In today’s episode, I share my midyear techo kaigi — a thorough assessment of how current tools are working for me, along with some musings about what’s up ahead for 2026!
PS: I did order my 2026 Hobonichi from the website last night! It was definitely pricier than previous years have been, with no more free shipping, and the addition of a ~20% duty fee. If you are in the US, it is probably more cost-effective to order from a retailer like jetpens or Yoseka stationery, but then you won’t get this year’s pen and free item (a tiny metal robot). The prices are higher on those websites, but since the products have already been imported you won’t have to pay as much for shipping or any additional fees.
Products mentioned:
Hobonichi Cousin Avec
Erin Condren B6 18 Month Softbound – my EC affiliate code is here if you’d like to use it!
Hobonichi 5-Year Journal
Erin Condren Whiteboard (currently on sale!)
Essential Calendar (affiliate link: https://www.theessentialcalendar.com/BESTLAIDPLANS + use code BESTLAIDPLANS for 10% off)
Digital: Apple Notes, YNAB, Google Sheets
Sticker printer: Canon Selphy X20
Episode Sponsors:
IXL: IXL has learning tools and programs that fit your child’s needs in math, language, and more! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com/plans.
Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to greenchef.com/50BESTLAID and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.
PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner! Visit PrepDish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE.
Mint Mobile: Affordable unlimited wireless. Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at mintmobile.com/BLP
5 Comments
It was fun hearing about your current and future stacks.
I’m waiting for Jenni Bick to get the Cousin with the forest green cover back in stock so I can order it. I added a new spiritual planner to my stack, which I am loving, but still don’t have a great solution for annual, quarterly, monthly goals. I guess I need to experiment a bit more. I love the idea of something with questions, prompts, etc, but haven’t found something that works the way I want it to. And I’m too in love with Hobonichi to give it up (thanks to your enthusiasm, I finally bought one in 2025 and it’s my favorite planner ever).
Ooh that sounds lovely!! And a spiritual planner sounds awesome – I would love to know what’s in there!
Let me start off by saying, I love this podcast. Please never stop. ❤️
The digital calendars are wonderful for family reference. I framed a small smart TV and used the Mango Display app. It’s awesome (and it looks cool too)! The customization is perfection. It’s compatible with Google Calendar as well as Apple photo share. Sometimes I’ll even throw a countdown on there and the kids go nuts! I’ve used it for well over a year now and it’s a game changer. No more questions or constant reminders – and with four kids and husband who refuses to download Google Calendar – this has become a necessity.
that’s awesome! Love this DIY solution and probably much cheaper than some of the ready made packages 🙂
This was a great podcast! I Love the idea of figuring out my planners for 2026.