Dr Who? 'Fraid not.

 

How much do you like lipbalm? Flavored or unflavored? What are your favorite brands and flavors? I use lip balm pretty obsessively the older (and drier) I get. I don't really have a favorite brand, but I prefer all-natural ingredients and flavored with essential oils. Oh, and sticks over pots, definitely.

 

Do you like and wear lipgloss? If yes, what colours? Nope.

 

For those of you whose wishlists contain only BPALs, are there any other perfume companies you like or would like to try out? I don't really go looking much outside BPAL. I'll go hunting and add a few to my wishlist.

 

Do you need hair accessories? If so, what kind or color? I tend to like simple bandanas or wide (5" plus) headbands.

 

What is your favorite shade of blue? Most shades except baby and teal (and only all by themselves--in combination with other colors they can be lovely). Deep jewel tones are very appealing.

 

Do you have any kitchen gadgets (a SodaStream, a Kuerig/Tassimo) that you want mix things for? Nope.

 

If you could have one rare BPAL, what would you choose? Chaos Theory DCCCV.

 

Are you kinky? By proper kink standards, I'm pretty vanilla.

 

Do you enjoy scented candles? Certain sizes that you like? What kind of scents or brands? I do. No specific brand, but I prefer things scented with essential oils and made from natural waxes (soy, palm, beeswax).

 

Thoughts about South Africa? Have you been here, would you like to go? Would you like to receive anything South African? Yes to all. I can't name anything specifically, but region-specific stuff would be lovely.

 

What about candy? Do you have a sweet tooth? Generally I can take it or leave it (my cravings run more the savory direction). I do love Flavigny Rose Pastilles and good chocolate (both milk and dark). I'm really getting into choco with weird stuff in it. So if it's weird and vegetarian (and SMALL), I'll give it a go.

 

Do you have an e-reader? I've got an Android phone with a Kindle app.

 

If your witch is an extremely crafty sort, and she were to send all kinds of homemade foody goodies and handmade crafty stuff - what are items you would NOT LOVE to receive: Sadly, I'm still not okay with homemade food stuffs. A bad experience kinda ruined it for me, and now I'm gun shy. Crafty stuff, on the other hand, is full of love, as long as it's useful in some way and not purely decorative...except for stuff that could go on my Dia de los Muertos altar. I don't really wear knitwear, but socks and fingerless mitts are awesome.

 

Have you tried Fortune Cookie Soap? What products or scents would you like? Nope, but I'd be interested!

 

Have you ever tried anything from Paintbox Soapworks? Tartchef and I go way back. Some stuff of hers in "What Smells?" as well.

 

Do you use solid soaps at all? If so, what kind do or don't you like? I do, but I make my own, so I have gobs and gobs of it around all the time. I'd prefer no bar soap unless it's a really unusual fragrance.

 

Do you like/have space to garden? If so, what do you grow? Veggies, veggies, veggies! I also love herbs that can be grown from seed. It's tricky to figure out things that work in my weird climate, though, so it's worth it to ask before you send an heirloom watermelon that won't have enough time/heat to grow properly here.

 

Do you like sample sized things? Almost better than the normal sized ones! And they're cheaper to ship.

 

Have you ever tried Cocoa Pink? If you are curious about it, what looks interesting to you? I'd love to try anything in Barefoot In the Garden, Blush, or Mad Hatter Tea Cakes. Everything in the Gourmet Summer Scrubs series looks lovely too.

 

Do you like Lush? If so, what is your favorite product that is currently available, also, what is a product that you love but has been discontinued? I've tried some Lush stuff, but mostly the fragrances are just a little "off" to me. Still, foody bath stuff always intrigues, so...

 

Do witches prefer the answers posted here, but a more cherry-picked number of questions answered, or a more exhaustive list posted in the blog, which means posting here much less? I post everything on the blog and reproduce a good percentage of it here to stay in the mix.

 

Are there any companies, products, or items you boycott? I don't boycott per se, but I don't shop at WalMart, and really I don't buy retail except for underthings and consumables.

 

As I am in Japan, what sort of things would you like from there? Weird candies in weird (but vegetarian) flavors. Anything but durian, which I can't abide.

 

Since FB and the FB Gusp group (and the BPAL Sorority which is quiet) have become gathering places...what are some of your favorite Facebook pages you like? I love Plant Identification and love guessing species (it's the only online "game" I play). I visit a lot of brewery and tap house pages to see what's going on.

 

Do you read literature/culture blogs or websites of any kind? I'm thinking about anything that would help a putative witch to get a sense of what your current tastes in books, movies, games, genres, approaches to culture and literature and so forth are. For the most part, nope. I love to read, and read a lot and watch tons of movies (foreign and domestic), but not in any kind of organized way. I work in a library, so I'm completely spoiled with browsing. I just look around until something intrigues. Not much help for a Switch Witch, eh?

 

If you were put in a room with 100 random other people the same age and sex as you, from your country, in what way do you think you would be different from the average? I have absolutely no idea how to answer this question. I'm a weirdo, which most people get an inkling of just looking at me (Spider Senses and all that), and THEN I OPEN MY MOUTH AND IT GETS SO MUCH WORSE.

 

Haus of Gloi did a Reverie update! Do any of them interest you? (Or anything else up currently?) Rose City Pumpkin Butter or perfume.

 

Witchee, do you cook? Do you do all the cooking? Is it a chore or a pleasure? I do. And I do. And as with all truly good things, it is both.

 

Which reading level do you prefer to read in YA or Adult? Or even both? Adult, please.

 

What colors/style is your kitchen decor? And do you entertain in your home? Useful? I love kitchen towels, washcloths, that kind of thing. Natural materials, please. I use muslin cloths hemmed at the edges instead of paper towels. I do entertain, but all my friends know what to expect.

 

Are your ears pierced? Yeah, but I don't use 'em. The piercings, that is. I use my ears fairly often.

 

Do you like stuffies/stuffed animals/art doll type thingies? Not to own, but I love making them. If an enterprising Witch were to send me the fixins and specs, I'd happily put one together!

 

Do you like bags? If so, what type (rucksack, clutch, shopping bag) colour and would you like/need a new one? Sturdy canvas shopping bags are always welcome. I try to hide a few everywhere so I don't forget 'em (in my car, at work). Loud colors/patterns are great because they're hard to walk by and forget, but honestly I don't care much about the color.

 

What's your favourite comfort food (snack or candy etc) and/or drink? I love crunchy, cheesy, savory snacks most. Savory carbs in general. I love a perfectly-toasted grilled cheese made with real butter and smoked cheddar on seedy bread with a liberal amount of freshly-ground black pepper (add a bowl of roasted tomato soup, and WIN). These are actually becoming a serious problem at my house right now. I love all the flavors (yes, I've tried all the flavors) but I think I love the Wasabi Ranch and the Black Pepper flavors most. Both of the lentil flavors are way up there too. Seriously, it's an actual problem. Beverage-wise it's tea (spicy chai or Lapsang Souchong, specifically, and sometimes peppermint, especially in the summer)...or a nice barleywine or ruby port on a cold evening.

 

Would you like anything from an European country? Any particular food or goodies, magazines, books, whatever would be available to your witch in his/her country. I can't really think of anything non-food, so I'll just focus on that: if it's a local specialty and vegetarian, I'll give it a whirl.

 

What fandoms do you belong to? I'm a terrible fan. In that I'm not one. I just like what I like. I don't get obsessed, and when something starts to bore me, I drop it without much ado.

 

What cheers you up? My dog at the end of the day, wagging and wagging and wagging. The antics of my chickens. Being outside among trees or near the water on a sunny day, any time of year.

 

What question do you hate to answer? Questions about something I'm wearing, because all I do is try to "pass" fashion-wise. In my post-lottery-winning fantasy, I wear sweats, jeans, shorts, athletic sandals, and manky old t-shirts exclusively and forever. My toenails always have dirt under them. The vision is so lovely and pure that it sometimes makes me burst into tears.

 

Random anecdote: I bought a purse recently to take on a trip because I needed something smaller than a backpack to carry around with me (and some stores are weird about backpacks...even though purses big enough to hold a toddler are okey doke...<shrug>). Now women ask where I got it, what brand it is (brand?) and I'm like "It has a bunch of pockets for my shit, is brown and goes with my Garanimals-esque 'wardrobe', and cost about five bucks secondhand...oh, and it looks nominally normal." They always walk away looking sad and unsatisfied.

 

What is the best compliment you have/could receive? A genuine laugh at a joke I make.

 

Is there anything small you try to collect from everywhere you visit? Beer is small right? I keep my collection in a dark room just below my esophagus.

 

Could you name one thing you would be heartbroken not to get and one thing you would be a-ok if it didn't make it in your box? If my Witch sends me thoughtful gifts and takes my preferences into consideration, anything s/he sends is wonderful. Honest.

 

Would you like something from Empire Edibles? I was gonna say probably not, but the palmistry chocolate slab is awesome. I'd share it with my friends at my DotD shindig.

 

What are the three books you most want to read right now, and which you don't already have? Thinking about this a bit more, the Kindle versions of the Year's Best Science Fiction collections would be awesome. My husband and I like to read to each other, and having ebooks handy has become a really fun way to carry around several titles. Also, short stories are fun for short stays (like at a restaurant).

 

Do you have any problems with swearing or particularly off-color humor? What an adorable question. <pat, pat>

 

What would you like from the most recent BPAL update? What are you planning on buying for yourself and what would you like to try? Aurelia and Tympanidium sound kind of interesting, but I’m not planning to buy them right now. The bath oils look kind of interesting too, but not planning any purchases there either.

 

Opinions on table top games, from cards and board games, to dice and rpgs. What do you like? What don't you like? Favorites? Any classics you like? Do you collect any? I'd love a Cards Against Humanity set. Doesn't have to be the "real" ones--the print-and-cut version would be just fine.

 

What style is your sense of humour? Louis CK, only drier and more ironic (most of the time).

 

Is there anything from Australia you would like? Regional spices/flavoring blends/sauces!

 

Gift cards/vouchers - yay or nay? If you like them - which stores would you like one for? Absolutely. Especially for international Witching. Just makes sense. And any store that might interest me: gift card away!

 

What is your favourite object, that you own, ignoring sentimental reasons for attachment? I'll go with cooking stuff. I love my stainless electric wok. I use it almost daily in the kitchen and heart it so much. Next would be my monstrous, '70s-era professional Cuisinart. All Japanese steel blades. Thing's a beast. My MIL gave it to me and I use it almost as often as the wok.

 

Do you use wax melt tarts? I don’t think they’d get much use, I’m afraid. Put a wick in that thing, and you’re golden, though.

 

Do you like Hot Chocolate? I don’t drink it, but my hubby does. Stuff to put in it would also go to him. He’d probably put it in his coffee (the hot chocolate and the other flavorings), as he likes sweet coffee drinks. I like my coffee with just a little cream.

 

I have a feeling I will struggle with keeping my identity secret from my witchee. If you happen to find out who yours is, how much would it bother you? I don’t care at all. I did guess one former Witch because I (completely accidentally) read a thread where she said something similar to an email he sent me. It didn’t diminish the round for me one bit. And generally I cultivate obliviousness. It’s practically a gift.

 

10 Random songs:

 

And here’s a list of what Pandora spit out for me:

 

1. Talking Pictures – Swearing at Motorists
2. Stumble on Air – Tristeza
3. Going to Georgia – The Mountain Goats
4. Lucky Break – Hank Dogs
5. Do It Once – Andy Guthrie
6. The Irony Engine – Franklin Bruno
7. Left Behind – Zero 7
8. The Busy Girl Buys Beauty – Billy Bragg
9. Know Your Onion! – The Shins
10. Where Does the Good Go – Tegan and Sara
    

And here's the one from my MP3 player:

 

1. Cloudbusting – Kate Bush
2. Icnocuicatl – Lila Downs
3. Look Up – Stars
4. Evacuation – Mason Daring
5. Impossible – Doug Martsch
6. Saltarello – Dead Can Dance
7. Sunny Road – Emiliana Torrini
8. Sally Go Round the Roses – Pentangle
9. Lawyers & Truckers – Ed’s Redeeming Qualities
10. Waiting for the Great Leap Forward – Billy Bragg
    

Have you ever tried Spoonfudge? Would you enjoy it if your Witch would send you some? Which of the flavors would you like? Sounds amazing, but I'd prefer to stay away from fudge I can eat with a spoon. A quicker means of fudge conveyance is not what I need right now.

 

What's your opinion on Moonalisa? Any favorites or products you'd like to try? I've tried a few solid soaps, which were lovely. Sea Witch was far and away my favorite, but I don't know if they still make that fragrance. <runs over to check> They do! I put a couple things in What Smells list.

 

Is there someone on the forums (within SW or not) who knows you really well and might be able to help with stalking? Holborne and Twi know my sense of humor and my taste in fibery stuff for the most part (probably presumptuous on my part, but I think they do). Mordath (who's not playing this round) is a fellow Ravelry Rubbernecker and almost as awful as I am. Almost. Veronika Galt was my witchee a while back and we had, shall we say, a bit of a love connection.

 

Ninjas or Pirates? Stock answer: Pinjas!

 

Werewolves or Vampires? It's more about proper preparation. Werewolves should be braised to seal in their juices, but because of advanced age vampires need a long stewing.

 

Zombie or Cthulhu? Elder Gods, por favor. Not that I'm really into Lovecraft, but CTHULHU SMASH!!!

 

Do you want to receive one big package or a bunch of small ones? Digital stuff all at the end when the box should arrive or as we go? I admit a preference for lots of littles, but as long as there's some communication during the round I'm not going to be disappointed.

 

Do you welcome knitted items? If so, what would you like most? (amigurumi, washcloth, socks, shawl, shawlette, scarf, wrist warmers, hat, etc.) Do you have any favorite fibers? How about any fiber allergies? Favorite color for knitted items? Knitted socks are love. My feet are very long (U.S. size 9.5 or 10) but narrow and I have skinny ankles. I prefer mostly natural fiber, but a touch of nylon makes socks wear well. Washcloths are always, always needed. Crocheted, knit, woven, whatever (even prefab would be welcome, for the non-crafter-Witch). 100% cotton, in any design or color my Witch chooses to send!

 

Is there a Quote that resonates with you, or that you particularly like a lot. Would this be something you would like artwork made of for your walls or a shirt/bag/scarf? I don't really wear/carry things with sayings, quotes, or even images on them. This Jane is pretty plain.

 

Also, STARBUCKS, Yay or Nay? Anything you particularly like? Nay. I prefer to go to small, local places (of which there are hundreds...maybe thousands).

 

Do you have any symbols or totems that are meaningful to you? Yew trees. Especially the females with the red "berries".

 

When you are having a really rough day, what do you like to do/have to make it a little brighter? A nice barleywine (winter) or a batch of cherry/mango sangria (summer), a funny movie (The Big Lebowski is kind of my go-to), a big bowl of homemade pho with noodles and veggies and lime and basil and cilantro... <drools>

 

Would you like if your witch sent a regional pop/soda? If so, what type (Root beer, creme soda, cola, citrus-flavored, chocolate-flavored, etc...)? Sure, but maybe just a single bottle (cheaper to ship anyway). I like cola (but generally only if it's caffeine-free), citrus flavors (especially grapefruit), birch beer, and really spicy ginger ale (my absolute favorite). "Weird" flavors are cool too, like lavender, rosemary, rose...

 

If you knit/crochet, what sizes of needles do you need? These in sizes 2 and 4. Nice soft cables. Super fast. They don't call 'em "turbo" fer nothin'.

 

What styles of artwork do you like? Much like lit and music, I'm a know-it-when-I-see-it kinda gal.

 

If you cook, would you be interested in-hand made spice mixes/rubs? Kind of out with the homemade food thing, sorry.

 

Would you like Mexican vanilla or silver rings/necklaces? I only want Mexican vanilla if it's pure. Some brands have propylene glycol. My sister brought me a big bottle of vanilla from Mexico that I only used as a simmering room scent...which would be okay, I guess, but kind of a waste. I don't have a lot of interest in jewelry (except making it). I do love pewter and copper milagros, though. Especially flaming hearts.

 

Is there anything from the Oddment Emporium you would like? Hmmm...Potter's Field Picnic and Voluptuary perfumes sound promising.

 

Does anything from the TP Etsy update interest you? The Horticultural Building room spray sounds hilarious. Actually all the room sprays sound like me (with the exception of Snow Bunny). And actually the bath oils too (with emphasis on Frankincense, Myrrh and Rose Petal Beads...it sounds dreamy).

 

Do you have any long trips coming up? If so, could you use things to occupy yourself? Nope. Just short day trips. I keep my knitting handy at pretty much all times, so there's always something to do.

 

I'm going to Jungle Jim's next week (it's basically a massive international food gasm in Ohio, look it up); would anything interest you? Otherwise ungettable (stuff not distributed west of the Rockies, f'ex) craft beer in a variety of styles (esp. IPAs, sours, and Big Beers). Korean red pepper flakes (I make a lot of kimchi), weird candies (in small amounts)...

 

Name three things that you could use, but might not necessarily think to get for yourself? A set of strong stainless steel measuring spoons (not the crappy ones that bend), and a clothesline ratchet (my clothesline is sagging, like so many things, in its middle age).

 

I just found out Oreo is launching ones with watermelon flavor in the USA only. Is it something you would enjoy? It sounds like an abomination for which someone should be shot. So of course I wanna try one. ONE.

 

What is your favorite color? Greens, but mostly as the backdrop to nature, with other colors layered on it.

 

What is your favorite season? Here in the PNW, summer. It's more like an extended, fairly dry spring elsewhere in the country. Temps in the 70s and long days...mmm...

 

If you could live anywhere in the world and money was no object, where would it be? Near Portland. Probably not in Portland, but somewhere with acreage where I could have a little farm...but with reliable bus service into a nearby small town (and on to Portland) so I wouldn't need to drive a car regularly.

 

Would any witchee be interested in this comic? or any of her three comics? I keep trying to get into graphic novels, but I tend to put them aside and get back to reading-reading.

 

What do you love about summer (even if it’s your least-favorite season)? Fruit. Warm(ish) nights. Walking for miles and miles with my dog. Trips to the beach (mid-week, if we can manage). Wearing shorts and a t-shirt and feeling comfy. Gathering most of what's for dinner from the garden. Happy chickens. Happy, warm old dog lying in the sun (she never seems warm during the winter anymore). The Summer Party (our big annual do with all our old friends...this year it's the 13th of July). The sweet sadness of knowing it won't last long.

 

I know there's been a question about favorite quotes but this is specific: Do you have a quote that's not more than, say, a dozen words long that you would like in a cross-stitch? I love the idea of filthy cross-stitch. Or just mean. Or obscene. Okay, maybe not too obscene. Naughty. Bawdy. Something I wouldn’t have to put in a drawer when my extremely sweet mother-in-law comes to visit, but something she’d point to and G-ratedly ask “What the doodly-doo is that?”

 

What are the three BPALs you would most like to receive - one GC, one not-hard to find LE, and one HTF LE from your dreams? There are currently over 180 items on my wishlist. I have no interest in pinning anyone down.

 

I know the question about personal style was included in the questionnaire, but is there anything that could give your witch a better sense of your style/fashion or decoration preferences? I have no personal style (unless absent-minded is a style).

 

Homemade hair gloss? Maybe...depending on the ingredients. I make my own hair oils with almond oil and essential oils, which sounds great. A whole lot of artificial stuff sounds less appealing.

 

Seen anything lately that makes you go OH HOLY FUCK THAT'S AWESOME!! This. Also one of the few acceptable uses for a bottle of Beck's. Most of the things that make me go OH HOLY are of this ilk. Geeky little genius inventions.

 

Almond Roca? Not a huge fan of crunchy toffee stuff. I mean, sure, I'll still eat it...and that's the problem.

 

How do you feel about home-canned goods? About the same as homemade foodstuffs. Sorry.

 

Is there a particular movie genre that you like? I always say that there’s nothing better than a good sci-fi flick…and nothing worse than a bad one. Guess which category most fall into for me?

 

Do you have anything that you do ritually, every summer? Gardening is pretty much the only thing that leaps to mind. Starting seeds, weeding, transplanting, moving compost around...these all scream High Summer to me.

 

Do you like audiobooks? Getting into them, though some are just terrible (the narrators, that is). Just finished listening to Margaret Atwood's Maddaddam series. Awesome.

 

I am going back to Paradise Fibers today. They have like almost every type of fiber roving and dye and stuff available. If you're a spinner and have any fiber wishes, what would you like? Dyed or natural? Do you need dye? colors? brand? Any of the Washfast dyes would be lovely (although I tend to focus on primary colors, so the Bright Blue, Bright Red, Jet Black, or Sun Yellow would be my first choices).

 

As for fiber, dyed, undyed...I don't care. I prefer wool to most other fibers for spinning. BFL is probably my favorite at the moment, but I also love Merino and rougher wools for non-clothing applications. I haven't worked much with wool/silk blends, but that might be fun. Also, could you pick me up a Schacht Matchless? They're cheap at only 1,100 bucks. I mean just while you're there.