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Author: Rachel

Cocoa Paper: Quality Custom CoverInstagram 10-20-21
October 20, 2021
Rachel
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Cocoa Paper: Quality Custom Cover

Posted in Paper

I enjoy color. I know, it can be hard to tell. 😉 Unfortunately for me, my favorite notebooks don’t come with colorful covers. So, in June last year, I made a custom fabric cover. It turned out… alright. It was a bit too big, and the construction wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t too bad for a first try. I used some gorgeous fabrics, and that’s really the only reason I’ve kept it as long as I have.

Switching to a different notebook brand with my current notebook seemed like a good time to abandon that old cover. Unfortunately, while the Rhodia is more colorful than the Firma-Flex, it stains badly.

Back of Rhodia Goalbook showing staining
Look at all that ugly staining. The front and spine are just as bad.

So, I went looking for a new cover. I didn’t think it would be so difficult.

Keep ReadingCocoa Paper: Quality Custom Cover
A Cheat Code for Self-LoveInstagram 10-12-21
October 18, 2021
Rachel
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A Cheat Code for Self-Love

Posted in Personal

As it is for many, my journey to self-love has been long, with many walls and speed bumps along the way. I also still have a long way to go to love and accept my own body the way I do others’.

Somewhere along the way, though, I discovered my own, personal cheat code: decorations.

My first tattoo was on my hip. At the time, I wasn’t super fond of the area. But, after my tattoo had healed, it was like it’d flipped a switch. How could it be anything but fabulous when I had such a cool tattoo?

Granted, this is more something I realized in hindsight. At the time, I was so excited to finally have a tattoo that I didn’t pay any attention to how I felt about my hip. After all, there were, unfortunately, plenty of other areas I disliked back then.

Keep ReadingA Cheat Code for Self-Love
Fails from my FavoritesInstagram 10-15-21
October 15, 2021
Rachel
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Fails from my Favorites

Posted in Fountain Pens

DISCLAIMER UPDATE (6/24/22): TWSBI and Narwhal have released a joint statement which I cover in my most recent TWSBIgate post. While not completely satisfied with TWSBI’s response to the situation, I no longer feel the need to dissuade people from purchasing their products.

DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.

I’m not sure where it originated, but the other day I watched a video from Angelica Nyqvist about fails from her favorite makeup brands. Seeing as I had so much fun with adapting the makeup tag to pens, I figured I could do the same thing with this. So, without further ado, here are some fails (for me) from some of my favorite pen brands.

Disclaimer: I’m calling this “fails,” but that refers to failing to satisfy my pen wants & needs. These aren’t bad pens, I just don’t like them. Also, the alliteration is fun.

Keep ReadingFails from my Favorites
My 200th PenInstagram 10-12-21
October 12, 2021
Rachel
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My 200th Pen

Posted in Fountain Pens

5 years, 8 months, and 19 days after buying my first fountain pen, I purchased pen number 199. Granted, I haven’t kept all of those pens. Between selling, gift, breakage, and loss, I currently own 121 pens, of which 110 are in regular use.

But, the main point is that my next purchase will be pen 200!! That’s huge, and deserves an appropriately special pen.

Because I wasn’t carefully cataloging my pens yet, I blew right past pens 50 and 100 — although, by sheer dumb luck, #50 was my first 18111 pen. And I didn’t think to save 150 for a special pen, so 200 has to be awesome.

18111 Ivy Pen
Pen number 50. She’s certainly gorgeous.
Keep ReadingMy 200th Pen
Dark RadianceInstagram 10-8-21
October 8, 2021
Rachel
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Dark Radiance

Posted in Fountain Pens

Before I get started, let me say I take no responsibility from pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from this post. Pen porn abounds. You have been warned. Now, enjoy!

I fell in love with my Tamenuri Studio pen when Michal posted his close up images (see image 2).

I sent him a message ASAP, and, luckily it was still available. Michal was kind enough to send me some photos of the whole pen. It lost nothing in the further distanced photos. He posted them a little later, so you can see them, too.

Keep ReadingDark Radiance
An Underrated InkInstagram 10-1-21
October 5, 2021
Rachel
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An Underrated Ink

Posted in Ink

Several years ago, as part of my Fountain Pen 101 Series, I wrote about inks. In that post, I mentioned how some “inks are considered “tried and true” in that they work well with virtually all pens and flow well.”I cited Diamine and Pilot Iroshizuku as two “tried and true” inks. I’ve since learned that Waterman inks have a similar reputation. However, in my own experience, I’ve discovered another ink brand that should have been on on that list: J(acques) Herbin.

Keep ReadingAn Underrated Ink
Capsule Pen CollectionInstagram 10-1-21
October 1, 2021
Rachel
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Capsule Pen Collection

Posted in Fountain Pens

DISCLAIMER UPDATE (6/24/22): TWSBI and Narwhal have released a joint statement which I cover in my most recent TWSBIgate post. While not completely satisfied with TWSBI’s response to the situation, I no longer feel the need to dissuade people from purchasing their products.

DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.

Ink Journal’s September 10th Flex Nib Friday issue included a link to ukfountainpens.com‘s article The Three Pen Collection for £1,000. The idea was based on a series of posts on the watch blog Worn & Wound called the three watch collection for $5,000. UK Fountain Pens adapted the idea to pens, dropped the budget to $1,000 because “watches are much more expensive than pens” — *chortle* some watches are much more expensive than some pens — and limited picks to pens you can go out and buy today.

It’s an easy enough premise. My problem, however, is that the pens I’d choose don’t work out well with the budget provided. So, I gave it some thought and decided to curate two collections, one with the adjusted $1,000 budget and one with the original $5,000 budget. As a note, I did not include taxes when figuring out my choices.

Keep ReadingCapsule Pen Collection
FOREO, A Solution to My MascneInstagram 9-29-21
September 29, 2021
Rachel
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FOREO, A Solution to My Mascne

Posted in Non-Stationery Reviews

When we first had to wear masks, I used an N95 cup mask we had left over. I didn’t have a problem with mascne with that mask, since it barely touched my face. It wasn’t very comfortable, though. When I had to replace it — the elastic broke — I eventually settled on a KF94 mask for its comfort.

LG airwasher black particle mask kf94
I highly suggest this mask. It’s comfortable and keeps the mask off your nose and mouth.
Keep ReadingFOREO, A Solution to My Mascne
Journey to the Right LayoutInstagram 9-24-21
September 24, 2021
Rachel
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Journey to the Right Layout

Posted in Paper

I always feel a little presumptuous, writing these “here’s how I do things” posts, but you all seem to really enjoy them. So today, I’m sharing my current notebook layout and how it’s evolved into this over the years. I’ve just started a new notebook, and this seemed like the perfect timing for the layout post I’ve been planning.

Note: Please excuse the redactions. Some info I just can’t share with the world.

My current layout.
Keep ReadingJourney to the Right Layout
My Perfect Pen CaseInstagram 9-21-21
September 21, 2021
Rachel
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My Perfect Pen Case

Posted in Storage

For most of us, our pens are precious. Even more so as we venture into more expensive territory. Considering how much a pen can cost, it’s no wonder we spend freely on protective cases. With the purchase of my most recent pen case, it occurred to me that I have some very specific ideas when it comes to a perfect case.

There are sleeves, roles, and penvelopes; leather, fabric, and wood; portable and leave-at-home. But, in all of that, we still don’t have a perfect multi-pen case — in my view.

Hear me out. I’ve had several cases in my time. Some of them are near perfection — Girologio — and others left much to be desired. But none of them offered my ideal mix of crush and scratch protection.

Keep ReadingMy Perfect Pen Case
A Fun New Pen CaseInstagram 9-17-21
September 17, 2021
Rachel
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A Fun New Pen Case

Posted in Storage

Recently, I purchased a Raymay Detecool Pen Case after watching a JetPens video (Detecool segment starts at 0:16). I wasn’t sure how it would work out for my pens, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

The Detecool case zipped up.

After using it a few times, I can happily say it’s my favorite traveling pen case. Here’s some of what’s so great about it.

Link to JetPens photos: https://www.jetpens.com/Raymay-Detecool-Pen-Case-Gray/pd/30952

Keep ReadingA Fun New Pen Case
The Fountain Pens TagInstagram 9-14-21
September 14, 2021
Rachel
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The Fountain Pens Tag

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

The other day, I watched a video on Theresa is Dead’s YouTube channel covering The Eyeshadow Palette Tag. It was an old video, from a year ago, and based on an idea from Allie Glines and Samantha March. However, it occurred to me that I could have fun with it — with some modifications — for fountain pens.

Some of these questions were hard for me to answer, but, let’s give it a try.

1. What is your newest fountain pen?

At the time of writing (9/5/21) my newest pen is the Retro 51 Wings of the Monarch fountain pen.

Retro 51 Wings of the Monarch

I decided not to get the rollerball version last year, and regretted it. So, when a fountain pen version was released a few days ago, I jumped on it. No regrets here. It’s stunning, and I already did a Makeup Monday look with it.

Keep ReadingThe Fountain Pens Tag
Unseating the Firma Flex Notebook?Instagram 9-10-21
September 10, 2021
Rachel
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Unseating the Firma Flex Notebook?

Posted in Paper

Three years ago, I wrote about my favorite notebook at the time, the Franklin-Christoph Firma Flex. It remained my favorite notebook for years, until, sadly, it was out-of-stock for an extended period of time late last year and early this year.

In that time, I went looking for a replacement notebook. This was partially because I wasn’t sure if the Firma Flex would ever be available again and partially because I’ve been looking for a notebook with paper that will better show ink shading.

Keep ReadingUnseating the Firma Flex Notebook?
Ink Dupes #14: Maruzen and TacciaInstagram 9-3-21
September 3, 2021
Rachel
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Ink Dupes #14: Maruzen and Taccia

Posted in Ink

Wow, I didn’t really think I’d do another of these. They’re a bit time consuming. But, I came across this pair, and knew I had to share. I’ve decided to leave off the chromatography strips, as they take the longest, and don’t tell you anything about how the inks look coming out of your pen.

Jim found Maruzen Eternal Blue a while back when a local pen peep was selling off some ink. He fell in love with it, and went out of his way to find a second bottle on eBay. It’s pretty hard to get a hold of, so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that one of Taccia’s new Jean inks is a near perfect dupe.

This one was trickier to scan, since there is some sheen, so I also took a photo.

The Inks

Maruzen Athena Inks Eternal Blue
Price: $40?
Bottle Size: 50ml
Price Per Ml: $0.80
Availability: Maruzen store in Japan or eBay

Taccia Navy Blue Jeans
Price: $18
Bottle Size: 40ml
Price Per Ml: $0.45
Availability: Readily Available

Keep ReadingInk Dupes #14: Maruzen and Taccia
Chocolate Mini ReviewsInstagram 9-1-21
September 1, 2021
Rachel
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Chocolate Mini Reviews

Posted in Non-Stationery Reviews

Well, this is the last 2021 DC Pen Show post. I’ve milked it for all it’s worth. But, it’s been fun taking a more in-depth look at my haul. I haven’t really done that before.

Brandon Lee of Modern Chocolatier is a bit of a fixture at the DC Pen Show, typically seen next to Ryan Krusac‘s table. This year, however, he was up near the entrance, which made it easier to make multiple visits.

Brandon had 20 flavors with him, and I ended up getting all but 2 — Curry Lime and Habanero.

My DC Pen Show chocolate haul
I always forget to take photos of chocolates. I’m too eager to eat them. There are actually six not pictured, we’d already finished the fifth box of 4.

While it will be a year (assuming COVID stop the world again) before I can have more, I’d like to share my thoughts on the various flavors. And it will serve as a good reminder for me to get my favorites next year.

Keep ReadingChocolate Mini Reviews
Jowo Update #3Instagram 8-31-21
August 31, 2021
Rachel
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Jowo Update #3

Posted in Fountain Pens

Well, here’s hoping this is the last Jowo update. I’m honestly getting a little tired of Jowogate — my blog is meant to be a fun space — so I don’t know if I’ll write additional posts even if there is more information in the future. Time will tell.

Anyway, Jowo finally released a statement. I’ve included it below in case you don’t want to check their Instagram. In an interesting… coincidence (?), their website is down reading only “Diese Seite wird derzeit aktualisiert. Bitte haben Sie noch etwas Geduld,” and their contact information. Which, according to Google Translate means, “This page is currently being updated. Please have a little patience.”

Keep ReadingJowo Update #3
Jowo Update #2Instagram 8-23-21
August 23, 2021
Rachel
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Jowo Update #2

Posted in Fountain Pens

Once again we interrupt our scheduled programming on the 2021 DC Pen Show for a special bulletin on Jowo issues.

After my last update, I received comments and messages about the too-tight housings. So many, in fact, that I decided to measure my nib housings. Clearly, I’m not the only one who’s experienced the super-tight housings.

So, being the data nut that I am, I carefully measured some of my housings. The results were inconclusive at best. Let me start with disclaimers.

  1. I can’t give manufacturing dates for my housings. The best I can do is say a housing was manufactured before I received it.
  2. I don’t recall precisely which nibs were in cracked housings when I did my big cleanout a few weeks ago. With the obvious exception of the two cracked housings listed, I don’t THINK any of the ones I measured were. But I’m not 100% sure.
  3. I did my best to measure everything in the exact same location. But, I’m human, and humans are neither perfect nor precise. So consider that when looking at the results.
Keep ReadingJowo Update #2
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