Note 16 - A New Year
Papier notebook, Muji pen, ARKET sweater
I love the feeling of a new year, that sense of a fresh start. While last year was fairly disciplined for me, a new year always feels like the right time to pause, reflect, and identify areas where I could improve, grow, or simply do better. There are so many exciting things coming up this year, including moving to a new country, taking an intensive language course in a city I’ve long wanted to visit, and pushing my Pilates journey to the next level, among others. I can’t wait to document it all over the coming weeks on the blog.
But first, there are a few things I do every January, and I thought I’d walk you through them. Hopefully, it’s not too late for you to plan your year ahead, too!
New Year Rituals
My 2026 vision board
Each year, I order a new personalized notebook from Papier. This is the notebook I use to journal daily throughout the year. There’s something about starting with a completely fresh notebook that I love, especially knowing I’ll be able to look back on it years later and revisit certain moments and thoughts.
On the first day of the year, I sit down to reflect on the year that’s just passed and write about what I’m hoping for in the year ahead. These prompts help guide me:
Stop, Start, Continue in 2026
Things I’m looking forward to in 2026
3 highlights from last year
Best book read last year
What didn’t go well last year?
Papier Photo Album of the Previous Year
I also create a photo album of the previous year so I have an analogue version of my memories. I’ve been doing this for the past five years, and I’m always surprised by how often I flip through the pages.
Once again, I use Papier albums; they’re my favourite stationery. Their album templates are beautifully designed and easy to customize.
Vision board
Finally, I love making a vision board to give a visual representation of how I want the year ahead to feel. It’s usually made up of images I’ve saved from Pinterest and Instagram, along with ideas inspired by dreams and goals I hope to accomplish. I usually make it in Canva, so it’s easy to edit and move things around. I try not to be too prescriptive; instead, I use it as a source of inspiration and guidance.
What I Wore This Week
Cardigan - By Malene Birger / Skirt - Zara
Top - Intimissimi / Skirt - Zara / Blue sweater - Totême
For the two main holidays, I wore outfits built around the same base: a Zara skirt I found secondhand in Milton Keynes for £2 about four or five years ago, the Intimissimi classic cashmere top (so warm and incredibly practical), and black tights.
On Christmas Eve, I styled it with my By Malene Birger cardigan, featuring an exaggerated collar, wide sleeves, and crocheted butterfly details. For New Year’s Eve, I kept things comfortable by layering my Totême blue cashmere sweater on top and finishing the look with warm slippers.
Everyday Delights
Walks by the lake
Fireworks on NYE
Munich
I’ve been spending the New Year around Munich, and it’s been the perfect escape to slow down. I’ve loved going on long walks by the lake and strolling through the busy streets of the city centre. And for a proper send-off to the year, nothing feels more magical than fireworks. Europe truly does New Year’s Eve most spectacularly with its fireworks all around. I saw it for the first time last year, and it’s such a magical experience that fills you with excitement and optimism for the year ahead.
This Week’s Edit
This was one of the last books I read last year, and easily one of my favourites. It’s exactly the kind of novel I love: set in Stockholm within a publishing house, it follows a female protagonist navigating ambition, desire, and power. Bohman’s writing is very sharp and evokes a range of emotions.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Champ Stamp Fantasy
I had been completely missing out on lip gloss, and it was only towards the end of last year that I realised how good it can look with just a light layer on the lips. This one quickly became my favourite and was a constant companion over the holidays.
This is the notebook I’ve chosen for this year’s daily journaling. I love the pink-and-red colour combination and the simple cover design. I always opt for dotted pages and a hardcover!
The updated ‘The Peach Club’ App
This is my favourite app for at-home Pilates, and they’ve recently relaunched it, so it’s even easier to use, search and save workouts. I’ve taken a break from pilates this past week, but I can’t wait to get back into moving my body with it while I’m still travelling. The workouts are so effective and they’re also launching a challenge starting tomorrow if you’re up for that!
Love, S.
