Hayley Lately // January 2015

Welcome to the January 2015 edition of The Holiday Hits. Here I talk about my life, my blog and my favourite reads from fellow bloggers this month.

Life lately

Well, I mentioned last month that I hoped to be in Brisbane by my birthday this month. Yeah, that’s not going to happen. I only just found a job on Magnetic Island, which is casual but should at least top up the bank account ahead of the next adventure. And where will that adventure take me I hear you whisper?

I had my head and my heart set on Brisbane because it was where I settled prior to leaving for overseas. But now I am home, I keep thinking to myself: If I’m starting over again, why not do it somewhere new that I love? Melbourne was always a future city. One I might move to one day with friends. But, why not do it now? Why not begin a new life in a city in Australia rather than a city literally on the other side of the world? If I can do it in Canada, I know I can do it here too.

So, I am now set on moving to Melbourne. It is my favourite Australian city and the place I think I need to be in now to get my creativity flowing again. I mean, how can I not be inspired surrounded by so much culture? I will need a bit more money behind me prior to a move south though, but now that I have this goal in mind I will achieve it.

Blog lately

I have been busy blogging again this month, and am pleased to see more people clicking on my site. If you are new here, thanks for stopping by! Here is a wrap of what I posted this month:

• My 2015 Goals: I like to post my goals on the blog to be held accountable. I am working on a lot of them already, which is promising!
• Second Impressions in Seattle: I really enjoyed my second visit to Seattle. I discovered two new areas and captured amazing sunsets. I miss you, Pacific Northwest.
• In Photos- A Day Trip to Bowen Island: This little island is just so perfect. Seriously, it has gorgeous pine trees everywhere, secluded beaches and the world’s smallest candy store! Score.
• Dear Disappointing Calgary – It’s Not Me, It’s You: A bit of a not-much-love letter to this snowy city. I did want to like it but it just never happened.
• The Best of San Diego via Instagram: San Diego reminded me of Australia with its laidback beach culture. California may slowly be becoming one of my favourite American states.
• Around Vancouver in 80 Eats – The Food Truck Edition: So I got a little bit behind on this challenge. But never fear, I still have a lot of foodie recommendations for my second home to share with you all.
• On Being Alone in Las Vegas: I couldn’t travel across the United States and not visit Las Vegas. Yes, I was alone, but I still had a great time in Sin City. And didn’t commit any sins, just in case you were curious.

Reading lately

So I added just a few more fashion and lifestyle blogs to my seriously overloaded Bloglovin’ feed this month. What can I say? I am addicted to reading AND writing. Here are a few of my favourite posts for January:

• The Realities About Travelling as an Introvert / Young Adventuress: It’s like Liz wrote this post about me. Seriously. It basically sums me up – particularly the part about being secretly happy when people cancel plans. Sorry, folks. I know a lot of people just simply don’t ‘get’ introverts, so hopefully, they are the ones to read this post and learn a thing or two about us and the fact we enjoy our own company.
• Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Oreo Pie / Rhyme and Ribbons: Yep, totally not travel-related, but I did say I had added a few new blogs to my reading this month, and Rhyme and Ribbons is one of those. This pie recipe sounds so freakin’ good. I mean, look at it.
• A Post From My Dad / Heart My Backpack: This post was written by Silvia’s dad and he includes this beautifully penned poem I think everyone should read. What a heartfelt post.
• What a Difference a Year Makes / Part-Time Traveler: I really enjoyed reading this post by Anne and honestly felt instantly inspired afterwards. The way she talks about her new home in San Francisco is the way I believe I will be talking about Melbourne come mid-2015. You know there is a tram roaming around San Fran from Melbourne? True story.

A Little Extra

My goal to get my writing published this year is off to a good start as I submitted this article to Beamly Australia – an entertainment website. I found this job listing on Problogger if anyone is interested. Pedestrian also has some really great Australian-based listings.

My final thought of the month…

Every thought I think is creating my future – Louise Hay

May you all have a fantastic February! When I write this series in March I will be on the other side of 25. I don’t think I am ready to give up on being 25 yet. Damn.