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Rachel's Reflections Posts

Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio ArdentlyPen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Ardently
December 8, 2023
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Ardently

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with the high-quality pen porn. πŸ˜‰

I wracked my brain for a while trying to figure out what to request for a Stanford Pen Studio pen painted by artist Hanna Farmer. That I wanted one, there was never any doubt. The intricate work she does is as amazing as it is beautiful.

When I finally decided on requesting a Pride & Prejudice themed pen, I couldn’t have dreamed of such a beautiful result.

SPS Ardently uncapped with the cap laying beside it
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 0Plotter Alternatives Part 0: bonus
December 6, 2023
Rachel
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 0

Posted in Fountain Pens

Some New Information

No, this isn’t a mistake. Melz, a fantastic reader, submitted a comment with so much wonderful information, I asked their permission to post it as an addendum to my Plotter alternatives series. You can find even more information about “system techos” on Melz’s blog.

I have only slightly edited the content below to make it flow well (like adding headers). Where I have edited the text (as opposed to just rearranging something), I’ve placed it [in brackets]. Please don’t grant me credit for this knowledge, it comes from the fantastic brain of Melz.

While Plotter markets itself as a leather binder, it is completely categorized as a β€œsystem techo” (システム手帳) in Japan. If you throw that into your preferred search engine, you will start to see more relevant results in terms of matching binder sizes and refills.

Keep ReadingPlotter Alternatives, Part 0
25 Days of Dupes 2023 – Week 125 Days of Dupes 2023. The Inkvent Calendar
December 5, 2023
Rachel
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25 Days of Dupes 2023 – Week 1

Posted in Fountain Pens

Hello, welcome to the first post of 25 Days of Dupes 2023. Below you’ll find the inks for days 1-4. If you have a suggestion for a possible dupe for any of these inks, let me know in the comments, and I’ll add it to the wrap up post.

Some info:

  • You can click the images to view them larger.
  • I swatched each ink with a small (#2) paintbrush and wrote with a Zebra G dip nib.
  • Behind-the-scenes: I included more than just my final swatches for each ink. Preliminary swatches are on Iroful A5 dot grid paper. I’ve found that inks can look VERY different on this paper. I swatched the top matches on Franklin-Christoph sugar cane paper (from a leftover Firma-Flex notebook) and Kokuyo 5mm grid Sarasara loose-leaf paper.
  • While I try to edit the images so they look as close to real life as possible, I can’t guarantee that the color you see on your screen will be true to life. However, with all the dupes on the same page, you’ll see how the colors look in relation to each other, which is the main point of these posts.
  • I can’t fairly call any ink a perfect color match, as I’m not comparing them scientifically, I’m just using my eyes. Therefore, I won’t be going any further than calling an ink a “near-perfect color match.”
  • Reminder: I’m not attempting to dupe the special properties of the inks β€” sheen, shimmer, scent β€” only the base color.

Enjoy, and happy inking!

Keep Reading25 Days of Dupes 2023 – Week 1
Athena: Almost One YearAthena: Almost One Year
December 1, 2023
Rachel
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Athena: Almost One Year

Posted in Cat

This post is a continuation of my series on Athena β€” her diagnosis, treatment, integration into the household, and life after FIP. If you haven’t already, I suggest taking a look at my previous posts on her. You can find them on her tag page.

We’re just over one years since Athena’s health saga started, and just shy of one year since her diagnostics. This time last year we were desperately trying to get her to eat and gain some weight. I’m planning a post for the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis β€” Christmas Eve β€” looking back on everything that has happened this past year.

Keep ReadingAthena: Almost One Year
25 Days of Dupes 2023 – Intro25 Days of Dupes 2023. The Inkvent Calendar
November 30, 2023
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25 Days of Dupes 2023 – Intro

Posted in Fountain Pens

Thanks to David of the DC Pen Crew, I will once again be duping the Diamine Inkvent calendar. Like last year, I’m posting once a week with all of the inks from that week.

Also like last year, I’m basing my posting day on Christmas. Since Christmas is on Monday, I’ll be posting on Tuesdays. My first dupe post will be on the 5th, with the inks from December 1-4. My final dupe post will be on the 26th, with inks from December 19-25. And I’ll have a wrap-up/reference post on the 27th linking to the 4 dupe posts and listing the best dupe for each ink.

Keep Reading25 Days of Dupes 2023 – Intro
Plotter Alternatives, Part 6Plotter Alternatives Part 6: Bonus
November 25, 2023
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 6

Posted in Fountain Pens

Bonus Options

Welcome back for the sixth and final part of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read that post. You can also review the A5, Bible and Narrow, Mini, and Mini 5 alternatives.

Welcome to the sixth and final installment of my Plotter alternatives series. While I researched the various binder sizes, I found several interesting binders that didn’t fit in as alternatives. These binders are too interesting not to share. I hope you find these interesting β€” and in some cases, unique β€” binders useful.

Some of these are more along the lines of categories, as there are multiple options for the type of binder. I can’t link to all of them, but I’ve added some links to various binders of that type.

PLEASE NOTE: The images included in the post have been taken from the listings I link to. They are not my images. You can click on them to view larger.

That said, let’s get into the bonus options.

Keep ReadingPlotter Alternatives, Part 6
Plotter Alternatives, Part 5Plotter Alternatives Part 5: Mini 5
November 24, 2023
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 5

Posted in Fountain Pens

Mini 5 Alternatives

Welcome back for part 5 of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read that post. You can also review the A5, Bible and Narrow, and Mini alternatives.

This post was harder than expected. I thought it would be easy to find other Mini 5 sized binders. However, the majority of binders around Mini 5 size are 3-ring, not 5 ring. I was, though, able to find some alternatives.

I found that, despite Mini 5 binders and paper not being close to A8 size, , binders labeled A8 are the correct size. So, it’s likely that if you find a 5-ring A8 binder, it will be the right size. I’m including the paper size comparison again, even though we’ve learned by now that “international standard” sizes mean next to nothing in the binder world.

PaperB7A7Mini 5A8 RefillA8
Height125mm105mm105mm105mm74mm
Width88mm74mm62mm67mm52mm

That said, let’s get into the Mini 5 alternatives.

Keep ReadingPlotter Alternatives, Part 5
Plotter Alternatives, Part 4Plotter Alternatives Part 4: Mini
November 23, 2023
Rachel
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 4

Posted in Fountain Pens

Mini Alternatives

Welcome back for part 4 of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read that post. You can also review the A5 and Bible and Narrow alternatives.

While, once again, Plotter Mini size paper doesn’t match any international size papers, it’s closest to B7 paper. And, at 12mm narrower than the Mini binder, B7 paper should fit into it without any problems.

Unfortunately, this is where it gets weird again. Don’t search for B7 refill paper, because it’s virtually impossible to find. However, like I found with A6 refills, A7 refill paper is not A7; it’s much closer to B7.

What is the point of having internationally standard sizes if they aren’t actually used? If a company doesn’t want to make paper in a standard size, fine, don’t; but don’t label it as a standard size!!

Keep ReadingPlotter Alternatives, Part 4
Plotter Alternatives, Part 3Plotter Alternatives Part 3: Bible/Narrow
November 22, 2023
Rachel
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 3

Posted in Fountain Pens

Bible and Narrow Alternatives

Welcome back for part 3 of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read that post. You can also review the A5 alternatives.

For this post, I’m addressing both Plotter’s Bible and Narrow sized binders because they are so similar in size. There is a 3mm difference in height between them, and an 11mm (0.43in) difference in width. The paper is similarly close in size, with no difference in height, and 15mm (0.59in) difference in width. You can easily use either size’s paper in the other size’s binder without any problems.

To make things even more confusing, the Bible and Narrow sized binders are smaller (both in height and width) than average A6 binders. However, the same sized Plotter papers are significantly taller than A6 β€” more in line with B6 paper β€” while narrower than both A6 and B6.

Keep ReadingPlotter Alternatives, Part 3
Plotter Alternatives, Part 2Plotter alternatives part 2 a5
November 21, 2023
Rachel
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 2

Posted in Fountain Pens

A5 Alternatives

Welcome back for part 2 of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read the previous post.

Unlike what I’ve found with other Japanese binder systems, Plotter only goes up to A5 size, rather than B5 or A4. Perhaps because it’s the largest size, the A5 binder size has the most accessories and refills.

There are, of course, MANY A5 binders available β€” including some well-known brands like Levenger Circa (OK, maybe not quite a binder) and Filofax β€” so I chose some top picks based on binder depth and compatibility with Plotter paper. That said, let’s get into the A5 alternatives.

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Plotter Alternatives, Part 1Plotter alternatives part 1 about plotter
November 20, 2023
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Plotter Alternatives, Part 1

Posted in Fountain Pens

About Plotter

A few years back when everyone was going nuts for the Traveler’s Notebook, I fell for the hype and got one. Since then, I used it maybe three-four times and ended up selling it. Now, I’ve been hearing more and more about Plotter and their binder system. It’s highly reminiscent of the hype for Traveler’s Notebook.

However, where there weren’t any alternatives β€” that I knew about β€” for the Traveler’s Notebooks. There are many alternatives to Plotter, most of which are significantly less expensive. Traveler’s Notebook seemed to be a fairly unique system at the time; Plotter isn’t.

Do you like the idea of Plotter, but object to the price? Are you curious about the Plotter binders but don’t want leather? This series of posts will provide you with some of the alternatives available for each size of Plotter binder.

Keep ReadingPlotter Alternatives, Part 1
Ink Battle: Kyo Iro and ColorverseInk Battle
November 17, 2023
Rachel
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Ink Battle: Kyo Iro and Colorverse

Posted in Fountain Pens

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Keep ReadingInk Battle: Kyo Iro and Colorverse
Perfect Your Wardrobe, Not Your Bodyperfect your wardrobe, not your body
November 14, 2023
Rachel
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Perfect Your Wardrobe, Not Your Body

Posted in Miscellaneous Information

I want to write about something rather different today. I occasionally post about personal issues, but hardly ever write about confidence and body positivity.

I enjoy historical clothing β€” learning about it, drawing it (sort of), and the idea of wearing it (the cost for the small amount of use keeps me from actually doing so). However, the more I learn about historical clothing, the more I feel society has done itself a major disservice, especially for women.

You only have to jump back 70 years to find a time when shaping undergarments weren’t an optional wardrobe item, but an expected part of daily life.

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Pen Porn: Benu Euphoria Playful PawsPen Porn: Benu Euphoria Playful Paws
November 10, 2023
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Benu Euphoria Playful Paws

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with the high-quality pen porn. πŸ˜‰

The Playful Paws is an exclusive to Benu’s online store, and is available at the time of writing.

There is so much to love on the Playful Paws! I’m going to get my one β€” minor! β€” criticism out of the way first. I wish there were cats on the cap, too. OK, now on to the pen porn!

Benu Euphoria Playful Paws
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Ink Faves by ColorInk faves by color
November 8, 2023
Rachel
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Ink Faves by Color

Posted in Fountain Pens

After taking the ink rainbow challenge, I started thinking about what my favorite ink(s) in each color are. I had to expand the color categories, and, even then, I have a couple of honorable mentions. Quick note: I worked through this post without reviewing my ink rainbow post, only comparing the two when I was done. There’s a bit of overlap.

In case you didn’t read the ink rainbow post and are wondering why I’m doing two such similar posts, the main difference is the selection criteria. For the ink rainbow post, I listed the first ink that came to mind. For this post, I’m sharing my favorite inks.

I’ve done my best to photoshop the individual ink swatches to look true-to-life, but that’s easier said than done, especially with any color that has red in it.

Now, enough chatting, on to the inks.

Keep ReadingInk Faves by Color
November 6, 2023
Rachel
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Pens For Sale

Posted in Fountain Pens

As I mentioned in my Time for a Change post, I did my best to do a brutal declutter of my pens. With Jim’s help, I pushed past some of the, “it’s pretty, I need it.” Overall, it may not be a massive declutter of pens, but it’s a significantly larger one than I’ve done before. Of course, that means I now need to sell them. The below pens are for sale and have videos on my Instagram stories.

You can reach out to me on Instagram if you’re interested in purchasing a pen. If you don’t have Instagram, leave me a comment and make sure to add your email address in the specified field so I can reach out to you. Don’t worry, the email address won’t show up in the posted comment.

Please note, prices are in USD and do not include shipping.

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Time for a ChangeTime for a Change
November 3, 2023
Rachel
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Time for a Change

Posted in Fountain Pens

Welcome to a post no one asked for. I always feel odd writing and posting these “how I do things” posts. But, they have good metrics, and generate some good conversation, so you must enjoy them.

For the first time in years, my pen rotation and notebook ended together. This seemed like an excellent time to shake things up a bit.

I’ve previously written about my pen rotation and notebook system, including actual notebook, layout, and cover. Well, I’ve changed all of it.

I suggest you go back and at least skim the posts about my pen rotation and notebook layout, but you don’t have to.

With that intro out of the way, allow me to share what’s changing.

Keep ReadingTime for a Change
Ink Battle: J. Herbin and DiamineInk Battle
October 27, 2023
Rachel
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Ink Battle: J. Herbin and Diamine

Posted in Fountain Pens

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Keep ReadingInk Battle: J. Herbin and Diamine
Stationery Marvels TagStationery Marvels Tag
October 24, 2023
Rachel
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Stationery Marvels Tag

Posted in Fountain Pens

This post is inspired by Theresa is Dead‘s video The Makeup Marvels Tag. In that video, they credit Seeking Alexandria with coming up with the idea.

1. A product that is actually useful/offers a significant improvement.

If you have vacuum fillers or piston fillers that you can’t β€” or don’t want to β€” remove the nib, then the Ink Miser Ink-Shot Inkwell is really useful for using up the last bit of ink from a bottle or filling from a sample.

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Review – Veils and VampiresBook Review Featured Image
October 18, 2023
Rachel
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Review – Veils and Vampires

Posted in Book Blogger

Veils and Vampires

by CEE BEE

Veils and Vampires

Series: Vampires of the Daemonverse, Book 2
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Release Date: October 14th 2023
Pages: 266
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
My Rating: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

Highlander meets Twilight with a dash of Fifty Shades of Grey in this vampire romantasy…

Caelin MacGregor is an ancient king with a new love

Ages ago, I ruled a clan of vampire raiders. We were allies to the Vikings and enemies of the Rus. That life ended when the bloodkin plague wiped out all our women, including my beloved vampire bride, Elisava. A thousand years have passed. My heart remains empty. Then I see a human woman named Lexa. For the first time in ages, I feel true desire, respect and love. Could Lexa actually be a lost bloodkin lady … or is she a horrible trick from Pyri, the ancient fire goddess of the Rus raiders?

Lexa Uznetsov has a plan

To save my sister, Sash, I took on my father’s debt to Konstantin the Rus, leader of the New York Bratva. As a result, my life became a never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the mob. After years of scheming, I’ve finally come up with a solid escape plan: find all three pieces of the infamous Veil Pendant. Once I reassemble this magical item, I’ll have the power to cure my sister … as well as the ability to say buh-bye to Konstantin. Sure, legends warn that reforming the Veil Pendant may bring about some nastiness called Pyri’s doomsday. Yet if it saves Sash, I’m willing to risk anything.

β€œVeils and Vampires is amazing! It has action and adventure and a little spicy. Enough that it makes you drool and want more. Honestly a totally different take on modern day vampire soulmates. I devoured this book in one sitting.” β€“ Teresa, Goodreads

Vampires of the Daemonverse

  1. Violins and Vampires
  2. Veils and Vampires
  3. Vixens and Vampires
Keep ReadingReview – Veils and Vampires