Friday Faves: Ana’s December Picks

• Fave read: Sourdough by Robin Sloan. I loved Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore and though, at first glance, Sourdough seems like a very similar with its love to something analog in the high tech world of San Francisco.
• Fave watch: The Mandolorian. I love Star Wars so it was only a matter of time before I freebased the series to date. Since the episodes are only 30 minutes long, it only took two nights.
• Fave listen: Mostly, I’ve been listening to podcasts. It’s been an eclectic mix of late but my favorites have been The Anthropocene Reviewed and Dolly Parton’s America.
• Fave eat: Vegan Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats. I modified this recipe slightly. Instead of brown rice syrup, I use Lyle’s Golden Syrup. I think you could replace any thicker sugary syrup, thicker than maple syrup, that is. So, if you have a favorite substitute, I think the recipe will still work fine. I’ve made these with just a drizzle of chocolate on the top but I prefer the chocolate/peanut butter “frosting” layer. I do recommend storing these in the fridge in an airtight container as they can dry out and get crumbly if its really warm. They warm up in room temperature in about 5-10 minutes.
• Fave drink: Bubly Blackberry. I’ve been trying different sparkling waters as a way to have something “fun” to drink in the middle of the day that is not laced with chemicals. Some sparkling water flavors are better than others. I do own a SodaStream so really, I should make my own but for work, it’s nice to have it in pre-packaged containers.
• Fave fountain pen: I am currently using two of my fountain pens more than any others. The first is my tried-and-true Caran D’ache 849 with EF nib. I keep it loaded with cartridge roulette and it’s long enough to have a cartridge loaded and a spare in the barrel. It’s perfect for work because it’s a pop top so capping and uncapping is quick for short notes and the cartridges make it easy to refill mid-meeting without too many funny looks. The other pen is my new-to-me Montblanc Rouge et Noir with custom nib grind by Gena of Custom Nib Studio. I remember thinking “why would I ever want a snake pen?” and now I have two. Go figure.
• Fave ink: I’m still loving the PenBBS #224 Tolstoy It’s hard to acquire this color these days but PenBBS 159 Bitter Herb is pretty close.
• Fave gel pen: Pilot Hi-Tec C Slim Knock This extra small gel pen fits perfectly inside my Baron Fig Guardian or in the Moment wallet (see below) so that I always have a pen with me. It’s the closest I have to a Fisher Space Pen-style EDC.
• Fave paper/notebook: Is it self-serving to say that the pocket notebook I use most frequently is my Col-o-ring Oversize? It’s true. I use it to quick swatch new inks, doodle or sketch out various things and surprisingly, after years of thinking I didn’t like spiral bound notebooks, the Oversize is uniquely appealing. The size and form factor make it great tool testing of all sorts, quick visual experiments and the spiarl allow for additional elements to be glued or taped into it without adversely affecting it.
• Fave EDC bag: Moment Crossbody Wallet I have to thank Jaclyn at Inkpothesis for making me lust after this wallet.
• Fave analog activity: I’ve been sewing lately. I’ve made some pajama pants, two tops and have been working on a dress. I even made a mini quilt for my cats. CJ loves the mini quilt.

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