I love getting new toys. I just bought a lead holder & one of those barrel sharpener thingies, and I'm all like "Where have you been all my life?" The default lead (HB, I suspect) is just the right softness for meandering line and gentle gradations, without being too smudgy. I've also really been loving my 5x8 Moleskin sketchbook with hot press ecru pages. I've been a fan of the gritty texture that cold press paper provides, but I am suddenly really enjoying the smooth ride of hot press.