Happy New Year!
We’re finally back in Saudi after a whirlwind two-week vacation in the Philippines. It was back to back to back meet-ups and holiday parties, and the blogging time I thought I’d have? Completely nonexistent.
Right now, I’m about 80% done with unpacking, 100% done with laundry, and a tragic 10% into ironing. I figured I’d squeeze this post in before my first Polkadoodles Digi Choosday blog posts for the year go live tomorrow.
So before anything else, here’s a New Year’s photo of me and the hubby.
My 2026 Planner Choice
For 2026, I’m sticking with The Happy Planner - no surprises there!
Size: Classic
Layout: Vertical
Cover: Premium Cover – Heritage Charm
I’ve mentioned this before, but when it comes to choosing my Happy Planner, the size and layout always come first. Design is usually secondary. I also need to buy early to allow enough shipping time to Shipping Cart and then to Manila before the new year, so I usually just grab what’s available.
And speaking of Shipping Cart, I have a treat for you! Here’s an exclusive discount on your first ShippingCart Shipment. Use discount code: CREFABAC01839.
That said, I’m really happy with this one. The cover is faux leather, which is a nice change from the usual laminated covers Happy Planner has.
This does mean I’ll need to relocate the faux leather cover I used for my 2025 planner, most likely into one of my Happy Planner notebooks.
Monthly Dividers
The monthly dividers are very minimalist, which I actually like. Some months include sentiments such as:
March: “Take Delight in Life”
April: “Focus on You,” “Make Today Count,” “Focus on What Matters,” “Have a Beautiful Day”
June: “Create a Life Around What Inspires You the Most”
July: “What a Wonderful Thought It Is That Some of the Best Days of Our Lives Haven’t Even Happened Yet”
October: “Make Today Count” (yes, again)
Simple, clean, and not too distracting - plus more spaces to personalize or stick photos on!
Inside the Planner
If you’ve been following my weekly Happy Planner layout and life update posts, the vertical layout will look very familiar. But just in case, here’s how I use each section:
Year at a Glance
This is where I list family and friends’ birthdays. I rewrite this every single year instead of moving the pages. Why? I honestly don’t know. Maybe to help me remember birthdays better. Also… some people don’t make the list the following year, and some suddenly do. Hahahaha.
Monthly Spread
This works like a calendar where I jot down birthdays, plans, and design team deadlines.
That said, I was gifted a Flying Tiger 2026 dated planner by Ms. Lala of Mommy Guide Inc., so I might use that specifically for DT due dates this year.
Monthly Priorities / Important / Take Note Page
Confession time: I rarely use this page, except in August, when I start planning for the husband’s September birthday.
But I’m making it a goal to actually use this section properly this year.
Weekly Pages
This is what I usually feature on the blog!
Even though I mostly show stickers and washi, I actually:
Write in bullets
Add folded sticky notes when I journal long
Stick in printed photos using my Paperang or Xiaomi photo printer
Fountain Pen Adventures
I also decided to try fountain pens this year. I bought one, and was gifted another!
Unfortunately, I made a small booboo and accidentally bought a blue pen, then filled it with ink… only to realize all my refills are black. Looks like I’ll need to learn how to flush a fountain pen.
I tried finishing my December Manila trip journaling with it, but it smudges, so daily journaling with a fountain pen might not be for me.
And just like that, Back to InkJoy - truly smudge-free, just like they promised!
Bonus Planner: Harry Potter Edition
I also picked up a Happy Planner Harry Potter Box Set along with my 2026 planner.
I first saw it being destashed in one of our planner Facebook groups but lost the post before I could click it. I searched everywhere, even messaged my friend Kaye, who immediately found it for me. Sadly, someone else bought it literally seconds before I could comment "mine!"
Good thing it restocked on the Happy Planner website! I managed to grab one, and yes… it’s so pretty I don’t think I’ll use it.
But I should.
Right?
Hahaha.
That’s about it for my 2026 Happy Planner setup!
Here’s to another year of planning, stickering, memory-keeping, and weekly layout blogging!
Happy Planner for a Happy New Year...so promising! Encouraging planning so time will be well-spent and hopeful that our desires will come our way.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of new year's resolution which I keep to myself afraid of being bashed for a failed promise, but reading your very first blog for 2026 I promise that I will keep up with your blogs. Will reply as soon as possible. Last year your sister and I were not ready for 2 blogs per day and I missed out on 2 or 3 of your blogs. Of course I read all of your blogs in fact I have replies ready for those I missed but "publishing" was the problem and going back to the blog was a challenge for a non-techy senior like me.
So thankful that you arrived KSA safely and Lucky is back to your loving arms. If only cats could talk I'm sure he would say "welcome home, I miss you so much".
Happy New Year ! here's looking forward to more blogs, more aspirational projects and enviable planner layouts.
-aMOMymous
Happy New Year sis! And thank you so much for spending time with us during your vacation, we had a great time with you and bro Ton! And we are looking forward to be with you guys again in September. 🥰
ReplyDeleteI love your planner, especially i was able to see and hold it physically. I got Sabi a planner, and I wish she'll love and enjoy using it just as how you are enjoying and loving planners. Happy planning/journaling sis! 😘