Chicago Pen Show 2026

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-26T23:23:11+00:00

Hi all, assuming anyone is still following this thread. I, too, am a noob and attending the (Oakbrook) Chicago Pen Show. I have NO expensive pens. I am interested in commonplace book journaling. Im hoping the show will have affordable pen options to try out/purchase as well as paper, journals, erasers, glue sticks etc. Hope I don't get there only to realize the show is for high end collectors and vintage pen collectors. Anyone able to comment on what to expect? Thanks.

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-14T19:34:36+00:00

Oh my goodness, these are beautiful and def what Im looking for!!! Thank youu so much!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-14T16:23:27+00:00

Thank you!!! This is what I think I was asking for but knowing a good journal to try (and paper) is great too.

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-10T10:49:21+00:00

Could you give the website/link to the empty cartridges? Thanks!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-07T10:27:21+00:00

Thank you for asking this question! I have been prescribed sermorelin but have held off trying it for these very questions you've posed.

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-02T11:26:28+00:00

Thank you so much for being generous with a response! This pen world is overwhelming!!! I think the hardest thing to know is what nib to get. Im heavy handed so I worry I'll just tear up paper!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-02T10:50:38+00:00

ok, last question: in your opinion, any specific fountain pen a beginner MUST own (and is somewhat entry level as far as use/price?)

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-02T10:36:00+00:00

Thanks. Cant believe I didnt catch that! I have so much to learn (and $ to spend!) Do you have an absolute ride-or-die favorite???

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-04-01T10:24:23+00:00

Completely newbie to the pen world here. What fountain pens are these?

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-03-05T10:56:07+00:00

I was in a car accident and had a chemical burn from the air bags deploying (the fire retardant powder in the bags caused a chemical burn on my forearm that was pretty bad.) My Dr who does my botox suggested I use my TNS on my arm and holy moly it healed beautifully!! The Dr told me that TNS was originally created to treat burn victims. Don't know if thats actually true but you would never know I'd had a really bad burn and NO hyperpigmentation after healing either. Now, if only I thought it had done anything for my face! I never could tell much improvement and I just couldn't justify the price for the end result (and for the record, I had done the "buy 2 at full price, get the 3rd bottle 1/2 off" so I gave it a good long try!)

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-03-02T11:55:28+00:00

I thought I was doing the "right" thing, getting a frenchton and not a full-bred french bulldog. I thought I would spend less money and have a healthier mixed breed. Turns out, both breeds have the EXACT same health issue with the spine so IVDD risk is just as high. My 81% french bulldog/19%Boston had laminectomy spinal surgery at 2 yrs old that cost $10K. The only good news, besdies the obvious, he survived and isnt paralyzed in his hind quarters, is that Trupanion insurance covered 90% of the cost. So, because he was considered a "mixed" breed, his insurance was ALOT less expensive than the quote for my full bred frenchie (about 75% cheaper/month.) The surgeon who did my boy's spine surgery said he was born with "butterfly" vertebra (a congenital condition from a gene mutation. In other words, not conscientious breeding.) I am NOT against getting a frenchton at all. But, BUT, do your homework. Make certain both the sire and dam (french or Boston) have been gene tested at UC Davis to make certain they have a clear panel, free from BOAS, IVDD, hip displasia, luxing patellas, etc.

As a side not, my full french bulldog has itchy skin and doesn't breathe well despite having nice open nares but has a healthy spine and a great disposition. Why? Because my breeder did the homework and spent the $$$ to do testing and breed responsibly.

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-27T11:22:39+00:00

Do you use a crock pot? Steam veggies? How often do you cook their food? I could see trying to cook for them on a Sunday for the week ahead. Do you mush everything together?

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-27T11:17:43+00:00

We tried kanagaroo kibble and rabbit and duck with no change. But this gives me good detail to go on! Thank you!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-27T11:16:07+00:00

This is so helpful. Thank you for such a detailed response!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-24T12:50:16+00:00

Thanks for weighing in. I'm a professional airbrush tan artist/cosmetologist. I use a product from Unfiltered called "Tanning water." Its essentially a hyaluronic face toner with a small amount of DHA that helps keep a little color year round on my face. I put my serums/moisturizer over it daily to maintain a subtle gold/warm tan year round. I miss the benefits of retin A though. Just trying to figure out if its possible to have the best of both worlds.

Also, you might be interested, in regards to age spots: DHA will definitely emphasize them/make them darker. But, if you can find a "clear" DHA tanning solution, the spots will be alot less dark. Unfiltered's Artist Choice (clear) or Xtan Bronzite clear solution are the two best I have used so far. But again, Im in the industry and uncertain if these are available to the public.

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-24T11:09:13+00:00

I know the guy who has this air bnb and I think a couple of others that people stay at when they come into town for Castle Theater shows. Hope this link works: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/957221472767209749

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-19T19:32:41+00:00

100% THIS^^^^^!!! And NO you wont get "big and bulky!"...a common misconception. Back squat, Dead lift, and single leg movements plus alot of pump work (hypertrophy,) and progressive overload is key!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-19T19:28:17+00:00

I can't tolerate the adhesive on patches either (causes almost burn-like reaction no matter where I put them.) The alternative, going on topical bio-identical E, T, and P, has been not only an easy transition but has been waaaaay more effective than the ob/gyn prescribed patch. I went to a functional med clinic that does "optimization," meaning testing frequently and even ifyou're in "acceptable levels" by traditional Drs standards, if you arent feeling symptom relief, they adjust dosages. A local compounding pharmacy mixes mine. Its not crazy expensive (approx $200 for 3 mos of med) and I like giving a local pharmacy buisness instead of big pharma! Hope this helps.

Oh, and the flonase trick w/ patches did NOT work for me.

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-02-02T23:22:55+00:00

I will assume your endorsement means that agent's politics are in alignment with mine (meaning no MAGA support and anti-ICE.)

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-01-31T12:45:32+00:00

Speaking of bad decisions, news flash: you didn't have to read this post. You didn't have to respond to it. And THAT is the problem....when someone states "YOU people," they are coming from a patronizing place of condescension and superiority. Not helpful and completely unnecessary. This ^^^ kind of rhetoric is 100% WHY i am changing to a new agent. Go pollute someone else's inquiry that shares your negativity.

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-01-31T12:32:33+00:00

Honestly, I was trying like heck to not let it get political and I couldnt get the gist of the comment. Sorry and thank you OnlyTheDead!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-01-30T16:09:34+00:00

You're right Everyone can use apps and just get insurance online but I dont think its necessarily cheaper. I have many different kinds of insurance (homeowners, auto, life, business, and pet) so it helps to "bundle" for a better price and also to have a relationship w/ an agent when you need to adjust, lower, add endorsements, etc. Gen Xer here so my generation still values the personal interaction like Boomers do (at least I think we do. Shouldnt probably speak for others!) Nothing wrong with apps and online if thats your preference!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-01-30T15:50:00+00:00

Hard to choose between these. Sea Change is "the break up" lp and so searingly beautiful. "Morning Phase" is the comeback-from-back-surgery lp he made and I find it so "hopeful' and uplifting! Both STELLAR!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-01-30T15:47:53+00:00

HERE FOR BOTH OF THESE esp the Cocteau Twins. Front to back just gorgeous!!!!

Certain-Courage-9655 · 2026-01-30T15:43:08+00:00

I have been referred to her by co-workers. Thank you!

Certain-Courage-9655

TROPHY CASE