ainsoofiyah

My 2025 yearly recap should have gone up earlier this month, but my laptop suddenly started acting up, making it impossible for me to draft anything. As soon as I got my new notebook and transferred all my documents from my old laptop, I immediately started working on this post. I hope I’m not too late for my yearly recap. 

Yearly recaps remain one of my favourite things to do. They give me the space to reflect on the past year, revisit what worked and what didn’t, and reset my intentions for the year ahead. 

To sum it up, 2025 was a year of experimenting with new things while maintaining the habits I loved from 2024. Some goals were checked off, while others remained unfulfilled and will be carried forward into 2026, insyaAllah. 

This year, I attended my horse riding classes consistently once a week. Compared to last year, when I only rode once or twice a month, I can clearly see my improvement. I also checked off a bucket list item by going on an outride with my stablemates. However, the ride was honestly quite unsatisfying, as I shared in my outride post. At the time, my cantering was still unstable, and I joined the outride mainly to learn how to canter outside the arena. Now that my canter feels more stable, at least in my own opinion, I hope to go on another outride next year for a more satisfying experience. 

Very unexpectedly, I joined a dressage competition this year. I never thought I would, as my skills are still at a very beginner level and far from competitive. I didn’t win, but it was a valuable first experience, and I’m glad I pushed myself to try instead of backing out, even though part of me wanted to. It was a small win, and I shared that experience in a separate post. 

In 2026, I’m looking forward to learning more about horse grooming and hopefully going on another outride. 

For the first time in four years since I started tracking my reading on Goodreads, I didn’t fully complete my reading goal. I read 49 books, which was very close to 50, and I’m okay with that. There’s always a first time for everything, including not hitting a Goodreads goal. 

In 2025, I bought fewer books, as my goal was to reduce my TBR pile rather than buying every viral new release. I also prioritised locally published books over international ones. One of the highlights of my reading year was discovering the works of Syed Hussein Al-Attas. I enjoy reading his political perspectives, which are very new to me, and I look forward to exploring more of his work. I will also share my favourite reads of 2025 in the next post, so stay tuned ;)  

Reading remains one of my favourite ways to unwind, as it provides a healthy dopamine release without relying entirely on gadgets or social media. However, in trying too hard to hit my yearly reading goal, I realised that I sometimes neglected other priorities. Because of that, I plan to reduce my reading target in 2026 so I can focus better on other goals without abandoning my reading habit altogether. I still love books and want to keep reading, but focusing too much on Goodreads numbers started to feel counterproductive for me. 

This year, out of curiosity, I tried several new sports that I had listed on my 2025 bucket list, and I’m grateful to have friends who were willing to teach me as a beginner. I learned tennis, took a swimming trial class, tried Pilates once, did kickboxing for four consecutive weeks during my birthday month, earned a basic rock-climbing certificate, and started going to the gym, which I’m genuinely proud of. I also hiked more in 2025 than in 2024. I went hiking at three different hills, and I loved how grounding the experience was. Being close to the earth and surrounded by greenery felt especially calming when life became stressful. I definitely want to challenge myself with more difficult hikes in 2026. 

Although there are still a few items on my bucket list that remain unchecked, through all the experimenting I’ve done, I realized that horse riding remains the most satisfying activity for me, along with maintaining a gym routine to support more stable riding in the future. I do want to continue learning swimming, but finding a private and sharie-friendly pool nearby has been challenging. I’m still looking and will hopefully find the right one soon. 

2025 was the year I travelled the most. I visited France to see my brother, went on a Hat Yai trip with my cousin, which was another bucket list item checked off, and travelled to Switzerland, Italy, Da Nang, Frankfurt, and the Netherlands. I even spent the start of 2026 in Amsterdam. If you noticed, I shared a lot of travelogue posts this year. Although writing travelogues isn’t my strongest point, I made it a habit to document every single detail of each trip on my blog so I can remember the experiences and details of every country I’ve visited. 

That said, I’m still a little sad that I didn’t manage to tick off one personal bucket list item, which is solo travelling in Singapore. Hopefully, that will happen in 2026. 

I finally bought myself an iPad mini after eyeing it for a long time. I kept procrastinating, thinking I wouldn’t use it much. It turned out to be a lifesaver, especially when my old laptop completely stopped turning on. I relied heavily on my iPad before getting a new laptop. 

No regrets at all. If you’re still contemplating whether to get one, my honest suggestion is to just go for it. The iPad mini has also been a great travel companion, replacing the need to carry a heavy journal everywhere. I plan to use it even more next year. 

2025 was the year I tracked my finances more religiously compared to past years. Instead of being unaware of where my money went by the end of the year, I had a clear picture of my spending. I also shopped less. Even when shopping impulses kicked in, I listed the things I wanted and only made purchases if I still had enough balance at the end of the month for my wants, rather than checking out irresponsibly. 

Previously, I tracked my expenses in a physical journal, but switching to a digital tracker was a life-changer. It automatically calculates totals, and I can check my balance every time I log a transaction without having to do manual calculations. This is definitely a habit I will carry into 2026. 

WHAT'S ONE HABIT OR LESSON FROM 2025 THAT YOU'RE BRINGING WITH YOU INTO 2026?

Ammar was coming back home for a month, and it felt like such a waste if we did not take the chance to travel together as a complete family of seven. So, abah booked last-minute tickets to Vietnam, and we chose Da Nang, thinking it would be just enough for a short two-day trip during the Merdeka public holiday. So here it is, another slightly overdue travelogue from our time in Da Nang. 

We landed in Da Nang after a three-hour flight and headed straight to Ba Na Hills. Right from the entrance, one thing was very obvious. There were so many Korean tourists. Vietnam is clearly a favourite holiday destination for Koreans, and you can tell the country has adapted well to welcome them. 

One thing I really loved here at Ba Na Hills was how Muslim-friendly the place is. Even though Muslims are a minority in Vietnam, the facilities were surprisingly well thought out. The prayer room was clean, spacious, and especially comfortable for muslimah. There was also a halal buffet inside Ba Na Hills, which meant we could spend the whole day there without worrying about food or prayer times. Honestly, this was such a pleasant and impressive surprise. 

We took the cable car up, which once held the record as the world’s longest single-wire cable car, at over 5,700 metres. It connects visitors to the flower gardens, the famous Golden Bridge, and the French Village. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and the mountain views along the way are absolutely stunning. The record has since been beaten by the Phu Quoc cable car, which stretches around 7,000 metres.

To me, the flower gardens and the French Village are mostly photo spots, especially the gardens. They are undeniably pretty, but there is not much else to do there. Ba Na Hills does offer many games and attractions, though, and it reminded me a lot of Genting Highlands in Malaysia. But, we did not get to enjoy as many activities as we hoped. The rock-climbing attraction I was really looking forward to was closed for maintenance. I also wanted to try Journey to the Center of the Earth, a ride inspired by Jules Verne, but the queue was extremely long. The train only fits 14 people at a time, and there was only one running. With limited time, we decided to skip it and instead spent time on any available games - playing basketball, car racing, and dance machines. 

Later in the day, we planned to explore the French Village, but heavy rain started pouring. We ended up walking through the rain anyway, and my sneakers were completely soaked. To make things worse, the cable car stopped operating due to the weather, and left us stuck at the station for a while.

Once the rain finally stopped, I bought a cheap pair of local shoes that did not even fit properly. We desperately needed a hearty dinner to help lift the mood. We had steamboat at Karim Restaurant, a Muslim-friendly halal spot. Thankfully, that warm meal was at least comforting. 

The night wasn’t over yet. We went to watch the Dragon Bridge performance, where the dragon breathes water and fire while the bridge sparkles under LED lights, making the view extra spectacular. If you want to watch the water performance from the bridge, make sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat so you don’t get wet. There was also someone dressed as Sun Wukong casually strolling along the river, which was such a fun and unexpected sight. 

By the time we reached the hotel around 10 p.m., I was completely exhausted from the full schedule and went straight to sleep. Another small disappointment still remained, though. I did not get my Vietnamese coffee, even though I had been craving it since morning. 

The next morning, we had breakfast again at Karim Restaurant and tried the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, pho, which was really delicious and definitely a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam. I also ordered an iced coffee, just in case I didn’t get another chance to enjoy Vietnamese coffee later in the day, like what happened the day before. 

Our first stop was Linh Ung Pagoda, a popular photo spot with a panoramic view from the top of Chua Mountain. The drive up was beautiful, and I could not stop admiring the sea view along the way. 

On our way to Hoi An, we stopped by Han Market to pick up some Vietnamese coconut snacks for souvenirs. Coconut products are a big thing in Vietnam, so this felt like a must. The journey to Hoi An took about 45 minutes. 

Our first stop there was the Coconut Basket Boat experience. The boat here is really unique and round, and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. We rode along the river in round basket boats while enjoying small performances along the way. Tips are expected here, so it is good to prepare some cash in advance. The coconut drink was incredibly fresh, and sipping it while listening to the performers sing Korean karaoke as we waited for our turn on the boat made the wait much less boring.

Next, we explored Hoi An Old Town. We visited old Chinese houses that have been passed down through generations and learned about the impact of the major floods in 2020. The town is full of narrow alleyways to wander through, and the Japanese Covered Bridge sits right at the centre. There were plenty of shops around, and I ended up shopping quite a lot. I honestly regretted not buying more. Linen and cotton shirts were especially tempting and much more affordable than elsewhere. I picked up a genuine leather belt, while Ammar and Nadiah bought real leather cardholders. I also brought home postcards, silk pants, and two pairs of bamboo socks. 

Finally, I got my long-craved and most beloved Vietnamese coconut coffee at Son Tra Marina. The café offers a beautiful sea view and is clearly designed as a photo spot with a Santorini-inspired vibe. The coffee itself was excellent and definitely something I am going to miss once I am back in Malaysia. 

Looking back, I really love Vietnam for how accommodating they are to tourists. I came here craving their local coffee, and now, coming back to Malaysia and writing this travelogue, I miss it even more. If you know of any cafés in Malaysia that serve authentic Vietnamese coffee, please do share them in the comments!

Every reader has that one author who feels like home. You read one book, it hits you in all the right places, and suddenly you find yourself buying another, and another, until you unknowingly build a whole collection dedicated to them. You wait for their yearly releases, clear a special spot on your shelf, and proudly call yourself a loyal fan. 

Here are the authors I adore, the ones I am committed to collecting for life.

R.F.KUANG

I first fell in love with Shafak through How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division. Her narration is captivating, pulling you in so you keep turning pages even when your eyes beg for rest. Her thoughts feel intimate, almost as if she’s speaking directly to you. Many of her novels critique the society she lives in, set within engaging fictional worlds. While some themes do not fully align with my personal principles, so I rarely give them a full five stars when I wish I could, her writing remains utterly irresistible, making you eager to collect her other works. Her latest, There Is a River in the Sky, has officially become my favourite.

I bought five of his books from PTS publisher and instantly understood why he remains influential today. His wisdom was bold for his time, yet it resonates deeply with young Muslims navigating modern life. Tasawuf Moden is one of my personal favourites, offering guidance and comfort during difficult times. His well-known work Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wick, loved by Malaysians, appears at first to be a love story between two people of different social status. But, surprise, surprise, the love story is not the main message; rather, it is a critique of Minang society at the time, reflecting Hamka’s frequent focus on societal and religious progress. I visited his home in Padang in 2023 and meeting his youngest son was such an honour, and seeing his collection inspired me to read all of his works.

Anne of Green Gables is a world I always return to. Montgomery’s ability to capture beauty, nature, and simple joys is unrivaled, painting scenes so vividly that you feel like you are standing right there. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes adds a layer of innocence and wonder. Though it is a children’s book, it still speaks deeply to me as an adult. Following Anne from childhood to motherhood is both grounding and inspiring. I have collected all eight books in the series and given Montgomery her own dedicated shelf. Next up on my list is The Blue Castle.

A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word accomplished; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved.Jane Austen, Pride Prejudice

Sounds familiar?

If you’ve ever felt confused about how to live as a modern Muslim amidst Western influences, Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas is a remarkable guide. I recommend starting with his book Islam and Secularism. Honestly, it was challenging for me at first, and I suggest reading it in Malay to fully grasp the depth of his ideas. It’s not wrong to read in Malay (if you sometimes feel guilty about it), his work is rich, and reading in your own language can help you understand it more deeply. He is a Malaysian philosopher dedicated to the progress of Malay society and Islam even today. His books are usually under 100 pages, but they are not easy to finish in one sitting, as they constantly challenge your thoughts. At first, his ideas may provoke and even question your upbringing and beliefs, but as you read on, his insights gradually become clear.

One of my biggest goals this year is to manage my finances wisely, and I’ve been taking it very seriously. I’ve stacked my reading list with personal finance books, and I’m constantly learning from finance blogs like Ringgit Oh Ringgit, Mr. Stingy, and content from Financial Faiz. Lady Blue's content also has really shaped the way I buy, encouraging me to be a more mindful consumer instead of giving in to impulse purchases. 

The biggest game-changer has been tracking my spending every month because it forces instant accountability. I finally understand where my money goes, what I want to save for, and exactly how I plan to save it. I also make it a habit to check my balance every time I pay for something to make sure I’m covered until the next paycheck. Tracking my expenses has helped me recognise spending patterns and figure out where I can cut back. 

Whenever I want to buy something expensive, I add it to a wishlist with the full price shown and give myself time to rethink and research instead of buying on impulse. This has helped me buy with intention instead of emotion. I am also glad the underconsumption movement is trending because it encourages me to reflect, learn, and apply better habits to my own life. With all these changes, here are the things I’ve stopped buying to save more. 

I am a huge coffee drinker and used to justify buying coffee daily because it felt like an essential, basically my IV drip. But even the cheapest cup is rarely 5 ringgit anymore, and spending that every day adds up fast. Luckily, my office pantry has a coffee machine. It may not taste like café coffee, but all I really need is caffeine, not a fancy latte. I still buy coffee occasionally when I am out with friends, but no more unnecessary daily purchases. 

I used to convince myself I needed new palettes to create new looks, but my makeup always ended up looking the same. I even filled an entire lipstick rack once, only to throw everything away when they expired. The truth is I only have one face and one pair of lips. Now I keep just two lip tints and one lip balm, and I follow the same rule for my eyeshadow, blusher, bronzer, and highlighter. I only buy a new product once I completely finish the current one. 

I completely cut the habit of endless scrolling on shopping apps like Shopee. I used to browse every month thinking I needed new office wear, a new trip outfit, or something cute for Instagram. But I do not need a new outfit every month. It has been months since I last bought clothes or accessories, and I truly do not miss it. My rule now is simple. I wear everything I already own until it is literally unwearable. And if I do buy something, it has to be intentional. That means choosing high quality, local, and ethical pieces. The best part is realising it is totally normal to repeat outfits. My mornings are less stressful, and I rediscovered so many pieces in my wardrobe that I had not worn for ages. 

I used to buy candles to romanticise my day and to follow trends. But realistically, they do not serve much purpose, and they release more carbon than I would like. It became clear that I did not need candles to create a cosy moment. A fresh shower, a clean and ventilated room, and a light spritz of perfume work just as well without burning money. 

Let's be real. Tumblers are not cheap, and social media aesthetics made it feel normal to collect multiple cute designs. Before we realised it, we had accumulated a whole collection. Now I stick to one functional water bottle and use it until it is truly unusable before replacing it. 

I used to be a huge sticker girlie, decorating my journal and Kindle case with everything cute I could find. But the collection got out of hand, and my sticker file was basically exploding. I also noticed I was not using them as much anymore. These days, I prefer sticking personal mementos in my journal, things like receipts, tickets, and photos, which feel more meaningful and personal. 

I used to spend almost 500 ringgit a month on books. I love collecting them so much that I now have three bookshelves filled just with books. That changed after I bought my Kindle, and honestly, it has been such a money saver. I have no regrets. Physical books are expensive, and it was irresponsible to keep buying more when I still had so many unread titles at home. Now I choose carefully, limit my physical book purchases each month, and prioritise finishing the ones already on my TBR cart before buying anything new.

 

I learned that buying things as a hobby is not healthy. Shopping should not be a pastime because it becomes an addiction disguised as one, and social media has made it seem normal. Massive hauls and frequent impulse buying should not be glamorised. Being a smarter and more intentional consumer feels so much better. 

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’VE STOPPED BUYING RECENTLY THAT HAS ACTUALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE?