So, here's where I'll collect my answers to the various in-thread questions so that my Witch can easily access them. If this entry becomes especially unwieldly, I'll do a Part 2.

 

I'll actually start off with wishlists since they may not copy correctly.

Amazon

BPAL *updated 9/14!* (also, dear Witch, wanted to let you know that I can always use wand caps!)

*EDIT* SockDreams!

 

All things pumpkin:

Generally I think pumpkin is just okay, but I have had good pumpkin bread in the past, and do like these treats, for example. Toiletries sound fine, decor might be okay in limited doses. Pumpkin perfume usually isn't my thing, I think I liked plain old Jack from BPAL the one time I tried it, but haven't liked any other pumpkin scents I've tried so far.

 

Canned goods and baked goods made from CSA veggies:

This all sounds pretty good, actually. I love salsa and we go through it pretty quickly in my household. For pickles, I basically only like cucumber ones, and the dill/sour variety, not sweet or hot or bread-and-butter or whatever. Also, I love zucchini bread, and haven't had squash bread, but am assuming that I'd like that too. I don't have gluten sensitivity and am not vegetarian or vegan, but of course that'd be covered in my original questionnaire.

 

Trading Post wants:

I have a BPTP section on my wishlist that is linked in my signature (and at the beginning of my SW 2014 blog post, I believe), but I get that it could be unwieldy and that some of the stuff on it may not be easy to find, so I can try to narrow it down some and just pick a few currently-available things I guess, just know that more stuff is listed on the wishlist.

• The pink and black or red/purple/black socks would be cool.
  
• I haven't had any BPTP soap in a long while, any scent but Embalming Fluid would be nice
  
• candles: Miskatonic University or Perversion would be nice
  
• atmo sprays: would like a squirt of Down the Rabbit Hole
  
• I'd also love one of those lanyards that people are getting as freebies with orders!
  
• *EDIT* As for past LEs, I would love more Patchouli Clove Massage oil. I think there was something else too, hopefully I'll remember it eventually....
  

Disliked direct sellers or retail brands:

For the most part, I'd say that if a product fits in with my tastes as I've explained them in my question answers, I'm not too fussed about where it came from. That means, for example, that something like Scentsy is lost on me because I don't enjoy that type of product, and explained that in my questionnaire. And I am not a big "makeup" person, so... say if my Witch found one really cool eyeshadow from one of the cosmetic companies listed, that would be fine, but if I got some kind of blush/lipstick/whateverelse combination set, or a bunch of makeup in general, I just wouldn't use it. As for Bath and Body Works, I think if my Witch really wants to get me one of their products, a candle in something other than a "generic holiday spice" scent would probably be okay, but that's about it... I feel like their stuff is a pretty common "gift of last resort" if one does not know what to get somebody, so I usually end up with some of their stuff every year anyway as gifts from co-workers or relatives.

 

Coffee & tea preferences:

Hmm... I went into quite a bit of detail about this stuff in my questionnaire, but I can try to think of any additional info that might be helpful on the subject. I do have a little coffee grinder and a non-fancy tea ball. Don't remember if I said this or not, but I prefer bagged to loose tea... I have a bunch of cool loose tea sitting in my pantry right now because I'm usually too lazy to make it that way. No preference really about places to buy coffee and tea... I guess most of the time we get it at the grocery store, but it is nice to get different stuff at World Market or similar once in awhile. I don't usually order them online. I think I talked about flavors quite a bit in my questionnaire, the only thing I don't remember saying is that I like cinnamon coffee as well as coconut coffee.

 

Do you cook? Would kitchen accessories make you happy?

Yes, and probably? I may need to give some thought as to what specific kitchen accessories I am in need of, and update this in my blog if I think of specific things. A mandolin does sound good though. *EDIT* A spice grinder or mortar and pestle would be nice.

 

How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems?

"Creative endeavors" seems to be a pretty broad category that could include things covered by many other questions (fiber arts, baked goods, paintings, etc.), so I'd have a hard time saying yea or nay in general. As for drawings/stories/poems, since they are mentioned specifically, that wouldn't really be my thing, sorry. As for crafting supplies and the like, as I mentioned in my questionnaire, I'm not into such things.

• What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you?
  
• Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)?
  
• Kind of amazed this wasn’t directly addressed on the questionnaire… but what do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests?
  

1. Not sure if there is a culture/country I have a particular connection to. I like many aspects of many different ones, I think. But I can update in my blog if something specific does occur to me.
   
2. Probably not, but again, I can update in my blog if I think of something.
   
3. Hmm... in the questionnaire I filled out to join this swap, I answered "Hobbies/crafts done:" with this information. Other than those things, I like hanging out here on the forum, and, uh, shopping? taking my dog for walks? Nothing else I can really think of that should make a difference for gift-giving....
   

 

1) Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc? Gaming accessories you long for?

 

2) DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through AMazon?

 

I think I can answer both of these together. First of all, I'm fine with used stuff in general. The only games I actually own and play are Trivial Pursuit and Mastermind. I'm good on Mastermind, but for Trivial Pursuit, wouldn't mind either the newest version, or the old music expansion pack (my husband and I used to have both of these before the second time that our house burned down). As for additional games, Perquackey might be okay (doesn't have to be the newest version). Of course, I understand if my Witch doesn't want to get me a $50 game or a $20 set of cards though... the music cards do show up at thrift stores for like $2 sometimes. And I think I mentioned in my questionnaire that I'm not really into owning DVDs.

 

What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try?

I can't think of any that I want to try but haven't. I do like green tea kitkats and Meltykiss chocolate (I think the last flavor I tried was milk tea but I've tried others) from Japan, and various types of pocky and pretz... I guess that's in line with what I've already said in my questionnaire though.

 

do you have a Facebook profile (or other social media) that you are comfortable linking to aid your witch in stalking? Please note whether you are willing to add BPALers as friends

I have already added my information to the spreadsheet provided for this purpose earlier in the round so hopefully I'm good here.

do you have a favourite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom?

Not really. I guess I like Sailor Moon quite a bit but I am not over the top crazy about them.

I agree with Lady_Fire (including the Sailor Moon part).

 

So, hey, RCCC. As long as I'm mentioning it, anything you're interested in there, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist?

If something catches your eye and it's in line with my already-stated preferences, sure, but I can't think of anything in particular.

 

When I do this swap, I really, really do it because I want to connect with another forumite, make friends with them, and communicate with my witchee. So, everyone, how do you personally feel about this?

Hmm... as I said in my questionnaire, I consider myself medium-low in terms of contact level. But I do have an email address that I use specifically for swaps, and do use it to communicate with swapees in almost every swap that I participate in. And during Switch Witch rounds I've sent e-cards and sent more than one package, and included notes and descriptions of items/why I chose them as appropriate. Now I feel like my witchee might figure out who I am based on this. Eh, I'm just paranoid.

• Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing?
  
• If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions?
  
• What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it?
  
• How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? I.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin…
  

1. Puzzles... if you mean actual jigsaw ones, they'd need to be less than 1000 pieces, 500 would be ideal. Riddles are... okay I guess? Treasure hunts, definitely not.
   
2. CD, but I might not get much use out of it....
   
3. Having some co-worker trouble that I need to discuss with my boss. I've been considering doing the honey jar thing too.
   
4. Sounds great!
   

Are YOU superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations?

Um, I like the TV or radio volume to be on an even number and not an odd one, but I'm not sure whether that's a superstition. I asked my husband if there are things we don't want in the house due to superstitions, but he couldn't think of anything either. I can update this in my blog if I think of anything though.

 

Ok, so we've covered pumpkin. How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples?

I'm not really into apple as a scent... I mean, I don't hate it, but there aren't any apple-heavy BPAL/candle/incense scents that I particularly love. Now, I remember talk of "apple crips" (not apple crisps) as a snack in a past round, and they sounded intriguing, so I'd try those if they were available. I do make a very nice Granny Smith apple pie with a great crumb topping, but unless you are in South Central TX and want to stop by my place sometime, you're just going to have to imagine it.... As for decorations depicting apples if that would count, they aren't really my thing... my deceased mother-in-law decorated her kitchen like that so that would be weird for me.

 

Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions?

Hmm... I usually say that wool stuff is fine as long as it isn't super-itchy, but this has me wondering how someone who wasn't me would determine that. Oh well. And I guess in general I'm more into natural fibers, but I own a variety of fabrics so it'd be difficult for me to figure out some kind of hard-and-fast rule there.

 

how do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments? Yes, this a Halloween swap, just answer the question!

They are fine. I like blue and silver, or peacock-type colors best I guess. I think I only own like 2 ornaments or something so definitely wouldn't mind getting more.

 

How do you feel about Hello Kitty, and Hello Kitty accessories (including mugs, cups, etc)?

I like Hello Kitty, and some of her other friends such as Chococat and My Melody. Mugs and cups sound fine too.

 

How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationary - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?)

Okay, I'm getting out of sequence here, but just wanted to answer/comment on this one: I mentioned that site in my SW questionnaire, actually, and own quite a bit of stationery from them, and even a couple from that same brand! But I wouldn't particularly enjoy the specific stationery you linked to because I don't really like parakeets or whatever those are! I'd like something like this stationery from the same brand though. So I guess I do like cute in general, but well, elegant/creepy/neutral is also good. *EDIT* If I got "not-particularly-enjoyed" stationery I would still use it though, to be honest, because I do have a handful of penpals and sometimes get sad about mailing away all of my coolest stationery.

 

If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study?

I'd love to put something esoteric and interesting here, but all I can think of in my barely-awake sinus-headache state right now is Spanish. I'm doing the Duolingo thing right now, which is free and online and seems really great, but it's going to be a pretty long road. I don't really think I need any learning-Spanish stuff from my Witch though. Same as usual, I'll update in my blog if I think of a better answer.

• Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like?
  
• Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character?
  
• What is something you'd really like to recieve from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!"
  

1. Yes, but like many of us, I was more into it in high school. I know I still like E. E. Cummings, Baudelaire, and Rimbaud. I think my husband and I used to have almost everything by Rilke too but I haven't read as much of his stuff. I don't spend much time reading poetry these days though. I have a hard time describing subject matter, but I'm probably not very much into like, straight-up nature poetry.
   
2. Nope, I'm not really a Disney person.
   
3. Well, as some others have said, I'd like my witch to have some leeway here. I think it'd be great if I could get something edible (could be anything from home-made baked goods to interesting candy from a store to salsa from the farmers' market, or anything else that wouldn't be counter to the food preferences I've mentioned), and something wearable (could be earrings, socks, fancy bobby pins, etc.), but if that isn't in the cards, that's fine too.
   

Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO

No celeb crush.

 

Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague?

I do like glitter, especially glittery nail polish, but I don't want, like, an envelope full of loose glitter. And I don't wear body glitter, though I'm not sure whether that even still exists (ah, raver days!).

 

What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration?

I like cats and owls. I also like anything in a candy corn print.

 

Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)?

I went over this quite a bit in my questionnaire and previous questions, I think. I don't wear makeup often so don't need much, if any. Like I said, if you find one or two very cool eyeshadows in a user-friendly format (like I said, not a tiny baggie of loose pigment, though a little jar would work okay for that), that would be fine. I do not use/own lipstick, blush, or nail wraps. I do like lipgloss and lip balm, not in a pot or tin though, in a tube. I love nail polish in basically all colors, including wacky glitters, but I do not like the matte kind, or the stuff that's supposed to be like a "sand" texture, or the crackle or magnetic stuff that was popular awhile back. Hope that helps!

 

I make hairsticks...would you like/use them?

I think my hair is too short for those, sadly.

 

girasol, on 12 Sept 2014 - 12:47 AM, said:

46. How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor? Profanity is fine, I'm a total potty mouth. As for off-colour humour, it depends in what way it's off-colour I guess? Toilet humour doesn't particularly appeal, and anything that belittles or 'others' unecessarily I wouldn't find funny (racist or homophobic jokes, for example). If it's just kind of irreverent humour, that definitely appeals.

I'm with girasol on the profanity/off-color humor thing.

 

Does anyone here LARP? If so, what kind of LARP? And what kind of character do you play?

Nope.

 

Would you completely freak out if I sent you a chocolate covered scorpion or some other food oddity? This includes things like 'bacon powder' from thinkgeek.com.

I don't really want bugs to eat, it's more the texture than anything else (same reason I can't eat lettuce!). Other food oddities that are not bugs and not super-spicy would probably be fine though.

 

This has kind of been covered, but, are you ok with receiving canned jam (from a veteran jammer!) and if so, what flavors would you like and not like?

Canned jam would be great. The only kind that I don't really like is jalapeno (yes, I know that's usually jelly and not jam, but I still thought it might apply here), mostly because people usually dump it over a block of cream cheese and eat it with crackers, which is unappealing to me.

 

Meaganola kinda covered this above, but I want to ask a little more in depth. Let's talk nail polish. What colors do you love? Hate? Which brands are you dying to try? Have you ever used indies? Do you like glitter? Any textures to avoid (glitter, sand, etc)?

I think I went into a lot of detail about this already both in these questions and in the questionnaire. I have definitely used indies, for example I have ordered several brands from llarowe. The only brands I can think of that I didn't really like are Julep and Contrary Polish, everything else has been cool. And I mentioned textures to avoid above.

 

I make little monster plushes, from felt and yarn and buttons. How do you feel about getting a special Halloween plushie?

That sounds very cool!

 

I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun?

Another thing I've talked about quite a bit in my question answers and in my questionnaire. I like Japanese candy like green tea kitkats and Meltykiss chocolate (would love to try any of their limited edition stuff in addition to the "normal" kinds... I know I liked their milk tea kind when it was available), and would of course try other Japanese candy too. I buy Japanese stationery and stickers online already but definitely wouldn't mind receiving more. I used to love phone charms but my current phone doesn't have a space for one... but I could use one of those decorations for the headphone outlet/jack or whatever it's called.

• Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of?
  
• I know not everyone likes Lush products, but if you do, which Lush items would you like to get from your Witch?
  

1. I need another bottle of Aunt Caroline's Joy Mojo, and am also interested in a bottle of High John the Conqueror (currently just have an imp). I'd also love a bottle of No. 93 Engine... I used to have one but sold it a couple of years back because I needed money to get my nephew a graduation gift.
   
2. I may run out of time on this one so please check in my blog later if you are interested... a version of this question usually gets asked in these swaps so there should be previous answers there too. I need some shower gel right now, I know I like Flying Fox and Happy Hippy out of the currently-available stuff. I also like Freeze and Slammer which are Retro but sold out right now. Bubble bars: I definitely like Dorothy and Pop in the Bath.
   

 

airline miles:

That's very generous, but I don't think my husband and I are planning to fly anywhere in the next year. I won't really have time for long trips until summer, and I'm almost certain that we decided that this summer we'd do a road trip instead of a plane trip.

 

If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc?

Hmm, thought I already answered something like this, but I guess it was a previous swap. T-shirts would be nice, but... it's complicated.

Mens/unisex sizes: usually M, possibly L

Womens sizes: usually L, possibly XL

Juniors/babydoll sizes: usually XL, possibly XXL

For example, in regular BPAL ladies' tees, I need an XXL, but in their tissue tees, I just need an XL.

 

Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves?

I think fingerless gloves would be better than arm-warmers but either would be nice I guess. No full sleeves, but either just-below-the-wrist or almost-to-the-elbow would be fine.

 

MeiLin, on 12 Sept 2014 - 3:52 PM, said:

Zombies, yes or no?

 

NO. Not just NO but HELL NO. I despise zombies.

I'm with MeiLin on this one!

 

do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s?

Not sure. I like many animals... here's something I wrote for a swap back in 2011: "how do you pick just one? I like cats, foxes, red pandas, and wombats (and a bunch of other animals I'm forgetting!). EDIT: yep, I forgot hedgehogs, bees, and deer, and got reminded reading someone else's post! I guess I like many fantasy creatures as well... but I can't think of anything but, like, kirins and, uh, owlbears right now."

 

Anyone have any paintbox loves?

I'm most interested in the hot process soaps... Rice Pudding, Mandinka, Whiskers, The Crofter's Bar, and Black Bart all sound awesome. Lotions sound nice too though, especially Blackbird.

 

ThinkGeek whatnots ~$20

Limited Edition Hobbit Moleskine

Cover Blubber

Fabled Axe Tea Infuser

 

Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors?

Scarves would be okay, usually we don't get much of a winter here, but last winter was sorta something and I hear this winter may be too. I want this (full size though), but I think it's probably too much for this swap (counting both time and money)... I think my husband and I are going to go in on one for Christmas. So more in line with reality, a scarf in a cream or grey color would be nice.

 

I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices?

I need some black mustard seeds and some nigella seeds (yeah, I cook Indian food!), but that's about it.

 

If you were to receive handmade caramels, would it matter if they were made with raw cream (unpasteurized)?

That sounds fine.

 

Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Are there types of incense you know you don't like? Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals to get you started with that, or would you rather stick to simpler types?

I'm really only interested in stick incense, but otherwise this sounds great. I might as well plug my favorite incense company here too... they make incense for the Vatican, and are the best I've ever used... smell awesome, long burn time, etc. But of course I'll try other kinds!

 

Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen?

Maybe on the stationery or cards, as long as they were easily mail-able anyway... I do have penpals, as mentioned previously, so I'd probably use them. No on the quill pen though.

 

What is your favorite type of Halloween candy?

I don't really have particular Halloween faves... so I guess I'll just say that overall, it's best if it contains chocolate!

 

Do you need or want any cosy footwear, like fluffy slippers, or slipper socks etc?

I'm not really a "houseshoes" person but I do like slipper socks -- for example the maryjane style kinda like this, Target usually has similar ones with seasonal themes. I only have one pair so wouldn't mind another. It'd also be nice to get some warm wool socks to wear with boots -- I think I have only one pair right now.

 

What is your favorite halloween candy/snack? (you don't have to pick one) What do you most look forward to each Fall?

Oh boy, I'm probably going to give the un-helpfullest answer ever here (and yep, making up words = time to go to bed)! So, I already answered a question about Halloween candy here yesterday. As for what I look forward to each fall, uh, I make these once a year (only once a year, but definitely every year) so I guess it's them. Trying to think of something vaguely fall-food-like that a person could actually purchase for me, I do like maple sandwich cookies, the ones that are shaped like a maple leaf and have maple creme inside. I think I got some at Trader Joe's last year but I could be mis-remembering and have actually bought them at a Kroger's or Randall's even longer ago. Great, I'm rambling too. Gotta go to bed!

 

What gadgets do you use in your everyday life and would you like a cool case for them - with your favourite fandom or artwork or saying?

Um, I have an ipad for work (as in, all new employees get them, so I got one last year... but I do own it... they made us "earn" them through technology-related professional development), but it already has a nice case including a bluetooth keyboard (yeah, I paid for that... not sure how some of my co-workers get by without keyboards). I don't have a smartphone so don't need a case for that either. Sorry!

 

Are there any beauty accessories you need or would like? For example make-up brushes, facial brushes or eyelash curlers.

Um, do wandcaps for BPAL count? I don't think I've ever used a makeup brush unless those little eyeshadow applicators count, and I'm good on those. Never used an eyelash curler either. I guess I'd like to try Zoya's Renew or Armour if those count though.

 

Would you be disappointed to get one big box, or would you prefer a bunch of little ones? And would you be disappointed if your witch actually had it together early and sent it to you sooner than later?

I'm probably not your Witchee based on various things, but this is probably worth answering anyway. First of all, ultimately, whatever my Witch wants is cool, I want people to be themselves as much as possible! But if I really get down to the nittygritty of what I'd prefer, I guess it would be somewhere between "one big box" and "a bunch of little ones." Basically I think it's cool to get one or two little things early in the round, and a box of multiple things at the end. So I guess that answers the second of these questions too. But Witch, if an early reveal/one big box works best for you, then that's what you should do! I won't be disappointed either way.

 

Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? And if so, what size? For PJ pants, do you like cotton or flannel?

Undies, not so much, I'd rather pick those out for myself. PJs, yes! I especially need (boxer-like?) shorts, but I understand that Halloween ones are probably pants so that's okay too. About sizing, I think LadyWench said it pretty well, at least for junior-type sizes: "XXL is probably better at this point, sometimes XL can be fine but it depends on the brand, and I'd rather have too big than too small!" Old Navy or something similar, I could do an XL though. I think I already said this, but for number sizes, I'm usually a 16 or 18 depending on the brand. Finally, definitely cotton and not flannel or the even fuzzier stuff.

 

Do you like M&Ms?

Yeah, I like them. I do not like peanut M&Ms though (peanut butter ones are fine, on the other hand). I'd be fine with trying other wacky flavors.

 

What scents from the Lillith update would you like to try?

I will likely buy myself a bottle of (Not So) Penitent (Mini) Magdalene, so please don't get me that, Dear Witch! But I'd like to try Venustas too, so if you'd like to pick up a decant of that for me or something, that'd be cool.

 

I'm not sure if they gift streaming subscriptions, but would you like one? Would it even be useful for you or do you prefer having real music in your hands?

count me among the folks who don't understand this concept, so I don't think it'd be useful for me, sorry.

 

Sugar Skull cubes on Etsy?

They'd be fine. I think my husband is usually the sugar-cube user in the house though.

 

Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? Lip balms? Yay or nay?

I think I've addressed most of this stuff in my questionnaire and such. I really don't need any facial maintenance items... Witch, I'd let you know if there was something I was running low on, but I'm not. I could actually use a small body lotion for work... I thought I had one at work but I actually don't. Probably one that, uh, squeezes out would be better for this purpose than one in a jar with a screw-off lid, because that just seems less weird thinking about using it at work. As for lotion scent, I'm pretty open, the only things I can think of that I wouldn't like would be cherry blossom (I had some BBW lotion in that scent years ago that just didn't agree with me) or some sort of very sweet bakery type scent. Dear Witch, if you need to know anything more specific about this stuff, please just let me know.