Free Advertising on Molly Mac

The new year is going to bring a lot of new to this blog. One of those new things is advertising! Starting  straight off in January, I will be featuring 5 lovely bloggers on my sidebar. This will be a sort of trial run. My blog by no means is super well known or anything, so that's why I want to make ad space available for free for now. I want to see if there's even any demand for it, or if it'd actually be of any benefit to you and your blog's traffic, etc. Perhaps eventually I'll make it worth $1 or $2, but for now it's free! Seeing as my spaces are free, I want to make this more of a blog button exchange. I'll feature your button on my blog and you can feature mine on yours! Win, win!

Blogmas Reflection

I, for one, cannot believe how quickly December has gone by. One day I’m undertaking the task and a half that is Blogmas, and the next it’s over! I suppose time really does fly when you’re having fun.

To you,

To wrap up Blogmas I'd just like to say thank you so much for sticking around. You all are incredibly important to me. Wishing you a day as wonderful as you are! :)

Love, 

Molly

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The First Gift of Christmas

Copper Reindeer

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

Every Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, my parents, brother, and I each open one gift. No doubt this initially was my parents trying to appease my brother and I when we were young and bouncing off the walls from anticipation and excitement over Father Christmas' arrival; however it's now developed into a fun tradition I always look forward to. This year I ended up opening a gift from my big brother. In a bag underneath loads of tissue paper was this cute copper reindeer. I absolutely love the sleek modern shape of it, the fact that it's a deer, and of course the color! This little gem has already found a spot on one of the shelves next to my bed. It fits in so perfectly with my style and newly redesigned bedroom! It also doubles as not only a decor piece, but ring holder, too. You've hit the nail on the head with this one, Brian, so well done! I absolutely love my first gift of Christmas! :)

Do you have any traditions like this?

~Moll

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Yankee Swap

Tonight a group of my high school friends and myself are having a get together. Though we're all in college, we've made it a point to maintain the tradition we started freshman year of having a holiday party. Between blasting Christmas music, dancing around, and simply having a jolly old time in our sequins-covered numbers, we have a Yankee Swap. For those of you who don't know what that is, a Yankee Swap is a gift exchange. Everyone brings one gift to the party. To exchange them, everyone draws a number and gets to pick a gift in that order. After opening a gift, that person has the opportunity to swap with someone else who has already opened a gift. So basically drawing number one is the best because you get your pick of every gift! A Yankee Swap is literally luck of the draw. You never know what you're going to get. The fun of it is unboxing a mystery.

Before I head out, I thought I'd unveil the mystery within the box I bring. The theme is a pamper evening. Seeing as we all survived our finals from last week, I wanted to give a sort of reward for that. Like "Congrats! You did it! Now treat yo self."

PSA: Pay Attention

Today was the day I was going to wrap-up my Christmas shopping. After a few errands in the early afternoon, I began making my way towards the mall. From where I was to where I needed to be required me going on a bit of highway that makes me incredibly anxious because people tend to be careless idiots. Trust in others is something I lack here, and rightfully so because another car quickly came up behind and almost hit me! 

Finally I was off that stretch of road, nearing the mall. All but three turns from my destination, naturally the traffic light turned red. Letting my shoulders drop and a breath out, I thought to myself, "In a few minutes I'll be out of this madness." As I was sat right behind the line I absentmindedly watched other cars wiz by between checking for a green light. That was until my attention was brought to something completely foreign to me. Suddenly I was rocking forward and the resonance of connecting metal was rattling through my bones. Equally in that moment I became alert and confused. What the hell just happened?? That's when I realized the !@#$%^& behind me rear ended me.

Don't worry, myself and my car are fine. However I share this relatively insignificant event with you because it got me thinking. Why is it that people drive so recklessly around the holidays? As they're out and about shopping for their loved ones, surely they'd want to take care in avoiding incidences that would take them away from them.

This change in commute dynamics around Christmas time is something I've never understood. So many people seem to be in a rush to go absolutely no where and in turn end up neglecting their surroundings because they are too involved in themselves. No need to be in such a hurry to find no parking spots at the mall, sir. We are all trying to get to our destinations. Anyway, isn't it more important to get from point A to point B unscathed than to cut a few minutes off your time, text, or whatever it is that could potentially distract you from the task at hand? 

Parting message: It's not just your life on the line when driving, it's everyone else's around you, as well. So don't be a dick. Pay attention. Be aware. It's as simple as that. Eyes on task, mind on task.

Have you noticed that people become significantly worse drivers around the holidays?

~Moll

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Starting The Week Off Right

With the least alluring day of the week coming around again tomorrow, sometimes we all need a bit of help in tackling it and the week ahead. This week in particular may not be as much of a struggle compared to some because of Christmas on Friday (!!!), but that sense of excitement isn't something we can rely on every week! Besides, for all I know the mad rush of the holiday season may be getting to you and weighing you down a bit. Either way, there are ways in which we all can start our weeks off right, Christmas or no Christmas.

The Minimalist Gift Guide

Hello, lovelies! I'm back after only a slightly hellish week of finals. As it's crunch time to wrap up Christmas shopping, I wanted to share a quick little gift guide with you. Rather than have it be a typical guide, I decided to align it with my personal style (/unofficially add a few bits to my Christmas list). Hopefully there's a minimalist in your life and this post will be of some benefit! If not, enjoy the 10/10 aesthetics and theme! ;)

Brief Blogmas Break

*sigh* As you can probably guess from the title of this post, my Blogmas endeavor is going to have a bit of an intermission. I've come to this conclusion due to the fact that I literally just got home from work (11:50 pm). Ten minutes has not left me with much time to post content I am pleased with. I'll have even less time these next few days due to working, studying for finals, and then actually taking my exams. Those take priority, so no matter how much it pains me, I won't be doing Blogmas days 16-18. :(

Hope you all understand that I'm having to prioritize school and work over blogging at the moment. Do stick around, because after my Saturday morning exam, I'm free to blog as much as I want! 

See you on Saturday!! <3

~Moll

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The 12 Days of Blogmas

I can verify firsthand that Blogmas is in fact a huge undertaking. It is a commitment that requires great organizational and time management skills. Frankly, keeping up with that for 25 days straight is draining on top of other daily happenings. Intimidated by this task? Don't be because there is an alternative that requires only half the work; The 12 Days of Blogmas. Only from December 13th-25th would you post. Ideally I should have posted this a few days ago in case anyone would be interested in trying it this year... clearly I need to work on my organizational skills. Feel free to still follow along the guide I've made, even a few days late, or bookmark it and already start planning for next year!

Wasted Space

There’s that feeling again. That feeling that something is amiss in my life. The more I dwell on it, the farther I feel from a solution. I’ve pinpointed where there needs to be a change, but I’m not entirely sure how to make it. It all comes back to how I spend my time and the direction of my life. I know what I want to be doing, but how do I implement it into my day-to-day life?

That uncertainty has left me feeling torn. Torn between what I want and what I need. What I want to do with my life won’t necessarily get me what I need as easily. What I need to do, or at least should do, in order to get necessities won’t necessarily get me what I want. That thing everyone wants. So I’m torn. Torn between wanting to be an idealist and a realist. How can I possibly do both? Or how do I choose? A struggle or regret? Happiness or security? How do I choose?

This Blogmas post is a bit of a waste. Not very joyful and Christmassy. I've had a lot on my mind lately and just needed to write it out. Sorry! <3

~Moll

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Finals Week | Elf Edition

This upcoming week is jam-packed with finals for me. Seeing as I've been complaining about finals for the past few posts, I thought, why not just dedicate an entire post to that? To take my mind off all I have to do (/procrastinate), I wanted to combine Christmas and what will basically be how I take on this busy week in a lighthearted way. Get a good ol' chuckle from Buddy the Elf. Plus, I wanted an excuse to watercolor, and ended up coming up with this illustration! Hope you enjoy!

Favorite Festive Nail Combo

Hands down these are my most worn nail polishes this season thus far. They're classic colors that just scream Christmas. Separate or used together, these colors are simply a must-have this time of year. The white provides the cool winter tone in this combo, while the red gives that oh so merry affect. As for the metallic, this jazzes up the combination. Metallics and glittery polishes have definitely been staples for me this month beyond this combo, as well. They add depth and catch light so beautifully. Plus, who doesn't love shiny things??

The Christmas Tag

Between being a full-time student with finals coming up and working part-time, I'm honestly baffled by the fact that I've so far blogged everyday this December. Though I've technically completed this challenge thus far, it was not quite to the quality I was hoping for. On my schedule I had so many crafts and thoughtful posts planned out, but due to the fact that I'm at school, I'm lacking the supplies and time needed to execute them. This will hopefully change once I'm home, though! One more week! I have every intention of finishing Blogmas strong! For this month of blogging I wanted to make an effort not to fall back on doing tags, because I imposed a standard on myself, but in all honesty, I'm beyond tired and overwhelmed right now due to school, so this is what I can manage at the moment. Also, the next few posts will be going up at random times, much like today's, since I'm having to prioritize other responsibilities over them (final projects, work, etc). Hope ya understand, my lovelies! 

30 Christmas Inspired Instagram Post Ideas

'Tis the season for people to post a ridiculous amount on Instagram fa la la la (etc). But ya know, that's ok because it is the most wonderful time of the year after all. And during such a joyous time, it is acceptable and almost expected to capture and share as many lovely moments as you wish. Not sure what to post, though? Well lucky you, you've come to the right place...

Unboxing My Canon Camera

Merry Christmas to me from me!!! I'm so unbelievably excited to now own this camera. It is such a great feeling because it's not only something I've been wanting for a while, but something I've been saving for. Even though adulthood can suck at times, to be frank, moments like these where you can say you made a big purchase solo and own it outright is an incredible feeling. Look at me adult-ing!!

John Lewis

Even though the John Lewis Christmas ads aren't ones that run in the US, I'm still obsessed with them. Ever since I discovered they existed two years ago, I immediately fell in love with the stories, cinematography, and all they stand for. The release of each holiday one is something I now look forward to this time of year. Yet again after the wait for this year's, John Lewis didn't disappoint. The one above is very cute and touching, as every other advert really. In case you haven't seen it, I thought I'd share it with you! It's a really lovely short video that helps you get into the giving spirit and to tug on the ol' heart strings a bit. Read on to see my other favorite JL ads!

Christmas Sweater Wishlist

1//2//3//4//5//6

My Christmas Playlist

Sparked by just having seen the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live for their Christmas show, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, I thought I'd share with you my favorite songs to incessantly play on repeat this time of year! Since I don't have a Spotify, I've narrowed this list down to 25 songs, so they're not quite as overwhelming and cumbersome to enjoy. Plus, that makes for one song for each day leading up to Christmas from the start of December! *So clever* In case you were wondering, yes, "Carol of the Bells" is on this list. :)

Rosy Cheeks | Review

Rosy Cheeks Fresh Face Mask

Need a gift idea? Well look no further! Lush is always a solid way to go when looking for something to give; especially if you're going for a pamper and "lush" theme. Lush is mostly known for their bursting bath bombs and bubble bars, but don't overlook all of the other hidden treasures within their trove of products. One of their many gems are the Fresh Face Masks, but more specifically the Rosy Cheeks one.

My Christmas List

Apologies for my Christmas list being a bit lame this year. Honestly, I'm fortunate enough to have a lot of the things I want/need already. Most of these items I want, sure, but I wouldn't be heartbroken if I didn't get them. This year I haven't been wanting a lot of tangible things either because I'm perfectly content with what I have and other aspects of life take precedence. What I really want is love, happiness, quality friendships, health, and adventure for myself and loved ones. Plus, regarding tangible items, I save up and spend throughout the year on things I truly want, so a day of receiving gifts is kind of pointless for me. Contrasting that, I loveeee giving gifts, so I can't wait to show you what I've gotten family and friends this year!! (Once I actually purchase everything... ha.)

Must See Christmas Movies

The holiday time is quite possibly one of my favorite times of the year. Due to that, I am naturally drawn to watching films embodying the spirit of it all; especially once December hits (but tbh I watch these year round when I feel a wave of festivity... Christmas in July is a thing...). As the December days go on, and whenever I have downtime, you can find me curled up under blankets upon blankets with a mug of hot chocolate in hand going through this list of films and many more.

What are your favorite holiday films? Are any of these your favorites? Do you have any movie recommendations for me?

~Moll

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**The picture that isn't showing up is of "Holiday in Handcuffs."**

Cookie Dough Truffles

It's the first day of Blogmas!!! To kickoff this crazy and exciting month of blogging, I thought I'd share one of my favorite treats to make around the holidays with you. After all, treats are vital during this time of year. These delights are so simple to make. With their richness and sweetness, once out for everyone to enjoy, they'll be gone in less time than it took for you to make them!

Blogmas 2015

Oh boy... Well based on the title of this post, I'm sure you can guess what this is about. If you follow me on twitter, then you'll have that much more of an inkling as to what this all means, seeing as I put out a poll regarding this undertaking four hours ago. The majority that responded to the poll seemed to like the idea of me partaking in this endeavor. That being said, here is my official announcement that "hells yaaa" I'm going to do attempt Blogmas this year!!

Life Lately & About Me TAG

Hello everybody! For my readers who watch my YouTube videos, I just wanted to let ya know I've uploaded! It's been awhile, I know, but I'm back! Be prepared for the consistent release of content. In three weeks (after the end of the semester) I will have much more time to brainstorm, film, and edit because of winter break. Once break is over, I'll still be able to film more frequently because I've finally figured out a decent film setup in my dorm room, and I'm only taking five classes, not six, which will leave me with some more free time. So get ready for plenty of new content on here, as well as over on my channel for the new year! 

Questions for the About Me TAG (incase you want to do it!):
1. Do you have a middle name?
2. What is your favorite subject in school?
3. What is your favorite drink?
4. What is your favorite song at the moment?
5. What would you name your kids?
6. Do you participate in any sports?
7. Favorite book?
8. Favorite color?
9. Favorite animal?
10. Favorite perfume?
11. Favorite season?
12. Favorite holiday?
13. Have you graduated high school?
14. Do/did you like school?
15. Have you ever been out of the country? If so, how many times?
16. Do you speak any other language?
17. How many siblings do you have?
18. What is your favorite store?
19. Favorite restaurant?
20. Favorite YouTuber?
21. Favorite movie?
22. Favorite TV show?
23. PC or Mac?
24. What kind of phone do you have?
25. How tall are you?

Do you have a YouTube channel? If so, comment your channel below and I'll be sure to subscribe!
Also, I'd love to do a Q&A video soon, so if you have any questions for me, leave them below! :)

~Moll

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Specs

I couldn’t see. Not near nor far. Though I’m not blind, every edge was just a bit blurred- faint and fading. Though I didn’t notice, clarity was something that had been lacking for a while. You see, the ability to see clearly is one of those things that goes gradually. It softens so slowly you can’t notice the change. And as it does you formulate reasons as to why things are the way they are. Like how you can’t plainly see the numbers on the clock above your stove perhaps because they are a heinous bright blue against a black top. Or that your eyes simply can’t adjust enough to focus on the words on the whiteboard due to the contrast in colors.

Over The Knee

This weekend I bought these beauties. After seeing similar ones appear in popular brands' catalogs, like Free People, and in a few of my favorite YouTubers' videos, like Sammi BeautyCrush, I immediately fell in love and started my search for them. For over a year I've been on the hunt for a reasonably priced pair of over the knee boots and when I found them at Forever 21 I just had to have them. Knowing the price, and the fact that I just got a new job, this purchase was completely justified.  (#treatyoself)

Must Have Winter Coats

It is cooling down more and more as the days go by meaning now is the time to invest in solid outerwear. If you're like me, you have a few classic winter coats only meant to keep you warm- nothing too spectacular. A focus of mine this season is to not only amp up my coat game, but also to keep it fashionable. Winter doesn't have to be a time for bulk; it can be a time for beauty, as well. The coats above would add just that to any closet.

101 Blog Post Ideas

If you're suffering from writer's block, here's your daily dose of inspiration to help you beat it!

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

One thing I've learned at uni is the necessity that is simple cooking. From that, this recipe was born. Originally I was going to make a classic no bake cheesecake, but with pumpkin spice popping up left and right, I decided to be in the spirit of the season and add a pumpkin twist. With that seasonal addition, this dessert is not only perfect to enjoy during the season as a whole, but also as a treat to share with family and friends during fall festivities, like Thanksgiving, or whenever you're feeling generous.  

-The order this recipe should be prepared in: crust, filling, topping-

This recipe yields one pie.

Ingredients

Crust

10 graham crackers, finely crushed 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted

Filling 

8 ounces cream cheese, softened 

1 cup pure pumpkin puree 

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

1/2 cup sugar 

1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 

1 large (12 oz.) whipped topping (Cool Whip)

-or- use JELL-O's No Bake Pumpkin Style Pie & follow their steps

Topping

whipped topping (Cool Whip)

sprinkle of ground cinnamon  

Steps

Crust

1. Crush graham crackers as finely as possible. 

2. Mix with the melted butter. 

3. Press the crust into your chosen container and let cool in the fridge. 

Filling

1. With a mixer, mix the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, vanilla, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together until creamy.

2. Add half of the whipped topping to the mix and blend. 

Assembly

1. Spoon the pumpkin cheesecake mix onto the crust. 

2. With a piping bag, or spoon, top the cheesecake with the whipped topping and sprinkle on cinnamon.

As shown in these photos, you can have fun with the presentation of this recipe by making individual cheesecakes, putting them in mason jars, and decorating them to your liking. I definitely recommend this for a gift, even if it isn't pumpkin flavored; I know I'd be ecstatic to receive something so cute and yummy! If you're not sold already, then let me just reiterate what is said in the title of this post- this is a NO BAKE recipe! Easy peasy! So get baking I mean making!!

If you try this recipe, but sure to post a photo of your creation on Instagram. Tag/mention me in it and/or use the hashtag #mollymac! Hope you enjoy!

~Moll

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Quick Fall Craft

And when I say quick, I mean quick. This DIY can literally be condensed down to two steps: buy fake flowers, and put them in a vase. However, I'm going to share with you the spiced-up autumnal version. (Please excuse the poor quality of this photo. It was taken years ago believe it or not.)

Late Night Thoughts

*thoughts from 10/17/15* 

It is late; however I’m very much awake. Though I’ve had a long busy day, it has been a good one because of all that needed to be done. Any time I’m extremely productive it feels like a day well spent. And so it was, and now I feel spent. I’m physically exhausted, but mentally the engines are running at full force. So here I am cozied up in bed, writing away the energy. With my fairy lights aglow, my birch candle ablaze, and the soft lull of a classical melody filling the space the only thought that comes to mind is what a perfect way to end the day.

Sweater Weather Tag

From my Instagram... following back all! :)

*It's the most wonderful time of the yearrrrr* As it's finally been consistently feeling like fall, I thought it appropriate to find a related tag and have some fun with it. I mean who doesn't love a seasonal tag? They make for a great opportunity to remember and reflect on all of the wonderful things that are presently happening. On that note, I urge you to answer this tag for yourself! Cozy up in your favorite sweater, grab a cuppa, and enjoy!

Creme de la Creme a la Edgar

Remember the Aristocats movie? Remember the drink left for the kitties to lap that would make them take a nap? Well turns out it's a thing- minus the sleeping meds. When I discovered this, I was over the moon about it. Not only was that one of my favorite movies growing up, but as the months get cooler, I yearn for something warm to fill my belly and radiate all over. How perfect that I've discovered a drink from something that only brings on great memories?  Whether I'm home or at Uni, this drink is very comforting and satisfying. And it is a super simple beverage to make that all ages can enjoy. If you have little ones, wouldn't it be perfect to pop in the movie and enjoy this drink with some cookies?

September Favorites

Classic me, so timely with all of my posts and uploads...

At last I have my "September Favorites" video uploaded! Better late than never, right? We are not yet halfway thru October, so this video is still relevant!! (<-- me trying to convince myself that uploading a monthly faves 10 days into the next month isn't pathetic.) As you can probably tell, this post isn't anything special; I just wanted to let you know that I've uploaded something new! Hopefully uploading will become more consistent now that I've had some time to settle back into the school routine. Who really knows though with uni and all. Such a wildcard. 

Anyway, please check it out and let me know what you think!

♥Autumn 

♥Ripped Jeans 

♥Steve Madden Chelsea Boots 

♥Steve Madden Cutout Boots 

 ♥Hats 

♥MAC's Sin 

♥Canvas Decor 

♥@ Decor 

♥Fall Candles 

♥Chai Tea 

♥Grey's Anatomy 

♥Sudoku

I hope you enjoyed this video! Expect a normal blog post from me on Monday! :)

What were some of your faves from September?

~Moll

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Hello October

As previously mentioned in several of my latest posts, life has been hectic lately. Whenever this happens, things begin feeling a bit stale and mundane. That's how I know it's time to make a change. Change is not only a chance to get excited over something new, but it's also an opportunity to feel refreshed. The welcoming of autumn and October, my favorite season and month, has made for the perfect chance to make a few changes: 

Choose :)

 **None of these photos are my own. They were found on Creative Commons.**

I did not plan on posting a second time this week, let alone a followup to that brief post from Monday; however I'm in a really good mood today (the kind where your insides are all warm and fuzzy), have time, and am inspired thus making for the perfect opportunity to blog. Since the sun is shining brightly today, though it's only in the 60s (thank goodness), I've pulled up my big fluffy chair next to my window so I can take in all the rays. The window is cracked also letting in a nice breeze. It's the making for a peaceful productive time. In all honesty, I can totally see why cats like sunning themselves; this is so satisfying and calming!

Motivational Monday

Which do you choose?

Make it a great day, lovelies! :)

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Going Home

It's been nearly a month since I've been in a completely familiar territory. At last, I have the opportunity to return home in a few short days. Though in the grand scheme of life, I haven't been away for that long, it still feels like it's been forever. The excitement of uni wears away day by day into the typical doldrum school routine. As it does I can feel myself getting fatigued. It's constantly go-go-go. In the beginning I could keep up, but now I really need a chance to catch my breath. That's why this quick pitstop is so vital. I need to step away to recharge my batteries (especially before a few big presentations and exams I have in the next two weeks... wish me luck!). Aside from finishing up and submitting a few online assignments and quizzes, this weekend is all about pampering myself.

Here's what my pamper weekend will include:

A Letter To Myself & Life Update

These last few weeks have been hectic. To wrap-up my summer, I spent it "joyfully" packing for uni. Being someone who is notorious for overpacking/being extra prepared makes this part of the college experience quite the feat to manage. As quickly as that step came, it went, and now I'm at school. I'm live blogging this basically. Right now I'm taking a much needed break from organizing and decorating to do this. It's as though I finally have a chance to breathe after so many hours spent arranging and rearranging.

What's Black And Blue And Red All Over?

Answer: This pre-fall haul!

As promised in my last post, I have another (much smaller) haul for you all! I just could not resist picking up a bunch of autumnal pieces the other day when I was out shopping. As you all know, autumn is my favorite season for a variety of reasons; the fashion definitely being one of them. Finally that wave of warm clothing and colors has hit stores. Woo! My excitement cannot be contained. :)

BLACK

flats

chelsea boots

BLUE

 

1//2//3

RED

TJ Maxx

Since there are still 30 days until autumn, I will most likely be purchasing more clothing and beauty bits between now and then, so if you'd like I can try to make a pre-fall haul video?? Lemme know!

 Have you purchased anything for this coming fall? Also, can you believe that there are only 4 months left in 2015?!

~Moll

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