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Current Mood: ecstatic
Current Location: Schul

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Stick a Fork in the Midori MD

I finished a notebook this week!

It was my A5 lined Midori MD—one of my absolute favorite notebooks and easily one of the best brands out there for journaling. I’ve been using it for my Mishnah Yomi notes ever since I filled up my Grolier, so technically, this is notebook number two that I’ve finished this year. Not bad, right?

Why I Love Midori Notebooks
It all comes down to this: Midori MDs are simple. Minimalist. Just the right amount of structure and elegance without trying too hard. I’m partial to the lined version because of that subtle division line through the middle of the page. It makes it easy to start one series of notes on the top half and another on the bottom half. Which is perfect since those halves of my brain work independently.

I do add a little protection: I use a pink paper notebook cover to guard the delicate paper cover from tears and crinkles. It’s inexpensive, and totally worth it to keep these beautiful books in good shape when I jostle them around in my bag or shove them a bit too enthusiastically away for the day.

What’s Next
Right now, I’m studying a shorter tractate (iykyk), so I’ve switched to a smaller notebook: a Creator’s Friend dot grid. Remember my post about them? I popped over to their website recently, and wow—they’ve got some exciting new layouts! I’m now rethinking my stance on buying from them again:

A Weekly Dashboard notebook for weekly planning and tracking (yes, please).
A Fast Brain Planner aimed at students but honestly useful for anyone juggling a lot.
A Future Planner focused on long-term planning (and yes, it looks fantastic).

Honestly, I’m resisting the urge to hit “buy now” because USPS and I are not in a good place (long story, not blog-appropriate).

Planning Ahead
Once I’m done with Zevachim, I’ll need to pick a new notebook—and I’ve narrowed it down to two:

Moleskine Cahier Pro – I’ve got both the Large and the X-Large on my shelf. I’m unsure about the layout for Mishnah notes, but I could definitely make it work.
Another Midori A5 – Because let’s be honest: if it ain’t broke…

I’ve got a few weeks to decide, and that’s future-me’s problem. For now, I’m just going to bask in that very specific, very cozy joy that only comes from finishing a notebook. There’s nothing quite like it.

Current Mood: mellow
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Champagne Supernova - Oasis

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On Glass Dip Pens

Just a quick post today (I meant to write on Friday, too, but life had other plans).

That said, I’ve been diving into JetPens’ guide on glass dip pens, and now I’ve got glass pens on the brain.

Oh my God, they are stunning! They are elegant tools that look like a magic wand out of a fantasy novel: swirling glass handles and delicate spiral tips that hold ink without any cartridge or reservoir. Instead, the ink clings to those grooves, letting you write a few sentences before you need to dip again.

As much as I love the idea of them, I know myself pretty well. I don’t have much patience or the steadiest calligraphy hand, and I’m not sure my Hebrew lettering skills are quite there yet either. So while I won’t be reaching for one of these daily, I would only consider adding them as a collector’s piece. Even better, I would get one as a gift for a friend who does practice calligraphy or appreciates beautiful tools (my SIL comes to mind).

Most of the time stationery is about function, but occasionally, it’s about something beautiful on your desk.

Current Mood: mischievous
Current Location: Work

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How I Store My Stationery (And Some Suggestions)

If you’re like me, your pens and paper deserve a home as charming as they are.

My office is my little sanctuary. It’s cozy but mighty: two desks (one for the $DayJob, one for writing), a pull-out couch (for resting between tasks), a mini-fridge and a “pantry” for drinks and snacks, and a bookshelf for the usual suspects.

But the crown jewel is my stationery cart. This cart is three-tiered and literally packed with all my favorites: pens, pencils, sticky notes, art supplies, and everything in between. I even keep a few current-use notebooks tucked in there. It’s organized with one purpose—my workflow—and everything has a place based on how often I use it. I'm not kidding when I say it's full -- I don't think I can fit anything else on this poor cart.

Of course, stationery storage is deeply personal. What works for me might not be your thing, and that’s totally okay. There’s no “right” way to store your stuff. But if you’re looking for ideas, I’ve curated a few suggestions that might inspire you to create (or upgrade!) your system.

Dorm Room-Style Organization

If your space is small or your budget is tight (like mine), I can’t recommend dorm room organization enough. Dorm-friendly storage is usually compact, affordable, and surprisingly cute. Plus, it’s made for maximizing space, which makes it perfect for tiny home offices or apartments.

One useful site to browse is DormCo. Their selection is practical, affordable, and easy on the eyes. For example, a mini desk hutch can give you vertical storage without sacrificing your writing space. If you’re ready to splurge just a little, a storage trunk can both organize and protect your most beloved supplies.

And don't forget about everyone's favorite Swedish furniture store: Ikea. Their pegboards are on my wish list. I could really use the extra vertical space for odds and ends. You probably could too.

Desk Organization

I have a love/hate relationship with desk storage. I want things neat, but I also need space to actually write. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you feel the same.

For on-desk storage, less is more. I keep only my go-to essentials visible. A magazine holder from The Container Store helps me organize notebooks and books I use daily. A monitor stand with a drawer holds cables and tech odds-and-ends. And my iPad/book stand is in constant use.

Everything else? It lives in my desk. I use a simple drawer organizer to keep semi-regular items tidy and accessible. As for the stackable drawers, I keep them tucked away on the bottom shelf of my cart for rarely-used bits like binder clips, staples, and backup supplies. They may be useful to some, but for me they're just archival.

Niche Organization

Now here’s where it gets fun.

I’m always tempted by this Mildliner organizer, even though I don’t own enough Mildliners to justify it (yet...). If you’re an artist or color-coding enthusiast, this marker stand is dreamy.

If you're looking for something small and cute, check out these clip holders. They're both functional and adorable, and might be just the push you need to corral your paperclips.

Final Thoughts

The truth is: the best way to store your stationery is the way that works best for you. Whether your style is ultra-minimalist or maximal chaos, there’s no wrong answer. Just don’t be afraid to personalize. Your pens deserve it.

Current Mood: productive
Current Location: Home

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The Best Three-Color Ballpoint Multi-Pen

According to me, that is...

I’m starting this occasional series called "Best of" and dividing it into categories—because trying to crown one stationery item as the ultimate best just isn’t fair. Gel pens, multi-pens, fineliners, pencils, planners, notebooks, sticky-notes -- they all have their own strengths, and I want to do each category justice.

Today’s pick is the Best Three-Color Ballpoint Multi-Pen.

This is, as always, based on my own research and (many) personal purchases. I've tested a lot of multi-pens over the years—some hyped, some hidden gems—and there’s one I keep coming back to.

But before we get into the winner, here’s what I look for when evaluating a ballpoint multi-pen:

What Makes a Great Multi-Pen?

Durability – Will the clip survive a commute in my commuter bag or a pocket, or does it literally snap under pressure?
Comfort – Can I write with it for ten minutes without my wrist falling asleep?
Tip Performance – Regardless of tip size, does the ink flow smoothly? Does the tip get gummed up?
Clickiness – A little niche, but it matters to me! Do the different color options click into place cleanly and stay put?

With all of that in mind, here’s my top pick:

Winner: Uni Jetstream 3 Color Ballpoint Multi Pen (0.5mm)

If you’ve used this pen, you probably saw this coming.

The Uni Jetstream 3-Color (0.5mm) hits every point I care about. The tip never gums up on me, which means the ink flows consistently and smoothly every time I write. Since it's light and slender, I can write with it comfortably for long stretches at a time without my hand cramping up. I’ve never had an issue with the color tabs snapping back up unexpectedly; each color clicks into place cleanly and stays put.

Fun fact: If you’ve ever ordered a Hobonichi Techo from the official store, this is the pen they include—just in a limited-edition. So if you’ve used it and loved it, now you know what it is!

Runner-Up: Uni Jetstream SXE3-507 (0.5mm)

This one is so close to number 1. It’s basically the same pen with a slightly different body.

The SXE3-507 uses the same reliable Jetstream ink, which means you get all the benefits of smooth, skip-free writing. I really appreciate the design of this one, too—the red and blue color sliders are built into the body, while the black ink is controlled by the top clicker. It’s intuitive and makes selecting your color feel effortless.

The reason it lands in second place? The body is just a bit thicker than the regular Jetstream 3-Color. That doesn't mean it's unusable and hard to write with. It just means that you (like me) might prefer a slightly slimmer pen to write with. While a thick pen might be better for larger hands, smaller-handed people could find this a bit bulky during longer writing sessions.

Final Thoughts

Your mileage may vary when it comes to pens. Writing preferences, hand sizes, and pen habits are unique to everyone. But you really can't go wrong with the Uni Jetstream 3-Color. It's a reliable, high-quality three-color ballpoint pen and one I keep buying—and using—again and again (I think I have three now -- I'll have to check).

Of course, here are plenty more pens out there and I keep buying/getting more. Who knows? Maybe next year’s “Best Of” list will look different.

Current Mood: hopeful
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Nobody - Keith Sweat

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Mid-Year Check-In: Six Months with the Hobonichi Techo System

Back in January, I dove headfirst into the Hobonichi Techo system, determined to give it a full-year run. Now that we’re at the halfway mark, I thought it was a good time to share how it’s going—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why I might be moving on to something new by the end of the year.

(If you're curious about what planners I’ve been using and how, check out these posts.)

A Few Changes

Since those first planner posts, not much has changed—just a few tweaks here and there:

In June, I took a break from the 3kQ book because it started to feel more like homework than inspiration. I swapped it out for the Brainy Quote "Quote of the Day" instead (sometimes two). It's been fine. Truthfully, it doesn't hit the same. I’ll be returning to the book in July and hoping for some better prompts.
I also started tracking my novel-writing progress in the Cousin. It’s not ideal, but I’ve been making do with the weekly layout and the sidebar for word counts and notes.

What’s Working

Despite my complaints (I'll get to them in a sec), I’m still impressed with the system overall. Here’s what I like:

Durability: Every single planner is holding up beautifully, thanks to their covers. Without them, these little books would be in tatters. Cute and protective—win-win for me.
Paper Quality: Tomoe River Paper continues to amaze me. It’s whisper-thin (paper thin?) but handles most pens like a champ. The only real bleed-through I’ve experienced was with a Sharpie pen (I still need to write about that pen, but in due time).
Each Planner Has a Role: The Cousin lives on my desk. The Weeks fits into my commuter bag. The Day-Free lives in my purse. The Five-Year rests on my nightstand. It’s a tidy little ecosystem, and everything has its place.
If someone asks me for planner recs, I’m always going to suggest Hobonichi first. They're just that good.

What’s Not Working

I hesitate to write about the negatives because these are not flaws with the design. These are mostly me problems and have a LOT to do with my own discomfort. Still, I want to call out my foibles just in case others have the same:

The Cousin: It’s just a lot for me. Too big, too many pages, too much pressure to fill them all. I could have tried the A6 Original or the Avec, but I don’t love the A6 size—and those are still year-long commitments.
The Weeks: It’s biggest week-ness (pun intended) is its size. Yes, it’s portable and cute. But the layout is too cramped for my handwriting. That said, it’s fantastic for my Tarot project and probably any single-purpose tracking setup.
The Day-Free: Kind of awkward. It’s too loose and floppy in its cover by itself, but pairing it with a Midori A6 notebook (or any other) bulks up my purse more than I’d like.
The Five-Year: No real complaints! The only mildly annoying thing is that I still haven’t figured out what to do with the square space next to each daily entry. But, again, that’s on me -- not the journal.

What’s Next

Here’s what I know: The Weeks will stick around for project-based daily tracking. The Five-Year is staying put for my daily journaling. But I’m probably done with the Cousin and Day-Free after December. They’re just not working for me anymore.

As for what’s next? I’m still exploring. I’m seriously eyeing the Traveler’s Notebook system. Tt feels like a good fit for my style and needs. I’m keeping an open mind, but I know I don’t want a planner system larger than A5. Thankfully, there’s no rush. I’ve got time to experiment, browse, and who knows -- maybe I'll fall in love with the Hobonichi system all over again.

Current Mood: nerdy
Current Location: Home

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My Thoughts on GoodNotes (and a Few Others)

This is going to be on the shorter side this week because I'm pressed for time—but I still wanted to post about something stationery-related.

Digital note-taking apps are messy. Between the steep subscription fees, the device requirements, and the chaotic organization systems, I've never stuck with them. Most are designed with tablets and styluses (ie, iPads and Apple Pencils) in mind, which means you're not just buying an app—you’re investing in a whole ecosystem. And just when you think you’ve found the one, a brand new expensive version comes out, and you’re back at square one (and a few dollars poorer).

So let's talk about GoodNotes.

A while ago, I bought GoodNotes 5 on my iPad (with an Apple Pencil) when I had aspirations for another career. While I have some bones to pick, I can’t deny that it’s a damn good app. It had a free trial, but the full version cost about $30. And then...GoodNotes 6 came out, which meant if I wanted the newest features, I’d have to shell out another $30. Not thrilled.

(Also, the pandemic happened and the career change didn't happen either, so I didn't need GoodNotes anymore.)

What's Good About GoodNotes

Even though its organization system is just okay (you get folders with multiple notebooks inside, and that’s about it), creating and customizing notebooks is super easy. You get a nice selection of notebook covers and page templates—some built-in, some for purchase. It’s kind of like the Kindle Scribe in that way.

You can open multiple notebooks at once (which I love), and the basic tools—writing, highlighting, erasing, cutting and pasting text, even adding photos or stickers—are all there. It works smoothly and doesn’t feel too over-engineered.

But at the end of the day, GoodNotes 5 is essentially a more polished version of Apple Notes. If you’re already an Apple Notes user and aren’t desperate for templates or aesthetic upgrades, don't bother buying GoodNotes 6.

A Few Other Digital Notes Apps Worth Checking Out

If GoodNotes isn’t quite your thing, here are a few other options I’ve either tried or heard good things about:

Notability – People swear by this for recording lectures and meetings while taking notes. Great for students or anyone sitting through long Zoom calls.
Nebo – This one focuses on converting handwriting to text. I’m usually underwhelmed by handwriting conversion tools, but Nebo honestly surprised me. It works better than most.
Bear – A minimal, elegant app that uses tags and Markdown for organizing and formatting notes. I love Markdown (and wish Dreamwidth used it!), but Bear has a steep subscription price. Try it for free and see if it clicks before committing.

If you lean more toward digital planning and note-taking than pen-and-paper, one of these apps might be a great fit for you. I'll have a post up soon about how I actually use Apple Notes in my day-to-day—especially for planning—so stay tuned for that!

Current Mood: cheerful
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac

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Other Traveler’s Notebooks Beyond the Traveler’s Company

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Traveler’s Notebook system—and honestly, I'm really digging it. There's something satisfying about having separate notebooks and planners that all live together in one tidy little binder. After subscribing to r/Travelersnotebooks (highly recommend, by the way), I’ve been soaking in all the creative ways people use theirs.

But beyond the Traveler’s Company brand, there's a whole world of Traveler’s Notebook-style systems out there that I want to mention. Some are affordable, some are luxurious, and they come in all sorts of sizes, materials, and setups. While I haven’t purchased these (yet?), I’ve been doing plenty of stationery lurking and wanted to share some of the most interesting options I’ve come across.

Noteworthy Traveler’s Notebook Alternatives

Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter
If you love German design and have some serious cash to spend, the Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter might be your dream TN. The name literally translates to “bag companion,” which already makes me smile. Roterfaden uses metal clips to secure any inserts, rather than the usual elastic bands. This is pretty cool, actually -- I think it's unique and professional (though it will prevent me from cramming too many inserts, which is my problem, not theirs).

From the site description, it’s handmade in Germany with vegetable-tanned leather, a soft felt lining, and all the extras: slots, pockets, pen loops, even a sleeve for a small tablet. But the price? Around $155 on JetPens. It’s definitely in treat yourself territory, but it looks like the kind of notebook that would last a lifetime. It gives me the same vibe as anything from Paper Republic—gorgeous, functional, and priced like it knows it’s both.

Chic Sparrow
Chic Sparrow is a well-known name in the TN world, offering a wide range of leather covers at slightly more affordable prices. There’s a ton of variety in colors, closures (snaps, elastics, buttons), and sizes—including a Weeks-sized cover if you're TN-curious but not ready to fully leave your Hobonichi Weeks behind.

My current favorite is the “Number 10,” which has an adorable snap closure and compact profile. These feel more customizable and fashion-forward than utilitarian, which I like.

Lochby Field Journal
Lochby is like the TN’s outdoorsy cousin who hikes, camps, and probably knows how to build a fire from twigs and grit. Their Field Journal is made from rugged waxed canvas, with an aluminum buckle-style clasp and a carrying handle on the spine. That's a nice touch -- one I haven't seen on any other cover before.

It’s packed with sleeves, pockets, and a very utilitarian attitude. Someone in the reviews said it reminded them of a Five Star Trapper Keeper from middle school and yeah -- it does. This isn’t my style, but I can think of a few people (hi, Dad) who would absolutely love it.

Aura Estelle
Aura Estelle gives off major classy vibes. Their covers are designed for existing notebooks like Moleskines, Leuchtturms, and Midoris, as well as their own inserts. They even offer covers for ring planners.

Their designs are drop-dead gorgeous—chic and minimal or soft and luxurious, depending on the style. I’ve got my eye on a tweed cover that would be perfect for my Moleskine planner. If you're looking for a TN-adjacent cover that leans elegant, this is the one.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: September Leather

If you're after something that feels closest to the classic Traveler’s Company system (but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg) check out September Leather. They offer a wide range of sizes (passport, standard, A5, Field Notes, pocket) and their layouts are familiar and functional.

But I'm going to point to their all-in-one Traveler’s Pack as the stand-out product. If you've never owned a TN and have no idea how to get started, this is what I'd recommend. You'll get a cover, four elastics, inserts, and even a binder clip to get you started. But something to note -- this site is popular and their stock goes fast. If you see something you like, buy it now otherwise it'll be gone before you know it.

Final Thoughts

Though Traveler's Company is the genesis of the Traveler's Notebook system, it certainly doesn't have to be the gatekeeper. There are plenty of covers that fit your budget and style. I've found covers that are inexpensive (and, yes, cheap), and covers that cost hundreds of dollars. I've even seen posts in r/Travelersnotebooks about people making their own -- so if you're crafty, try making your own. Or, browse Etsy to find some indy-designed covers from some very talented creators (support small creators where you can)! There's something for everyone!

And remember: there’s no one “right” way to use a TN. Try mixing and match your inserts. Use a TN that's just your sketches or just your recipes. You don't have to travel, either -- or, your travels may be to the coffee shop to people watch and back. It's your notebook. Make it about you.

Current Mood: productive
Current Location: Home

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The Clever Fox Pocket Weekly: Initial Impressions

We’re almost halfway through the year (already?!?), and that means it’s just about time for a mid-year check-in on my Hobonichi Techo planners (come back in a few weeks for that) Not to spoil things, but I’m on the hunt for a possible replacement for my Hobonichi Weeks come the beginning of the year.

One of the planners I looked at was the Clever Fox Pocket Weekly planner.

I’ve spoken highly before about Clever Fox planners before—how they’re bright, cheerful, and surprisingly comprehensive. But every now and then, they miss the mark by over-engineering a good idea. So I was curious to see where the Pocket Weekly landed.

At first blush: this planner is a fantastic Weeks alternative! It’s slightly bigger in the hand but still very much “pocket-sized.” It's just roomy enough to be usable without being bulky. It comes in a myriad of colors, with a sturdy vegan leather cover, an elastic band, three ribbon bookmarks, a back pocket, and of course—stickers! A pen loop is built in, which is always a plus in my book.

Like the Hobonichi, each week is spread across two pages: a horizontal weekly layout on the left, and a customizable productivity layout on the right. Rather than a blank grid space like in the Weeks, Clever Fox offers a habit tracker, a space for weekly priorities, and a small dotted section for your own notes or doodles. You also get standard monthly calendars, and a section of dot-grid pages in the back for brainstorming, bullet journaling, or general scribbles. I put pen tests there, but you do you.

My favorite part? It’s undated. You can start whenever you want. No pressure. No wasted pages if life gets weird for a month or two. My second favorite part? The price. Clever Fox continues to impress me with how much they pack into such affordable planners. This thing feels well-made and thoughtful without having to spend an arm and a leg.

I didn't keep this planner, though; I gave it to someone close to me who found their Weeks just a little too small for their hands. The Clever Fox struck the perfect balance: more room to write, still small enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket. That, to me, is a big win.

The reason why I ultimately passed is because I’m looking for something a little more robust for next year. But if you’re itching to shake up your planning routine or you’ve found the Hobonichi Weeks just a smidge too snug, the Clever Fox Pocket Weekly might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Current Mood: mischievous
Current Location: Work
Current Music: Man Child - Sabrina Carpenter

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Gelly Roll Pens: Fun but Impractical

Note: technically I'm posting this on Thursday 12 June but it was supposed to go up on Wednesday 11 June. I forgot to hit Post Entry, so I'm back dating it. Whoops.

I’ve been using these little sticks of joy since middle school, when they were the trendiest pen among every girl in my grade. While everyone else was still toiling away with their boring Bic ballpoints and sad Ticonderogas, we were scribbling in glittery pink and neon purple, creating Lisa Frank masterpieces out of our pre-algebra homework.

Once, I begged my mom for the giant 74-pack set I spotted at a Big Box store. She took one look at the price tag, laughed, and handed me the much more reasonable three-pack instead. (She was right, of course. But I still think about that 74-pack.)

Eventually, the fun came to a halt. Our teachers banned Gelly Rolls after discovering the sticky ink smeared all over desks, bags, and hands. And now, decades later, I don’t entirely disagree with them.

So I want to talk about Gelly Roll pens in the form of a Compliment Sandwich. I know Stationery Girlies (like myself) hold these pens near-and-dear, so I want to start with the good. And note -- I 100% don't hate these pens. But they have their disadvantages.

The Bread (Compliment)
They are so fun to write with. The gel ink glides like butter and looks beautiful on the page. They come in every color you could want—pastels, metallics, neons, bold jewel tones—and somehow manage not to bleed, despite the ink being on the thicker side. The pens force you to write slowly and a little larger than usual, which often ends up improving your penmanship. They work on regular paper, black paper, and even thin paper. The effect is delightful.

The Meat (Criticisms)
That fun ink is so sticky. Close your notebook too soon, and the ink will transfer to the opposite page. Set another piece of paper on top, and it’ll smear. They also don’t play well with correction tape at all. And while they come in different tip sizes (usually 1.0mm and 0.8mm), you still can’t write small. Forget about using them in tiny planners or notebooks with narrow lines. As for professionalism—well, unless you’re handing a glittery pink resignation letter to your boss, you might want to opt for something else.

More Bread (Compliment)
I love them. I keep a few that I still covet. When I pull them out, all I want to do is doodle, scribble in the margins of notebooks, or pass notes like I’m back in 8th grade pre-algebra. There’s a charm to these pens that defies logic.

After Taste (Lost the Metaphor)
So would I recommend Gelly Roll pens? Not to the casual pen user. But if you're deep into stationery like I am—if you want to write on black paper just because you can—then yes. Absolutely. Treat yourself to a few.

But maybe not the 74-pack (unless it’s on sale).

Current Mood: proud
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Freedom '90 - George Michael

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Happy Pride Month from MSL!

Just a quick post to wish everyone a joyful, colorful Pride from My Stationery Life!

Pride is all about being seen, standing out, and taking up space in your full spectrum. Whether you’re out and proud, figuring things out, or simply supporting those you love, there’s room for every shade of you. 🏳️‍🌈✨

Current Mood: busy
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Radiohead - Paranoid Android

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May Roundup: So Much Cute Stationery!

What a fun month! I actually posted a lot more than I anticipated, too. I thought about posting just once a week, and wound up having something to write about at least twice a week! But I had a lot I wanted to cover -- pencil comparisons, my commuter bag search, and my gardening journal reveal. I even had a less than stationery post about my Kindle Scribe, which just told me I wanted to write about more stationery-adjacent things in the near future (while still keeping this blog stationery-focused).

This month's roundup is short and sweet (and adorable):

Notebook Therapy – Stationery Shop: Stationery is therapy (at least to me!), so I'm all on board with this shop. And OMG are the products cute. I mean, look at this vegan leather Travel Notebook!
Zagg Pro Stylus -- I have this, tbh. This is what I use with my iPad Mini and I recommend it if you're not keen on spending a lot of money on the iPad Pencil. (It's not exclusively for iPads, but its an excellent replacement I'd say).
Stardew Valley Planner on Etsy  -- I almost - ALMOST! - clicked Buy Now when I saw this. I love Stardew Valley but my main complaint is how TEDIOUS it can be to remember EVERYTHING. This price isn't bad, but...we'll see. It's adorable, but I don't have a 6-ring A6 binder.
Uprise Notebooks -- Ok, this site is everything! It's a build your own notebook -- Traveler's style -- with numerous insert options. The sizes are large, too -- A5 or B5 -- and the prices are comparable to the Traveler's Company brand.
Hubman and Tubgirl Stationery -- I thought I'd end on the cutest note. This site almost hurts my teeth it's so sweet. It's a little too twee for my tastes but I definitely appreciate the aesthetic. Note -- this is a Canadian company, so us US folks are gonna have to wait on the shipping due to tariff issues (ugh,this country).

So that's the roundup for May! I'm looking forward to a really nice (and warm) June! Stay busy and happy planning!

Current Mood: pensive
Current Location: Work
Current Music: Electric Feel - MGMT

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Exploring Traveler’s Notebooks

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately exploring the world of Traveler’s Notebooks. There’s something undeniably appealing about a leather-bound tome filled with my own choice of planners, journals, and other inserts. I love the idea of a refillable, customizable notebook system—something like a ringed binder but without all the bulk.

Like the Hobonichi Techo planners I’ve loved for years, Traveler’s Notebooks have their own deeply devoted fanbase. They’re also Japanese in origin and embrace a minimalist, practical ethos. The main line comes from The Traveler’s Company, but you can absolutely build your own system using other covers and inserts as long as they fit the dimensions.

Traveler’s Company Basics

Traveler’s Company leather binders come in two sizes: Standard (around 5” x 9”) and Passport (about 4” x 5”). The leather is soft, smooth, and designed to age with you—it picks up every mark and scuff like a well-loved suitcase.

Inside each cover are elastic bands that let you add up to three thin notebooks. These inserts come in nearly every configuration you could want: blank, lined, grid, dot grid, daily, weekly, monthly planners, sketchbooks, and even watercolor paper. There are also add-on accessories like pen loops, pockets, and binder clips to help you organize it all—and if you're like me, you’ll fall down the rabbit hole of picking out the perfect charm to attach to the closure band. (I actually haven't found one just yet, but give me time.)

My Traveler’s Notebook

I own the standard size Traveler’s Notebook. It was a gift—a beautiful, thoughtful one. It came with a single blank insert, which I eagerly filled up. Unfortunately, the binder sat empty for longer than I care to admit. But once I started browsing inserts online, I went on a mini shopping spree (especially when I saw how inexpensive the inserts were compared to the binders -- wow!). Now, it’s a very chunky binder packed with planners and pages just waiting for me to start using it.

Why? Because I’m seriously rethinking my Hobonichi Techo system for next year (but that’s a post for another time).

Make It Your Own

While the Traveler’s Company notebooks are lovely, they’re not the only option. If the sizes or prices don’t suit you, you can easily build a similar system with a faux-leather binder from Etsy. I’ve spotted gorgeous vegan leather options, and if you prefer A5 size, I recommend checking out the Laconic lineup. Their inserts are minimal, affordable, and beautifully designed—you can either keep the simplicity or customize them to your heart’s content.

(I also have a post about how I created my own with a MochiThings binder and a few notebooks, but be forewarned -- it didn't turn out well.)

The best part of any Traveler’s-style system is the customization. It can be as minimal or maximal as you want. Whether you’re sketching, planning, writing poetry, or tracking daily habits, it becomes a unique reflection of who you are. And that, to me, is the best kind of stationery.

Current Mood: impressed
Current Location: Home

Entry tags:

Staedtler v. Stabilo: Fineliner Face-Off

Fineliners aren’t my everyday pens, but they’ve carved out a specific niche in my stationery rotation: delicate printing on small paper. They’re great for fine notes, labeling, and writing in planners with tight layouts—like my Hobonichi Cousin, for example.

I’ve already written about the Staedtler fineliners, which I like quite a bit. But recently, I bought a few Stabilo Point 88 pens from a fineliner sampler and wanted to see how they measured up. I’ve reviewed Stabilo highlighters before (and liked them, even if the pigment runs a little dark), so I was curious to test out their fineliners too.

Pros for Both Brands

No bleed-through in my Hobonichi Cousin. Always a big win.
Body shapes are thoughtfully designed: Staedtler pens are triangular; Stabilos are hexagonal. Both styles keep the pens from rolling off the desk, and both are comfortable to hold.
Snap-on caps that actually snap—always satisfying. Staedtler includes a clip on the cap, which could be useful for some, but I personally don’t love clipping plastic pens to anything. That’s just asking for the pen to break in two.

Key Differences

The big difference between these two came down to pigment strength. While I didn’t have two of the same color to compare, I did notice the Stabilo pens felt bolder and darker on the page than the Staedtlers. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on your needs:

Darker pigment = better visibility, especially on light paper.
Lighter pigment = might be better for layering or writing on colored/darker backgrounds.

In my case, I preferred the bolder look of the Stabilo. It just popped more. The pen left a stronger impression—literally and visually.

Final Thoughts

Even though the Stabilo edged out slightly for me in this mini face-off, I’m still happily using my Staedtlers. I’ve had them in rotation for two months and have more colors in that line. But if you’re fineliner-curious and looking to try something new, the Stabilo Point 88 line is a great place to explore.

Current Mood: calm
Current Location: Vacation
Current Music: Enya - Sail Away

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Quick Recommendation: Mariana Vieira on YouTube

This isn’t a true stationery post, but it’s close enough. I wanted to recommend one of my favorite vloggers, Mariana Vieira, whose channel has been a go-to of mine for years—especially when I need a little productivity inspiration or a video that isn’t loud, frantic, or trying to sell me a VPN trial.

While she isn’t a stationery content creator, her videos touch on note-taking, study methods, digital tools, and productivity apps—which hits a lot of the same sweet spots. Her content is smart, practical, and best of all, calm. When the rest of YouTube feels a little too noisy, she’s a breath of fresh air.

I watch her primarily on Nebula, but you can follow her on YouTube here:
🔗 Mariana Vieira on YouTube

Highly recommend her if you like gentle motivation, productivity deep dives, and videos that actually make you feel better after watching them.

Happy 3-day weekend if that's you!

Current Mood: pleased
Current Location: Work

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Tracking Houseplants: Clever Fox's Gardener's Journal (and an App)

Not long ago, I mentioned I’d finally settled on the Clever Fox Gardener’s Journal to help keep track of my growing houseplant collection. I didn’t want to overthink it, so I went with something familiar because:

I’ve used their planners before and genuinely liked them.
Their journals are well-made and sturdy.
The price was excellent—even with shipping.

I’ve now been using it for a few weeks to track my houseplants before the outdoor growing season really begins. So I thought I’d share a few thoughts on how it’s working and whether it’s maybe a little more than I need.

What's Inside the Clever Fox Gardener’s Journal

Short answer: a lot! This is a very detailed journal that covers everything from planting to harvesting to soil pH and pest control. Some of the standout features include:

A full USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map (I’m in Zone 5!)
A checklist for gardening tools and equipment
A companion planting guide, so you know which plants like (and hate) each other
Plant disease prevention and control tips
A guide to soil pH preferences for different plants
A full spread of planner stickers (because of course)

There are also dedicated sections for:

Garden planning
Seasonal task lists
Pest and disease logs
Expense tracking
Harvest and bloom records
Dot grid note pages

It’s a full toolkit in planner form. But the section I’ve been using the most so far is the plant log, where I write out everything I need to remember for each houseplant like its name, location in the house, how often it needs to be watered or fertilized, and any notes about its general care. (Lesson learned about some of them. May your memory be for a blessing, Boston fern.)

Maybe Too Much?

Honestly? Probably.

As helpful and thorough as this journal is, I don’t think I need all of it. The plant log section is the main course for me, and if that’s all I was after, I probably could have just made my own with a Field Notes Index Logbook (though I’d have needed several of them to fit everything).

That said, it’s nice to have everything in one place, especially since I'm about get serious with outdoor gardening this summer. And while the journal is great for a paper-based overview, I’ve been pairing it with an app that’s doing a lot of heavy lifting.

The Plant Parent App

Plant Parent is a gardening app that basically does everything I want the Clever Fox journal to do, but digitally.

It lets me:

Record all my plants
Learn about their water/light/fertilizer needs
Schedule reminders for watering and feeding
Flag which ones are toxic to humans and pets (Very helpful when you live with a cat with two brain cells who thinks he’s a vegetarian. C'mon, Walter.)

It’s smart, it’s intuitive, and it told me that my String of Pearls is mildly toxic—so now it lives safely in a greenhouse, out of reach of curious paws.

I could probably get by with just the app. But --

Final Thoughts: Por Que No Los Dos?

There’s something organic about writing down my plant care by hand. Even if the app sends me reminders, I like the act of recording things in the Clever Fox journal. It feel more connected to my plants and it’s satisfying to flip through the pages and see how far my collection (and confidence) has come.

I don’t know if I’ll stick with both tools forever, but for now? This combo works.

Current Mood: apathetic
Current Location: Work
Current Music: Nonsense - Sabrina Carpenter

Entry tags:

books,
writing

3000 Questions About Me (Not Really)

Last year, I bought a book called 3000 Questions About Me—a red paperback I picked up from my local bookstore - and I've slowly been working my way through it. I don't think I need to describe it because the title does all the talking: it's a collection of short, personal questions meant to spark journaling, reflection, or just help get the creative juices flowing.

I’ve only answered about 50 questions so far, scattered across three different notebooks, but over the last few months I’ve made it more of a routine, random one question a day, Monday through Friday. I haven't had the wherewithal to write down true personal reflections -- those deep, dark thoughts and feelings -- much these days, mostly because I let them out in therapy. So I enjoy this lighter fare.

So. How do I like this book?

Eh, it’s fine.

Some of the questions aim for emotional depth—like “What is your biggest weakness?” (1276) or “At what point during the last five years have you felt lost?” (2795)—but those are outliers. Most of them fall into the “eh, okay” category, like “Do you sleep with the TV or radio on?” (413) or “Have you ever made your own orange juice?” (1551).

That’s not a complaint, really. I didn’t expect soul-stirring therapy from a $20 prompt book. And honestly, the low-effort questions make the whole thing approachable. Some days, writing “Yes, I’ve made orange juice. It was pulpy.” is enough. (Note: that was an example. I haven't answered this question yet and if I did the answer would be "No, I have never made orange juice when bottles of orange juice exist.")

Still, I’m hitting a brick wall. I don’t always feel inspired after answering a question, and lately the prompts haven’t been as engaging. I’m thinking of taking a break for the month of June—switching to a new journaling focus—and coming back to this later with fresh eyes.

Will I ever finish the book? Unlikely. Even if I answered a question every day, it would take me over eight years to reach the end. But hey, maybe I’ll still be answering #3000 sometime in 2032.

But by then, I’ll answer that orange juice question.

Current Mood: tired
Current Location: Work
Current Music: Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter

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The Search for a Good Commuter Bag

I need a new daily commuter bag. Not a purse—that's for my wallet, keys, or phone. I’m talking about the one I use for carrying books, pens, iPads, planners, correction tape, and whatever else has made its way into my everyday carry. This is all the stuff I might bring with me to work somewhere else for a few hours or leave at home when I’m just popping out to the store. It’s a traveling office, a mobile library, a glorified tote of Very Important Items.

And finding a good one? Surprisingly difficult.

Unlike a pen, a notebook, or even a planner layout, there’s no good way to trial a bag. You have to live with it for a few weeks (or months) before you really know if it’s a keeper. I’ve struck out plenty of times with bags that seemed perfect until I started using them every day.

Bags I’ve Used (and Lived to Regret)

LL Bean Boat n Tote

Iconic. Indestructible. Holds everything.
Also? Attracts so much dirt.

My poor tote is stained and smudged to oblivion and started rubbing its shmutz off onto my notebooks. I couldn’t bring myself to throw it out, so now it holds random office supplies in the corner of my workspace. A valiant retirement.

Fjällräven Kånken

Cute. Colorful. Looks great on Instagram.
Absolutely terrible straps.

Thin, unsupportive, and clearly built for a small Nordic child carrying two sandwiches and a textbook—not a grown adult hauling around tech, books, and half her writing life. I got rid of this one almost immediately.

Fjällräven Totepack -- My Current Bag (For Now)

This one had promise. It’s a tote that converts into a backpack! Lots of storage, good compartments, durable fabric.
But I had the same strap issue. I gave up on the backpack mode and used it as a tote, which backfired. Now my right shoulder is in a permanent state of soreness.
Fool me twice, shame on me. I’ve officially retired from buying cute Fjällräven bags.

What I Ordered

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack

I went with what I know works: The North Face.

I already have the Isabella sling (perfect for short hikes) and the Recon backpack (great for longer hikes—hypothetically overnight, though I don’t camp because I like beds and running water).

So when I found the Mini Borealis backpack thrifted for half the price, I didn’t hesitate. The full-sized Borealis line has fantastic straps, which is what I’ve been missing. The mini has just enough room for my planner supplies, book of the week, Kindle, and whatever pen I’m currently obsessed with.

No office to worry about, no dress code to follow—it’s a practical bag for my not-so-corporate life. I’m hoping it holds up and holds everything.

Final Thoughts: I'm DONE!

Choosing a bag should not feel this exhausting. But ask anyone about their favorite daily carry and you’ll get a lot of very strong opinions. Everyone has different needs, preferences, and tolerances for shoulder pain.

I didn’t research much this time. I just wanted something that I’d probably like. And along the way, I thrifted a few extra bags (yay downsizing), which might come in handy for someone else.

Hopefully, this is the last bag post for a while. I'm tired. My shoulder's tired. My stuff just wants a home.

And for now, I think I’ve found it.

Current Mood: surprised
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Anxiety - Doechii

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JetPens Beginner Fountain Pen Sampler: Hits, Misses, and Surprises

A few weeks ago, my beloved Pilot Kakuno—my favorite pink-capped fountain pen—finally ran out of ink. And I’ll be honest: I was weirdly proud. There’s something satisfying about fully using up a pen, even a fountain pen that you can refill.

I headed over to the trusty JetPens site to restock my cartridges. While I was there, I noticed that their Beginner Fountain Pen Sampler was finally back in stock. For the price of a single Lamy Safari, you get five different beginner pens to try out. Naturally, I added it to my cart. I wanted to see how these beginner models would stack up—not just against my Kakuno, but against my more “professional” Lamy pens too (that's right, I bought the Lamy Safari from my wishlist not long ago, either!).

And I was surprised by what I found.

The Advantages of Beginner Fountain Pens

Beginner fountain pens often get overlooked, especially by people deep into the pen world. But they serve a real purpose, and I’d argue they’re essential for anyone curious about making the jump from your run-of-the-mill ballpoint pen.

Fountain pens are finicky. Not only can the ink bleed, but the nibs can be sharp and hard to put on. Plus, I would never call a fountain pen versatile at all. Sometimes they require thick paper, some practice, and a lot of patience to deal with inky mess. My hands have been covered in black ink too many times to count — and that’s from my Kakuno.

But they can also be fun, expressive, and deeply satisfying once you find your rhythm. That’s where a good beginner pen comes in—it’s a low-pressure, low-cost way to learn the quirks without committing to a $50+ tool.

The Pens in the JetPens Beginner Sampler Pack
This isn't a review per se, just a brief summary of my observations of each pen in the pack. There are five pens total - two medium tips, three fine, all black ink.

Pilot Precise Varsity FP
A smooth, inky writer with a solid medium nib. It glides nicely across the page, though I think calling it “precise” might be a stretch with a nib that wide. The plastic body feels small and a little cheap, but it gets the job done and would be an okay introduction to fountain pens—just don’t expect it to wow you.

Pilot Varsity Disposable FP
Let’s start with the good: the nib and ink are lovely. It writes beautifully—graceful and fluid, with just the right amount of resistance. But the body design is frustrating. It has a screw-on cap, but I kept confusing the cap with the barrel, which led to multiple moments of me accidentally unscrewing the wrong end. The grip section has indentations but no real texture. I wouldn’t recommend this pen to a beginner, which is a shame considering how well it writes.

Platinum Preppy FP
A surprisingly great little pen. I like the satisfying snap the pull-cap makes when it clicks into place. The body feels well-balanced, and the nib strikes a perfectly smooth line. Strangely enough, the ink isn’t jet black (more of a dark gray, I guess), but it’s clean and readable. A solid choice for someone starting out.

Zebra V-301 FP
My favorite from the sampler. This pen has a metal body, a rubber grip, and an actual metal clip—it feels far more expensive than it is. The extra fine nib writes like a dream, and it even comes with an extra cartridge. It really impressed me, especially as a “starter” pen.

Zebra Zensations FP
The body is sturdy, if a little bulky. The medium nib lays down bold ink, but it’s a bit too much for my handwriting style. The clip is on the delicate side—wouldn’t recommend clipping this to anything thicker than a planner page.

How They Stack Up Against My Lamy Pens
Ok, I know it’s a bit unfair to compare beginner pens to my Lamy Safari and Lamy Joy, but it’s worth pointing out how much the experience can change when you go pro.

The Lamy Safari with an extra fine nib is heaven. It’s sturdy, smooth, and the nib itself feels like it was forged by writing angels. I wouldn’t want to drop it—mostly because I’m afraid it could double as a weapon.
The Lamy Joy is a calligraphy pen, and the broad, flat nib somehow makes my Hebrew notes more legible. Both pens are robust, well-balanced, and come with strong clips that actually work with my Hobonichi covers.

That said, the Lamy pens are an investment. If you’re just testing the waters, the sampler pack makes much more sense.

Final Thoughts
Not every pen in the sampler was a winner. I wouldn’t recommend either of the medium nib pens to a beginner (especially the screw-cap Pilot Varsity). But the Zebra V-301 and Platinum Preppy stood out as genuinely great fountain pens—ones I’d happily recommend to someone starting out.

And when you’re ready to graduate, Lamy has plenty of options that are well-built, well-loved, and supported by a huge fountain pen community.
This was a fun experiment—and now I’ve got a mini pen army and a pink Kakuno that’s ready for more ink.

I've included some pictures of my whole collection and my writing tests, including some Hebrew. That's the sh'ma if you're curious.

Current Mood: indifferent
Current Location: Home
Current Music: Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart

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A Look at the Built-In Notebooks of the Kindle Scribe

I struggled about whether I should write this post. Not because I don’t have thoughts (and I do have them) but because the Kindle Scribe isn’t technically a planner. It’s an e-reader, first and foremost. A high-end one, sure, complete with a stylus so you can write directly on your books, underline quotes, scribble notes in the margins, and generally live your best annotated-reading life. And I love that part.

But the Kindle Scribe also has notebooks. Quietly tucked away in the menu is a feature that lets you create notebooks of your own -- lined, gridded, blank, even preformatted pages like habit trackers and planners.

And I started this blog to talk about stationery, so I wondered -- does this count as stationery? Then I remembered, this is MY blog and I make the rules and I can change them however I want. So for all intents and purposes, the Kindle Scribe counts as stationery for now.

So while I’m not here to review the Scribe as a whole, I do want to talk about what it’s like trying to use it as a planner.

What the Kindle Scribe Offers for Planning

The Scribe comes with a few built-in notebook templates, and among them are three undated planners and a habit tracker. Each requires the stylus to fill in, and thankfully the pen-to-screen response is excellent—smooth, quick, and surprisingly satisfying. Also handy is the eraser which, after using so often on the Scribe makes me really angry that the iPad Pencil doesn't have that feature. Oh iPad Pencil -- why must I pay $100 and double tap??

Anyway, here’s what you get:

Monthly Planner

This is a standard monthly layout with room to jot in small appointments or events. At the bottom of the page are two lined sections. I used mine for monthly goals and reminders, but they’re open-ended enough to suit whatever you need.

Weekly Planner

This one reminded me a lot of the Hobonichi Weeks, with a horizontal weekly layout. Unlike the Hobonichi, though, the Scribe gives you plenty of space to write across the weekdays. That said, the weekend section is cramped, so if you have a busy Saturday-Sunday schedule, this may not be ideal.

Daily Planner

Your full day broken down by the hour, with full rows to block off time or write your to-dos. If you’re someone who thrives on time-blocking, this might feel familiar and easy to use.

Habit Tracker

This one’s a little more structured: a 31-day grid, where you write your habits across the top and mark them off each day. It’s simple, clean, and works well if you want a full month’s view on one page.

Checklist Notebook

If you don’t need a full planner but still want to jot down to-dos, the Checklist notebook is exactly what it sounds like. It's a cute, flexible little list-maker.

Would I Use It as My Planner?

Not really.

I appreciate what the Kindle Scribe notebooks offer, but they don’t fit how I plan. I’ve dabbled, sure, but here’s what I don’t love:

Slow page turning. It’s a digital notebook, not a paper planner. Flipping between pages isn’t snappy.
Navigation isn’t intuitive. You can create sections and titles, but it takes too many taps to move between notebooks and layouts.
Can’t see everything at once. No two-page layouts or visual overviews. It’s one page at a time, always.

So for day-to-day planning, the Scribe is a no-go for me. But I can see it working for something more book-adjacent: tracking a reading challenge, planning a book club, managing a reading list or review log. Something you already keep close to your e-reader.

Final Thoughts

The Kindle Scribe isn’t a replacement for my Hobonichi Cousin, my Weeks, or even a simple paper planner. But it is a great e-reader with some thoughtful, optional planner features. And if digital planning is more your style, or if you like having all your notes, books, and trackers in one device, it’s worth exploring.

Just don’t expect it to replace your stickers, washi tape, and lovingly inked daily layouts.

Current Mood: nerdy

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Pencil v. Pencil: Ticonderoga v. Sharpwriter

I've said this before, but I don’t use pencils often. Between my smudge-prone handwriting and love of pens, pencils usually gather dust in my pencil case. I’ve never been a fan of how soft most pencil lead feels on paper (unless it’s printer paper) and it often just doesn’t glide the way I want it to. But every now and then, a pencil is the best tool for the job: sketching out a quick idea, doing a little math, or filling in forms where ink just feels too final.

I decided to settle it once and for all. I bought a box of two of the most popular pencils out there: the classic Dixon Ticonderoga (wooden) and the Paper Mate Sharpwriter (mechanical). These are longtime favorites for pencil lovers on both sides of the wood vs. plastic divide, and I figured if I was going to try pencils again, I might as well start with the best.

Wooden Pencils

Wooden pencils are nostalgia in a classic yellow body. Topped with a sturdy pink eraser, writing with smooth graphite will immediately put you back to elementary school where you had nothing better to do but practice writing your letters. Wooden pencils have a few solid strengths, such as a straightforward writing experience and the tactile satisfaction of writing with freshly sharpened graphite. Furthermore, they tend to be less expensive if you're buying in bulk.

But this was a deal breaker for me: they need constant sharpening. That means mess, interruptions, and a point that dulls fast. Once they get too short, they become difficult (or even painful) to hold. I also found that the soft lead didn’t perform well on planner paper or finer notebook pages—it just kind of smeared or didn't write at all.

Remember, I even paired my Ticonderoga with a pencil grip, hoping to see if adjusting my grip would help my writing (and remember, it didn’t). In short, I didn't like it; the grip didn’t feel natural in my hand and my handwriting didn’t improve. But for someone learning how to hold a pencil—or trying to retrain themselves—it might still be helpful.

Mechanical Pencils

Now let's talk about the Paper Mate Sharpwriter. This is a slim-bodied mechanical pencil, a soft eraser, and twist-up led. No sharpening, no shavings—just twist and go. It’s lightweight, cheap, and always ready to write with a consistent point. The 0.7mm lead it uses is good enough for most handwriting styles (plus, I find the lead to be pretty sturdy despite how delicate it feels). It's the embodiment of "it ain't much but it gets the job done."

The beauty of mechanical pencils like the Sharpwriter is the convenience. They’re cleaner, more consistent, and refillable. If you’re a note-taker or a planner person who likes sharp lines without the hassle of sharpening every five minutes, it’s the better choice.

The downside? Mechanical pencils aren’t always the most durable (especially budget models), and the erasers tend to wear down quickly. Your mileage may vary for no mess and instant usability.

My Pick

Once again, I choose the mechanical pencil and the Sharpwriter wins it for me. The consistency of the lead and the fact that I don’t have to stop everything to sharpen it made a huge difference. Also, the shavings from the Ticonderoga were enough to nudge me toward the mechanical side. But pairing that with the always ready nature of the Sharpwriter sealed it.

Of course, I still love the look and feel of the Ticonderoga. It’s a beautiful pencil! But it just doesn’t fit how I work.

If you’re Team Wooden Pencil, I totally understand. If you’re still just figuring out what kind of writer/printer you are, try both. But for me? Give me a mechanical pencil that doesn’t leave shavings on my paper any day.