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She just sings whatever she's seen

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2021 Welcome Spring Questions

Updated 2-20-21   is the wishlist in  your signature up to date?? Sort of. I need to catch up on anything post Yule and will try to do that in the next day or two.    Whole bean coffee or ground? Loose tea or bagged? Prefer whole bean coffee, marginally prefer bagged tea for the convenience, but will happily accept either.      What type of "spring" item would you like?  Actual bulbs/seeds for the flowers mentioned?  Artwork depicting said flowers?  Something in that scent?  A baby goat?  I would love to say yes to seeds/bulbs, but I know myself well enough to know that I am terrible with plants. Yes please to baby animals.   I actually love floral food items - bitters, teas, those little pastiles, cookies (I'm planning to try my hand at lavender shortbread this afternoon). I also love ladybugs and butterflies and other insects, so feel free to play with that side of the theme.    Please share your 5 most recently read books! To the goodreads! Bridgerton Collection Vol 1 - Juila Quinn Across the Green Grass Fields - Seanan McGuire The First Battle - Erin Hunter (this is one of the Warrior cats books that I'm reading with my 10 year old) A series of Amazon shorts by Harold Schecter about historical true crime that I'm going to count as 1, even though there are 5 of them Unspeakable Things - Jess Lourey   Please share your most recently read books that you’d rate 5 stars! This is hard since I don't tend to really rate books this way, but here are my top 5 from 2020: The City We Became - N.K. Jemison War for the Oaks - Emma Bull Children of Blood and Bone - Tomi Adeyemi Every Heart a Doorway (and the whole Wayward Children series) - Seanan McGuire A Stitch in Time - Kelley Armstrong   Please share your top 5 books of all time! This is also sort of impossible, so this is more what sort of jumps to my head. The first two are easy because they are books I regularly reread. The others are more broadstrokes things like love (18 months ago, Harry Potter would have been on this list, but I just can't with it anymore. JKR has ruined her creations for me with her closedmindedness and transphobia).  Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman Chalice - Robin McKinley Cainsville series - Kelley Armstrong Best of Ray Bradbury I can't just pick one, so I'm going to just say Charles d'Lint   Regarding hair decorations: Do you prefer bigger items (scrunchies, large hair pins, etc), or smaller items (hair baubles, decorative bobby pins, etc.)? 
No hair decorations for me. My hair is super short and I don't really wear things in it and neither do the longer haired members of my family.    Is there anything you’d like me to know about your hair or skin type? For example: hair clips don’t work on me because my hair is too thin, I prefer creams over lotions because my skin is very dry, etc.  My hair is super short and normally dyed a burgundy that I can mainly get away with because I'm an entertainment lawyer, so people like a little artistic flair. I don't really need anything hair or skincare wise, although I do enjoy sheet masks for oily/combination skin or "brightening" formulas because I'm in my mid-40s. For body lotion, just about anything is fine.    I live in Japan. There are a lot of fun snacks here, from the “normal” (flavored kitkats, rice crackers, fun jelly pouches, etc.) to the “weird” (pickled plum flavored candy, seaweed snacks, dried squid/fish, etc.). The current seasonal kitkats are ume (Japanese plum), peach parfait, passion fruit, and matcha tiramisu (along with the standards of matcha, raspberry, and hojicha). Do any of these things sound good to you? I have a mad mad passion for Japanese kitkats - any of the seasonal varieties sound amazing (passion fruit, peach and plum are some of my favorite flavors in general). I'm not a huge fan of the plain matcha. We actually get a monthly box of various Japanese snacks and other than the kit kats, I particularly love just about anything pastry-like.    Astrological info: Gemini sun, Sagittarius moon, Leo rising - years and years ago, Jarvenpa read my chart here.   How do you feel about insects?  As noted above, I definitely think about the return of our small arthropod friends as part of the joy (and sometimes annoyance) of spring.    Would you be interested in clothing, like a tee shirt or otherwise depicting something spring-like? If so, sizing? Sure - I tend to be an XL and prefer more fitted "womens/girly" style tees. Generally I tend to like darker colors and geeky prints, but something like a detailed anatomical flower or insect drawing could be very cool.   I've started experimenting with different shortbread combinations - would you be interested in sharing in some of my experiments? If so, would you prefer plain shortbread, or flavors?  This is my question, but I'm definitely here for just about all the baked goods, especially fruity and floral, for spring.   Favourite colour palettes for accessories/clothes/homewear? Black, grey, purple, green, peacock blue - basically jewel tones.   Favourite fruit/veg Papaya, cherries, peaches, blackberries, generally stone fruit and berries in spring, tomatoes, cauliflower, corn, potatoes, okra, beans. I actually have oral allergy syndrome, so I cannot eat raw apple skin, celery or cucumber skin.    Are you interested in any of the following?    Rose Petal Liqueur Vanilla Lavender Liqueur Peach Jam Ginger Peach Butter Star Anise Plum Jam Candied Jalapenos   ALL OF THEM, OMG. Especially interested in the liquors, ginger peach butter, star anise anything and candied jalapenos.  So all of them.   Are you a crafter of fiber, and if so, would you like any kind of yarn or roving?  No thank you. Fiber craft and I do not get along.   I have some extra drop spindles, are you interested in one?  No thank you.    Would you like any knitted goodies like a spring shawlette, hat, or fingerless mitts?   A shawlette or fingerless mitts would be delightful!   For snacks - am actually in the UK, not sure if there's anything special here that US board members would be interested in? I generally love British sweets, especially Cadbury bars, custard cremes, tea cakes, and the like.    Do you appreciate socks?  What kind of fibers?  No-show, ankle, crew, knee-high, over the knee?   I love fun socks with cute designs - ankle/crew socks would be best for spring. Pretty open on fiber so long as they are not wool.    Would you appreciate a spring-themed mask? What kind?   Absolutely - I prefer around the ear. 
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2018 Spring Cleaning Swap Qs

Updated 3/29/18 am

do you need craft supplies? What sorts?
Not particularly. I can always use craft paper and markers and other colorful drawing/kid friendly craft stuff like pipe cleaners and pompoms and such though. I have given up any hope of actually getting back into needlework while my daughter is in elementary school.

do you like fantasy type books?
Oh yes. Check out my goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1543793-em) for more than you could ever hope to know about my reading habits.

What format(s) do you listen to music on?
Mostly on my very old and out of date iPod that I desperately need to transfer back into itunes. Otherwise, I do listen to the occasional cd still in my car, and will listen to stuff off of youtube or Amazon music for that sort of streaming.

Anyone have kids or otherwise can repurpose toys, like Barbies in very good condition, etc?
I do have a kid who would not necessarily be opposed to Barbies and the like. She doesn't play with them a ton, but free is free.

are you interested in preloved tees like BPTP ones? If so, styles and size?
I can wear tissue tees in XL, would need XXL for anything else. I pretty much only wear babydolls and tunics these days.

Do you have a need for costuming pieces? Anything specific you’d like/ not like?
I can't think of anything specific, to be honest. I don't have the time/patience/extroversion to cosplay, although in theory, I would love to.

Interested in vinyl art toys (kid robot & such)?
Sure! Anything for my fandoms that I mentioned in my survey, plus/or specifically because I am too lazy to look it up - Harry Potter, Star Wars, Wonder Woman, Nightmare Before Christmas, Groot, female characters generally, Doctor Who, random super coolness...

I have collected art faster than I can frame it. Anyone interested in prints from Independant artists or do you have a specific decorating scheme happening in the house? (Which is, of course, ok)
I have the same problem, to be honest. I have so many cool things, including some total awesomeness from previous swaps, and not a whole lot of usual wall space thanks to the way my main living areas are laid out.

Do you use K-Cups and would you like a variety of coffee/tea?
I don't use them at home, but would get some use out of them at work.

I've done a few subscription boxes in the past, mostly like Birchbox, Ipsy, Sephora.. sometimes I get samples that I either won't try at all, or I try once and go "not for me." - How do you feel about cosmetic samples as long as they're "clean?" (I wouldn't pass on anything liquid that could have been contaminated, unless it's unopened, but I also have things like spray-on products, which I'd consider uncontaminated due to the nature of dispensing.)
That would be totally cool.

Buying fandom related and "cute" items is my guilty pleasure. That's why I have way too many of them. Are any of the following characters appealing to you?
Harry Potter/Hedwig, Disney, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid/Flounder, Grumpy Cat, Pusheen, Hello Kitty, Pokemon? If there's another character that I've forgotten to mention that ís appealing to you, please tell!
Definitely Harry Potter/Hedwig, Grumpy Cat, Pusheen, anything Hello Kitty/Sanrio, anything from any of my other listed fandoms. Also, pretty much any of the cute little Japanese mystery bag sort of thing, Tokidoki, etc. Basically, I have a 7 year old who will glom on anything super cute.

Would you like to receive silver rings that are worn but still look like new? If so: what ringsize do you wear? And any specific styles that you like?
Or silver earrings (brandnew)?
I don't really wear rings other than my wedding and engagement rings (on separate fingers for reasons). Artsy dangly silver earrings are absolutely wanted if they are either hoops or have hooks. No posts, please.

Do you like animals? If so: any favorites? (Yes! Buying animal related items is another guilty pleasure of mine 🙃 I'm also a photographer and have many animal pictures printed)
Birds - especially owls and other raptors, flying creatures generally, sea creatures, lizards, spiders, bats, frogs, cats. So, er, yes?

Anyone interested in fragrance oils (non BPAL) for soap or candle making, materials to make lip balm?
I would not get any use out of non-BPAL fragrance oils or other soap/candle supplies. Lip balm is kind of intriguing, though.

Jewelry making supplies?
I should say no to this as well. I have a ton of supplies...somewhere in the depths of boxes moved 2 years ago.

Lularoe Leggings? Don't worry, they're NEW and never worn. Would you like them? What is your size? What about other Lularoe clothes?
Sure! I am a TC for LLR leggings, 2xl for Julias and Randys and Madison (I think? The skirt with pocketses), M or L for Irmas, M for Lindsey, L for Sarah & the fringy kimono thing, XL for most everything else I've tried. I haven't bought any of the newer styles that have come out in the past year or so like the jean jackets and such. If you have kids stuff lying around, my daughter is a L/XL in the leggings and an 8 in anything else.

Which reminds me, I have a pair of knock-off leggings with bits of Hamlet written on them that my teenager rejected, OS, never worn. Hamlet leggings, anyone?
These sound AWESOME, but probably too small.

Could you use Melitta filters for coffee?
No thank you.

New - Jewelry making addendum: Gemstones?
Probably not.

Cookbooks (or Magazine back issues) anyone?
I would take fun geekery ones off your hands (I have a Doctor Who cocktail book, but otherwise, not others), or specifically baking, cocktails or Instant Pot/pressure cooking. Otherwise, this is an area I kind of desperately need to purge.

Table cloths, placemats, runners, napkins, dish towels?
Fun graphic dishtowels, yes. My kitchen decor is best described as "eclectic randomness". Just plain or floral or country kitcheny anything will probably languish. Same with napkins and placements. I always mean to use them, but rarely get around to it.

BPAL storage boxes?
I could find a use for one, especially if it were just a box without dividers.

5 strange things, off the top of your head that you need?
Folders and/or file envelopes for organizing paperwork; large printable address stickers (the half-sheet print it out from Paypal/USPS size); fabric organization bins (I have a friend who does Thirty-One and she's always pushing those things, but I cannot bring myself to pay their prices); cuticle oil/cream - my fingers are a disaster; Sharpie type markers

Cookie cutters? Cookie press/cake decorating kit? Mini muffin tins?
Yes to all! Although I have a lot of cookie cutters, so would be most interested in fun geeky shapes.

Are you traveling or contemplating traveling anywhere? I may have a book for that. Not necessarily guidebook, but fiction or non-fiction related to your destination.
Fun! This summer we are going to Grand Teton and Yellowstone with stopovers in Salt Lake City and probably Craters of the Moon in Idaho.

A knight-light? (nightlight shaped like a knight, get it?) Or a plain old still in packaging nightlight?
Sounds fun, but I will pass. I don't have a lot of outlets in places where (k)night-lights would be practical.

I have blank BPAL bottle stickers and CDs for burning...
Not sure if this was actually a question, but I could definitely use blank bottle stickers. I do not need blank CDs.

Could you use any spices, herbs, or salt?
I do not need any plain salt, but I would definitely make use of salt/spice mixtures, or just spice mixtures. Plain spices and dried herbs, I'm pretty good on.

What about reusable totes or bags?
If something is super super cool, sure, but just generic bags from the grocery store, no thanks.

If you're collecting or trying Discworld books, what's the next Discworld novel you'd like to read?
I don't think we have Raising Steam. Otherwise, I think we have them all, but they are in boxes scattered about at the moment.

Would you be ok with a least favorite scent note in a shower gel, soap, scrub, or lotion if it's mixed in a blend of other notes and isn't prominent? or is it totally a no? And are you good with lotions/candles/scrubs/etc. that don't have either your favorite OR least favorite notes in them?
Jasmine is pretty much always a no, and a migraine trigger (although night blooming and sambac can *sometimes* be okay, but are iffy), and oakmoss and poppy/opium notes tend to overwhelm everything else for me, so I'd rather not have anything with those. Otherwise, I am usually okay with things like red wine and strawberries in bath products.

What about colors of things like nail polish? If I don't have your favorite color(s), do you still want polish?
I would lean toward no on polish unless you have something really incredibly glittery bright and fun that you feel like really needs to come to me. Please don't send neutrals or pastels.

New question: do you have a bathtub? Would you like to receive a bubble bar?
Sadly no and no. I am hoping to change this in the next year, but in the meantime, I have too many things I cannot really use already.

how do you feel about knitted things?? More specifically washcloths or scarves?? Colors you love/hate? And fibers you like or don’t like??
I really do not need more scarves. Washcloths/dishcloths, definitely. I prefer brights to neutrals, natural fibers to synthetic.

Do you have a preference for more fitted women's style tees, or are you fine with a basic crew neck?
Definitely more fitted women's styles. Men's style crew neck tees make me look like I am wearing a sack of boobs.

If you were given a choice of a top that was navy and tan stripe vs a more cobalt blue base with a jewel tone stained glass pattern, does one or the other sound preferable? Neither? Both?
This isn't really fair for me to answer, since I know what each one looks like but generally speaking, I do not wear tan and if I do, I pair it with black mainly in order to wear very specific shoes. So definitely the jewel tone for me. (Disclosure, I love the jewel tone top, but it is too small.)

Are you okay with receiving a book that is completely within your areas of interest, but that is in the middle of a series? (Assume a standalone storyline that might reference events in prior books but that is not dependent on them.)
With the caveat assumption, sure. If it picks up in the middle of the plot, I will be sad.

Would you be interested in graphic novels within your areas of interest?
Absolutely.

Would you be interested in new or very gently worn shoes, if so, what size?
Yes, for sure, as long as the heels are not over an inch or so. Size 8US (can sometimes wear 7.5 or 8.5 if they run big or small respectively).

Do you enjoy Tokidoki?
YES!!! I mostly enjoy it vicariously through my daughter, but please send it all our way.
Would you like fabric with one of your favorite fandom on it but chibi/cute style characters?
I really should say no to this, but I am gonna say yes anyway because cutified versions of my favorite things are like ultra faves.

I have a bunch of baking ingredients in my pantry that need to be used up. Would you be interested in receiving any baked goods (like cookies or scones)?
Either cookies or scones or pretty much anything baked goods wise would be awesome. I do have a particular fondness for scones.

Any interest in books about learning other languages?
Not really.

Any interest in reading poetry or plays?
Absolutely!

Do you enjoy audiobooks?
I do - I have discovered they are a great way to experience a lot of the classic literature that I tend not to enjoy reading in printed form.

Any of this year's Lupers you still need/want to try?
Anything I am still interested in is in my wishlist.

Could you use any tealights?
No thank you. I have more candles that I can ever hope to use.

I have an extra book light. Could you use one?
Sure, especially if it is made for an actual book. I have one that I got to use with my old Kindle e-reader, but it doesn't translate well to actual paper books.

Any BPTP swag you would like or are in search of (stickers, bumper stickers, pins, etc.)?
Nothing in particular.

Would you like any unused tins for tea storage?
Please please please do not send me more tea tins. I have dozens lying around that my son keeps swearing he is going to use for projects.

Would you be happy to receive homemade jams/jellies?
Always!!!

Gardening stuff and or seeds?? yay or nay? If yes, whats your climate/zone?
This is one of those questions that I want to say yes to, but I know that things will never get used. Maybe wildflower seeds (zone 7a) as we always want more pollinators in our yard. We don't have a veggie garden or anything.

Yay or nay? accessory scarves? yknow, the sheer or silky kind? colors, length?
Nay on this. I have a bunch that I never wear and, in fact, really hope my dustpan answers this one, as I have several that should go to new homes.

Tabletop gaming stuff? Board games? Yay or Nay
Yay! Anything Munchkin, D&D, Warhammer or military gaming will get swooped up by the 9th grader, but that's cool. Otherwise, we have a fair amount, but the more the merrier.
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2018 Samhain Seven Qs

Updated 9/19/18

Shortbread? Heck yes. I am up for just about any baked good.

Is there something you’d like from the UK? Pimms is probably out, but I love UK chocos and other edibles.

Do you like Lord of the Rings? Yes, but I"m not a huge fangirl. It is one of those things where I like the movies and such and have read the books, but have no desire to do so again.

Any ceramics you could use? I can always use trays and cups for jewelry.

If you like tea and I have opened tea as well as sealed tea to send would you mind some cleanly decanted and clearly labeled tea I think you would really enjoy based on your preferences? Absolutely!

Would you like anything from my etsy shop? (http://twinklentwilight.etsy.com)
I love a lot of the fabric choices - the dragon/bat (all of the bat options, really), ravens, galaxy, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter and Dr. Who. I want something the blinded me with science for my science loving daughter and the plush monsters are adorable. I don't really knit, so I wouldn't have use for bags as project bags, but I still wants them my precious.

Are you interested in a crocheted monster or unicorn or whatever? Colors?
I am all about the fun plushies.
Lavender Vanilla Bean or Rose Petal liqueur?
Both of these sound AMAZING.

Nail stamping plates
I have no idea what these are and google isn't giving me a good sense of whether I would actually use them. I'm guessing not, since I am fumble fingers with polish and usually go to a nail salon.

knitted things:
Yes please! I would be most interested in arm warmers or socks, or maybe a shawl or cowl.

cylindrical tins:
No thank you. I have a ton of these lying about myself.

What about white witchy items (oils, sage, stones, etc).
No thank you.

What about reusable shopping bags?
If they are fun, from local places and such, sure! I don't need plain store ones and such as I have a ton, but I love getting ones from different locales.

Korean beauty items like sheet masks?
Sure!

Do you like Bath and Body Works and if so, what are your fave products/scents?
BBW is one of my guilty pleasures. I love getting shower gel/lotion combos and I love their foaming hand soap (although I have rather a lot of that at the moment, but I don't have any of their fall scents). I also like the C Bigelow nail and hand care products.

Would you like something from Walt Disney World?
I would love NMBC stuff, but other than that, I'm fine. I was just at Disneyland last December and am pretty stocked up.

So Shihaya & Co has a bunch of fantastic candles, bath & body stuff (from Paintbox Soapworks!), Arcana perfume, etc. Is there anything there you are interested in? Please list products as well as scents. (as an FYI, the Smiles by Wedelstaedt soap is make by Brooke who used to own Villainess.)
In terms of candles, Amber and Velvet, Autumnvale Cafe, Ember and Mallow, Full Moon, Gemini all sound delightful. In terms of other stuff, the Hocus Pocus soap and scrub, Bermuda Triangle soap.

What are your favorite products and scents from Paintbox Soapworks (that are in stock?)
Generally, I love her scrubs and soaps (not as fond of the lotions) I would love to try Abnoba, Indian Summer, Putney Road, Princess Pony Sparklebutt in sample sizes of either scrub or soap. I also adore the Rice Pudding hot process soap.

Fatherhood update desires? I've ordered a bunch, but have added a few that I'd still love to try to my wishlist.

Do you have any interest in fun tees or other goodies either related to your fandoms or otherwise from TeeTurtle or similar sites (https://www.teeturtle.com/)? If the answer is yes, what's your t-shirt size?
Absolutely! I prefer women's cut, 2XL for tees. Generally, darker is better in terms of color.

Do you have a favorite musical, opera, playwright or other theatrical or performing arts interest for which you might like interesting goodies? I am pretty set on this score in that I have easy access to merch along these lines.

Do you have any desire/need for a new umbrella? I always need more small collapsible ones as my children seem to have discovered some sort of portal that devours all umbrellas in the immediate vicinity.

Any desire for mugs - travel or otherwise? How about water bottles?
I am pretty set for ceramic mugs. I can always use more travel mugs if they are both cool and diswasher safe. Same for water bottles.

How do you feel about things like Halloween-themed blankets and throw pillows?
I feel great about them! We have a pumpkin pillow and spider blankie that are used year round. I'd be particularly interested in flying things - bats, owls, ravens, gargoyles in blacks and purples.

Are there any companies you've been wanting to try or would like to try more of?
I would definitely be interested in trying more soap and lotion products from Haus of Gloi and Arcana and Brooke's new stuff. I only wear BPAL perfumes, but am much more flexible with other products.

How do you feel about this: thevampstamp.com
This is pretty much the only way I could possibly attempt that sort of eyeliner, but honestly, I'd probably never use it.

Would you, or your swapee be interested in fall themed Yankee candle small candles?
Sure.

How do you feel about loose eyeshadow? (new of course)
Not really my thing. I have a bunch and while I love the colors, it's just to fussy for me to use much.

How does a scent of rose, mahagony, coffee and tobacco sound to you?
Probably not my thing (sorry!). I only wear BPAL perfumes and that's not a combo that really grabs me for bath stuff.

Is this something you, or your swapee might need or be interested in?
https://www.rekonect...ducts/rekonlife
(its a notebook with a magnetic spine and pages that can be removed and reattached) I have two that are totally unused.
No thanks.

Also, I am brewing my own kombucha now. Would you like a bottle or two?
Sure!


How do you feel about literal pumpkin *spice* - i.e. cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger - as a flavoring (the inclusion of pumpkin is not essential in my plotting)? How about those flavors combined with chocolate in some mystery form?
I am all over this concept (literally).

If you like/want books, do you have a goodreads or other place where you discuss your favorite books? Would you be interested in a spooky Halloween compilation or a classic halloweenie/autumnal book like Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree or Something Wicked This Way Comes?
I would love a new weenie compilation (now that I think about it, that's not the word I want, but wev).

If I were making something for you, would it be:
1. Dramatic, Black Cashmere, elbow length fingerless mitts - would they have buttons?
2 stripey, funky long fingerless mitts- what colors?
3.a teapot cozy to keep your tea warm - I'm thinking a Halloween design.
All of the above sound AMAZING. Probably no buttons on mits, though. For stripey, I do not have any that are peacock blue, so that with gray and black would be lovely (and probably the option that would get the most use).

Would you like flameless color changing sort of fake candles that are controlled by remote?
Absolutely!   Would you care for horror graphic novels or comics?
Yes please!   Do you like local honey?
Yes!   Apple Pie/regular Fudge?
The apple pie sounds intriguing, especially if it is particularly fruity as well as sweet (sometimes I find non-chocolate fudge to be toothachingly sweet). I also love chocolate fudge with almost anything.
Em-

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2018 Imbolic Swap QA

Updated 1/2/18 pm

Do you use, or are you interested in, Twilight Alchemy Lab oils? I have dabbled a bit and find White Light to be useful for working through uncontrollably stressful, although I have no clue where my tiny stash of TALs even are. I am more on the interested in the mythology, not really a practitioner side of things, so if you have oils on hand that you think might be useful in terms of focusing intent for any of my obstacles or interests, I would be happy to receive decants (and instructions). I'm unlikely to go through a whole bottle of anything.

Physical books or ebooks, and if the latter, what format? For straight non-image intensive books, I have a slight preference for Kindle. For comics/graphic novels/interactive/illustrated books, I have a preference for physical books (and used are totally fine in that regard). I do have a Kindle fire in addition to my Paperwhite, so if it's easier or significantly cheaper to send the Kindle version of a comic or something, that's fine. I read them on my Fire on the regular. What I cannot imagine is trying to read something like House of Leaves or Infinite Jest via kindle.

Do you have any interest in receiving items and instructions for a simple Imbolc ceremony/ritual, or do you prefer more pragmatic/prosaic gifts? I am more interested in Imbolic as a historical and cultural touchpoint than in terms of actual ceremony, so while I would potentially be interested in reading about it, I would be unlikely to actually perform a ceremony or ritual.

Poetry, foreign language, facing page translation: how do you feel about these things, in combination? I love poetry and don't read it nearly enough, so I would be happy to receive such a thing.

Any favorite plants? I like plants generally, but kill them, so I definitely do not want actual plants. In terms of depictions of plants, I lean more toward animals than plants, but I generally like trees, especially birches and non-cacti succluents.

Any favorite quotes or sayings? My motto is "Pain is no stronger than the resisting force pain calls up in me. The struggle is equal." From Partuition by Mina Loy (my fave poet).

What are your feelings on glitter, sparkle, and metallics? Very very positive.

Would you enjoy a journal or sketchbook to exercise your creativity in? Theoretically yes, but I have so many notebooks of this sort lying around that I should say no.

Yule decants? There are definitely some Yules on my wishlist that I would be interested in trying. Really anything on my wishlist is fair game (although I did just acquire Jersey Devil and Scheherazade, so I need to check them off of my bottle list).

If you knit or crochet... Unfortunately, this is not a talent I have ever been able to cultivate.   Do you have any favourite gem/semi-precious/other type of stones? I tend to like gemstones in classic jewel tones - sapphire, emerald, amethyst, garnet are all good, also marcacite and other glittery dark tones.   Do you have a firepit or fireplace? I do - technically both, but we don't use the fire places at all, and don't use the fire pit this time of year.
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2018 13 Nights of Halloween Questions~

Here is where I shall keep my questions. I shall keep my questions here.

Updated 9/19/18

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?
I answered this pretty thoroughly in my survey, I think, but kind of everything. I love celebrating with my kids and being able to buy animal skeletons at Target and the flavors and just really kind of all of it, other than not being terribly into orange and brown. I'm more of a black and purple halloweenie.

Would you like a Halloween-themed cross-stitch piece of art done by your partner? If so, do you prefer something practical, like a cross-stitch dishtowel or table runner, or something to be hung on the wall?
I would love this - something useful like a dishtowel (or bathroom towels) would be most beloved, as I have a wonderful house with very little usable wall space.

Are you coveting something from the Lilith release? I've ordered everything I super duper wanted, but there are a few that I was on the fence about in my wishlist, but hey, I'll list them here too: Absurd Origin Story; Blue Blankie; Don't Tell Me Heaven is Under the Earth; Let Your Indulgence Set Me Free; Meditation Buddy; Scorched Marshmallows; Senator Barrial; Spontaneous Argumentation; Suffragium; The Queen of Hel; The She-Goat; The Storm; Theaomai;

Have you seen the Haus of Gloi Fall update? Does anything from that tickle your fancy? I am BPAL only for oils, but I would definitely be interested in trying bubbling scrub, pumpkin butter, hair oil (would probably use for either Mo and/or cuticle oil) or soaps in Apple Milk, Blood Orange Marshmallow, and Cozy Pumpkin! The Maple Vanilla soap sounds lovely too.

Enamel pins - yay or nay? Sure, but they will likely be stolen by my little hooligan.

Would you appreciate handknits? Any preference (socks, hats, cowls, mitts, etc)
Always. Socks and arm warmers would probably get the most use, although a cowl could be cool as that's something I don't have at all.

What kind of local goods do you like to pick up/try when you visit somewhere new?
I usually look for magnets, local honey or jams or other limited reach local foodstuffs. I also love trying regional alcohol specialties, particularly whisk(e)y.

Do you like to cook or bake, and if so, would you like any cooking accessories, mixes, or ingredients?
Absolutely! I particularly love silly holiday themed spatulas and sprinkles and such. There's a bit about this in my questionnaire as well.

Pumpkin Spice:
ALL THE THINGS!

Do you like Day of the Dead goodies? I love skulls and such, but I feel weird about the cultural appropriation aspects of a lot of Day of the Dead stuff as I have no cultural or spiritual connection. That said, I have received lovely items from folks who *do* have that connection in the past. Sorry for being complicated.

How do you feel about homemade edibles? Not just baked goods, but fruit butters, jams and such-like? Do you prefer savory or sweet or yes?
All of them nommy in my mouthy. I am a total sucker for apple and pumpkin and other butters this time of year. If you have a specialty, savory or sweet, I would LOVE to try it.

Quirky Socks: Goodness yes! I especially love silly Halloween themed socks, either ankle or knee length.

Stuff from Japan: Sure! My daughter and I both love Hello Kitty and Tokidoki and are suckers for any sort of mystery plushy sorts of things. I also adore the different flavors of kitkats you can get there and similar snacky goodies.

Yankee Candle: Sure, subject to the limits in my questionnaire. I do have a fondness for Yankee - my husband used to live close to their factory store in Western MA and we would go there all the time when he was in grad school.

Bath and Body Works: Another weakness of mine - I have a bad tendency to get matching shower gel and lotions there in foodie / fruity scents. I'd also love fall scents in their foaming hand soap.

Of the latest updates, Empress, Liliths, Jester, Emperor what are your wants and desires? Recent LES from this year, what are your wants and desires? My wishlist is up to date in this respect.

What about Disney? If you like Disney, what are your favorite characters?
I love Nightmare Before Christmas and the Muppets, but am not that into traditional Disney characters. I do like some of the Villians line, especially Maleficent and Ursula.

Star wars?
YES! Leia, Rey, Yoda, droids generally other than C3P0 who I find annoying. Also porgs were the most brilliant decision ever and I adore those little space puffins with all my heart.

And what about Harry Potter? Whats your favorite house and/or favorite character? I am all about all the HP. I am a Ravenclaw through and through (Slitherclaw if we're talking hybrid houses). Fave characters are Luna Lovegood, Hermione and I am a total puppy shipper (Sirius/Remus). (FWIW, my family already owns a lot of HP stuff - scarves for every house but Slytherin, a Ravenclaw mug and water bottle, robes for me and my wee Hooligan Hufflepuff, a stuffed Hedwig and Pidwigen...which is not to say we wouldn't welcome more. )

Do you like honey/honey products?
​Would you like flavored oils or vinegars?
Answering these together because my answer is absolutely yes to all of these.

Do you have any interest in fun tees or other goodies either related to your fandoms or otherwise from TeeTurtle or similar sites (https://www.teeturtle.com/)?
Absolutely! I prefer women's cut, 2XL for tees. Generally, darker is better in terms of color.

Do you have a favorite musical, opera, playwright or other theatrical or performing arts interest for which you might like interesting goodies? I am pretty set on this score in that I have easy access to merch along these lines.

Do you have any desire/need for a new umbrella? I always need more small collapsible ones as my children seem to have discovered some sort of portal that devours all umbrellas in the immediate vicinity.

Any desire for mugs - travel or otherwise? How about water bottles?
I am pretty set for ceramic mugs. I can always use more travel mugs if they are both cool and diswasher safe. Same for water bottles.

Could you use any BPAL storage? Bottles or imps? I am set personally, but I did realize the other day that my little hooligan is developing a bit of a collection herself that is currently scattered across her dresser, so if you are feeling crafty and felt like making a bottle box in an Owl/MLP/HP-Hufflepuff theme, I would happily regift to her (otherwise I have to do it myself )

Do you like incense, palo santo, sage, etc?
Please no. Even smelling incense in the package these days can trigger my migraines, which teenager me would find tragic, but there it is.

I will be going to Son of Monsterpalooza this weekend. Anything look interesting?
I can't think of anything offhand, but if there are cool creepy jewelry vendors, that could be cool.

Wax tarts? No thank you.

How do you feel about literal pumpkin *spice* - i.e. cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger - as a flavoring (the inclusion of pumpkin is not essential in my plotting)? How about those flavors combined with chocolate in some mystery form?
I am all over this concept (literally).

If you like/want books, do you have a goodreads or other place where you discuss your favorite books? Would you be interested in a spooky Halloween compilation or a classic halloweenie/autumnal book like Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree or Something Wicked This Way Comes?
I would love a new weenie compilation (now that I think about it, that's not the word I want, but wev).

Hat with pompom or no: I don't have a strong preference, although without is probably slightly more likely to be worn on the regular. I definitely embrace the silly, so if the hat is just screaming for some sort of embellishment, go for it.

Top 3 Weenie Wants: In terms of things I did not already order for myself:
The Hag (I wishlisted this last year and it almost jumped in my cart this year, so this is def. a top wish)
The Goat and the Vine
Pomegranate Grove: Morocco
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2017 Solstice Swap Q&A

Updated 11/18/17

Any Weenies you missed out on?
My wishlist is up-to-date (through Yule! OMG!)

Are you Amazon & Etsy Wishlists up to date? They are - Amazon definitely, although it is a little scattered, but anything on there is stuff I would still like. Etsy hasn't been updated in a while, so I'm not sure how much is still available, but anything on there that is not on my "I own this" or other specialized list is fair game.

How do you feel about animated films? I generally like them, but I am a bit...oversaturated on animation with a 7 year old in the house. And we have a TON of them.

Does anyone need any cosmetic or larger bags? I do really like the box bags, but I'm not sure what I would put in it. I would love something like a hand bag or shopping bag, though.

If I were to knit you something like fingerless mitts, do you like short or long over the fingers? To the wrist, mid arm, or to the elbow? Thumb or a thumb hole? Frilly or not? Preferred color? I prefer gloves a little past the wrist and midlength up my fingers. My armwarmers with a thumb hole and open fingers that I can bury my fists in tend to get the most use, since I'm usually wearing them when my Reynauds flares up and my office is freezing. Colors - dark. Black, dark grey, peacock blue, red, dark green are colors I could acutally use. I have a couple of purple pair already. Not frilly.

Is there a book you've always meant to read, but never got round to it? There is a bunch on my various wishlists. The main thing I'm kind of jonesing for that I should really just buy myself is the Bitch Planet graphic novel.

If you've expressed an interest in candles, do you prefer unscented or scented and if the latter, what scents? No candles for me please!

Do you like windchimes or other similar tinkley noisemakers? I love windchimes, also holiday themed bell ornaments, sleigh bell sort of things are lovely.

Do you/would you like Christmas/holiday music? If so, any particular genres or styles? I think I touched on this in my questionnaire, but I LOVE holiday music, especially rock/punk/goth versions of classics.

Do you have a Goodreads? Is it useful for my stalking purposes? I do and it is and I know I addressed this in my survey.

Are there any holiday movies or shows you would particularly love to get your hands on? I have a lot of holiday shows already, so I am probably set.

Would you prefer your nourishment to be literal (i.e., actual food) or representative? I don't have a strong preference, so whatever seems to sing to you is great!

In terms of actual food, are you comfortable with homebaked goodies so long as potential allergens are not involved? Absolutely!

Do you have favorite holiday foodstuffs? All the cookies! I bake fruitcake every year and then do a baking day with my stepmom where we make peppermint sugar cookies, coconut lime snowballs, and bunches of other noms. I welcome anything decadent, boozy (I love rum/whiskey balls, cocktails, etc), or any other specialty of your house.

Are you adverse to burning things as part of your sacrifice? No incense or anything like that please, but if it involves lighting paper on fire in a sink or something, that's fine.

So how do you feel about teas? Would you be interested in getting some for your "nourishment" part of your gift? If so, are there particular companies you love or have always wanted to try? Special varieties you like- holiday blends, or decaf or solid standards like Earl Grey or Sencha? I have an awful lot of tea, so I should probably pass, but I do love me some holiday blends and Earl Grey variations (or other things flavored and/or scented as such).

And what about tea accouterments, like rock sugar, nice honey (I have a fabulous apiary that is literally 6 blocks from my house!), a special spoon? Honey is always welcome in my house. I don't really need other items, though.

Or maybe coffee is more your thing? I have access to an incredible little shop that sells some of the best bean I've ever had (let me put it this way- even when I lived in Coffee Capital SEATTLE, I had bean delivered to me from this place!). If you like coffee, what kinds? (this place does AMAZING DECAF as well as the strong stuff!). And would you want your beans whole or ground (if ground, what grind do you like?) Coffee is always welcome! NO DECAF please, but anything else, including flavored, is great. I prefer whole beans, but can accommodate either.

Scented candle lovers: do you have a favorite store/brand? Aaaaah. Stop tempting me with candles! (I love them, I just have waaaaaay too many.)

Favorite/Least favorite bath products (e.g. do you like scrubs, bar soap, gel)? I don't have a tub right now, so nothing bath only. Otherwise, I like pretty much everything *except* non-cleansing scrubs. I just don't have the time to wash and scrub, so I need to combine that part of the process.

What sounds are comforting for you? Any that bring up good memories? Waves/water sounds, bird song that isn't too shrill.

Do you like and use christmas/other celebration decorations, baubles and the like? HO HO yes. We bought a new pre-lit tree this past weekend and I am seriously tempted to put it up this Sunday (normally we wait until the day after Thanksgiving, at least). I am not big into "country Christmas" motifs or overtly religious iconography, but bring on the Santas and snowmen and reindeer and silly animals in santa hats.

Last year, some of us that participated in this swap received singing bowls for our "sound" item. Would YOU like to receive a singing bowl? Sure! I might have to steal it back from my spouse, but that is totally fine.

Would you mind receiving a pre-loved book (one in good condition)? Not in the slightest!

How do you feel about fruitcake, assuming that I can make it without any stated allergens? I love love love fruitcake and any other fruity holiday baked good (stollen, panatella, etc)

How about rum/whiskey/bourbon balls (these are no-cook, so the alcohol is still pretty potent)? Sure! I will probably make some of my own this year, but I love trying other people's recipes. All alcoholic holiday goodies are welcome.

What is your favorite store-bought holiday treat? I love those little Pepperage Farm gingerbread people, marshmallow santas, maple sugar candy, marzipan...the list, it goes on and on.
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2017 13 Nights of Halloween Notes and Queries

Updated as of 9/12 am:


Are you ok with homemade food?
Absolutely all the food (within the very broad limits of my questionnaire). I'll note that while I am intolerant of dill in most things, I do love me some pickles.

If you are ok with decorations, do you have a preference for table-top, wall hanging, or window decorations?
Tabletop or window. I don't really have wall space.

How do you feel about stationary and/or papercrafting supplies?
Not so much? I have a lot of random stationary bits and am honestly not even sure what papercrafting supplies consist of.

How do you feel about kitschy/silly Halloween jewelry?
Oh good gracious yes. ALL of the Halloween jewelry. Except zombies. Not really into zombies.

Would you like a Halloween wreath?
Absolutely, those are gorgeous.

What rares are you dying to try???
Most of my super-rare desires are also super old and in my wishlist, which I promise to make a concerted effort to update ASAP.

Do you like comic books and/or graphic novels?
I do! Most of what I have is in my goodreads, with the exception of a few things I've gotten recently. Another thing I should update. I would be particularly interested in picking up where I left off with Fables (I've read through Vol 13), or getting more LumberJanes (I've read the first vol). Oh and all of Bitch Planet.

Would you like to receive anything related to:

Disney?
Maybe if it's really super cool. My Disney fandoms tend to be ancillary - Nightmare Before Christmas, Star Wars, Muppets, some Marvel.

If so, any favorite characters?
Most anything related to the above, especially female characters and Droids for SW, Kermit for Muppets. In terms of Disney generally, the Angelina Joile Malificent, I guess. My daughter would love anything Moana.

And to be more specific about Disney: How do you feel about Beauty and the beast?
Belle was my favorite until I got old enough to look critically at the story. I have a vague interest in seeing the new one, but not burning.

And what about Harry Potter related items?
RAVENCLAW FOREVER. I mean, yes. Absolutely. If I had to pick one fandom to end all fandoms, HP is mine.

Pokemon? Any favorites?
My fave are the bats - I haven't opened Go in ages though and cannot remember their names. My daughter would love HootHoot or Snivy stuff.

Is there any thing, category, or brand from which you would absolutely NOT like to receive things (ie., you're overrun with candy corn, you don't do scents outside of BPAL, or if you ever see another Stephen King item, it will be too soon)?
I absolutely do not do perfume oil outside of BPAL. I can find uses for candy corn, so long as I open it early enough in the swap (one of the things I make for my kid's school Harvest Fest bake sale are bags of popcorn with candy corn mixed in. Easy, cheap and they go like hot cakes. Although the janitors probably loathe me.) In general, I really do not need any more candles or other home scenty things.

What kinds of art/art medium do you most enjoy, or would you most like to receive, in the context of this swap?
I would definitely be up for Halloweenie spooky things. And I always appreciate any sort of yarncraft because I just cannot get the hang of it.

Bath & Body Works - love them or hate them? If the former, fave product types?
I do like BBW shower gels and lotions, mostly, and their foaming hand soap. I probably have more of the first two than I could ever use and just placed an order, though.

I'm in Japan, is there anything specific from here you would be interested in?
Not anything specific, but I do love the variety of kit kat and other chocolate flavors you have available.

Is there anything from The Netherlands/Europe that you're interested in?
I love your licorice! And stropwaffles (which I probably just butchered), and of course, chocolate. <3

how would you feel about receiving a hand-painted container for your bpal and/or other treasures? if you are on board with that, would you want a big wood box (~50 bottles), a small wood box (~20 bottles) or a tin for carrying imps around?
I have a large cabinet that I keep things in and a few boxes as well, so I'm probably all set.

if you were to receive something hand knit, what type of item would you like? hat, cowl, handwarmers, etc. and what color(s)?
Handwarmers or a scarf would probably get the most use, but I'd love just about anything. For outerwear, neutrals like black or gray would probably be best. Handwarmers could be jewel tones of about any stripe, but I already have a couple of purple pair, so probably not that.

Nail wraps - yay or nay? Would including a small manicure set to go with them help?
I would be all over a manicure set. The one I carry in my purse has seen better days. I would be interested in Halloweenie nail wraps as long as I opened them early enough for our party on the 28th.

Do you want wax melts?
No thank you. (Also, in case I didn't make it abundantly clear, ABSOLUTELY NO incense.)
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2017 12 Days of Christmas Answers Etc.

Updated 11/11/17

Are you coveting anything currently available from Haus of Gloi?
I am not terribly familiar with Haus of Gloi, but the bubbling scrub and pumpkin butter looks good and the Blood Orange Marshmallow scent sounds right up my alley, as do a lot of the yule scents.

Are you coveting anything from the Paintbox Soapworks update that just happened?
Winter Stories, O Tannenbaum - soap or scrub.

Are you coveting anything from Cocoa Pink?
I don't really use CP.

Do you have feelings about fruitcake? We're talking whiskey soaked homemade fruitcake, not a brick in a festive tin.
Personally, I love it and am happy to receive any festive fruity bread product.

Any strong nail polish and/or makeup preferences?
Personally the brighter and sparklier the better for all of it. Except blush. I don't wear blush at all.

How do you feel about pomanders?
I definitely enjoy them!

How do you feel about savor soaps?
I do like what I've tried - I would probably be more into the soap scrubs or whipped soap than the soap itself.

Or Perfectly Posh?
I know nothing about this brand at all. But if something looks like I'd like it, I'd be happy to try it!

Favorite animals?
Bats, owls, spiders, frogs, cats, dinosaurs, cephalopods...not the most Christmassy of critters, but I am a sucker for cute animals in santa hats.

Weird question, but it's on my mind: Do you have a strong preference for consumables (soaps, candles, food, etc.) over other stuff?
Not really.

Would you be interested in one of the Colorpop pallets? Anything else from Colourpop?
I tend to prefer shadow crayons to pressed shadow and honestly none of them really pops out at me, no pun intended. I am curious about the liquid lip color, though.
Would you like any holiday music? if so, do you prefer a CD or MP3?
Yes! I'd prefer CDs or Amazon music - I especially like rock and roll versions of classics.

Do you like toffee or fudge?
Fudge, absolutely. Not a big fan of toffee.

Are you interested in anything from my etsy shop? https://www.etsy.com...winklentwilight(bags, stuffies, hats, fingerless mitts, lefse cozies...)
I absolutely love all of the stuffies! I really like the geeky print project bags, but don't have a lot of use for them, unless they were modified to be more like a handbag.

How do you feel about amigurumi (little crochet stuffies...animals, characters, ornaments, etc.)?
I think they are adorbs!

If I were to crochet you something wearable, do you have any preferences? Do you like hats, scarves, gloves, other? And would you prefer something fun and whimsical (e.g. fox face hat or owl mittens), something delicate and pretty (e.g. lacy wraps or scalloped boot cuffs), or just something like a basic, no frills beanie or cowl? Do you have a Ravelry account and a list of favorite patterns?
No ravelry account. I would especially love something fun and whimsical, a shawl or really big scarf would be especially cool.

What kind of hot drinks do you like, and if tea or coffee or cocoa or cider or alcohol, give specifics?
Please NO cocoa. Honestly, I'd probably prefer no tea at this point as well, as I have way too much of both. Coffee would be great - I have a grinder and would be particularly interested in seasonal flavors or local roasts. And I LOVE mulled white wine and mead and cider.

What kind of candles do you like, scent, etc?
Candles and other home scents are among the things I really do not need more of this year, sorry.

Mixes or seasonings for the kitchen?
Yes please! Garlicky, spicy, are good.

What is something new in your life that you wish you had more "things" for?
Not that I can think of, but if I think of anything as I see other people answer, I'll update.

We do a lot of baking and holiday good ridiculousness around here...house specialties include lebkuchen (flourless, they're mostly nuts, spices, candied fruit), marzipan, butter caramels (flavored or plain), shortbread crisps, and savory cheese shortbread. Any of these sound appealing?
Every single one of them. *makes nommy hands*

What are your top places to get a gift card from?
Starbucks, Amazon, any B&B store you think I might like.
Which holiday symbols/themes do you like the best (or least)? Such as Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
I tend toward animals in silly Santa hats, snowmen, honestly, I like it all, but not country kitchy.
Do you like puzzles?
Yes! I love puzzles - jigsaw, little figity logic puzzles, all of them.


Do you have a strong preference for numbered packages vs randomly picking with maybe a few hints along the way?
I don't have a strong preference one way or another, so whatever your whims dictate.

Are you jonesing for any particular BPAL right now? Anything you are just dying to try, even just a sniffie?
My wishlist is pretty up to date, so there's nothing additional I really desperately want at the moment.

How do you feel about the following flavors/ingredients:
Coconut? I like it - I prefer it with creamy flavors and textures - so coconut cupcakes or coquito are amazing, not such a big fan of coconut macaroons.
Mint? I love peppermint this time of year.
Lavender? Yes!
Rosewater? Sure - I tend to like floral flavors.
Cardamom? Yes please!
Candied citrus peel/marmalade? This is one of my favorite things. Unfortunately, I am on medication that forbids grapefruit, which is one of my great sorrows ( but worth it not to migraine every day, alas).
Anything to absolutely avoid? Dill outside of pickles, BBQ or smoky flavors (I like actual BBQ, but I dislike it out of context and "smoke" flavor just tastes gross to me), blue/veiny/stinky cheeses. Really intensely bitter flavors (my 7 year old likes darker chocolate than I do).

Would you like anything crafted for the storage or transport of the BPAL? (Travel imp containers, boxes for 5mls, bottle cozy, etc.) If so, do you prefer them to be plain or decorated? If decorated, are there any motifs or art that you'd particularly like?
Not really. I don't need bottle storage, unless it comes with a magic spell that will magically organize the bottles that are all over my bedroom (I have an entire art cabinet for them, I just need to put them in there). A small imp cozy for travel wouldn't go amiss, but definitely not one of my priorities.
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2015 13 Nights of Halloween Answers-o-Doom

Gaming nerd? Kinda sorta. I am definitely on the geek spectrum, but in terms of games, I tend to prefer adventure/mystery type games.   If you have any Chaos Theory bottles on your wishlists, would you mind getting bottles on several days of this swap? I don't think I do have any CT on my wishlist, but I wouldn't mind a bottle or two if they seem like they are within my overall scent desires.   If you listed wearables - what sizes? I think I covered this in my questionnaire, but generally L/XL, feet are US 8.   Are your forearms skinny or bulky? My forearms are pretty...average? I generally do not have issues with my forearm size as it relates to clothing or jewelry. My upper arms on the other hand...they are pretty thick and tend to present problems.   How do you feel about yarn/wearables? Ok with wool as long as it's soft? And any particular things on your wish list as far as knit items go? (Headbands for fall/winter, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, socks, etc) Soft anything is wonderful. Hats, scarves, socks are all wonderful. I am always in the market for fingerless arm/hand warmers, that I can both type and hide my always cold fingers in.   What kind of items would you like to get that are not available in your country? I would love candies, jellies, jams, other edibles and local specialties.   How do you feel about home baked cookies? Is there anything that should be left out (nuts, milk, eggs, gluten, etc)? Home baking is love! I have no real restrictions in that area, aside from typical attempts at not overeating. Well, that and no artificial sweeteners.   How do you feel about receiving pens? If you like them, do you have a prefered stroke size (ie: do you prefer a thick or fine stroke)? Any preferred colors (assume the sky is the limit here)? Pens are great. I tend to like mid-range stroke sizes - not extra fine, but not seriously thick. In terms of color, between blue/black/red, I prefer black. Otherwise, I love fun pen colors which are not those three.   Socks? For fall, I tend to prefer knee-highs, as I pretty much constantly wear short boots, at least on the weekends, which is also pretty much the only time I wear socks. I love fun funky socks. My Sock Dreams wishlist is here, which I share not as an OMG BUY ME THESE, but more as an idea of what I tend to gravitate toward.   Tea? I have a bit of a tea problem, as in I have waaaaaaaay too much of it. That said, I am always happy to try any yummy seasonal tea flavors.   Yankee Candle Boney Bunch? The Boney Bunch doesn't actually do much for me, sadly. The Wicked Web (especially the collar or the bat wings), or the silhouettes and spellbound are much more up my alley. I also have a bit of a candle problem, much like tea, in that I have tons, but can't seem to prevent myself from inviting more in.   What are your favorite tv shows, movies, topics of geekery, famous persons, specific objects (like tarot or harpsichords), memes, cultures etc. that you would like to receive items themed around? Fandomish likes include Harry Potter (Ravenclaw with a side of Slytherin or Griffyndor, depending on the day), Star Wars, Muppets, Doctor Who, Firefly. I also watch Castle and Grey's Anatomy, but not in a major fannish way. I enjoy gargoyles, bats and spiders. I'm not sure I'm really answering the question, though. If you've said you like coffee: Do you prefer whole beans or ground? Do you like flavored coffees? Whole beans for unflavored, ground for flavors. Are you a soap only, shower gel only, or an either works person? If you like soap, are you particular about type? (all natural, no glycerine, created on a full moon using the blood of virgins, etc) Another area in which some would say I have a "problem". I will use just about anything, with the caveat that Paintbox is about the only glycerine soap I can use. I particularly love cleansing scrubs. Items you want but never seem to buy? Just as I never buy them, I never remember them. :headdesk: Something that might be fun would be a cool lariat/id card holder.   If you listed you like books: what kind of books? What are your favorites? Do you also like the "English classics"? Are there any books or writers that you really don't like? I definitely do not like "English classics" to the extent that I understand the term. I like Dickens for the most part, but not much else. Well, Shakespeare, but I have the collected works, so I don't need more there. Between my Goodreads and this post, it can tell you most of what you need to know.   What are your favorite musicians, favorite singers or bands? Anything or anyone you really don't like? REM, the Smiths, Nick Cave, Current 93, Sol Invictus, lots of 60s and 70s rock, new wave, 80s college rock, 80s and 90s goth and industrial. I like some country of the old school Patsy Cline/Loretta Lynn variety. Some hip hop. I haven't really kept up with music over the past 10 years or so, which is kind of depressing.   Do you like Japanese/Korean snackies? If so do you prefer sweet/savory or both? I'm not fanatical about them, but I do like interesting sweets. Savories are cool as long as they don't involve seaweed. Do you prefer light lotions or thick butters and do you like scented or unscented? Yes and scented. Do you like small crossbody bags? I am all about the crossbody bag, but on the larger size.   Birthday during swap? Nope.   Pistachio-flavored snacks? Sure!   Do you collect anything? I like bats and skulls and spiders and other creepy crawly things and butterflies and colorful beetles and other insects. But nothing that I'd seriously term a collection. What are some of your favourite things about fall/Halloween, or what do you look forward to? I went into this in a lot of detail in my survey, I think, but I love cooler days and wearing jeans and my favorite Fluevog ankle boots and long sweaters. We throw a big Halloween party every year which I love planning. And pumpkin spice everything and apple cider and spices and caramel. Going to a corn maze and going pumpkin picking and carving pumpkins and taking my kids trick or treating.   Horror themes? I'm not at all into zombies or really seriously goreshock kind of stuff. Also, anything involving mutilation of eyeballs freaks me the right fuck out.   Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? Absolutely - cozy lounge pants in an XL would rock. Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use? Very short, no accessories needed. BUT, my 5 year old has almost waist length hair, so things would have a possible home. If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? List 'tis here: https://www.etsy.com/people/emzebel/favorites/items-i-love?ref=favs_index_1 Everything is something I'd love to have, although most of the stuffs have sold, so it can also serve as inspiration for the types of things I tend to go for, as opposed to a shopping list.   Do you bake or cook & if so (or even if not!) would you want Halloween-themed kitchen stuff or sprinkles or similar? Sure! I bake a lot this time of year and we have a fairly extensive sprinkle collection (so, I guess I do collect something?) that I think is low on the autumnal at the moment. And I love love love themey utensils and bakeware. Question: Wishbones, and designs with them ? Yay or nay? I...have no idea. I'm not opposed to them, but I tend to have more of an affinity for skulls and talons and other bony things.   Are there any general catalog/easily found/not crazy expensive BPAL bottles you'd love to get your hands on? I would dearly love a bottle of Scheherazade, which I love, but never seems to make it into my cart. Otherwise, my wishlist is pretty comprehensive and lists some GCs.   Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind? Yay booze! I am on a big gin and bourbon kick right now (and whiskey generally always has a home with me). I also love little sample bottles of random flavored or unusual options in just about any liquor type. I also love seasonal ales this time of year. I am not big on wine. With anything, if there's some sort of local specialty that you just adore, I'd love to sample it!   CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY? Nay, sorry.   I'll visit an Asian market later this afternoon/evening. Bit of a last minute decision so last minute question, too. So hope my swappee reads and answers this before I'm there. Is there anything in particular you'd like to get? Sorry, I'm late on this one, but there's nothing in particular that I'm jonsing for at the moment. How disappointed would you be to get a package with little to no spooky themed stuff (except the wrappings)? I do love me some Halloween, but I will love anything you send, spooky or no. <3   Would you be interested in gently used BPAL tees going back several years and/or 80s/90s goth-industrial-generally morbid tees all in crew neck/Men's style, size M - L, all black or dark gray? Since is my question, I'm going with no on this one. I don't wear crewnecks anymore and clearly hubby has too many. How do you feel about superheroes? I adore Wonder Woman and have enjoyed a lot of the newer MCU stuff. How do you feel about Star Wars, especially extension universe comics? Another area where we have more than enough. How extensively have you sampled the Lab's Weenie wares? Any past releases you are dying to get your hands on? Years you missed? Other than what's in my wishlist, I'm good. Weenies tend to be my biggest order of the year.    
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2014 Reading

ATTN! I HAVE MOVED MY BOOK TRACKING TO GOODREADS : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1543793-em   2014 Books @ Goodreads     So...what is here right now is a snapshot up to about April, otherwise, check my bookshelves! I'm also in the process of moving each year over and will note that in the relevant posts. Or, what is on by kindle/bookshelves/library record...   Read Entirely in 2014 1. Hopeless - Colleen Hoover (romance, maybe series?) 2. S - JJ Abrams, Doug Darst 3. Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn 4. The Giver - Lois Lowry (YA)(S)(D) 5. Dark Places - Gillian Flynn 6. Interworld - Neil Gaiman, Michael Reaves (SF)(YA)(R )(WS)(S) 7. Year of the Flood - Margaret Atwood (S)(SF)(D) 8. The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern (technically started in 2013, but counting because I reread the few pages I started) 9. Fight Club - Chuck Palhonick (BC) 10. The Silver Dream - Neil Gaiman, Michael Reaves, Melody Reaves (SF)(YA)(WS)(S) 11. The Onion Girl - Charles DeLint (S)(F) 12. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (S)(YA)® 13. Divergent - Veronica Roth (S)(YA)(D) 14. The Knife of Never Letting Go - (YA)(S)(D) 15. The Maze Runner (YA)(S)(D) 16. Shards and Ashes (YA)(SW)(D) 17. The Magicians - Lev Grossman (S)(F) 18. The Magician King - Lev Grossman (S)(F) 19. Gathering Blue - Lois Lowry (S)(YA)(D) 20. The Ask and the Answer - Patrick Ness (A)(YA)(D) 21. Watching the Dark - Peter Robinson (S)(M) 22. Man and Wife - Andrew Klavan (M) 23. Orange is the New Black 24. Sabriel - Garth Nix ®(YA)(WS)(F)   Started in 2013 or before, finished in 2014 The Amber Spyglass - Phillip Pullman (R )(YA)(F)(W/S)   In progress (if not started in 2013, starting year in parens) Ulysses - James Joyce (started 2005, completely restarted in 2011) Everything You Know About God is Wrong - Russ Kick (NF) (SW) (2010)   Children of the Revolution - Peter Robinson The Hobbit (w/son)®           Island of the Could Not Finish     Some coding:(AOC) = Author of Color/(BC)= Book Club/(D) = Dyatopia/(F) = Fantasy/(GN) = Graphic Novel/(H) = Horror/(M) = Mystery/(NF) = Non-fiction/(R ) = Reread/(S) = Series/(SF) = Science Fiction/(SW) = Short Works/(V) = Vampires, werewolves, and witches, oh my!/(YA) = Young Adult
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2013 Reading

Or, what is on by kindle/bookshelves/library record...   Read Entirely in 2013 1. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs (S)(F) 2. Bone River - Megan Chance 3. Bones of the Moon - Johnathan Carrol 4. Infernal Devices - KW Jeter (F) (BC) 5. Chalice - Robyn McKinley ®(F) 6. Watership Down - Richard Adams (BC) (F) 7. A Perfect Blood - Kim Harrison (V)(S) 8. Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn 9. Into the Woods - Kim Harrison (V)(S)(SF) 10. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - N. K. Jemisin (F)(AOC) (S) 11. The Drowning Girl - Caitlin R Kiernan (H) 12. Stardust - Neil Gaiman (R )(F)(BC) 13. Snow White and Rose Red: The Huntsman - Lily Fang (F) 14. Coraline - Neil Gaiman, P Craig Russell (GN) (YA) ® (F) 15. Movies in Fifteen Minutes - Cleolinda Jones (SW)(BPALER!) 16. The Broken Kingdoms - N.K. Jemisin (F)(S)(AOC) 17. The Wretched of Muirwood - Jeff Wheeler (S)(F) 18. The Scourge of Muirwood - Jeff Wheeler (S)(F) 19. The Kingdom of the Gods - N.K. Jemisin (F)(S)(AOC) 20. The Killing Moon - N.K. Jemisin (F)(S)(AOC) 21. The Blight of Muirwood - Jeff Wheeler (S)(F) 22. Paleofantasy - Marlene Zuk (NF) 23. The Grimm Curse: Snow White - Stephen Carpenter (S)(F) 24. After - Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling (SW)(F)(SF)(YA) 25. The List - Konrath, J.A., Jack Kilborn (M)(S?) 26. The Ruth Valley Missing - Amber West (M) 27. The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Neil Gaiman (F) 28. Embassytown - China Mieville (SF) 29. Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead (V)(YA)(S)(BPALER!) 30. Frostbite - Richelle Mead (V)(YA)(S)(BPALER) 31. Shadow Kiss - Richelle Mead (V)(YA)(S)(BPALER) 32. Blood Promise - Richelle Mead (V)(YA)(S)(BPALER) 33. Frost Burned - Patricia Briggs (S)(V) 34. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler - E.L. Koningsberg (YA)(R )(BC) 35. After the Poison - Peter Robinson (M) 36. A Confusion of Princes - Garth Nix (YA)(SF) 37. Redshirts - John Scalzi (SF) 38. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - JK Rowling (YA)(F)(R ) 39. The Golden Compass - Phillip Pullman (R )(YA)(F)(W/S) 40. Dead Ever After - Charlaine Harris (F)(V)(S) 41. Bloodsucking Fiends - Christopher Moore (V)(S)(BC) 42. Ever After - Kim Harrison (F)(S)(V) 43. Shades of Gray - Jasper Fforde (F)(SF) 44. Spirit Bound - Richelle Mead (F)(V)(S)(YA) 45. Last Sacrifice - Richelle Mead (F)(V)(S)(YA) 46. Asylum - Kristen Selleck (S)(F) 47. The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky (YAish) (BC) 48. Chalice (again) 49. The Infernals - John Connelly (YA)(S)(F) 50. A Reliable Wife - Robert Goolrick 51. The Iron Wyrm Affair - Lilith Saintcrow (S)(F) 52. The Subtle Knife - Phillip Pullman (R )(YA)(F)(W/S) 53. Summon the Keeper - Tanya Huff (F)(V)(S) 54. Virals - Kathy Reichs (S)(YA)(SF) 55. Dustlands: Blood Red Road - Moira Young (S)(F) 56. Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro (BC) 55. The Book of Lost Things - John Connelly (BC) 56. Oryx & Crake - Margaret Atwood (SFF)(S) 57. The Human Division - John Scalzi (SF)(S) 58. Unfortunately the Milk - Neil Gaiman (YA) 59. In the Woods - Tara French (S)(M) (BC) 60. The Cookoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith/JKR 61. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens - Classics Illustrated Edition (R for text)(GN) 62. Redifining Girly - Melissa Atkins Wardy (NF) (MY NAME IS IN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS! ;-) 63. The Life and Advertures of Santa Claus (YA)(W/S) (BC) ...I feel like I'm forgetting something here...   Started in 2012 or before, finished in 2013     In progress (if not started in 2013, starting year in parens) Ulysses - James Joyce (started 2005, completely restarted in 2011) Everything You Know About God is Wrong - Russ Kick (NF) (SW) (2010)   The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern The Amber Spyglass - Phillip Pullman (R )(YA)(F)(W/S)     Island of the Could Not Finish The Windup Girl - Paolo Bacigalupi Prospero Lost - L. Jeri Lamplighter (F) I am a Cat - Soseki Natsume (AOC) Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates - Tom Robbins (got to pg 277 and just couldn't give a crap anymore)   Some coding:(AOC) = Author of Color/(BC)= Book Club/(F) = Fantasy/(GN) = Graphic Novel/(H) = Horror/(M) = Mystery/(NF) = Non-fiction/(R ) = Reread/(S) = Series/(SF) = Science Fiction/(SW) = Short Works/(V) = Vampires, werewolves, and witches, oh my!/(YA) = Young Adult
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2012 Reading

Books read/started/finished/etc. in 2012.   Read Entirely in 2012 1. Artimis Fowl - Eoin Cofer (S)(YA)(F) (Technically I started this in 2011, but I reread what I'd already read, so I'm counting it for 2012.) 2. Eternals - Neil Gaiman (GN) (S) 3. Land of Laughs - Johnathan Carroll 4. Yseult: A Tale of Love in the Age of King Arthur - Ruth Nestvold (F) 5. The Wright 3 - Blue Balliett (YA)(M) 6. Chalice - Robyn McKinley (F)(R ) 7. Black Wine - Candas Jane Dorsey (F) 8. The Gypsy Morph - Terry Brooks (F)(S)(SF) 9. Lord John and the Scottish Prisoner - Diana Gabaldon (S) 10. The Hangman's Daughter - Oliver Pötzsch 11. Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews (F)(V)(S) 12. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception - Maggie Stiefvater (YA)(F) 13. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde (S)(F)(SF) 14. The Righteous - Michael Wallace (S)(M) 15. We Need to Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver 16. The Invisible Man (Illustrated Classics) - HG Wells (GN) 17. Snuff - Terry Pratchett (S)(SF) 18. Old Man's War - John Scalzi (SF) (S) 19. The Selkie Spell - Sophie Moss (F)(S) 20. The Ghost Brigades - John Scalzi (SF)(S) 21. Mighty and Strong - Michael Wallace (S)(M) 22. Mummy (Ramses the Damned) - Anne Rice (F)(V) 23. Naamah's Blessing - Jacqueline Carey (F)(S) 24. Circle of Magic: Tris's Book - Tamora Price (S)(F)(YA) 25. The Android's Dream - John Scalzi (SF) 26. Pegasus - Robin McKinley (F)(YA) 27. Fuzzy Nation - John Scalzi (SF) 28. Something Wicked This Way Comes, the Authorized GN - Ray Bradbury, Ron Wimberly (GN)(F)(R- for text) 29. American Gods 10th Anniversary Edition - Neil Gaiman (F)(R- for all but the preferred text bit) 30. Wicked - Michael Wallace (S)(M) 31. Green Shadows, White Whale - Ray Bradbury 32. The Grimm Curse: Once Upon A Time Is Now - Stephen Carpenter(?) (S)(F)(YAish) 33. Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury - Mort Castle,Sam Weller, eds. (SW) (F)(SF) 34. Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl (F) (YA) (S) 35. Ghost of a Chance - Simon Green (S)(F) 36. The Grimm Curse: Girl in the Red Hoodie - Stephen Carpenter(?) (S)(F)(YAish) 37. The Red Tree - Caitlin R. Kiernan (M)(H)(F) 38. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making - Cathrynne Valente (YA)(F)(S) 39. Cry Wolf - Patricia Briggs (S)(V) 40. Alpha & Omega - Patricia Briggs (S)(SW)(V) 41. EDGE - Various (GN)(SW) 42. Taliesin - Stephen R. Lawhead (F)(S) 43. Hunting Ground - Patricia Briggs (S)(V) 44. Fifty Shades of Gray - E.L. James (S) 45. Fair Game - Patricia Briggs (S)(V) 46. Season of the Harvest - Michael R. Hicks (S) (SFish) 47. Deadlocked - Charlene Harris (S)(V) 48. Echo - Jack McDevitt (S)(SF) 49. Seer of Sevenwaters - Juliet Marillier (S)(F) 50. Kraken - China Mieville (F) 51. Cthulhu Tales Omnibus: Delirium (GN) (SW) 52. The Eyes of the Killer Robot - John Bellairs (S)(M)(YA) 53. Why Have Kids? - Jessica Valente (NF) 54. Talon of the Unnamed Goddess, a Fantasy Adventure - C. R. Daems and J. R. Tomlin (F) 55. The Last Colony - John Scalzi (S)(SF) 56. Tommyknockers - Stephen King (H) 57. The Casual Vacancy - JK Rowling 58. Katwalk - Karen Kijewski (M)(S) 59. Flush - Carl Hiassen (YA) 60. Skin Tight - Carl Hiassen 61. Irish Moon - Amber Scott (S)(F) 62. Scrooge and Marley - Karl F. Hollenbach (S sort of) 63. The Christmas Tree - Charles Dickens (NF sort of)(SW) 64. Hogfather - Terry Pratchett ®(S)(F) 65. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens ® 66. Old Christmas - Washington Irving (NF sort of)(SW) 67. A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows: An Outlander Novella - Diana Gabeldon (S)(SW) 68. Dodger - Terry Pratchett (YA) 69. Uncle Montague’s Tales of Terror - Priestley, Chris (YA)   Chapter books read with Son 1. Dogs in the Dead of Night (MTH 46) 2. Half Moon Investigations - Eoin Coifer Supernaturals-Eoin Coifer 3. The Wright 3 - Blue Balliett 4. Throne of Fire - Richard Riordon 5. Abe Lincoln at Last (MTH 47) 6. Charlie Bone 1 7. The Phantom Tollbooth 8. Hoot - Carl Hiassen 9. Chasing Vermeer - Blue Balliet (s) 10. Scat - Carl Hiassen 11. Chomp - Carl Hiassen 12. The Neverending Story - ®(F)   Started in 2011 or before, finished in 2012 Dances With Dragons - George R.R. Martin (S)(F) Halloween - Paula Guran (SW) (F) (2011) Who Let the Dogs In - Molly Ivins (2008) (SW) (NF)   In progress (if not started in 2012, starting year in parens) Ulysses - James Joyce (started 2005, completely restarted in 2011) Everything You Know About God is Wrong - Russ Kick (NF) (SW) (2010)     Island of the Could Not Finish Barry Trotter and the Unauthorized Parody   Some coding:(AOC) = Author of Color/(F) = Fantasy/(GN) = Graphic Novel/(H) = Horror/(M) = Mystery/(NF) = Non-fiction/(R ) = Reread/(S) = Series/(SF) = Science Fiction/(SW) = Short Works/(V) = Vampires, werewolves, and witches, oh my!/(YA) = Young Adult
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2011 Reading Analysis

Wow. So this was one my my less stellar years in terms of reading. Ironically, I think that getting a Kindle actually worked against me, as it made it so much easier to be a magpie, play little word games, etc. So time I might otherwise have spent reading got sucked into playing strange logic puzzles. I also think I might have lost a couple of quick reads between October and November.   The Kindle did make it easier to make progress on some of my long-term reading projects, like Ulysses. While I'm still a long way from done, having it with me wherever I have the Kindle means I plugged away more than I would have if the book just stayed by my bed. Also, my copy was lovely in its way, but it is old, has some cover damage and the 60s era cover had to be taped on, so having it in a sleak electronic format is a more friendly reading experience (note that doesn't mean I'm getting rid of the hardcopy :-).   Along those lines, I had hoped to make 2011 the year I finished everything on my previously started list, which clearly didn't happen. I did read at least part of every single book still outstanding and I think it's realistic to think at least 4 of those will be cleared out this year (I've already finished ADWD and just started up with AF again, so that's one down, one probably finished by the end of the month). There's not much left of the Molly Ivins - it's sort of a crime that I've not completed that one, to be honest, and Halloween will be resurrected come fall. So there.   I did discover a ton of new authors this year, reading more than one book (and in a couple of cases, entire series) by Suzanne Collins, , Charles DeLint, Terry Brooks, Lee Carroll, and Daniel Suarez, and one offs by Jacqueline West, Cyril Pedrosa, Tamora Pierce and Daniel Kraus. I also discovered a lot of new possibilities via the Steampunk anthology (which contains a story by one of my dearest friends) and the Halloween anthology (which I shall finish next fall, natch).   Normally, this is where I go through a detailed accounting of new vs. old, genre, etc. But I kind of don't really care. I like knowing what I read and so long as I liked it, I'm not sure it matters that much one way or another.
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2010 Reading Analysis

This year may be the year that gets me to start tracking pages read; because while I did not come terribly close to 100 books (totaling 82 books in their entirety, 84 with the ones started before 2010, although 132/4 with the ones read with my son, but I typically don’t count those toward my own totals) I would be willing to bet that I came pretty close to my page totals for previous years, thanks largely to discovering Diana Gabaldon and rereading the entire Harry Potter series. I also did a lot of magazine and other non-tracked reading (I am not counting skimming through pregnancy and baby-care books, for example) and had a fair amount of external distraction (hello new baby and having not been totally alone in my house since May).   Just skimming, this year had fewer really short (>300 pages) YA and urban fantasy/paranormal romance sorts of books, fewer graphic novels which I tend to polish off in a few hours as most, and a lot more really dense, really long books.   Some quick totals:   82 books read in their entirety. 2 books finished from previous years. 50 chapter books read in whole or in part with my son. 4 books which I just could not finish – interestingly, all by authors that I have really enjoyed in the past and 3 of which were installments in series where I’ve enjoyed the other books.   Of the 82 books I read in full, they breakdown along my coding as follows:   Author of Color – 1 (wow, that’s pathetic) Fantasy – 44 (my most common genre this year with 5 more than last year) Graphic Novel – 19 (hum, actually 2 more than last year- but at least two of what I categorized as GN were fairly long) Mystery - 3 (way fewer straight mysteries this year than in the past – probably because I’m completely caught up with the series I read and haven’t introduced any new ones) Non-fiction – 1 Reread – 15 total rereads and 2 graphic novel adaptations where I’d read the original story, but not the adaptation Series –60 Science Fiction – 9 Short Works – 9 Vampires, werewolves, and witches, oh my! – 25 (3 more than last year, maybe because I included the 7 HPs?) Young Adult – 16 (way fewer than last year and tending toward the longer end (i.e. 300 plus pages))   Interestingly, even with almost ¾ of my reading being from series, nearly half – 40 total- unique authors are represented, with 12 totally new authors this year. That’s about the same number of unique authors, although fewer new ones this year.
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2009 Reading Analysis

Wow, so, definitely met the standing 100+ books goal with 120 unique books last year. In addition, there were 2 books that I started prior to this year and finished, one that’s part of a mystery series, another non-fiction history of Haitian voodoo. I gave up on 5 books entirely. Of these, 3 were by authors I’ve read before and enjoyed, including one adaptation from a book I enjoyed originally and one sequel. As of Jan. 1, I had 5 books still in progress (note that of the 2 started in 2009, 1 I’ve given up on and 1 is completed, but that’s for a year from now). The 3 remaining are from previous years. Maybe this will be the year I actually plow through Ulysses.   I got pretty haphazard about tracking reading with the boy this year. Ultimately, I just started noting books that I would/have read on my own as well. I’m just not up for keeping track of 40 Scooby Doo chapter books.   As for the rest of the analysis: • 15 of these were rereads, and that doesn’t count that I read 1 book twice. • 83 were books in series of various kinds. • In terms of genre, 39 were fantasy (as defined personally), 37 were YA, 19 sci-fi, 22 involved vampires, werewolves or other staples of urban fantasy (I categorized these differently, because Anita Blake just feels different to me than, say, Mists of Avalon), 11 were mysteries • In terms of form, 5 were short works (usually short stories), 17 were graphic novels and 4 were non-fiction (and 1 of those was a graphic novel) • Looking at authors, only 8 books were written by authors identified as non-white, 26 total were new to me (accounting for roughly 38 books read) and approximately 58 distinct authors represented overall.   Every year I tend to beat myself up for the fact that I read a lot of genre fiction and not a lot of “classics” or books that are generally heralded as books of substance. But screw that. I read for entertainment and what entertains me are stories about vampires and fictional societies where magic exists in some form and dystopic alien worlds and mysteries where I can lose myself for a while. I could whip out my hairshirt about the fact that I don’t really enjoy biographies and non-fiction much outside of humorous pop-cult essays, but really, why bother. I still read more than probably 90% of the population and I’m teaching my kid to value reading for its own sake and am continuing to discover new sub-genres and authors that I thoroughly enjoy. So, go me. Or something like that.
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2007 Book List

So, evidently I am going to primarily be using my blog for lists.   This is a list of books I've read/started/finished/etc. in 2007. 'Cause, you know, it's the in thing.   Read Entirely in 2007 1. The Trolley to Yesterday - John Bellairs 2. The Lamp from the Worlock's Tomb - John Bellairs 3. Vengence of the Witchfinder - John Bellairs 4. Doom of the Haunted Opera - John Bellairs 5. The Secret of the Underground Room - John Bellairs 6. The Great Snape Debate - Amy Berner, Orson Scott Card, Joyce Millman 7. Kushiel's Dart - Jacqueline Carey 8. Kushiel's Chosen - Jacqueline Carey 9. Kushiel's Avatar - Jacqueline Carey 10. Neverwhere - Mike Carey, Garth Ellis (graphic novel) 11. Alice in Wonderland - Louis Carroll (reread for forum Book Club) 12. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (reread with son) 13. The Witches - Roald Dahl (reading with son) 14. A Christmas Carol and Other Stories - Charles Dickens (annual reread of ACC, first go round with "The Chimes" and "Cricket in the Hearth") 15. Geek Love - Katherine Dunn 16. Interworld - Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves 17. Vanished - Tess Garretson 18. Hell to Pay - Simon Green 19. Guilty Pleasures - Laurel K. Hamilton 20. The Laughing Corpse - LKH 21. Circus of the Damned - LKH 22. Bloody Bones - LKH 23. The Killing Dance - LKH 24. A Kiss of Shadows - LKH 25. A Caress of Twilight - LKH 26. Seduced by Moonlight - LKH 27. A Stroke of Midnight - LKH 28. Dead Until Dark - Charlene Harris 29. Living Dead in Dallas - Charlene Harris 30. Club Dead - Charlene Harris 31. Dead Witch Walking - Kim Harrison 32. The Good, the Bad, the Undead - Kim Harrison 33. Every Which Way but Dead - Kim Harrison 34. Fistfull of Charms - Kim Harrison 35. Native Tongue - Carl Hasissian 36. Injustice for All - J.A. Jance 37. Trial by Fury - J.A. Jance 38. Taking the Fifth - J.A. Jance 39. Improbable Cause - J.A. Jance 40. A More Perfect Union - J.A. Jance 41. Dismissed With Prejudice - J.A. Jance 42. Payment in Kind - J.A. Jance 43. Without Due Process - J.A. Jance 44. Failure to Appear - J.A. Jance 45. Lying in Wait - J.A. Jance 46. Breach of Duty - J.A. Jance 47. Long Time Gone - J.A. Jance 48. Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs - Chuck Klosterman 49. Swordpoint - Ellen Kushner 50. A Feast for Crows - George R.R. Martin 51. The Hedge Knight (graphic novel) - George RR Martin 52. Deerskin - Robyn McKinley 53. The Hero and the Crown - Robyn McKinley 54. Spindle's End - Robyn McKinley 55. Sunshine - Robyn McKinley 56. Moby Dick - Herman Melville (via LJ) 57. V for Vendetta (graphic novel) - Alan Moore 58. Sir Thursday (The Keys to the Kingdom) - Garth Nix 59. Island of the Blue Dolphins - Scott O'Dell (reread from childhood) 60. 3rd Degree - James Patterson 61. 4th of July - James Patterson 62. 5th Horseman - James Patterson 63. Angels and Other Strangers - Katherine Patterson (reread from childhood) 64. Clockwork - Phillip Pullman 65. The Firework Maker's Daughter - Phillip Pullman 66. The Antipope - Robert Rankin 67. Brightonomicon - Robert Rankin 68. Piece of My Heart - Peter Robinson 69. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling (reread) 70. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling (reread) 71. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban - J.K. Rowling (reread) 72. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling (reread) 73. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling (reread) 74. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling (reread) 75. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - JK Rowling (x2) 76. Broken Prey - John Sandford 77. Subterranean (Hellblazer novel) - John Shirley 78. Perfume: Story of a Murderer - Patrick Suskind 79. The Secret History - Donna Tartt 80. Take the Cannoli - Sarah Vowell 81. Dark Lover - J.R. Ward 82. Lover Eternal - J.R. Ward 83. Lover Awakened - J.R. Ward 84. Lover Revealed - J.R. Ward 85. Lover Unbound - J.R. Ward 86. Fables: Arabian Nights (and Days) Graphic Novel v. 7 - Bill Willingham 87. Fables: Wolves Graphic Novel v. 8 - Bill Willingham 88. Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall Graphic Novel (prequel) - Bill Willingham 89. Lord of Light - Roger Zalany   Started in 2006 or before, finished in 2007 Fragile Things - Neil Gaiman The Neverending Story - Michael Ende Cages - Dave McKeon (2005) Life of Pi (originally started in 2005, completely restarted because I lost the book and refound it!)   In progress (if not started in 2007, starting year in parens) Divine Horsemen, The Living Gods of Haiti - Myra Deren(2006) Ulysses - James Joyce (2005) Les Mis - Victor Hugo (via LJ) Jambalaya - L. Tisch Black House - Steven King/Peter Straub Dead to the World - Charlene Harris   The island of the just couldn't finish Haunted - Chuck Palonick
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13 Nights of Halloween Questions 2014

What are your thoughts on yarn and handmade yarny things?   Handmade anything is awesome and love and fabulous. But despite many many attempts at yarncraft I have come to the conclusion that I shall never be adept at things involving anything larger than an embroidery needle and floss.   For bath and body products: do you have a bathtub or shower?   I can do either with pretty much anything. All the bath and shower things!   Dear Swappee: is there anything you might have forgotten to put on your survey?   Nothing I can think of at the moment.   Are there any particular fandoms that you follow?   Fandoms (by which I mainly mean things I would be happy to receive swag about): Harry Potter (Ravenclaw here), Doctor Who, Muppets, Nightmare Before Christmas, StarWars (especially Yoda or Princess Leia or droids), Game of Thrones, Sandman, Firefly, Lego, Princess Bride   Do you own a wax/oil burner? (If no, would you like one?) Incense, y/n?   Oil/Wax/Incense/Candles:Scented candles in nommy autumnal scents are cool, no incense, wax melts/tarts or burning oils, please.   Would you like loose, fancy tea?   All the chocolatey, autumnal flavored tea.I also love a good Earl Gray.   What is your favorite fall activity?   Favorite activities - I have to go to a pumpkin patch with the kids. And then we have to carve crazy-ass jack o lanterns. October is probably my favorite month of the year - the weather here is fabulous - cool and crisp, but not cold yet. I love having whatever giant creature my husband and son come up with in our yard, and our skelemingos and other silly-creepy things. I love prepping for our Halloween party and then Halloween itself - filling the big candy bowl and getting the first wee trick-or-treaters...I really can't pick just one thing, but if I absolutely had to, it would probably be the pumpkin patch.   I'm in Japan, anything specifically Japanese-y you want?   Cute Halloweenie Sanrio stuffs would be fun, or other similar items. Probably not much in the way of sweets or snacks.   Please briefly describe (color, style, preferred type of beads) or provide a picture of (if it is suitable), the type of necklace (if any) you would be interested in getting. If you do not like necklaces, what kinds of jewelry (if any) would you want to wear?   What I really seriously kind of sort of need, to the extent that it is possible for me to actually *need* jewelry at this point in my life, is a bracelet in purples/blues. I particularly like loose bracelets with a single charm. I don't like what I think of as hippy-quasi-Indian flowery fittings between beeds. I would also love Halloweenie themed bracelets or earrings (I have a necklace that I love and can only wear this time of year already).   In terms of necklaces, something purple and/or red would be cool. I have a lot of blues and plain silver and oranges and even a couple of green tone ones, but purple in particular is missing, despite being my favorite color. I have been particularly drawn to long drapey multi-strand things lately, but really, I just love big bold colorful statement jewelry that leans modern (as opposed to Victorian or hippy costume beads), although I also love art deco/nouveau.   What about hot chocolate/malt drinks?   I kind of have more hot chocolate than I will ever be able to use and most of the time I am too lazy to actually heat milk, etc unless I'm making Hershey's for the kids. That said, if you have a line on amazing pumpkin spice hot chocolate where you just add water, I'm all in. As for malt drinks, assuming you mean like Ovaltine or something, I'm not strictly opposed, but it's not something I seek out and I'd probably prefer my carbs elsewhere.     If you said that you are interested in books (or DVDs or any relatively big standalone sort of item), would you be okay with having multiples of such items spread over a couple of days, or would you prefer 13 distinct themish packages?   Personally, while I wouldn't want, say 4 days of books and 5 days of DVDs and just 4 of other goodies, I would be cool with receiving 2-3 days of books if they are things you think I would really love.   How into the day themeing mentioned in the first post are you? All themed? A few maybe if they are fun? Not at all?   I would probably be more into general Halloweenie/Autumnal theming than say bologna or mincemeat. If it helps my treater out of a bind or if zie really can have a lot of fun with it, have at.   Speaking of DVDs - are you interested in receiving movies and if so, what sort?   Anything on my Amazon wishlist is fair game, if not terribly thematic. I don't have a whole lot of time to watch tv, period, unless it's at least 11 year old friendly, but I would love to see "Let the Right One In" and I have a fondness for old Steven King movies.   Back to the books - if you said you would like books, would you prefer I send you, say, my favorite Halloween anthology or something else spooky/scary, or something off your wishlist/want-to-read on goodreads?   Personally, books are love. I would particularly love a new thematic anthology (I have Halloween by Paula Guran and send it to everyone in these things...which means I'll have to make that last this time if I repeat it) or something kind of scary or otherwise autumnal, but really anything you think I'd love would be fabulous. My next project still in progress on goodreads is shelving my "want to read" books into "have them/don't have them", since right now it's a mix, but it should give you some ideas at the very least.   Process question: Do you want to know who is sending to you right away, or would you prefer to be surprised on the last day, to the extent possible? Likewise, do you have a preference for specifically numbered packages or for reach in and grab according to your fancy?   I definitely want to know who you are. I don't feel super strongly about when I find out, although tradition leans toward the end. In terms of numbering, both a free for all and specific numbering are fun, so whatever strikes you as most appropriate.     Would you be interested in solid perfume? What about lip balm?   I'm very much a BPAL only girl, so no on solid perfume. Lip balm forever, though, especially if it has SPF.     There was a lot of mention of not wearing costumes/not being allowed to at workplaces. Would you be interested in goth style or Halloween-themed(pumpkins, ghosts,etc.) normal clothes to wear instead, and what would be suitable?   I could probably get away with a costume more than actual club-wear and since I never actually get to wear any of the club wear I already own (and in fact might be raiding my stash of jewelry from my hardcore goth days for this swap, I'm a no on the gothy clothes question. I would love Halloweenie socks, accessories, fingerless gloves/armwarmers, t-shirts and other accessories (I'd lean more toward black/purple/spiders/bats than orange and pumpkins for anything other than socks or maybe jewelry). For that matter, a long wig could be fun - I actually borrowed a long black and purple wig and wore it to a work lunch for Halloween last year.   Rose City Comicon - Are any of them particularly appealing to you and/or your inner twelve-year-old (mine is calling dibs on the Goonies stuff)? I didn't see anything that jumps out at me in the vendor list, but my inner 12-year-old will fight your inner 12-year-old for Goonies. Day of the dead/ Dia de los Muertos stuff? I go back and forth on DDLM stuffs (as opposed to my much hoarded stash of the 2004 DDLM oil. I would love some sugar skull earrings, otherwise, I'm pretty particular. Question for all you knitters,crocheters and people who like yarn and yarnie things; can you give somebody just one or two balls of yarn? Can you make something out of that? Is it useful? This is definitely not directed at me, but no, I would get absolutely no use out of yarn, unless you made it into something for me. Does anything from this shop catch your eye? I have a lotion in some sort of vanilla from Debauchery that I really love and I'm a sucker for bubbling scrubs, so I'd be happy to try those - in terms of scents, the Black Honey and Buttermilk Nectar both look fabulous and every single one of the autumn scents I looked at looked promising. Dear Pumpkin: Do you have aversions to any animals or insects? Centipedes/millipedes, wasps, cockroaches. I would not want anything with them on. Otherwise, there's not much that freaks me out. How do you feel about canned foods like jams and things along those lines? They are love! Do you have a favourite colour scheme? Black/gray, jewel tones and dark, almost black versions of same. How do you feel about stickers (and stationery in general)? Stickers and cute note cards are fine. Pretty papers are not likely to get used. How do we feel about fibercrafting (knit, crochet, etc.)? wearables? crafted critters? If you would like a scarf or something similar, would you like it to be themed, like fall colors, or have a skull or other halloweenie motif/border? We think that any of these are amazeballs, particularly in halloweenie themes. What makes you feel pampered? A long hot bath with some sort of scented product (bath oll, bomb, something), with a cup of hot tea and a good book. OR a really luxe massage or a pedicure. New Question! We've covered what critters you don't like, but what about the critters that you DO like? What are your favorite animals/creatures, real or imagined? Bats, owls, ravens, spiders, lizards, gargoyles, pegasi, DRAGONS!   I have a dumb question! I know it's a big joke that we get everything five years later than everyone else in the world, but is there anything specifically Canadian you'd like? Maple things, chocolate bars, or any of our creepy chip flavours? Totally not a dumb question! I want maple everything and maple sugar candy is one of my favorite things in the world. Also, cheap Canadian chocolate is infinitely superior to cheap USian chocolate and I am happy to try any creepy chip flavors that do not include any of my blackout items (so no salmon dill blue cheese crisps). A new question from me: While I am stalking the restock of the Rice Pudding hot process soap, does anything from Paintbox Soapworks catch your eye?   My answer - the afore mentioned Rice Pudding soap, also sorbetto, soaps (I prefer the hot process to glycerin, but both are fabulous) or lotion in any of the following (in order of preference): The Bees Lament, Indian Summer, Avast, Little Paper Umbrellas, Candy Floss, Guy Falkes, Pink Salt, Beet It   Is there is any TAZO tea you have a hankering for? Zen, Awake, Passion, China Green Tips, Vanilla Roibois, Calm, Refresh? (tea bags in a tin) Cocoa Mint Mate looks yum, as does the Bushberry Black Iced.   How about any Teavana tea? (loose leaf) I love their toasted mates. Also, anything fruity/chocolaty. How about Starbucks coffee beans? If so, ground (and for what kind of filter) or whole bean? Whole bean, all the way. How about Starbucks coffee via (italian, columbia, anniversary, vanilla latte?) or Iced coffee via (caramel or regular?) Fruit flavored via (berry hisbiscus, cool lime, strawberry lemonade?) Pumpkin Spice Latte via? Pumpkin Spice Latte!!!!!!!!!! Nothing else there I'm willing to take the carbs for, though. Starbucks K-cups or Verismo pods? No thanks. Coffee/tea travel mugs or ceramic home mugs? Travel mugs would be fabulous. Coffee maker (french press) or tea steeper? A tea steeper would be cool. Anything else from Starbucks/Teavana? Syrups, honey, whatever? I always love honey. How would you feel about a gently-used card game? For example, something I may have purchased several years ago and maybe played with my daughter *twice* before she became a moody teenager, and too cool for card and/or board games? Oh, absolutely. Especially if it is pre-moody teen friendly. Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay (mostly I'm thinking minis, tho I did get a full bottle of liqueur in a Switch Witch years ago!)-- if yay, what kind? Total yay! I love whiskeys of pretty much all sorts, flavored vodkas, gin, weird artisan brews. Really there's not much I won't drink. CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY? Nay for me.   New question! Name at least one thing that you really wouldn't like to receive in your package.   Totally cribbing from someone else's answer and saying Spongebob stuff.   I have eyeshadow pigments which have been decanted from--as in the powder tapped out into another container,never used directly. (I don't use very much makeup, though I love it, so I keep shadow pigments clean so I can safely share.) Would a jar of pigment handled thus bother you or are you ok with costmetic-type stuff that has not been directly touched?   That is totally cool with me. Bring on the bright sparkles!   ETA: For those with fiber allergies, is it ok if you get, say, an ornament/amigur-whatsit yarn thing that has wool in the blend, as long as it's not something to be worn? Also, because I don't know, do people with wool allergies generally also have sensitivity to other fibers like alpaca? No fiber allergies here, so no worries. Just nothing too scratchy.   does anyone especially like or want anything from cost plus/world market?   I love World Market with an unholy passion. In fact, I should probably swing by there this weekend for my pumpkin, but the short answer is yes, that is a very safe place to shop for me.   does anyone need any small kitchen items or utensils?   Need is such a strong word. I would love measuring cups in weird sizes - 2 cup, 2/3, 3/4 sorts of things. I can always use more spatulas and measuring spoons, especially if they are colorful and/or seasonal. Also, wooden spoons or other non-stick pan friendly spoony things. And baking stuff - cupcake liners, sanding sugars, that sort of thing, are always grand.   Dearist Pumpkin- do you have a preference of edible/drinkable vs. non edible items in your package? Would you prefer your package heavier on one side or the other?   Probably more on the non-edible side. I'd be happy to have some edible/drinkables, though.   Any guilty pleasures? TV show you're embarassed to admit you like? Musical group/preference that seems out-of-place for you? Gray's Anatomy is probably the closest thing.   And now, a new question: to sort of piggy-back onto the question about small kitchen items, do you like to bake or cook, and if yes, are there any special ingredients, spices, or decorations for baked goods (like sprinkles in seasonal shapes or those decorative picks you put on top of cupcakes, for instance) that you would like? I love baking and would definitely love Halloweenie accessories, especially early on in the swap where I could incorporate things into our party.   Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? Sounds great. I probably need an XL.   Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use?   Very very short is my hair. I make it kind of spiky with pomade and that's about it. My daughter has super long hair and will adopt any styling related goodies, hair oils, etc.   If you could have a lotion/soap scented just for you, what are some notes you'd like to see? Autumn themed? or tried and true loves?   I would love something autumnal, but not pumpkin (I have a Punkie Night lotion from Paintbox, so I'm good there). Maybe a spicy apple cidery scent or something? I tend toward more foody in my body products.     Pumpkin: Is there something that catches your eye from this shop?   I love love love the overall style, but I never wear gold. Very occassionally I'll wear copper, but in general, I prefer my jewelry silvertone, so assume that all of my lusting is imagining silver. To the extent that is possible, the Games necklace is amazeballs and now I want one in silvertone. I also like Rough Diamond, Circle Bib, Lightning Cloud, any of the Feathers and all the bracelets.   If I were going to the mountains tomorrow, for the apple harvest, would you wanted some dehydrated apple rings??? Late to this party, but sure!   If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? Everything on there is for MEMEMEME. Mostly it's sort of a general idea list, or a way for me to sort out the items I want to seriously consider from an update, but generally speaking, if you got me anything from there, I would be thrilled.   New question from me! how do you feel about music? would you like some? if so, what would you be interested in & in what format (do you still have somewhere to play CDs, or would a flash drive be better, etc)? Music would be cool, probably best as a burned CD. I don't have much of anything from the last 4-5 years or so, so indie/alt-country/rock in that vein would be fun.   Lilith Update?   I am interested in decants of Goofballs, Mermaid, Venustas, Very Pink Surprise Cake
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13 Nights of Halloween 2016

UPDATED 9/14/16

Anything here: http://paintboxsoapworks.com/ look like something you'd like to try (assuming that you're not already ordering it)?
My own answer is that I need just about everything in Red Right Hand, but I will probably be taking care of that myself.

Do you like stuff related to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
I love Day of the Dead conceptually and have been fascinated with it ever since reading Ray Bradbury's stories about Mexico as a kid, but the mass commodification of it makes me a little uncomfortable as a lily white atheist. I do have some beautiful sugar skull items which were given to me by someone sharing her culture which I treasure and I would absolutely welcome more in that vein.

Knitted Items?
Absolutely! I would particularly be interested in fingerless gloves, but just about anything, really. <3

Fandom/Specific Items?
Harry Potter, Ghostbusters (especially the new one), Doctor Who, Star Wars, also happy to take any My Little Pony stuff off your hands for my 6 year old (or me l).

Fall/Halloween Icons?
Bats, owls, gargoyles, skeletons, ravens,

First, talk to me about soaps- do you like them, and what kinds of scents/lather/varieties do you like?
Love soap! I tend to prefer hot process to glycerin, scents I think I cover pretty well in my questionnaire.

Second, tell me about teas! Favorites? Anything you'd like to try?
I love chocolate flavored and other sweet flavored teas, all the apple, pumpkin, chai this time of year.

Lastly, I go to Renn Faire- is there anything from there you might like?
It has been so long since I've been to one, I'm not even sure what I might like - jewelry, maile, that sort of thing is always good, I guess.

What Weenie of year's past are you seeking from the lab?
Nothing in particular. In terms of what I'm looking for and didn't purchase, my wishlist is in my sig.

Are you a shawl wearer- and if you don't wear one now, would you?
I would happily be a shawl wearer.

Tell me about LUSH- do you like them? If so, what are some of your favorite things from there? Particularly fond scents or products? Stuff you can't stand?
I don't care for their soap and I don't have a bathtub, so I don't currently have a use for bombs or melts...so, basically, I like Lush conceptually, but I don't actually use most of their products right now. I do love me some Lemony Flutter. Maybe lotion?

Japanese goodies?
I love Japanese sweets and Sanrio/Kawaii cuteness.

So, in this swap, you open a goodie every day. I have seen this gift direction done several different ways, but I am interested in which you are most keen to do. Would you rather:

A. have strict direction as to which gift is to be opened on which day(aka the number system)?
B.have a few gifts that are meant to be opened on specific days (ex: *this* one is for Halloween night only), but the rest be your choice?
C. have a free-for-all, grab bag-style box of goodies, where you are the sole arbiter of your goodie grabbing destiny(everything is wrapped but you pick the gift you want to open each day)?
D. be surprised?

I have received and given all of these ways and love them all. I know that is totally no help.

The Witch is In/Out sign?
That is super cute! I could definitely find a use for something like that.

Pumpkin Spice or No Pumpkin Spice?
ALL THE PUMPKIN SPICE!!!!! Although I prefer caramel apple Oreos and Milky Ways.

Milk, white, and/or Dark Chocolate?
Milk or white. If there is something amazing and on the sweet side that only comes in dark, I don't dislike it, but I prefer rich chocolate tastes to bitter ones.

Do you like Yankee Candle? Anything you want from there?
I'm not opposed and I love autumn scents, but I'm not familiar enough with their current line to have strong preferences.

Anything you have your eye on at BPTP?
Not in particular, but I'm always happy for decants from my wishlist.

Bath and Body Works - yay or nay?
Personally, I am a fan of their lotion and body wash, but not any of their perfume/body sprays/etc (unless you have a stockpile of their dry spray that came in an aerosol can that's been out of production for a couple of years). I also really like their handsoaps for the sink, but have a ton. Likewise, candles.

Tell me of your Sock Dreams, please!
Link to my wishlist is in the post below this one!

I'd like to make some baked goods, would you like some? And if you have any food allergies what can I use as substitute?
Absolutely. No allergies, but I definitely want full sugar, no stevia or anything.
Anything special you want from the Target dollar spot?
I haven't checked it out recently, but I often find fun sticky notes or magnetic notepads there, fun pens, little art supplies.

I live in The Netherlands. If there's anything in particular that you'd like to get from here, now's the time to tell!
Struphwaffles (I am sure that I just butchered that), and I still covet more of the chocolate covered salty licorice that you, Nemi, sent me in another swap.

I'm sort of collecting Lush showergels.Regular collection, but also many Kitchen items. Are there any showergels you'd like to try? I'd be happy to make you samples!
I have no idea about any of these, so sure! I do like shower gel.

What is your stance on Glitter?
I have a 6 year old child who loves anything that sparkles. Thankfully, my stance on glitter is essentially bring it on or I would have already become homicidal.

Also, if you have a Goodreads or other online reading log, does it include a wishlist? Otherwise, is it safe to assume books on the 'to-read' section are wishlist items? Or are you less into keeping a physical copy of the book, and instead prefer to turn to the awesomeness of the library to get your to-read need accomplished.
My Goodreads is pretty comprehensive and I try to be good about noting whether I already have a copy or whether I want a copy as part of my sub-shelves - generally speaking, if it is marked as want-a-copy, I specifically want to own it, not get it from the library. If it is marked as on-my-shelves, I have a copy, I've just yet to read it. Otherwise, things are fair game. If I have neglected to note that I already own something that is on my to-read shelf and you end up sending me something that I already have, well, that's my bad.

Tea lovers, what do you like from Whittard?
I have never tried them, but would happily do so!

how about art? (Small/mailing safe sizes, course)
I have fairly limited space in our new house due to the layout, so while my answer is always yes, I'm a little less enthusiastic than I might otherwise be just due to circumstances.

Dearest Pumpkin - how much are you wedded to wishlists, say I have some read once books which I think you might like based on what you've read in the past, but there is nothing of the sort on your current Goodreads "to read" list?
I am not at all wedded to them. I do suggest checking my "read" shelf at Goodreads before investing in off-wishlist books, but I am always thrilled to receive new options that I may not have thought of or discovered yet!

How do you feel about reading series out of order? Obviously not in situations where the subsequent books are part of the same story arc where you will be totally lost and frustrated if you haven't read all of them, but say, standalone stories which are technically part of a series and which might obliquely reference past books, but not in such as way as to spoil the plot of the book which I happen to have in my possession that you might like.
In the situation I'm describing, I am totally fine - if you have, say, the 4th Tana French novel, send it on. If the story relies heavily on past action, I'd rather not, but especially for long detective series and others where the basic plot is wrapped up in each book, that's fine.

Would you be interested in a Halloween themed short story anthology?
Absolutely. I have Halloween edited by Paula Guran, but not any others.

Is there a limit to the number of books you'd like to receive?
I wouldn't want to only receive books, but I would be happy to have 3-4 nights of them if there's stuff you think I'd love.

Movies in 15 Minutes?
Why yes, I have read it and have a copy I'd love to pass on to a fellow forumite.

Question: What kind of phone do you have? I need to know....
I have a Galaxy S5 Active at present, but will hopefully be upgrading to a 7 at some point during the swap.

Have you seen the horror film The Babadook? If so, did you like it? Would you want something Babadook-themed?
I haven't seen it. Based on the description I googled I can't decide if I would probably love it or spend the entire time feeling ill over kids in danger.

Those who are amenable to yarnie things--ok, two questions: Any undesirable fibers (wool allergy, vegan so no critter hair at all, etc.)? and how do you feel about cowls/infinity scarves?
I'm not allergic or vegan or otherwise totally opposed to anything, but wool is definitely not my favorite fiber unless it is super soft. That's really my biggest requirement - I like things super soft. In terms of infinity scarves, I've never really gotten the knack for them. Which doesn't mean I'm opposed to them, I just don't have any.

Motherhood update:
Haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but will update!

So who likes incense? and is there a preferred scent? and cones or sticks? Would you like a burner for it?
Not sure if I mentioned this in my survey, but ABSOLUTELY NO INCENSE PLEASE. It will never ever get used unless I send it to someone else and is frequently a migraine trigger. So please no thank you.
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13 Nights of Halloweeeeeeeen 2020

Updated 8/25/20   If you said you would be happy with homemade things, what types of homemade things would you like best?
Anything? Honestly, jewelry, yarnwork, foodstuffs - all are amazing. (Sorry, I realize that is supremely not helpful.    Do you garden or keep houseplants, and--if so-- would you be interested in seeds or gardening supplies? No thank you. I try regularly, and always kill things.    What is your favorite Halloween character or creature? Bats, spiders, snakes! I love all the creepy crawlies and Jack and Sally from NMBC, and gargoyles...   Would you be interested in a spooky fabric mask?  What should be on it?  Tie, earloop, or what?  
OMG YES!!!!! Anything along the lines I've already described. Tie or earloop is fine, although I find I marginally prefer loops..    If you'd like something knit, anything you'd especially adore? (Socks (shoe size), mittens, fingerless mitts, cowl, hat, etc)  Socks (sz 8 US Womens) or fingerless mits or a shawl are the things I'd get the most use out of.      What are you interested in from the BPAL Update?  How about the NAVA update? Nothing from NAVA, thanks. I haven't actually had a chance to look at the BPAL update yet, but I will update my wishlist accordingly...probably next week?   How do you feel about stuff being shipped directly to you instead of to me and then to you, so it wouldn't be wrapped but you could still wait to open it?  Bad idea or good idea? That's fine! I've done that before and just noted what night it's for.    Any interest in any candles or other products from Sihaya and Co?  These candles sound amazing: Autumnvale Cafe
Celtic Twilight
The Dreamer Awakens
II - Full Moon
  The plummy lip colors - Twilight Magic, Velvet Bow, and Elixir of Life look fab, as does Harvest Rust. The Enchantress shimmer is cool as well. And I would love to try the paintbox exclusive Ginger Fox in either scrub or soap.   There is a place near me that has some of the BEST coffee beans I've personally ever had- would you be interested in receiving a pound or half pound of beans? If so, do you prefer flavored (which ones?), full caffeinated - decaf - half and half?, whole bean or ground? Light or dark roast? 
OOOOOOOH, Yes please! Definitely fully caffeinated, slightly prefer dark roast whole bean, but flexible on both. For flavors, I'd probably prefer a sampler of smaller sizes, just because I am not even sure what I like anymore. 
Also, how about a mug to go with it? If so, what's your mug style- oversized 90's coffeehouse? Tiny espresso demitasse? Ye Standard Coffee Cup? Name it! Oversized 90s coffee house for sure.    Do you drink booze? If so, would you be interested in a kit to infuse your favorite varieties? (I've tried these and love them: https://www.etsy.com/shop/InBooze) Answering my own question, I do, and I love these - I've tried the Old Fashioned and the Cucumber Citrus. I really WANT to try the Blackberry Gin Smash, Blueberry Citrus - really anything that is for gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, or tequila. So, you know, pretty much all of them. LOL   Do you like animals?  Any favorites?  I do! Bats, owls, spiders, snakes, penguins, cats, corgis...   And would you like to receive a photo print of a photo I took myself? Any preference on size? Are you okay with just the print, so you can frame it yourself?   This would be lovely, but it is much more likely to go up somewhere if it arrives in a cool frame.    And what about photo printed postcards?  Sure!   One of my favorite stores sells perfumed hand-made hair rinse which I love myself. Would you be interested? Sure! One of the first things to go for me in the pandemic was dying my hair, so I no longer need to use a color depositing conditioner.   The PBSW Weenie Collection just went live (minus lotions and candles which are delayed). Is there anything you're interested in? Any scents you'd like as lotions or candles when they come in? I G.O.A.T. in soap or scrub would be fab.    Would socks make you happy? If so: what size? And what about over the knee socks?  Yes! I'm a women's 8 and usually wear anywhere from knee-high to ankle. Not so much over the knee.    What are your book tastes? Do you have a goodreads? Hmm... give me your top three favorite books! Tons of book info, including goodreads is in my sig. My 3 fave books right now are comfort reads - Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, Chalice by Robin McKinley, and...a third one is harder, honestly.
Would you like any tea accessories, say like a tea infuser? 
I am good with tea accessories.
 
Interested in Blackthorn Hoodoo Tea?  Which blends? I am a complete and total atheist, but I find using products that have specific intent to be..unsettling. So I would probably rather not have these, although a lot of these look good.    Do you like incense?  If so, loose, cone, stick...? Please please please do not send me incense.    This year we've made apple butter, unsweetened apple sauce, canned sweet cherries, candied jalapenos... which, if any, of these would you welcome?
OMG, yes, all of these sound amazing, especially the cherries and jalapenos.    Would you be interested in any sort of large bag/purse/tote? If so any themes or colors? Fun shopping bags are great, but I have a ton and am set for most anything else.    I may have gone a little overboard on the nostalgia train and picked up a multitude of bottles from the cute 90s Gothic perfume company, Vampyre. I have three that can potentially be yours: Nocturnas (Sudanese Frankincense is Added to Exquisite Blackberry Essence in this Decadent Enveloping Blend) , Petra Musk ( Aged Red Musk, with it’s Woods, Spices and Musk Notes is Intensified with African Kush Oil,Imparting an Exotic Scent and Reddish Hue to this Elixir) and Blood & Roses (Three Types of the Darkest Rose Essence Dry Down into Rich Musk Bottom Notes in this Mysterious, Unexpectedly Romantic Scent). Nocturnas and Petra Musk both sound really intriguing.  
  Do you cook (or aspire to cook)?  Is there any cooking-related gift that would bring you joy?  Spices, ingredients, cookbook, gadgets, implements... I think I covered this in my initial questions, but yes! I especially like special spice blends and am always in search of good cooking spoons.   Is there a BPAL GC bottle (or imps) you have been meaning to buy but haven't?  Especially in light of the Tournament of Underdogs?  What about TAL? I actually updated my wishlist today!    Are you interested in BPAL storage?  Imps or bottles?  Or small boxes or containers for other items?   Small containers, especially that I can use for jewelry, would be great. I have a cabinet I use for BPAL.   Stuffies? Y/N If yes, preferences?  Sure! Tentacle Kitty, Pusheen, and Squishables are all frequent purchases over here and always happy for new Kawai-style friends.      Hand sanitizer minis? Other things from Bath and Body Works type places? I just placed a BBW order, but definitely am in the market for decent smelling pocket size hand sanitizer these days.    I received an extra (un-used, totally sealed) gorgeous pot of Bésame's Brightening Vanilla Rose Face Powder - is this something you'd be pleased to receive? https://besamecosmetics.com/blogs/blog/97500486-new-vanilla-rose-brightening-powder?_pos=6&amp;_sid=37efb2159&amp;_ss=r This looks lovely, but I'm concerned that the rose scent would be a bit much for me. 
Also, I will be in Washington DC in a few days - anything you might like from there? (It doesn't have to be specific to being the Nation's Capital- DC has lots of great and interesting stuff going on!) I live in the DC area and actually work for a major tourist attraction when it's open, so I can't really think of anything, although I would actually be tickled by something that looks up my alley that would be a sort of cheesy souvenir that a local would never buy themselves.    Dearest Pumpkin, I harvested my own delicious Kentucky BlueMint back a few months and made a tincture with it, and it is now ready to pour! It can be used in drinks (like mojitos) and as a nice mint flavoring, but I use it medicinally, for tummy upset, digestion issues and other stuff. Would you like a bottle of your own? OMG YES   Do you have a preference for treat order? Smallest to largest, peaks and zeniths, ramping up to a grande finale, etc? Or would you like to randomly pull whichever mystery package calls to your intuition on a given day? Would you like clues, so you can guess what's in each thing before you open it? I have no strong preference. Personally, I usually try to build up to something super cool for Halloween and/or the last night, but I am fine with anything.  
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13 Nights 2024

Updated 9/14/24   Anything in Paintbox Soap Works Halloween release that you'd like? Weirdly, not much. I would be interested in trying Pokeberry in soap or sorbetto and maybe Fairytale or the Grey Hound in sorbetto.    Anything hand knit or embroidered you might like? Absolutely - I would particularly love arm warmers, shawls/scarves, fun hats, or a cozy lap blanket.   I make shower steamers, salves, candles, soaps and other such. Are you interested in any such homemade goodies? Sure! All of those sound great, especially soaps, steamers and salves.   Would you like a small watercolor painting?  I'm talking 3×5".  If so, would you like it based on your preferred Halloween motifs or something else? Something in my fave motifs would be lovely.    I make light-weight hair falls ( I can do single or double, if you have a preference for pony tail or pig tails)- I make them out of things like soft yarns, up-cycled silk and bits of lace. Is this something you'd like? If so, tell me up to three colors and a length in inches you'd like.  This isn't something I would likely use, but the cosplay loving teen would definitely be interested in shorter pony styles in aqua and/or rainbow.   Anything from the Haus of Gloi Fall update? I would definitely be interested in bubbling scrub and/or pumpkin butter in Apple Milk, Blood Orange Marshmallow, Golden Corn Cakes, Kitchen Witch,  or Pumpkin Eater.   How about the Nocturne Alchemy Halloween update? No thank you.    This is has been alluded to in other questions, but feelings about candles/wax tarts/incense and scent profiles?  Please do not send me incense or wax tarts. I do like a good autumnal candle - I am particularly interested in spicy cider scents.    Milk, Dark, and or white Chocolate? Yes please! Milk and white are my faves, but a nice dark with interesting bits in is definitely my speed.    Would you like a gently-used tarot or Lenormand deck? No thank you. 

I'm going to Disney World all next week!!! Can I get you something? (Maybe you have a favorite Disney / Star Wars / etc character or fandom? Maybe you're a Pin Trader? Maybe you like cute kitchen-wares / tea pots / nice English tea / pot holders tea towels?)      I definitely like cute kitchen-wares and would love anything along those lines that is Haunted Mansion, Muppet, or NMBC themed. I also am a sucker for Star Wars critters - porgs and ewoks especially and Yoda or Leia for characters.    are you interested in skincare, such as trying travel sizes of various types? (would be cruelty-free, cleaner options coming from over here, if that matters to you!)  I have a skincare routine that I'm pretty happy with, but I would definitely be interested in cleansers (especially exfoliating for a few mornings a week), moisturizer with SPF, eye creams and masks. My skin is definitely aging, but still more oily than dry and very ruddy, to the extent that applies.  And I am ALWAYS on the look for lip products with SPF and good cuticle creams.    Let's talk earrings.  Pierced?  Stud, dangly, hoop?  Any ear wire preferences?  Large or small?  Other preferences? I think I nattered on quite a bit about earrings in my original questions, but just in case, definitely pierced - I tend to wear large dangly ear wires or hoops professionally and smaller silly studs on the weekends. Generally speaking, I like anything flamboyant and weird.    If there is something extravagant on your wish list, would you like one large gift and the rest of your gifts quite modest, or would you rather forego the lavish item in favor of more of a mix among your other gifts? I don't have a huge preference, to be honest. If you find something that just absolutely seems like I have to have it, but it means being more modest, that's fine. I don't actually expect anything off my Amazon wishlist or anything.    The Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer is out with all of their autumn offerings. Is there anything you would like? Other than all of it? In terms of easily shipable things, I'd say the Maple Spiced Nut Mix, maybe Pumpkin Blonde Brownies, maple or pumpkin butter, pumpkin jo-jos, pumpkin spice mini sheetcake, pumpkin hand cream...   I have in my possession a selection of real Bakelite bangle bracelets! Definitely from the 1940s-1960s era. Would this be an exciting gist for you to receive? Hells yes.   Would you like anything from sock dreams? I haven't poked around there much lately, but I am always up for fun socks.    Would you be interested in a spooky mini waffle maker or spooky playing cards? No thanks on both.    Does anything from SnagTights strike your fancy?   I don't really wear skirts or dresses much any more, but I could make exceptions for something fun. I've not really explored their wares before.    What about from Michaels or JoAnnes? I always love fun decorations, but there's nothing I'm in specific need of.    do you like Ren fairest?  Might there be a fun little thing I should find for you there? I have not been to a ren faire in decades, but I always love jewelry and little spooky doodads.    Weather permitting I'll be going to a witchy Florida themed night market next week! Is there anything you may want from it? Sorry, I think I was late on this one, but my answer is similar to the Ren Fair answer - there's nothing specifically witchy that I need, but if something catches your eye...   Do you desire any Samhain ritual-type items, if so, what? No thank you. I don't have a ritual practice.   Tell me, my ghoul-friend, would you love to see things from these places (and what?) as you unwrap your gifts? I will be going to the Pacific coast soon, and there are witchy stores (one with serious occult supplies, many handmade including inks, quills, books, etc), a HUGE gem & mineral store, a huge yarn shop, shells and way too much sasquatch stuff, also an amazingly diverse mercantile in Yachats, OR, and the Green Salmon, where unique PNW teas, coffees are sold I don't need any occult supplies. I do enjoy cool gems and minerals in my fave colors, geodes and the like, but just aesthetically, not for practice. Tea and coffee are always good (see my original questionnaire for bunches about these.  No thank you to yarn, shells or sasquatch stuff.    Would you like spooky-themed stationary supplies?  What kinds if so? I could use a new multi-subject notebook that is in the ballpark of 5x7. I was gifted an Erin Condren one last year and it has become my lifeline for tracking different parts of my life. I am definitely not wedded to her specifically and would love something that has more of a subtle gothy vibe. I am always up for sticky notes, cool pens, clips, etc. 

What about unanointed spell candles? No thanks.   Could you use any clever storage boxes like these? Not really my thing, sorry.    Interest in Cellar Door Halloween/Fall? They always have a bunch of stuff that looks good and I am happy to try soap ends. I haven't had time to go through the whole selection this year, but in past years, I've flagged the following as no thanks: Haunted Woods, Michigan Moonglow, October Road and Zombie Repellant - basically anything else that is more woodsy/incensey than foody. I tend very foody in my soap. 
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13 Nights 2022 Q&A

Updated 9/10 5:30pm   1.  Would you like anything from Paintbox Soapworks Halloween line? https://paintboxsoapworks.com/new-limited-edition/2022-weenie-collection/ Normally I would, but nothing is grabbing me this year.    2.  Do you have any interest in Halloween or spooky squishmallows? Sure! It will inevitably live in my kid's room with the Devil Corgi we got a year or two ago.    3.  Anything from Bath & Bodyworks Halloween Line? I just placed an order a week ago, but I would definitely be interested in candle in my preferred scents - especially anything with a cider vibe.   4.  Autumn/Fall scents I love:  Pretty sure I addressed this, but I love pumpkin and apple cider scents, spices, and boozy scents.  Ones I dislike:  I don't really care for leaves or moss or incense. My lovelies, what about you?  Are they different for home vs body & bath??  I definitely will go a little more earthy in candles.    5.  I make things from old sweaters. If I were to make you a set of arm warmers/ fingerless mitts, what color(s) & style? Options- Long or short? Solid - one fabric Stripes- bands of colors sewn together- like fun black & red, black & purple etc.  I currently have some nice cashmeres. I would definitely be more interested in stripes or patterns in my favorite colors. Either long or short would be lovely.    6.  I'm going to Disneyworld in late September! I'll be going to all four parks and attending both the Not-So-Scary Halloween Bash and Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. Is there ANYTHING from Disney that you would like? Is there something you collect that perhaps you'd enjoy a Disney version of (tea, socks, enamel pins, plushies etc etc etc)???    I would definitely be interested in Haunted Mansion or spooky Muppets or Villains merch - pins, plushies, socks all sound great. Tea is fascinating.

7.  I make lightweight, doll-like hairfalls out of things like silk ribbon and yarn. Would you like some, either to incorporate into your costume or just for personal year-round use? If so, name your colors, length and any fibers you could have an allergy to. I love this idea but my hair is super short and I don't really have any occasion to wear them.    8.  I am going to Dragon Con for the first time! Which of these BPALs do you want? https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=50266fc02a3b75767125e0ed2&amp;id=9bf4d797e8 I am ordering a bunch, but I'd love decants of  Chrome Peaches Pomegranate Peach Martini Peach Absinthe Peach, Coconut Cream, Marshmallow, and Nougat Ridiculously Sexy Peach Peach Milk Peach Kissed Daddy by Effy   9.  Would you be interested in a bag like we sell in our etsy shop?    https://twinklentwilight.etsy.com - if so, but you don't see fabric you like maybe link to some photos of fabric you like? - we can do small box bags or pencil / cosmetic / notions type bags too.  or with a drawstring on top instead of a zipper. - you don't HAVE to use them just for knitting/crochet, you can use them for cross stitch or even not as project bags. I love the cat and bat prints, but already have my amazing Black Widow one.   10.  If you are a yarnie, are you interested in a ceramic yarn bowl?  I have an extra Harry Potter (I know, I know) one from Lennymud that I bought before the whole JKR debacle and it didn't profit her in any form anyway.  I believe it's Gryffindor themed. I am so NOT a yarnie.    11.  If you are a yarnie, I'd love to gift some yarn from my stash so give me an idea of colors / weight / material / yardage you'd like.   Same. 12.  Are you interested in trying some of our "thunder butter"?  It's like tiger balm or icy hot, but with herbs, beeswax, cayenne or ghost pepper, menthol, wintergreen.  cbd version or no? Absolutely. I've never tried CBD, so might be interested in that, actually.   13.  I need to inventory our canned goods but do you like things like peach jam, cardamom plum jam, peach butter, plum butter, pickles, applesauce with nothing added, applesauce with red hots, dried apples or pears, bread and butter pickles, dill pickles, blackberry jam, huckleberry jam, candied jalapenos?   You know I am. ALL OF IT. 14.  Any interest in things from our garden like dried mint, catnip, lavender, rose petals, dill weed or dill seeds, sage, rue, mugwort, rosemary? Dried mint and catmint would be fabulous. Ooh, and rose petals.    15.  How about alcoholic things like rose petal liqueur, lavender vanilla bean liqueur, various flavors of mead (chocolate orange, strawberry mango, whatever my son is making)? I would especially love to try the mead, since I've not had it before and I adore mead.    16.  Pumpkin bread or zucchini bread?  How about blueberry zucchini bread with a lemon glaze?   Goodness yes. the blueberry zucchini with lemon glaze sounds incredible.    17.  How do you feel about raisin in baked goods? I am definitely not opposed.    18.  Lego? If so, what types, minifigures? I am always up for minifigs, especially the mystery bags. I'd love more Muppets ones and the new series coming out this fall.    19.  Favorite spooky fictional characters? Generally, I tend to like vampires more than werewolves, don't really like zombies. In terms of specific characters, NMBC...weirdly drawing a total blank on specific characters.    20.  Luvmilk's seasonal goodies are out.  What would you like?   https://www.luvmilk.com/mm2022.html#/ It looks like everything is sold out and I am so confused.   21.  Would you like a Pyrex 4-cup Nightmare Before Christmas bowl with lid?   (Can also get Star Wars and various Disney ones.) Sure! I have the cat/bat one already and have some on my wishlist.    22.  August Tea's fall sale starts tomorrow, 20% off everything on the site with code FALL20.  Is there anything you would like to try, my Pumpkin?  https://august.la/ I listed a bunch in my Summer Sprite answers. Honestly, I'd probably prefer something more specifically autumn.   23.  I grow lots of different herbs and I'm dehydrating loads of them right now, are you possibly interested in: catnip, sage (culinary and/or purple), oregano (Greek and/or purple), rosemary, plantain herb, chives, celery, licorice mint, lovage leaf, mugwort, mint, spearmint, chives, borage leaf, blackberry leaf, raspberry leaf, comfrey, lemon balm, or others?  Catnip, licorice mint, other mints all sound good.   24.  My peacock is molting his tail feathers, would you like some? I have a bunch from a previous swap.   25.  I'm learning embroidery. Is there a simple motif or symbol (like a pumpkin, a black cat, flowers, spider web…) you might like hand embroidered? Spider web, bats, black cat all sound lovely.    26.   Would you like either a basket or a tablemat (that works as a place to put hot dishes as well as being decorative). I make both from fabric wrapped rope that is sewn together.  Could be a bread/rolls basket, a yarn bowl for knitting or crochet, or a big flat mat. A bread basket could be neat.    27.  I'm taking a trip to New Orleans, anything you'd like food or souvenir-wise?  Chicory coffee? Bignet mix?   28.  Are your booklists linked somewhere, and up to date? 
My goodreads is totally up to date and there's a bunch of books on my Amazon wishlist.    29.  Do you have fur kids and would they like treats as well??   My kitty girl would love treats and catnip. She doesn't really do toys.   30. Do you have any interest in trying my infused moonshine whiskey? I've been thinking of experimenting with autumn spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) and maybe a chocolate chai.  This is my own question, but I am ALWAYS interested in trying your boozy experiments. ALWAYS.   31. Any interest in spooky shape wax melts in your favorite candle scents? (What are your favorite candle scents?) No thank you on wax melts. I do find myself actively craving a spicy-boozy apple cider candle.   32. How about lotion bars? I've never really tried them, but would definitely be interested.   33. Bird and Blend tea just did their Autumn drop! Anything look good to you? https://www.birdandblendtea.us  (Also, if you're not a pumpkin person, I invite you to check out the rest of their offerings, which are always exceptional!)    I am absolutely fascinated by the sticky chais, especially the mulled cider and pumpkin. Really, the entire Halloween line looks fab.   34.  Do you need any BPAL storage?  Bottles?  Imps? Not really, but thank you!   35.  Does anything catch your eye from my local tea purveyors? https://www.fridaytea.com/ (I hope they make more Womb of Doom soon!) or https://perennialtearoom.com/ All of the fall seasonals from Friday Tea look lovely, generally anything that is some combination of fruity/boozy/chocolatey/spicy   36.  Can you use a mug?  What kind/size do you like? I shouldn't, but if you see something that just screams me, especially if it is relevant to one of my fandoms or favorite spooky animals. I like BIG mugs for coffee or travel mugs without handles.    37.  One of my favorite Etsy chandlers is having a sale, anything catch your feathery fancy?  https://www.etsy.com/shop/TeresaLynnsSimpleLux Mulled Cider, Apple cider donut, Poisoned Apple, Witches Brew...you get the idea.   38. If I were ordering some marmalade or other jammy things, would you be interested in any of the following?  Orange Marmalade, Blood Orange Marmalade, or whole fruit jams in strawberry, peach, current, or triple berry? Again, my question, but I am always up for marmalade or pretty much any fruity jam.    40.  For decor what general Halloween style is preferred? Traditional, cute spooky, dark and gothic, horror, etc? More descriptive the better!! I think I covered this in my original questionnaire, but I definitely like dark/gothic, traditional in the sense of spooky Victoriana, skulls and the like. Nothing too cutesy or explicit horror on either end and no country pumpkin sort of stuff. 41.  (please read in thread as it's rather long)  Are you interested in anything from Solstice Scents? https://www.solsticescents.com No thanks.     
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13 Nights 2021!!!

Updated 9/6/21     Would you be interested in a cross stitched Halloween ornament? Sure, especially something like a bat or spider or a skull or tombstone!   Are there any collage artists in the mix?   I would LOVE to curate one of spooky autumn goodness if my person were to be interested! I would LOVE to say yes to this, but it is sadly not really my thing. I love the idea of doing collage art, but I somehow never get to actually making art.    Have you seen the Dragon con list?  & would any of them appeal to you? Honestly, all of them except the oakmoss one. I'm planning to order the two online ones, but would be especially interested in Vanilla Wafers and Peach Cream; Peach and Sugared Orange Slices, and just a tester of Pomegranate, Spice Geranium, Black Musk and Peach Pulp.   What Harry Potter house are you? Ravenclaw forever with a side helping of Slytherin, except not, because I just can-fucking-not with JKR's rampant transphobia. I know there are good arguments for why it shouldn't matter and I don't judge anyone who is still into the fandom, but I had to draw a bright line last spring and just go cold turkey on Pottermania for my own sanity. That's not to say that I don't miss it down to my bones sometimes,  but she just continues to be a terrible person and I refuse to support her anymore. If she decides to stop channeling Delores Umbridge at some point, I might go back to Hogwarts, but not yet. I do still enjoy plotting out the long form puppy-shipping novella I've had running in my head for a decade, but otherwise...nah. (It also occurs to me that this is possibly the most Ravenclaw answer possible.)   Do you like any art from these two sellers? They are local artists and I will probably pick up some stuff for myself soon! 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlinMcCarthyArt - I definitely dig the bookmarks and am always up for cool stickers for my guitar and neat notecards. I love the prints, but don't have a lot of wall space.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatinYourBelfry - I LOVE the Plague Bat pin and just about all of the stickers.    Frankenbag? Definitely sounds cool! I make beautiful and very lightweight yarn-and-ribbon hairfalls - would you like a set in the colors and length of your choice? If yes, name up to four colors and length in inches! Remember- this can be part of your Halloween costume! So, I totally don't need these, but I've always wanted fun hair falls. My hair is super short and dyed burgundy with a natural white streak in the front - so something that would complement that color scheme (black, gray, hints of dark red) and shoulder length would work best.     Would you appreciate a skein of handspun yarn? If yes, what weight? What colors? How do you feel about beads? Any allergies to typical fibers? I totally appreciate what goes into this, but no. I fail at pretty much any project that would involve yarn.    Do you like stickers? Patches? Buttons? As noted before, I do! I also have started decorating my laptop bag with cool pins - it's already Sanrio x Tokidoki, so any attempt at professionalism is out the window.   Do you spend time in the outdoors? I do  - we hike and kayak and live right on wooded parkland with a creek that we explore on the regular.    Do you enjoy cooking and/or baking? I do indeed! I tend to bake a lot this time of year - more for Christmas than Halloween, but there is little that I can't "improve" with pumpkin - from chili to brownies.    The Paintbox Soapworks Weenie collection went live today! Would you like anything? Fairytale, G.O.A.T, and Once for Yes Twice for No all look good - I would be interested in soap or lotion in any of these.    The Pickety Witch is taking pre-orders for their new Halloween pins (estimated ship date: early September). Have any caught your eye? The bat and some of the owls and goats are cute.   Zeep's Spooky Collection drops some time next week. Here's the scent list. Would you like any wax melts, candles, whipped soaps, sugar whips (whipped soap/scrub hybrid), body butter sugar scrubs (moisturizing scrub), meringues (lotion), bath bombs, or bath rocks from Zeep? CANDLES (I don't NEED candles, but I do like them)
🎃 County Fair- A perfect day at the fair.  Sweet funnel cakes, handmade caramel apples, and fresh popped kettle corn.  Close your eyes and you'll think you're there!
🕸Hocus Pocus - Take a walk through the graveyard to the Sanderson sisters house and smell the scents of the smoky fire under the cauldron, crunchy dried fall leaves, and the sweet temptation of roasted marshmallows and brown sugar!
🎃 Pumpkin Soufflé – mouthwatering sweet pumpkin, creamy butter, warm brown sugar and a hint of spice completes this favorite fall confection!
🦇Season of the Witch - 'Tis the season...of the Witch!  Crunchy dried maple leaves, gooey toasted marshmallows and sweet caramel cider bring home all the spooky scents of fall!
BODY CARE (lotion, sugar whips, whipped soap)
🦇Boo-nilla Scream – Sweet and creamy vanilla bean with hints of fall spice and everything nice!
🍁Candy Corn Sugar Cookie – Sweet candy corn bits swirled into creamy, fresh sugar cookies
🎃 Jack-o-Lantern- Sweet pumpkin, spiced vanilla marshmallows, and hints of smoky bonfires
🦇Poison Apple – For you, my sweet!  Crisp macintosh apple, sweet fall pumpkin, and a dash of sweet baked Halloween treats will have you needing to take a bite out of this poison apple!
🍁Season of the Witch- 'Tis the season...of the Witch! Crunchy dried maple leaves, gooey toasted marshmallows and sweet caramel cider bring home all the spooky scents of fall!   Does anyone here like vintage halloween? OMG, yes! I don't really have any, but I love it.    It seems like a lot of shops’ Halloween lines have items related to the same standard fandoms, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Addams Family, etc.  Do any of those (or other ones) particularly resonate with you?  I absolutely love TMBC, Beetlejuice and Haunted Mansion. I don't dislike it, but I am not a Hocus Pocus fangirl and I enjoy, but definitely don't ship, the family Addams.   How do you feel about atmospheric/novelty scents and novelty food items? Things like "new car candle" or "eyeball jawbreaker" or whatever. I don't really have strong feelings about them either way. I tend to like BPAL's novelty holiday single notes a lot and am not opposed to novelty food items.   If you like tea, how do you want it delivered? Loose? Bags? Tiny little messenger pigeons (subject to availability)? Messenger pigeons, duh, although a murder of crows or a parliament of owls might be more on-brand for Halloween. In all seriousness, either is fine. I'm marginally more likely to grab bags, especially if I am back in the office post-labor day,  but not enough to not want the perfect tea as loose leaf.    Would you prefer to receive ONE HUGE (more expensive) GIFT and 12 inexpensive ones, a few more expensive, or all about the same price? I don't have a strong preference, but in terms of my own gifting, tend to default to 3-4 pricier but not outrageously expensive items, and the rest a mix of smaller or gently used, but still awesome, goodies.   What are your fandoms, if any? Star Wars (particularly Leia, Yoda and silly cute creatures like Ewoks and Porgs), MCU (especially Loki, Black Widow, and Scarlet Witch  - so I have had a veritable feast on Disney+ lately),  Gaiman's Sandman (Dream, Death, Delirium) , Muppets (Kermit, Statler and Waldorf, Janice, Dr Bunson), Doctor Who (Nine, Ten, Thirteen, NOT Eleven)   Do you collect things like tarot decks?  If so do you have a wish list or a list of ones you already have?  Would you like a silk tarot bag? I do not collect tarot decks. I have a couple, including a gorgeous one that I received via a forum swap, but don't really have a use for more. I would not be opposed to a silk tarot bag, but probably wouldn't use it much.    Do you like rocks/crystals?  What colors / kinds?  Would you like them with holes drilled (either as a pendant - you'd need to stick a bale in, or a bead?)  I do like cool rocks and crystals, especially geodes. For jewelry purposes, I'd want something sort of unusual.   My mom has an etsy store - she makes bags.  Do you love anything from it?  We can also do box bags, draw string bags, dice bags, etc. and if you want a different type of material or a different fabric pattern, I'm open to links to specific things.   (yes, we have harry potter things.  We bought most of it before JKR showed herself to be a twat since we buy lots of bolts at the same time - yes, we have a whole room stuffed full of fabric.) Hehe! I would happily receive a box bag in NMBC print or ravens or something else spooky.    Let's say you want something knitted.  What are you most interested in?  (hat, fingerless mitts, scarf, shawl, cowl, infinity scarf, shawlette, gnome, doily, coffee mug cozy, talisman bag, dice bag, soap sack, washcloth (I have a pattern with the leviathan cross for bpal), amigurumi / toy, bracelet, cuff, necklace, other?)   (Can you link to a photo of what you envision or a pattern on ravelry?  Or put it on pinterest or something if you have that.)  I would love fingerless mitts, a shawl or shawlette, gnome or amigurumi in something cute or a washcloth. I don't have anything specific in mind, though. * What colors would you prefer said knitted object in?  Dark colors or jewel tones.  * Stripes, gradient, semi solid, variegated? I am all about patterns like stripes and dots or animal print and color gradients. * What type of yarn would you prefer?  ("wool", BFL, merino, merino/silk, merino/silk/cashmere, merino/cashmere, just silk, just cashmere, tencel (non-animal, plant based), other?   I also have non-dyed organic wool (mill spun) from our own sheep - finnsheep and shetland.  The finnsheep is dark brown (sun bleached black sheep from Sarge and our two black ewes we can't tell apart so they're ewe 1 and ewe 2) or a lighter silvery beige (from freckles) and the shetland is white.  (we just call her shetland.  They're mom's sheep, she should have named them, lol.)  Most of my stripy yarn is either merino or merino cashmere.) I like things soft, but don;t have a strong preference otherwise.    You can check out some of my finished projects on Ravelry if you like (click on the project for more photos)  (I'll have to make a list of which items are available  because I knit a lot of things and then just put them in a cabinet and gift or sell them.) Sadly, I cannot get to the page without creating an account.    Are you interested in receiving any of the following homemade / home dried / home canned goodies?  (just erase the ones you don't want when you answer to make it easy?) (see list in this post under spoiler because long) dried (we have a commercial sized dehydrator): Dried Honey Crisps (apple crips as @voodoocatwoman calls them, from one of the many orchards on Green Bluff) Dried catnip (organic grown on my property) Dried elderberries (wildcrafted)   canned (these are from last year, I haven't started canning yet this year.  I plan on getting more peaches and italian plums when they're ready)  Fruit from Green Bluff. Candied jalapenos Cardamom plum jam Vanilla peach jam TBD types of peach or plum canned goodies - do you have a favorite or suggestion?  I'll probably do whole plums again with cloves/cinnamon/spices as they were AMAZING (Brandied plums, maybe?)   homemade liqueur / brandy - flowers are organic from my bushes, fruit from orchards on green bluff. Rose Petal liqueur (small sample) (having had this, OMG it is good) Plum Brandy (Slivovitz) (small sample) Lavender Vanilla Bean liqueur (small sample)   Pumpkin ginger bread sounds AMAZING I also love zucchini bread with chocolate chips in - we had a family friend who used to make that and it was so good, but of course, I have no idea what her recipe was   How do you feel about oracle decks? Not really my thing. I have runes and a couple of tarot decks that I'll pull out once in awhile, but don't do a whole lot of reading.   Would you like witchy/ritual oils/sundries? Any limitations (e.g. deities you won't work with)? No thank you.    Is there anything you would like to try from the UK specifically? (e.g. Lush exclusives)  I love UK chocolates (Aero bars and the like), and other edible goodies. I haven't really looked at Lush in ages, but am always up for trying things that seem generally up my alley.   Oh, and are you into astrology? Not really.   What size shoe do you wear (inc wide/narrow, etc)? Pretty standard US 8/UK 6   Do you like/would you want to receive comic books? Any favorite genres or characters? Definitely - I tend to like dark ambient sorts of comics and graphic novels. The most recent series I've been reading is Monstress.    Would you like a palm stone, or anything else, from Haute Macabre? No thank you.    What's your favorite flower(s)? Calla lilies   What's you favorite woodland creature? Owls, deer, black squirrels   Do you prefer receiving a big box with all of your goodies, or is it okay if one or two things are shipped directly to you separately (with notice!!) for customs/shipping cost purposes (i.e. if there's something customs might not allow in from the States that can be shipped from within your country)? Shipping in multiple boxes is totally fine.    Would you like a fabric face mask? If so, do you prefer a dome shape or a pleated shape? I would love more pleated masks - they work better for me with my thick heavy glasses than even domed ones with nose wires.   I have a literal stockpile of skincare products.  Can I interest you in cleanser, sheet masks, moisturizer, sample things etc etc.?  Or a general pampering package? What is your skin type? I'm always on the lookout for new cleanser options and light daytime moisturizer with SPF of at least 30 or above. I am also an absolute sucker for sheet masks and nail/cuticle creams. Face skin type is pretty normal to slightly oily these days - I have a general regimen I like from the Ordinary that has stopped about 90% of my breakouts, so that's nice.    Anything from here?  ChocolateStorybook on Etsy Oh wow, these look delightful. I'm most curious about the caramel apple (seasonal flavor and all), hot chocolate, beer, and the other cocktail flavors.    I have been enjoying the incense from here hand-dipped incense sticks | Hexennacht and here Hand-dipped incense sticks | Mr. Hex (mr-hex.com)  Any thing interesting from either site? No thank you. Incense is not my thing and tends to be a migraine trigger.   Would you like some delicious coffee? If so, do you prefer whole bean or ground? If ground, what grind? Also, light or dark roast? Flavor preferences? Dark roast whole bean for unflavored, ground for a drip machine for flavored - I do like an occasional pot of flavored coffee - usually something sort of sweet/spicy.   I may be going to the Renaissance Fair this weekend (if not this weekend then soon and multiple times), any Ren Faire goodies you may like? It has been decades since I've been to a ren faire, so I have no idea what goodies might be available. Maybe a chain maille bracelet or earrings or something?   I always go to my town's local Farmer's Market and they have booths selling things like candles, Gourmet Pickles, Flavored Oils and Vinegars, dog treats (like bones and animal feet), honey, and bath products. Would you like any of these things? Honey, pickles, flavored vinegars and oils would be my top choices, but really, anything except dog treats would be up my alley.   Do you have a preference for numbered packages for each night of the swap vs randomly selecting from unlabeled goodies? I do not have a strong preference.    If you didn't say much about your reading preferences in your survey but would be interested in receiving books, can you elaborate a bit? I have blathered extensively about books in links, on goodreads, and in my blog here.   Are you interested in cocktails, be it recipes, infusion kits, tools, supplies, specialty bitters? Particular flavors you like? Cocktails you'd like to learn to make?  Personally, big yes - I've been doing a lot of experimentation with bitters and infusions and different flavor profiles. I especially like making different whiskey cocktails, but have also tried different infusions, like sour cherry rum and I make a mean dirty martini.   Is there something that you definitely prefer to not receive in any category (anything to avoid if you hadn't/forgotten to mention)? Other than incense, I can't really think of anything. Heavily scented cleaning products?   Are there patterns/prints (more guidance than general Halloween/Autumn) you like for things or are you open to whatever I may find that speaks to me?  I'm pretty open. I like most of the standard spooky critters - bats, spiders, snakes, black cats, gargoyles. I'd rather have stripes or dots or weenie prints than plaid or paisley, I guess.    Any significant other or other special person? Like if I wanted to send you specialty cocoa for a date night, would that be OK? I am making up the cocoa part, but you get my drift. I do have a husband of 24 years and we still have one kid at home. I'm definitely not opposed to something date night themed, but I'm having a hard time imagining what it might be.    I would love to request folks to to put their wish list in this thread and link in their signature. I would love to decant from my oils if I have any my person is looking for!  My updated and somewhat overwhelming wishlist is here: https://www.bpal.org/topic/127-wishlist/?page=10&amp;tab=comments#comment-273423(also linked in my sig and in the meta blog post)     If you happened to list some favorite fandoms earlier, would you also name your favorite character(s) from those fandoms? See my answers there - I'd covered about half of them already.   Do you have an Amazon link?  Can you post it??  https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/1VUCTGTF5088A/ref=cm_wl_search_1 (It's also in the meta swap entry)
if you are a knitter/crocheter, are you over on Ravelry?  If so, what’s your user name there?? I am soooooo not. Sorry.    I make homemade fire ciders, would that be of interest? Non-alcoholic and they are quite fiery.  I admit to being quite curious about this, so sure!   Are you interested in getting other BPAL items besides perfume, like hair gloss, bath oils or T-shirts? Absolutely. I cover a lot of these in my wishlist, but I don't have many of the newer tees, so those could be particularly interesting.    So partner, would you be interested in a Frankenbag done in Halloween prints? That sounds very cool!   Y'all with furbabies... Are there any food allergies/sensitivities or quirks to know about? Nope. Alex will try just about anything once (including my salad the other day...oops).   how do you feel about (ethically sourced) butterfly / moth art (in a jar or shadowbox) I would love that. I have a gorgeous blue morpho shadow box that I got at a butterfly garden years and years ago and love all (well most) colorful insects.    I may have preemptively picked out 2 Halloween-themed mugs with cute matching spoons, before I knew who my match was going to be! So I leave it to you: Bat, or Cat? Bat. But cat is cool too.   If you mentioned aversions to any common Halloween decor items (skeletons, witches, spiders, etc.), how encompassing is that? Specifically, is a "kid friendly" drawing of that same item on a piece of decor (like, a book cover or wrapping paper) still a preferred pass?  I would be fine with incidental depictions of zombies or gore - I just prefer other motifs.
  Would you be interested in receiving a never-used eyeshadow palette from Nororiously Morbid (gothy colors) and/or a never-used eyeshadow palette from Pretty Vulgar (romantic neutrals)? Definitely interested in gothy colors. Not so much neutrals, romantic or otherwise.    I live in Japan. Are you interested in anything specifically Japanese I could get for you here (doesn't necessarily have to be Halloween themed)? For example, are you a fan of the anime Demon Slayer and want merch? Are you interested in trying some fun kit-kat flavors? Do you need a new set of pretty chopsticks? I am ALWAYS interested in fun kit kat flavors. My daughter is really into anime and kawaii right now and is taking some very basic Japanese language classes, so she would be up for anything in that vein.   there is an excellent chance teeturtle will have a sale in time for this swap: anything (particularly tshirts or socks) that appeal? Sizes?  It might be easier to list what I don't want from tee turtle, but I'll try to narrow it down  - for tees, I'm a Womens XL and I really like Spellbound, My Cat is a Flerken, The Headless Unicornsman  Socks, Don't Make Me Hex You, Spooky Kitty    Haus of Gloi Fall Part 1 drops soon, anything here you like?  https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/blog/fall-lineup-2021 I love blood orange marshmallow - I'd get the most use out of bubbling scrub or pumpkin butter. Cozy Pumpkin soap sounds good, as do all of the lip balms, especially Brown Sugar Latte.   Could you use a journal or sketchbook?  No thank you. I have so many that need using...   Do you need BPAL storage?  Imps?  Bottles?  No thanks.   Do you wear socks?  What kind?  No show, ankle, knee high, over the knee?  Fibers? As the weather gets colder, I tend to like knee high or calf and big fuzzy ones in the evening. In the transition seasons, I like ankle socks. I tend not to wear them for weeks at a time during the summer. In terms of fiber the only thing I care about is not itchy.    Do you have a favorite candy(ies) [or prepacked individual snacks] that you wouldn't mind filling up your box as packing material? Or teas/coffee blends you'd enjoy? If you prefer none of this, that's fine too!  I'm always up for chocolate and other flavored teas, spice blends and packets, kit kats, pumpkin spice just about anything.   I'm going down the Shore for a few days! Any treats you'd like from a cute beach town- salt water taffy? Fudge? Wrist fans? Tie-dye beach dress...? Fudge! I went to the beach this summer and never got any and then my son went with some friends and didn't get a chance to hit the candy store, so I have a hankering.    How do you feel about fancy marshmallows? I feel all sorts of desire for fancy marshmallows.    We've asked about candy, but let's talk specifically about gummies. Do you like crazy shapes, sweet/sour?  I love the Haribo cola and peach rings. My daughter will eat any that I pass on.   Anything from these Etsy shops?  Kodiak Sea Charms, I like the bracelets and dangly earrings Halloween Hill Studio, These are a little too cutsie for my taste, but the work is great. Grave Markings I love the "Not a Phase" pin, the Pink Snek print and just about everything with the cat skull   What about the Mutter Museum's gift shop? Ooh! Plague Doctor pin, Skeleton Key keychain, Spit Spreads Death mask   I grow mugwort and it's harvest season. Would you like dried leaves for bathing or tea? Or a bound bundle for smoke cleansing? (Its said to be excellent for divination or lucid dreaming, but do not use if pregnant.)  its also a digestive bitter and tastes great on chicken. I'm willing to try anything once - I would probably use for tea or seasoning.   I grow loads of other herbs and I'm drying them now. Any favorites you might like? Mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemon balm or others? I have a store of dried mint, but anything else sounds great!    I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest? I think I'm set here, thanks.   Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like. My daughter would love any really unusual feathers (she is very into birds).   I grew a boatload of Green Shiso this year and plan to make a shiso pesto with it. Would you like some? (Nut wise it has pistachios) I love pesto, so would love to try this.    I also plan to experiment with infusing it in vodka. I'm planning a plain shiso infusion and a shiso citrus infusion. If they turn out would you like some? I always want all of the boozy infusions.    Would you be interested in this hand sanitizer dispenser/keychain that doubles as a light (its eyes light up when you press between its eyes!)?  (see photo here) OMG YES I WOULD.   If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in? I would be interested in checking out Unstable Unicorns. Otherwise, I have SO MANY games, I should probably pass.     DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES?  YES I DO!    DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING? I do indeed, more baking, like 1001 things to do with pumpkin or Gross Foods to Scare Your Party Guests.   If you are enthused by the idea of receiving coffee, do you want whole bean or ground? AND do you have flavors that you like (or definitely hate and never want again)? We just got a burr grinder, so any unflavored roasts I would prefer whole bean. Any flavors (I would definitely be interested in autumn flavor themed packets) should be ground.    Would you be interested in some very size-inclusive tights? There are Halloween patterns, but also most colours under the sun, and are very comfy. I would, in Halloween patterns, especially bats or spiders.    What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level?  Mild to moderate spice level in chutneys and jams would be delightful.   In case anyone else shares a love for adorable tiny plushies, any interest in v soft and cute vegetable/fruit plushies? There are also small animals. Oh yes.    The Polish Pickup/Indie Pickup is live for wishlisting, and will ship in time for this swap (this year). Anything strike your fancy? (It's not just nail polish...there's jewelry and bath scrubs and wax tarts and all manner of things. It's fun!)  https://polishpickup.com/ I am fascinated by the color changing polishes, but cannot even begin to pick one. The cuticle oils could be cool and I love the bat necklace.    Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/ The flavored sugars look good and I have an actual need for Five Spice powder.    Hayden Evens Art has released some new Halloween and Disney-themed prints and stickers.  Do any spark your interest? I do really like these, but I am not sure I have any space for the prints I really love.    So would you hate or be into more miscreant Halloween vibe decor - like wholesome figurines repainted, creepy dolls, goats with horns, (fake) animal skeletons, things in jars? Is anything too dark, morbid, or recoil worthy? This sounds super cool. I love bones and eyeballs and all sorts of creepy remains. Uh...   do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like? I am back to having my hair professionally dyed a just barely sorta not really natural deep red/burgundy (keeping my silver streak in the front, natch). My kiddo has played around with different semi-permanent colors, but she seems largely out of that for the time being. Otherwise, if you have a line on some really good color preserving shampoo and conditioner, I mainly use John Freida's color depositing reds, but am not necessarily in love with them. In terms of styling products, I mostly use texture cream or gel to give it a little body and keep the slight wave from becoming too early 80s layer look.     what about skincare? i am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this. I enjoy sheet masks and have played with some interesting blackhead remedies. I have a regimen from the Ordinary (mostly) that I'm pretty happy with, but am definitely interested in eye creams/rollers for puffy, dark circled eyes and lightweight moisturizers with strong (35+) spf. Very light tinting in either is okay, but I am very pale (like 001/01 kind of pale, so not translucent, mainly because my cheeks are very ruddy).   Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out (https://cellardoorbathsupply.com/collections/halloween-fall-collection😞 anything you might be interested in? Ooh, yes! I absolutely love the idea of a collection of soap ends, because while I LOVE me some autumnal soap, I tend to cut down full bars so that I can switch things up. So the opportunity to try a few of these in smaller more manageable sizes sounds fabulous. I'm particularly interested in Autumn Apple Fest, Black No 1, Once Bitten, Pumpkin Chai Latte, Pumpkin Guts, Samhain Hard Cider, Sanderson Spice, and maybe Zombie Repellant, depending on whether the spices are the more forward scent notes (in which case, yes!). Candles in Samhain Hard Cider or Sanderson Spice would not go amiss either.   Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don’t enjoy? I pretty much only drink flavored tea these days, mostly black or herbal. Green tea is pretty hit or miss for me. I also enjoy rooibos and roasted mates.    are you interested in eco-friendly menstrual products? There are some beautiful gothic print reuseable pads I'm looking at specifically. I was all about to say no to this, because I'm just about at the end of this time of my life and I am a big fan of my menstrual cup when I do get the occasional visit, but it occurs to me that if there are lightweight pantyliner style reusable pads, that could be awesome, as because my cycle is so erratic, I've taken to just wearing a pantyliner every day, which is super wasteful. (apologies if this is TMI).   Bath and Body Works? I know this is a bit of a love em or hate em company, but I really love their foaming hand soaps and scented hand sanitizers and my kids like their body wash, so I'll be placing an order with the next good sale. Anything that catches your eye? (I'm obviously set here...)     I'm making homemade applesauce this weekend with apples I picked last weekend. I'm going to try my hand at canning for the first time (got my mom, the experienced canner, on speed dial lol) If I succeed would you like a jar? Absolutely!
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13 Nights 2019 Queries

My catalog of answers below [Updated 9-19-19 - I SWEAR I WILL UPDATE THIS WEEKEND]   for those who mentioned Yes to handmade items; what sort of knitted gifts would you love to receive? ie, socks, mittens, hat, cowl etc? Socks or scarfy/cowl/shawl type things are probably most likely to get good use in my life.  And little creatures or fandom items would be awesome as well.    Witch Baby Soap, a favorite of mine, just dropped their Halloween line! Is there anything there you'd like? Body Butters or soaps in Hallowmass, Banshee or Dead Man's Party   Ive been feeling very autumny, and I stumbled across this artist, Camille Chew, on society6...  she has such beautiful Halloween prints! Anyone know of any other autumn/spooky artists?  
I love that bag!! I will update if I think of anything specific.

Would you be interested in any candles, wax melts, lip balms, or jewelry from Sihaya and Company? No thank you to wax melts and candles, but any of the B. Perry #PSLs, lotion, sorbetto or soap in Hocus Pocus or Ember and Mallow, any of the Wizarding lip balms, and the Spiderwebbed and Hummingbird Skull earrings are fabulous.    Anything you'd love from Haus of Gloi? I love their pumpkin butter and bubbling scrubs. In terms of their autumn release, Hex, Blood Orange Marshmallow, Apple Milk, or Pumpkin Peach all sound good!
 
Do you like stuff related to Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead? I love it, but I worry about whether or not it is respectful.   How do you feel about homemade edibles? Do you have a preference for a kind? I.E. cookies, jams, etc, or something savory? Absolutely! I love homemade food goodies. Honestly anything listed is something I would love.    would you like to receive something either Pagan or Vodou in nature? No thank you.   For those of you that appreciate wax melts, are you interested in anything from Zeep's Halloween update (dropping Friday the 13th) or Willow Waxcraft's Falloween update (already released)? No thanks.   Is there anything you would particularly like from Japan? Stationary, bento supplies, a particular snack, etc. Yes! Non-chocolate kit kat flavors, any fun sweets, little adorable toys that my daughter can steal. A fun bento box wouldn't be amiss either.    what's your favourite animal (think, as a pattern on socks, bags, notebooks, etc) ? Bats, cats, owls, ravens, snakes.   Are there any fandoms you’d like to receive items from? If so: are there any favorite characters you’d like to receive items from? Harry Potter (Luna, Ginny and Hedwig are my faves), Star Wars, Dr Who, Wonder Woman, MCU, NMBC   Do you prefer solid soap bars or liquid soap/shower gels? Shower oils? Definitely not oils. I worry too much about slipping and don't usually have time to do more than actually clean myself. I will get the most use out of bar soap, but I also like shower gels and whipped soaps.   Do you own a bath tub and would you like to receive bath products? Sadly no.    What are your feelings about tee turtle tshirts? Any favorites? I LOVE their shirts. I'm an XL womens and I love the Incorgnito and Tortitude shirts. In the Halloween collection, I love the batty reading one and the glow in the dark bunny one.    I might have seen a wallet I think that suits you, but also suits the halloween theme. Would you like to receive a wallet at all? Sure!   Are there any BPAL’s you’re wishing to get your hands on? At this point, anything from this year that sounds like it's my thing would be good.    Would you like a box to hold BPAL or other small items?  What size box?  Imps, a few bottles, a lot of bottles?  I'm set for storage at the moment.   Is there a specific type of socks you prefer?  Wool, cotton, etc.?  No-show, ankle, crew, knee, thigh-high? Cotton or super soft wool, ankle or knee high.   Is there any oddball small thing you need or want but haven't gotten around to buying for yourself? I always need colorful paperclips, sticky notes, ponytail holders for my daughter.    Favorite Monsters Gargoyles, vampires, skeletons   Do you listen to any podcasts? Not really   Do you have any favorite Halloween or scary movies? Nightmare Before Christmas, psychological horror generally, though I don't really watch much anymore.    Are there any crystals or stuff like that, that really resonates with you?  I like jewelry with crystal elements, but nothing on a spiritual level.   Do you drink loose leaf tea? If not, would you be up for drinking loose leaf tea if you had an infuser? I do drink flavored loose leaf tea, especially chocolate or other dessert inspired blends. I am all set for infusers. 
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12 Days of Christmas 2021!

Updated 11-24-21 am   Is there anything you forgot to put on your Qs you wish you had? I cannot think of anything, but will be sure to note in the thread if I do! ACTUALLY, did I note that I love marzipan? Well, I do love marzipan.   If you were down with knitted or crocheted items: do you prefer a wearable or amigarumi? If wearable, is there something you’d really like? If amigarumi anything you love? I am good with both - I would probably most love either handwarmers or a shawl in terms of wearables or washable socks. I love amigarumi - especially little critters in creepy animals (Skyelyric sent me an adorable little raven for the Halloween swap). Kitties, bats, spiders, snakes, gargoyles, owls, dragons would all be awesome. Or wee fictional Star Wars or Marvel characters would be cool.      Teeturtle is having one of their megasales - any tshirts, or whatever, that strike your fancy? Size/fit? Stealing my answer from the Halloween swap -  It might be easier to list what I don't want from tee turtle, but I'll try to narrow it down  - for tees, I'm a Womens XL and I really like Spellbound, My Cat is a Flerken, The Headless Unicornsman  Socks, Don't Make Me Hex You, Spooky Kitty  In terms of others, I love Statler and Waldorf & Look Santa off the top of my head. (I have the holiday porgs setting fire to things and the candy cane dragon already along with a bunch of others). I kind of have a tee turtle problem.    What is the best book you've read recently? I'm honestly having a hard time answering my own question because I have been reading a lot of really escapist mysteries and fantasy lately, none of which has been particularly good, but has been cheaply entertaining. I have so much bookish info available, though that maybe this isn't really vital or me to answer?   What are some examples of decorations you would enjoy? I'm always down for ornaments and fairy lights, dish towels, little animal figures in santa hats.   Is there any kind of accessory or product you'd want for your hair? Not really. My hair is super short and I don't really use accessories or products other than volumizing gel that I like.    What is your jewelry style? Generally go big or go home. Honestly, that's kind of my style generally. If I'm going to put any effort in, I don't really see the point in subtlety.    Are you interested in fandom themed items based on the movies/shows you're into? For sure - useful items, like mugs or waterbottles or clothing are particularly great. Or lego type kits.    Are you interested in spicy sauces/jams etc? Absolutely!   Are you interested in Thai snacks? e.g. Thai brand crisps, wafer roll type things, savoury small crackers Sure!   I make light-weight yarn-and-silk-ribbon hair falls. Would you be interested in getting some? Possibly? If they can work with super short bright burgundy hair.   What are your favorite animals or mythical creatures? Kitties, bats, spiders, snakes, gargoyles, owls, dragons     I actively support Defenders of Wildlife and am curious if any of these would be of interest?   https://gifts.defenders.org/wildlife-adoptions?price=20-30  Sure! I love penguins, owls, otters and sea turtles especially.  Honestly,  I'd be more down with a donation and a crafty critter or drawing. Unless there's some mechanism to track "my" adoptee, I don't need a certificate and photo and would just as soon everything go to the animals.    I'm candying citrus peel this year. Oranges, mostly. Is that something you would like? Chocolate dipped? What about homemade caramel sauce?
Enthusiasticly on board with candied citrus in all forms.  Caramel sauce would not go amiss, but probably be used less.   Do you like adult coloring books at all and if so do any of the ones from this store strike your fancy? I want to say yes,  but should say no, as I have a bunch already. Including for my fandoms.   how do you feel about solid perfumes? I'm almost exclusively a BPAL wearer, so unless you're making your own,, it's probably not my thing. When I've tried them,, I can never figure out how to apply them effectively.    Is there anything in particular you'd want from the UK? All the sweets? Clotted cream isn't going to ship well. Mince pies.   Are you ok with paper books at all? Sure, especially if it means you can send gently used copies or graphic novels.   Do you already have expansion packs for your fave card games? Not sure I have favorite card games listed. I'd love CAH kids edition tho.   Are you interested in perfume samples/decants, or only full sizes? For BPAL, either.   Are you interested in oracle decks? I'm not opposed.   How about wax melts? No thanks.   Reindeer, are you interested in a muscle rub that is similar to icy hot but is homemade by us (cayenne pepper, menthol, wintergreen, beeswax, olive oil, herbs, etc.) ? If so, CBD version or no CBD version?  I said no to the CBD version in another thread, but this might be a good chance to try that?     How about some home grown organic cat nip? sure!   How do you feel about fruit infused sugar/syrup? I have epic amounts of both, due to my candying this year. I have lemon, citron, orange and cherry.  yes please! All sound lovely,  especially cherry!   How do you feel about candied quince?  intrigued        
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12 Days of Christmas 2020

PBSW has their Yuletide Winter collection out sans candles (http://paintboxsoapworks.com/new-limited-edition/2020-yuletide-winter-limited-editions/) that are coming soon. Is there anything you'd like? Also any scents you'd like as candles when they come out? I love PBSW soap and sorbetto - Black Twig, Comfort and Joy, Sozzled, White Snow Bright Snow all appeal from the Winter collection. Black Twig seems like it might make a nice candle.   If you like incense what type to you use? Stick/cone/loose? No thank you.   Do you have a favorite animal? Bats, cats, snakes, spiders, lizards, owls, penguins, reindeer antlers on other animals.   Would you like gloves/mittens/scarf/winter hat? No mittens, but any of the others would be lovely.   Loose/bagged tea? I use both, but in all honesty, bags get used more.    Would you be interested in trying out anything from Nocturne Alchemy Lab? No thanks.   Would you like a batch of home-made bath salts? Sadly, no - no bath tub.   Anything catch your eye from Dandelion Chocolate? The cacao fruit jam w/ passionfruit, nougat, bitters, granola   What's a thing you always tell yourself you're going to get just for you but haven't yet? Name one thing under $10 and one thing over $10 Under $10 -  Over $10 -  Oh gods, I'll have to come back to this one.    What's your favorite type of chocolate? (milk, white, dark, with nuts, with fruit, flavored chocolate, etc.) I love milk and white, not dark so much and I love nuts, fruits, flavors.    How do you feel about stationery? (letter sets, stickers, pens, etc.) Pens for sure. I always need post its and interesting note cards.    If you had to pick a favorite flavor (sweet, spicy, sour, savory, salty) what would it be? Can I pick a combo - sweet spicy?   What's one food/flavor that you absolutely hate or dislike strongly? Strong fishy flavors   For the purposes of this swap (not trying to start an international perfume debate), is honey a gourmand note? I love honey and I like gourmand, so not sure it matters. I think it can really be both gourmand and not so much.     Thoughts about lovely bespoke cleansing scrubs a la Sugar Spider (https://sugarspider.shop/) or PBSW sorbets?  I adore them so much I have a monthly sub to Sugar Spider, so no need to enable me there.    How about literary writing gloves? Also love them and am  planning a Storyarts order at the moment because I need all the Christmas Carol things.    Tokidoki, anyone? Other cute kawaii goodness? Plushies, blind boxes, etc? Goodness yes. My daughter and I bond over our love of all things tiny and adorable.     Fun cloth masks? Holiday themed or no? Favorite style?  Sure! My favorite style is accordion fold or shaped a bit, with or without a wire to help with nose fitting  and earloops. The only catch with a holiday theme is that by the time we open there won't be much chance to use it.   Journals or Sketchpads or Sketchbooks - yay or nay? No thank you. I have so many that I just never use. 
Face masks (like the kind that come one to a package? I actually have quite a few that I've never used. I'm definitely not opposed. 
Anything from Sock Dreams?  I do love me some socks, especially with fun designs. I think I have a wishlist in my wishlist blog. 
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