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Pens, Notebooks, and Supplies, Oh My!
By Lynda Kessler
Additional reporting by Krista Michelle Arrigo
July/August 2003

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Admit it: You love to write that first sentence on a new page in your new notebook with your new pen. True? If so, here's a roundup of some groovy new back-to-school supplies that are sure to excite you about returning to class.

Writing Utensils that Rock
Got a pen? Grab a funky one like a Gel Works pen from Avery. It comes in an array of colors, including Purple Haze and Pimento, and has a rubber grip to help ease stress-inducing pain.
($6.49 per pack, available at Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples)

Need even more gel in your scholastic life? Gelly Roll pens, also from Gel Works, come in an assortment of hues -- there's even a Stardust line that's shimmery and light-reflecting.
($1.69 each, available at K-Mart, H-E-B, Michaels Arts and rafts, Staples, Target, and Wal-Mart)

Neat Notebooks
Take your pens and scribble on Mead's new Five Star Quick Notes Notebook. It features extra-wide, highlighted margins, which allow enough space for extra note-taking. Or, try the Subject Specific Notebook from Five Star. It's designed specifically for math, science, and English, and even contains teacher-recommended references.
(price varies, available at meadweb.com)

Store Your Stuff Savvy-Like
Keep your notes neat in awesomely designed portfolios from Tech Deck. With themes like Alien Workshop and Birdhouse, these folders are great for the punky scholar or unique brainiac in you.
($1.49, available at techdeck.com)

Now that you're in-the-know about supplies for your forthcoming school days, shopping should be a cinch -- especially since you know what to buy, how much it costs, and where to go get it. Now, get going!