Pentel...do tell

In the midst of packing up my work materials for my trip to San Diego I noticed that the pencil leads in my Pentel Twist-Erase mechanical pencils needed to be replaced. I quickly reloaded the lead and the eraser tips since those were pretty much wiped out as well.

It was while I was replenishing them that I realized I've had these same two mechanical pencils for about 5 years. Of course, it is only with intense safeguarding over the years that I still have them. Many co-workers  throughout the years had tried to waltz off them, but I was quick to retrieve my coveted pencils.

I was taken with the Pentel Twist-Erase mechanical pencils from the moment I used my first one. Not only is the grip oh so soft and comfortable but it is latex-free. It is so easy to refill the lead and let's not forget the refillable eraser. I can't tell you how many refillable pencils I'd tried prior to the Pentel that didn't have eraser refills. As if we need to add more to the landfills.

The Pentel Twist-Erase mechanical pencils range anywhere from $3.54-$5.25 depending on where you purchase them. I purchased mine in a two pack at Staples. To read more about Pentel's Twist-Erase or to purchase visit:
http://www.pentel.com/catalog_product.php?id=719

I was excited to see how many more colors are available now. Of course, I'm hoping I won't need to purchase new ones for at least another five years!

Nuts about CB's peanuts

Jumbo in-shell peanuts and sea salt are the only ingredients in CB's small batch roasted peanuts. Maybe that's why they are so good and so addicting!

I had seen CB's peanuts at a local market and I have to confess, being a graphic designer it was the packaging that first caught my eye. I love the rustic peanut logo and I'm always a sucker for kraft packaging.

I'd never really been a big fan of shelling peanuts but while my Mom-in-law and I were out running errands in Kingston one day I noticed the CB peanuts store. I quickly turned on my blinker and whipped into the tiny parking lot. The store is very small, but the people are very knowledgeable and friendly. They also let you try the various nuts and organic peanut butter. After sampling the various nuts I immediately fell in love with the "robust" roasted variety. They are the same delicious peanuts, only they roast them a bit longer. The extra roasting gives them a more toasty, "robust" earthy flavor which I can only imagine would be amazing sprinkled on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

CB's nuts not only taste good, they are good for you. They are naturally cholesterol-free and high in good fats. They are pack with fiber and have one of the lowest ratings on the glycemic index, which makes them a good snack for people with diabetes. They also contain phytochemicals which are said to help protect against certain types of cancer. Peanuts are also high in protein and contain zinc and phosphorus which are good for building strong bones.

To find out more about CB's peanuts or to order them visit: http://cbsnuts.com/index.php. Be advised, they are addicting!!!