Things I Love: September 2013

Ready for this month’s list of things I love?

Pentel EnerGel Deluxe RTX Gel Pens, 0.7 Millimeter Metal Tip

The Pentel EnerGel Deluxe RTS in multiple colors, in a terrible picture that proves I'm no photographer. September 2013.

I rarely find a pen I love. To inspire loyalty, a pen must feel comfortable and write smoothly and in robust, bold ink.

Recently, I found a pen I love: the Pentel EnerGel Deluxe RTX. We met at a Johns Hopkins leadership weekend. After our initial encounter, I hunted it down on-line.

It feels good in the hand: solid but not heavy, smooth and with enough grip. It writes beautifully in smooth, ink-rich lines and curves.

Teavana Contour Tumbler

Tea lovers on the go typically resort to tea bags, which they consider highly inferior to a loose-leaf brew.

I discovered Teavana’s Contour Tumbler while waiting in line to replenish my loose-leaf stash. These mugs keep tea hot for hours, have steeping baskets large enough for teas to expand, and feature two-tier lids that provide mess-free spots to rest leaves.

Teavana Contour Tumbler, washed and ready for another day. September 1, 2013.

My new briefcase, freshly loaded. July 22, 2013.

Tumi Briefcase

My briefcase carries in-process paperwork, my laptop, writing implements and business cards, and volumes of power cords.

Finding a bag that fits everything, keeps it organized, and maintains a slim, light profile? A tall order.

Tumi to the rescue. My new briefcase has more inside pockets than I typically need; places for writing implements, identification, and business cards; and exterior expandable pouches that house multitudinous cords and chargers.

What do you love now?