Color Me Happy: April Recap & Fresh May Pages (plus manifesting all the good vibes for this month!!!)

This week’s The Happy Planner layout is all about color and good vibes - smiley washi tape paired with the Color Me Happy sticker book, I think this the perfect way to welcome May. Why Color Me Happy? Because it simply is happy.  And starting the month surrounded by bright colors and uplifting sentiments like “Good Vibes,” “Do more of what makes you happy,” and “This colorful life” just sets the tone right - specially with vacation coming up in a few weeks!

Before diving fully into May, I’m sharing my April journaling recap. My planner continues to double as my daily journal, and for my Daily Stampede, I managed to fill just the entire page. I thought I would need an additional insert but eventually I ended up pacing myself midway through the month.

Reading-wise, April was such a win: 10 books finished, bringing me to 27 reads year-to-date! My standout favorite from my reading journal (made using Traci Reed Designs Bookish collection) has to be False Witness by Karin Slaughter - definitely my top read for the first quarter of 2026.

I also joined Bee Happy Online Party, and even though I didn’t win, my niece, Sabi did - which made it even more fun! I wrapped up almost all my Bee Happy Anniversary Weeklies too (except the bag - because well, I'm in Saudi and I cannot buy it and get it here on time), and I’m genuinely proud of finishing so many, especially since every project was a first for me.

From crafting a Birthday Bouquet with air dry clay (soooo much harder than it looks!), to finally trying proper glass mosaic (with grout this time!), to creating 14 mini albums using my Design Team collections from Kelly Bangs Creative and Traci Reed Designs - April pushed me creatively in the best way. Plus a last-minute pop-up book - totally worth the rush. I almost skipped it, but thanks to some encouragement from the husband and friends, I finished just in time - and I love how it turned out. Read more about my pop up book and my creative journey story here.

We wrapped up the week with a little celebration: a movie date watching The Devil Wears Prada 2. The storyline may not have been groundbreaking, but the nostalgia hit just right - I even teared up a bit. Plus, we tried a different popcorn flavor besides our usual cheese and/or sour cream. We tried pizza flavor and it was so good and tasty! Definitely a new popcorn fave.

Of course, dessert followed (because priorities! Remember - Life is short. Eat dessert first) - Belgian chocolate toast and Spanish latte and then we tried Bup Burger, which was so good and surprisingly affordable. We will definitely be back if not this week, maybe next week. We also made a quick stop at Krispy Kreme for their Harry Potter tumbler! Only SAR 29 (or Php 450) with drinks too!

Now, onto a new week: catching up on future projects before vacation, prepping for the Spring Market, and getting ready to launch next weekend’s crafting workshop with Happy Sandscapes - where I’ve lined up two fun projects for the attendees.

And just like that, we’re stepping into May with full hearts, colorful pages, and so much to look forward to.