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! 

Shop Feature: Pretty Little Things by Clang Featuring Sticker Flakes Haul

It wasn’t long ago when I spotted a post in one of the journaling groups that got me scrolling some more. Isn’t that how we all begin our tiny little hoarding habit? First we become curious, then we fall in love, then just like any love-bitten crazy person, we try to recall our balances in our bank accounts, and then bam. There’s a comment under the photo that says mine, and how did my name get there?

Now, I’m at a position where I want to save for my travels, and then there are destashes everywhere, that I’m constantly in a push and pull with the nice stuff that I see in social media. I’m also looking at you Instagram.

These sticker flakes are from Pretty Little Things by Clang.

But, here I am with my needless justification, the reason why I’m happy with my mini haul:

• It's super affordable at only Php 50-60 per bag
• Saved on shipping
• Stored in handy bags
• Thick flakes, printed on matte sticker paper with beautiful and clear illustrations 
• No more hand cutting for me! (at least for now)

Because I always enjoy sticking stuff on my planner and diary, I always treat stickers and washi as a basic commodity next to my coffee. No kidding!

(I really do have a weakness for washi rolls and stickers...) 

So what’s in my haul?

There are all foodie sticker flakes, vintage objects, more foodie flakes and then girls. My package also came with a freebie washi tape.

That mini haul tidies me up in the meantime, and it means serious savings for me from now on! I have to focus and save for my upcoming travel! But of course, there’s going to be a traveler’s notebook you can bet on it.

You can visit Pretty Little Things on Facebook and check out the other stuff there. 

So how many of you are into stickers and washi? Do answer this question and leave me a comment below! I'd love to "meet" more artsy readers. Looking forward to it! 

Wishtrend Wish Recipe: When It Comes To Skincare, Simpler is Better

Every beauty junkie must have had gone through the belief that more can give good results. But when it comes to skincare routines, our needs vary for the same principle that we have different skin types and that we have varying environments where we thrive in.

Thus, each individual needs to learn about the kind of skincare routine that is suitable for a prescribed skin condition and protection.

Wishtrend understands this principle very well and has introduced Wish Recipe, following simple but effective skincare routines, featuring products that can address skin concerns for different women. Each set of recipes is specialized to help target skin issues that a person may have.

There’s a Wish Recipe for different needs and for different ages. To take a look at each Wish Recipe, there are seven sets to choose from that can help address skin problems that one is dealing with right now. 

Featured Wish Recipes From Wishtrend 

The Upgraded Vitamin Starter Kit is double the vitamin content from the vitamin line, it’s a healthy capsule of everything that you will need to achieve bright and vibrant skin. It’s a way of letting your skincare routine work for you while you enjoy life with clear skin.

Vitamins help to maintain younger looking skin and to help resolve pigmentation due to antioxidants that help balance moisture. The Vitamin Starter Kit also helps to exfoliate and brighten skin tone with the help of ascorbic acid and vitamin tree water minus the irritation. You can expect eco-friendly and sustainable ingredients such as sunflower seed, macadamia and palm tree oil.

Another notable Wish Recipe is the Klairs Midnight Blue Product Line helps delay the effects of aging. It’s a simple night care routine from Klairs loaded with herbal ingredients like chamomile to help repair and restore skin’s natural elasticity.

The skin has a natural repairing factor, and Klairs Wish Recipe in Midnight Blue can help boost these natural actions overnight. The blue calming cream can help in dealing with external irritation. This Wish Recipe is great for prevention of aging, for ladies aged 20-60. Let the results do the talking. 

Personal Favorite Wish Recipes 

Of course, I’ll also be sharing with you my personal favorites when it comes to the Wish Recipes being showcased.

I’m rather conscious when it comes to having acne-free skin, so I’m all about beating stress to have clear skin. Which is why I’m interested in getting rid of pimples no matter which phase they are in. pimples can be difficult to deal with, and if not addressed properly, can leave scars and marks on the face. The Pimple Spot Care Kit effectively deals with these spots with the help of the Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream and the Centella Dressing Powder.

Another Wish Recipe that caught my eye is the DIY Wish Cream Sheet Mask. When it comes to skin, it’s important to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. But it doesn’t have to be complicated and this is where Klairs comes in. it’s convenient and easy to use for hydration and to maintain moisture and to soften skin for makeup prep.

It’s a specialized recipe that can offer light finish provided by the mixed-in toner and lotion in a silky and light texture. You can also look forward to finer and smooth application of makeup. 

Must Have Wish Recipe For Sun Protection

 Finally, there’s a Wish Recipe that’s best for everybody, for all careers and of all ages.

To beat sun damage, Wish Recipe offers After Sun Care Kit to address sun burns and possible sun damage after heavy activities under the sun’s exposure. Because sun damage may not be visible now, it’s best to complement after care for all skin types. The sun can damage skin regeneration.

Luckily, Wish Recipe has a complete set for the spring and summer to prevent the speedy aging process and to replenish lost moisture under sun exposure. If it’s keeping skin healthy, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Of course Wish Recipes are not the only products available in Wishtrend.

Wishtrend has one of the widest choices of skincare and cosmetics products online. And if you know Korean skin care products, they can always work miracles for you to achieve glowing skin. Visit  Wishtrend today to land your best ever, glowing self.