Fountain Pen Friday - Lamy Safari green fountain pen review and giveaway *Now closed & the winner announced in the comments*

When I saw one of the days of National Stationery Week was especially for fountain pens I contacted Lamy and asked if they would like to do something together for today.  Lisa emailed me back and offered me two green Lamy Safari fountain pens so I could review one and give the second away to one of you! 

Lamy Safari green fountain pen

When the pens arrived I was struck by how lovely the shade of green was, it really reminded me of the first shoots of colour you see in spring.  

Spring green

I tested the Safari in my notebook and found it to be just as good as my Lamy Al-Star which I have been using for the past two years.  The ink flows out of the nib beautifully, I just wish my handwriting could do it justice!

Ink level window and chrome-plated pocket clip

The pen's body is made from tough ABS plastic and it has a lovely glossy shine to it.  Like the Al-Star the Safari has the same triangular grip area and a window so you can see the ink level inside the pen without having to open it up.

Handwritten review

You can pick up a Safari fountain pen for around £14 which is a fantastic price!  The Safari is also available in a wide range of colours if green is not your thing, I have my heart set on the new dark lilac one and maybe the yellow and pink pens too!  You can never have too many fountain pens right?

Medium nib

So, as I said, Lisa gave me a second pen to give away today, she also threw in an extra box of blue ink cartridges so you will be able to use your Safari fountain pen for ages and ages before you need to buy more ink!

The prize

To enter this giveaway all you have to do is tell me what you write when you are trying out a pen!  I usually go with "hello" and my children's names.  Here are the rules:

• Tell me what you write when testing a pen
• I will number the comments and use random.org to pick a winner.
• This giveaway is open internationally. 
• The giveaway ends at 12pm UK time on the 8th May 2016.
• I will announce the winner on this post on the 9th May 2016.
• This is the only prize (for today) - there is no cash alternative. 
• If the winner doesn't contact me within 72 hours of my announcing the winning entry, I will have to draw a new name.
• If you are under 18 years of age please ask your parent's permission before entering the giveaway.

Good luck!

Fountain Pen Friday - Maped Tatoo Soft fountain pen review

It's Fountain Pen Friday today so I want to share a couple of reviews with you, the first is for this funky Maped Tatoo Soft fountain pen. 

Maped Tatoo Soft Fountain Pen

When I opened the box of stationery supplies I was sent from National Stationery Week and Small Man Media my husband spotted this pen straight away and picked it up for a closer look.  He was definitely drawn to the fun comic book/pop art design on it and so was I!  It reminds me of the Batman TV show that used to be on in the 60's (which I watched as repeats in the 80's!) when the fight scenes were intersected with flashes of cartoon POW!!'s and BOOOOM!!'s. 

Pow! Boooom!

The pen comes with a standard cartridge of blue ink so you can use it straight away, I popped it into the pen and tried it out.

Iridium nib

The nib is a little finer than I am used to using but it still writes well and the triangular comfort soft grip feels nice and, well, comfortable in my hand!

Handwritten review

This pen retails for around £5 which makes it a great starter fountain pen for children or if you haven't used one in a while and want to try again without splashing out too much cash.  

Fountain Pen Day

Overall I really like this pen, the design is fun and colourful and it passes my main test which is good ink flow so it doesn't feel scratchy when I write with it.  

I will be back with a second pen review later on today and you will have the chance to win your own shiny new fountain pen to play with!