#and pictures of chay in various different hats

[shou-jpeg]

Kim made Chay promise not to set any of their personal photos as his phone wallpaper in case anyone saw. Chay did not keep that promise. Part 17 of ?

[shrutim12]

Demystifying The Repo Rate

Ever found yourself wondering about the secret language of finance, like a code only the financial wizards understand? Fear not, fellow financial voyager! Today, we're unraveling one such enigma: the Repo Rate. No fancy jargon, just a laid-back journey through the financial cosmos. So, grab your financial shades, and let's dive into the intriguing world of the Repo Rate!

What In The World Is A Repo Rate?

In the vast universe of finance, the term 'Repo Rate' might sound like an obscure alien concept. But worry not, it's not rocket science! Let's break it down. "Repo" is short for Repurchase Agreement, and the "Rate" is the interest rate at which the transaction takes place. 

Also Read: The Impact of Digital Lending on Borrower Experience

Getting Cozy With Repurchase Agreements: A Brief Encounter

The Basics: A Casual Introduction

Imagine you lend your friend a prized possession, say, your favorite book. Your friend promises to return it to you in a week and, to sweeten the deal, pays you a small fee. That's basically a repurchase agreement!

In financial lingo, the borrower sells securities (usually government bonds) to the lender with a promise to buy them back at a higher price. The difference between the selling and repurchasing price is the interest or fee for borrowing. It's like lending your book and getting a little extra as a thank-you note.

Repo Rate Unveiled: The Nuts and Bolts

Now, let's zero in on the Repo Rate, the heart of this financial rendezvous. It's the interest rate charged when the borrower repurchases the securities. Think of it as the 'coolness factor' in your lending arrangement with your friend – the higher the rate, the cooler the deal for the lender.

Why does the Repo Rate matter? Well, it's a crucial tool for central banks to manage liquidity in the financial system. By adjusting this rate, they can influence borrowing costs, spending, and inflation – all the gears that keep the financial machine running smoothly.

Also Read: How Businesses Can Avoid Becoming NPA

The Ripple Effect: How Repo Rates Affect You

Interest Rates: The Domino Effect

Ever thought, "Why bother about the Repo Rate? I'm no financial whiz!" Well, keep your financial hat secured because this has more impact on you than you might imagine. According to Abhay Bhutada, MD\ of Poonawalla Fincorp, sticking to an unchanged repo rate brings benefits for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). It creates a favorable environment for higher loan consumption. A steady rate motivates customers to choose loans, creating positive ripples for business expansion.

Picture this: when the Repo Rate changes, it sets off a chain reaction, like a pebble creating ripples in a pond. Banks, influenced by this rate, adjust their interest rates for various loans – from home loans to car loans. So, the next time you're eyeing that dream car, the Repo Rate might play a role in the interest you'll pay.

Inflation: The Sneaky Guest

Ever noticed how prices at your favorite chai spot seem to fluctuate? Blame it on inflation! The Repo Rate dance has a direct impact on inflation. If the rate is high, borrowing becomes expensive, leading to reduced spending. That can put a damper on inflation but might also slow down economic growth. It's a delicate balancing act.

Also Read: The Importance Of Proper Documentation In Digital Lending

The Future of Repo Rates: A Crystal Ball Moment

Economic Crystal Ball Gazing

Now that we've befriended the Repo Rate, what's in store for the future? Well, economists and financial enthusiasts keep a keen eye on this rate, like fortune tellers peering into a crystal ball.

If the central bank predicts inflation on the horizon, they might hike the Repo Rate to cool things down. On the flip side, if the economy needs a boost, a rate cut might be in the cards. It's like adjusting the thermostat to maintain the perfect economic temperature.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the Repo Rate explained in simple, jargon-free terms! No need for complex equations or overwhelming theories. Acting as a guide for the economic ship amid inflation and economic changes, Abhay Bhutada emphasizes the positive impact of a steady repo rate for NBFCs. This stability encourages more loans, contributing to business growth through expanded customer lending. It's a straightforward financial concept that influences interest rates, inflation, and the overall economic landscape. The next time someone mentions the 'Repo Rate' at your chai spot, you can nod knowingly because you've unraveled the mystery! Happy financial exploration!

[newenglandtooldengland-blog]

Saturday, February 2, 2019

What a busy day! I was up on the phone until late at night so it was hard to wake up but I had a big day ahead of me so needed to get an early start. Last night I bought a couple audiotour tickets for this morning and afternoon. I spent the morning at Buckingham Palace where the Queen sometimes lives and carries out her official duties. I have to say I was much happier seeing the Palace in the daylight than Tuesday night in the dark and rain. I got off the tube and it was snowing a tiny bit but also sunny. Welcome to London.

I passed by the Palace and took a brief peak into the gates to see some of the guards marching about protecting the monarch. My first tour was for the Queen’s Royal Collection. I got there a tiny bit early so walked around the gift shop for a little bit. Man, can I say people are obsessed with the Queen’s (late) corgis. They have socks with corgis, jackets, brushes, collars, toys for corgis, ornaments of corgis, and so on. Same goes for the Royal family, they have towels, tea ware, and everything to go along with the big happy family. When the time came, I went into the Collection. On show this season was a series of photographs, paintings, and tickets from Russia’s complicated relationship with the United Kingdom. I had an audiotour to go along with it. It’s not really my cup of tea (ha), but I’m glad I did it. Unashamedly took a picture in the loo because…royal potties…that’s why.

When I left, I went to part two of my tour ticket which was the Royal Mews. In a different part of the Palace, I toured various coaches used by the Royal family and state visitors. I also got to see some of the horses “employed” (?) by the Queen that lead the carriages. Lastly, I saw a fancy pants car used in this generation of the Royal family. This was an interesting tour for me and I really liked listening to all of the explanations and seeing some royal transportation. So far so good but I should have brought a hat today, it was chilly!

I looked around for a nearby lunch option and found a really cute and cozy tea shop, not a royal tea or afternoon tea, but a cute café to grab a bite and sip. I ordered a spinach and broccoli soup, vanilla chai tea, and Victoria sponge cake to top it off on a sweet note. I have to get used to doing things alone and being completely okay with it, but I think I can deal as long as it doesn’t get too lonely. It helps that this is a large beautiful European city…and that I do love tea.

Next up I needed to make my way to the River Thames to my next tour at 2:00pm. I was an hour early so I tried to kill time. I walked nearby Westminster Abbey, which I will visit another week. I walked over Westminster Bridge to get a good view of the House of Parliament and Big Ben. Unfortunately Big Benjamin is under refurbishment until 2021 (lol) so I won’t be able to see it without scaffolding. They let a clock open to see but it no longer chimes. Can I even say I’ve been to London if I don’t have a picture with Big Benny? The cold got the best of me and I couldn’t wait much longer. When Big Benny and the Jets struck 1:20, I headed over to the Houses of Parliament hoping they’d take me for an early tour. I am only a party of one anyway.

Well they did take me and I got to look all around the building with my audiotour. It was pretty cool to not only see the historical sights but to tour an area that is being actively used by government in a pretty monumental time in modern British history! I saw St. Stephen’s Hall, followed by the House of Lords and the House of Commons. There were many places where pictures were allowed and I am a law abiding expat so I behaved.

Getting out at around 3:30pm, I didn’t want to head home just yet so I took the tube to a department store called Harrods (which I keep thinking is called Dillards?). I’ll preface that the only reason I wanted to go here is that I was excited to visit London in the Christmastime and knew that Harrods was really decorated and lit up so wanted to go and see if they had any leftover decorations. Well they did! Not many of course, but I have to pack everything I buy in suitcases…and I already have plenty of Christmas decorations at home. I bought some Christmas pudding that was insanely on sale and still in a good sell by date. I also bought a London Christmas ornament but failed to get a picture before they wrapped it in bubble wrap. I want to get PLENTY more ornaments in my trips so this won’t be the last you hear of it.

Besides that, Harrod’s is insane. It’s like the Ikea of department stores. Per Wikipedia “The store occupies a 5-acre site and has 330 departments covering 1.1 million square feet of retail space. It is the largest department store in Europe and lays claim to having its own unique postcode.” I grabbed some fish and chips there because it had some really good options and I wanted to take advantage of being there. It was pretty good but a tad salty if I say. I’m just glad there is always plenty of malt vinegar for my chips here! I did really like Harrods but won’t be making my way back.

I took the tube back to the apartment and rested my tired feet for the day. There was another game at Wembley so it was a bit more crowded than the average day, but it is a Saturday anyway. More in store for tomorrow.

[courtcat]

Halloweenie Switch Witch 2017

FAQ: I’m going to compress my answers to similar questions up here at the top - the lesser asked/more unique questions will be below in the order asked.

Soaps, lotions, etc: Yes to almost all lotions, as long as the scent is light or non-existent and there’s no coloring - whips, butters, etc especially as hugely dry skin over most of our bodies is a thing.  Face products, I’m normal right in the middle, with occasional moderate t-zone oiliness but not a lot.  Hand soaps in pumps like for bathrooms and kitchens are a yes, again with light scent and no color.  Shampoos/conditioners, etc - my hair is dry but my scalp is (usually) oily with occasional dandruff issues.  It’s wavy-curly or frizzy yuck depending on how lucky I am on any given day.  I am very intrigued by hair glosses though I’ve never used them.  This all applies regardless of brand/maker!  Also, I take showers and not baths, so scrubs are way preferrable to bombs, etc.

Candles: Not scented, please, but soy and beeswax are good!  Not standard parafin ones.  Migraine-prone folk are triggerd by them as is my asthmatic daughter.  I’m guessing this would also be true of wax tarts.  Essential oils are a good option instead, though!

Cosmetics: I’m pretty basic in my needs, here.  If I’m splurging I use Artistry, if I’m not I usually get Almay or Physician’s Formula from the closest drug store.  Halloween-specific - I have a goth themed party to go to and thought I would try going for a Fairuza Balk circa The Craft look.  Things to facillitate that would be great!  There was a particularly cool lip stuff in a facebook ad yesterday, but I didn’t save it.  Alas!

Homemade (knitted, crocheted, sewn, etc): Yes, please!  I would love hand/wrist warmers, I love quilted things that aren’t blankets (bags, etc) and make them often but never for myself, and there are probably other things I’m not thinking of that I’d adore.  Like comfy, seasonally appropriate pajama pants in an XL/16/18-ish size.  Homemade food: Yes, please!  If it will survive the trip to me, I’m sure I’d love it.  Especially things pumpkin or apple.

Candy: Yes, please!  Chocolate (milk is best), candy corn, toffee, pretty much everything.

Any non-BPAL scents: Sure!  I think you’ve got a few good hints in my original questionaire, so just let me know if you have any more specific questions.

Comic Con stuff: Sure!

9/26/17 What are your top three most wanted DC'd or previous LE BPALs? TINTAGEL!!!!!!! Lamb’s Wool. What are some things you do NOT want to receive? Uh . . . probably nudes?  Unless they’re tasteful and seasonally appropriate.

9/25/17 Anyone like/want calendars or dayplanners? I already have mine for this year, but have my eye on a commit30 for next year.  I do school year (August through July) planners cos kids. If you like stationery, do you like plain, colors, images, or specific DON'T LIKES? I’m not a big fan of pink as a general rule, but with other things it’s okay.  As my penmanship is pretty terrible and difficult to read, I tend to go with plain, or color block type stuff. What about general desk stuff like cool colored paperclips and post it pads? Always!  But don’t spend a ton on it if you’re so inclined, because it will probably get appropriated by a DI team. Would anyone be interested in having any of Abigail Larson's artwork (either as a print or on something, like a pillow, blanket, or t-shirt)? https://society6.com/abigaillarson Ooh, yes please!  I could totally use a throw or two for my living room, and pillows for my couch.  Furniture is orange-y brown leather, carpet is beige-y brown, walls are off white.  So something that doesn’t clash terribly would be cool!  And I can always use t-shirts. Does anything catch your eye from Ten Thousand Villages?  http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/ Nothing particularly speaks to me, but I have a feeling it would be different if I were wandering through a store rather than a website. Would you be into receiving hand made (crocheted, sewn, felted, chain maille, scale, or duct tape, in my case, depending on the item) dishclothes?  Scarf/shawl?  Hat?  Bag?  Anything?  Colors?  (Duct tape, chain maille, and scales come in colors.) Yes!  Always yes to the handmade things.  I would love a rainbow chainmail necklace (choker or slightly longer) like the first picture, or bracelet like the second. 

Do you collect anything from SBUX like City Mugs, City Mug ornaments, City Cards, or Bearistas?  If so, which do you need/want?  Or would you like a City Mug or an ornament for fun? City (I already have China, Shanghai, London ENG [relief], Canada, Toronto, OH, WI, IL, NY, MI, KY, TN, NC, Philedelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, Washington DC, Twin Cities, Niagra Falls, New Orleans, Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Orlando, and Chicago) and architecture mugs (I don’t know if they still make these, but I saw them in a google search and fell in love), and the Bearistas just came to my attention last year - would love any or all of them! anybody want homemade fudge? I can do chocolate with or without nuts, peanut butter, and butterscotch. Yes, please!  Peanuts or almonds if with nuts, no butterscotch. do you like spicy foods?  I am currently addicted to these suckers and want to send you some buffalo ridged kettle potato goodness (https://www.billygoa...shop/1lb-kicker) Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but my guage only goes up to medium most of the time. what would you like from the Weenies updatus giganticus? Imps of everything!  Bottle-wise, by description and not trying . . . Apple Butter Rum, Cinnamon Chai Cupcake, October, Samhain 2017, September Midnight 2017, Sugar Skull 2017, The Apparition, Chiroptophobia, Hemophobia, Nebulaphobia, Samhainophobia, Bobbing For Apples, Pumpkin Spice Everything, ALL  of The Tell-Tale Heart Witchees, do you want anything specifically from this page?  http://iceweasel.net/switchwitch/ I love the swirling Elvis mitts!

9/24/17 do you collect the art cards that BPAL sends out? Any in particular that you are looking for or definitely don't need? I haven’t ever gotten any, I don’t think! Do you like this beautiful art, and she makes stickers and prints...SOOOO gorgeous: https://www.shannatr...om/paperprints/ Very pretty!  I especially like the giraffe one.  But no, not really - thanks. Favorite animals or wild creatures or mythological creatures? Real animals, wild edition: Giraffes, foxes, otters - real animals, domesticated: dogs - mythological animals: harpies, griffins, phoenixes would you like any swag from the Depeche Mode concert?  (pins, posters, shirts, program, dunno what they'll have!) Yes, please!!!  Shirt, pins, whatever. Is anyone interested in the new Resistance scents that the Lab just released (Take a Knee and SN: Flor de Maga)? Yes, both. Is anyone here into zero waste, plastic free living, urban homesteading, or any simplicity/minimalism-esque lifestyles?  If so, could you use any tools or equipment? I try to minimize our waste and plastic, otherwise no.  I don’t knkow what tools/equipment might be used!

9/23/17 I am possibly going to a crystal / gem show tomorrow.  I can't afford expensive gem stones, but... What kind of crystals would you like? Pretty ones!  I have a particular affinity for soapstone in various colors. Pumpkin or Zucchini bread? Yes, please! What kind of homemade cookies are your favorite? Oatmeal raisin. Could you use a muscle rub?   (We make ours on the lunar cycle and it has menthol, wintergreen, habanero, cayenne, olive oil, st. john's wort, arnica, beeswax, calendula, and ginger.  It tingles.  We call it "Thunder Butter".  If you have really really super sensitive skin, I would recommend against it.  And don't take a hot shower or open all of your pores before using it.) Yes, please! Interested in trying some of our rose petal (rose petals, sugar, everclear) or lavender vanilla bean (lavender, vanilla bean, vodka) liqueur? Oooh, either, both. Want some honey from the bees on our property? Yes, please! Would you like some homemade jam?  I have blackberry, rose petal, strawberry rhubarb, peach, and cherry. Yum!  Absolutely. How about some homemade candied jalapenos with garlic cloves?  I have regular and with habanero. My husband and middle kid would probably get more use out of this than I, but sure! I didn't dry any apples this year but I was thinking of heading over to Green Bluff and seeing if any honeycrisps are left.  I have a commercial dehydrator so let me know if you are interested in any "Apple Crips" (as voodoocatwoman calls them!)  I wash, peel, core, and slice before dehydrating. !!!!!!!Zomg yes please!!!!!! Do you need any kind of dice bag, tote, project bag, cosmetic bag, pencil bag, or whatever?  I have lots of bag patterns and fabric.  We make bags under the name Twinkle N Twilight.  Or how about a couple of pillowcases? Sure!  We always need pillowcases for camp and don’t necessarily want to use our ones that match our normal bed sheets.  Also, bags are always handy.  And I always need shopping totes!

9/22/17 Would my witchee like this to warm up the fall coffee cup??  https://www.truelemo...gory-s/1871.htm Mmmmm, yes I absolutely would. What style/make/etc of phone do you have? What about size of tablet? Laptop? Would you like decals, skins, or cases for any of these? I have a Samsung S8+ phone and an S3 tablet.  The phone is usually in a mophie case, but I’d love things for the tablet!

9/21/17 See's Candy. My absolute favorite. They have special Halloween candy..any of these pique your interest?? Cinnamon Apple Scotch Mallows, Pumpkin spice truffles, pumpkinspice lollypops, caramel apple lollypops, or any other of their chocolates, etc? I think this warrants its own answer, despite the answer about candy in the FAQ, just because of the cinnamon apple mallows.  Those sound amazing. Are any witchees into coloring books? Yes!  But normal kid coloring books with big spaces, etc.  Adult coloring books with all the tiny, tiny spaces give me anxiety. Witchees, is there anything that catches your eye at Animi Causa (https://www.animicausa.com/shop/)? Scratch map and stamp map look especially cool.  Other than that, not so much. If I were to find an adorable autumnal/Halloween-y dish/flatware/etc. design, how many settings would be needed in your household? 5, please!

9/20/17 Do you like Broadway shows/music? If so what are some of your favorites and/or ones that you hope to see or listen to eventually? Would you like merch from your favorite shows or CDs from shows you want to listen to? I like most Andrew Lloyd Webber.  Hamilton, of course.  Be More Chill.  Wicked.  Newsies.  Les Mis.  Avenue Q.  I like show tunes! Anything catch your eye from this site (globalgirlfriend.com)? I love the things made out of rice/feed bags - those are super cool. Do you have any favorite, lesser-known stores? Especially ones that sell hand-crafted or independently made items. Pure Detroit! Imagine you're going to the most gigantic art & craft show imaginable, and money is no object - what kind of things would you gravitate towards and probably spend money on? Include as specific as you want to get! Nice yarns, pretty fabrics!  Also, photography and woodwork.

9/19/17 Are you interested in anything from Think Geek?   http://www.thinkgeek.com Always!  There are so many cool things there. If you could decorate your house (or one room) in any one theme, what would it be? Your answer can be as simple ("Star Wars" or "Baroque" or "Modern"), or complicated or a combination (e.g. Victorian Gothic) as you feel best fits. I can give you color combinations!  I would do my kitchen around a countertop made of recycled bottles - the blue and white one.  And I would use a lot of the Dutch blue dishes motif.  Or maybe citrus-y colors, with citrus prints.  Or . . . I don’t know, I’m indecisive. Aprons: Do you wear them, do you want one? Utility, decorative, cooking or crafting? I don’t, really, but wish I did!  I love the idea of some of the cooler ones. BTW, would my witchee be interested in something like this?  (photo of black and white striped knitted doll) Not particularly, sorry.

9/18/17 It seems like there's a question about socks on the questionnaire, but I don't think it got down to this level:  Do you wear them?  Any particular style (crew length, knee high, anklet, boot, etc.) or fiber (wool, cotton, bamboo anything but wool, etc.) preference? I usually only wear Hanes white cotton ankle socks, except for  the holidays.  I love holiday socks, and generally Target has the best ones. Would you be open to previously-loved books? Of course! What about partial-full bottles of BPAL or BPTP? Sure! So what are your favorite fandoms? Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Camp Halfblood, Disney, Doctor Who/Torchwood, Orphan Black, Firefly/Serenity, Shakespeare, Gilmore Girls, Hamilton, Star Trek (TOS, TNG, reboot)

9/17/17 I'm in France at the moment, is there anything here you might like? I'm in Provence, the land of lavender, so if you like that flower in particular just say so! I am fond of lavendar!  And sometimes I use it to cook.  Other than that, I like postcards, and . . . well . . . lots of things.  Starbucks You Are Here mug! are you into divination? What kind(s) do you currently do? Do you want more books and/or tools for that type (e.g. new tarot cards, new runes)? Is there a new type of #divination you've been meaning to try, and if so, are you looking for the tool, a book on the subject, or both? I like tarot cards (and have somehow become a collector thereof) and love runes. Would my Witchee be interested in a Tarot or Astrology reading done personally? Sure! Does my Witchee need any magical supplies? I can always use sage and sweetgrass sticks.

9/16/17 If you enjoy jewelry do you like discrete and elegant, flashy and gaudy, small and light, or large and chunky? I don’t really wear much jewellery these days.  But probably small and light, mostly silver.  I do do earrings!  Two holes in each ear, but kind of close together.  So a dangly in the lower hole and a stud in the higher.  I also have a pandora bracelet that I wear on special occasions. Any love of pirates or SCA? Yes, both!  I was born and raised in the SCA. Is there anything you would like from Disney World? Haha, nothing affordable really.  All the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff! Are you a Potterhead? If so, to which house do you belong?  Yes!  I test almost equally into Griffindor or Ravenclaw. How do you feel about chokers? The more 90s style, the better!

9/15/17 Here's a few questions from me: Would you like some Halloween or other themed decor in the form of a banner, something like this  http://www.etsy.com/...n-decor-vintage? If so, would you prefer a traditional style or a vertical door type? I love this!  I would like either.  A vertical door one would go on my door, a banner would go on my windows. Do you live near a Trader Joe's? If not, are you interested in trying any of the numerous Pumpkin goodies they come out with this time every year? I do live near a Trader Joe’s, but the close one is kind of bleh and I almost never go there.  I also live near an Aldi!  I would still love pumpkin things. Do you like to cook and/or bake? Could you use any specific ingredients (spices, oils, salts, extracts, etc.) or kitchen utensils/gadgets? I like to cook, I love to bake.  I could use loaf pans (normal size and mini) and muffin tins - the big ones for, like, Costco/Sam’s size muffins.  Also, recipes are always good. I'm at Ocean City MD for bike week......would a witches want anything from here? Bike or beach related? Bike, meh.  Beach, sure!  I like shells and rocks. What is 1 thing you would love to see in your final box? Can be ANYTHING - your choice. A reveal! Who would love some USPS eclipse stamps? Sure!  But I can go to the post office and get them.  :)

9/14/17 Do any of you potential Witchees have any kitties, puppers, or youngling humans you want spoiled in your packages?  What treats or toys do they like? I have a husband and three kids (15, 12, 8) who would love anything you cared to include for them.  But please, don’t feel obligated! Is there anything you want from the trading post (or trading post etsy) that is available to order right now? (Fatherhood, Puppers, normal GC things) Any of the perfume oils, sure, unless they say ‘dry’ or ‘dirt’ in the description.  I mentioned somewhere below that I’m intrigued by the hair glosses.

9/13/17 Are you a gamer? If so, what games are you currently playing and is there any merch for that game you'd love to have? Anything Sims (I’m behind on game/stuff packs for 4) or Civ!  Other than that, I try things at random, mostly if they’re free on Steam or EA. If you are a gamer do you have a steam/gamestop/amazon wishlist? Amazon, I think so?  Steam/Gamestop/etc, no. How do you feel about the following scarf options (assuming you're into scarves)? I like lacy/fuzzy and leafy the best!  And I’m always hot, so the others would probably be too much.

Simple eyelet scarf

Chevron scarf

Lacy and fuzzy

Skinny rib knit (extra long for lots of wrapping)

Leafy!

Like beer?  What styles most appeal to you? Ambers, stouts, porters - mostly darker stuff.  Like booze?  What kinds? Vodka, rum, whiskey!  Like Wine?  What kinds? Reds - Pinot noir, shiraz, malbec, that sort of thing.  Whites - Pinot grigio, Sauvignon blanc

Would you be interested in a set of hand-made hair falls? It's something I do for fun and I can make any length and do an array of colors! Sure!  I made them a couple times (once with yarn/ribbon, once with that tube-y stuff), and they are really fun to make.

For those who watch certain movies every year for Halloween, what are those movies, whether horror or not?  Any favorite horror movies that aren't necessarily on the annual-viewing list?  How do you feel about fan-made merch for these movies? I like thriller more than horror, as do most of my family.  The 60s Carnival of Souls, Village of the Damned (90s and earlier), etc.  I love fan made merch!

9/12/17 What are your favorite/preferred Halloween/autumn icons/images?  Any to specifically stay away from? I love them all! Do you want  Fidget spinners, desk toys, or other frivolous things that you look at and decide you don't need enough to spend $ on but would make you happy to have? Not particularly?  I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. Any zentangle lovers,  people who would like to try it, or would you want a piece of someone else's zentangle art? I played around with zentangle for a bit and it was fun!  I would love more inspiration for it.  And the people who are good at it make such pretty stuff! Any love of hair toys, clips, ribbons, fascinators, mini hats, etc? I only really use the sillicone ponytail holders by goody, but I love the look of fascinators and tiny top hats and the like. What local goodies may be of interest? Local Honey, jams,candy?  Any of the above! Are you interested in any prescription services like serial magazines, Birch box, ipsy? Not so much cosmetic ones, but I’ve been dying for the Gilmore Girls one.  Also, lootcrate, Harry Potter related ones, book ones, etc. How do you like to listen to music? CD, 8 track tape, mix tape, Pandora or Spotify, I-tunes? CD (mixes are good) or Pandora/Spotify, mostly.  I have a record player and am way interested in vinyl as well. Do you prefer reading on Kindle or actual book? What kind of books do you like? Would you like to be surprised with a scary, classic, horror book? I prefer regular books but find myself doing more reading on my tablet (Kindle or Nook) or by audiobook these days.  I would love a scary, classic horror book in any format. Witchee: are you interested in crafting materials? Sure!  Sewing notions are always a thing.  Yarn, cool duct tape, altoid tins, scrapbook paper, fabric, whatever!

9/11/17

I'm in Japan, is there anything specific from here you would want? All the Hello Kitty/Sanrio things!  Especially Kuromi. How do you feel about nail wraps? I am indifferent on the subject and get my nails done professionally.  That said, there are some really cool ones by . . . I forget the company, but they had a kickstarter a while back. If you could be ANY character from a film, TV show or book, who would it be and why? Ahhhhh, good question.  And one I don’t really know how to answer. If you could hop into a time machine and travel anywhere/anytime, where would it be and why? I have no whys beyond a love of history and a one-time involvment in the Society for Creative Anachronisms, but medieval/renaissance Europe, particularly the British Isles and/or the Austro-Hungarian Empire and/or Scandinavia. If you could invite 3 famous people to a BPAL meet and sniff, who would invite? I . . . don’t know?  I feel like plenty of cool people congregate around them on their own. Do you like and/or want anything from Elements and Artifacts? You can be vague like "yes" or "no" or name specific past pieces you coveted or current ones you love, whatever works best. Yes!  So much of Alicia’s work is so pretty. Anyone want any kind of costuming accessories or makeup or odds and ends? There’s a Folkwear pattern I need . . .

9/10/17 Are there any hobbies or crafts you've been thinking of trying, but haven't had the chance yet? Um . . . not really?  I’m a creature of impulse on that front. Would you want to receive a custom spell kit or magical tea? If so, what purpose would you want it to be for? Ooh, that sounds lovely - for peace at home, for prosperity and good fortune, for focus and balance . . . Do you like poetry? Yes, very much, though I’ve fallen out of the habit of reading it.  Neruda is a favorite, and Cummings, and some friends have written books of poetry that I don’t have. Anyone like handmade critters, stuffed animals, or custom repaints? Sure! I like steampunked or apocalypsed stuff a lot. Would you enjoy any designer/specialty yarn for your own craftyness? Yes, please! Would anyone like a donation made in their name to a cause or charity? Sure!  Harry Potter Alliance and/or Granger Leadership Academy, Destination Imagination and/or Michigan Creativity, Girl Scouts of America and/or the Southeastern Michigan council and/or my troop, Grosse Pointe Public Schools Foundation for Education, Grosse Pointe Theatre ... Please provide wishes from the last two updates? Liliths: Everything sounds so good!  I would love imps/partial imps/sniffies of all of them.  Of particular interest are Valuable, Powerful, Deserving, Storyboard: The Tempest, and Huntress from the Lab/Like Father, Like Daughter,  My Little Themyscirian, and Zip Line from the Trading Post.  Eclipse: Again, all the imps from the Lab.  I haven’t tried any hair glosses and am intrigued!

9/9/17 Are there any UK things you'd like to get? Beyond British versions of the Harry Potter books?  Tim Tams.  Other than that, IDK. Are you into podcasts? If so, what are your favorites? Would you like any merch related to any of them? I mostly only listen to Welcome to Night Vale and This American Life.  Oh, and The Moth!  Sure, merch is always good.  :) ILNP? Who would love one of their awesome holos like MEGA or one of their amazing chromes?  http://www.ilnp.com/ Oh gods, yes!  They’re all so pretty!

9/8/17 Do you enjoy stationery? I'm thinking cute/quality notebooks, washi tape, stickers, fun pens etc. Always!  Not so much washi tape, but the rest, absolutely.  Also postcards and note cards. Would you be interested in a Halloween wreath? Yes, I very much would.  I’ve been watching video tutorials lustily whenever they cross my feed, but am unlikely to ever make one myself.

9/7/17 What are your coffee and/or tea preferences? - Coffee: whole beans or ground? Whole bean, please!      -  Flavor and roast preferences? No flavor, medium roast most of the time though light or dark could be just fine, too. - Tea: black, green, herbal, flavors? Mostly black, sometimes herbal.  Earl Grey and similar, Irish Breakfast, Darjeeling, Oolong, Chai.  Plantation Mint by Bigelow is a favorite for iced/sun tea purposes and isn’t always easy to find.      -  Loose leaf or tea bags? Either.  Bags for travel, loose leaf at home. - Anything specific you don't like? - Are you in need of any gadgetry? I mentioned below that I could use a plastic or pyrex walled French press.  And I’m always losing tea balls.

9/6/17 How would you feel about receiving a hand-painted container for your bpal and/or other treasures? I love hand made things, and painting has been a huge thing around here this summer - my town hit the ‘kindness rocks’ project hard. - would you want a big wood box (~50 bottles), a small wood box (~20 bottles) or a tin for carrying imps around? I already have a couple tea boxes I use for bottles and imps, but a tin for carrying travelers would be great! What are some NEW things you've gotten interested in this year? Could be anything, from a new hobby, new genre of book, new healthy way of living, new fav brand of whatever... Crocheting, but that’s all that’s new, really.  Oh, and apparently I’m amassing a collection of tarot decks.

9/5/17

What are your feelings about Scooby Doo? Loved it as a kid, kind of indifferent now.  But would love for my kids to see the classic stuff instead of the newer, dumber stuff!

I drink this stuff almost everyday would anyone else be interested in trying it out?  https://www.criobru.com/ I’ll try almost anything once, and this sounds pretty fantastic.  On a side note, I could also use a plastic-walled (or pyrex type instead of regular glass) French press.

9/4/17 Would you like one of the Halloween Teeturtle shirts? https://www.teeturtl...alloween?page=1 Oh gods, yes!  Especially the Beetlejuice ones.  Unisex XL would probably fit me, or relaxed ladies’ 2X.