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Life Lately
Hello, May. I’ve been looking forward to you since Bali. I’m so ready for my two trips to Queensland this month. April ended up being a pretty uneventful month in my world. I’ve just been working (and saving for future adventures). I also got the chance to check out three shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
My tastebuds have been treated too, with trips to Proud Mary and Stoker’s Pancakes for brunch, 8Bit for dinner (the burgers are worth the wait) and Gelato Messina for dessert. The way to my heart really is through ice-cream.
Blogging Lately
Thanks to my new life schedule, and having one full day a week to focus on my writing, I’ve been able to consistently publish blog posts this month. I am loving my new routine already.
• My Top Five Cruise Wishlist. Going on a cruise is on my bucket list. Doing research for this article was fun because I didn’t realise just how many amazing cruises there are around the world.
• I’ve published several posts thanks to my collaboration with Hipmunk. This month’s posts included accommodation guides for the Carolinas, New York City, Hilton Head Island, La Jolla and Los Angeles.
• 10 Places to Eat and Drink in Legian. I couldn’t find a comprehensive list of decent places to visit in Legian before my trip to Bali, so I thought I would compile my own. I enjoyed every single Nasi Goreng I consumed in the making of that post.
• Shopping in Shanghai. Another city on the bucket list. Yes, my mental bucket list is MASSIVE.
• 15 Reasons to Move to Melbourne. My previous posts on moving to Melbourne always get a few clicks, so I thought my one year anniversary was a good time to write the ultimate moving to Melbourne list.
• When the Heart Wants What it Wants. A little personal post about what my future holds.
Reading Lately
Man, I have done some hardcore reading lately.
♥ The Anti Cool Girl by Rosie Waterland. Described as a black comedy memoir, Rosie holds nothing back as she talks about her life. The book is expertly written, as she intertwines both poignant and hilarious anecdotes from her tough childhood.
♥ Passion by Lauren Kate. Book #3 done and I have to say this was my least favourite in this series. I now just have to read book #4, because I can’t leave the series unfinished, but #3 just felt uneventful and somewhat boring compared to the first and second novels.
♥ Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. I would definitely recommend this YA fantasy series over its counterpart above. I’ve found these novels to be interesting and constantly surprising. In book #3, the King’s Champion learns a lot about her past.
♥ Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I reserved this book at the library ages ago and I finally got the opportunity to read it this month. It’s the perfect inspirational book. So many times I felt like Gilbert was writing words just for my benefit. I am going to write a post about what Big Magic taught me soon. But if you’re a creative, I highly recommend picking up a copy.
♥ Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I thought I would read this romance novel before the movie hits cinemas later this year. It was an easy-to-read book about a woman caring for a quadriplegic man. They both change each other’s lives, but the ending may surprise some people who are seeking a happily ever after. I thought it was apt, but nonetheless sad, and I’m interested to see if the movie sticks completely to the story.
♥ The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Oh yes, I have been all about the inspiration this month. I listened to this book about four years ago now, so thought it was time for a refresher. Honestly, I did enjoy re-reading it and wrote down quite a few notes that really resonated with me. I recommend this novel to everyone: whether you think you are happy, are stuck in a rut or just feel like being inspired.
I’ve just updated my Goodreads profile too. So please add me and let me know any books I need to read NOW.
Online, a couple of my favourite articles this month included this gem from Y Travel, discussing why you don’t have to give up your daily coffee to travel. I also bookmarked The Department of Wandering’s post on A Beginner’s Guide to LA. Plus Nomadic Matt listed his 18 Favourite Things to do in Melbourne. I might have added a couple from his post to my bucket list.
Writing Lately
My Comedy Festival reviews were all published on The Australia Times Theatre website. This blog was also featured in a Holiday Lettings post, along with other travel blogs I love to read.
May shall be busy but fun, which is how I like it. What exciting things do you have planned this month? Let me know in the comments.
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added you on goodreads too!
Sarah
The Midwest Darling
Awesome, I will add you right back ;)
I found your blog through the link-up, and I’m definitely going to check out more posts! I love traveling and reading, and when another blogger loves those things I’m automatically like, “I need to follow this person.” I’ll be adding you on Goodreads as well because you can never have too many book loving friends! :-)
I’m so glad you found me through the link-up, Kristen. I’m just on my way to check out your blog now!
I loved Big Magic too. So much of it felt like she was talking directly to me. I have not read Me Before You and want to read it before the movie comes out too, even though it’s typically not the kind of movie I see in the theater.
I felt exactly the same way when reading Big Magic too.
i totally crapped the bed when it came to reading this month…actually the past few months. i’ve even had to return books unread (blasphemy!!) because work has eaten up a lot of my time :(
Noooooo! I hope you get to do some serious catch up soon, Kathy.
haha i’m like Erin, added you on goodreads! thanks so much for linking up with Gretch and I, and now I am off to read all of your posts that you linked to. Melbourne really is an amazing city! I miss it so much. and also, now I want gelato. Yum!
I’m glad I found your link-up, Kristen! Thanks for stopping by :)
When someone is an active reader, and that person says “add me on goodreads”, I do it…because I’m slightly addicted to goodreads. I’m discovering you through Kristen and Gretchen’s link-up. Off to read some more posts!
Just added you back, Erin! Thanks :)