbook project 2012? I am, and have been for a year or two, but I know the date has passed. would you still want the project if it was a craft fail???? It's up to you. If you could repurpose or reuse the components later I'd rather you keep it, but it's the thought that counts!

The Amber Dawn

November 3, 2011

Maps and Legends

Everything you ever wanted to know about books...

Edited 4/4/13 to add links to amz, etc. Amazon Bookmooch - woefully out of date and a combo of me, my husband and my kid Goodreads - not so much a wishlist, but sort of what I'm poking around with Okay, maybe not exactly, but it dawned on me that it might not be a bad idea to toss my answers to the recent bookworm swap over this away, for the curious. What kind of books do you usually like? Any favorite authors, genres, or topics? I love urban and traditional fantasy, whether it be about vampires, fairies, steampunk or something strange happening in a castle far away. I definitely like the supernatural twist and have a yen for post-apocalyptic tales (e.g. Terry Brooks) and mystery and fantasy kids lit (think John Bellairs, Harry Potter, Neil’s kids books, the Garth Nix "Keys to the Kingdom" series, the Uglies series, and Clive Barker's kids books). I also like straight mysteries (particularly about the southwest US (Nevada Barr, J.A. Jance, Tony Hillerman, Kirk Mitchell) and I also really like Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series) and am woefully behind on new developments in that genre. Fave authors include Neil Gaiman, Ray Bradbury, Octavia Butler, Julliet Marrillier, Robin McKinley, Jacqueline Carey, Catherynne M. Valente, JK Rowling, John Bellairs, Jonathan Carroll, ...I could go on for a while, but the links below should really help. And I'm just getting into Charles de Lint. Pulling a list from a similar swap (kind of repetitive, but more info is better, right?): *Urban fantasy(DeLint, Gaiman, lots of people I really need to read, I'm sure) *Magical realism (Jonathan Carroll and the like) *Quasi-historical fantasy (I'm thinking things like a Juliet Marillier and some of the non-adaptation McKinley here and I'd probably put Outlander in this category for my purposes since I don't otherwise tend to enjoy historical romance) *Supernatural romance (vampire, werewolves, zombies, OH MY! Things I'm pretty well caught up on incudes Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, Kelly Armstrong, and I've read most LK Hamilton to the point where I just can't anymore ;-) *Sci-fi (although I tend to gravitate toward short stories in this genre - a la Ray Bradbury - and more worldbuilding Steampunky sorts of stuff than hard tech-geeky a-bunch-of-guys-land-on-a-strange-planet sort of stuff) *Mysteries/crime/detective novels (tho I'm more into the actual crime solving than the legal wrangling, so, more Sara Paretsky/Raymond Chandler/Michael Connelley than Scott Turow/John Grisham, also I sort of love true crime, which I rarely admit to and never seek out but adore when it falls in my lap) *Fairy tales (classics and adaptations and totally new interpretations) *Mythology adaptations (really, just kind of in love with adaptations of almost any sort, including comic versions especially the original text classics) *Authurian/Avalon myth (this is a fairly recent acquisition, so it's good mining as well is my guess. I've got MZB covered, but otherwise...) *Comics/graphic novels (not so much superhero stuff for the most part, but there's a lot of BPAL related stuff I haven't read) *Kids lit of any of the above, especially the mystery/fantasy bit (loving Rick Riordan with my 8 year old right now!) Any authors, genres or topics you really dislike? I am not a fan of Jim Butcher, oddly. I should be, but he just doesn't grab me. Similarly, Holly Black and I have never really hit it off. I think most of my other "dislikes" are touched on below. Do you consider yourself "well-read"? Well-read within a particular genre? Kinda, in that I read all-the-damn-time. There are huge gaping holes in my knowledge base, though, as I'm kind of a magpie. How do you feel about classics? I'm kind of embarassed to admit this, but kind of meh. I love Dickens, but otherwise, can pretty much take or leave most lit written before 1900. I know, I'm a philistine. Would you like something challenging/outside your comfort zone or would you prefer something fairly close to what you know you like? I would definitely like *something* in my comfort zone. There's a pretty deep well there, I think. I would absolutely love to discover new authors within genres I like and am happy to discover things kind of on the fence. Pride, Prejudice and Zombies sorts of crossovers hold no interest for me, though. How do you feel about nonfiction? I'm typically not a huge fan, to be honest. I do tend to like narrative non-fic storytelling along the lines of Sarah Vowell or Chuck Klosterman (I just bought his new novel, FYI), but I really look to recreational reading for escapism. I do love a good political firebrand, but I have a lot of that unread on my shelves at the moment. Although, as noted above, true crime is kind of my secret shame. Are you ok with something like a graphic novel or young adult book? Abso-frikkin-lutely. I love graphic novels and YA lit. What makes you pick a book up and want to read it right away? What makes you put something down and never want to pick it up again? You know, I have no idea. My main go-to books that I read over and over again are Gaiman's Neverwhere, McKinley's Chalice and the Harry Potter series. They are all escapist fantasy to some extent, but I read plenty of other things in the same genres, but don't feel compelled to read them repetedly. Those books, though, feel like slipping between the pages and into a whole new world, almost like pulling up the covers in bed on a cold night. I know I just mixed my metaphors, but I don't care. ;-) In terms of putting things down, while I have no particular issues with violence and gore, being shocking and gross just for the sake of being shocking and gross just doesn't appeal to me. And I have no issues with genre tropes, but I really really need a story and some fabulous characterization as well. Would you be open to receiving ebooks? If so, what sort of reader do you have, and do you prefer electronic or physical books? YES! I would love/prefer kindle books, to be honest, but would be perfectly happy to get physical goodness as well. And for anything with color pics (e.g. graphic novels) the Kindle just won't cut it. For physical books, used is a-ok.

Em-

November 3, 2011

coldandsleepy's coldandspeaky

Winter Holiday Fun Swap questions!

Newest questions on top!! 11/12/11-11/21/11 Cthulu? I am down with Cthulu! Yes! Baking supplies? Ingredients-wise, nothing's springing to mind... vegan white chocolate chips, but they're a pain to get your hands on. Maybe vanilla bean paste? Seasonal: maybe colored sugars like someone else mentioned? Utensils etc-wise, I've been looking for a one piece silicone spatula for a while. I have one that I like but could use more! I loooooove cookie cutters and am always happy to get more. I have basic stuff (circles, diamonds, simple stars, etc) but would love to get seasonal cookie cutters. Anniversary Update! I'm a little relieved to say that nothing in this one is an absolute MUST HAVE for me. All four of the time-of-days have death notes in them for me, though I'm still really interested in sniffing at Dusk & Midnight. I'd love a tiny sniff of Leather Phoenix but again, there's patchouli which I usually don't do well. Plush microbes? They're totally adorable, but I already have some! I think they came from my sister-in-law who works at Archie McPhee. Not really dying for any of the others. Would you rather have an early reveal, or would you prefer one close to the end of the round? No big preference! I think for a little round like this, it's probably the most fun to wait until the end, but if you wanna reveal December 1st or something, I'll still love you. Geek Chic cosmetics: Nope... I love the idea but I don't really do makeup. chile, yay or nay? (Example: I had a delicious dark chocolate bar the other day that had dried cherries and red chile....YUM! There are local cookies here that are shortbread type with chile. And of course, in NM we are famous for our chile ristras which are mostly decorative (though usually you could use the dried chiles if you wanted to).) YES chile! I love all chiles, and in sweet or savory applications. Dried chiles are an ingredient I can always use more of... no matter how many dried anchos/pasillas/chipotles/whatevers I buy, I always seem to be out of them. November 11th Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or h ate it? Like some but not others? I like most dried fruit. I really, really love dried apricots. Not super into dried bananas (though my son LOVES them so they *would* end up eaten at my house). I don't like freeze-dried stuff in general-- freeze-dried berries are gross. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? I freaking love cherries. They're one of my top five favorite fruits, and when they're in season and I can afford them, I gorge myself silly on them... and then when they're not in season/are too expensive, then I eat cherry jam. Mmm, cherry jam. I've never had them in salsa/hot sauce/BBQ sauce but am intrigued by all three. What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above Any of the above! I guess stripes are my favorite, then solids, then weird stuff (yay argyle!) and finally polka dots. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/11/11 November 9th Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? *cry* Everything. Okay, not everything. I did a post in the Oak Moon thread detailing my thoughts on each one if you're really curious. I also bought myself a butt ton of decants already. Stuff I didn't already get decants of but would love to try: many of the returning scents. Egg Nog, Noche Buena, Boite en Diablo, Yule, etc. Do you like coin purses? Not really. I have a tendency to lose them. Which um, runs counter to their purpose. Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? Dark dark dark! There are some vegan milk chocolates out there (Rice Dream makes one, and there are some others) and I like that sometimes... but milk chocolate mostly reminds me of the crappy chocolates I ate as a little kid. Dark's the way to go! What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. Very positive! I love them both! Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? I do I do! Vinegars more so than oils, but really, ingredients to cook with are always a hit with me. Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? Wouldn't mind a big wall calendar at all. I like having a little planner book on hand but my iphone has kind of taken over that purpose. If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Both sound so nice. Um... really, that's hard. The socks would probably get more use. Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? Sure! Especially if you're painting it yourself or something. Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? I love HP but am not really part of the fandom per se. I want to be a Gryffindor but I'm resigned to the fact that I'd probably be a Ravenclaw. Going to grad school on a fellowship fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine, which was to get paid to go to school. Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? 2010 was a rough year for me financially and I missed out on ALL the Yules. There are a ton of Nutcracker scents that I wanted to try... I would loooove a decant or even a sniffie of some of those. I'm pretty set on Yules from years before that, though there are some classics that I still haven't managed to try and would love to sniff. --------------------------------------- 11/7/11 49. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? Basically always, yes. 50. Coffee or tea? With caffeine or without? Flavors (if so, what?) or no? Whole bean/ground/loose leaf/bags? I think this is a repeat question... but in general, yes to coffee (with caffeine), not huge into tea right now (though always open to chai). 51. Do you have a strong preference for any sort of bath and body product brands (i.e. etailer/etsy type cos, department store/specialty brands like Lush) or are you cool with anything that doesn't smell like Bunnybane? I prefer etailer/Etsyish bath & body stuff just because they tend to be more natural ingredientwise and less like here why don't you slather this long list of unpronounceable chemicals onto your skin/hair? 52. A question: reveal, yes or no? Reveals make me happy! But it's your call. 53. Any favorite cuddly characters? No particular favorites. My son is CRAZY about Totoro and My Little Pony (really), so if you send anything Totoro-y or vaguely equine, he will freak out with happiness and try to steal it from me. 54. Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? Sure, this is always a nice idea. 55. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? Nope, I don't do tarts. 56. Do you need any holiday recipes? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? Do I *need* recipes? No. Do I *want* them? Always! There's nothing I can think of in particular, but I love food and I love cooking and you can basically never go wrong with a food related gift for me. 57. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? I'm sure they're lovely but I don't really do candles. 58. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? Nope! Used is good! As long as we're not talking used soap or cosmetics. 59. Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Ha ha ha. I am a big ol' nerd for SO MANY THINGS. Science, math, anything computer related, languages, cooking, um... yeah. 60. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? Very positive! I love lemon! 61. Fingerless mittens or full mitts? I need things either with no fingers or with individual fingers. I can't do a mitten style all my fingers are trapped inside of this one bit and pressed together type of glove. --------- 11/4/11 Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? They don't have ingredients listed, so I can't say for sure... if the hard candies are vegan, I'd be willing to try them! They're so preeeetty! Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? Think I was waaaaay too slow on this. The E&A stuff is really beautiful, I'd love to have one of her necklaces some day. What was the best holiday present you ever got? My sister was born on Christmas. That's hard to beat. (Awwwww *puke* I just grossed myself out with sentimentality.) I am blanking on anything beyond that! Bunny, what scent are you desperately wanting to be resurrected this year with the Anniversary update? Hmmm... there's nothing that I would expect to actually see resurrected that I'm dying for. But I would love to someday see Sleepy Moon come back, and Fearful Pleasure. (I know FP is extremely unlikely as it was part of a specific themed Weenie set, but ah, a girl can dream!) Groupon for Moxie Nouveau! Dear Bunneh, is this something that would interest you? Hmmm... I'm not a big lotion person so that part of the deal would be wasted on me. Their Christmas scents look amazing though... so... maybe, if you can use the Groupon on those! Bun-bun, what's your favourite colour? Red! And grey. And well... I like most colors. Your favourite gemstone? Amethyst, labradorite, onyx, and that blue one I always forget the name of... um, I like gem stones. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? The noble tree kangaroo! Also, guinea pigs. And do you have any intense phobias? I don't like gore, am bothered by the grotesque, and am unable to handle death related things. Other than that, I don't like actual bugs much but stuffed bugs/images of insects etc don't bother me! Oh, and I have a huge physically revulsion to mold. You weren't going to mail me mold, were you? Facebook/twitter: I'm on Facebook under my real name, but dunno how you would add me while still being sneaky. I have a twitter account under coldandsleepy but I basically never use it. ----------------------------------------------------- so...someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from walgreens to ONLY use on things for yourself. no necessities here. what do you buy? Hm... I am really not much of a drug store shopper. The only thing I go there for (other than medication) are diaper wipes for my kid. That's not helpful! I'll buy... $20 worth of dark rum! I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). Penzey's! Cool! I really want some ground sumac, which I think they might carry. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? do you prefer machine washable materials? do you not care?)? Yes, I like them! I didn't mention this in my questionaire so let me clarify here: wool does not bother me ethically. I don't want to go into a long discussion of this, but suffice to say, I'm fine with getting wool things if that's what you want to send. hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? I own more mugs than jesus. That's a lot of mugs. ... but I'm still open to any really cool mugs. Like if you painted one yourself or something, I'd totally be on that. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? Hm... I'm from the east coast and I miss good bagels, gigantic soft pretzels, and hoagies. (None of those are really mailable, huh?) Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? This is my first year not visiting my in-laws (who don't do a tree... they decorate the potted plants in their living room but it's not the same) for Christmas in EIGHT YEARS! We're staying home because I'll be like 38 or 39 weeks pregnant. Am I going to do a tree? I am going to DO THE HELL out of a tree. There will probably be some very basic theme, just because we'll be getting ornaments all at once and not bit by bit over the years. Probably 1 or 2 colors of balls plus I'm thinking of making water/flour/salt ornaments with my kid. And lights. Would you like a special ornament? Totally, totally, totally open to a special ornament. Don't worry about theme. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Nay, not vegan, alas. I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? Um, I am the opposite of squicked out by homemade foods. You could tell me that your cat licked the cookies and you coughed all over them and I'd still be like "awwww, that's so sweet, you baked for me!" Definitely prefer homemade. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? Sure! I love fancy dishes. Winter/Christmas related preferred since we're never home for Thanksgiving, but I'm down with Fall themed too! My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Sure! I dig simple scents... maybe lavender and citrus? Rose and citrus? Rose and lavender? Ooh, you know what I love? Eucalyptus! Sugar or salt scrub's fine, though I do like a nice moist scrub. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? Not really. :/ I like candles but never have an opportunity to burn them. And as much as I like scent on myself, I don't really scent my atmosphere at all. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores I own a hilarously huge amount of soap. There's always room for one more. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Love them! Wear them! Love Sock Dreams too! Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? (Cowl) It looks like it might be nice to wear while biking in the morning, when I freeze my metaphorical balls off. I like a nice red, but really I am very easy going about color. No pastels, no bright yellow (unless it's part of a blend of colors), but otherwise, I'm good. new question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? Mmm, coffee. Whole bean is good and preferrable because I go through coffee pretty slowly right now (at a rate of a single 10oz cup per day). I don't mind coffee with say, cinnamon added (mmm, cinnamon) but I'm not really into flavored coffees. I prefer darker roasts over lighter roasts. My favorite roasters are all local guys... if you have local coffee roasters, I would LOVE to try whatever they have. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I don't really do makeup (aside from sheer lip tints, which I'm okay with) so nope. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? They definitely have stuff that sounds interesting to me... I have an answer to this in one of my SW questions blog and if this is particularly relevant to you, drop a hint somehow and I'll be happy to dig it up for you. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I can't wear it to work, and am too lazy to apply it in general anyway, so no. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) This another one where I already have a detailed answer written up but... I would love to try imps of basically all of the newer Mad Tea Party scents. I would also probably buy myself a bottle of Ta-Ta because I am kind of crazy for it. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Nothing's coming to mind right now... I already have How the Grinch Stole Christmas, that's about it. I like Christmas movies though and now that I have a kid at home, I'd be happy to rewatch some other classics. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? Not a superhero fan really. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. Like all of their vegan Christmas stuff appeals to me... I am big into bubble bars. My 2 year old and I take a lot of bubble baths, so um, yeah, we can always use more. French Kiss is my favorite, but I'm pretty easy to please. Also, question, dearest bunnies: would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? Groan. Yes. I want *everything* from Paintbox. Maybe a Paintbox with: Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh The Man in the Moon The Englishman The Olive Tree NEW QUESTION! - Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have a 2 year old son who is pretty good about not sticking foreign objects in his mouth, etc. He would be delighted to receive a little treat, he thinks anything that comes in the mail is rightfully his anyway. I also have 2 guinea pigs, Pingpong and Ianto, but they are pretty good about letting me have my mail. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? No thanks. I'm not terribly opposed to things that include honey or beeswax, but I don't search them out and wouldn't have any use for either component. NEW QUESTION: Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I like TJ's but have several in my area. (Oh, California.) The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? *cry* I want it allllll. I'm really drawn to Comfort & Joy and would love it either in a soap or sorbetto. Snoggin' too. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? Hmmmm... maybe Gorobble? Or Pumpkin Latte? I adore Ta Ta but am almost definitely going to buy a bottle for myself. Will you be away for any part of the round? Briefly-- I'll be out of town from the day before Thanksgiving til the Monday after. Other than that, no! What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I'll read anything. I'm a book ho. Especially into memoirs and science fiction. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? This may make you laugh, since I'm like "oh I'm so secular", but I freaking love traditional religious Christmas music. Ave Maria? OH yeah! And many more. I sang in a Catholic choir in my youth and have never gotten over my love for that stuff, even if I got over the rest of it. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses?/mastic? Roses, YES! Mastic, I don't know but I'd love to find out! i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter). Love spicy things, but I'm prone to acid reflux right now. (Pregnancy again.) So I have to limit it to moderate/mild spice at present. Sriracha-- still doable. Hotter than that? Probably too hot for right now. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Theo Chocolates in Seattle. I don't know why that's the first thing that came to mind but um, yeah. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? Nothing to avoid but animal products! I love nuts, fruits, spices, etc. I'm a sucker for anything with candy cane in it around Christmas, and candied nuts, and um, anything else really...

coldandsleepy

November 3, 2011

starfish327's Blog

Holiday Fun Swap Q's

Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? I don’t have a tart burner (yet). The scents I’m most interested in are: Silk Sheets, Tease, Bombshell, Sex Kitten, Winter’s Kiss, Exp #2 and Exp #4. Do you need any holiday recipies? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? Don’t need anything but love getting new recipes to try. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? I missed out on the candles but I hope they do more. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? No problem as long as it’s in good condition. Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Sociology (my major). I’m a fan of anime/manga, love fantasy and sci-fi (I’ve gotten into D&D recently), and video games. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? I love lemon pound cake and a good lemon cookie is also nice. Not a fan of things like marmalade and similar things. fingerless mittens or full mitts? Either one is fine, though I tend to prefer fingerless as I can actually do things easier without having to take them off. reveal, yes or no? Yes please! I plan to reveal and I hope my Fox does too. Any favorite cuddly characters? what's your favourite colour? Red, Pink, Black Your favourite gemstone? Garnet, opal, goldstone (both standard and gold) Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? Imaginary: Dragons Real: Wolves (dogs in general), cats And do you have any intense phobias? Not really. Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? Not this year – hoping to attempt next year. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I could use a box to separate my imps. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I can’t have enough Christmas music. Style-wise, anything goes really – I haven’t heard a lot of indie, modern and poppy is fine (but, while I don’t think he has done anything, NO Justin Beiber), and you can’t go wrong with traditional. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) I don’t think I’ve tried anything that’s rose flavored – wouldn’t mind trying it in gum form. Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones ), the raw resin itself, anything?) Not really (but it does sound like it would be great in an Easter bun). How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? I’m definitely a Marvel girl, but don’t mind DC (most familiar with Batman, would like to read Wonder Woman and Green Lantern; I really want to play Arkham Asylum and Arkham City). Favorite Marvel characters: Dr Strange and Phoenix. i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter). I tend to go for the lowest heat, but I don’t mind mild/medium. I love a good sweet sauce. I need to find a good wing place here – back in TX, I had Wing Stop (supposedly, there’s one a few hours away from where I live) and I loved the wings at Jack Astor’s (never had a wing similar anywhere). If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Sephora, etsy stores, Pier 1 Imports, Uncles Games If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I tend to like my chocolate plain, be it in bar or truffle form. I don’t think I have any favorite holiday candies – will let you know if I think of something. How about mulling spices? I’ve always wanted to try mulled wine so this would be great. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Sure! I think I’d prefer a sugar and something that would give me some moisture. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I love candles of any and all kinds. Nothing overly strong. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores. I tend to use a liquid soap for handwashing but I do use bar soap for the shower. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? I do enjoy socks, and need to get a new pair of slippers. I love Sock Dreams. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? http://www.ravelry.c...gap-tastic-cowl I probably wouldn’t mind getting that – definitely would keep my neck warm. talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? I really can’t stand coffee. I do like tea though. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I’ve been wanting to try their lip tars for a while (pretty much any of the colors). Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I haven’t tried anything from Cocoa Pink yet. Scents: Black Vanilla, Champagne Sugar, Disco Lemonade, Fairytale, Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Something Wicked, Voodoo Berry, White Tea. Products: whipped topping cream soap, perfume, goatmilk & honey body lotion. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I adore nail polish. I tend to go for reds, purples, blues and greens. I’m fine on all types of formula preference, but I do love me some chemicals (older polish seems to be better than the three free ones). If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) Glittering Apple of the Stars and RPG imps. Will you be away for any part of the round? No, as far as I know. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I read mostly fantasy and sci-fi, with some mystery and horror. Can’t think of anything that I’m anxious to read. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? Not the biggest fan of honey by itself – wouldn’t mind it if it was used in baking. Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I know of one store near me but I go once in a blue moon, usually because a friend wants to go there.

misamisa01

November 2, 2011

holborne's Blog

Holiday Swap Questions!

Thank you for being my Fox! Here are my answers to the questions so far. If there's anything else you'd like to know that I'm not answering here, please ask! So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? A Yes to Carrots Body Butter, a bag of Snickers (the fun size, not the wimpy itty-bitty square things), and a Milani Liquif'Eye eye pencil in Black. I live near a brick and mortar location for a really, really good spice store. Would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (It's Penzey's if you want to Google it.) I live near another really good spice place, so I usually get my stuff there, but thanks! Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivities or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? Do you prefer machine washable materials? Do you not care?)? I knit myself, so I love knitted goods! I adore alpaca, but I love any kind of wool. I tend to hand wash everything and not send much to the laundry, so hand washable or machine washable is fine! Hey swap partner... could you use a new mug? No, I don't use mugs very often. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? Nothing that can be shipped, really. Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? I actually don't do a tree, mostly because I'm too lazy but also because I was raised Jewish and just never really felt a huge need to have one. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Love them! Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? I love getting homemade goods! But I certainly don't insist on it -- if you're not a cook or baker, that's fine! Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? Honestly, I don't think anything like that would get much use in my house, but thanks! My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a body scrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Sure, I'd love that! I love lavender and vanilla scents for bath products, and I prefer sugar (easier on the skin). I'd also prefer drier to moister, as my skin is oily-ish. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? If yes, then what kind? Scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I do like candles. My favorite one right now is an opoponax scented one, and it's just white in a glass container. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores.... As I said in the thread, I use them! I love fancy hand soaps, and actually, I haven't used plain soap in years. I love cocoa butter anything, and I also have a geranium soap I'm very fond of (I don't recall the brand -- I think I got it at Whole Foods). Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? I love slippers, but am too lazy to buy them for myself. I also love fuzzy socks to pad around the house in when it gets cold. I've never ordered from Sock Dreams, but their stuff looks fab. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? Totally! I love deep reds, very dark greens, dark grey, black. New question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? Oddly, I don't really like hot drinks. I almost never drink coffee, and I drink tea really only when I'm not feeling well. I will drink almost any flavor of tea, although I don't care much for fruity ones. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? Love them so much! I like any of the lip tars in the red/pink range. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I have not, but some of their scents look very nice. Almost anything foodie appeals to me, except coffee and generally apple, although there are exceptions to the latter. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? Love nail polish SO MUCH. My favorites are OPI and Butter London, and I like Essie, Sally Hansen, and Zoya too. Colors: anything red or blue, and some dark, blackened greens. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) One bottle each of Halloween Las Vegas and Black Apple of Saturn. That leaves me $10, right? So that would go toward a bottle of Aizen-Myoo. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Nope, I have my two favorites: A Christmas Story and Bad Santa. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? I used to be a big Marvel fangirl, but haven't been for many years now. When I was, though, I loved Daredevil. Yeah, I know, pretty weird, but at least it wasn't The Silver Surfer. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. Not a big fan of Lush, actually. I don't mind Lemony Flutter, but that's about it. Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? I didn’t even know about that shop before Switch Witch, so thanks to whoever pointed it out! I just added a bunch of stuff from there to my etsy wishlist. Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have two cats, but they're good for stuff right now. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? I love honey, especially the lighter, more flowery varieties. I also like beeswax in many forms, such as the hand lotion that's basically a lump of beeswax. Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? Love Trader Joe's, but it's right near my office so I don't need anything from there. The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? Yes, and I've put them on my etsy wishlist! (Victorious Sun and Comfort and Joy stuff, if you don't feel like looking at etsy at the moment.) If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? Halloween Las Vegas, Nothing but Death, and Boo 2011. I've ordered a bottle of the first two but not the last one. Will you be away for any part of the round? I'm not planning to be. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. Alas, I have no Etsy store, as most of the stuff I make tends to come out either bent or six months behind schedule, or both. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I generally like literary fiction. If you're a member of Goodreads, you can stalk me, here. Right now, I'm reading "The Marriage Plot" by Jeffrey Eugenides. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I'm kind of eh on Christmas music. I blame this on my in-laws, who never stop blaring the stuff from about October 1 onwards. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) I LOVE LOVE LOVE rose flavor! In fact, just last night I had a rose macaron that was to die for. And delicious goo that you eat out of a glass jar!! Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones), the raw resin itself, anything?) Never heard of it before now, but I'd definitely like to try it. I live in the city of the chicken wing. If I were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? My heat tolerance is quite high. Like, on a scale of 1 to 10, I'd put it at an 8.5 or so. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a gift card from anywhere, as in any store food-wise, music wise etc., what gift card would you like? iTunes, Amazon, or Powells.com. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I love nuts in my chocolate, especially almonds or hazelnuts. I actually don't care very much for dark chocolate, oddly enough. Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? Just about anything from there EXCEPT anything coffee-flavored. Yuck yuck yuck. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? Not so much, no -- they're very pretty but not all that much my style. What was the best holiday present you ever got? A pair of earrings from my husband -- white gold with teeny diamonds. Bunny, what scent are you desperately wanting to be resurrected this year with the Anniversary update? I haven't been into BPAL for long enough to have an answer for this one! I guess I'd love to see what Gluttony smelled like. Groupon for Moxie Nouveau! Dear Bunneh, is this something that would interest you? Their stuff looks great, so sure! Bun-bun, what's your favourite colour? Your favourite gemstone? Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? And do you have any intense phobias? Color: Anything in the red and pink range. Gemstone: Hard to pick one, but I'd say pink tourmaline or blue topaz. I also love garnet. Animal: Fox! I love foxys. I also love wombats (truly). I love most cats and all dogs. Ok, most dogs. Phobia: Clowns. Seriously, they make my stomach hurt. Reveal, yes or no? I would prefer my Fox to reveal, but will be cool if she doesn't want to. I plan to reveal, as I think that's part of the fun. Nano'ing? No, I'm more of a reader than a writer. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I do, in fact! The only kind I'd sort of prefer not to receive is plain, unfinished wood, as I'm not crafty in that way and I think I'd feel guilty every time I looked at it that I hadn't done something to it yet. Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? I'm pretty particular about the charities I'll support. A couple that come to mind are Heifer International and Puppies Behind Bars. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? Her stuff sounds great! Peacock Plumes, Innocence, Silk Sheets, and Mae West's Diamonds all sound very nice. Do you need any holiday recipes? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? I'm a baker, so I'm good for holiday recipes. I do not believe in low/no sugar, since I have a raging sweet tooth. And I can't think of anything in particular I'd like to have baked -- anything my Fox wants to make me would be great! Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Don't know if this counts, but I'm a big true crime geek. I not only read books of that genre, but I also like more scholarly treatments of crime and criminal justice. Examples of the former are Fatal Vision by Joe McGuinness; examples of the later are The Collapse of American Criminal Justice by William Stuntz. Lemon? Yes, I LURVE anything lemon! I'd probably eat lemon-flavored bacon and I'm not kidding. Pink? Happens to be my favorite color! Well, that and red. Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? You know, I actually am very picky about the olive oils I'll use, and I'm not incredibly crazy about most artisan vinegars. But thanks! What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. I love both those flavors, particularly anise. Any crafty pursuits you’ve been dying to experiment with? Would you like a little kit of something you’ve never tried? Do you need any particular items for your new or existing stash? Only about a million. I'd love to learn how to make soaps. Also, I really am a very poor seamstress, so I'd love to learn how to sew better (needle and thread, not a machine -- no room for a machine, alas), and I'd love to brush up my embroidery skills which um what's the word I'm looking for oh yes SUCK. I'm always open to receiving Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarns -- it's acrylic, but it comes in an amazing range of colors and I use them to make amigurumi, so I really can use just about any color at all, including ones I normally don't care for like tan and olive green. Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? Funny question for me, because I'm totally disorganized and spent literally years trying to train myself to use calendars. I tried cute ones, arty ones, expensive ones -- I'd buy the damn things and never use them. What finally did it for me: the iPhone. That's the only calendar I've ever actually been able to use in a way that works for me. So that's a long way of saying, No, I don't think calendars would really be useful for me, but thanks! Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or hate it? Like some but not others? I love pretty much any dried fruit, with the possible exception of papaya. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? I love all the cherries! I do prefer tart, though. I love them in just about any form, although I do confess to being slightly dubious about cherry salsa. What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? I prefer solid or ribbed tights. I'm a little less conservative with socks, and I love polka dots in general. Weird patterns don't suit me very well. I also would prefer solid scarves, although I'd be fine with a self-striping yarn in a pretty color. Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? I'm good for those, but thanks! Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? I ordered about a thousand decants (17, to be exact). I'm really looking forward to trying Pink Snowballs, Beautiful and Adored, and The Deepest Mysteries of Creation, among others, but those are the ones that come to mind. Do you like coin purses? I have nothing against them, but I really wouldn't use one. Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? Milk. Milk milk milk. I don't care very much for dark chocolate, actually. fingerless mittens or full mitts? Definitely fingerless. Chile, yay or nay? Definitely yay chiles!! I love hot anything. Would you rather have an early reveal, or would you prefer one close to the end of the round? Whatever my witch wants to do will be cool, but honestly my preference is for a late reveal.

holborne

November 2, 2011

Bloggity Blog!

My Stash: Bottles AND imps!

So, I have several bottles, which I have linked in my sig, but I really thought I should put my ENTIRE collection somewhere so that others can see what I've got. I'll edit later to add the levels for the ones I don't know off the top of my head. Slash through ones I no longer have, <3's next to my favourites! Bottles: Aglaea<3 Bathtub Gin<3 Blue Fire<3 Blue Pumpkin Floss Doc Constantine<3 Fearful Pleasure<3 Gacela of the Dark Death<3 Ghoulish Gingerbread Poppet Ginger Skulls Gun Moll*<3 Gunpowder Hell-Gate of Ireland, The<3 Hunger Moon x2*<3 Infernal Lover<3 Knockout Drops Mead Moon Nothing Gold Can Stay<3 Pickled Imp Pom III<3 Punkie Night<3 Spicebush Swallowtail<3 Tomoe Gozen (Bath Oil) Thirteen (13) (2/09)<3 Val Sans Retour<3 Western Diamond Back Imps: Aelopile Antikythera Mechanism, The Arachne Asp Viper Australian Copperhead Baghdad Banded Sea Snake Belle Vinu Bengal Blue Fire<3 Boomslang Captain Cully<3 Cernunnos Cheshire Cat Chewing Little Bits of String Cleopatra Testing Poisons on Those Condemned to Death Sweet Clove (Single Note)<3 Coral Snake Cottonmouth Dancing Koi Dark Chocolate, Lime & Chocolate Mint Death Adder Delousing Powder Eclipse El Nuevo Puritano Fascinum Feast of the Greatly Revered Ones, The Follow Me Boy Golden Priapus<3 Green Tree Viper Habu Halloween in New Orleans<3 Harlequin & Columbine Hay Moon<3 Hellfire (Old formulation?) Hesperides, The High John the Conqueror Holiday Moon Hungry Ghost Moon Hunter Katharina<3 Kelly Pool King Cobra Kingsport<3 Lady MacBeth<3 Le Pére Fouettard Loosening of the Obi Loup Garou Loviatar<3 Lydia Magus March Hare Mary Read Moon of Small Spirits Mort De Cesar<3 Mother Ginger Mourning Moon Muilearteach Needle in a Haystack Nero Nothing Gold Can Stay<3 Old Goblin, The Olokun Peony Moon Phantom of the Trailer Park Plunder<3 Pom I Pom II<3 Pom III<3 Pom IV<3 Pom V Pumpkin IV (2009) Pumpkin Latte Pumpkin Patch 1 (2005/2006)<3 Sachs Santa Eularia Des Riu Saw-Scaled Viper Scherezade Shub-Niggurath Siren Slobbering Pine Smiling Spider, The Snake Oil Spanked Standing Female Nude Tamora Temple Viper The Night-Raven The Scales of Deprivation Theodosius The Legerdemain Thoos<3 Thousand Pillar (PROTO ATMO) Tombstone<3 Vanilla Cupcake Vasilissa Velvet Virginia Waltz of the Snowflakes, The Western Diamond Back Whitechapel Whoop Winter of Our Discontent Xiuhtecuhtli Yew-Trees Yggdrasil Soaps: Sagardoa<3 Honey Pumpkin Stout* * In transit

archionblu

November 1, 2011

Maps and Legends

~Snow Bunny Quests~

NEW QUESTIONS ADDED 11.21 3:30 ish Milk or dark chocolate: Yes please! I like to think that I prefer dark, but really, secretly, I think I like milk just a little better, and I prefer bits in (crispies, caramel, fruit, etc). White is nice too. Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? I ordered everything that I'm seriously interested in and have updated my wishlist with what I didn't order. Coin purses: I think I already answered this one, but I probably wouldn't get much use out of one. If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? Yes please! I really truly would love either. Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? I don't really have a use (or a place) for one, honestly. Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? YES! I'm mostly Ravenclaw, with a side of either Gryffindor or Slytherin, depending on who's sorting. I would love a house scarf, as I think I already mentioned. Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? There's nothing that screams at me, but what I want to try is in my wishlist. Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or h ate it? Like some but not others? I'm not opposed to it, but dried fruit is not something I'd ever actively seek out unless I'm making fruitcake. I do LOVE fruitcake. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? All your cherries are belong to me. I'm not so into hot sauce, though. Bunnies! What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? Patterns are love. Random not-so-patterns are also love. Bunny, are you interested in anything from Geek Chic Cosmetics? I've never heard of them. I do wear makeup, but other than a nice blue-black mascara, I'm pretty set at the moment. Chile, yay or nay? Herm. Neither? I like a little heat, but I'm set for spicy chocolate and it's not a flavor I actively seek out otherwise. Would you rather have an early reveal, or would you prefer one close to the end of the round? I do love me a surprise, but so long as you reveal at some point, I'm good either way. Stuffed microbes from Think Geek LOVE THEM! Every year I covet the Christmas boxes. Baking supplies? I think I've covered this pretty well? Anniversary Update! Does anything interest you, Bunny? The only one I didn't order was Midnight, since the jasmine has the potential to be fatal. I'd love a sniffie of that one, otherwise, I'm set. Cthulhu, yes or no? Of course! NEW QUESTIONS ADDED 11.7 @ 2:00ish A question: reveal, yes or no? Please yes! I hate not knowing who to thank! I do love the suspense of wondering who is sending to me, though. I usually reveal in the last shipment. Any favorite cuddly characters? I used to be really into Sanrio, but not so much anymore. I love Uglydolls. And Kermit. But mostly I just like soft cuddly things. I don't really collect anything anymore. Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? Sure. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? Wow, those look amazing. I'd be interested in trying tarts or candles of any of the following: Insomniac, Tease, Teatime With Mary Pickford, Innocence, Bombshell, ANY of the autumn or winter seasonals, Exp 3 or 5, Sex Kitten, Pornography Do you need any holiday recipes? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? I don't *need* any holiday recipes, but I'd love any you'd like to share, along with just about any baked goods. I like savories as well as sweets, but there's *no* need to avoid sugar. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? Both Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie sound amazing. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? Not at all! Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? Not really. The book post I linked below probably answers this best. I am sort of into Harry Potter fandom, but not madly. Probably my nerdiest passion is Shakespearian adaptations, like Kurasawa's Ran and Throne of Blood, Rosencranz and Gildenstern are Dead and the like. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? All your lemon are belong to me. Fingerless mittens or full mitts? Er...I've never had fingerless, so I have no idea! Although reading some of the comments to this one, it would seem that I need some fingerless gloves for those days when it's frakkin cold in my office and I can no longer use my space heater because it keeps tripping the breaker. Not that I'm bitter about that or anything. Pink? I don't hate pink, especially if it veers toward raspberry/purply, but it's definitely not a fave. Thematic scarves? Extrapolating from the Tom Baker scarf discussion, I am not enough of a Doctor Who fan to covet this particular scarf, but I would love a Hogwarts house scarf! Ravenclaw or Slytherin, or Slytherclaw (which would work well with the movie colors). What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. I'm not sure my love for anise and cardamom can be adequately conveyed through the written word. BRING THEM ON!!!!! Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? Very much. I have rather a surplus of EVOO at the moment though. I keep meaning to make my own infused oils and can never gather the right supplies (bottles and such). In terms of vinegars, I love love love them. Any crafty pursuits you’ve been dying to experiment with? Would you like a little kit of something you’ve never tried? Do you need any particular items for your new or existing stash? I would love to learn to knit, but I fail miserably at any yarncraft I try. I have done needlepoint in the past and am pretty good at it, but I haven't done it in years. 2012 calendar? Not really. We get really nice freebies through our zoo membership, so I'm set for my wall calendar. A page a day calendar could be fun if my Fox sees something that just screams my name, otherwise, I'm good, calendar wise. NEW QUESTIONS ADDED 11.4 @ 3:00ish Stealing coldandsleepy's idea to put the new ones first: What was the best holiday present you ever got? Oh wow. A couple of years ago my husband managed to completely and utterly surprise me with a stained glass window that is the perfect complement to one we already had hanging in our living room, which is awesome, both in terms of how well he knows me, how hard it was to find, and the fact that I had ABSOLUTELY no idea. And last year he managed to shock both my son and I with a piano. Also, our daughter was arguably conceived on/around our 13th wedding anniversary. Bunny, what scent are you desperately wanting to be resurrected this year with the Anniversary update? Hrm. I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess, in terms of wishes, I'd go with King of Spades. Or the original Lugnasadah or Mabon. Groupon for Moxie Nouveau! Dear Bunneh, is this something that would interest you? Honestly, I'm pretty much a BPAL loyalist. I've tried half a dozen or so other companies and just never like them as much as I do my BPAL. Bun-bun, what's your favourite colour? Purple! (Real purple, not lavender) Your favourite gemstone? Honestly, as long as it's sparkly and has pretty colors, I don't really have a favorite, per se. I love big chunky rocks of just about any sort. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? Dragons! And spiders and bats and squids and frogs and lizards and penguins and...oh hell. I'm the mom who continues to buy her kid the 1000th stuffed animal because we don't have that species of buffalo yet. In terms of animals to live with, definitely cats and fish and frogs and lizards. And do you have any intense phobias? Not really. I'm not fond of bees or wasps or other stingy things in my immediate presense, but I love representations of bees. Facebook/twitter: I use my real name on facbook and pretty much only friend people I actually know and/or have had an extensive online relationship with. I'm emandink on twitter. Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? Not this year, sadly. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I like them perhaps a little too much - I actually have some extra boxes, as I moved my BPAL to a cabinet a few years ago. Coffee or tea? With caffine or without? Flavors (if so, what?) or no? Whole bean/ground/loose leaf/bags? Yes please! Coffee must have caffiene, tea can go whichever way it chooses. Love flavored coffee (vanilla/fruity/caramel/spicy), but only if ground, otherwise, love wholebean dark roasts with fruity/caramel notes. Flavored tea strongly preferred - similar likes + chocolate! Coffee grinding preferences as noted, tea bags are more convenient, but I am fully equiped for a wonderful loose leaf tea. Do you have a strong preference for any sort of bath and body product brands (i.e. etailer/etsy type cos, department store/specialty brands like Lush) or are you cool with anything that doesn't smell like Bunnybane? I try to stick with small/woman owned companies where I can, but if you find something that seems right up my alley at Target, I will be thrilled no matter what. ______________________________________________ Good golly y'all! I'm going to throw this out up front because I totally forgot to mention it in my survey - please do not send me anything with artificial sweeteners. I can sometimes tolerate stevia, but a lot of them give me migraines and I just don't like them. I try to avoid HFCS as well, but I'd rather have something loaded with that than sucrolose or acesulfame. 1. $20 from Walgreens... I'd surely start in the makeup/nail polish aisle and would probably pick up some sort of totally impractical color(s) in one or both areas. Then, if I take it seriously and stay with the fun (as opposed to picking up one of the vitamin supplements I'm low on or something), then I'd probably grab some fun sparkly markers or pens (I love brightly colored sharpies), and then hit the chocolate aisle - depending on what I have left over and my mood, I'd either grab a Cadbury fruit and nut, some Lindt truffles, a marshmallow santa or whatever new strange chocolate caramel concoction is on sale. Or maybe HoHos. 2. I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. Would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (It's Penzey's if you want to Google it.) I got the giant bakers gift crate for Christmas last year. So, er, nothing from that one, I guess. In general, except for curries, I tend to prefer solo herbs and spices to blends, and I have pretty good coverage at the moment for the basics, but I do love the idea. (And for starfish, I think? Their cinnamons are, indeed, amazing.) 3. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? Do you prefer machine washable materials? Do you not care?)? Absolutely love knitted goods. Strongly prefer machine washable and soft, but I'm not allergic to wool or anything. I am all about dark colors and jewel tones - black, grey, purple, green, blue, red. Not so much orange, yellow or pink...or white or brown. 4. Hey swap partner... could you use a new mug? I can always use a new mug, size large. 5. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? I love flavored/varietal honeys and those maple sugar leaves. Are those regional? Also, Indian and British sweets. In general, I would love to try anything that my Fox considers her regional specialties. 6. Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? We do do a tree and it is a total mishmash of things from my childhood, ornaments gifted to the kids (lots of snowmen and alligators, and snowgators...long story) and just pretty things we've purchased over the years. 7. Would you like a special ornament? Sure! We tend to do cute, but not "country", fwiw. 8. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Yes please! 9. I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? I would love homemade goodies. Maybe not deep fried cookies, though. 10. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? Sure! I host Thanksgiving every year and Christmas Eve dinner and love holiday themed dishes. 11. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a body scrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Ooh, absolutely. I love scrubs (oily/moist sugar typically, although I wouldn't say no to a citrussy salt scrub). I think I covered my general scent preferences pretty well in my questionaire, but holiday scents I particularly like are grapefruit + pine/spruce or sweet/cookie type scents with pine/spruce. 12. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? If yes, then what kind? Scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? Love candles, especially this time of year (holiday cookie/christmas tree/spicy are alwaus good, although not so much cinnamon). I tend to prefer jar candles or votives, since I have kids and need to keep them out of the way. 13. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores.... Love them! 14. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? Love socks (generally not more than knee highs, though, and generally in the colors I listed above or holiday. Holiday socks are love!), love Sock Dreams (especially BBella). I do wear slippers, but I'm pretty particular about them, so that could be tough. 15. Would you wear something like http://www.ravelry.c...astic-cowl]this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? Hrm. That's not really my style, to be honest, unless it were big enough to use as a shawl instead. 16. New question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? Whole bean dark roast or flavored ground. Whole caff. (We have a grind and brew combo where you can't just switch out beans.) Locally, I like Beanetics, but I'm really not that picky. Tea is love and I'm all about the seasonal flavors and chocolate blends here, bags or loose. 17. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? I've never heard of them. 18. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? I haven't. I'm not really that into hair stuff, as it's short and pretty low maintainance. 19. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I like painting my toenails (my fingers never last long enough to make it worthwhile, to be honest), but I'm not "into" it, per se. I'd love a cool sparkly blue or green (and I do covet the Muppet colors that someone's supposed to be coming out with soonish), but it's not something anyone should go out of their way for. 20. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) Hmmmm. That's a tough one. Probably Tattered Lace and Ein Kuss Von Krampus from Dark Delacacies. 21. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Nothing jumps to mind, as we tend to buy/tivo stuff as we get the itch for it. 22. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? Generally I tend to be more of a Vertigo (Sandman/Hellblazer/Preacher/that sort) of gal. So, DC, I guess. I'm not so much into superheroes as I am darker graphic novel type comics. 23. would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? That looks awesome, but I try to avoid glycerine soaps. 24. Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? 2 kids (8 year old boy, 18 month old girl, he tends to inherit all wee toys, stickers and to share in appropriate snacky things). Also 2 cats, but they tend to stick to themselves and actually don't really do the treat thing. Same with the fish/snails and the hermit crab. 25. Lush? I love the Buche de Noel cleanser, Lemony Flutter and I tend to like a lot of the holiday bubble bar scents, so long as they aren't floral (I haven't had a chance to go through this year's offerings though). I don't like their soaps at all, which makes me sad, since they tend to sound delightful. 26. Honey/Beeswax? Honey is an absolute yes. Not sure what I'd do with beeswax, but if it came with suggestions, I'd be game, I guess. 27. TJs - we have them around here but they are always horribly crowded on the weekends and I can just never be bothered. I do really like their crumpets, though. 28. Paintbox Yulies? - So, while I'm not up for the soaps, scrubs and lotion are always good. Snoggin sounds devine, as does Comfort and Joy. White Snow, Bright Snow and the Victorious Sun sound nice too...For that matter, looking at the rest of the LEs, Avast, Guy Faukes, Indian Summer and Smiling Jack all sound lovely. 29. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? (presuming that is that the order can get here in time, bites nails)? I did a pretty good job on this year's Weenies on my on. The stuff on my wishlist is pretty much stuff I just want to sniff. This is prolly as good a place as any to mention that I know my WL is pretty heavy on harder to find/LE type stuff. While I always love BPAL, I totally don't expect it. Will you be away for any part of the round? Nope. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Nope. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I adore books. I keep a running list of everything I've read throughout the year here in my .org blog - it goes back to 2007, I think. Yeep. I may just make a new post with my answers to the Bookworm swap, to be honest, since that's prolly the easiest way to keep track of things (here!. But I do love interesting, not too sappy, holiday stories. And I'm jonsing for some Authurian legends at the moment for some reason (not MZB, as I've either read or have on my to read shelves many of her books). Also, I love a Kindle, if that matters. ;-) If you like Christmas music (or anyother holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I love Christmas and holiday music and I'm a sucker for modern/indie compilations. I have a lot of holiday music though (I wanna say 300+ songs on my iPod), but I haven't gotten anything in the past couple of years. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) I do! Lavender as well. I don't really chew gum though. Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you would prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun, the raw resin itself, anything?) I don't think I've ever tried it, but I'm always up for new experiences. I live in the city of the chickenwing. If I were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? I like things spicy, but not necessarily hot, if that makes any sense? Nothing more than a "medium", basically. I do love sweet-spicy combos (chili chocolate, baked goods, etc, but mostly if I can actually taste the flavors). That being said, I'm really not a huge fan of the chickenwing. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store food wise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Amazon is always good, as is Starbucks, since I do like to treat myself there ocassionally. Other online only options would be Sock Dreams, Soap Box, Villainess, someplace similar that my Fox wants to surprise me with. I'm always up for discovering new places. Lego would be fun too. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I'm not real nuts about nuts (HA!), unless there's lots of dried fruit and other stuff (e.g., the aforementioned fruit & nut bar). I love caramel, marshmallow, cherries, other fruity bits. Also, despite not being a huge fan of nuts, I do love marzipan. One thing I've learned about myself recently is that while I do love high quality chocolate (or moderate, even) with bits in, I don't like things that are too outlandish, like curry or fennel. My love affair with Vosges is suffering for this fact, as I like their caramels and truffles, but not so much the candy bars. In terms of holiday faves, divinity, fudge, peppermint chocolates, marzipan and I love me a marshmallow santa. Does anything from FusionSweets interest you? The caramel marshmallows sound AMAZEBALLS. As do the chocolate orange marshmallows. If I were to do a pick 4, I'd choose the chocolate marshmallow, grasshopper, lavender and vanilla. For caramels, the apple cider, lemon ginger, star anice etc, and French lavender honey all sound fabulous. But I have alot of caramels about right now, so the marshmallows would definitely be my first choice. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? I almost bought these yesterday. Everything else I wanted is long gone. Mulling spices? I love mulling spices, but unless my Fox likes to make their own amazing blend, I have a jar of Penzy's on hand for this season.

Em-

November 1, 2011

Gateau Takes a Sniff

Winter Fun Swap Info

1. So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? Haribo gummies (maybe the peaches, haven't had them for a while), Milani Liquif'eye black eyeliner, crackle nail polish, Sally Hansen nail strips (maybe the fishet or lace ones). 2. I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. Would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (It's Penzey's if you want to Google it.) Vanilla beans, good cinnamon, Mexican oregano, pink peppercorns, edible lavender. 3. Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? Do you prefer machine washable materials? Do you not care?)? I'm a knitter and I love knitwear. Any fiber, as long as not scratchy. I could really use a hat to go with brown and camel coats. Favorite colors are earth tones and jewel tones (plus black) and love variegated yarns. 4. Hey swap partner... could you use a new mug? Don't need ceramic mugs, but could use one of the big plastic cold drink cups with a straw that look like to go cups. 5. Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? I love to try regional treats of all kinds. Especially love hot sauces, pickled items, spices, interesting potato chips. 6. Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? We do. It's very colorful and eclectic, so really anything goes. I like when ornaments symbolize personal interests (I have pickle, martini shaker, and carnival mask ones, for instance) so something knitting or perfume/cosmetics themed would be cool! 7. Would you like a special ornament? Sure! 8. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Nom nom nom! 9. Now, a question of my own: I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? Would love your goodies! 10. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? If they fit in our general decor, which is Arts & Crafts/Mission/handpainted sure. 11. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a body scrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Oooh, wow. I have dry skin and love scrubs. Sugar and vanilla would thrill me to pieces. Also love pink grapefruit and sugar, lavender salt, or maybe something with amber. 12. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? If yes, then what kind? Scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I love unscented candles for the table. I am also fond of scented candles but rarely burn them because of little kids all over the place. It's a great way to enjoy woodsy scents that I can't wear because I amp woods, pine, etc. 13. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores.... I luuuurve soaps, all kinds. If they're pretty or amusing shapes, I love the guest soap concept, because I am a 50s housewife at heart. 14. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? I'm not big into socks, but I do wear them. I really don't wear novelty designs. SmartWool are amazing and I'd love another pair. I love Sock Dreams, mostly for my growing collection of OTK and thigh high socks. 15. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? Working from memory here -- if that was the cowl, I've never worn one. I don't like tight things around my neck, but if it's loose and warm, I think it would be much simpler to wear than a scarf. So yes! Earth/jewel/black would be great. 16. New question: talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? I love both coffee and tea. Coffee needs to be strong and unflavored, though good quality syrups in vanilla or caramel would be nice. I use both a steam espresso maker and a French press. Also have a drip, but it lives most of the time in the closet. Tea: love black teas. Don't really love heavily flavored ones, but once in a while I come across one that does work for me, including vanilla, mango, and blackcurrant. I like a touch of lapsang souchong for smokiness and good Earl Grey. Also like Moroccan Mint tea. 17. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? Love OCC Lip Tar and would love to try more colors and their other products. I have: Petty Beige, Clear, Melange, Trollop, and Strutter. 18. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? Never did, but always willing! I like vanilla scents, especially if they're not heavily foodie (like combined with amber, etc.) 19. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? I love love love it. Especially love earthy metallics and duochromes. 20. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) If BPTP is allowed, I'd get a bottle of Honey or Fig/Sandalwood hair gloss. Then fill in with a bottle of Hermia and some wand caps. If all perfume, I'd get Hermia and Lady Una and make up the rest in imps (Lyonesse, Dorian, Snake Oil, Eat Me). 21. Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? Muppet Christmas Carol and a new copy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which got scratched. The Nutcracker, preferably the SF Ballet version. Oh, and Bad Santa for after the kids go to bed. 22. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? Not a big superhero fan. I used to be Superman's trademark lawyer, though! 23. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. Never been a big Lush fan, but if my favorite notes inspire you to gift something you think I might like, I would give it another chance. 24. Would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? Love Paintbox, and only have a few items from them. Would love to try Snoggin', Comfort & Joy, Gingermilk, Big in Japan, This Charming Man soaps, White Snow and Avast Sorbettos. Or surprise me! 25. NEW QUESTION! - Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have three boys (ages 9, 5, and 10 months) and two lovely cats, but don't worry about all of them, worry about ME ME ME! 26. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? I love honey and beeswax products. 27. Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I am a whore for their seasonal salted caramels and also the spicy dried mangoes and pineapple. Luckily there is one right by my office, but I would not mind help stockpiling the caramels. 28. The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? see #24 29. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, what would you want me to include for you? the only thing that really got me excited was Halloween: Las Vegas but I have some on order. 30. Will you be away for any part of the round? Just thanksgiving. 31. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? No shop. 32. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? Big reader! Check me out on goodreads under my real name. 33. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar? Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? Rose, yes. Violet, no. Never tried mastic, so sure. Note: rose-pomegranate mojitos are amazing. 34. If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? Everything other than caterwauling pop stuff you hear in malls. 35. I live in the city of the chicken wing. If I were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter)? I love spicy food, pretty darn hot, but not so hot you can't taste anything else. Love sweet and heat combo so much! 36. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Sephora, etsy, Villainess, Trader Joes, iTunes 37. If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? I'm not a fan of mint. But I do like a candy cane now and then! Love salted caramels, toffee, butterscotch, that type of stuff. 38. Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? Yummy! It all sounds good! The stuff with salted caramel, chai, grapefruit, lychee, especially. 39. Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? Oh lovely. Will update wish list. 40. What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. I love anise. Cardamom I'm a little less crazy about, but I like it. Am a big cinnamon and ginger fan. 41. Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? Oh yes! 42. Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? I love the charities that provide needed supplies requested by teachers. But all your suggestions sound good to me. 43. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? I don't have a tart burner, but Insomniac sounds so good! Also any vanilla ones. 44. Do you need any holiday recipies? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? I adore gingerbread and really any kind of fancy cookies. Not doing low sugar, but I also love savory treats. 45. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? I don't really use a lot of scented candles. 46. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? Books, music, videos, kitchen items like gadgets and cookie cutters all fine. A little wary of fabric items. Oh, and will take used BPAL of course! 47. Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? No, I'm pretty diverse in my interests, not terribly obsessive about any one thing. 48. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? TO DIE FOR. If holborne is willing to nacho some of her lemon squares, I would take them! 49. fingerless mittens or full mitts? I have never tried fingerless and am sort of interested in what they're like. 50. reveal, yes or no? I am going to reveal, and I hope my fox wants to, but up to her/him. 51. Any favorite cuddly characters? I have a soft spot for Grover, but no room for any more cuddlies. 52. Moxie Nouveau groupon? I've never tried them, so would probably not know what to do with it, but wouldn't mind pointers! 53. what's your favourite colour? I love pinks, purples, peacock, aqua, emerald. All my leather accessories are pink. 54. Your favourite gemstone? If I had to pick one, I'd say fire opal. I also love diamond, ruby, emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, moonstone, garnet. 55. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? I'm not that into animals, but I'm always fascinated by gorillas and the big cats. 56. And do you have any intense phobias? Not really. 57. Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? Not this time, maybe someday. 58. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? I have a box that's pretty good for my bottles (not full yet!) but my imps are a disaster!

Gateau

November 1, 2011

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