First Happy Planner Layout of the Year (and Hopefully My First Week of Daily Writing!)

This is my first Happy Planner layout blog post for the year and, tbh, I’m really hoping this is also my first full week of daily writing in my planner.

January feels just as fast as December - maybe even faster - and I honestly don’t know why. Every time we come back to KSA after a vacation in the Philippines, I lose my routine and need a few weeks to find my rhythm again. This time around, it was that plus the really cold winter season that had me feeling under the weather when we arrived.

It also didn’t help that my favorite essential oil, the one that was introduced to me when I was sick about three years ago, started bringing back that same “sick” feeling. I was so puzzled because I felt unwell even when I technically wasn’t. After reading about it, I realized that smell is the strongest sense tied to memory and emotion, so yes… it is possible for certain scents to trigger sickness memories. I tried not using it for a day, and I felt so much better. Crazy how the mind works, right?

So in gist, the past few weeks have been a mix of:

• Unpacking

• Catching up on deadlines (I really want to get back to my old pace where everything is submitted and scheduled in advance and not me chasing deadlines)

• Catching up on laundry and ironing (almost done!!! hopefully this week)

• And being cold. Always cold.

I swear, I still haven’t unpacked a whole luggage full of crafting supplies from the Philippines. Though I'm really looking forward to this! It's going to be like Christmas part 2!

But despite all that, I’m really thankful I’m feeling better now.

Here’s a photo of the projects I’ve made over the past few weeks, everything is packed and labeled for storage, ready for the next pop-up (whenever that may be). I won’t be posting them one by one this time since some haven’t been published yet, plus there’s a little mini album I made for our BF-GF anniversary. I loved making that one, and after finishing it, I loved flipping through it and rewatching the reel even more.

This Week’s Happy Planner Layout

For this week’s layout, I used the Live Creatively Happy Planner Sticker Book, just because I do.

The sticker sentiments I used are:

• Allow your purpose to guide your priorities

• I can & I will

• Just start

• Purpose • Planning • Positivity • Persistence – A Happy Life

• Plans are dreams in the making

I also added blank boxes for each day so I can slowly ease back into my routine. Ideally, I’ll start completing each target task, whether it’s a project or a chore and let that momentum carry over into the coming weeks.

I also opened a Happy Planner Planner Companion Accessories Kit that was gifted to me by a friend. Extra kilig because she got the planner size right! It’s such a small detail, but it means so much, proof that when people truly know you, they notice even the little things.

Life Lately

Last weekend, we tried a newly opened Half Lemon branch here in Al Ahsa. It’s the first Chinese resto / fast-food place in the area, and their milk tea tastes just like the ones in Manila - major win! Since they had just opened, we even got some freebies: keychains and a tumbler.

Best in facade - Iran!

Of course, Saudi should have a photo!

Spot the odd one out - what is Thailand doing in GCC area!

Grilled Cheesy Shrimp. Triggered my allergies though.

Nice view

Happy Girl. Hehe!

The next day, we went to Dammam Global City with friends. It was a very walk-heavy day but fun nonetheless. For SAR 22 (Php 330.00) it was worth it. We also tried a new restaurant, Positive which turned out positively good! hehe!

So here it is, this year’s first layout and a little life lately!  

See you all next week!