Main Q&A here, all the followup Q&A in the entries.

 

Would you prefer a fall-themed package or a Halloween-themed package? 

• yes/both/either

Do you celebrate any fall holidays? Please feel free to place as much info/context as you wish:

• I love Fall so I try to keep it in my heart all year, like Ebeneezer with Christmas. but holiday-wise I mostly just do Halloween.

Are there certain things for Halloween -- or your general love of fall -- that you would particularly appreciate receiving?

• fall leaves inspired things, pumpkin and jackolantern things, witchy/vampire/ghost things, skull and skeleton things (but not day of the dead things)

If you celebrate Halloween, are you dressing up?

• yes!

*What as?

• not entirely sure, but I got a morticia dress and a black wig last year so I might just do that again

*Would you like costume additions or accessories?

• yes, certainly. I tried to put together an appropriately tattered cape/shawl garment but I think it could be improved upon. 

Are you part of any Halloween-y fandoms, and if so, what are they? (ie. The Nightmare Before Christmas)

• I'm not super fandom-y but I like most Halloweeny stuff. 

Allergies, dietary, and lifestyle restrictions:

• lactose intolerant

Do you have any allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle restrictions/requirements?

• I have angry skin so I don't prefer to receive soaps, lotions or haircare products (BPAL/BPTP hair glosses are ok)

Do you (or anyone who might come in contact or view of the contents of these glorious packages) have any kind of phobia, trigger, or squick-out which is likely to arise in fall or Halloween-themed goodies (please address concerns over spiders, ghosts, severed hands, etc., here)?

• I don't care for live spiders, but I already have a lot of those in the house. I also don't particularly care for gory gross out type stuff.

Is there anything (that you know of) which it is illegal to mail to you, or that might cause Customs to become upset and hang on to your package?

• https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm

Favorite Flavors:

• chocolate! 

Least Favorite Flavors:

• there's not much I won't eat. but I do avoid lactose (butter/milk/cream/cheese)

Do you like coffee and/or tea?

• yes to both.

Favorite snacks and treats:

• did I mention that I love chocolate? (but it has to be milk free and a lot of commercial dark chocolate still has milk in it. and no caramels. I miss those.) 
• anyway I'm a sugarhog, so most non chocolate/non caramel candy is great, or vegan baked goods, if they'll keep in the mail

 

Favorite scents(both specific notes and perfume blends):

• I am so bad at favorites! ten BPAL favs that come to mind but might not be top ten: knave of hearts, weed and whiskey, lavender and patchouli, rabbit moon 21, thirteen LVB, the seesaw, snake eyes gleaming in spring's first twilight, great vampire bat, doleful pipe organ, beeswax/lavender/acacia honey
• liked and loved notes: beeswax, cacao, lavender, patchouli, clove, copal, champaca, incense, smoke, cardamom, anise, licorice root, red/black rose, peony, magnolia, narcissus, orchid, tobacco, bergamot, most sandalwood, rosewood, leather, oud, ginger, gingerbread, cedar, oak, amber, pastry, berries, plum, banana, white peach, fig, pumpkin, hay, vanilla
• sometimes good, sometimes bad: amber, ambergris, pink/white rose, honey (burnt or smoked honey is good), balsam, vetiver (maybe bourbon vetiver is no good?), jasmine, coffee, red musk, peach

Least Favorite Scents:

• more often bad than good: dead leaves, black musk, most white florals, saffron, red apple, white sandalwood (occasionally one of these will work in the right blend, but not if they are prominent)
• I am sure they are very good but I would prefer not to receive other perfumes besides BPAL, I only have room for one obsession for now.

Do you wear nail polish?

• yes

Would you like makeup?

• no thanks

*If you would like makeup, what sorts would you prefer?

*Any favorite makeup brands, colors?

*Any hated/not-preferred makeup brands, colors, or products (example: thanks to your sample box of choice, you hope never to see another black eyeliner as long as you live)?

Favorite bath and body products?

• no thanks

 

Would you rather not receive any clothing? (If so, skip the applicable questions below or note exceptions… ie. you’re happy to receive socks but not shoes.)

• shirts/dresses/accessories are ok

Personal clothing style: 

• part ms. frizzle, part slouchy sweatpants

Favorite Colors: 

• I like to go colorful and I also wear a lot of black. I'm into golden/mustard yellow lately

Least Favorite Colors: 

• I don't really wear pastels

Would you enjoy receiving wearables (shirts, socks, shoes, arm/legwarmers, hats,etc.)?

• sure! except no shoes or socks. and I have a massive head, so only adjustable or stretchy hats. 

*Sizing on wearables:

• US womens' large clothes, on the petite side

Do you like jewelry?

• yes

*If so, what sort?

• necklaces and earrings

*What sizes and/or lengths do you prefer?

• longer necklaces for the most part, earrings can be posts or dangles

 

Home style:

• eclectic/colorful

Would you appreciate any seasonal decorations or art for your home?

• sure

*Are there any restrictions (no naked people, no breakables, that kind of thing)?

• nope

What's your fall/Halloween style? (ie. vintage Halloween, cute Halloween, all about horror, etc.)

• vintage/folksy/creepy/spooky. I like Bill Crisafi

 

What are some of your hobbies?

• baking, brewing mead, gardening with native plants, being a cat lady, folding origami birds

Would you like any supplies for your hobbies?

• sure

Are there any crafts or hobbies you would like to try out, but haven't yet?

• I keep meaning to try embroidery again, haven't done it since childhood

Are there any Halloween-y games (tabletop or video game) you have been wanting?

• I am not a video game person. but other games/puzzles are ok

Would you like to receive books?

• sure

*what kind of books/format?

• any

How about magazines?

• no thanks

PDFs and craft patterns?

• sure

 

Are there any other members of your household (significant other, furbabies, small, adorable humanoids, any other awesome person you consider part of your world) who might appreciate a little bit of fall-themed gifting?

• there are two inside cats and a few feral cat friends, and everyone likes treats and catnip

 

Are you okay with having some individual items shipped to your directly? (ie. to make shipping less expensive for an international swap or to make sure something is received from a shop before the swap deadline)

• sure

Are you comfortable receiving good/like new condition used items?

• yes

How about handmade items?

• absolutely

What are a few inexpensive things that you always appreciate receiving?

• teas, stickers, washi/masking tape, interesting postcards/magnets, incense cones/sticks/loose blends, unscented candles, candle holders, candy, unique notepads/notecards/pens/markers

Is there anything you’d rather not receive?

• no scented candles/wax melts, no day of the dead, no jk rowling, no soap/lotion/haircare, no OCYL perfume, no shoes/socks, kindly please and thankyou. 

Please place your wishlists and moodboards here (or link them in your sig., to give your swapper great ideas of what you like):

• bpal wishlist in signature

 

Is there anything else you would like to say to your swapper?

• have a corntastic day!

_____________________________________________________

Cellar Door just posted their Halloween goodies - I love their scents, soaps and candles - which of these might you fancy?

• I am normally a PITA about scented candles and bath, but since I can look at the ingredients ahead of time, I would try a Lavender Pumpkin bar soap

 

If you'd like handmade knit items, are you good with soft wools or do you prefer acrylic only? 

• I love wool! I live in wool socks all year. I know my Q&A says no socks, but I didn't expect anyone to make or buy wool socks for me. other wool goodies would also be fun. 

 

Are there any items you'd love for fall/halloweenie? (Ie mittens, hat, fingerless mitts, cowl, legwarmers)

• legwarmers would be a hoot. open to trying fun hats but I have a massive head.

 

Anyone fancying the new Paintbox Soapworks or Witch Baby Soap Halloween launches?

• no thank you

 

Would you be interested in an adult Halloween coloring book? I recently backed on kickstarter for one by a local gothic art market near me and it's due in during the swap period. 

• sure!

 

What are some OCYL brands you've been wanting to dabble in?

• none at this time, I usually re-gift the OCYL I get in swaps

 

 I am working on making bath bombs.  Would you be willing to try my creations?  How about wax tarts?  What type of scents do you favor?

• I would try a homemade bath bomb. lavender or citrus sounds good.

 

What kinds of home smell good things do you like? (I.e. incense, candles, wax melts, felt scent balls, essential oils, linen spray)

• incense is my jam - loose blends, cones, sticks, whatever. if I get more loose incense I could use some of those starter charcoal dudes, I think those can be shipped. open to trying new stuff, and I love frankincense&myrrh, sandalwood, nag champa, tobacco, copal, rose, strawberry (lol).
• I also do beeswax candles and unscented candles, and add my own oils if I feel like it. 

 

Would you like anything from the bath and bodyworks Halloween line? 

• no thank you

 

Do you have any interest in spooky squishmallows?

• no thank you

 

Would you enjoy spooky stationary?

• yes!

 

Are there certain herbs, crystals, etc that you do not want to receive? 

• not interested in receiving herbs, especially, but crystals/minerals/rocks are great as long as you haven't cursed them or anything.

 

When you have a distinct preference for one holiday over another, What are some cross over items that actually work for both?

• I love Fall and Halloween, and don't do much in the way of other Fall holidays, so this one doesn't really apply to me

 

One question (that is actually several questions) -- Local honey? Infused/flavored honey? Local infused/flavored honey with Southwest notes (jalapeno, other pepper, mesquite, acacia)?

• yes! I will take any interesting honey, that sounds lovely

 

Does anything from JiJi Knight spark your interest?

• these are awesome but not my style

 

Any spooky/weenie DVDs you're missing and would like in your collection? NMBC? the Crow? An old Hammer film? Dark Shadows? The Omen? Sleepy Hallow?...?

• no thanks

 

Dang (or good!), another serious question -- Shampoo and/or conditioner bars and if so, for what type of hair (dry, fine, oily, curly, normal)?

• no thanks

 

The Ectogasm Halloween Collection is live. Does anything interest you? https://www.ectogasm.net/collections/halloween

• HM carries some of these and they are hella cute. I do like the skull washi and the ghosty wrapping paper

 

On a scale from Paprika Is a Heatwave to Let Me Eat a Peck of Pickled Ghost Chiles, how spicy is too spicy, and how spicy is just right?

• Team I Get My Cholula At Costco: I like spicy but I am not hardcore. I do cholula and jalapenos often/pretty comfortably, and I can do hotter hot sauce in smaller doses. 

 

I make lightweight hairfalls- would you be interested in some? Either to incorporate into a costume or just for your own year-round use? If so, name your colors and preferred length, and if you have any fiber allergies you want me to take note of!

• Oh neat! I just tried wearing a wig for the first time last Halloween and I enjoyed it. I think a brightly colored (purple, yellow, green?!) hairfall might be fun! I have chin length wavy hair and no concerns with fiber allergies. 

 

If I were to make you a set of arm warmers/ fingerless mitts, what color(s) & style would you like?

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 think I would like long stripey ones! maybe not black and red, but black and something. 

 

Homemade canned and baked and concocted goodies? Any aversions? If I could make you some of my fudge, what would you prefer?

• yes to canned/baked, except I'm lactose intolerant, so no butter/milk/cheese/cream. not sure if you do dairy free fudge, but I would try it! 

 

Are you open to trying different indie perfume houses if I find a scent that I think you'd enjoy?

• I am desperately trying to avoid new consumer traps, I'm already in trouble with this group 😅

 

I love making stickers!! If I could design you some stickers, what would you love to have? It could be halloween themed or not! My art style is a bit simplistic, cartoony, and cutesy, I usually draw fairies but last year I did a swap on reddit and made someone a bunch of halloween dog stickers lol. (Sidenote: They probably won't be waterproof, but they're glossy vinyl!)

• black cats, pumpkins, skeletons, witches! 

 

I've got a bunch of small round labels perfect for bpal 5ml label lid art! Name your top 5-10 scents that you'd love to have lid art made for! Just as a fun little extra in your package if desired (Could also work for other companies with lids just like the BPAL bottles)

• these are super cute but I think I will stick with my handwritten labels

 

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 love stitch, but I don't really need stitch things. and I don't need coffee mugs. but omg I would love a stitch coffee mug.  I'm a bad kid I have to retract this. No mugs!

 

Would you like any decor from Say Target, Homewood, or William and Sonoma?

• I like getting a new wreath every once in awhile for the front door, something that works for multiple seasons, but could be Fall for this swap. seems like it would be a pricey thing to send tho.

 

I am going to Dragon Con for the first time! Which of these BPALs do you want? https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=50266fc02a3b75767125e0ed2&id=9bf4d797e8

• I am planning to buy the ones I want if possible, but if I miss the online purchase window, I will update here in the hopes you are my match!

 

But, I am going to Dragon Con this weekend. Is there anything you would like? Lab wise or just general geekery

• I don't know what's gonna be there overall, but if there is any cool BPAL swag at the table that wouldn't normally come in an online order that would be awesome. I got a lanyard last year when I bought dragon con scents online and I love it lol. 

 

Would you be interested in a bag like we sell in our etsy shop?   https://twinklentwilight.etsy.com

• these bags are great! I love shiny bats and Big Black Kitteh. also omg the yip yips?!

 

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.

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.  

• not a yarnie

 

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?

• CBD THUNDER BUTTER YES! I do get some skin reaction to clove/ginger/cinnamon from BPAL perfumes, so not sure what happens with ghost pepper, but. Willing to try!

 

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?  

• yessss except dill pickles are the one true pickle. unless it's spicy pickles. I suppose I mean "no thank you" to bread and butter pickles.

 

Any interest in things from our garden like dried mint, catnip, lavender, rose petals, dill weed or dill seeds, sage, rue, mugwort, rosemary?

• catnip, lavender, rose petals, dill bits, rosemary

 

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 really hope you got me lol. I would love to get any of these. 

 

Pumpkin bread or zucchini bread?  How about blueberry zucchini bread with a lemon glaze?  

• yes if it can be dairy free!

 

I make specialty simple syrups. You can use them in teas or cocktails (and desserts).  How do you feel about a Hibiscus simple syrup? I use 2 ounce bottles for these so its just a fun amount. 

• yes indeed!

 

Format for tea? e.g. teabag vs loose

• I like both

 

Do you like spooky themed tights? If so, what are your measurements?

• no thanks

 

Pls post your book wishlist!

• I don't keep a wishlist of books because I am a monster, but I would like a copy of bell hooks all about love. I also like fiction books about witches, and nonfiction about witches might be cool too.

 

Would you like to receive a 2D collage art piece? What overall vibe would you be into? (spooky, autumnal, whimsical, eerie, lovely, occult, bizarre, smutty etc.?)

• yes! I love a collage. all of these options sound great, let the muse move you. Maybe not occult I guess? 

 

Do you like rocks/gemstone jewelry? Prefer polished/smooth rocks or raw/rough? Any favorite stones, rocks, colors that you'd like?

• I do, but I don't wear enough that I have a clear preference. super unhelpful of me, I know! maybe smoky/unusual quartz? fluorite of various colors? unfancy rubies?

 

Any interest in the August releases that got announced today?

• this is a lovely offer but I am gonna go ahead and purchase for myself! I would be more interested in receiving older scents, or HM/BM retail scents maybe?

 

Luvmilks seasonal goodies are out! What scents and formats appeal to you, my little pumpkin? https://www.luvmilk.com/mm2022.html

• I don't totally understand this website? maybe werewolf boyfriend bath salt?

 

Would you like a Pyrex 4-cup Nightmare Before Christmas bowl with lid?   (Can also get Starwars and various Disney ones.)

• lol these are great, but no thanks

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/

• ooo, any of these:
  • PSYCHOCANDY ROASTED PUMPKIN CARAMEL ROOIBOS
  • SILENT NIGHT CHOCOLATE NUTMEG ROOIBOS
  • HEARTBREAKER ROSE PISTACHIO MINT ROOIBOS
  • CULT OF DEMETER COCOA ANISE BARLEY TEA !!!

 

I've recently taken up embroidery, would you like a small (I embroider on 4" hoops) embroidered piece? What sort of design would you like?

• black cat and/or pumpkin

 

Do you wear nail polish, and if so, would you like some? What colors or finishes?

• yes. I'll try most anything, but I don't think blues and greens look good on me.

 

I'm going to the farmer's market tomorrow, and there are lots of great vendors. Would you be interested in soap or chapstick or bath/body products? 

• no thank you. I am fully committed to my current chapstick

 

Would you be interested in a tumbler like these? If so, what theme would you like it to be? Glitter or no glitter? What color do you want the liquid to be or would you prefer the blood drip look?

• lol! these are funny but not my style 

 

How do you feel about ribbons?  Is there anything in particular you are looking for if you'd want some?  What about ribbon remnants?  Colors/textures?

• my cats like to play with ribbons, or rather, they like it when I play ribbons with them. grosgrain tends to hold up best.

 

Would you be interested in any skincare items?  Anything you would not want?

• no thank you

 

New question: Is anyone else interested in the latest Sphere & Sundry release? https://sphereandsundry.com/offerings/bpals-of-exalted-venus-ii/

Or other S&S offerings?

• I have exalted venus and venus aerial delight, but I would be open to trying other S+S/BPAL oils

 

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. 

• yes, chocolate chai sounds great

 

Any interest in spooky shape wax melts in your favorite candle scents? (What are your favorite candle scents?)

• no wax melts, thanks

 

How about lotion bars?

• no thank you

 

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!)    

• gingernuts, banana bread chai, gingerbread chai, dozy girl

 

Arcana Craves halloween drop! Anything catching your eye? https://arcanacraves.com/

• no thanks

 

I feel like with some of the witchy/seasonal stuff it might be helpful to know everyone's signs.  If you're interested in that kind of thing, what's your sign? 

• leo sun, aquarius moon, capricorn rising, virgo venus ...a whole mess

 

Would you like anything from The Pickety Witch? (I'm going to the Vegas Oddities and Curiosities Expo next weekend, and she's vending there, so it may not matter if an item is in stock or not on the website!) https://www.thepicketywitch.com/

• sounds like fun! I will pass tho

 

so these nail polishes keep showing up on my instagram and they are kinda vampy--do you wear polish and do any of these float your boat?  NOTE I have never worn Holo Taco stuff so cannot vouch for quality just the vibes are super witchy 🙂

https://www.holotaco.com/collections/dark-rainbow-collection

• I don't wear much sparkly polish but they look neat. I would be so mad if I got a taco that was hollow 🥁

 

I have another new question! Favorite bands/artists? Perhaps you'd be interested in a DIY patch to sew onto your jacket/pants/bag or maybe pins or a sticker or anything DIY-ish?

• I'm a tori amos person but I don't think I would use a patch. pins and stickers are cool tho

 

oooh I am reviewing my switch witch help answers from 2017 and was reminded of Lush--there used to be a big Lushie/BPALista crossover at one point.  Is that still the case?  If so dearest pumpkin are you a Lushie?  Is there anything from Lush you are coveting?  Their halloweenie stuff is out here: https://www.lushusa.com/halloween/

• omg the lucky black cats knot wrap is amazing! I like the bat mates one too

 

Because clothing sizing is so notoriously random &&& my idea of cute may be entirely different from your cute... sock dreams?  yea or nay?  Anything in particular catch your eyes?

• I don't want novelty socks, altho I have sort of been eyeing the leo socks on the bpal site because I like tall socks/stockings (to the knee and over the knee) but they can be a gamble if they are too tight. I don't want to spend hours staring at this site right now but I guess if I got a gift card that would be cool? I am so boring I'm sorry lol

 

I have been buying soap from https://rockytopsoap.com for at least a decade as they are unscented and less likely to affect which perfume I pull out.... I realize they are not colored and swirly and as pretty but they tend to be super hydrating and luxurious.  Do you have any interest in these?

• coffee scrub soap looks good

 

Nocturne Alchemy just dropped their Halloween 2022 limited collection! I am popping in here to see if anything would strike the fancy of my pumpkin? 😁

https://nocturnealchemy.com/collections/limited-collection/products/new-halloween-2022-limited-collection

• no thanks

 

Here's a question... there's sooooooo many on here about tea but for my fellow coffee gals... do you prefer whole bean or ground??  if there's a choice how do you like your coffee ground??

• I'm good with either

 

Look at Cat Coven's site and tell me what you see that appeals - she is one of my favorite Halloweeny artists, and makes awesome things. I like supporting her work.

https://www.catcoven.com/collections/new-arrivals

• I like the OFMD print

 

Are you interested in any art supplies? If so, what kinds and colours?

• I don't use much in the way of art supplies imo, just like fun pens and washi tape

What are your fave smells for incense, and do you have a preference for format (cones, stick, loose without needing charcoal, loose that needs charcoal)?

• incense is my jam - loose blends, cones, sticks, whatever. if I get more loose incense I could use some of those starter charcoal dudes, I think those can be shipped. open to trying new stuff, and I love frankincense&myrrh, sandalwood, nag champa, tobacco, copal, rose, strawberry (lol).

Anything catch your eye from this super cool queer creepy-cute style UK artist? https://www.abprallen.co.uk/

• wowww this stuff is rad. I like the "heteronormativity is a plague" sticker

 

Pls say more about your book preferences if you haven't already! Esp. regarding fiction.

• ok so before when I said witchy books, I was thinking of these two that I enjoyed: The Witches of New York by Ami McKay and The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson. I generally like historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy type stuff. Absolutely bowled over by the Broken Earth books by N. K. Jemisin, and also enjoyed The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland.