I went to three office supply stores this morning in search of my favorite notebook. This made me realize that, well, I’m extremely picky when it comes to notebooks. I have one kind I’ve been buying for years, and since I think it’s god’s gift to journalist, I thought I’d share: Mead’s Five Star, 2 subject notebook, in the 9.5 x 6 size.

Why do I love it so? It has a thick cardboard back, so it feels sturdy as you furiously take notes. The pages are wider than a steno pad, so I can pack a lot into a page before having to flip. Speaking of, it flips horizontally rather than vertically—don’t know why, I’m just a much faster flip that way. It’s durable so can be easily shoved in bags for the two months it takes me to fill it up. (Yes! It lasts two months—a miracle on par with the Chanukah candles.) And I haven’t even gotten to the best part—it has a pocket inside, which is perfect for business cards or other random things people hand you when reporting. Thank me later. —Kate