Trudy Lauren Diamond Pen in Rose Gold and Planner Charm Review

Because rose gold is the craze for planner girls this season, who can resist a rose gold Trudy Lauren Diamond pen and planner charm for a quick pick me up? Here’s my two cents on the diamond pen and charm that I got from Excelite Liwag.

The color is gorgeous! And yes, because it’s rose gold. The diamond detail is a bit flashy but isn’t that what lady bosses are after? LOL not that I am one, but it’s good for those insta-snapshots. The ink is on and off and made of the regular ballpoint pen and not gel ink pen. It’s a regular twist barrel with no clip holder on the side whatsoever. I thought that it will suit my Forever New Pearlised Blush Planner in A5 but I have to be careful that it does not slip off the pen holder. It does feel a little heavy to write with so it’s really more of a decorative pen rather than a functional one. 

The planner charm is another story. The charms included in this gold (yep, not rose gold chain) are an acrylic high heel shoe, (the other pair must be with Cinderella right now), a transparent heart gem and tiny gold coin with a stamped message that says live, laugh, love. The combination suits my planner because these charms are uber girly. But again, I thought that the chain would at least be rose gold to match the diamond pen.

And then there’s its durability. It’s gotten detached from the clasp midway in my bag twice. I just had to stop re-linking them together and something tells me that it should just stay at home on my desk. But it’s a planner charm and has to hold together!

Have you tried any of the Trudy Lauren stationery? They’re cute I must say, but you have to personally evaluate which ones are truly functional for your planning and desk activities. Don’t be shy to leave me a comment! 

Washi & Co Bundle Deals: Feeding The Washi Hoarder in You

It’s no secret that I have a weakness for pretty washi. And where do you go for pretty washi? Washi & Co!

Washi & Co is a heavenly shop for those who find joy and thrill in owning pretty washi, yes I can’t emphasize that enough. So when bundle deals were announced, there I was again with head lolled to one side, thinking about restraining myself.

And as you know how the story ends, I got three bundles.

Temptation.

I gave in.

But hey, look at all this….

I got a teal bundle; 

And there's a pink bundle;

And florals;

And patterns….

Washi & Co is Davao-based that curates pretty washi for all seasons and all moods. I’m also keeping an eye out for the Christmas selection there, because they’re the non-traditional, sleek designs. To tell you, I’ll be proud to show them off with my Christmas packages even if let’s say I’ll be giving away baked goods in glassine bags to friends. That will be a nice touch.

I’ll get my hands on them soon.

School has made me busy with requirements for our midterms. Priorities. I even complained that I don’t have that much time to do creative stuff anymore.

But having new washi to play with kind of makes me giddy and excited inside. And the thought of having new ones for Christmas too.

There’s so much going on with my academic and family life right now, that plus the demands of work and it all makes me wonder how much sleep I have lately. I can get through it all though, one day at a time.

Besides, washi is always a good idea. Right? 

Like Washi & Co on Facebook and you can follow them on Instagram! 

What do you think of the bundle deals? Did you get some too? Which ones are your favorites? Let me know by leaving comments below! 

Category: stationery, washi, crafts

A Writing Icon: The Fountain Pen

“I was thinking of getting you a fountain pen for a wedding present, but then I realized you already had one.”

That’s the scene in The Sound of Music with the very regal and fabulous Baroness Schraeder played by Eleanor Parker that reminds me of why the fountain pen is an icon.

It’s rare to spot a fountain pen in one’s desks these modern days, but it continues to be an icon of a writing instrument among those old-school pen and paper writers.

A close friend of mine still writes handwritten letters with a fountain pen on parchment paper in the age of computers and Facebook messenger.

A fountain pen comes in many different varieties such as capped or retractrable, fine or thick nibs, pocket-sized or the regular length. Basically and by definition, a fountain pen is a writing instrument with a reservoir or cartridge from which the ink flows continuously to the nib.

The list of masters who use the fountain pen in writing their works are Neil Gaiman, Simone de Beavoir, Stephen King, Dylan Thomas and Claire Messud.

Never have I expected to actually own a fountain pen because the ones I usually see are the posh ones which must cost a small fortune already. But thanks to my crazy friends A and M, I have a simple but meaningful fountain pen with my name engraved on it. It came as a surprise and these are the times when I feel so grateful to have thoughtful friends who know me so well.

I’ve used the pen mostly for signing cheques and policies as well as bank transactions. I received a box of refill cartridges with it and I’ve already consumed half of the cartridges. I like the cartridge system to minimize having to frequently dip into ink and also avoid any mess I might cause because honestly, my desk is far from very neat. Though I’m anticipating that I have to look for replacements pretty soon because I live and work far from town and the local and only bookstore might not carry it here LOL. Let’s just say fountain pens are not very popular in this city and only a handful of people actually use it.

But they do make very beautiful and thoughtful Christmas (or even wedding) gifts. 

So what do you think of the fountain pen? Would you consider acquiring one or are you going to stick to a good sign pen for your signature? Share your thoughts with me by leaving me a comment. Cheers!

Washi Wednesday: Fall Washi

There’s just something romantic about entering fall and the change of the color palette that makes it lovely. And perhaps the signaling of the last quarter of the year with the -ber months beginning. Soon it will be winter and before you know it, the holidays will be upon us and then there goes the end of the year and we will be welcoming the next year in our doorsteps.

I’ve rounded up some fall washi for inspiration because this season just brings us closer to thanksgiving, and the earthy tones of burnt reds, oranges, browns, mustard, and even plaids and dark florals. It’s very comforting too, and also thinking of food for the season. I’d love some shepherd’s pie and chocolate cake…

And here I am presenting to you some fall washi for inspiration just in case you are looking for a new color palette to try out in your journal, diary and planner spreads. It’s fitting since we’re only a few days away from September.

Drool with me, will ya?

category: inspiration 

Shop Feature: Washi and Stamps Haul From Cathy’s Craft Buffet

This is where browsing Facebook arts groups can lead me to. 

The special feature about Cathy’sCraft Buffet is the 3 for Php 100 deal and believe me when I say that the washi rolls are the premium ones. I’ve seen the same washi on sale in other shops for more bucks, and since the ones I spotted in her offerings are patterns, seaside, galaxy and brown vintage ones, I dove in and helped myself, so to speak.

The choices from my buffet came with a freebie consisting of hot air balloon clear stickers. This is quite significant for me because I always have special memories associated with hot air balloons. They always bring back beautiful memories of a weekend where everything flies.

Not only that. Since I have a total of 16 rolls from this haul alone, I also received a reusable, compartmentalized box that’s just the right size for all my orders. I’m not sure how many clients Miss Cathy has who have received this, but this has got to be a thoughtful gesture.

Taking a look at my haul one by one, I have wooden number stamps that also come with fun icons such as camera, phone, mustache and others. I thought it would be good for stamp layering and dates. I’ve already tried them out on my Limelight Journal and they’re great with my Tsukineko ink pads in Coffee Bean and Pearlescent Olive. It seems like my favorite color palette anyway; what else is new?

As for the washi, I consider myself lucky to have scored these brown vintage ones. One is postale themed, the other one has typo textured script. I like it together with my vintage spreads on my journal and they look great with my postale wooden stamps from Deco Art Ph.

Onto the patterned washi, I have dusty blue ones that are a mixed pattern. There are florals and polkas, and also vivid, Morrocan washi in bright pinks, purples and red. I also adore the muted browns, blues and grays, also in patterns.

Now the convincing factor for me is the galaxy washi. Okay, I got a little carried away and got four. But looking at the swatches takes me away to a dark, starry sky and you know that I’m hooked. That and I did a post last time about galaxy washi.

And finally, there’s the seaside washi that I got two of. I love them both. I get to go all out with purples and oranges because of these two.

So that sums up my haul. I like that everything is super affordable and kind of haul-inducive if you’re like me with poor self-control when it comes to washis, stamps, stickers and writing instruments.

I know, I know. I need more discipline. But with deals so good such as this, who’s ready to pass up?

For premium washi tapes at 3 rolls for only Php 100, visit Cathy's Craft Buffet on Facebook. It's worth your while, I bet ya!