So we’re back in lockdown. The gyms are closed, we can’t dash to the pub and the people we live with are starting to ever-so-slightly irritate the life of out of us.
But staying safe and keeping indoors doesn’t have to be a bad thing – and luckily, there’s a whole host of exciting things you can experience from the comfort of your own home to keep you occupied over the coming weeks.
Not only is Below Deck streaming on hayu, but Christian Grey is back in a raunchy new novel, there’s a fabulous Pilates class to help get you summer ready and a whole bunch of self-care regimes so you can feel better than ever.
Here’s our top picks on what you should be getting excited about in lockdown this July:
What to watch: Below Deck
Climb aboard! Season six of Below Deck Mediterranean is now ready to stream on hayu, following the real lives of a group of wild and wonderful young ‘yachties’ working on-board an 180-foot mega yacht called the Lady Michelle
We might not be able to go on a cruise just yet, but you can certainly get a taste for it in the drama-filled reality series Below Deck.
Season six of Below Deck Mediterranean is now ready to stream on hayu, following the real lives of a group of wild and wonderful young ‘yachties’ working on-board an 180-foot mega yacht called the Lady Michelle.
Watch as the crew embark on an epic trip around the crystal-clear water of the Dalmation Coast of Croatia – and just like every season, expect an ocean of drama, a sea of tantrums and a splash of saucy antics.
Fresh face! New Zealand-born Katie Flood is taking over as Chief Stewart, a move which promises to bring even more drama this season
Returning for another epic season are Captain Sandy Yawn and newly-single Bosun (ship’s officer) Malia White, while Katie Flood is taking over as Chief Steward. But with their larger-than-life personalities and unavoidable clashes with other staff members, it’s certainly not going to be smooth sailing for the team.
Expect raging feuds, late-night love stories, health scares and a blazing hot tub argument that almost sends the whole crew overboard.
What’s more, you can also stream every single of Below Deck right now too. Who said lockdown would be boring?
Stream brand new Below Deck on hayu
What to do: Dry July
Fancy something different? The team at Dry July are challenging everyone to stay away from alcohol for a month – and all for an amazing cause
Have you ever heard of sober curiosity? According to the team at Dry July, 67% of Aussies really want to try an alcohol-free period. So what better time to do it than in lockdown?
As tempting as it is to pour a glass of red on the weekend, this July could be the perfect opportunity to find a clearer head, more energy and better sleep by going sober. And in doing so, you can get your friends and family to sponsor you and help raise money for cancer.
While you might be missing the sweetness of a cocktail, Aldi have got you covered with Peter x Allen’s Bites Mini Sticks. The iconic lolly brand has launched their delicious sticks in frozen form, so you can curl up on the couch with a raspberry or banana flavour treat – without even so much of a hint of a hangover.
What to practice: The Pilates Class
Summer ready: Founded by professional dancer Jacqui Kingswell (pictured), The Pilates Class is ready for you to do in the comfort of your living room
While gyms are closed, you might be missing keeping fit in classes more than ever – but luckily this lockdown, The Pilates Class has got you covered.
Founded by professional dancer Jacqui Kingswell, this highly-sought after fitness class – which was actually launched in last year’s lockdown – is ready for you in the comfort of your living room.
It’s perfect for mums, businesswomen and beginners and is adored by the likes of social media superstars Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman who give it rave reviews online. You get to choose if you fancy a chill class, one that’s satisfying on the muscles or an intense class to ‘kick your butt’ into action.
There’s barre, cardio, stretching and pre and postnatal classes available for whatever suits your lifestyle the best. You can try a seven-day free trial, before getting access to the full library of classes for just over $40 a month – what’s not to love about that?
What to read: ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ as told by Christian – E. L. James
Get ready! Just in time for lockdown, E. L. James has unleashed another book in the series for your reading pleasure – Freed, as told by Christian Grey himself
Remember when the entire nation was gripped by the steamy and erotic Fifty Shades trilogy? Well just in time for lockdown, E. L. James has unleashed another book in the series for your reading pleasure – Freed, as told by Christian Grey himself.
After fans hounded the popular author to give more details of Anastasia Steele and billionaire Christian’s somewhat unorthodox love story, she certainly delivered with the final book in the series.
Like with Grey and Darker, Freed tells the story entirely from Christian’s perspective. The book follows the couple as they finally tie the knot, but it’s certainly not an easy ride. After cutting their honeymoon short due to a break-in at Christian’s headquarters, they soon realise that Ana’s former boss begins to stalk them.
The drama never seems to end for the couple, who go through a kidnapping, surprise pregnancy, cheating scandal and everything in-between – but one thing that never falters is their passion for each other.
The trilogy itself has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, so it’s no wonder the world has been gasping for another to be released. So grab a blanket, light some candles and enjoy a romantic evening with Mr Grey himself.
What to do for you: Self care
Face mask frenzy! Martha Kalifatidis and her boyfriend Michael Brunelli are often sharing photos of themselves donning face masks on social media
If we learned anything from the last lockdown, it’s that this is the time to be spent looking after number one. So that’s why our top beauty buy this month is all about self-care, relaxation and getting your skin feeling its very best through winter.
Pip Edwards swears by the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair PowerFoil mask ($125 for a pack of four.) and Martha Kalifatidis and her boyfriend Michael Brunelli are big fans of the Aceology face mask ($69), but there are cheaper alternatives to make your skin feel fresh and youthful.
Sephora to a range of fruity and fabulous face masks starting at $7, with flavours including coconut, matcha tea and watermelon – one for whatever mood you’re in.
Mask it: Pip Edwards’ (pictured) favourite face mask is the Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask from Estee Lauder and retails for $125 for a pack of four