A quiet record of desk days—what I’m writing, working on, and figuring out along the way. This is Desk Diaries.
One of my intentions for 2026 is to write more here, on this blog, about my desk sessions. My Desk Diaries posts on Threads are among my best-performing, and for that reason, I’ve always wanted to expand them more here in a long-form way. At the end of the day, my goal isn’t simply to snap pretty pics of my desk. It’s to give others a glimpse into my lifestyle as a writer. So while I’m posting quick, regular updates on social media during my very busy life, I’d like to slow down and check in with you all here every month or so.
Here’s what I’ve been up to at my desk lately.
I’ve been ordering more stickers and reevaluating my current stash.
It’s no secret that I use stickers in my notebooks (although they look so unique that people have assumed I’ve doodled them myself). But lately, I’ve noticed I’ve turned into a bit of a hoarder. The reason I’ve hung onto stickers for so long is that 1) much like some clothes in my closet, I swear I’ll have use for them someday, and 2) I just haven’t had the time or energy to do an honest clean-out. Until now.
Since tariffs have become such a hassle in the USA (thanks to someone I didn’t vote for), I’ve had to find alternative sticker options from shops in the States. Recently, I discovered Tiny Grids, whose tiny people stickers are similar to the ones I used to get from artists in the Philippines. They’re precious, and I’m thrilled to add them to my collection.
Currently, I am organizing my stickers in a way I’m happy with. Once I finish, I’ll be here to share that with you.
I’ve added a new work notebook to my lineup, and I’m loving it.
It’s no secret that the Hobonichi Weeks is one of the most popular planners in the journaling community. At first, I was considering using one for my work notebook this year because I wanted something structured and fuss-free. Thankfully, it was around the time I started planning my lineup that Leuchtturm1917—my favorite notebook brand—sent me their new wallet-size weekly planner, which is basically their version of the Weeks. It was perfect timing.
I’ve enjoyed using this notebook so much for work, which says a lot because I’m usually averse to using a pre-set planner. Since all I really need for a work notebook is a place to keep track of my tasks for my Copy team, a templated planner is perfect. Bonus points for having dot-grid pages for my Alastair method lists, too. Understandably, this planner has been sold out for weeks, but once it’s back, I strongly encourage you to give it a try if you want a more affordable option than importing a Hobonichi.
I’ve discovered a new favorite tea brand and have been sampling different blends.
My boyfriend’s sister’s boyfriend recently introduced me to Adagio (made right here in good ‘ole New Jersey), and since Christmas, I’ve been sampling tons of different blends. So far, my favorites are Cherry Green, Almond Black, and Piña Colada. I’ve tried about seven others and don’t intend on stopping anytime soon. I went through an iced coffee phase last summer, but in the colder months, I do prefer tea. It’s where my allegiance truly lies.
Whenever I sit down to write in my diary, I intentionally try a different flavor, and it makes my desk time just a little more special.
When I’m not writing, I’m gaming—a lot.
I don’t just write at my desk—I also spend hours gaming, too. Currently, I’m nearing the end of Octopath Traveler 0 and getting back into Animal Crossing: New Horizons regularly with the release of the new 3.0 update. It’s been so nice to clear my desk after a busy workday, dim the lights, and spend a few hours gaming to unwind (usually with my iPad open beside me as I take gaming notes in Notion).
Do you spend a lot of time at your desk, too? What have you been up to lately, and how do you try making your desk time a little more special? Let me know in the comments.
Want more Desk Diaries content? Follow me on Threads and Instagram @meganportorreal for more. I also share exclusive posts on Ko-fi and collections on Pinterest.
Team inordinate-amount-of-time-at-desk!
I’ve spent most of my weekend playing ACNH 3.0 and writing at my desk. I’ve finally finished my library room, so it feels even more special to spend time in here. These winter days were simply made for it.