Back after 3 years

It's been over 3 years since I blogged, and I've been struggling with what to write about since I'm so behind in blogging.  I decided to write about a subsection of my pen and paper obsession; mini stationary products.  While not always practical, they are always charming to look at.  So for my first attempt to dip my toe back into the blogging waters, I decided to show some of my mini products.


The first is from a line of products Staples rolled out this summer created with the input of actual middle school students.  It's called the "Big Pen Accessory Pack"

The writing instruments are cute but the pen and pencil, in particular would be hard to write with for any significant length of time.  The marker has a nice long point and they chiseled point on the highlighter makes for easy highligting.  I just wonder how long the writing instruments will last with regular use.


My next new mini is a pack of mini Ink Joy pens.

Ink Joys write very smoothly as it is and I love the variety of colors in one small package.


This next item is call a "micro binder" from Staples.  It's like a miniaturized binder with blank paper on the inside instead of ruled paper.  But it's still a cute little binder.

I purchased the next items form the Muji store in the Village in NYC.  I love Muji tabs anyway and was thrilled to see the mini version.

My favorite mini pen, which I carry everyday, is set of 2 mini multi-pens from Bic.  I love multi-pens.  Bic, in my opinion, combined the best of both worlds.

Finally, I have a mini-stapler and mini-tape dispenser I purchased at a discount store (my favorite place to shop for name brand pens).   I use them sparingly since I can't locate refills.

So while I'm wild about minis, the general lack of refills make them impractical.  But they are fun to have.

Semi-Wordless Wedensday

Writing related rubber stamps.

PHX-1: Design Tool Set

Then Pen Addict introduced me to the PHX-1 Design Tool Set when he mentioned the PHX-1 Campaign back in November 2011.  The campaign is over but I was lucky enough to become one of the backers before the campaigned ended.  I received the tool yesterday which was like Christmas all over again.

This is truly a design tool.  The Bamboo case is simple and elegant as is the tool itself. The case is covered by a sliding seven (7) measurement ruler. I can probably only undstertand about 3 of them.  But it doesn't matter.  I love the tool. It is a hollow, stainless body that houses Hi-Tec-C and Signo DX refills in the writing instrument end and a hobby knife at the other end.  You have to supply your own refill and hobby knife. Both ends screw on securely when not in use.  

 It is almost too nice to use in my line of work but I fully intend to whip it at my next meeting.  I plan to dramatically unveil it from its case at the very start of the meeting to the admiration of all in attendance Can't wait!!  I'm such a geek.  I'm thrilled to have in my collection.  Here are some photographs of the tool which do not do the tool justice.  I used a Hi-Tec-C .4mm refill in the pictures. I'll try the Signo refill next time.



The link found through Pen Addict has much better pictures.

Black Barrel Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen via AMAZON Locker



A few weeks ago, I walked to my local Rite-Aid and noticed this large, grey contraption near the entrance, bearing the words “Amazon Locker”.  There was a little television screen in the middle of the structure.  As soon as I got home, I jumped on the internet to figure out what the heck it was.  Turns out, it’s a new delivery method for receiving your Amazon.com orders.  Amazon has been testing it out in various parts of the country and NYC is the next area.

Now, it may seem like a rather pointless idea when you can just have your goods shipped to your home.  However, if you live in an apartment building in NYC and you don’t happen to have doorman, receiving deliveries can be somewhat of a pain.  I try not to receive too many packages at work so I’m often stuck having to wait until the weekend to retrieve my package from the post office.  So for me, it’s useful.  Sort of a free post office box with hours to fit my work schedule.

I decided to test the service by ordering Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen with the new black barrels.  This version is very similar to other versions of the Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen models.  The only real difference is in the aesthetics.  Instead of a barrel with sparkles or squiggly lines, the barrel is black with small silver dots.  Then pen is a much more modern looking pen than the others and is far more appealing to me.  I use them at work on a regular basis.

The pen performs like similar pens.  The ink is nice and black and the highlighter works well.  I like larger Post-it tabs but these will do in a pinch.

If the Amazon Locker comes to you area, you should check it out.  And if you like the Post-it Flag + Highlighter & Pen, check out the new design.  Thus far, I’ve only seen the pens on Amazon.



Holiday Journal Donations

Holiday Journal Donations

Journaling has been an important part of my life since at least the 6^th grade.  It was my best friend when I mistakenly thought I had no friends. I could cry into my journal and still appear strong to the outside world.  Mostly, it helped me work through emotional issues when professional help was unavailable to me.  Whenever I encounter a troubled youth, I suggest journaling and professional help. I'm sure some of you have had similar experiences.  Maybe that’s why I collect (hoard) so many journals.

For years, I have wanted to donate my unused journals but could not find the avenue for donating them. Thank goodness for Fresh Air Fund Holiday Drive in New York.   Among the gifts on their "wish list" are writing journals and diaries.  Well, that’s right up my alley.

I picked 10 black journals and decorated them with silver ribbon and added a disposable fountain pen. I will remove my fingerprints before gifting them. :)



I added a label to each of the journals which reads “This Journal Belongs To ______________”.  I used a rubber stamp of a fountain pen at the top of the label.  I have to work on centering the rubber stamp for the inside label. 

I hope they like them.

Staples Coupon - Free Eco-Easy Bag and 15% Off - Valid through 11/23/2011

Great pre-Thanksgiving deal.

I took advantage of this deal back in June.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday - 11/16/2011 - Storage Box #3 (Purple Pens)