stellans

CANDLES MOON To-day is the Day of Bride, The serpent shall come from his hole, I will not molest the serpent, And the serpent will not molest me. The serpent will come from the hole On the brown day of Bride, Though there should be three feet of snow On the flat surface of the ground. Moonlight shining on the Quickening Tree, the heat and wax of sacred candles, the milk of ewes, Brigid's blackberry, the sting of keening wind, and the last flutter of the Cailleach's winter snow. Beeswax and a hint of cinnamon are what jump to my nose from the bottle, but when it's lightly applied to my skin, I get the hint of cold wind and the barest breath of a blackberry note. Only as the application warms and starts to dry down is there a bit of a milky note in evidence, thought the bit of cold vanishes utterly. The blackberry becomes a little more prominent as it the oil warms and dries, but the spice and wax notes still dominate. This is a lovely, lovely homage to Bride --to Brigid-- the Goddess of the Forge, and I am going to love using this in my 30-day Lunar Nightly rotation.

SINGING MOON Green, in the wizard arms Of the foam-bearded Atlantic, An isle of old enchantment, A melancholy isle, Enchanted and dreaming lies; And there, by Shannon's flowing, In the moonlight, spectre-thin, The spectre Erin sits. An aged desolation, She sits by old Shannon's flowing, A mother of many children, Of children exiled and dead, In her home, with bent head, homeless, Clasping her knees she sits, Keening, keening! And at her keen the fairy-grass Trembles on dun and barrow; Around the foot of her ancient crosses The grave-grass shakes and the nettle swings; In haunted glens the meadow-sweet Flings to the night wind Her mystic mournful perfume; The sad spearmint by holy wells Breathes melancholy balm. Sometimes she lifts her head, With blue eyes tearless, And gazes athwart the reek of night Upon things long past, Upon things to come. And sometimes, when the moon Brings tempest upon the deep, The roused Atlantic thunders from his caverns in the west, The wolfhound at her feet Springs up with a mighty bay, And chords of mystery sound from the wild harp at her side, Strung from the hearts of poets; And she flies on the wings of tempest With grey hair streaming: A meteor of evil omen, The spectre of hope forlorn, Keening, keening! She keens, and the strings of her wild harp shiver On the gusts of night: O'er the four waters she keens-over Moyle she keens, O'er the Sea of Milith, and the Strait of Strongbow, And the Ocean of Columbus. And the Fianna hear, and the ghosts of her cloudy hovering heroes; And the swan, Fianoula, wails o'er the waters of Inisfail, Chanting her song of destiny, The rune of weaving Fates. And the nations hear in the void and quaking time of night, Sad unto dawning, dirges, Solemn dirges, And snatches of bardic song; Their souls quake in the void and quaking time of night, And they dream of the weird of kings, And tyrannies moulting, sick, In the dreadful wind of change. Wail no more, lonely one, mother of exiles, wail no more, Banshee of the world-no more! The sorrows are the world's, though art no more alone; Thy wrongs, the world's. Moonlight over grave grass, meadowsweet, marsh hellebore, rock sea-lavender, Irish Lady's-tresses, melancholy thistle, and wood bitter-vetch, with the scent of autumn fires in the distance, sprayed by wind howling over the Atlantic. Wow, I'm the first??? Oh, the pressure! This is the most herbal-smelling Lunacy ever, IMO. I've managed to acquire at least sniffies of all the Lunacies (even those with mint notes ), and Singing Moon is all herbs, grasses, and a tinge of salty smoke -- no florals to my nose at all. However, that's not a bad thing, even as much as I admire florals, because September is not a time for many good-smelling flowers. This Lunacy makes me feel very introspective, very meditative, and tonight I'm planning to wear it instead of my chosen Pink Moon, because I think this will make me dream of loved ones gone before -- it just has that sort of scent to it. I would almost expect this of an October Moon, rather than September, because it puts me in mind of Halloween, but the early meaning of the day, rather than the current one. This is a scent for ancestors' visiting, for honoring the loved dead. I like it. A lot. UPDATE: I wore Singing Moon last night, and did indeed dream of my ancestors; of my dearly loved grandmother, to be precise, and while I'm not going into details here, it was a most informative and necessary dream. Beth has truly wrought a miracle with this Lunacy, and for me, it is one to always have around. I must begin scouting out additional bottles... oh yes...the actual scent. My earlier test was only from the cap, and I honestly did not pick up much of an earthy scent. But last night, when applied in my normal night routine of wrists, temples and breast-bone, there was a nice earth-encrusted rock scent at first, but that faded into deep herbs and salty air, followed at long last by spicey and very faint floral. Lovely!

Have you tried Pirate Moon? It and Anne Bonny are my favorite salty sea blends.

9/25/17 Anyone like/want calendars or dayplanners? --I have a pretty red leather Filofax my boss at the bank gave me for Christmas the year before I retired due to disability, but I mostly use the BusyCal app on my phone. If you like stationery, do you like plain, colors, images, or specific DON'T LIKES? --I love stationery! Plain, elegant, without a lot of frou-frou (unlike when I was younger...you know, in 2012. My favorite box was a soft blue with a pretty embossed feather at the top left corner. I don't like cutesy stuff for letter-writing, although notecards are a different matter, lol. What about general desk stuff like cool colored paperclips and post it pads? --Post-its are always handy! Would anyone be interested in having any of Abigail Larson's artwork (either as a print or on something, like a pillow, blanket, or t-shirt)? https://society6.com/abigaillarson --no, thank you. Would you be into receiving hand made (crocheted, sewn, felted, chain maille, scale, or duct tape, in my case, depending on the item) dishclothes? Scarf/shawl? Hat? Bag? Anything? Colors? (Duct tape, chain maille, and scales come in colors.) --oh, yes. I love things which are made specifically for me. I'd rather scarf than dishcloth, though. Do you collect anything from SBUX like City Mugs, City Mug ornaments, City Cards, or Bearistas? If so, which do you need/want? Or would you like a City Mug or an ornament for fun? -- no. anybody want homemade fudge? I can do chocolate with or without nuts, peanut butter, and butterscotch. --chocolate, with nuts! 9/24/17
 
 do you collect the art cards that BPAL sends out? Any in particular that you are looking for or definitely don't need?
 --Yes, but just as I receive them from the Lab. I really don’t know enough about what they release to know specifics. 
Do you like this beautiful art, and she makes stickers and prints...SOOOO gorgeous: https://www.shannatr...om/paperprints/
 --Very pretty. 
Favorite animals or wild creatures or mythological creatures?
 --Swans, peacocks 
 Would you like any swag from the Depeche Mode concert? (pins, posters, shirts, program, dunno what they'll have!)
 --No, thanks. 
9/23/17
 
 Are you interested in anything from Bath & Bodyworks? Which products and scents do you like? www.bathandbodyworks.com/
 --No, thanks. 
I am possibly going to a crystal / gem show tomorrow. I can't afford expensive gem stones, but...
What kind of crystals would you like?
 --I have so many stones and crystals now I have to rotate them in and out of display, so maybe not right now. 
Pumpkin or Zucchini bread?
 --Either. Both. 
What kind of homemade cookies are your favorite?
 --Pecan Crispies. 
Could you use a muscle rub? (We make ours on the lunar cycle and it has menthol, wintergreen, habanero, cayenne, olive oil, st. john's wort, arnica, beeswax, calendula, and ginger. It tingles. We call it "Thunder Butter". If you have really really super sensitive skin, I would recommend against it. And don't take a hot shower or open all of your pores before using it.)
 --I have sensitive skin, and an absolutely awful reaction to mint and/or mint-scents, so no, thanks. 
Interested in trying some of our rose petal (rose petals, sugar, everclear) or lavender vanilla bean (lavender, vanilla bean, vodka) liqueur?
 --Not really, but thank you. 
Want some honey from the bees on our property?
 --We buy local honey, both for our dogs and our own use, for anti-allergens. I know the science is still ‘out’ on this, but I swear it helps both my dogs and my daughter. 
Would you like some homemade jam? I have blackberry, rose petal, strawberry rhubarb, peach, and cherry.
 --oh, any of those! How lovely! 
How about some homemade candied jalapenos with garlic cloves? I have regular and with habanero.
 --I have the wussiest mouth of anyone born to Texas parents. I don’t think so, but thanks. 
I didn't dry any apples this year but I was thinking of heading over to Green Bluff and seeing if any honeycrisps are left. I have a commercial dehydrator so let me know if you are interested in any "Apple Crips" (as voodoocatwoman calls them!) I wash, peel, core, and slice before dehydrating. 
 --I LOVE dried apples (actually any dried fruit), but especially your Honeycrisps! 
Do you need any kind of dice bag, tote, project bag, cosmetic bag, pencil bag, or whatever? I have lots of bag patterns and fabric. We make bags under the name Twinkle N Twilight. 
Or how about a couple of pillowcases?
 --A cute little pencil bag for my purse would be nice! I love the deep, jewel tone colors for accessories. 
9/22/17
 
 Would my witchee like this to warm up the fall coffee cup?? https://www.truelemo...gory-s/1871.htm
 --If only they had a version with sugar rather than stevia… 
do you like to take baths? if so, do you like oils, salts, things that fizz, all of the above, none of the above?
 --I only take showers these days. 
What style/make/etc of phone do you have? What about size of tablet? Laptop? Would you like decals, skins, or cases for any of these?
 --I have an iPhone SE, Amazon Fire 7, and a MacBookAir 15. I make my own kindle cases, and have skins/stickers/cases for the others already, so not at this time. 
9/21/17
 
See's Candy. My absolute favorite. They have special Halloween candy..any of these pique your interest?? Cinnamon Apple Scotch Mallows, Pumpkin spice truffles, pumpkinspice lollypops, caramel apple lollypops, or any other of their chocolates, etc?
 --salted caramels, maybe? 
Are any witchees into coloring books?
 --Oh, I love color books! We had a ‘girls’ gathering’ last Thanksgiving and I gave color books and crayons/colored pencils/markers to every attendee! It was so much fun, and I still go to my color books for stress relief. I can’t recommend it highly enough (I’m a bit of an enabler/proselytizer in this regard). Witchees, is there anything that catches your eye at Animi Causa ( --This might come in handy these days: https://www.animicausa.com/shop/Personal-Accessories/Magnif-i-Pocket-Lighted-Magnifier/tpflypage.tpl.html 
If I were to find an adorable autumnal/Halloween-y dish/flatware/etc. design, how many settings would be needed in your household?
 
 
 --just 2. 9/20/17 Do you like Broadway shows/music? If so what are some of your favorites and/or ones that you hope to see or listen to eventually? Would you like merch from your favorite shows or CDs from shows you want to listen to? --I am in total thrall to my Hamilton soundtrack, and I'm driving everyone around me crazy, lol. I am living for when the original cast DVD comes out... I'm heading to NYCC in October! Is there anything I can get my Witchee while I'm there? --If they have any Harvest Moon 2017... I'm going to Edmonton Expo this weekend (It's Edmonton's version of comic con). Would a witchee like anything from there? --maybe a little Wonder Woman thingy, like a key chain? I love the new movie! Anything catch your eye from this site (globalgirlfriend.com)? --I'm a sucker for long, pretty, colorful scarves (just not squares, because I'm not very handy with tying them attractively): https://www.globalgirlfriend.com/products/traditional-textile-woven-scarf Do you have any favorite, lesser-known stores? Especially ones that sell hand-crafted or independently made items. --I tend to shop on Etsy a lot, especially women-owned shops, and if they leave Etsy, I follow them. Like Paintbox Soapworks, for example. Imagine you're going to the most gigantic art & craft show imaginable, and money is no object - what kind of things would you gravitate towards and probably spend money on? Include as specific as you want to get! --I love pottery: vases, bowls, jugs, etc. Also vintage kitchen things from the 50s (like Fire King salt shakers, etc., especially what's known as "Gay Fad" pattern. 9/19/17 Are you interested in anything from Think Geek? http://www.thinkgeek.com --I shop there mostly for my daughter and son-in-law, and sometimes for my husband. Do you have something you wish you put on your original questionnaire/forgot to put/would like to add on to? --I actually love anything I can tell the giver put time and thought into, whether made themselves or took pains to pick out something they knew I would love. The effort, to me, counts more than the monetary cost. I don't know if that came through in my questionnaire answers or not. Any additional misc. information about yourself you want your Witch to know? (I think this was on the survey, but again if there's something that you forgot...) --I wish I could get back into the swing of things on the forum instead of Facebook; FB feels too big, too fast-moving, too...much. I miss the more connected, personal and welcoming feel of the forum. If you could decorate your house (or one room) in any one theme, what would it be? Your answer can be as simple ("Star Wars" or "Baroque" or "Modern"), or complicated or a combination (e.g. Victorian Gothic) as you feel best fits. --50s chic: fruit crate labels, polka dots, that kind of thing, in my sun room. Bright, cheerful, and welcoming... Aprons: Do you wear them, do you want one? Utility, decorative, cooking or crafting? --Love them, as long as they fit around my round belly and butt. I like the kind with the bib front on a full half-skirt which ties in the back, preferably with pockets. BTW, would my witchee be interested in something like this? (photo of black and white striped knitted doll) --no, thank you. 9/18/17 It seems like there's a question about socks on the questionnaire, but I don't think it got down to this level: Do you wear them? Any particular style (crew length, knee high, anklet, boot, etc.) or fiber (wool, cotton, bamboo anything but wool, etc.) preference? --i mostly wear footies, thin cotton, in all colors. Would you be open to previously-loved books? --I mostly read eBooks now, and have given away boxes and boxes of my own books, keeping only copies of my Best Beloveds because I just couldn't bear a house without real solid books in it. What about partial-full bottles of BPAL or BPTP? --oh, yes! So what are your favorite fandoms? -- Doctor Who, Star Trek TOS, Harry Potter 9/17/17 I'm in France at the moment, is there anything here you might like? I'm in Provence, the land of lavender, so if you like that flower in particular just say so! --I love lavender in all its forms! are you into divination? What kind(s) do you currently do? Do you want more books and/or tools for that type (e.g. new tarot cards, new runes)? Is there a new type of #divination you've been meaning to try, and if so, are you looking for the tool, a book on the subject, or both? --I like all kinds of divination, though my favorites are Tarot and runes. Always open to a new set of rune stones or sticks, but I think I have enough Tarot decks for the time being. World my Witchee be interested in a Tarot or Astrology reading done personally? --I do my own, but thanks. Does my Witchee need any magical supplies? --I'm pretty much set for now, Would you be interested in any of the seasonal (or regular) soaps from Cellar Door Soap (https://cellardoorbathsupply.com)? --this would be nice: https://cellardoorbathsupply.com/collections/elemental-essentials/products/lavender-soy-candle 9/16/17 Favorite gemstones? opals, tourmalines, garnet, freshwater pearls If you enjoy jewelry do you like discrete and elegant, flashy and gaudy, small and light, or large and chunky? --discrete and elegant. My mom likes to drip turquoise from every finger, arm, lobe, and neck. I try to present a sort of restrained counterpoint. Any love of pirates or SCA? --only as far as "Talk like a Pirate Day" and dressing up for the local Ren Faire. I always wanted to join the SCA but when I had the energy, I didn't have the money or the time. Now I might get the money together, but instead of 3 kids I have 2 aging parents so no time or energy now either. Is there anything you would like from Disney World? --no thanks. Are you a Potterhead? If so, to which house do you belong? --oh, yes - Ravenclaw all the way! How do you feel about chokers? --I can't wear them, they choke me. 9/15/17 Here's a few questions from me: Would you like some Halloween or other themed decor in the form of a banner, something like this http://www.etsy.com/...n-decor-vintage? If so, would you prefer a traditional style or a vertical door type? --a fall theme (not Halloween) vertical door-type thingy would be welcome. Do you live near a Trader Joe's? If not, are you interested in trying any of the numerous Pumpkin goodies they come out with this time every year? --not really. Do you like to cook and/or bake? Could you use any specific ingredients (spices, oils, salts, extracts, etc.) or kitchen utensils/gadgets? --I can always use peppercorns! I'm at Ocean City MD for bike week......would a witches want anything from here? Bike or beach related?? --a nice bit of driftwood (sized for decor on a shelf, not huge or anything) would be nice. What is 1 thing you would love to see in your final box? Can be ANYTHING - your choice. --a Jane Austen tenner from the UK. Who would love some USPS eclipse stamps? --My grandfather used to send us covers of the new releases when I was growing up, until he retired. He was postmaster of his town for almost 50 years. 9/14/17 Do any of you potential Witchees have any kitties, puppers, or youngling humans you want spoiled in your packages? What treats or toys do they like? --I love my Westies dearly, but owing to allergies etc., no treats please, and they have more toys than a pet store already. Is there any interest in any of the fragrance oils from the Nocturne Alchemy Weenies update? --no thanks. Is there anything you want from the trading post (or trading post etsy) that is available to order right now? (Fatherhood, Puppers, normal GC things) --maybe this: https://blackphoenixtradingpost.com/shop/spinning-on-graves-perfume-oil/ 9/13/17 Are you a gamer? If so, what games are you currently playing and is there any merch for that game you'd love to have?- If you are a gamer do you have a steam/gamestop/amazon wishlist? --I'm not a gamer. How do you feel about the following scarf options (assuming you're into scarves)? Simple eyelet scarf Chevron scarf Lacy and fuzzy Skinny rib knit (extra long for lots of wrapping) Leafy! --I like them all, but I think the simple eyelt scarf is my favorite. Like beer? What styles most appeal to you? --nope. Like booze? What kinds? --since the only drinks I like are the ones where you can't even taste the liquor, I figure what's the point? Like Wine? What kinds? --the ones which come in cool bottles to keep. Would you be interested in a set of hand-made hair falls? It's something I do for fun and I can make any length and do an array of colors! --I recently had my hair cut in short layers because it refused to be straight any more and I couldn't deal with the frizz any more, so no thanks. For those who watch certain movies every year for Halloween, what are those movies, whether horror or not? Any favorite horror movies that aren't necessarily on the annual-viewing list? How do you feel about fan-made merch for these movies? --I can't handle horror movies. But I always watch A NIghtmare Before Christmas; Bell, Book & Candle; and Hocus Pocus, 9/12/17 Here's a great local soapmaker I love--y'all see anything you would like? https://littleseedfarm.com/ --not really. What are your favorite/preferred Halloween/autumn icons/images? Any to specifically stay away from? --leaves are my favorite. I don't like the stereotypical 'ugly' witch meme. Do you eat candy, and if so would Halloween candy be welcome? Specialty candy from local or unusual sources? Chocolate? --lemondrops are my long time favorite. Do you want Fidget spinners, desk toys, or other frivolous things that you look at and decide you don't need enough to spend $ on but would make you happy to have? --no, thanks. Any zentangle lovers, people who would like to try it, or would you want a piece of someone else's zentangle art? --no. Any love of hair toys, clips, ribbons, fascinators, mini hats, etc? --no, thank you. Hair isn't really long enough, and I don't wear hats gracefully, though I have tried. What local goodies may be of interest? Local Honey, jams,candy? --Jams and locally-sourced candy would be interesting! Are you interested in any prescription services like serial magazines, Birch box, ipsy? --no, thanks. Would you like funky Halloweenie costume makeup like Gothic eyelashes, nail effects, black lipstick, etc.? --no, thanks. How do you like to listen to music? CD, 8 track tape, mix tape, Pandora or Spotify, I-tunes? --I download mp3s and stream them via Sonos in the house, bluetooth from my iPhone in the car. Do you prefer reading on Kindle or actual book? What kind of books do you like? Would you like to be surprised with a scary, classic, horror book? --Kindle, thanks. Amazon gift card for more eBooks is always welcomed. Candles, Incense, or wax tarts? Do you have favorite brands or Weenies scents for the home? Would you like to receive a wax tarts burner, incense burner, essential oils diffuser, or Halloweenie themed candle holders? --Nag Champa wax tarts are cool, as is sandalwood incense. Witchee: are you interested in crafting materials? --not right now, thanks. 9/11/17 I'm in Japan, is there anything specific from here you would want? --washi paper, or washi paper tape! How do you feel about nail wraps? --no nails to speak of, sadly. if you were to receive something hand knit, what type of item would you like? hat, cowl, handwarmers, etc. and what color(s)? - would you use knitted washcloths? a scarf? Are you allergic or sensitive to any fibers? --I love hand warmers, scarves, cowls in cotton thread! Navy blue, burgundy, deep greens are all welcome. If you could be ANY character from a film, TV show or book, who would it be and why? --I'd like to be a shopkeeper in the Keltiad universe because this is my all-time favorite fantasy series, and it combines magic and science so very neatly, and still maintains a ren faire atmosphere. If you could hop into a time machine and travel anywhere/anytime, where would it be and why? --I wish I could speak in person with Eleanor Roosevelt, because she embodied the spirit of giving and humanity I'd like to emulate in my own life. If you could invite 3 famous people to a BPAL meet and sniff, who would invite? --Eleanor Roosevelt, Molly Ivins, and Hillary Clinton. I think we could have some interesting conversations while we tried scents. Do you like and/or want anything from Elements and Artifacts? You can be vague like "yes" or "no" or name specific past pieces you coveted or current ones you love, whatever works best. --I love Alicia's work, especially the earrings! She always puts them on sterling silver leverbacks for me because my hands can't handle the little stoppers which prevent the hook types from coming out of my earlobes. I like silver earrings best, and nothing longer than 1-1/2 to 2" at the most. Would you like something hand sewn by your Witch? A dress, shirt, skirt, infinity scarf, something else? --that would be wonderful, and very welcome. Anyone want any kind of costuming accessories or makeup or odds and ends? --no, thanks. 9/10/17 Are there any hobbies or crafts you've been thinking of trying, but haven't had the chance yet? --not really. I'm rather physically limited (severe carpal tunnel and ensuing arthritis), as well time-limited because I am the sole caretaker of 2 aging and increasingly infirm parents. Plus the dogs. Would you want to receive a custom spell kit or magical tea? If so, what purpose would you want it to be for? --no, thanks. I have that personally covered. Do you like poetry? --yes. Anyone like handmade critters, stuffed animals, or custom repaints? --swans or peacocks, or maybe westies? Would you enjoy any designer/specialty yarn for your own craftyness? --no, thanks. Would anyone like a donation made in their name to a cause or charity? --if that's what my Witch wants to do, please give to WestieMed or Habitat for Humanity. Please provide wishes from the last two updates? --Bluebonnet Single Note, Wild Honeysuckle Single Note, Harvest Moon 2017 9/9/17 Would you be interested in things from Future Primitive? (http://futureprimitivesoap.co.uk/) --No, thanks. Are there any UK things you'd like to get? --a Jane Austen £10 note. Are you into podcasts? If so, what are your favorites? Would you like any merch related to any of them? --Thistle and Shamrock. But I haven't even listened to that one in so long I'm not sure it's still broadcasting. Would you like something from Nui Cobalt Designs (https://nuicobaltdesigns.com/)? --no, thanks. Or maybe some of Christina's lovely Halloween candles at Sihaya & Co. (https://www.sihayaan...lection-candles)? --no, thanks. ILNP? Who would love one of their awesome holos like MEGA or one of their amazing chromes? http://www.ilnp.com/ --no, thanks. 9/8/17 Do you enjoy stationery? I'm thinking cute/quality notebooks, washi tape, stickers, fun pens etc. --I love washi tape. Are you interested in anything from Cocoa Pink? - Or Haus of Gloi? --no, thanks. Would you be interested in a Halloween wreath? --if it were more fall-oriented, rather than Halloween. I'd like to have it up until time for Yule decorations. Have you seen this: https://www.bustle.c...llection-80733? (Lush Halloween collection.) And what would you like? --no, and nothing, thanks. 9/7/17 Are you interested in anything from the Moonalisa Halloween update? no, thanks. What are your coffee and/or tea preferences? - Tea: black, green, herbal, flavors? --Lady Grey - Loose leaf or tea bags? --Loose leaf. - Anything specific you don't like? --I don't care for green teas, and NOTHING with mint. - Are you in need of any gadgetry? my favorite 2-cup tea pot has a huge chip on the spout, and it's no longer made. So I'm kind of looking for another. It's hard finding a truly small teapot, though. 9/6/17 How would you feel about receiving a hand-painted container for your bpal and/or other treasures? - would you want a big wood box (~50 bottles), a small wood box (~20 bottles) or a tin for carrying imps around? --a small wooden box, decorated or not as my Witch decided, but just large enough for 7-8 bottles, would be wonderful. Who is into K-Beauty (Korean beauty products like sheet masks) - What are your faves if you are? - If you aren't would you like to try something? --no, thanks. What are some NEW things you've gotten interested in this year? Could be anything, from a new hobby, new genre of book, new healthy way of living, new fav brand of whatever... --Hamilton. 9/5/17 What are your feelings about Scooby Doo? --Not a big fan, but if I had to liken myself to a character, it would be Thelma. How do you feel about indie makeup (read: loose eyeshadow, blush, highlighter)? --I really don't use much make up, mostly a little Elf charcoal eyeliner because I seem to be losing my eyelashes. I drink this stuff almost everyday would anyone else be interested in trying it out? https://www.criobru.com/ --Tried it back the early 2000's, and didn't really like it. I prefer tea. 9/4/17 Would you like one of the Halloween Teeturtle shirts? https://www.teeturtl...alloween?page=1 --no, thanks.

I have to say I'd sort of planned to skip this one because of so many evergreen blends I love, but with this endorsement, I had to give it a try! Thanks for the bump!

The -Goth scents, including Cabaret Goth, were part of the Bats Day 2011 event. --stella

Well, I had to look it up but now I can pronounce it (TROWER VOR schpeel), and what's more, I like it. In the bottle, I was a little unnerved that there was not much "there" there, almost as though I had received a bottle of RPG Neutral by mistake or something, but once on my skin the lovely notes of champaca, vetiver and tea bloomed. The oudh, which normally my skin amps above all other notes in a blend, didn't begin to show up until dry-down, and even then it didn't trumpet its arrival as normal - it merely slipped in, made itself at home, and played nicely with the others. I like this blend very much, and it just might enter my Top 10 list if it ages as well as I think it will. So far, this scent has earned 4 of 5 stars from me. Well played, Beth, well played!

Here it is:

(Newest additions will always be at the top of the post so my Witch won't have to keep scrolling down to see new content.) Big Catch Up entry 6/24/13 Doctor Who? oh YES! Only not the villains so much - I love TARDIS or The Doctor. How much do you like lipbalm? not much Do you like and wear lipgloss? no For those of you whose wishlists contain only BPALs, are there any other perfume companies you like or would like to try out? Not really; I've tried a few other companies, but I always ended up giving away whatever I bought, so I stopped wasting my money. I just like BPAL. Your feelings on Adagio teas? I have more than I can drink now. What about coffee? Not a coffee snob; we tend to buy Folger's or Maxwell House, whichever is on sale. Who is your favourite female of all time? Historical, literary, ANYTHING, and why? Eleanor of Aquitaine; she was a nervy, opinionated and most importantly, educated woman in a time when women were more pawns or property than anything else. She was fiercely independent, and I read everything I can get my hands on about her. If you were a Disney princess you would be? I really despise Disney's princess culture, but if I must choose, I choose Merida. Seashell from Florida? I love shells! What craft project do you currently have on your docket or that you want to start? And that craft goodies would be welcome? I've been working on a personal scrapbook for so long...but most all my craft stuff is still packed in moving boxes, as it was the lowest priority of unpacking. After carpal tunnel syndrome/surgery/recurrence, scrapbooks and making cute little digital icons are about the only crafts I can still do. If you could have one rare bpal which one would you choose? I would love a decant of Azazel. Are you kinky? no Do you enjoy scented candles? Certain sizes that you like? What kind of scents or brands? DH really doesn't like scented candles, but I've managed to get him to like Nag Champa tarts. Thoughts about South Africa? Have you been here, would you like to go? Would you like to receive anything South African? Never been there, and it would be very interesting to visit some day. And sure, why not? Do you like Sockdreams? If so, what styles would you prefer? I love cotton socks! Do you need hair accessories? If so, what kind or color? no, thank you. What is your favorite shade of blue? Any shade is wonderful: I love deep sapphire blue, turquoise blue, cobalt blue, pale icy blue, and lovely happy Carolina blue -- I love blue! Every room of my house has blue of some shade in it. Do you have any kitchen gadgets (a SodaStream, a Kuerig/Tassimo) that you want mix things for? no, I have neither of those. If you were to start learning something new (intellectual or craft or hobby), what would it be? I would love to learn to play a bodhrán. What about candy? pecan pralines are my weakness, despite what I said in my questionnaire about diets and nonsense like that. Do you have an e-reader? What kind? Would you like to get ebooks? Kindle Fire, and I currently have (according to my calibre) 1,979 books. I think I'm good for now. 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. Please don't hedge on this one...some of us are serious crafters and will be making most of what we send! I don't want things made of polyester (or other petroleum-based materials), or foods containing mint. That's about it - I love handmade things, and will cherish anything my Witch makes for me. Witchee dear, do you like video games? Are there any you want to play? Do you have a large library? Alas, I was never much of a gamer - Bejeweled on my iPhone is about the extent of my gaming wants. I tried, really I did, but I like Trivial Pursuit (the old-fashioned analog kind) better than video games. Do you have something you do, without fail, as a personal daily habit/ritual? I always write a bit in a little journal at night. Do you wear nailpolish? What colors do you tend to go for? What are your favorite brands? Are you open to trying indie brands? I don't wear polish except on my toes in the summertime, a nice medium matte red with lovely blue undertones. Name three BPAL scents you have tried, but are dying to get more of. Dormouse, Endymion, and just to throw a rare out there: LUES11 Do you still write real letters on nice stationary to people you like/love? only rarely; even my parents have an email printer now. Have you ever tried anything from Paintbox Soapworks? Which products or scents would you prefer? Sweet 100s is my all time favorite, thought Beet It is a close second. I wish I could get more of A Walk in the Woods, though - I finished off my last bar last year, and I miss it so much. Do you like/have space to garden? If so, what do you grow? We have a lovely big yard, but I grow my herbs and grape tomatoes in handy planters on the deck. Do you like sample sized things? Think lipgloss, mascara, bodylotion, scrubs, mini candles, and so forth. no make up, but thank you anyway. Have you tried Fortune Cookie Soap? What products or scents would you like? No, I don't know that one. Do you use solid soaps at all? If so, what kind do or don't you like? I love Paintbox Soapworks and Villainess. I don't like overly sweet scents for my soaps, and of course, nothing mint. Have you ever tried Cocoa Pink? If you are curious about it, what looks interesting to you? Yes. 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? Not really. Shiro cosmetics? Don't know them. Are there any companies, products, or items you boycott? Disney, ABC TV, Exxon, BP, Chik-Fil-A, Papa John's, and plastic food storage items. As I am in Japan, what sort of things would you like from there? I love washee paper! Witchee, do you cook? Do you do all the cooking? Is it a chore or a pleasure? I do the cooking for now, and it's more a chore for me than it is for Mr. Stellans, who will take over when he retires. Which reading level do you prefer to read in YA or Adult? Or even both? Both! I like strong, intelligent women characters in either genre, but no vampire fiction please. What colors/style is your kitchen decor? And do you entertain in your home? beachy blues and greens, vintage kitsch, and comfort. We do very informal entertaining for the most part. Are your ears pierced? Yes, twice in the lobes. Do you like stuffies/stuffed animals/art doll type thingies? If so, any particular type you'd love to get? Not really, thanks. Switch Witch is, of course, all about you.....but if your Witch was so inclined, are there wee little ones in your home that will get jealous and are just too young to understand why you won't share the love, who maybe need a touch of Witchee love all their own, to distract them while you hide all your lovelies?!? No, just me, the dogs, and Mr. Stellans. If you knew you were going to live comfortably for say 800 years, what profession, calling or project might you pursue with some of your extra years, which you imagine you may not do in the life that you have? Is there any thing - an object, a donation on your behalf, some research done for you, whatever - that your witch could do about this that you would like? And if you can't think of a present, would you rather she/he (I!) didn't either and confined themselves to things you are already involved in? I would teach. I would try to make children love reading and history as much as I do, and work to keep public education strong. Do you like bags? If so, what type (rucksack, clutch, shopping bag) colour and would you like/need a new one? my younger daughter gave me some double-handled metro shopping bags from Canada, and I love them! It would be lovely to have a couple more. What's your favourite comfort food(snack or candy etc) and/or drink? Comfort food: oatmeal or grits, and milk. 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 would love something indicative of where my witch lives. One of my favorite gifts is something which shares a little of her life/area with me. One witch sent me a desert rose, another smoked salt, and yet another iris bulbs. Things like that are always, always appreciated and cherished. What fandoms do you belong to? I'm a Browncoat, a Whovian, and a proud admirer of Miss Austen's works. What cheers you up? Who or where would you most want to haunt? Who would you least want to be haunted by? What question do you hate to answer? What is the best compliment you have/could receive? Do you like tarot cards, pendulums and rune stones etc? If so, what type? Witchee, I know that SW isn't about what you get... but 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? Is there anything small you try to collect from everywhere you visit? Would you like something from Empire Edibles? What are the three books you most want to read right now, and which you don't already have? Is there a literary character you identify with? Even if it's not spot-on, just someone you found yourself having that "I identify with this" feeling? 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? 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? What style is your sense of humour? Is there anything from Australia you would like? eg: snacks (yes, you can ask for Tim Tams!), books, magazines, memorabilia? Gift cards/vouchers - yay or nay? If you like them - which stores would you like one for? Oh, yeah, by the way, peoples, do you have any problems with swearing or particularly off-color humor? Would you like to receive subversive crochet/cross stitch/ etc., or would this not get much love in your household? Haus of Gloi did a Reverie update! Do any of them interest you? (Or anything else up currently?) Would you be interested in someone writing out for you a favourite recipe, or finding or devising one which they think you'd like? If so, please provide your favourite ingredients, info on how you like to cook/store and use food, and any intolerances - unless all of these are in your questionnaire, or you don't like the idea. (I'm not saying I'd definitely do this, unless someone is keen, and it wouldn't be the only gift). I guess for other witches this might include something like a knitting pattern - not my thing but would you like that? Or indeed would you like a picture created for you (if so what kind) or a story written? How big is too big...for something to hang on your walls? If I'm painting you a pretty picture, are there maximum dimensions that you have/prefer? What is your favourite object, that you own, ignoring sentimental reasons for attachment? So I guess something you find beautiful, or fun, or incredibly useful. Is there someone on the forums (within SW or not) who knows you really well and might be able to help with stalking? Do you use waxmelts or tarts? If so, which ones do you prefer? Do you enjoy drinking hot chocolate, and would you like stuff to make it with, or to add to it? 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? Have you ever tried Spoonfudge? Would you enjoy it if your Witch would send you some? Which of the flavors would you like? What's your opinion on Moonalisa? Any favorites or products you'd like to try? Are there any BPALs that you loved the idea of, the imagery - whether artwork or description - but which didn't work out for you? (I'm asking because if they did, you might mention them elsewhere, but if not, the imagery might be helpful) 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? Also, STARBUCKS, Yay or Nay? Anything you particularly like? Ninjas or Pirates? Werewolves or Vampires? Zombie or Cthulhu? 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? 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 do the same with Bento, and there's a Bento iPhone app (of course), so I can check my personal stash on the fly!

(Newest additions will always be at the top of the post so my Witch won't have to keep scrolling down to see new content.) 9/19 Do you have a forum buddy? Someone who knows you and/or your tastes well enough to answer questions on your behalf? just PM the Switch Witch account and of them will help you! If you are on Livejournal, would you appreciate LJ stuff like paid time, custom userheads, stuff like that? If you are NOT on LJ but are on other sites that have similar paid-for services (Flickr, for example?) would you, and what are those sites/etc? No, thanks. if you are into tarot, what is your favorite card? The Empress would you like your own set of handmade rune stones or worry stones? I have several sets already, thank you. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider, or none of the above? None, thanks - I make my own mocha mix and chai mix, and that's pretty much all we drink. Gum, hard candy, soft candy, or none of the above? Horehound candy would be lovely. Loose tea or tea bags? Do you need anything for your loose tea? (Filters, presses, etc.) None, thank you. Do you do Goodreads or LibraryThing or a site like that? If so, can I see your to-read list, please? I have both, but both are sadly out of date. 9/18 Are you a gamer (of any sort - video, casual, tabletop) and are there any games you want? no, sorry. Do you like coffee? If so, what kinds? Flavored, fancy, basic? Beans or ground? I make my own mocha mix. Would a Starbucks gift card make you happy or do you prefer your local place? I don't like Starbucks. Would you be interested in BPTP CANDY? no, thanks. CUSTOM-Made Pottery?? yea or nay? coffee mugs, rustic or more elegant? a set of bowls? soap dish? bird feeder? something alltogether different? and lastly, good colors for glazes...? I think a deep teal soap dish would be awesome. Songs that you keep meaning to buy but never get round to it? I pretty much buy songs when I like them, because my family keeps my iTunes account funded for birthdays, Mother's Day, etc. Movies that you love but forgot to put in your questionaire? Would Game of Thrones count? Name one movie you keep meaning to buy, but just never get around to getting? Can't really think of any. Any favorite Bath & Body Works scents/products? I really can't stand B&BW Haus of Gloi is offering custom perfumes - would you like one? What would your ideal blend be? No thank you. Any Bath, Body or nutritional type items you would love to try from a Natural and Organic food store (similar to Whole Foods) that you don't buy because they are a bit too pricey? No. Tell me of your taste preferences. Dry/sweet? Red/white? Lager/ale/porter/stout? Fruit? Spice? Hops? Sour (brettanomyces, etc)? I'm not much of a wine or beer drinker. I'm really not much of a drinker period, though a margarita in the summer tastes good. are there any if MeiLin's books (e-book or print) you'd be interested in? No, thanks. I'm about to be near a Lush store next week, is there anything you might like from there? No, thanks. Witchee, will you be gone from your normal mailing address at any point during the round? Not to my knowledge. Are you a Disney fan or does even thinking about Disney make your head hurt? If you're into Disney, would you like something from the Happiest Place on Earth ? I am boycotting all things Disney because of their use of the ABC network to broadcast conservative progaganda. dear witchee, would you, could you use an electric candle warmer? i'm talking something like this. No, thanks. Do you lust after some new socks/tights? No, thanks. 9/17 Ninjas or Pirates? Pirates. I have an extra room spray and 2 extra bath oils (one Cephalopod, one Exhibit Hall Fatigue) from Dragon*Con - would anybody like a decant? No, thanks. I live near a Mast General Store. It has lots of vintage-y toys, southern foods (jams, jellies, spices) and vintage candy. Is there anything I can get for you? Horehound drops would be awesome. Do you have any Fall or Halloween traditions? I tend to commune with my beloved dead (my maternal grandparents specifically) on that day. a) Are you OK with "special deliveries"? not if it involves any kind of singing/dancing/stripping etc. Is the address in your questionnaire the best place to reach you for said deliveries? yes c) If the delivery requires a phone number (as say, some florists do) would you be OK with that information being tracked down by your Witch or asked of you anonymously? yes Would you be interested in beer, wine, or other specialty beverages from your Witch's area? No, thanks. Are there any crafts/skills you've wanted to learn but haven't gotten around to? And if so, would you be interested in supplies and tutorials? I'm very limited in what I can do due to disability, so not at this time, thank you. Who here would be happy to get a lil' sumthin sumthin from Adagio Teas? No, thanks. Do you Ravelry? And if so, what's your handle over there? Would you be interested in gift patterns from your queue? I have an account (stellans) but I only got it so I could see everyone's projects. I never post there. Who likes Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses? No, thanks. Put your iPod/MP3 player/what-have-you on random and list the first 10 songs it plays! Posted this to the thread. Witchee, what are your favorite quotes? No matter where you go, there you are. --Mary Engelbreit And pretty much anything by Jane Austen, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Marion Zimmer Bradley. What's one random thing you really like and one random thing you really dislike? fine-point pens is the random think I really like, and the other side of the coin: I really dislike thick, clumsy-feeling writing instruments. They always make me write sloppily. Are there any herbs that you haven't been able to lay hands on that I could send you? There's an herbal shop I really like here in NYC called Flower Powerthat has quite a wide selection. No, thanks. If there are no "witchy" shops near you, is there anything I can pick up for you from Enchantments? No, thanks. Some of your favorite artists? Classic and modern? Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, Art Nouveau in general, and also the Impressionists Susan Seddons-Boulet, Judie Bomberger, Mary Engelbreit If you could have an image or certain subject painted for you on any type of "canvas" (on a box, on paper, on a canvas, and so on) - could you point your witch to some of these images? I would like a framable version of The Empress tarot card. Is there a GC scent that's been on your list for ages but keeps falling off the bottom of your order because of the LEs? I keep meaning to buy a bottle of Tombstone. I've been getting into indie nail polish brands recently. What's your favorite indie brand of nail polish? Or what's your favorite mainstream brand of nail polish? Or are you not big on polish? Not much for nail polish, except the occasional pedicure in the summertime. Stuffed things: yea or nay? No, thank you. mix-in-a-jar? How to you feel about cookie or cake or soup mixes that come in jars and you just add, like, an egg or water or what have you? No, thank you. I live near this very cool Retro store (you can order online too) - are there things from it that would make you squee if your witch sent them? No, thank you. 9/16 Marzipan? No, thank you. Would you be interested in washable/reusable muslin “paper” towels (basically muslin squares hemmed around the edge)? Maybe in some sort of box to put on your kitchen or bathroom counter? Those would be nice. Do you drink alcohol and if so, would you be OK with your witch sending you homemade infused vodka? Also, does your state allow alcohol to be shipped through the mail? No, thank you. If you get me (or a fellow Aussie, if there are any playing this round) as a witch or witch's minion, would you like to try some Australian specialties, such as TimTams (delicious chocolately cookies), Caramello Koalas (koala shaped chocolates filled with gloopy caramel), Australian native spices or anything like that? No, thank you. If your witch is a knitter, crocheter or sewer, is there a particular type of garment you would love to receive (hat, scarf, wrap, cowl, socks, fingerless gloves, arm warmers etc)? I would love dark navy fingerless gloves or scarf or hat in cotton (wool breaks me out, and I perspire too much for acrylic). Is there anyone else in your house (kids, pets, partner) that would really appreciate a small gift being included for them in the switchwitchy haul so they don't feel left out? No kids, and I have to watch what my dogs eat (allergies); but DH is a kid when it comes to goodies. Since it's been mentioned several times, and I've also offered to nacho witch some, would you you like to receive wild rice and or maple syrup? I promise to include recipe ideas with the wild rice. No, thank you. I have 5 bushels of tomatoes sitting in the kitchen right now that are supposed to turn into red sauce tomorrow, so would anyone like a basic red sauce (spaghetti sauce) to make its way to them? No, thank you. 9/16/12 what are your "fandoms" and would you like a t-shirt from TeeFury if an appropriate one came up? Oh, I am a Whovian, a Browncoat, and a ST:TOS. But alas, I don't really wear tee shirts much any more, though I do love TeeFury's graphics. Do you have an eReader and if so which one? Yes, a Kindle Fire Do you like candles, or tart burners, or something? If so, what's your favorite scent to burn? Nag Champa tarts will always be welcome, because that's pretty much all I burn. But (looking ahead) pine/evergreen scented ones would also be welcome! What kind of cuisines do you like? (I mentioned this in my ?aire but curious what my witch may like)And, what are your favorite restaurants? I love Tex-Mex, Italian, Southern/homestyle, and what passes for Chinese in this country. We haven't found our favorite restaurant around here just yet, other than the familiar chains like O'Charley's, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Outback et al which are only fall-backs. But we will! I'm from Canada - is there anything specifically a witchee might like that is only available here? I love maple sugar treaties and a jug of real maple syrup I received from lucyboo in a winter holiday swap was very much appreciated by both the mister and me. [Are home made foods acceptable or does the idea of eating strange mailed food disturb you? I said not in the ?'aire but Mr. Stellans (who truly loves it when I play SW) made sad puppy eyes, so my Future Witch, please to disregard my diet comment. I just gave you $20 and sent you into a "has everything" store ala Walmart and told you that you have to come out having spent it all, and none of it on anything you need. What would you buy? Be as specific as possible! Well, first off, I don't shop in Walmart (just a personal little boycott of mine) but in THAT SORT OF STORE, I would buy refills for my teeny little Xyron sticker maker because I'm always running out just when I need to make BPAL bottle toppers, and with whatever was left I'd buy cotton socks. Thin, black cotton socks. My favs. Weird, I know. I live near a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Penzeys! What does your little heart desire from any or all of these places? I'm going to need to think about this because I don't really know what all they sell, since I've never been in any of these before. Would you enjoy receiving cute but useful items like colorful kitchen utensils/gadgets, or bento supplies? (boxes, chopsticks, accessories, etc?) What about things like spice mixes (homemade, or Penzey's for example) I never say no to cute but useful kitchen stuffs! Do you like cute, seasonal or fluffy PJ bottoms? Like they sell at Target, Old Navy (they have had cute Halloween ones!) If so, what size do you wear? These rarely fit me correctly, so it would really be a waste of my Witch's resources. What kind of chocolate do you like? Nuts, no nuts, white,dark, etc? Milk, with nuts! (Oh, I know my ?'aire says I'm on a diet, but answered this anyway) Do you like s'mores and s'mores-flavored things? Yes, I do. I'm a s'mores fiend, in fact. What's the neatest freebie you've gotten? It can be cool or thoughtful or just totally unexpected, and not limited to BPALdom. When I joined BPAL.org, I already knew the Lab was in the habit of tossing in a few freebies (as I learned later: "frimps"), but it was when I started swapping and buying on the forum that I was blown away by one particular transaction: the seller sent me a double handful of imps, plus stickers and tea and candy. I couldn't believe it: all that goodness in a package and it wasn't a business, it was just a lovely person. I decided right then to pattern my own outgoing packages on that one - so to all my recipients, you have Andra to thank for it!

Is there a picture somewhere of the January 2012 13? I can't seem to find it. Thanks!

I use Bento, which also has an iPhone app, and I can synch the laptop database with the iPhone app, so anything I buy while out somewhere (as in the Will-Calls) I can add to my database right away, or check to see if I already have it or whatever. Plus, I can add label art and my icons to each entry.

My favorite comfort scent is Western Diamondback. Something about the combination of leather, sage, and Snake Oil just makes me feel everything's going to be all right.

Have you tried Yew Trees, Nocnitsa, or Black Forest? These are all great pine/fir blends! Each are just a teensy bit different, so you might try to find imps for sale/swap on the forum to see if any are bottle-worthy for you. The description of Yew Trees says something about 'sweet,' but I never got anything but evergreens from it on me.

Well. Let me just begin by saying this blend scared me to pieces when I sniffed it the very first time. I think it was probably I had applied that day's scent -Whoop, which is a sweet, almost foody blend- only a hour or so earlier, and I think it was that which made my Leather Phoenix smell quite unpleasant. My heart sank into my stomach and I felt ready to cry, "This isn't fair!" But then. I'd baked a lot of holiday goodies and felt hot and sweaty, so I took a shower and tried my new Leather Phoenix again. I love this blend. Obviously, I have a new member in my Leather Collection, and it is amazingly kick-ass! There is something about this blend which reminds me of both the earlier leather releases, Sacrifice and Rivet.Goth, but yet it is still unique in itself. On me, the leather note is uppermost (yay!), but the patchouli is there too - it isn't the 'dirty hippy' patchouli found in head shops, but a much smoother, sophisticated patchouli which would take one out for dinner and dancing rather than a rock concert. The leather note is a rather hard one, almost the oiled leather smell of well-cared-for riding tack, especially a saddle (which is what put me in mind of Rivet.Goth, first but then Sacrifice as well), but it softens on my skin and blends with the aged patchouli into what is such an amazing blend, I wanted to sing! Ever so slightly, I do smell something green and herb-ish (I'm thinking this is the macha tea), and it is this slight green smell which makes me think of Sacrifice greatly, because on me Sacrifice is a very herbal leather, with the leather almost playing second fiddle. And lastly, there is a slight underlying incense-y note to the whole, not overly strong one but rather playing hide-and-seek with my nose. It's not exactly champaca the way I am used to smelling it, so perhaps the cedar and other notes are all contributing to this last impression. The scent holds for quite a long time on me without fading, but when it does go, it is very quick. This wasn't the morpher on me it was on some reviewers, but rather a succession of discoveries in the whole. But in the end, when all is said and done, this is primarily a leather blend. Just from my perspective, it is a very unisex blend. I don't have my Mr. here to test it on just now, but he will be home soon. And then...oh, and then! Four of 5 stars for this amazing new Anniversary Phoenix.

I agree with angelamarie to the extent that the two scents (Glittering Apple and Ladon) may have similar sounding components but are not alike. I believe the 'hyacinth' note described is most likely due to the Dragon's Blood resin in Ladon (which I adore, BTW), while there is no DBR in Glittering Apple (which I also love). Glittering apple is a crystalline apple, almost too sweet but it stops just short, to my nose, of overdoing it. But like Ladon? Not to my nose.

O.M.G. This blend is a patchouli-lover's dream come true! I love it, love it, love it, and now I'm happy I popped for 2 bottles. I rolled the bottle well, as others have recommended, and sure enough, the dark murkiness at the bottom blended into the lighter top portion. When I opened it up, patchouli was all I could smell though upon application, the cocoa absolute didn't take long to make its presence known. Not much tobacco nor bourbon vanilla yet, but I imagine with aging those two might show up eventually - though if not, I won't mind too much because...PATCHOULI! I guess I'm just an aging hippie pie-wagon chick after all, because I do love me some patchouli when it's well-done, and BPAL patchouli is always well-done. Four out of 5 stars for this very well-done patchouli blend!

I too like the 'personalized' spreadsheet method, only I use Bento for mine. I tried Google docs, but I couldn't make it sit up and beg for me like I can Bento. Only I don't have with Bento I have the one master sheet, and a few saved 'searches' with specific criteria, like Need to Try or Need to Sell/Swap, which update automatically when the master sheet is updated.

Boiled leather, carnation blossom, coffee absolute, and tobacco. To say I was looking forward to this blend is an understatement; from the notes listed, this should have been perfect for me. To say I'm disappointed when applying this for the first time this morning is a massively wild understatement, because on me? Men's cologne. Only after dry-down, and at almost the end of its presence do I even smell anything else, and that 'something else' isn't even leather - it's coffee! Argh.

When I first tried a dab of this, it was sweet, so very sweet, that it almost made my teeth hurt. However, whatever upset my personal chemistry has evidently worked its way out, because today this blend is amazing. The musks work as well as always with patchouli, and for once the clove doesn't overpower everything else. I don't really get much of the other notes, except at the very last when a touch of bamboo and sweet vanilla peek through. I really, really like this, and plan on a bottle purchase for sure. I give this one 3 of 5 stars.

When I first opened the decant, I was afraid this Pickman's Gallery scent would be like another one, Expressive Head: all vetiver, all the time. I'm extremely happy to report that the vetiver so very apparent when sniffed in a container (decant) is just a minor player in the lovely drama which is The Triumph of Death on my skin. When applied, the patchouli and musk seem to stake out their positions as starring roles, while the other notes (particularly the vetiver, ambergis and peru balsam) stay contentedly in the background. The sandalwood is almost an understudy: you know it's there, but it only comes on later, as if for the matinee performances. But it does make the last vestiges of this blend just as delightful as the initial ones, only in a slightly different way. I love how this blend deepens from the earthy patchouli into the incense-y sandalwood as it warms on my skin. This is going to be a bottle purchase. I award this 2011 Halloweenie 3 of 5 stars.

November 11th Let's talk about fruit! Do you like dried fruit or hate it? Like some but not others? I like dried apples, apricots and cherries the best, but generally any dried fruit will not go to waste. How do you feel about cherries? Prefer the sweet or tart versions? Dried? Jam? Salsa? Hot sauce? BBQ sauce? Sweet for me, please, and I love the dried ones best. What is your general philosophy about patterns for accessories such as socks, scarves, and tights? Do you like solids? Stripes? Polka dots? Weird patterns like harlequin-type stuff? Any of the above? Any of the above! November 10th Would anyone else be interested in a soap dish or something like that? I have several already, thanks. If your fox were to knit something for you, would it be a lacy shawl or a pair of socks? shawl, but maybe a bit more than lacy? Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house do you identify with, and why? Would you want knitted things/replicas/accessories in your house colours? Everytime I take a sorting test, I end up in Ravenclaw -- and that suits me just fine, LOL. And sure to the accessories, why not? Are there any Yules from *PAST* years that you're interested in trying? Including past winter inquisitions? I'm good, thanks. November 9th Sooo. Yules. Those just happened. What are you interested in, Bunny? Oh my word, the Yules look pretty good! Must gets for me: Rose Red, Midwinter's Eve, Midnight Mass, Autumn & Winter, Woods in Winter, Peacock Queen... these are all past favorites, so I'm pretty sure I'll love this year's incarnations. There are several in the Frankenstein and Little Match Girl lines I'm wanting to try as well. All I can say is "Thank goodness for decant circles!" Do you like coin purses? I have a leather one which belonged to my great-grandmother (and she wrote her name in ink on the inside back, even better!) which is still in amazingly good shape. November 8th Do you prefer dark or milk chocolate? I know dark chocolate is better for me, and I try to eat it, but milk chocolate is my preference. And at this time of year, Terri's Chocolate Orange is my traditional favorite Yule gift - except last year, when Mr. Stellans left his shopping too late and couldn't find any. November 7th What are your opinions on traditional holiday cookie flavorings? I'm thinking anise and cardamom in particular. Oatmeal-Raisin are my preferred cookie, if any. Do you like artisan oils and vinegars? yes! Bunny, could you use a 2012 calendar, and, if so, do you like big monthly ones or the page-a-day type? I'm all set for 2012! November 6th Charity gifts? Either fair-trade type stuff, or virtual type gifts, like vaccinations or school supplies being bought on your behalf, or something along those lines? That would be fine, if my Fox wishes. Bunny, are you interested in tarts from Two Timing Tart? What scents, if any, are you interested in? Nag Champa is my favorite tart scent. Do you need any holiday recipes? Is there something in particular that you'd like baked or made for you? And for those of you doing the no sugar/low sugar, etc. thing these days, how about savory things? No recipes needed, and around here, pecan pralines and peanut brittle are our favorite holiday candy. Cheese straws or sausage-cheese balls are always welcome too. Speaking about candles, how much do you look forward to the BPTP candles that will be launched on Etsy? I don't know if there will be other scents than the Samhain and Pumpkin Cookie one, but is there a specific one you are longing for? Not really, no. Does anyone have issues with gently used things like books, etc.? No issues at all! If it weren't for gently used, I wouldn't have half what I do. Are you a big ol' nerd for any particular subject? Science, math, linguistics, etc? Or particular authors/fandoms? I'm a grammar nerd, and linguistic nerd (I love words!), and history nerd. I'm a h-y-u-u-u-u-u-u--g-e fan of "Firefly," Doctor Who, and Star Trek (the original), and I love urban fantasy authors like Charles de Lint and Emma Bull, and Neil Gaiman. Bunnies, how do you feel about lemon-flavored items, like lemon marmalade, lemon curd, lemon pound cake, or lemon cookies? I do love lemon snaps! fingerless mittens or full mitts? fingerless, please. November 4th reveal, yes or no? I plan to at this moment, and I hope my Fox will also! Any favorite cuddly characters? Not really; when I was growing up, I had so many baby siblings and various pets that toy cuddlers weren't needed. Moxie Nouveau groupon? No, thank you. what's your favourite colour? Blue. Your favourite gemstone? aquamarine (not blue topaz) or opal. Your favourite animal (real or imaginary)? Swan. And do you have any intense phobias? I can't handle being out at night by myself. I don't go out after dark at all now that Jimmy's not home. Also bugs of any kind, including arachnids. Are you Nano-ing this month, bunny? If so, how would you feel about merch/donations to the cause? No, I'm not. Do you like/need boxes for perfume/knicknacks? No, I'm good, thanks. November 2nd Is there any particular holiday DVD that you don't have that you would like to own? I'm embarrassed to admit this, but... Santa Clause 3. Mr. Stellans just loves these movies, and I keep forgetting to get a copy of it so we always have to Netflix it. I'm a sucker for most holiday DVDs, but for some reason this one keeps hitting a blind spot. How do you feel about superheros? Are you a Marvel or DC fan? Do you have a favorite hero? I don't really have a favorite superhero, but my favorite hero Is Malcome Reynolds. Would my bunny like anything in particular from Lush? I do have access to an actual Lush store, and also wouldn't mind ordering retro items online. No, thank you. would you like a Paintbox from Paintbox Soapworks? If so, which scents? I have lots and lots of Paintbox soap that I am working my way through already, but I would love to have another bar of A Walk Through the Woods (sadly discontinued). Do you have kids (or kid-like pets) who your fox may want to take into account, either in terms of a little extra goody or simple safety? I have 3 dogs (West Highland White Terriers) and one cat (tiger tabby). The dogs aren't allowed any treats which contain any kind of grains which rules out most commercially produced stuff, and Miller (the cat) isn't a cat nip lover. He does like feathery things though. How do you feel about honey/beeswax? Would you like any? I like honey and beeswax, but I don't need any. Are you a Trader Joe's fan, who either doesn't have a store nearby or just loves their stuff and has a wishlist? I've never been in one, but I hear good things. The Paintbox Soapworks Yules are up, or at least round one is (updates coming throughout the week). Interested in anything? Not this year. If I were to place ONE LAST Weenie order, (uh, which I will) what would you want me to include for you? Silver Apple of the Moon. Will you be away for any part of the round? Only briefly over Thanksgiving (the actual day), that's all for now. Anyone else with an Etsy store and a member of Tradeaholics (or you could join) and interested in bartering for gifts for their bunny? Everything in my shop is up for trade. Don't have a store. What type of books do you like? Dying to read anything? I'm a sucker for 'cozy' mysteries with an interesting female protagonist. I have a pretty long book wish list at Amazon (see wishlist link in my sig file). If you like Christmas music (or any other holiday music, for that matter), what kind of style do you like? Traditional? Modern and poppy? Indie? I love the traditional music. Do you enjoy things that taste like roses? For example chewing gum, turkish delight, delicious goo that you eat by the spoonful out of a glass jar (and they all taste of rose. Yes, we have all these in Greece.) Also, same question about mastic. Would you be interested in trying it out? (If yes, any preferences? for example you wold prefer to try the chewing gum, the turkish delight, an Easter bun (I can go hunting, some companies make them all year round although it's not the same as the bakery Easter ones ), the raw resin itself, anything?) i live in the city of the chicken wing. if i were to send you something savory, what's your heat tolerance (or sweet and heat for that matter). No heat, please! My poor mouth has turned into a weinie over the years. If your fox/bunny were to gift you with a giftcard from anywhere, as in any store foodwise, music wise etc. what giftcard would you like? Amazon, please! If I were to send you chocolate is there anything I should avoid as in nuts, cherries etc.? Also, what are some of your favorite holiday candies? No mint, please! Does anything from Fusion Sweets interest you? Interested in anything from the Elements and Artifacts Yule update? I love Alicia's silver leverback-style earrings, pretty much any of them. October 30 Dear Snow Bunnies: Do you do a Christmas tree? If yes is it themed or specially colored or do you just have all different ornaments and such? We do 2 trees: a regular green one with all different kinds of ornaments, from homemade to keepsake, and a little 4-foot aluminum tree with one of the color wheel thingies, decorated in small varie-colored glass balls, because that's what Mr. Stellans had in his childhood. Would you like a special ornament? sure! I'd put it on the traditional tree with my other treasures. Tim Tams. Yay or nay? Nay. I know some people are squicked out at the idea of eating things that other people make, or the thought of deep fried cookies sends them into cardiac arrest. If you were my fox, would you like to receive some homemade goodies, or would you prefer that your goodies came from the store? If my Fox wishes to cook or bake for me, I would be grateful. I would also be grateful if my Fox shops for me as well. Would any Bunny like to receive Holiday serving bowls, trays, platters etc...? Winter/Christmas or Thanksgiving/Fall themed? No, I'm all set. Believe me. My lovely fluffy Snow Bunny, would you like a bodyscrub made by me? If so, what scent(s) would you like, if you had to think along the lines of essential oils? And would you prefer sugar or salt? A dryer scrub or one that's more oily/moist? Sugar scrubs for me, please, and I would dearly love a moist woodsy- or lavender-scented scrub. Dear snow bunny, do you like candles? if yes, then what kind? scented (what scents), unscented, what colors, do you like them plain/painted on the outside/with decorations attached to the surface/sculpted? I mostly use tarts and tea lights, Nag Champa scented are my favorites. Also what do you think of little soaps? I know most people don't use soaps nowadays but I love the chocolate/vanilla/cocoa/butter/sugar combo scents that I see at beauty stores I have lots of soap, including sample sizes (of Paintbox and Villainess, my favorites!), thank you. Socks! Slippers! Do you love them or not really wear them? If you love them, do you also love Sock Dreams? I have lots of slippers, thanks to gifts from kids, LOL. Would you wear something like this if your Fox were to knit you one? If so, what color? http://www.ravelry.c...gap-tastic-cowl A dark navy hooded cowl would be great. talk to me of coffee. Whole bean? Ground? Flavored, not flavored? Decaf, whole caff? Favorite roasters? Drip, french press, keurig? BRING ON THE TEA? whole bean, regular caf, any flavor but hazelnut, and I have a French Press. Who else here loves or would like to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? If so, what would you like? No, thanks. Have you tried anything from Cocoa Pink and if so, what products and scents do you like or would like to try? No, thanks. Anybody into nail polish? Any color or formula preferences? No, thanks. If you found a $50 bill on the ground and were to place a Lab order, what would be in it? (And shipping is free through the magical BPAL unicorn!) Could the magical BPAL unicorn also find me a bottle of LUES11? Probably not, though. OK, I'd probably use it on the upcoming update because I'm almost sure to want the Lunacy and Anniversary releases. October 29th So... someone has gifted you a $20 gift card from Walgreen's to ONLY use on things for yourself. No necessities here. What do you buy? No Nonsense black footies (the light weight mostly cotton ones), new eyelash curler, and probably something chocolate, caramel, and salted. And maybe a easy home decorating magazine if there's any extra. ETA: I forgot I'd also get (if I could) Yes to Tomato lip balm and Liquid Crystal deodorant (that last is getting a little hard to find, darn it). I live near a brick and morter location for a really, really good spice store. would you use cooking spices and if you would, what would you need? (it's penzey's if you want to google it). I love good spices! Favorites are sweet curry, cloves, vanilla powder, sweet basil (since mine is now gone until spring), and cinnamon. I usually buy from The Spice House, but this place looks good too! Oh, and I love different salts! A lovely Switch Witch once sent me smoked salt from the Northwest which I loved so much I used it up post-haste! Do you like knitted goods? If so, what would you like, what colors, and do you have any sensitivites or preference when it comes to type of yarn (ex: wool: yay or nay? do you prefer machine washable materials? do you not care?)? Love knitted goods, but no polyester, wool or mohair please! It needs to be cotton yarn for me, and I'd love to have a dark navy hat and/or mitts. hey swap partner...could you use a new mug? Nope, I'm good! Is there any sort of regional food/drink/treat you miss or have always wanted to try? I really enjoyed the smoked salt sent me by a lovely person in another circle swap, which was made in her area of the country. I love it when swap partners share something cool from their region! I can't really think of anything specific though.

No fire, no booze, and no thuggery: there is only sugar. And this season --for whatever reason-- my skin is amping sugar to whoa levels. I can't wear this blend without inducing a severe headache.

I like this in the decant, but it changes strangely a few minutes after application into something I don't quite recognize. Gone is the lovely fruity pomegranate and the equally lovely rose. I'm afraid the star anise is making this not behave for me, unfortunately. I will hang on to the decant just in case it's a temporary anomaly, though.