Pen Review: Pentel Vicuna

Lately, if you stepped into a Sanrio boutique store, you will notice that the pens have gotten a "makeover" change. It has a different appearance and feel to it since it looks like an ordinary office stationery ballpoint pen, but with a kawaii touch added to it.

I bought this pen pictured above -- thinking that it's cute and something to use at my office desk. As a pen, it did it's job. Writes on paper perfectly. No ink smears. A regular office pen. 

It was through an accident that I discovered that the image design on the pen can be easily erased by water. I bought this pen for one reason only and that was because it had Hello Kitty on it. It had a Sanrio brand on it. 

I had accidentally spilled water on my desk and this Pentel collaborated pen had been nearby. I had assumed that the kawaii design print on the pen was permanent. Simply having water on it and wiping it dry to have the design disappear-- makes the pen seem like it was a waste of a product. I wanted a Hello Kitty pen with cute images to last forever. 

With the images off, it was just an ordinary plain blue pen. I felt like I wasted my money. I think I will just stick to the pens that are cutely decorated all over like I have been buying over the years from Sanrio. 

Another Tip for Pen & Pencil Collectors

While I have not found a better way to preserve Kawaii decorative pens and pencils than with plastic wrappers or ziplock bags, here's an extra tip...

I have come across a site that leads to new information for storing pens.

• Marker-style pens and pens with writing tips on both ends must be stored horizontally to keep the ink distributed evenly. Attempting to store them vertically can result in all the ink “pooling” on the downward tip, with the other end drying out.  In addition, any type of pen that requires you to shake before use, such as metallic paint markers, should be stored in the same manner.
• Ink pens such as gel pens and similar pens should always be stored so that they are vertical, with the writing end down, cap on.  
• Pencils can be stored vertically or horizontally.

Source: ScrapJazz

If you keep your pen and pencil collection in a plastic container or ziplock, remember to always store in room cool temperatures. The plastic will more likely stick or melt onto your pens and pencil collection.

Sanrio Sticker Album: Keroppi VTG Cut

90's stickers

Other than my love for my Sanrio pens and pencils, I have an obsession for Sanrio stickers. I'm very selective in my choices, so I don't collect every single sticker that came from the 90's. Here's a video of my Keroppi Sticker Album: vintage cut. 

Sanrio Little Twin Stars Shelf サンリオ リトルツインスターズ

Focus: LTS

Little Twin Stars is my fourth favorite Sanrio character, right after Keroppi. No matter how much I have taken to purchasing more of My Melody items this year, LTS still ranks higher because I adore this set of duo. They are adorable in pink pastels that will always be cherished and treasured.

April Haul 2013

Features: HK, LTS, & My Melody

I have uploaded a video showcasing my Sanrio Haul for the month of April. I was thrilled when I received two delivery packages, instead of just one. I've been anxiously waiting for my Japan package and was surprised it came on that day. The other package is from Sanrio USA. I was super lucky to get the My Melody plush before it ran out of stock.

My Hello Kitty Collection on display

Hello Kitty Message to You

In Japan, there is a new Hello Kitty X-mas series coming out that might have you start thinking about making holiday plans ahead of time. It's not too early to start thinking about getting your loved ones gifts even if Thanksgiving hasn't arrived yet. You'll want to beat the holiday crowd and have stress free days in the next couple of months. Something to think about. Just don't procrastinate before making a decision.

Wishing you warmth this winter, I hope to see you soon!

Your friend always,

Hello Kitty ♥

My *Top Picks* For You:

 

 You can see all items here.

Special Focus: Tuxedo Sam

Finally up is my review of selected 50th Anniversary Items

Tuxedo Sam 2010

Gallery Update

I've said before that adding another sanrio character would be way out of my budget, but do I ever listen to my own advice? Nope. If I did, you would see blog posts about items for sale, instead of reviews on Sanrio products that I have recently purchased. 

Years ago, I had no interest in Tuxedo Sam. I thought the characters like Tuxedo Sam, Keroppi, Pochacco, Pippo, Pekkle, and Spottie Dottie would always be around. In my opinion, these characters represented the core of Sanrio, with Hello Kitty as the center of focus. Once they took away these characters listed above and replaced them with new characters, I felt that is when everything started to crumble. I feel like Sanrio went through too many changes. One of them is introducing new characters and then ditching them and their fans. Now, it seems like Sanrio is slowly relearning to appreciate their original characters that made their company so loved. With Tuxedo Sam missing in action, I have taken a second glance at the character and am amazed that I have found another character so adorable to want to collect their products. Finally, I understand the love for Tuxie. Sorry, fans, but I'm giving this special penguin a nickname. Hmm, that gives me an idea! Keroppi= Oppi? Pochacco= Pokie? Suggestions, anyone? Surely, you don't want me to decide by myself and choose horrible nicknames now do we?

50th Anniversary + LTS *Carousel*

Coin Banks 

I admit that I am just plain prejudiced when it comes to Sanrio's coin banks. I just love collecting these type of small statue-like figurines. Whether it's small or big, I adore them. These coin banks are 5 inches tall, making them a perfect fit to display them in an enclosed glass case cabinet. For collectors: The box that comes with the coin banks are very sturdy material, way better than the LTS/MM chest drawers' boxes.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

 Just plain ADORABLE!

Tuxie Stationery 

I love the blue version Tuxie, but I think Sanrio hit the jackpot when they chose the a pink version to re-introduce the character to the new generation of Sanrio fans. Take a note, Sanrio, bring back Tuxie permanently... along with Pochacco and Keroppi.

Design Critique: the foil-silver background is very pleasing to the eye, making it another obsession on my products like polka dots.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

 Yes, I adore my double copy  ;0)

 Memo Pad with Sticker!!! Sticker design is awesome.

Little Twin Stars *Carousel* 2010

Gallery Update

While I was on my rehab diet, I missed out on a few adorable things from the Carousel series. That'll teach me from listening to my enabler. Don't they just nag too much?

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 3/4

 *Carousel* and *Romantic*

 So pretty!

New Sanrio Items Added to Store

One of my biggest accomplishment recently has been letting go of some of my sanrio stuff below, especially the 1996 round Pochacco tin with silver handle. I had to really think long and hard on whether I could part with this tin. The reason is because I had started to collect tins a few years back and had wanted to collect as many as designs as I could. Now a few years down the road and I'm at a point where tin coin banks like below are great looking, but now are not one of my favorites to collect. Maybe I might regret it later, but for now this cute tin is ready for a new addict owner.

Next up is my triple copy of my 1999 Pochacco wallet with the ever so popular goggle/plaid design. This Pochacco design is one of my favorites. I can tell you that whoever becomes the owner of this vintage wallet will definitely treasure this classic Pochacco piece. My own copy reminds me of the golden days of pure sweetness. If my words are getting too sugary sweet on you, let me know and I'll try to stop these flowery stuff that is tumbling out of my brain.

Speaking of sugar sweetness, this next item will make you want to get your hands on this lovely 2005 Little Twins Stars Stationery Folder with Letters. If you love writing letters to your dear friends and family, then this LTS folder is perfect for you to keep your sanrio stationery inside.

And I saved the best for last...

Here is a 1999 rare one of kind Sanrio Hello Kitty small 4cm tall Clock that was purchased through Scholastics. The beautiful detailed design on the clock are one of the many reasons why I had purchased it years ago. It even came with a gift box. To see the pictures of the front design of the box and clock, head on over to my online store.

Isn't it beautiful?

If you would like more details regarding any of the pieces above, please visit my store's link on the left side.

New Pens @ USA Sanrio's Online Website

Sanrio.com has added more new items to their website. I have selected these particular pens (below) for my review.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥

I like the top part but the design on the main body of the pen, not so much.

Back of Ballpoint pen with swing mascot 

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥

I like the body design more than the Hello Kitty version.

 Back of My Melody Mechanical Pencil with swing mascot

 

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥ 1/2

 It's not a horrible design, but it comes pretty close. Maybe I just dislike the mushroom design or the color combination

Back of My Melody Ballpoint Pen w/ swing mascot

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥

I am not a fan of Charmmy, but I like the blue color on this pen.

 Back of Charmmy Kitty Ballpoint Pen w/ swing mascot

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥ 1/2

It nearly works here. I think they messed up by adding the plaid background with a heart shape design

Back of Charmmy Kitty Mechanical Pencil w/ swing mascot

Conclusion:

These pens are not horrible in design, but they still do not measure up to vintage pieces. 

There is a new Hello Kitty spiral letter sets as shown below:

 

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥

You can get it here for $7 USD

 Description:

Holographic polka dot cover design and sticker sheet with Hello Kitty on a prancing carousel. 

 And there's a new 7 inch plush...

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥ ♥

This Sunny plushie doesn't make my heart go "ba-bump." Is it the outfit? Maybe.

♥ Little Twin Stars Rocks On ♥

Below is a picture of a vintage 1988 Little Twin Stars pencil case that opens up at both sides. I'm still so happy to have gotten this in the mail. I can't believe I have added another vintage pencil case to my collection.

 

 

BIG <3 to Vintage pencil cases

Little Twin Stars *Town* Series 2010

Gallery Update

For the last two days, I literally can't keep my hands off the latest Little Twin Stars series. Who wouldn't? This makes me want to start using them, but first I have to plan ahead and get me some doubles. I'd like a double copy of the drawer chest (display purposes), the coffee mug bottle (to use), and the card holder keychain. As you can see below, I already have doubles of the pen set. The pen set are so pretty. I love the pink ballpoint pen more than the blue version. 

 

 

 I love it all!!!

"Each of the puffy clouds and colorful stars hides a little world of things to do... "

Breakdown of the *Town* Series:

First thing, let's start off with the Pen Set. It comes with a pink ballpoint pen, a blue mechanical pencil, and a 6 way multi-color pen that comes with a mechanical pencil option.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥   (out of 5 ♥'s)

 

See the clip on top? Pushing it down brings the mechanical pencil option. ♥

The *Town* series comes with a spiral notebook and a memo pad. 

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥   

*Town* Card Holder

This piece is amazing! Everything about this design works.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥  

This card holder is so sweet in design that I have to use one

*Town* Tape Measure

This piece is small and comes with it's original plastic wrapper. I definitely want to use this one. It's so pink and very pretty. 

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥  

Doesn't look small in the pictures

*Town* Glass Container

This piece is definitely one of the many favorites in my collection. I love that it's made of glass and not plastic. If it had been in plastic, I wouldn't have bought it even if the top is pretty like shown below.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥  

The top part is the best feature of this design. Don't you agree?

AND THE BEST PIECE OF THE WHOLE SERIES...

*Town* Jewelry Chest 2010

My reaction to this piece: OMG!!! I LOVE LOVE IT!

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥   (5 ♥'s being the best and 1 being the worst design)

One word: Fantastic! Fantastic!!!

^  There really isn't much that I can say about this chest. I am simply in love with this piece. It's really rare that Sanrio can make something like this that can actually compares nicely to a vintage piece. All it's missing is a top piece that holds a mirror. But even without the mirror, it's definitely one of Lynnie's most treasured pieces. Please, Sanrio, make more of this special piece. I want to see one with a Hello Kitty design - a really good design. Maybe use a vintage design (hint: early 90's the brown bear one).

Forgot to mention about the cardboard box that comes with the drawer chest: Love the design that goes all sides of the box, but I love the vintage ones that used a more thicker and sturdier material. Warning to you collectors: If you're not careful, this box will crease  or get smashed easily.

.:: Lynnie's Sanrio Ratings System::. 

♥  :   Fumbling Fluff - "Don't Bother mentioning this to me;" Horrible design concept.

♥♥ :    Flowery Breeze - Cute; Average design concept.

♥♥♥:   Sparkle Sweet   -  Astonishingly cute. 

♥♥♥♥ :   Fancy Delight   -  It's star struck at first sight. Clearly Adorable!

♥♥♥♥♥ :   Over the Moon  -  Best design concept. A "must have" for any collector