For a few years now, I've wondered why some envelopes are called Manila (or manilla) ones. Initially I thought it might have been that, like Champagne and Melton Mowbray pork pies, manilla envelopes had to be made in Manila to be 'official'. But, after a bit of digging, I've found out that's not the case. Apparently it's because Manila envelopes were originally made out of Manila hemp. (Though they're not necessarily made from it now.)

I’m sitting next to my colleague and listening to him complain profusely about his assigned task for the day: clearing out the stationery cupboard.

Now, I would offer to take over the job, but it is kind of entertaining watching him get agitated over it. To be honest, I rather enjoy clearing it out. It’s a bit like Sarina’s magical mysterious filing cabinet  – you never know what you might find in its dark dusty corners.