Welcome back to Hayley Lately. Each month, this is where I chat about my life and what I’ve been up to in Melbourne. Keep reading to discover the book I couldn’t put down, my new favourite show and the best Melbourne eats.

LIFE LATELY

Compared to February, March, April and May, June was a relaxing month for me. Offline work quietened down (which is a good and bad thing), so I spent a lot of the month hibernating inside and only leaving to get groceries or go to the gym. But this meant I got a lot of writing done and watched a lot of good television ;) Speaking of the gym, I’m now a zumba convert. I love busting a move in the weekly class and it’s such a good workout. I am also very into combat, a Les Mills class.

I gave blood in June too, which seems to always be an experience with me. But did you know that the Red Cross now text you when your blood has been used to save lives? Apparently my last donation was used in South Australia and this time I saved someone’s life in Sale. Incredible.

EATING LATELY

Don’t worry, I did leave my apartment to eat some delicious food in June. We had some lovely sunny winter days in June, which was the perfect time to dine out in the neighbourhood. I headed back to Monroe to enjoy their delicious bacon and scrambled egg roll. I then stopped in Sportsgirl on the way home (of course). I also went for lunch at St James with a friend. I had one of the daily specials, a meatball Turkish sub, which was good but not amazing. However, the staff were lovely so I might give it a second chance one day. Towards the end of the month I also visited Reunion & Co for brunch, and both the food and staff were great.

Next was a visit to Darling Cafe in South Yarra with new friends. I had heard good things and fortunately it lived up to the high expectations. Although their sweet dishes looked delectable, I went savoury and didn’t regret that choice. It took me forever to finish my meal, there was that much on the plate. We followed this with a visit to Zumbo Patisserie, where I picked up a decorated chocolate fondant to enjoy later. And that I did.

BLOGGING LATELY

This month on the blog, I did two collaborations with Flight Centre. I discussed the 10 places I recommend visiting in Canada, as well as the places you need to visit in Queensland to see the Great Barrier Reef. I also talked about the things that happened to me when I became an expat. This post is a combination of funny and unforgettable moments.

READING LATELY

This is what my book stack looked like at the beginning of the month:

I started the month finishing a book on my Kindle called Sea of Memories. It’s a historical romance novel set in both Scotland and France around WWII. It shifts between the past and present, and I really liked the storyline. I then read a very cute YA novel called To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, which was discussed on the Bad on Paper podcast. The sequel is featured below! It’s also been made into a Netflix film, which is being released in August.

Finally, I finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I had read another of this author’s books and didn’t really like her writing style. But I am so glad I picked this up as it feels like it’s written by someone else. It’s an interesting story that will hook you in immediately.

This is what my bedroom table currently looks like and what I’ll be reading in July (I can’t wait to dig in). Perfect beach reads… that I’ll be reading next to my heater.

WATCHING LATELY

In all of my spare time, I finished watching the second season of Bull. It’s a show about a guy who reads juries, which I found very interesting. I started watching the first episodes of two summer TV shows: Younger and The Bold Type. Both are very enjoyable to watch. I also started the latest season of Queer Eye on Netflix. I was trying to pace my viewing and not binge it all in the first weekend, but what a fantastic show. Finally, I highly recommend watching the new Netflix film, Set It Up. It’s funny and the cast is perfection.

WRITING LATELY

I’ve been writing about lots of places in Australia this month on The Culture Trip. I did a post on why the Sunshine Coast is the superior Queensland coast. I highlighted all of the reasons Airlie Beach is a great place to visit. I wrote about Townsville’s best restaurants and the top things to do in the NT. Finally, I put my advanced public transport skills to the test and compiled a guide on how to navigate transport in Melbourne. You’re welcome, world.

July is another Melbourne month for me, but I hope it includes as many delicious adventures as June!

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