Bic deal at Staples

This week at Staples, the Bic Atlantis retractable pens are on sale for $2 a pack.  Each pack contains 2 free pens.  In addition, Staples has a Bic promotion which allows you to buy 2 Bic products and receive a 3^rd Bic product of equal or lesser value for free.  In the end, I was able to combine the sale with the Bic promotion and purchased 3 packs of the pens for about $1.33 per pack.    Not a bad deal.

I've tried the Bic Atlantis pens in the past.  I like the grip, the smooth flowing ink and the fact that "clicker" that doesn't wiggle when engaged.  I do not like that the pen is so light weight.  I generally prefer weightier pens.  I also don't like the fact the light green and light blue inks from the “Fashion Colors” pack do not show up well on paper.  Why bother creating an ink color that you can barely see?  Maybe it's a function of the fact that it's a ball point pen as opposed to a gel pen.  At any rate, while it is a serviceable pen, it won't be part of my daily rotation.  I'll keep a few in my work bag for emergencies and donate the rest to a school supply drive in my area.

Rad and Hungry - Panama Kit

I first became aware of Rad and Hungry after reading a post at The Well Appointed Desk.  I finally gave in and signed up for quarterly kits after seeing a review of the Germany kit posted on The Pen Addict's site.

The August kit contains items from Panama.  The items include 2 triangular pencils, a ruled notebook, an eraser guard and as a bonus clear book cover for the notebook. 

I love the angular grips on Muji hexagonal pens and the new Moleskine pens so, of course, I love the triangular pencils.   The ruled notebook is a little shorter and a little wider than an A5 notebook. The notebook contains 128 "wide striped" pages.  

The front inside cover contains lists of various measurements and has a section for a weekly schedule. 

 

The back cover contains sections for phone numbers, important dates and a multiplication table. 

The eraser guard is an item I've never used but am happy to have.  My late father was an engineer so looking at it makes me think of him.  The clear plastic book cover is a nice bonus.  I’ll have to figure out if I can use with any of my other notebooks.


Each month's kit is revealed the first Tuesday of every month.  Rad and Hungry posts clues on its Facebook page on the  preceding Monday.  The first person to figure out the clue wins bonus items to go along with that month’s kit.  I can't wait to find out what next month’s kit has to offer.

New Markings 3 Pack Ruled Paper Journals

During one of my recent Staples trips, I purchased a pack of ruled journals from Markings by C. R. Gibson.  I had never seen them before so while I have what seems like hundreds of journals, I couldn’t resist buying them.  They are priced at $6.99 for three journals.  Each journal contains 80 acid free, perforated pages and a storage pocket.  There are 27 lines per page and the journals measure approximately 5.5’’ by 8.5’’.  The lines are made of soy ink and are actually small dots placed side by side.  The outside cover feels like a cross between vinyl and paper.  The inside cover has a glossy sheen. 

 The journals remind me of the Ecosystem ruled essay books, which retail for $10.95, currently $7.88 on the Barnes & Noble website.  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ecosystem-ruled-set-of-three-essay-books-ecosystem/1026427396?ean=9781607361442&itm=3&usri=ecosystem%2bessay%2bbook.   The Ecosystem journals have 60 perforated pages with 32 lines per page. 

The paper is relatively smooth.  The pen test showed some bleed through for permanent makers and fountain pens and light shadowing for a few of the gel pens.  Overall, it’s a decent and economical journal best suited for use with a ball point pen or a gel pen with a fine point nib.

Pentel Energel-X Retractable Rollergel Pens

Like most pen and paper addicts, back to school season is one of my favorite times of the year.  I get to check out the new office and school supplies and can purchase them at great prices.  The cashiers at the Staples around the corner from me are used to seeing me every Sunday morning when I go in to purchase items I picked out from the newest circular.  This week, I purchased a new product from Pentel’s Recycology line.  It’s a variety pack of Energel-X Retractable Rollergel Pens. It’s made from 84% recycled plastic and comes with .5 mm or .7 mm metal tips.  I purchased a pack with .7 mm tips in black, red, blue, green and violet.  Normally $7 a pack, they are on sale for $3.

The packaging comes with a sticker stating that the ink offers a quick drying time, no smears and no globs.  The package also states that the ink is “bright” and “vibrant”.  The barrel shaped pen has a rubberized grip and its design reminds me of Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Pens.  The pen is refillable and uses LR7 refills.

The ink color is definitely vibrant. Unfortunately, the poor lighting in my apartment doesn’t allow me to capture how vivid the ink is.  I did find that the ink smeared a little in the first few seconds but being right handed, it’s not that much of a problem.  The grip is comfortable and the ink flows very easily, without any skipping.  The only downside for me is that I was only able to purchase the .7 mm tips.  I prefer nibs that are .5 mm or less.  However, the ink flow and great colors mean I’ll likely add them to my daily arsenal.

 Pentel is offering a $1.00 coupon with the purchase of any Pentel Energel-X Gel Pens (2 count or larger).  Simply enter the Pentel Energel-X Sweepstakes to access the coupon. 

http://www.pentelsweeps.com/entertowin.php

Wordless Wednesday 7-20-2011 - Storage Box #2



Wordless Wednesday 7-13-2011 - Storage Box #1

Coupon - 75% off any uni-ball product from Staples (Valid through 7/9)

I came across this 75% off uni-ball products from Staples.  While great performers, Uni-ball pens tend to be a bit pricey so I was very excited when I saw this coupon.  I picked up an 8-pack of the multi-color Vision Needle pens, regularly $13.49, for only $3.37.  The packaging claims that the .7 mm needle point is stronger than the leading needle tip.  I'll try these out on some the new notebooks I recently purcased from Muji.

http://reg.e.staples.com/c/s/tagfrm/hBOEralB7SHGCB8cLmwNsrnVNBR/coupon.html?n=995&email=&cm_mmc=__circ-_-070511CW-_-Chain46-_-num&cm_lm=&cid=EM:CM:_BOEralB8cLmw3j&om_rid=