Usagi

A new year's blessing! Peony, China's national flower, with bamboo for flexibility, plum blossom for perseverance, courage, and hope, tangerine for wealth, orange for happiness, lychee for household peace, pine resin for constancy, golden kumquat for prosperity, King mandarin for good fortune, cypress for longevity, and peach fruit to represent the fourth phase of Wu Xing. This year's Lunar New Year blend has an extra dollop of blazing red of dragon's blood give you fortitude and strength, and, of course, to assist in scaring away the rampaging Nian. In the bottle(after about an hour's rest from mailing): I smell very sweet jasmine, and very bright citrus. wet: The jasmine turns itself to support for the citrus note, making this a creamy-fizzy-sweet kind of deal. It's bright and happy and...prosperous? drying: As it plays with my skin chemistry, I'm getting bits of another, slightly watery, delicate floral underneath the citrus, which has a little bit of a tang to it when you inhale deeply enough. If I had to guess, I'd say an interplay between bamboo, peony and pine, maybe? I'm not really smelling anything discernibly Dragon's Blood, yet-- which is surprising. Yet, the whole thing dances so beautifully on the skin and in my senses. It's like sitting in the shade of a late spring garden, with a cool rock pool next to your feet, watching rays of sunlight play across the stones. drydown(little over an hour later): It's dried down to a soft, creamy floral. There was a short phase where it veered a teensy bit towards a slightly soapy(albeit really nice, quality soap) phase. But now, it's just a cool, close to the skin, soft green floral, with a lingering hint of the gorgeous citrus. Wooden Goat is absolutely beautiful, and I am so very enamoured of this incarnation of my zodiac animal. It will be getting a lot of wear. Out of the seven Lunar New Year scents I have tried, this one is probably my second favorite(right behind Water Dragon). It's happy and vibrant, but not overpowering-- with a close throw, and pretty decent lasting power(showing now signs of fading here at the one and a half hour mark). Unless you absolutely loathe flowers or citrus, I would recommend you give this a shot. You may just fall head over heels in love(says the girl who can't stop sniffing her wrist). And, no, it does not smell the same as the Lunar creatures that have come before. The closest comparison I might make would be the lovechild of Water Dragon and Water Snake. It isn't as 'WOO, citrus!' as Water Dragon is at the outset-- and the citrus has a different quality to it(more like citron in Water Dragon),nor is the drydown that beautiful mystery musk. But it isn't anywhere near as jasmine-floral as Water Snake. Wooden Goat seems to bridge somewhere in between, and adds its own glimmering coolness, for a unique scent of its own.

A new year's blessing! Peony, China's national flower, with bamboo for flexibility, plum blossom for perseverance, courage, and hope, tangerine for wealth, orange for happiness, lychee for household peace, pine resin for constancy, golden kumquat and quince for prosperity, narcissus and King mandarin for good fortune, and peach blossom for longevity, with a splash of blazing red of dragon's blood... to help you scare away the rampaging Nian. Water Snake! It came in the mail yesterday, so please bear in mind the new, fresh state of this bottle when reading the descriptions. After a day of wear, I have the feeling it will settle into something even more wonderful in a month or two. Bottle: It has an effervescent citrus kick, and a subtle heady floral quality-- kind of earthy. I'm thinking maybe Indian jasmine. Wet: Going on, the strong, almost citronella citrus kicks up, bringing along something a bit syrupy. The floral is there, and it still reads a lot like deep jasmine to me. It isn't high-pitched or offensive. But there is a certain spiciness to it. I have to keep sniffing my wrist. The immediate words I get are 'deep, contemplative, floral Sweet Tarts'-- not very helpful, I know. Dry: after about an hour, this becomes more subtle, slinkier, more creamy and calm. It's almost the gorgeous, sunshine water skin scent of Water Dragon, but just a little different. Water Snake is more clean, and a touch floral still. Nine hours later, it is very faint on the skin, a delicious hint of liquid joy. I have been anticipating this blend since Water Dragon, but I tried not to let my love of the one color my impression of the other. They do bear some similarities, but each has unique characteristics that make Water Snake a new and exciting wearing experience. Water Dragon is still my favorite Lunar New Year scent. But Water Snake is nice enough, and unique enough-- despite similarities-- to warrant keeping this bottle. This will get good wear during balmy summer days. It's a very happy, prosperous scent. I highly recommend trying it, whether you loved Water Dragon or not(but especially if you loved Water Dragon-- because it's completely different in the same vein).

Incense-touched jungle orchid. Bottle: incense over lush tropical flowers Wet: The incense is still there; richer, deeper. But it is now joined by cool flowers and wet leaves. These are the kind of flowers that grow in deep shade, their damp, velvet petals almost glowing in the half-light. Dry: This scent last for a good while(4+ hours). On me it is almost as when wet, only the incense becomes a bit warmer and richer. This scent really brings to mind standing beneath a rain forest canopy, staring into a clearing where the sun illuminates an ancient temple, and-- on the breeze-- the scent of incense from hidden rituals clinging to the surrounding rocks and vegetation. P.S. It's the Norman Invasion! Okay, just my 1066th post, but it could be...somewhere.

1) Does anything, scent and / or product-wise, catch your eye from the Haus of Gloi summer drop? (https://www.hausofgloi.com/collections/summer) [you're free to pick stuff NOT from Summer as well, of course! ] Beguiled, The Briar Path, Cottage Flowers, Azure Dragon, and Zephyr sound wonderful-- and perhaps Selkie (I'm a sucker for Selkies). I'm not too familiar with their B&B stuff, but am always open to scrubs, soaps, and would be happy with samples of perfume or hair oil, too. 2) Yes, the rumors are true- I'll be in Paris this summer! Tell me up to five things you'd be happy to get from there, including any specific teas from Dammann Freres, my favorite french tea shop! (https://www.dammann.fr/en/#) First off, bony voyage! I hope you have an exceptionally amazing time, VioletChaos! Answering the question: Any of the jasmines, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Osmanthe D'Or jumped out at me. So many gorgeous-sounding teas... I recently discovered Khamilaluna and plan to place an order soon to get a present for my roommate. Is there anything you'd like from them? O.O All of the body creams, One Starry Night, Tangerine Dreams, Island Nectar, and Oatmeal Strawberry soaps, the Raspberry and cucumber scrubs. Bookmarking this site now... Early July, I will also be taking a trip, but to nowhere so flashy as Paris. I'm going back to the woods. However, middle of nowhere Mississippi does have one advantage - I can probably do some wildcrafting while I'm home. Dear Swapee, is there any small gift from mother nature that you'd like me see if I can source for you from old forests? Obviously no promises; but if I don't know what to look for, I certainly won't find. That sounds wonderful. Hope you have a vibrant, wonderful time reconnecting! After thinking on it, if there were anything to catch your eye out there that you felt "Oh, that would be cool for Usagi!" then I would like that. Otherwise, if you happened across a plant or tree seed that would survive hot, hot summers, and fairly cool winters, I would love to try to grow something from native to there-- non invasive, of course. Please don't send Kudzu. While I'm pretty sure the desert would fry it, better not to risk that... 😉 Although, a wildcrafter kudzu food or B&B thing might be cool. It's seems like an interesting plant. Also, pictures. Pictures of the nature would be lovely. Also, second question, ring sizes, obviously fingers are all different sizes, even on the same hand - do you wear rings on all your fingers? how about a range smallest to largest? I mainly wear rings on my right middle finger, pointer, and ring, and left middle finger. Occasionally I were a ring on my right pinkie. I think I did a range in the questionnaire... But, more specifically: pinkie 5.5-6, ring 7, middle and pointer 8? I think my thumb is an 8.5, just to have all the digits on there. If your Sprite were to gift you magical items or workings... a) Would you be interested in that? b) If so, what intention(s) would you appreciate most? a) Yes, that would be awesome, and b) healing, strength, adaption, perseverance-- not necessarily for me, but for the environment and my plants and trees in particular. Our effect on the environment and the weather pattern fall out has been a bit stressful on the living things around here. Would you be interested in a set of (rpg) dice? If so, what colors/aesthetic? Is it wrong that I don't tabletop, but would love some dice? The more-sided the merrier! I would love any dice in clear or translucent, with things inside. What's your favorite creature? Nature: Hedgehogs, cats, bats, California roof rats, seals, otters, sea dragons, jellyfish, PYGMY HIPPOOOOS; I met the most adorable tiny bearded dragon in Petsmart today... I like animals, in general. Supernatural: Dragons, Kelpies, Frank, and most of the other Beasts in the Fantastic Beasts movies, Humanoid supernatural: Mermaids, Selkies, Domovoi, Rusalka, Dryads, Naiads, Nereids, Fae. I'm very much Faerytale people positive. Do you like reading comics? If you haven't really read 'em, would you be interested in receiving a few that match your book genre preferences? Yes, I like reading comics, graphic novels, manga, manwha, and most anything with either pretty pictures or interesting stories. Yes, I would love comics I have not read-- though I do have a significant backlog of manga right now. I'm headed to Puerto Rico in July - anything particularly interesting you would like from there? Wow! Have a wonderful trip! I would love to see pictures of the beaches, or the plants. Would you be interested in receiving a small bottle of home infused whiskey aged from commercially produced moonshine? Any particular flavors you might enjoy (examples include orange chai or cinnamon chocolate or hot peppers)? If it would be good to bake or cook with, certainly, your suggestions sound aromatic and lovely. Would you be interested in homemade shortbread that fits your flavor preferences? I *would*, but we are heading into the warm time of year-- and by warm I mean hovering in the 110* for weeks at a time. Anything that is meltable will likely melt before I can get to it. On reflection, please, no shortbread. If your bday is during the swap, how are you planning to celebrate? My birthday is not during the swap, just a lot of unbirthdays. Likewise, how do you celebrate relevant spiritual holidays in this time period? I'll be marking Midsummer. Anything you want from the UK? I would, but those things are rather meltable (see: Cadbury's Marvelous Creations jelly popping candy bar). If, for some reason, you happen into a Tesco, I would adore a box of their Blackberry Nettle tea/infusion, if they still carry it. Seeds, y/n? Seeds are always a yes. Are you interested in skincare/shampoo/conditioner? Skincare: always. Shampoo and Conditioner: no, thank you. Are you interested in tights? If so, what thickness, style, and size? Footless tights, or leggings, sure. I think M/L, US. I'm open to all styles. Although for styles, nothing with nudity? I went to work with cherubs on my leggings once, and the children kept asking why I had a naked baby on my tights. Do you use tarot decks? Would you like to receive more - and if so, can you list the ones you already have? I love tarot decks and oracle cards. I have Dragon Tarot, Faery Wicca, Old Path, Wildwood, Llewellyn, Golden Art Nouveau, Egyptian, an Ancient China themed one (some of these are packed up, and I don't remember their official titles), some generic ones from Barnes &Noble. I've probably missed a couple. What do you think of the art on this website? https://www.printisdead.co.uk/ The aesthetic is gorgeous. I like the Black Cat, Starlight Witch's Cat, and the Star Mushrooms the best. Is loose leaf tea good, or do you prefer bagged? Loose leaf tea is great. But bagged is fine, too. I make arm warmers. I make them from sweaters I thrifted. They can be all one color, or stripes of different colors. They can be long, to the elbows, or shorter. If you would like a pair, tell me your favorite colors. Solids are more generally elegant, Stripes can be as wildly funky as you wish. Long? Short? Cashmere? Tell me your fingerless mitts arm warmer dreams. That is so cool! My arm warmer collection has been going unloved for a while. But fingerless gloves/mitts would be awesome for winter. I'm open to all the colors, or stripes. The one thing is they would need to be machine washable on warm. 6/2/22 PBSW Summer collection is live!!! Anything catch your eye? Scents: Crystalcore Hammocks and Holystones Red Cow The Longest Day and from the not summer collection: Wayfinder Capybaras and Yuzu Rhuby formats: soaps, sorbetto, oil. Sample or full-size, both awesome. 6/4/22 It's farmers market season in town and I have loads of lovely local artisans to shop from. Would you be interested in items from any of the following? The Rod Homestead (I love this one I helped fund her commercial kitchen) Well, now I'm hungry! The Raspberry Blood Orange and Grenadine simple syrups sound amazing. Working Class Coffee Their mission statement is awesome. I don't see anything that catches my eye. Philly Nuts Pine nuts would be awesome. 222 Creations Very cute, but probably would not wear Carol's Epiphany The stamped raven and tree pendants are beautiful, and the little flower baubles; I'm intrigued by the idea of a leather ring. But I probably would not wear these. 6/5/22 I am learning to do embroidery. Would you possibly like a simple hand embroidered piece? Wow! Embroidery is such a great skill. I'm in awe of anyone with the patience and the skill to work a fine hand. If you would like this is there a simple favorite flower or summer symbol, like a bee? If you were so inclined, I'd love a tiny embroidery-- stars, or waves or a little sprig of this: Why is it so big?!!   What kind of sprite would you prefer? A ninja or to know the ID right away? Dear Sprite, your spriteliness is entirely up to you. You need to be comfortable and have fun, too. While I'd love to know specifically whom to thank at the end of the swap, if being a ninja is what your heart desires, I am content with putting oodles of gratitude out into the universe to an anonymous person (I wanted to use the word 'oodles'; it's not around much anymore). 6/6/22 Are you ok with shunga label art (bpal?) I am fine with shunga art-- unless it is on wearables. In which case, I'm fine with it on other people, but would not get use out of it, because I work with children, and that would not end well (see: cherub leggings above). I will, one day, have a poster of the Dancing Koi label, because it it awesome and makes me laugh. I dye yarn. Is custom yarn of interest to you? Yes. - If so, colors? I have various weights of wool, sport and dk cotton, cotton thread in 3/2 and 5/2, and light fingering weight bamboo rayon that dyes like a dream All the colors! But especially blue-greens and golden yellows. Oo, or orange... or maybe ultraviolet... So, yeah. All the colors. Any fiber is great, though I admit a special fondness for bamboo.  My European travels are expanding! Anything you want from Portugal or Berlin??? Probably nothing that would travel well. But, if you happen to be my Sprite, then I would love for you to find and try the famous Portuguese custard tarts that the nuns make (pais de nata, if tarts are your thing, otherwise nevermind) and then tell me what you thought of them. Most important of all, have an amazing adventure! My friend makes cool art with garbage, is there anything here you might like? https://www.garbageforgood.com/ That is so cool! I might like a pin. Or if there is an artist bio brochure about how your friend started and why they create their art this way, I'd love to have something like that to take to school and show the kids. Some of them already do upcycling kinds of things, and I think your friend and their vocation would be really inspirational to a lot of them. 6/8/22 Would you like items related to your astrological sign and if so what is it? Sure, I like the little bow and arrow for Sagittarius, or if you make/find something with the constellation on it, that's awesome, also-- or, like, your interpretation. That would be cool! My birthday is December 16, so there's also some people that say my sign is really that secret caduceus sign(Ophiuchus) that they put in between Sagittarius and Capricorn because of a change in astronomy since astrological signs were invented(or something like that). I'm a Sheep/Ram in Eastern, and I do love sheep (I think sheep are tied with geese for my favorite farm animal). On more unusual signs: I'm not sure of my Mayan sign, because it tells me different things depending on the site. I was either a crocodile, or possible a peacock. Those are two *very* different things. My Babylonian sign is, apparently, Pabilsag, and the symbol(Anzu-bird) is described as something like Frank from Fantastic Beasts-- which I am totally cool with. What do you think of plushies? I love plushies, all kinds of plushies. Are there any Korean or Japanese food/craft/self-care items you would be interested in in receiving? Tea, candy, spices, furikake-- always interested in trying new things. I'm going to try to make Kongjang, so if you happen to know of particularly spectacular dried black soybeans somewhere, please let me know. Is there anything for your garden or houseplants that you need, or would like (tiny, hand thrown cachepot for a prized astrophytum, etc.), or are you proudly black thumb and shun any plant that isn't resin? For my garden, solar light things are always cool, metal or ceramic plant name picks, hardy bulbs or seeds, squirrel deterrent ( )... As far as houseplants go, hangy things or hooks, tiny blibbets to decorate pots (I've got some itty bitty hedgehogs and figurines that hang off the lips of pots). I would love to say plants or cuttings themselves, but the extent to which they would be horribly dead by the time they got here is just way too cruel for that. I ordered my wish list rose in May (when it was only in the 80s), and the box-- when I opened it, direct from our awesome UPS person (so this is totally not on them)-- had a waft of what I would describe as infrared sauna air come out of it. Thank goodness rugosas are so hardy. How many books is too many books? There is no such thing as too many books, only not enough space. 6/13/22 I’m knitting up washcloths right now. Would you like some? Sure! I like to wash things... my face, the dishes. So long as they are washable, they will be appreciated. any spices you need/want? I’m fleshing out a Penzey's order!! I have no experience with Penzey's, but always appreciate spices. And from the sound of comments, they are fair trade and ecologically mindful. I am totally down. Your feelings on chocolate? Milk chocolate, Dark chocolate, White chocolate? with or without nuts? How about truffly goodness? I love chocolate, but not Hershey's. Unfortunately, chocolate will not survive the mail this time of year, unless it is in a jar. Tempering can only protect it so far, sadly. Do you want anything for your vehicle? Like bumper stickers or magnets? No, thank you. There is a Japanese street fair this weekend I'm going to try and hit up. Sadly I can't send you any fresh/hot treats from the food vendors; but there's often a lot of little other kinds of treats - any interest in Japanese fashion-ish items? (kanzashi hair pins, and other things made form old kimono fabric, fans, tenugui, etc?) Anything with kimono fabric sounds awesome! Or anything with maneki neko. Most importantly, just go and have fun; stay hydrated, eat a taiyaki or a shave ice, and enjoy yourself! I am afraid to send chocolate in this heat. What other things might you enjoy? Gourmet lollipops? Handmade Marshmallows (not by me LOL)? Flavored cotton candy? other ideas? Any of the above sound awesome (particularly cotton candy), dried fruit or fruit leather, dry goods mixes to make my own thing once it arrives, spices, Koolaid packets, recipes for your favorite sweet treat. I am pretty good with anything that won't be destroyed by a 120* mailbox. do you have any reservations about wearing leather, like in an accessory?? Leather is fine. So I took a "viking knitting" class (which is really wire weaving) and can now make necklaces and bracelets. Would you be interested in either one? IF SO What color wire would you like? (silver, gold, copper, blue, purple, yellow, green orange, black, turquoise, pink, so many colors.) I have THIS PACK among others. What length would you want (on either or both?) 1) that looks *awesome*. 2) any color is fine, but if you are asking, copper, orange, and blue-green would top my list. I'm not sure about lengths, anything beyond 7.5" should fit somewhere? What kind of fasteners do you like best (lobster claw, toggle clasp, magnetic?) and color of fasteners? (silver, gunmetal, copper, gold?) - some of the toggle clasps come in cool shapes. magnetic is cool, or hook and eye. But anything, really. Do you think a larger chunky one like a torc or a slimmer one? I can draw the wire down to different sizes with my draw plate. either/or.

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The Land of Insanities. Shrieking white tobacco flower and geranium pepper streaked by high-pitched wails of orange blossom, neroli, and elemi, all obscured by a disorienting veil of orris and violet root. So excited for this new Lunacy theme! In the bottle, it's a high-pitched, white lunar herbal, leaning heavily towards herbal. First applied, it's still light and herbal, but has the weight of a highly refined unisex cologne-- perhaps leaning a bit towards an aquatic. The neroli and elemi combine to form an airy-cool scent that is neither one nor the other, but brings wisps of rich herbal coolness with very light throw. The pepper adds a little kick. I don't smell the tobacco flower, per se. But I think it's in there, delicately adding a white roundness that completes the scent. As it dries, it goes through a short "soapy" phase-- but only the best, french-milled, tiny niche shop soap, you understand -- where it's a bit too white and too high-pitched. This phase fades quickly. It could be due to the bottle having just ended its journey this afternoon, being born only slightly earlier than that. It's anyone guess. When the scent has settled into the skin, there is more tobacco flower. It's cooler and rounder, with the orris adding a fine, powdery quality, like moondust. As it fades, there's mostly sweet orris-- a little powdery-- buoyed by a soft breath of tobacco flower. The impression this scent gives is of a cool, dark field of grey sand, under a black sky, where the earth has replaced the moon. And maybe it's comforting that no one can hear you scream. This blend is pretty fabulous, greater than the sum of its parts, and highly wearable.

An aparche for the Eleusinian goddesses: a crystalline, uplifting blend of white pomegranate, golden grapes, apricot, black fig, and lemon and orange rind.  (Fresh from the post this morning) In the bottle, it spicy floral and juicy fruits. Wet, the scent of pomegranate, and spiced pear hard candies? There's a hint of sweet citrus, and some sort of musky herbal; a bit of horehound, or catnip. Right now, it is absolutely gorgeous-- bright and burgeoning, but not overpowering. Dry: It relaxes into a lightly spiced, pale golden fruit scent, pomegranate and warm citrus at the fore. Stunning.

In the Bottle: buttery, savory pastry, with sweet honey and a hint of floral in the wings. wet: Herbal honey floral, almost a nostalgic medicinal, and a hint of buttery grains. dry: powdery honey, a touch resinous, with soft floral, and a dash of grain scent that smells-- for all intents and purposes-- like buttered popcorn. I'm so glad I let this rest before reviewing it. When it initially arrived from the mail, It smelled like straight up, Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly jelly beans from bottle to drydown-- until it started to fade, when there was just the merest promise of gorgeous honey and Champaca blossom. A few days of rest has made all the difference, and the honey is wafting, gracefully, towards center stage with a small bouquet of Champaca, while the basmati (which still smells, strangely, like buttered popcorn jelly beans) claps, good-humoredly, from stage right-- until the very drydown, when he tried to jump down center and go "ta-DAAA!"

In the bottle: "icy" grapefruit-apple, with floral undertones. Wet: apple, with a tang of citrus, and some of BPAL's icy notes, over a slightly heady, almost fizzy floral. It's sweet, and a bit heady. Dry: It's very perfumy. Heady floral and apple, with just the last tang of citrus remaining. The label is adorable.

"Vibrant" and "glowing" is right! This scent is lively, and warm. The cinnamon is sweet with tobacco undertones, streaked through with zips of ginger. The red pepper is a barely there roundness, and everything is encompassed, beautifully, in a soft red musk. It was lighter on me than many of the other musk hair glosses I've tried. The scent lasted about a day in my hair, before fading gently out. Initially, it felt like a relative of East Indian Palace atmosphere spray-- probably because of the gorgeous sweet cinnamon musk. For reference: three spritzes in 30+" of straight fine hair, of which there is a fair amount. Combed through damp hair, lightly blow dried, hair worn lose and in a braid.

Wow. Sniffing the bottle, I worried that this would be too powdery. Initial application in hair, it was high-pitched, but not loud-- like the whisper of vanilla pipe smoke left hanging in a room. It warmed more with wear, becoming an almost vanilla musk wood scent. The vanilla smoke became a sort of skin musk reminder of borrowing someone's sweater on a cool night-- someone with delicious taste in scent. It reminded me, in turns, of The Girl, then Brom Bones. I think it was because of the warm vanilla skin musk feeling Le Coucher took on after a couple of hours. This scent lasted a full two days between washes, and smelled wonderful throughout. For reference: two spritzes of gloss on damp, 30+" straight, fine hair, of which there is fair amount. Combed through, blow dried, then worn as usual (up, down, all around, in the sun and wind).

Are you okay with homemade food? Yes. So long as it's not something that is going to go off on the way. Baked goods might be a pass, given that it seems like we are going to have a continuance of hot weather(by which I mean 100+ days), with the addition of humidity . Candies, canned or preserved, dried things, spice mixes, and anything like that should be okay, though-- just nothing that will melt or mold. If you are okay with decorations, do you have a preference to table-top, wall hanging or window decorations? I love decorations of all sorts. How do you feel about stationary and/or papercrafting supplies? I love them. How do you feel about kitschy/silly Halloween jewelry? It's fun. One thing I think I forgot in my questionnaire, though, is I don't have pierced ears. So, as awesome as the Halloween earrings are, those are not for me. Would you like a Halloween wreath? I'd love one. I had an absolutely gorgeous one made by a kind forumite, but it had dried gourds on it and it kind of died last year. What rares are you dying to try??? Pink Moon 2017 and Vanilla Orchid SN? I missed them earlier this year, and would just like to sniff them, really. Other than that, my wishlist is pretty extensive. Comic books and graphic novels: are awesome. Would you like to receive anything related to: Disney? Sure! If so, any favorite characters? Ariel for favorite princess, and all her awesome aquatic friends. This is not so much characters-- but since NMBC is Disney now, that whole shebang(if I had to pick favorites, it would be Oogie, Lock, Shock, and Barrel; because they have the best songs ). And to be more specific about Disney: How do you feel about Beauty and the beast? I loved the animated movie as a kid, have not seen the new live action. Belle would be a close runner up for favorite princess( because she's not a mermaid), along with Jasmine. Plus, books, inventions, and talking crockery are all awesome. And what about Harry Potter related items? Harry Potter is awesome. Would especially adore Frank, or other magical creature-centric, anything. Hogwarts House is Gryffindor, last time I checked. Ilvermorny house is Thunderbird. My patronus is(although I don't necessarily agree, I'm definitely not mad about it)... a brown hare. Well, I laughed, anyway. Luna's got a hare, too. So, I'm in good bunny company. Pokemon? Any favorites? I like Pokemon! Haven't played anything but Go in a million years, but I do still sort of collect the TCG cards ( because I buy them for treasure box, and sometimes there are doubles that are just too cute ). Pokemon are awesome. Top-of-my-head favorite are: Dratini, Jigglypuff, Charmander, Mew, Ditto, Shaymin, and Mimikyu. A full favorites list would encompass probably a tenth of all Pokemon released so far, and that would be a bit ridiculous. I just like cute magical creatures with soulful eyes. Is there any thing, category, or brand from which you would absolutely NOT like to receive things (ie., you're overrun with candy corn, you don't do scents outside of BPAL, or if you ever see another Stephen King item, it will be too soon)? I hate Hershey's chocolate.Not really into Stephen King books, don't do slasher films, or the Saw franchise, FNaF, and I would rather not have anything made of bone or exoskeleton. What kinds of art/art medium do you most enjoy, or would you most like to receive, in the context of this swap? I love watercolor, and tiny figurines, but am also a big fan of the written word, imagery and rhyming. I'd love any art that looked old/aged, kind of dark fantasy or Victorian spooky, or seemingly normal images where something is just subtlely off-- especially *old* photos. Think Disneyland Haunted House or the pics in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiars Bath & Body Works - love them or hate them? If the former, fave product types? I like them. I don't really go there anymore, so whatever awesome packaging they come out with this year in the form of pockets backs, soap dispensers, or candles would be awesome to see-- and (although probably waaaayy too early in the season) someone told me their fir tree candle is amazing. I'm in Japan, is there anything specific from here you would be interested in? Sailor Moon gachapon? San-X stuff, yuzu anything, and those seaweed caramels that I will probably never find again. I'm in The Netherlands. Is there anything from The Netherlands/Europe that you're interested in? Salmiak knotsen, Cassis, Roos Vicee, Potter's droppastilles... if you had access to drabbelkoek, and could send just a tin of those, I would be happy with that for all 13 nights, because it would make my mam's day. My dad might love you forever if you sent a roll of Droste pastilles. From Europe in general, Cadbury's Marvellous Creations with the popping candy and jelly babies (although this is probably the one thing on this list that I *can* actually order from here). How would you feel about receiving a hand-painted container for your bpal and/or other treasures? if you are on board with that, would you want a big wood box (~50 bottles), a small wood box (~20 bottles) or a tin for carrying imps around? I love boxes; whatever size you wanted to make. If you were to receive something hand knit, what type of item would you like? hat, cowl, handwarmers, etc. and what color(s)? Handmade anything is awesome! Fall leaf colors, or watery blues/greens Nail wraps - yay or nay? Would including a small manicure set to go with them help? I've never gotten around to trying them, but have seen some totally adorable patterns, and would totally be up to check them out. I don't know if a manicure set would help?

Question 1: If I made some ephemeral art that was meant to be burned as the sacrifice, would you have a safe place to do that (a fireplace, a backyard, a bbq grill lol)? Nothing big, maybe 6 inches tall. I have places to safely burn things, but I don't know how I would feel about burning someone's art, regardless of intention. I could give it a shot, though? Question 2: Would you want something from this website for your "light"? They're local to me and do beautiful work and I get a 20% discount. ha ha So if you see something you love, speak up. http://www.curiouscustoms.com/homey/ I think that the cloud wall sconce and the patterns on the sun and waterwave lanterns are beautiful, but I would not want anyone to spend that much on anything for me. If those came in a nightlight, that would be awesome. Would people want a relaxing CD or a recording of the rainforest, or are people looking for things like mix CDs or something from a favorite artist. I'd love a relaxing or contemplative CD. I have a lot of nature ambiance CDs already, so maybe not so much that. Mix CDs are always welcome, or music recommendations. Someone mentioned windchimes in the thread, and-- as awesome as they are-- my habitat eats them. We get really high winds out here on kind of a regular basis, so any wind music thing would have to live indoors. Would you, Snowflake, be interested in getting a bracelet or pendant necklace as a "charm" for banishment or protection or shifting energy or brining in luck? If so, what's your preference (bracelet, necklace pendant), size (wrist size, chain length), what metals to you prefer (copper, sterling silver?), and what colors /stones do you have an affinity for? I am always interested in shiny things, especially jewelry shiny things. Anything that also has properties is a welcome bonus. Wrist size is average? 7", I think. I prefer necklaces be either really short or really long. Midlength things tend to either bounce on-- or become wedged in-- my cleavage. Yes, I have been clocked in the teeth by my own necklace on occasion. So many sad pandas. I like copper and brass, silver is great so is gold. I like the metallic color that is somewhere between brass and rosegold. The list of beloved stones would be *really* long, but apatite, moonstone, labradorite, fluorite, unakite, kabamba jasper, carnelian, chalcedony, sugilite, prehnite, bloodstone, clear quartz, and opals are just a few. I like blues and greens a lot, and things that look like clear water droplets, or milky and translucent stones. Stones are awesome, and seashells, and metal, and colored glass, gum wrappers... I'm a magpie.

Paintbox Soapworks: Red Right Hand sounds amazing. Creeping Horror looks amazing. Pink Sand, Sky Blue Sky, Tiger Bar, Mister Blue Sky, Gardensong, April Fool, and the Summerhouse seem like they could all be fabulous, and Whiskers is a favorite. I love PBSW soaps and sorbettos. Dia de los Muertos: Don't really celebrate it, but I like the aesthetic, and appreciate the practice of remembering and honoring departed loved ones in such awesome, happy ways. So totally send those calacas and flor de muerto seeds over here, if you are so inclined. Handknit items: Totally! Whether it's wearable of decorative, hand done anything is always much appreciated, especially fall-themed. Are there any fandoms or specific collectible genres you would appreciate things of/for(ex: you collect shot glasses, or the ninth Doctor is your bae)? Books, blank journals, plants/seeds, and have been wanting to expand my strange and old photo/card collection. Probably more things, but don't even know right now. Dresden Files, LotR Pokemon, Dr. Who, Harry Potter(was sorted into Gryffindor, would probably be Ravenclaw, IRL, got sorted into Hufflepuff once[probably because they asked me questions about gardening and finding things, which are now Hufflepuff characteristics?], have nothing against Slytherin, except that the logistics of having to live in a dungeon for any length of time would drive me insane-- dungeons have no windows), Legend of Zelda, Sailor Moon, bunch of other stuff. I'm not a hardcore fangirl on anything, but I fringe and enjoy lots of fandoms from the sidelines-- like Monster/Ever After High. Though I did just discover that there is a TV show of Ash vs. the Evil Dead, and my immediate drive was that I *needed* that, stat. Thankfully, I have honed my impulse control, for fear of becoming well-merched, but homeless. But you can bet that when that paycheck gets deposited next week, the awesomeness of Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi *will* be my treat. *mwahahahaha* Do you have a favorite Fall/Halloween symbol? Mine is bats. Bats all the time, doesn't even need to be seasonal. Cats, leaves, hedgehogs and creepy trees are also awesome. First, talk to me about soaps- do you like them, and what kinds of scents/lather/varieties do you like? I like soap, so long as it doesn't have any skin irritants, like SLS. Bar soap, soap scrub or whip; it's all good. I like the same kinds of scents I tend to like in perfume, I guess. Second, tell me about teas! Favorites? Anything you'd like to try? Tea is awesome. A really good jasmine tea is my favorite, I go for green over black, generally, and I seem to have developed a caffeine sensitivity over the past couple of years. This means a good decaf is even more appreciated. Herbal infusions are great, too. Not such a big fan of rooibos. Lastly, I go to Renn Faire- is there anything from there you might like? Beautiful costuming bits? Oh, and there always seem to be vendors with really nice perfume or aromatherapy oils and incense. Also, I don't know if all Ren' Faires have this, but the people with the poundy thing where you make your own amulet, and the ladies say 'Well struck, my lord!' every time the mallet falls? That's the best. What Weenie of year's past are you seeking from the lab? Hmm... Magnificent Autumn, Witch-Bride, Apple IV, Witch Riding a Dragon, A Witches' Sabbath, Young Woman Appealing to a Witch, Portrait of an Unidentified Man as Mephistopheles, and Dead Leaves, Frankincense and Copal. I think? Just testers or decants, mostly. Can you tell I pretty much missed out on Weenies last year? Are you a shawl wearer- and if you don't wear one now, would you? Yes, I am a shawl/scarf wearer. drapy, lovely shawls for wrapping around shoulders, and fluffy, cozy scarves that you can wrap to keep your neck warm and still have hangy bits. Scarves need to have good neck, coverage, though. The super scrawny scarves that may as well be a necklace, I don't get much use out of, sadly. Other than that, fabric and knit shawls/scarves are all wonderful. Tell me about LUSH- do you like them? If so, what are some of your favorite things from there? Particularly fond scents or products? Stuff you can't stand? Sandstone soap is the only specific thing I can think of off the top of my head. But I have loved their massage bars, lotions, fresh masks(Brazen Honey FTW), face cleansers(like Aqua Marina), and scrub bars(Buffy!) in the past. I just haven't been to a Lush in a long time, and have no idea what they have. For the Record, Emperor of Ice cream was once my one true Lush Love. If that were a scent, I would spray it all over everything, and then also wear it. I don't have a tub, so bath things will be lost on me(though I did use a snowman, once, to make my underwear drawer smell *amazing*. I apologize if that is TMI). I tend to avoid the SLS soaps (even though I *love* the scent of Honey, I Washed the Kids[or, at least, used to?]), and the solid shampoos. The little lip balm things are nice, and I've been curious about some of their perfume scents. So, in this swap, you open a goodie every day. I have seen this gift direction done several different ways, but I am interested in which you are most keen to do. Would you rather: A. have strict direction as to which gift is to be opened on which day(aka the number system)? B.have a few gifts that are meant to be opened on specific days (ex: *this* one is for Halloween night only), but the rest be your choice? C. have a free-for-all, grab bag-style box of goodies, where you are the sole arbiter of your goodie grabbing destiny(everything is wrapped but you pick the gift you want to open each day)? D. be surprised? D! Whatever works best for you. Who else goes for decorating with sass? For the past few years, I have decorated with an ever decreasing half-hearted hope that there will be trick-or-treaters and awesome. Perhaps, what I need is some sass... I live in Japan, is there anything from there you would specifically want? Stationary(esp. Sentimental Circus), yuzu-flavored things, pictures of beautiful naturescaps-- like the Niyodo River or Ishigaki or Yakushima, .3 pilot pens in burgundy? To be honest, I'm not sure. If you think I would enjoy it, I'm sure I will. Pumpkin Spice or No Pumpkin Spice? I really hope I did not miss this in my questionnaire, but I have a food allergy to allspice, which is often found in pumpkin pie mix. Also, someone was kind enough to bring me home a Pumpkin Spice Latte last week-- which is usually the one no-fail pumpkin thing-- and it made me physically ill. That's fine. They seem to have been getting progressively sweeter the past few years, anyway. I'm just going to go see if the one Starbucks in the city has Frappulas again this year-- because Frappulas are delicious and involve raspberry. That's a very long winded way of saying 'no' on pumpkin spice edibles. Scented goods, on the other hand, are a definite possibility. So long as there is no buttery baked good-ness. B&BW Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin used to be a loved scent, once upon a time. Scents like that are A-OK. Milk, white, and/or Dark Chocolate? All the chocolate, so long as it isn't Hershey's chocolate, and doesn't taste like Hershey's chocolate. Do you like Yankee Candle? Anything you want from there? I don't dislike Yankee Candles, but I'm not into them enough to have any specific thing I want from them. Anything you have your eye on at BPTP? I didn't even know there'd been an update until this question. The Serpentine, Jeune Femme Nourrissant une Licorne, Chastity with the Unicorn, and Portrait of a Young Woman with a Unicorn all sound lovely. But, again, I'm not pining over any of them, and would probably be quite pleased with a tester or decant. Bath & Body Works I liked them way back when the freesia actually smelled like freesias. Then they had that reformulation thing, and everything smelled all perfumey and synthetic to me. Their Halloween line is usually super cute, though, and baby bacs or tiny,anti-bac lotions to take to work would not go amiss. Also, someone told me they had a very tree-smelling Christmas candle(not that this has anything to do with Falloween). Sockdreams I believe there are several pair on the 'Wearables' list in my Amazon wishlist. But, honestly, I destroy socks. You would probably be better off getting yourself some lovely Sockdreams socks, and getting me some of those cute, cheapie three-use socks from the craft store. It's sad. edit: I just added some things of Sockdreams to the Amazon thing, possibly because I cannot resist making neverending lists of shiny things-- but hopefully to help give you an idea of the kinds of socks that I should absolutely not be wearing because they would be an instant Mortal Kombat fatality at my hands--err-- feet. I'd like to make some baked goods, would you like some? And if you have any food allergies what can I use as substitute? Baked goods are delicious, and I would love to try your baked goods. But, please bear in mind that it is still hovering at just over and under 100* here in Bumblemoo, and will likely continue to stay in the high 90s until the end of October/mid-November, at which point there will be a sudden freeze-- because this is how it rolls out here. But, I'm willing to risk it if you are. As far as allergies go, I am allergic to tomatoes and tomato products-- which doesn't always extend to ketchup, but sometimes, and so I tend to avoid all the lycopene goodness of that particular food, just in case. I have no idea what you would substitute tomatoes with, but let's go with ... CUCUMBER! One can never have too much cucumber. More problematically(and more likely, in baking), Allspice is not my friend. Pumpkin spice mix is, therefor, also not my friend, and pumpkin pie-- regardless of whether the mix has Allspice in it or not-- is also a no-go, because something about the flavor/texture combo causes my gastric system to rebel, and my throat closes up. Please do feel free to replace pumpkin spice with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, ginger, sugar, saffron almond meal, or any combination of the above. P.S. You are awesome and thoughtful just for asking this, whether or not you are my Scarecrow, because food allergies suck, and baked goods are awesome. The Witch is In/Out sign? There is a distinct likelihood that I not only own a revolving tagged signboard of this, but a similarly themed t-shirt, and one that says "Witch and Famous". If it wasn't going to immediately get clocked for what word it was replacing, there is a possibility that I'd be on the lookout for a shirt that said "I'm not *a* witch, I'm THE Witch, and that's Ms. Witch to you." But I digress. These signy things are awesome, as are the Halloween countdown ones. Anything special you want from the Target dollar spot? The Target Dollar Spot is like a magical stationary, sticker, and back-to-school teaching supply wonderland. I don't get into Target very often, but I'm sure their Halloween stuff must be ACE. I'll totally take anything you want to send me. A- far as not-necessarily-Halloween that may or may not be on clearance by now(the lady said two weeks, and that was a month ago...) all that stationery and planner stuff that had little leaves and flowers in muted mints, teals, and peaches? Yeah, that. Other than that, cool stick pins, post-its, totally random useful office supplies and home decor/organizational stuff... Seriously, it is only slightly more safe leaving me to roam things like the Target Dollar Spot than it is to let me loose in a used book store. I live in The Netherlands. If there's anything in particular that you'd like to get from here, now's the time to tell! Salmiak lollies, honing drop, zwart witjes, original roosvicee, cassis(or cassis/zwarte bessen flavored anything), wine gums... I'd be happy with most snoep, actually. Most of the other stuff I can think of would be either really large, really heavy, or technically illegal to send. What is your stance on Glitter? I don't mind glitter at all-- even when it falls off. I just walk around pretending I shed faery sparkles for a while. Also, if you have a Goodreads or other online reading log, does it include a wishlist? Otherwise, is it safe to assume books on the 'to-read' section are wishlist items? Or are you less into keeping a physical copy of the book, and instead prefer to turn to the awesomeness of the library to get your to-read need accomplished. My Goodreads and Amazon both have dedicated wishlist sections. I think Goodreads is largely manga right now, though(because I am lazy and don't sync things). how about art? (Small/mailing safe sizes, course) Sure! I think there are some ideas on my Etsy list. But I'd love just about anything you wanted to make for me, too. Tea lovers, what do you like from Whittard? English Rose, White Peony, Black Currant, Jasmine, Jasmine pearls-- and, I've never had them but, Cherry Blossom, Pear Guava, Bohemian Raspberry, all the hot chocolate, and Orange Blossom sound kind of awesome. Shiro Cosmetics? I apologize, I did not see this question until someone mentioned it. Everything on the site looks awesome, but especially the duochrome shadows, Elemental Glows, Darth Side of the Moon, Blood of my Enemies, and Felix Felicis. I had a really long list of specific shadows I'd love a sample of... but then I was an idiot and paged out of the list I was making. Moon Prism Power, Apparatus, Lost Daughters, and Maiden Queen were among them ,though, I'm pretty sure. Dearest Pumpkin - how much are you wedded to wishlists, say I have some read once books which I think you might like based on what you've read in the past, but there is nothing of the sort on your current Goodreads "to read" list? I would definitely be interested in things not on my wishlist, if you think that I'd like them. The only exceptions to this would be Anita Blake, Stieg Larsson, Song of Ice and Fire, and Twilight. I want none of these, please. Anita Blake because a lot of it began to feel like smut and horrible things for shock value, rather than plot structure. Stieg Larsson and SoIaF because multiple people who know me well say that-- as good as they are-- I will not be okay with them, and sparklepires because a librarian friend actually gifted me the entire series, because I needed to read it, just so I would know. I am pretty much game for anything else, that isn't a festival of non-con, gore, or animal cruelty. Also, I don't mind if the books are less 'like new', and more 'slightly manky'. The best books are not always the shiny, pristine ones. How do you feel about reading series out of order? Obviously not in situations where the subsequent books are part of the same story arc where you will be totally lost and frustrated if you haven't read all of them, but say, standalone stories which are technically part of a series and which might obliquely reference past books, but not in such as way as to spoil the plot of the book which I happen to have in my possession that you might like. I have no problem with this, at all. I read books out of order all the time. Would you be interested in a Halloween themed short story anthology? Sure! Is there a limit to the number of books you'd like to receive? There is no such things as "too many books", "only not enough space" and "not enough years left in life." I have long surpassed the not enough years freak out, and I will *find* space. Oh yes. Have you read Movies in 15 Minutes by our very own Cleolinda? Would you like to? I've read a couple of them... on Livejournal? but a lot of the movies listed in the table of contents are not my cup of tea. So I will pass. It still floors me, though, how many fabulously talented people there are on the forum. That's so awesome. Question: What kind of phone do you have? I need to know.... I have a Amazon Fire Phone-- which I flung off of a blanket and up into the air last month, shattering the screen... It *was* a pretty awesome phone. I will probably be breaking down and start paying installments on a Galaxy Note 7 at next month's paycheck.

Akuma? It smells more like one of those sweets-loving demons from manga/anime. It has a similar vibe to ( gorgeous, and lamentably DCed) Succubus. The trading Post has the Demon's School atmo. spray. Smutty Goblin hair gloss (though it's LE), reminds me of a dark, potentially demonic, carnival. And, as Balame mentioned already-- though LE-- if you can get your hands on the Infernal Lover, that's some sexy demon there. Pandemonium is pretty devilishly sexy, too.

1.Ladies and gents, if you're comfortable receiving clothing, what size(s)? Any particular types of clothing (skirts, oversized t-shirts for crafting, work clothing)? How do you feel about shoes that were bought, worn once, and never brought out of the closet again? Ditto this for anyone else in your household who might appreciate wearables. 2.How do you feel about socks that were very briefly on fresh-out-of-the-shower feet & then removed when it was discovered they didn't fit? 3.How do you feel about vinyl designer toys? (Ex super7, kidrobot, etc) 4.What kind of makeup and/or nail polish would you be interested in receiving? What kind of colors do you like? 5.Speaking of books, are there any books you WOULD NOT READ if something happened to fall into your package? 6.Are there any other hoarders collectors of nail polish? 7. Any hobbies/crafts you would really like supplies for? Similarly, any that you just *really* don't need more stuff of? 8.Are you interested in anything for your kitchen? Pots/pans/gadgets/small appliances/etc. 9.How about fashion accessories??? 10. Used makeup? 11.Would you like to try anything that may not be so easily available in your country, for those of you who may get an international person? 12.Kids' stuff? 13.Are there any styles/colors of handbags you won't carry? 14.Do you play video games & would you be interested in recieving games? If yes, what systems do you have & what types of games do you like? 15.Are you a BPAL only person, or do you wear other perfumes as well? 16.Do you have pets and if so what? 17.Bath/beauty stuff? Ie oils, salts, bubbles? Masks, bb creams? 18.How does everyone feel about CDs and DVDs? Any preferences? 19.Yarn, Y/N? 20.Hey, how do people feel about stripes? Say, black and white stripes? 21.If you are interested in receiving homemade baked goods, do you have any favorites or limitations not mentioned in your questionnaire? Would you like a full list of ingredients included? 22.If you are interested in receiving clothing, would you like any belts, sweatpants, or slippers? And do you have color/style preferences? 23.If you are interested in receiving books, would you like to receive ebooks? As in, book files I'd send you on a USB drive, that you can read on your computer or e-reader. If so, do you have a format preference (epub/mobi/pdf/etc)? 24.Do you have any use for a potpourri container, a bright purple reusable water bottle, or a Massage Envy gift card? 25.Do you collect anything? 26.Do you have any interest or use for anything tarot-related? 27.Do you like cats? 28.How do you feel about barely-used candles? 29.For books, how do you feel about classics? 30.Do YOU want some fabric? If so, please mention any colors/patterns/materials you DON'T want and I'll do the rest! 31.How about fashion accessories??? 32.Do you (or do you know someone) who plays Magic? Or would like a 200 (or so) card starter pack? 33.Other similar games of any interest, say Pokemon or Harry Potter? 34. How do you feel about hair and skincare items? Anything you particularly use? 35.How do folks who have said they like books feel about getting a book mid-series? 36.Any use for gold/platinum/gemstone cleaner? 37. Is there a BPAL unicorn that you have been lusting over?

bottle: PEAR , with a fizzy musk underneath, and just a hint of the lemon beneath the sweetness of the pear. wet: juicy, juicy pear, and it seems to have been soaked in subtle lemon water, then laid on a cool, light-colored, effervescent musk. dry: lingering sweetness of ripe pear, and just a hint of musk.

bottle: strawberry-jasmine-white-chocolate-candy-fiesta! wet: really syrupy berry floral cream. It kind of reminds me of a more floral Weeping Branches Moon-- it has that same heady, hard candy, fruit scent. dry:sweet, fruity, perfumey; just very nice and reminiscent of burgeoning spring things. This has a good deal of lasting power and throw; like walking around in an awesome sweets shop.

bottle: dark, leathery musk, and just a bit of herbal patchouli, maybe; it’s almost sweet and a little smoky. wet: it’s very different; warmer, more comfortable, the leather just adds the merest hint of skin warmth. There is a musk that’s low key, but swirling with another note that's a bit powdery, then something that’s almost floral but not-- it could be daemonorops? I don’t know... The presentation is just very well-blended, and it is difficult to pick any notes standing out. dry:there are musks going on; one the citrusy kind of slightly powdered black musk, and--underneath-- just a bit of the chemically, sort of high-pitched, tang that white musk usually gives me. The leather has mostly faded, and either the honey or the cream is lending a slight sweetness. Overall, this blend is a lot lighter and warmer than expected. The honey and cream temper the leather and musk to create a rounder, friendlier whole. Yes, the dragon is a creeper, but he's a *lovable* creeper-- and has no camera, so no worries about things ending up on the 'net. Oh, wait... If you are hesitating on account of the leather, Creeper's leather is extremely smooth and soft, and all of the notes come together into an extremely wearable scent.

Here are the copious lists and links: Goodreads Etsy Amazon Pinterest Deviantart And questions answered below: PUMPKIN? I like it as a vegetable(mashed, fried, seeds) or in zucchini-bread-like recipes, as a decorative(thought I do lean more towards Spooky/Elegant/Halloweenie/realistic/fairytale, and not country/Americana/primitive), and pumpkin spiced things only as the occasional home fragrance(candles, spray,etc.). I don't eat pumpkin pie or pumpkin spiced baked goods-- whether it's psychosomatic or because it has Allspice, pumpkin pie makes my throat close. The one exception to the 'no pumpkin spice foods' thing is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, which I do really like. BPAL pumpkin containing perfumes tend to go very buttery and cloyingly sweet on me, so probably no to those as well. There have been a couple of exceptions, which I can track down if you really want me to, but I'm fine without pumpkin perfume. How do people feel about canned good (pickles, salsa, etc) and vegetal baked goods (squash bread, zucchini bread) I feel like those sound delicious. I don't, personally, like dill pickles(or dill anything ,really-- except the plant, which is pretty-- though I would totally give dill pickles to my dad, who does like them), but sour pickles or pickled things, and breads, jams, jellies, chutneys, etc. all sound great! 3. Trading Post wants? I've got public wishlists on both the BPTP and BPAL websites, under 'Usagi'. Of the top of my head, things that I would really like to try testers of are Nectar atmo., Chorion atmo., Passion Flower bath oil, or Phlox bath oil. 4. What direct sellers do you not like and would prefer not to get things from? And also feel free to list any retail brands you really don't like. I'd prefer to not have any Smashbox, Mary Kay, or anything not cruelty-free. I'm also not big into the mass market straight-to-you-by-representative things, like Avon, Pampered Chef, Party Lite-- not that they don't have cool stuff. I've just bought their stuff and found myself not using it. 5. How about y'alls coffee and tea preferences? I rarely drink coffee, and I try to only have decaf. I do have access to a Keurig machine. I prefer white, green, herbal teas and fruit tisanes. Black tea and coffee mix drinks(like Pumpkin Spice Lattes) are reserved for special treats. Caffeine doesn't seem to want to be my friend. 6. Do you cook? Would kitchen accessories make you happy? Yes, and bake, too. Kitchen gadgets are great. Seasonal themed things-- forms, sprinkles, spices, recipes-- would be especially lovely. 7. How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems? I would love your creative endeavors. Even if you don't think you should because you aren't a "professional" or whatever, anything you took the time to make me would be awesome and loved. Craft supplies are always welcome. 8. What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you? Ancient cultures- Geek Minoan, Mycenaean, Pictish, Celtic, proto-Celtic, Germanic, Norse, Egyptian, Sumerian, Phoenician; all that good stuff. Modern Cultures- Japan; they just have a unique and interesting combination of old, new, and modified foreign extraction. They've also got marimo, Akitas, wagashi, and anime/manga, which are all awesome, too. I feel an innate connection towards things about people who are between two cultures-- how, somehow being a bit of both really makes you kind of neither, and you have to consciously select which aspects to present. It seems to reflect the struggle that everyone goes through, trying to find a place in the world-- only with being in between worlds, you realize it more actively. 9. Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)? Maybe not pinup, but sure on the rest? I like fantasy and maybe naturey stuff. I really don't like how I look, so maybe not a self portrait-- unless you wanted to make a me that looked nothing like me, which could be awesome-- and I would rather not have loved ones, as those would one day have to be put away because of sadness. I would rather be able to display your art all the time. I apologize. I had slightly more coherent answers to questions before I erased my own post because I am a *genius*. 10. What do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests? Watching Youtube, gardening, spending time with the plants, drawing, reading, writing, sleeping, crochet; I just started art journaling. 11. Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc? Gaming accessories you long for? Kind of? I don't play, but I like the stuff that goes along with it-- fancy, many sided dice, world-building/character books (I have Changeling, Mage: the Ascension, Vampire: Dark Ages, Code of the Harpers, Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home), little figurines. That kind of stuff is really fun to browse through. 12. DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through Amazon? Used is fine. I have a bunch of stuff on various wishlists that I would like to have copies of-- physical or digital. As far as things that would appear right now, that I could watch this second... Movies: The Raven, Stonehearst Asylum(which is not out yet, but looks awesome), and, maybe Waxworks I&II-- because I am trying to get my Halloween on early, and haven't seen either in a *while*. Games, I would probably need to buy new consoles for most of the ones I've been eyeballing(and that is so not happening). Among that list are Rise of Nightmares and Silent Hills(not out yet). As far as what I could actually play, Katamari, Some kind of hidden object/puzzle game, Skyrim, Oblivion, another Harvest Moon game? I've borrowed Tree of Tranquility from my best friend, but I'm not really playing right now. My husband won't make me lunch, and I was disappointed. LOL 13. What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try? Candy is awesome! I'll try anything that isn't an allergy or dislike(or bugs, I really have no desire to experiment with crunchy garden denizens). 14. Do you have a favorite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom? Umm... Slenderman? Pewdiepie? I got nothing. Someone mentioned Sailor Moon, though. I love Sailor Moon(but haven't watched the new show yet; bad fangirl). 15. Do you have a Facebook profile (or other social media) that you are comfortable linking to aid your witch in stalking? Please note whether you are willing to add BPALers as friends. I put all my social media links in the spreadsheet, which is linked(I think) in TwilightEyes sig.. Fair warning, though. I am an incredibly boring Facebook stalk. I repost stuff-- mostly with baby animals, and send photos from my garden to Facebook. That's about it. But you are welcome to add me. 16. Anybody interested in something from RCCC, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particularexhibitor or artist? If you see something there that you think I would like, chances are, I will. 17. How important to you is regular contact / chatter with your witch? Other than knowing, at the beginning, that I have a Witch(so that I am not needlessly annoying other participants with answering questions in my usually verbose manner), contact level is up to my Witch. Whatever you are comfortable with is totally cool with me. PM and chatting on a daily basis is cool. If you want to be a ninja Witch that's okay, too. Anything in between is just fine. So long as you are comfortable and have fun. 18. Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing? I do. My current interest is hidden object/puzzle games, like those from Big Fish. 19. If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions? Either would be fine. 20. What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it? Not enough time/money/space? I don't know... Needing to get things organized in a fashion such that it will stay organized with minimal maintenance. 21. How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? i.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin… That would be lovely. 22. Are you superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations? I don't think so? *knocks on wood* ;p Oh, no Spongebob. I just don't like it, and it also reminds me of someone I am not particularly fond of. And, dead things, or anything made with fur. 23. For the vegetarians and vegans: How do you feel about things (say, marshmallows or gummy candy) made with vegan gelatin or other typically-animal-derived-but-not-in-this-instance products? I am neither Vegan nor vegetarian, but I would *love* to try gelatin-free marshmallows. I also like puddings made with carrageenan instead of gelatin. I don't know about gummies. Are they as sproingy as traditional gummi bears? I had some vegan ones a long time ago and they were sadly squishy. 24. Ok, so we've covered pumpkin. How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples? Apples are awesome! Apple scent, apple flavor-- except for having a slight dislike towards poor apple Skittle. It's only because they replaced lime, which was my second favorite flavor. Y U take my lime? It was an odd marketing decision, in my opinion, but the school kids seem to like it, so I guess it works. 25. Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions? I don't do fur, and prefer more natural fibers in general. But fur is the only thing I don't do. 26. How do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments? Christmas/Yule ornaments are great. 27. How do you feel about Hello Kitty, and Hello Kitty accessories (including mugs, cups, etc)? She's okay. I'm a bigger fan of Miffy/Nijntje. As far as mass-marketed merchandise of cuteness type stuff, I like San-X Sentimental Circus, and specifically Shappo the Ringmaster rabbit. 28. If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study? Is this a magical week where I could literally learn anything by the end of it? At least one of every major language group, and reading all the ancient scripts, plus animal and plant telepathy-- if there were a couple of days left over. Oh, and possibly playing folk harp and piano well, being able to sing at the same time. Why set the bar low, if it's a magic learning weekend, right? I didn't say 'breathe under water', I could have. 29. Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like? Yes. Favorite poets include W.B. Yeats, Nuala ni Dhomhnaill, and Shel Silverstein. Does Tori Amos count? She writes her own lyrics, and I really like many of them. As far as subject matter, I like fun stuff, nature and fantasy, and also people thoughts. 30. Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character? Sure. Favorite Disney Princess is Ariel, and I like Scuttle, Sebastian, and Flounder as well. I can't think of other characters right now, but there are probably a lot of them. I was big on Disney as a kid. 31. How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationery - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?) Cute things are awesome. That store has Sentimental Circus! I also like elegant-creepy. I'm not sure what that would be, specifically, but it sounds awesome. 32. What is something you'd really like to receive from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!" I would like something that was personal to them-- maybe a craft or something they picked out with me in mind. I realize that this sentence basically translates to 'whatever my Witch thinks is fine', and I apologize, but it's true. 33. Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists. I'll trump that. Here are several that were recently liked on Pandora, plus the ones that I have just listened to while answering these questions: Danza Kuduro- Don Omar Take a Hint- Victorious cast All about the Bass- Meghan Trainor Young and Beautiful- Lana del Rey Do What U Want- Lady GaGa Give it Up to Me- Sean Paul Darkest- Tokimonsta Black Widow- Iggy Azalea Monster- Skillet Wicked & Wild- Cecile Mr. Brightside- the Killers Making Christmas- NMBC soundtrack Obedear- Purity Ring Teardrop- Massive Attack Mas Maiz- N.O.R.E. Shalott- Emilie Autumn Aim for the Head- Creature Feature 34. Tarot cards, rune stones and/or other divination tools yay or nay? Yay! 35. Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO Not really? Hugh Jackman is adorable, if I had to pick someone. He sings and dances. There are some actors that I really enjoy watching in their roles and am that much more likely to see a movie if they're in it, like Gary Oldman or Mila Jovovich 36. Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague? Glitter is awesome. 37. If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be? All time periods I could live in need to include flushing toilets. They just do. I could live in a magical steampunk(or just straight up magical) world with flushing toilets. Okay, I just totally read that question wrong. But it's staying. Everyone must know the importance of flushing toilets. I also don't do well without some sort of bust support. I have strange needs. I like magic fantasy ancient world/or otherworld aesthetic? 38. If you had to pick one or two quotes to live by, what would it be and why? I don't knoooooow! 'If today were perfect, there would be no need for tomorrow' is a nice thought, but I don't know how much of a rule to live by it would make. I just read one from Ralph Waldo Emerson a couple of days ago, which went ' to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.' It reminded me of my best friend, whose mother is some extension of Evil Incarnate. Again, though, I don't know if it really reflects me or is a goods rule to live by. I will try to think about this question and come back to it with something reasonable. EDIT: I thought of something! "It matters to this one." "Those who don't believe in magic, will never find it." ~Roald Dahl I don't completely agree with the second one, because life is full of people stumbling upon magic, and believing after the fact. But I really like the sentiment. 39. Do you prefer physical books? CD books? eBooks? If eBooks do you have preferred format, kindle/nook/kobo/PDF/ePub/ect? eAudio? I prefer paper books, but have a strict policy of never turning down a book. Ebooks and all will take me longer to read, though ,as I have no ereader and will need to read them on my computer. 40. Smut! Yes or no? If yes, what kink, er, kind? Sure! Paranormal. I don't even know what qualifies as a kink anymore. I don't appreciate non-con. Other than that, so long as it's humanoid on humanoid, it's all good? 41. Ebooks! Yes or no? Sure. I have a strict policy of never turning a book away. 42. If you were to get a custom bottle from House of Gloi made for you what notes would create your perfect blend? Hmm, I did this a while ago, but it turned out being much better suited to my best friend(which did work out, because her men do not like her favorite BPAL, and the HoG might be preferable). I like the idea of red musk/sweet cream/cardamom/Tonka, red musk/orange blossom/ Tonka/cardamom, or red musk/dragon's blood/fall leaves/tonka. 43. If your witch were to take a photograph (or paint or whatever) of something just for you, what would it be? Landscape? Flower? Critter? Something to illustrate a favorite quote? Plants, animals, artistic rendering of a favorite quote, or a landscape(nature as opposed to cityscape). 44. What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration? Bats. It would be a toss up between bats and black cats, but my furbaby died this spring(<--edited because that made it sound like he ran away), and it really hurts-- his little brother is still here, but he has also been ill this year. It's a year of loss and medical foofooness for our family. So, bats. I also like skeletal trees and elegant spiderwebs. Halloween stuff, in general, is awesome. 45. Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)? Yes! All of those kinds sound good, though I would prefer stayput lip products(stains are great). No talc, where possible, and as many #-free on the nail polish. I'd love to try a Rainbow Honey mystery bag, or any loose eyeshadows. for nails, translucent jellies with glitter flakes or mylar, or glitter sand, are my favorites. I'm currently searching for a really good vivid, fiery orange metallic,lustre, or shimmer liner or shadow. 46. How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor? Trollfucker is my favorite cussword. I don't use profanity overly much, but I'm not terribly bothered by it. Off-color and/or black/macabre humor are fine, though I don't appreciate discriminatory humor. 47. I make hairsticks...would you like/use them? I would love them. I just cut my hair really short this spring, so it might be a while before I could use them(though I could technically put one side up, since the cut is asymmetrical), but I would still enjoy them. 48. Does anyone here LARP? If so, what kind of LARP? And what kind of character do you play? I don't. But I will totally wear "cosplay" type things for normal. I like quality wigs, interesting accessories, and pretty clothes. 49. Would you completely freak out if I sent you a chocolate covered scorpion or some other food oddity? This includes things like 'bacon powder' from thinkgeek.com. Please, no bacon chocolate. I didn't like it. It may just be that it was maple bacon, but I think I generally just don't appreciate bacon in my dessert foods. I wouldn't freak out if you sent me a chocolate covered scorpion, but I probably wouldn't be thrilled. Tasting bugs is not really on my bucket list. Unusual foods, however, could be cool. My father is currently in love with pickled brussel sprouts(aka "frog balls"). 50. This has kind of been covered, but, are you ok with receiving canned jam (from a veteran jammer!) and if so, what flavors would you like and not like? Yes. I love jam. Perhaps not blueberry, but currant or tart marmalade, raspberry, or apple butter? 51. Let's talk nail polish. What colors do you love? Hate? Which brands are you dying to try? Have you ever used indies? Do you like glitter? Any textures to avoid (glitter, sand, etc)? I love colors. I like glitter. I like glitter sand! I'd love to try Rainbow Honey. My only real experience with indie polish is from the lovely Forumite sth0, who made me some gorgeous polishes. I prefer all the possible frees. 52. How do you feel about getting a special Halloween plushie? That's sounds lovely. 53. I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun? I like Japanese candies and snacks, San-X sentimental Circus(Shappo is my favorite), general cute things, Sailor Moon,Free!(Iwatobi swim club), and tons of other stuff. But please don't stress or go out of your way for it, dear Witch(if it's down the street from you, awesome, though). I've got Gardena and Little Tokyo around two hours away(I may or may not be heading there to do some shopping for my Witchee), so if I'm particularly desperate for furikake or something, my sad butt can make an effort and drive down there. 54. Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of? Liz, Love-in-Idleness. There may be a couple of others on my Forum wishlist. 55. I know not everyone likes Lush products, but if you do, which Lush items would you like to get from your Witch? I like Lush. Sandstone soap, fresh face masks(Brazen Honey), or maybe a massage bar(After 8:30)? I *love* the scent of Honey, I washed the Kids and would totally use it as hand soap, despite the SLS. 56. Is there anywhere (in the US) that you are dying to get away to? Also when would you be able to get away. Would this even be something you were interested in? If so, go look at the Southwest sale for routes and dates and times. What a lovely thought! I'd love to visit New Orleans, the Florida Keys, the Arboreal Rainforest, Kauai, and Salem for fall leaves and history. But I don't really have funds to be staying anywhere right now, so it would be a sad trip of flying to the airport, and then flying home again. 57. If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc? I am. I wear M or L, usually. but I own a sewing machine and have scissors, so anything works. Tissue tees are nice; I prefer longer tops, and a v or scoop neck, because my chest does not need to look any larger than it already does. 58. THINKGEEK! Who loves it - do you have a wishlist on there?? What are some things you are jonesing for on there for under $20? I have never purchased anything from ThinkGeek. Umm, the telescope ring, gyroscope, Hobbit journals, lumivolt, "no admittance except on party business"-- and a couple of other things that are out of stock-- look really cool. 59. Zombies, yes or no? Real zombies, like people who have been zombified, are very interesting, from an anthropological perspective. Horror zombies are okay, but not my super fabulous monster fandom. 60. Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves? Sure. full sleeve sounds awesome, but the other two lengths are great, too. * *note, I have many fingerless gloves and do not wear them as often as I should, so don't worry if this wasn't in your plans. 61. Do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s? Bats, cats, hedgehogs, otters, seals... dolphins used to be on that list, until a fourth grader asked me if dolphins were really rapists-- I, of course, told them 'no'. But then I went home and found out it's kind of true. It was like someone shot my unicorn. 62. Anyone have any Paintbox Soapworks loves? My favorite scent from her is Big in Japan, and favorite product is sorbetto. Soaps are great, too. The lotion was nice, but not really hydrating enough for my sad, parched skin- perhaps as a frequent use hand lotion? Scents that I haven't tried but currently top the list, include the Bee's Lament, Candy Floss, Whiskers, and Pink Sand. 63. How would you feel if your witch or a minion of your witch showed up in person at your house with goodies? Thrilled? Annoyed? Completely creeped out? Foremost, I would feel bad that they had driven out to bumblemoo, only to roast and have nothing to do. Second, I would apologize for the state of the house. It is a mess right now. Hopefully, someone would be home, to let them in and offer a glass of water, because it's hot. I don't think I would be creeped out or annoyed, though-- just a bit at a loss, which is fairly normal. 64. Do you have a ravelry account? Tell me about your yarn obsessions. orihime is my ravelry ID. I'm not on there very much, but have tons of potential projects hearted-- some for me some for others. I like yarn? I especially like really soft yarn, like bamboo or silk. I don't have anything against acrylics, so long as they are soft, too. I am a yarn hoarder, though I plan to use some of it for my Witchee and my Pumpkin in the 13 Nights swap. 65. Sock Dreams, yay or nay? Sure! Here is a slightly outdated wishlist: http://www.sockdreams.com/_users/wishlists/f442d13393feac2 Though, it isn't like socks go out of favor, right? I'll add a couple of new things, just in case. Also, a lot of the nylon-type ones(like the kitty and bunny tights) are on eBay for about $2-5.... :sideglance: not that sockdreams isn't *absolutely awesome*, just gotta make those sock dollars stretch 66. Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors? Yes to knitted items. Favorite colors are probably favorite knit colors also? Bamboo silk, super soft cotton, and that acrylic that is like ultra soft fluffy mohair(don't remember what it's called) are favorites. 67. Is your Amazon WL up-to-date? In as much as a list that big can be, I believe so? I will go check again, just in case. 68. If you were to receive handmade caramels, would it matter if they were made with raw cream (unpasteurized)? All cream is good cream. 69. Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Are there types of incense you know you don't like? Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals to get you started with that, or would you rather stick to simpler types? Definitely, yes. I have never tried the charcoal incense kind. It sounds awesome. 70. I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices? Spice are made of love. I'm always up for good ground ginger and paprika, recently discovered the amazing joy of vanilla bean paste(best cookies and puddings ever?), and would love to try unusual or new-to-me spices and seasonings. 71. Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen? I like stationary, I like pens. I don't know how good I would be with a quill pen, being left-handed, but you never know until you try, and they look awesome. 72. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "gimme that ghost pepper!" and 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" Where is your heat tolerance? Hmm, probably somewhere between a 3 and a 5? Picante, but not so spicy that I can't taste the food. I like putting sambal and Louisiana Hots sauce in sauces, soups, and on foods, and order curries 'medium'. No Ghost peppers. 73. What is your favorite type of Halloween candy? Traditionally, that would have been mini boxes of Dots. Now, I don't know... Cadbury's Scream Eggs! This is a thing, and I have not made it up, right? Did I just dream that there were Halloween Cadbury eggs? I know they're real! Other than that, the creepy things jelly gummies; haven't seen those is a long time, though. 74. Do you need or want any cosy footwear, like fluffy slippers, or slipper socks etc? Sure, those are nice. I'm usually barefoot a lot, though, and run through things like that unfortunately quickly. I got some MJ slipper socks one Christmas, and had worn holes in them by March? Maybe, secretly, I am a descendant of one of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. 75. What do you most look forward to each Fall? Girasol's answer to this was very affinitive-- only I have no tiny, adorable humanoid. The changing of the weather, and the cooler breezes and golden quality of light are something I look forward to every year. And Halloween, although Halloween has been becoming progressively more disappointing every year, and making the world a sadder place. I get why people don't trick or treat anymore, but it's still sad. Anyway, I like golden days, and cool nights. 76. What gadgets do you use in your everyday life and would you like a cool case for them - with your favourite fandom or artwork or saying? Right now, I use an Amazon Fire phone. It came with a free year of TV, and that was a good deal. Before that, I was dead set on getting a Samsung Galaxy Note IV, to replace my aged Note I. I still may get the IV at a later date. I love my Fire Phone, but it lacks some of the functionality that I want for use at work. I'd love a case or protective decal for my Fire phone, though. There is not so much awesomeness available for them. I've also got a HP Pavilion g7 laptop, and would enjoy decals or cases for that as well, if you were so inclined. 77. Are there any beauty accessories you need or would like? For example make-up brushes, facial brushes or eyelash curlers. I will always take more makeup brushes-- especially small, angled liners, stipplers, and foundation brushes. I have the oldest tweezer ever, but it works pretty darn well, so I don't really need one. Cotton pads/balls, clips or bands to hold my hair back while washing my face, and spoolies are also good? 78. Would you be disappointed to get one big box, or would you prefer a bunch of little ones? And would you be disappointed if your witch actually had it together early and sent it to you sooner than later? I would not be disappointed, at this point, even if I get no box, because Witch, you are fabulous and amazing, and heartwarming and all that good stuff. So, anything else is frosting and completely up to you. 79. Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? And if so, what size? For PJ pants, do you like cotton or flannel? Woohoo spooky pants! I would be happy for underthings and pajamas, either or both. I do XL(or bigger, seriously, float me in fabric) for pajamas, and a size M/6 in underpants. 80. Do you like M&Ms? I'm not vehemently opposed to them, but I don't find myself eating them very often. 81. How about wax melts? I don't have a burner, but, sure? I can figure something burny out. 82. Would you like a subscription for Spotify? I don't do Spotify? I have free Pandora, and lots of music through Amazon prime, so I think I'm good. 83. What scents from the Lillith update would you like to try? All of them! but you did already cover that in your wonderful emails, dear Witch, and there's no need to get any of them for me. 84. Would you be interested in receiving a box of sugar cube skulls? These look really cute, but I bet I could make them at home--I may even already have a skull tray.... 85. Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? Lip balms? Yay or nay? This, you also covered, but if you need more info, I can make a *really* long list of all the things I have tried and what was and wasn't awesome, in my quest for the ultimate skincare trouting routine. Always up for more alcohol-free toners, or those hydration mist things(I realize it's essentially aerosolized mineral wat, but my skin is *that* dry). Currently loving 100% Pure lotion. It's light, but moisturizing. 86. Is there anything you would like from Salem MA (mugs, keychains, postcards, etc.or witchy supplies like incense, candles, books)? I like anything. It's somewhere I want to go, one day, preferably in fall. I'd love to see pictures you've taken, especially if the leaves were turning. 87. Would you be interested in any of the items in LisaNut's etsy shop? Oo, knitwear! Okay, the Find Your Way Home hat is sooo cute, and--even though I shouldn't add to my hoard of scarves-- scarves, or the adorable armwarmer/wristlets. 88. Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no? Yes, I like spiders. My best friend has a phobia of them, so I have a basic understanding of the horror associated with them(as in 'oh my god, she just ran out into traffic to avoid a Daddy Long Legs?!!') but I do not, personally, suffer from this. Spiders can be really cute, even if the Black Widows sometimes piss me off and make me paranoid for the furbabies. 89. Pillows (the mostly decorative type)? If it's huggable or headrestable, I'm for it. 90. Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc? I like those reusable grocery totes that fold into tiny bits(but I may be picking up a bunch at the Daiso this weekend, while shopping for my Witchee). I like totes, though, so yeah. 91. Is there anything special coming up in your life? No? I suppose if I get through the Holiday season with some semblance of sanity intact, it could be cause for celebration? I am, one day hopefully soon, going to get that Etsy shop going, because the stuff needs to be in loving homes and not packing boxes-- plus it could be an opportunity to test whether loved ones and children are just being overly kind saying that I'm a good artist. I'm heavily inclined to believe the overly kind idea, but-- who knows-- maybe I can sell little chibi ATCs and fantasy pictures now that I have some Copics and don't flake out on coloring things... Yessss...... I don't know if either of those things qualifies as special, though-- Unless you mean "special", as in you're a special snowflake, Usagi. I am a Special Snowflake, dammit! I am a made out of high-powered blue raspberry Koolaid snowflake! *adopts manly action hero pose* Today was a long day. Why, Puberty, why??? They were such adorable little kids. Where did the drama and defiance come from???? 92. Which one scent would you want from each of the following updates: Metamorphosis, Lilith and GC? Hmm... just one? I'm going to do either/or on the first two, although you should certainly not feel that you need to get decants of any of them for me(I am secretly inundated with lovely things I have yet to test). Metamorphosis: this one is hard! Most of them sound amazing--except for one note that is likely to amp of FUBAR on my skin. Okay. Either Question Mark or Giant-Yucca skipper(partially because yuccas are part of our desert ). Liliths: Ghost Houses of Goofballs? GC: Liz (or, if it needs to be an impable, Love-in-Idleness) 93. Are you interested in anything from NYCC? Sure! Is this a BPAL question? 94. Would something from the Tokyo Game Show (e.g. postcards, fans) possibly interest you? Sure! Free! Iwatobi Swim club/Eternal Summer (especially Makoto-related ), Sailor Moon, any random swag goodies that would fall into my billion and a half fandoms would be totally appreciated and loved. 95. Would you enjoy any of these couple rings? Or anything from the same store's Halloween collection? No on the couples rings, yes on the other things, especially cuffs or keychains or floating locket things. I like the Nightmare Before Christmas sayings, like "I am the Shadow on the moon at night", and the Beetlejuice one "Never Trust the Living" 96. If you imbibe at all ... preference between: wine/beer/cocktails and then glassware and/or bar-ware? cocktail gadgetry? Books on the subject/recipes? would you want sample bottles of local/regional/small batch craft spirits if they were home decanted and labeled? I don't drink, but any sort of liqueur for cooking might be awesome. 97. Would you like some chai, lemon, rose water or other flavored sugar cubes? Rose water sounds amazing, but others flavors are probably awesome, too. 98. Jamberry nail wraps? I've never tried them, but, sure! Seasonal sounds cool! 99. If you had to choose one currently available book (used-but-obtainable counts if you do used) costing $20 or under for your Witch to buy for you, what would it be? The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern-- because I have wanted to read it since before it came out, and somehow continuously gloss over the fact that I want to get it. 100. Are there five things under $25 at Birchbox you would like? 1. Avene Thermal Spring Water spray yo' face thingie (seriously, it is so good) 2. 100% Pure body cream in Pink Grapefruit 3. any 100% Pure nail product(except the colors 'Jam' and 'Forever', because we have those) 4.Harney &Sons Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea 5. ClariSEA charcoal detox exfoliant 101. Do you want anything from the Fatherhood update at the Post? I don't know; that probably means 'no'? 102. Street art! Into it? Not into it? Meh? Some of it is gorgeous adorable, or arresting. Some of it is just kind of meh. 103. If you could only pick one note that you love (e.g. Vanilla, Orange, Lavender, Rose) & you could only wear/have perfume, etc in that note, what would it be? A. That would be so sad. B.either that exotic musk that I swear is red musk but have not found which one yet-- I just smell it in random locations and on strangers occasionally and think 'mmm'; could be a chemistry issue, and I will thus never have it. *soooob* Or some form of citrus scent, like yuzu, mandarin, or bergamot-- or citrus musk. Is that a real thing? 104. What are you interested in from the NYCC exclusive list? Don't think I even really considered.... maybe I will wishlist testers for later aftermarket acquisition, but no real dire need. Thank you, though. 105. Most anticipated "Weenie blends? Hi, lovely Witch! We discussed this. Totally good there. 106. Caffeine or no? And is this a health or preference? Try to avoid caffeine, mostly due to it being the likely culprit behind some fairly painful health things. But I do drink caffeinated tea-- green and white, mostly. I've also been on a 'OMG the Pepsi has real sugar!!!' kick over the summer. Don't normally drink soda... kind of paying for that now.-__-' Whatever, real sugar Pepsi. 107. Are you interested in anything from the MAC Rocky Horror or the e.l.f. Disney Princess make up collections? I love both Rocky and Ariel, but from the MAC update, only the polishes really strike me(and*honestly* don't need to have more; especially if it means someone risking life and limb to get them during a crazed fan rush), and only really like the packaging on the Ariel ELF. Ariel is my favorite princess, I'm kind of biased. 108. I pass this shop every day, If you were my witchee would you like a custom chocolate bar? What would you choose? Plain, white or milk and with what? 55% dark, with raspberry, orange zest(or candied orange, I can't remember what it said), and popping candy. 109. Would you like to try chocolate covered Turkish Delight or flower flavoured things (Rose and Violet chocolates)? Heck yes.

Welcome to 13 Nights of Halloween, Year 2! Your co-hosts this round will be Meaganola and Usagi. In this swap, you will have the opportunity to gather 13 treats for another forumite, while someone else does the same for you. Then, on October 21st, all participants will begin the party, opening one gift per day until the grand finale, on November 2nd. As an added bonus, and for inspiration, we are offering the option of following themed October Days ideas (a la the amazing Wacky Days swap). Check them out! Sound like fun? Then jump in! Technical details: *Signups will be open until August 24th, or when the sixty slots are full-- whichever comes first. *This is a one-on-one, mystery match swap; you send a package to someone, someone sends a package to you. Note: you will probably not be receiving from the person you are sending to. *matches will go out within 48 hours of signups closing. *The mailing deadline is September 30th. Opening of packages will begin on October 21st, and end on November 2nd. *There will be a question about homemade food items. If you are intending to make such for your partner, you might want to include a small 'placeholder' gift for whichever day you want the food to be and mail the food a little closer to the actual opening deadline. This applies to perishables, like cookies and such, and not necessarily to things like jams or pickles, which should be fine for the waiting period. Rules: *Please only sign up for this if you are able to commit the time, resources, and/or funds necessary to this swap. *if the unforeseeable occurs--and you are unable to complete the swap, let me know ASAP, so that arrangements can be made and your swapper isn't left in the lurch. *Swaplifters will be reported. *Due to international shipping constraints, there is a firm mailing deadline of September 30th. We want everyone to be able to start opening their goodies on the same day-- that’s kind of the point of the swap. *please be prepared to gather a minimum of $30 worth of goodies, before shipping. This does not mean that you actually have to hand over $30 to a cashier somewhere. There are a some seriously crafty people and thrifty shoppers on this forum. Use your judgement as to value, I know it's good. *Shipping within the US is required to include tracking. If you are shipping international, please hang on to your receipt. *Starting on October 21st, you are responsible for reporting into this thread every day to squee about your goodies for the duration of the 13 Days. If that sounds manageable, then please fill out the very long questionnaire below and PM it to Usagi. Forum Name: Real Name: Mailing Address: Email Address: Allergies, dietary, and lifestyle restrictions: For matching purposes, are there any common allergens in your environment, that might affect matching (pets, smoke, live in a field of ragweed)? 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)? 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? Do you celebrate any fall holidays? Please feel free to place as much info/context as you wish: Are there certain things for these holidays--or your general love of fall-- that you would particularly appreciate receiving? If you celebrate Halloween, are you dressing up? *What as? *Would you like costume additions or accessories? Would you like decorations? Favorite Colors: Least Favorite Colors: Favorite Flavors: Least Favorite Flavors: Do you like coffee and/or tea? Favorite snacks and treats: Favorite scents(both specific notes and perfume blends): Least Favorite Scents: Do you wear nail polish? Would you like makeup? *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? Personal clothing style: Do you like jewelry? *If so, what sort? *What sizes and/or lengths do you prefer? Would you enjoy receiving wearables(shirts, socks, shoes, arm/legwarmers, hats,etc.)? *Sizing on wearables: Home style: Would you appreciate decoratives or art for your home? *Are there any restrictions(no naked people, no breakables, that kind of thing)? What sort of music do you like? Are you okay with burned music CDs? Do you have VHS/DVD/Blu-Ray...Betamax? *does your player of choice have region restrictions? Is there anywhere that you would like a giftcard or online credit for? Hi! What are your hobbies? Would you like any supplies for your hobbies? Are there any crafts or hobbies you would like to try out, but haven't yet? Do you have gaming consoles, or play computer games? How about cosplay? Or tabletop gaming? Would you like to receive books? *what kind of books/format? How about magazines? PDFs and craft patterns? 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? Are you comfortable receiving homemade food items? Are you comfortable receiving good/like new condition used items? What are five inexpensive things you always appreciate receiving? Please place your wishlists here: Is there anything else you would like to say to your swapper? For our eyes only: Are you willing to ship internationally? Would you like to be paired with someone who will accept homemade food items? With whom have you swapped recently? Anyone you would especially enjoy swapping to? Anyone who you would rather not swap with? Do you mind being paired with Meaganola or Usagi(we might know who you were--but then, we might forget. It's a gamble)?

What are your thoughts on yarn and handmade yarny things? For bath and body products: do you have a bathtub or shower? Dear Swappee: is there anything you might have forgotten to put on your survey? Are there any particular fandoms that you follow? Do you own a wax/oil burner? (If no, would you like one?) Would you like loose, fancy tea? Incense, y/n? What is your favorite fall activity? I'm in Japan, anything specifically Japanese-y you want? Please briefly describe (color, style, preferred type of beads) or provide a picture of (if it is suitable), the type of necklace (if any) you would be interested in getting. If you do not like necklaces, what kinds of jewelry (if any) would you want to wear? What about hot chocolate/malt drinks? If you said that you are interested in books (or DVDs or any relatively big standalone sort of item), would you be okay with having multiples of such items spread over a couple of days, or would you prefer 13 distinct themish packages? How into the day theming mentioned in the first post are you? All themed? A few maybe if they are fun? Not at all? Speaking of DVDs - are you interested in receiving movies and if so, what sort? Back to the books - if you said you would like books, would you prefer I send you, say, my favorite Halloween anthology or something else spooky/scary, or something off your wishlist/want-to-read on goodreads? Process question: Do you want to know who is sending to you right away, or would you prefer to be surprised on the last day, to the extent possible? Likewise, do you have a preference for specifically numbered packages or for reach in and grab according to your fancy? Would you be interested in solid perfume? What about lip balm? There was a lot of mention of not wearing costumes/not being allowed to at workplaces. Would you be interested in goth style or Halloween-themed(pumpkins, ghosts,etc.) normal clothes to wear instead, and what would be suitable? I'm going to Rose City Comic Con during the shopping window. Any exhibitors/vendors/comics/etc. you're particularly interested in? OMG THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOONIES "NEVER SAY DIE" T-SHIRT! I AM TOTALLY GETTING THAT! Ahem. Yes. I mean... There are things! Are any of them particularly appealing to you and/or your inner twelve-year-old (mine is calling dibs on the Goonies stuff)? Day of the dead/ Dia de los Muertos stuff? Does anything from this shop catch your eye? Dear Pumpkin: Do you have aversions to any animals or insects? How do you feel about canned foods like jams and things along those lines? Do you have a favourite colour scheme? How do you feel about stickers (and stationery in general)? How do we feel about fibercrafting (knit, crochet, etc.)? wearables? crafted critters? If you would like a scarf or something similar, would you like it to be themed, like fall colors, or have a skull or other halloweenie motif/border? What makes you feel pampered? We've covered what critters you don't like, but what about the critters that you DO like? What are your favorite animals/creatures, real or imagined? Is there anything specifically Canadian you'd like? Maple things, chocolate bars, or any of our creepy chip flavours? Does anything from Paintbox Soapworks catch your eye? Is there is any TAZO tea you have a hankering for? Zen, Awake, Passion, China Green Tips, Vanilla Roibois, Calm, Refresh? (tea bags in a tin) How about any Teavana tea? (loose leaf) How about Starbucks coffee beans? If so, ground (and for what kind of filter) or whole bean? How about Starbucks coffee via (italian, columbia, anniversary, vanilla latte?) or Iced coffee via (caramel or regular?) Fruit flavored via (berry hisbiscus, cool lime, strawberry lemonade?) Pumpkin Spice Latte via? Starbucks K-cups or Verismo pods? Coffee/tea travel mugs or ceramic home mugs? Coffee maker (french press) or tea steeper? Anything else from Starbucks/Teavana? Syrups, honey, whatever? How would you feel about a gently-used card game? For example, something I may have purchased several years ago and maybe played with my daughter *twice* before she became a moody teenager, and too cool for card and/or board games? Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay-- if yay, what kind? CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY? Name at least one thing that you really wouldn't like to receive in your package. I have eyeshadow pigments which have been decanted from--as in the powder tapped out into another container,never used directly. (I don't use very much makeup, though I love it, so I keep shadow pigments clean so I can safely share.) Would a jar of pigment handled thus bother you or are you ok with cosmetic-type stuff that has not been directly touched? For those with fiber allergies, is it ok if you get, say, an ornament/amigur-whatsit yarn thing that has wool in the blend, as long as it's not something to be worn? Also, because I don't know, do people with wool allergies generally also have sensitivity to other fibers like alpaca? Does anyone especially like or want anything from cost plus/world market? Does anyone need any small kitchen items or utensils? Dearest Pumpkin- do you have a preference of edible/drinkable vs. non edible items in your package? Would you prefer your package heavier on one side or the other? Any guilty pleasures? TV show you're embarassed to admit you like? Musical group/preference that seems out-of-place for you? And now, a new question: to sort of piggy-back onto the question about small kitchen items, do you like to bake or cook, and if yes, are there any special ingredients, spices, or decorations for baked goods (like sprinkles in seasonal shapes or those decorative picks you put on top of cupcakes, for instance) that you would like? Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants? Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use? If I were going to the mountains tomorrow, for the apple harvest, would you wanted some dehydrated apple rings??? new question from me! how do you feel about music? would you like some? if so, what would you be interested in & in what format (do you still have somewhere to play CDs, or would a flash drive be better, etc)? If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap? Are there any scents from the Lilith update you would like ? Any other you are looking for ? Do you like Hello Kitty?

As a fellow lover of the Unicorn, nothing I've tried has been an exact match for its loveliness (either in BPAL, or the other brands I've dabbled in). The two that have come closest might not be the greatest help to you, as one is another DC, and the other, an LE from a couple years ago (though I have seen it for sale a few times). Rosalind (Dew-covered berries and fresh green grasses with a faint breath of spring flowers.) is more berriful, but has the same luminous, soft green forest glade feeling. Enchanted Wood Florist (A burst of sweet, strange flowers, luminous Moon-tree sap, and ornamental grasses.) smells like magical, tropical Unicorn. Anyway, good luck on your quest! I hope you can find another scent to love as much as the Unicorn.

Aww, now I want to try that. A tidepool scent would be awesome. For bogs, Plague of Frogs, from the Hellboy line, might be worth a try. It definitely had a dark, rotting aquatics feel to it.

I'm not quite sure why, but Snake Charmer Res. seems to be my Halloween scent.