Switch Witch Fall 2023 Question (With Answers!)
During my recent travels I got to experience the incredible delight of Serge Luten perfumers here in Paris (imagine if the Lab and Anna Sui made babies inside a Cadbury Cream Egg decorated with stained glass windows and...you've come close to the experience of being in that shop). Anyway, after spending gobs of monies, they loaded me up with delectable samples of their insanely expensive wares- do you want some??? Sure! If you have something that you think I'd like, I'm open to it.
Haus Of Gloi just had their Halloween update! Anything appeal to you? https://www.hausofgloi.com/collections/fall-1 Of their offerings I am most likely to use a Bubbling Scrub or a Pumpkin Butter and the scents that most appeal to me are Hex, Kitchen Witch, and Little Hedgehog. From their GC, Apothecary, Eudemonia, and A Place in Space are the most "me." I just came across this Etsy shop (TheGrayMuse) and I WILL BE ORDERING and wondering if you would like something from there as well? I don't see anything I must have, but I do like the stickers. Future Primitive Soaps has released it's fall stuff. Would you like anything from there dearest witchee? https://futureprimitivesoap.co.uk I really like their bar soaps and Owlett's End, North Woods, and Shadow Show all sound great! Other scents that also found pretty awesome: Call the Corners, Inches Lane, No. 11, Rook & Raven, and White Witch. I harvested some elderberries yesterday and I have a lot more out there, so I made a batch of elderberry syrup. Would you appreciate a 4oz bottle of it? YES Do you want anything from Sea Witch Botanicals (I can buy it locally from shops)? Their lip balm tins are seriously adorable and I would love any of them. Ditto the salves. The Hermitage Candle is adorable and sounds like it smells great, as does Quoth the Raven. tell me some Odds And Ends of things you like or want, I know this is open ended, sorry - - gadgetry, stickers, toys, pens, costumery, snacks, decoration, kitchen stuff, etc Little things you can't go wrong with for me include lip balms/tins/salves, cuticle oils/lotions/creams, cool magnets, chocolate and snacks, cloth napkins and handkerchiefs (I carry them in my purse for use in restrooms with blowers!), and purse size hand cream tubes/tins. Gift Certificates you'd like to places that are local to you? I think most of my local places are SO hyper local that they would be hard, although I know my bookstore (https://www.brilliant-books.net) has employees who are magnificent over the phone and online. (And if you need a speedy present for a family member, their book of the month subscriptions are truly wonderful -- so customized and they care so much. I can't say enough good things!) How do you feel about ILNP nail polish and what are your favs from the new Cosmos collection and any others on their site?? I don't paint my nails. It makes them feel like they are suffocating. I am trying to be nicer to my cuticles and practice a little more care beyond "cut to a rough shape" Would you be interested in anything from Alobudra? https://alobudrallc.company.site/products/ That site is a little overwhelming, but I know I would use the bath bombs and I would be open to trying other things like bath milks, teas, etc. If YOU love it, I bet I will too! are there any more “traditional” Japanese souvenirs you’d like to have (think chopsticks, tenugui, washi paper, etc.)? I'm going to say no but only because I don't know enough to say yes with specifics.If YOU think I would use/love it, try me! Would you like to try Brujita Skincare ? (Ignore the out of stock except for In Your Room collection and Inner Child Ritual candle.) Their quiz tells me I should try: Sea Algae Cleanser, Purple Reina Scrub, Vegan Cream, Jelly Mask Cherry Bomb Aha, Jelly Mask Cucumber Watermelon, and Sandalwood Hydrosol. All the bar soaps also look awesome. Would you be interested in any jewelry or other items made with tiny bones from this shop? There are some Halloween themed ones: https://www.tinybonesandthings.com/s/shop Enthusiastic yes! I really love almost every single piece of jewelry on that site! If you like tea, is there anything you would like from Bird & Blend? https://www.birdandblendtea.com/ I am intrigued by the sticky chais -- especially the regular and gingerbread. I'm also game to try Rose & Cardamom Chai, Dark Choc Chili Chai, Milk Oolong Chai, Moondrops, the Digester, Brighton Rock, and Chocolate Digestives. BloomChic - just discovered them - Take a look at the Halloween stuff, and tell me the link and the size of whatever thing you like! I am actively trying to downsize my closet, so I'm good for now thanks! Poesie Tea! Do you like? Some of my favorites are from this company. https://www.poesieperfume.com/loose-leaf-tea London Fog + Smoke, Merry + Bright, and Olympus all sound interesting. Would you like anything from Trader Joe's? (Pumpkin products are, sadly, not in stores yet, but they will be during this round!) Most of my favorite PJs snacks are on my amazon wishlist. Obviously I don't buy them there, but it's one of the best ways to know to show what I like! For Halloween specific, I remember liking some pumpkin covered espresso beans and the batons a few years ago, and you can never go wrong with seasonal Joe-Joes. Do you have any Halloween traditions? Our campus always decorates and departments have themes with costumes. We have not yet sorted ours out for this year though! What about Halloween-related fandoms? (ie. The Nightmare Before Christmas) Nope! non-U.S folks!!! We always end up asking what we'd like from your exotic-to-us locales, but do you have any wishes for things from the States? I make things from thrifted sweaters that I cut up & make things from. Do you like armwarmers? Yes! My often they are too big for me because I am built like a spider with a thick middle and super skinny arms and legs. Long or short? I like both! Solid color ( elegant) or funky stripes made from multiple sweaters? All of those options sound great Fave colors? For accessories I like black, emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and bright orange. Is cashmere okay? Yup Wool & related blends? ( I never use scratchy wool for arm warmers.) I don't mind wool, even the scratchy kind. I actually kind of like it. (Sensory seeking?) Do you like buttons used decoratively? Sure! I also do coiled & sewn rope work- it's functional art I wrap the rope in fabric & add appliques. I just had my first art show with these- bowls, trivets ( that can hang on the wall when not in use), coasters. Is this something you'd like ? They sound super cool. What sort of Halloween fabric? Whimsical? Witchy, bats, mushrooms, moths? Mushrooms and moths sound awesome and year-round to me! How gothy do you like? Let's say my level of goth is office-goth. So black and a little spooky, but also kind of stylistically conservative if that makes sense. have velvets & sparkly stuff to work with too. What is your preference witchee? Velvet is a big <3, sparkles I prefer in small doses. How do you feel about cherry things? Check out Cherry Republic and let me know if anything catches your eye! Similarly, are you into fancy flavors of olive oil or vinegar? Check out Fustini's and let me know if anything appeals! We also have an awesome store for jams and sauce, American Spoon which you should totally check out! Would you like some locally sourced maple syrup? Finally, I live in a place known for fudge. Do you like it and/or are their flavors you particularly like? My favorite shop is Murdick's if you need to see a flavor list. Anything from the IKEA Halloween store catch your witchy eye? https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/campaigns/halloween/ Nothing I can't live without! https://wildsoulriver.com I own the Magical Nature Tarot and love the feel of the cards. They have candles and teas and tinctures and books of the activist or witchy sort. Anything you see that you'd like? Their teas look interesting and I like the I Love Western Mass sticker (I lived there for 4 years in college!) I live near a Penzey's Spice https://www.penzeys.com - do you cook? - Do you want fancy schmancy spices or spice blends? - Do you have a favorite alternative source that you prefer and or recommend? For example egads I am asking lots of Qs Curio Spice Co, Diaspora etc do ethically sourced spices. - If you cook is there a type of cuisine you are interested in learning more about and would appreciate a starter pack of spices for that type of cooking? Taking this in order... Yes. Sure! Penzey's is my favorite but I occasionally stick my neck in our local shop: Spice & Tea Merchants. They mostly do bags though, and I find those harder to store than jars. There is no one cuisine, but some of our favorites from Penzey's are their vanilla, vanilla sugar, Balti, Rogan Josh, and Fox Point. We've been meaning to try their Pico Fruta and Tsardust Memories. I'm also intrigued by some of their cinnamons and their hot cocoas. Colourpop's Haunted Mansion collection dropped today. If you're interested in makeup or skin care, are you interested in anything from Colourpop? https://colourpop.com/ I'm afraid it would be wasted on me and end up going to my niece, who wants to be a makeup artist. Anything of interest from Cellar Door? (They have candles and soaps.) Some of their soap looks fun! I'm particularly drawn to Black No. 1, October Road, Michigan Moonglow, Sanderson Spice, Pleasant Peninsula, and Manistee Sands. Are you into wax melts, candles, incense, room sprays, or none of the above? Of the above, I occasionally use candles, incense, and room sprays. But honestly I don't use any of them too often because the dog pouts at me! Would you like anything from Luvmilk's Monster Mash? I'd use Bath Salts or Bath Milk and Pegasus and Werewolf and I would add Boyfriend. I dye yarn. Are you a person who crafts with such? What fiber, weights, and colors would tickle your fancy? Would you rather have two different 100g skeins or enough of the same something for a bigger project? I am super NOT crafty and it would be wasted on me. Provided my experiments work, would you be interested in a bar of homemade tallow soap? I promise I will not send you anything particularly suspect, so this is entirely contingent upon my competence. Absolutely! Do homemade caramels or shortbread tickle your fancy? Homemade anything is welcome! because I’m a knitting kind of witch, would you appreciate a pair of hand knit socks. If yes, would you like them in a particular colour? I would love them! Black, gray or striped would get the most wear. What type of spooky season imagery do you like? (Ie. bats, ghosts, vintage Halloween, etc.) I'm a fan of witches and vintage Halloween. Astrid's Autumn Line and Anniversary Tea Party just dropped. Anything you want? I am actually pretty good on perfume aside from my smallish wishlist. I know it's kind of the point here, but I've been trying to make an effort to wear and use what I have rather than just stockpiling. Homemade and preserved food goodies - Which of these things would you like my dear witchie? All are organic and grown or made by me. sun-dried heirloom tomatoes: Yes, would love dried ancho chile peppers - can be whole halves or ground into a delicious powder: Yes, would love sugar-free candied pecans and walnuts or almonds: I don't love most sugar free things. Plain would be great though! gourmet quality fudge in many flavors (formerly from my ETSY shop which I had to close until I have my own home again) please give me an idea the kinds of flavors you like. My more popular ones are Penuche, Choc & PB, Pumpkin pie, Forest fruit (with cherries, blueberries and cranberries), Vegan chocolate: I live in a fudge town, but almost buy it for myself, so I would probably love it. Penuche, maple, and anything with nuts (peanut butter, PB/C, butter pecan etc) are favorites. dried italian plums (pitted): Yes, would love sugar-free canned plum or logan berry jam: Nothing sugar free with artificial sweeteners please. freshly dried rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley individually or in combo: Yes, would love almond flour baked goods (low carb, sugar free, and gluten free) - give me examples of savory and sweet things you'd like: Yes, would love! I love brownies, scones, cookies, biscuits, etc. Really, I like everything! Might you like a witch hat? Later this month I'm taking a class at an area museum where I'm supposed to decorate 2 hats. Also I crochet wicked cute witchy hats. I'm sure I would love it and it would inspire Halloween costumes for years to come! Do you see anything here that interests you? They have dry shampoos, whipped soaps, awesome hand cream, linen spray, sugar scrubs and perfume. https://www.etsy.com/shop/faefragrance/?etsrc=sdt Whipped soap or hand cream would be my choices, and of the fragrances I think Norberta and Honey Cake sound nice. Anything you want from my favorite local tea shop? www.fridaytea.com Maple Houjicha and Underworldsound interesting! How about from my skincare person? drjensbeautylab.com/ Barrier Repair Serum, lip balm (chai or winter mint, so shimmer), Glow Up Serum, the New 20 Serum, and Skin Zen Wash look great. How about from my witchy Chandler? https://www.etsy.com/shop/TeresaLynnsSimpleLux Appalachian Autumn and Stolen Hoodie sound nice. It's also that time of year where I make handmade soap (usually with calendula infused olive oil, tallow, oatmeal and honey) and candles (feel free to specify color and size, I don't usually scent them, but I do have a clover and apple scent I've been wanting to play with). I can also annoint and dress candles with TALs and herbs. Any interest? The soap sounds lovely as of the candles. I love tea lights, small votives, and tapers -- white is great, as are green, red, and black. Unscented is great, but I'd be game to try the scent you want to play with! Undressed is great -- I have a lot of TALs at my disposal and think dressing them myself is more effective. I also grow herbs which can be culinary or magical. I'd be happy to prepare a smudge or dry some herbs for your enjoyment. I currently have oregano (yellow and standard), mugwort, thyme, sage (purple or garden), tea peppermint, chives, lovage, plantain, comfrey, raspberry leaf, and yarrow. I'm probably forgetting something. Any of those sound really lovely. I've never smudged with herbs and would be game to try. I also make salves! My go to in an arnica, calendula and comfrey mix for healing wounds or chapped skin. This can also be used on pet paws. We do have barely enough time that I could do a custom infusion. The standard sounds really nice to me! Anything in the Paintbox Soapworks Halloween update looking good to you? https://paintboxsoapworks.com/new-limited-edition/2023-weenie-collection/ I think I may have put these on my Pinterest when they first came out, but I'm most interested in Let Me In At Your Window and Nightwalker Soap and scrub, and there are still GC or older collection soaps I have not yet tried. If you have a furry friend living with you, what sort of treats do they like? Beans is prone to pancreatitis so he's actually somewhat limited on treats -- they need to be lower in fat. I give him things with chicken or low cal peanut butter (Zeke's PB training treats are in the pouch). He is however, allowed homemade treats, and most types of dry biscuit treats. Just nothing beef, salmon etc as they tend to be higher fat. What is your feelings on seasonal mugs? Yes or, no? Too many in your house or bring them on?? Complicated. I love Halloween mugs -- one of my very favorites was a big sparkly spider mug I received in a previous switch witch and that sadly lost all its paint in the dishwasher. I also still ADORE my Disney poison apple mug that I similarly received from a witch. That said, I just got rid of a load of mugs at the Goodwill because my cupboard was jammed. So I will say: I will not say no, but it's not something for which I have a NEED.
Are your wishlists - Amazon, Etsy, etc - up to date, and if so, are they all linked somewhere that I can find them? Yes! And I think they are in my signature. If they don't work, please let the ringleaders know so they can poke me!
Do you have anything you use every day that you wouldnt mind getting more of? I think I listed this on my questionnaire, but tiny hand cream tubes and lib balm for my purse are always needed. Anything you love or need to have from Adagio or Rishi teas? I'm not a giant fan of Adagio, but I really like the Rishi Masala Chai, Golden Yunnan, and ALL their oolongs are terrific! Nocturne Alchemy just dropped their Halloween update! You like the looks of anything? https://nocturnealchemy.com/collections/limited-collection I don't see a thing I can't live without. Is there anything you would like from the Weenie update? I will say that while this used to be my favorite update of the year, my changing body chemistry (thanks perimenopause) has made my relationship with patchouli and musks fraught, and I've never been the biggest gourmand fan. I'm currently in a big frankincense and sandalwood phase. This year the following sound like things I would like to try (and decants are welcome, not just bottles): The Witches Have a Fire Again Fig, Autumn Amber & Tobacco Atmo An Autumn Stroll for a Pumpkin Man Halloween Cat Headless A Man With A Haunted House for a Head Is He...You Know? Things Are Fine How do you feel about stickers? If positively, are there any themes you'd rather not have stickers of? The only place I have stickers is my water bottle and travel mug. They have to be work appropriate. What about crystals, cool rocks, and gemstones? I love them and have way too many. How do you feel about Squishmallows and Squishables? (They have mini and micro sizes for those who like cute plushies but don't have a lot of space.) I am not a big plushie person. My dog would immediately claim them Would you wear enamel pins with chains that are meant to be put on lapels? (Something like this.) Nope! Speaking of enamel pins... The Pickety Witch's Autumn and Halloween collection just dropped. Has anything caught your eye? No need for pins here, thanks! I used to make mobiles out of paper cranes, would you appreciate something like this? if so, what size restrictions do you have, if any? ie., should it take up less space vertically or horizontally? color palette preference? I don't have a lot of space, but if one were made for me, I'd put it in my office hanging above my filing cabinet and bright colors would be appreciated. ordering bulbs from https://oldhousegardens.com and was wondering if my witchee would like some. ( I am always willing to try bulbs even though the squirrels get them every year. I love crocus, tulips, and hyacinths. I love peonies, but am not sure where I'd stick them. Lilies I don't love. Would you like something like "sock arms" if I find time to craft? (Sometimes I make a pattern called Toast or Toasty {one has a thumb the other is just a tube} http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2008/09/toasttoasty.html. here are other photos from my blog: https://www.elkaknits.com/?p=845 ) -- If so what sort of colors? Sure! I love black, gray, orange, red, green, and blue! Witchee, what's your take on seasonal-themed Washi tape? It is awesome and would be wasted one me.
What about seasonal treats from Trader Joe's? We love nuts, Joe-joes, etc.
I make gluten-free biscotti this time of year, lemon and also cocoa varieties: does this sound good to you? Yes.
Would you like me to make a music mix for you? I kick it old school with a burned CD. If you're into this, name at least 3 to 5 genres of music you already love, or are interested to explore more of! No thanks. Music is J's thing and I honestly almost never listen to it on my own. Anything here you like? https://bserway.com/ I like the stickers and the Mask ov Deceit Tank is cool. Anything you'd like from my Ren Fest? There is an outstanding garlic based shop I'll be going to next weekend, for my annual stock up of their spice blends & garlic oil blends. Any other Renny stuff that you like? Nothing in particular, but if you've read all this, I trust you to use your judgment! know we are looking at a lot of candles, but if you are into looking at more (and it is ok to say you are not), do any of these strike your fancy? https://www.lakewoodwax.com/candlesforacause (Feel free to take a look at their current and signature scents too but I wanted to highlight these fundraiser scents first!) The Jaguar sounds good as does The Night Before Thanksgiving If you are a person who appreciates tarot and oracle decks, do you have a strong preference about receiving new ones vs gently/barely used? I would be fine with gently used, but honestly I never use the decks I have Are you a Studio Ghibli fan, and if so, what are your feelings about fan made art featuring characters? I am not a fan Want anything from LUSH? Here's the link specifically to their Halloween drop (https://www.lush.com/us/en_us/c/halloween) BUT, feel free to peruse all of it. I will admit to not following the link, but my basic lush line is: I love bath bombs and melts and haircare, but not much else. Part 2 of the Autumnal/Halloween drop from Haus of Gloi is coming this weekend- take a look and see if anything is compelling! https://www.hausofgloi.com (fall part 2 is live on Sunday, here is a list of what is coming: https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/haus-herald/fall-part-2) Nothing I can't live without.
Also, I live in Philly and will use ANY reason to spend time at the Mütter Museum- anything of interest (including, but not limited to, the well-loved BPAL exclusive for the museum, Ü?) https://www.muttermuseumstore.org I love a lot of it. If you think I'll like it, I bet I will If you are so inclined, do you want or need any natural items or ingredients for spellwork that could be collected from forests, ocean, fields or stream? I also have access to oak gall ink and various other esoteric substances Any and all of that would be welcome. Are you a fan of the show Cobra Kai? I like it (Team Johnny!), but am not a huge fan Do you enjoy any of the scented items from Victoria's Secret? BIG no Would you be interested in receiving a silver locket with papyrus and herbs inside, as a protective amulet? You bet So Witchee mine, are you a spellworker? - any interest in acorns from a tree known as The Mother Oak at my Ren Fest grounds. It is the biggest tree I've ever seen in MI. It is cared for by tree scientists from MSU. It is the mom to every other oak on the grounds. Saturday is Mabon & I will go & gather acorns before the park opens to patrons as I do each year. But this time it's actual Mabon. So Witchee dearest, would you like some? That is an awesome idea, but I actually gather my own every year! Witchee, do you like anything from Lenny Mud? No thank you.
