As 2021 draws to a close, I have been reflecting on things that I have learnt this year. There are three lessons that I've learnt which stick out to me... 

1. You can actually enjoy your job

I've had some real experiences with the world of work - from being micromanaged within an inch of my life (including telling me what to do with my free time (i.e. telling me to cancel going to the theatre to stay late at work or telling me I wasn't allowed to socialise with the Sales team) and then not being paid for overtime even when forced to work until 6/7/8pm at night), to being talked to like I was a piece of dog shit attached to my "manager's" shoe in front of the entire office & gaslit, to other unmentionables during the pandemic, it's been a ride. It left me feeling entirely shit about myself.

Last July however, I found a job in which I'm helping others with an actual purpose and loving every single day of my job. I was originally hired on a fixed term contract and I'm now officially permanent! Although technically this change happened last year, I've been actually living it this year & I can't wait to continue my professional journey.

2. It's best to cut people out sometimes

This year I've dealt with some interesting friendship situations and although it's best not to go into full details with this one, there is absolutely zero point in staying friends with someone through obligation. If the friendship isn't two sided and you can't vent about your issues too on a level playing field (no matter how inconsequential those issues may be) or the other person can't handle conflict in a mature fashion by talking about things like adults if issues arise, then what is the point?

I've found that people are always going to talk shit about people but if people talk shit to you about other people behind their backs and then act like they're bezzie mates - it's a huge red flag (read: fake). I stayed true to myself and those people who I couldn't see eye to eye with and also those talking shit,  have been completely removed.

After I removed those people from my life, I genuinely feel free and really value my friendships. I'm going to continue with this entire philosophy and apply it going forward.

3.  Budgeting is the way forward

Since uni, I've kind of just spent money on what I want, paid bills and saved sporadically (an embarrassing 7 years). For 2022, I've decided to set some goals, which include buying a house next year (potentially 2023...) so I started a budget in the latter months of this year - it's totally transformed my views to achieve my goals! I will continue my budgeting for 2022.

What have you learnt this year?

I'd love to know!

XOXO Molly

A quick post from me, I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas period and New Year! Make sure you spend time with your family and loved ones and try to have lots of mince pies, roast potatoes, all the prosecco and more importantly lots of PIGS IN BLANKETS. Let's hope 2022 is better than the last two years...

It's Wednesday and I don't know about you but I feel like this week has lasted approximately 9 million years... it's nearly Halloween so I decided to jazz up a midweek drink and make it spooky. This recipe makes 2 long (strong) shots.

Ingredients

120ml Vodka

60ml Lime Juice

120ml Chambord

Frozen Berries

Dash of Black Food Colouring

To Garnish

Slice of Lime

Grey Sugar (or black food colouring and caster sugar)

Method

1. Fill shaker with ice, vodka, lime juice and chambord.

2. Shake until shaker is very cold.

3. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of your shot glass.

4. Dip the rim into the grey sugar (or black food colouring and caster sugar).

5. Pour the cocktail into the shot glasses, and enjoy!

Have you had a long week too? I'd love to know!

XOXO Molly

Picture this, it's a Friday evening and work is done for the week. It's also the week before Halloween AND a no bones day.... why not whip up a Vampire's Kiss cocktail? Super easy to make, you only really need three ingredients to make the drink itself and it's such an effective aesthetically pleasing drink! This recipe makes 1 cocktail.

Ingredients

30ml Vodka

30ml Chambord

Frozen Raspberries

Prosecco

To Garnish

Lime Wedge (to get the sugar to stick)

Red Sugar (or red food colouring and caster sugar)

Method

1. Fill shaker with ice, vodka, chambord and frozen raspberries.

2. Shake until shaker is very cold.

3. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of your martini glass.

4. Dip the rim into the red sugar (or red food colouring and caster sugar).

5. Strain the cocktail into the glass.

6. Top up with the prosecco, and enjoy!

Let me know if you make a Vampire's Kiss & let me know what you think!

XOXO Molly

Spooky season has officially begun, with the darker nights and colder weather (although this year has been unseasonably warm??) it is stay in in territory and time to embrace binge watching at it's finest. With binge watching in mind, I thought it time to share some of my favourite Autumnal/ Halloween inspired films and TV programmes:

The Addams Family - An absolute classic. Need I say anymore???

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - This one is slightly creepy, but I loved it. As a kid I loved Sabrina (including being an avid collector of the magazines), so I enjoyed watching a grown up take on Sabrina's world. 

Sabrina the Teenage Witch - As a self confessed Sabrina fan (see above), I was jazzed to see that all seasons of Sabrina are now on Amazon Prime! Perfect throwback. What weirded me out is they referred to the 60's as being 30 years ago..... shocking how old we are getting, amiright?!

Hocus Pocus - The fact this film came out the year I was born, and it's still considered absolutely wonderfully spooky just epitomises how much of a classic this film is. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and SJP play fantastic characters.

Beetlejuice - Another fantastic Tim Burton film, and another oldie but goodie. I love watching Beetlejuice every year. 

Gilmore Girls - Whilst GG is not strictly 'Halloweeny' per se, it is a autumnal staple... so it makes the list. A forever favourite. Once you watch GG, you then need to watch 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' also.

You (Season Three): + the other seasons if you've not already seen them. Joe Goldberg officially gives off the creepiest vibes and definitely makes you think about what you put on social media...

What are your plans for Halloween? What are your favourite Halloween films and TV programmes?

I'd love to know!

XOXO Molly

Happy August! We are now edging ever closer to spooky szn and my favourite season - WINTER! I've been re-watching some old favourites combines with a couple of new contenders... as usual! No spoilers.

Grey's Anatomy (Amazon Prime)

I have only ever got to Season 8 because I know what's coming up and my little heart can't take it but I'm determined to make it all the way through this time. Currently on Season 6 and I expect this will keep me busy for the next month or so!

Too Hot To Handle Season 2 (Netflix)

I was obsessed with Season 1 of THTH - I think the people on the first season were a little more out there but this season was fab too. I enjoyed a couple of the plot twists and it looks like some legit couples have come out of it...

Sex Life (Netflix)

I swear to god, the first episode you could turn into a drinking game. The number of times you see the main character's nips is mental. However, I really enjoyed this mini series. Also, yanno... Episode 3, Minute 19:50. Holy guacamole.

Have you watched any of these this month? I'd love to know!

XOXO Molly

Well... what a year it has been so far. I've not posted since last year, for the simple fact that my website wouldn't let me. But we are now all up and running... so a quick recap of my year so far!

January

Plunged back into lockdown, started work in the dark and finished work in the dark. Started trying to be a little more sustainable in my life choices... and I'm still trying. My contract at work was extended!

February

Still in lockdown, but I worked with one of my faves Mermaid Gin on a Galentines post which was exciting!

March

More lockdown, but I got my first dose of the AZ vaccine. Knocked me for 6 for 3 days, but we move. A quick burst of sunshine, and then it was cold and rainy again.

April

Nearly at Easter and things were picking up, still in lockdown though. I worked with Round Corner Brewing on their Hop into Easter campaign. Both of the puppies birthdays too!

May

Fairly uneventful, and another birthday passed. One exciting thing was that I was asked to be Maid of Honour at my best friend's wedding!

June

We had the false promises of lockdown lifting, but that was shifted. However, I did get to work with the Greyhound at Corfe Castle on one of those rare sunny days which was amazing. I also planned & successfully executed my first ever Hen Do!

July

Aaaand finally. We came out of lockdown, I saw my best friend walk down the aisle and get married, my contract was extended again and we FINALLY had a heatwave. Although, I am writing this on the last miserable day of July. I also worked with Oxford Rye Organic Vodka!

And that's all from me. A quick life update & recap of the year so far. More content to come so keep your eyes peeled!

How's your year been so far? I'd love to know!

XOXO Molly