things i use and recommend, also some wishlist items
24.01.2026
Hardware
MacBook M3 Pro, 2023
Wacom Intuos BT for problem sheets, graphics, it's nice to have a tablet
Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones
Software
Obsidian - local markdown notes. for most text-based activities!
Cursor for most software/research coding. I prefer seeing code / diffs. For that reason I like using some kind of GitHub GUI… using GitHub Desktop but seeking a better one
Claude Code mainly for spinning up shell scripts for whatever I need. tmux and schedulers to run them when I want. I love terminal tools! Kind of meta: Claude Code itself is a terminal tool
Google Sheets for keeping todos, habit trackers, and journalling. If there is a piece of data about me with a day attached, it is probably in my spreadsheet!
Google Calendar for things where the time matters too!
Cal.com for scheduling time with me
I use Arc because it's pretty but am tempted to switch back to Chrome so that I can see the entire URL. I love accessing sites by URL and changing the URL to navigate
Are.na for collecting links and ideas, previously Curius. I also plan some projects on here.
Xournal++ for writing notes / problem sheets digitally
ActivityWatch for timetracking my laptop time
Astro - a neat JS framework for blogs/websites/etc
Art/Stationery
Lamy Safari. Basic but works well. The clear model is pretty
Dip pen for fast sketches. Got one by the brand 'Nikko' in ITOYA, Tokyo. It's intended for manga drawing I think. I have used a range of nibs in the art room... but I didn't really enjoy the experience. I also recently really like drawing with ink with a goose feather quill: just grab a feather and cut the tip into a nib shape. Draws beautifully!
Ink: Pilot Iroshizuku (yama-guri, warm brown-black was my favourite colour, ran out so now using a fuyu-syogun, a purpley grey. I find it a little transparent and cool-toned, but it's pretty!)
And for paper:
I like thin recycled paper notebooks, or Muji's hard spiral bound notebooks for thinking on paper
A4 Leuchtturm hardcover is my main sketchbook right now
I recently got a hand-bound pocket sized daily planner -- I use it for 1 thing that I'm grateful for each day
I have a ream of handmade (mulberry?) paper with little metallic fibres (bought in a paper store in Kyoto!) for when I need to write something nice: notes, menus, fancy stuff!
I print on the cartridge paper my studio provides; don't know what brand. Smooth and thick is best. Fabriano paper with a slight texture is really nice to the touch but difficult to work with
I've gotten used to buying larger cartridge paper and ripping it by hand to the size I want -- mainly in printing
Pfeil wooden linocut tools
I'm looking to buy a clutch pencil for loose sketching: something by Koh-i-Noor or Kaweco
My acoustic guitar is by the brand Sigma... I don't remember what model and it's not on me right now :(
Gym/Health
Shakesphere protein shake bottle - no more chunks. Stainless steel version is really durable and doesn't taste like plastic
Supplements (subject to change, currently): creatine, inulin, magnesium (complex), B (complex), some probiotic pill (like Optibac), K2D3, sometimes electrolytes when I'm feeling weak/tired, sometimes psyllium husk (but taking it sucks)
Apps:
Alpha Progression - to track lifting; don't judge the name, it's good!
MacroFactor for food
Strava for running
I try to eat keto as much as possible, but will eat anything I feel like in moderation
Protein sources:
The best tasting (& smoothly mixing) protein shake powder is Optimum Nutrition (chocolate or vanilla)
Premier Protein shakes pre-mixed (can buy like a 20pack from Costco, super easy when willpower is low)
Bulk Protein's plain whey isolate is nice for mixing with other liquids
Bulk Protein's plain soy isolate is nice for mixing with eggs to get a bulkier omelette, or in soups/stews for creaminess and thickness
Fage 5% Greek yoghurt
Vitasoy 0% sugar soy milk, the large carton, imported from Taiwan and sealed airtight. Next best is the Alpro unsweetened soy milk.
Egg whites, particularly to mix into any egg dish or make egg white oats. Sounds gross but it's not eggy at all. Mix in protein powder too if you're brave
Lifting straps; it's good to avoid wrist damage (don't know the brand) and pull more weight. Prefer to gloves
Resistance bands (don't know the brand), helpful for pull ups, stretching, home workouts
Clothing
Quick list of clothing brands (try to thrift if too expensive; they maintain their quality for years): Toast, Massimo Dutti, Jaeger, Everlane, Seasalt Cornwall, Celtic & Co, Marni, Bimba y Lola, Madewell
You can browse all my clothes and jewellery at are.na. I made this catalogue in the process of clearing out everything, so I really like almost everything here!
I'm seeking a good sock recommendation. Natural fibre, ankle, good for sports and/or daily life, multipack in all the same colour so I don't have to pair socks.
Misc
Everlane Transit Backpack: ideal for travel. Fits loads without looking bulky -- can probably just about hold 5-6 days of clothes for me. Stylish. Many pockets. Separate laptop pocket. Loops onto
Antler suitcases - stylish and the wheels have not broken on me yet
Herman Miller Setu chair. I think it's the most beautiful Herman Miller chair model / the prettiest ergonomic office chair I could find online. I managed to buy mine for ~100 on eBay!
Tea:
Mandaracha / Tencha for Japanese tea
Curioustea for Chinese/Taiwanese/many other countries' teas