SIX YEARS OF THE PERKS OF MOLLIE QUIRK

[Dress gifted to me by Chi Chi Clothing]

HAPPY SIX YEARS OF BLOGGING TO ME! Six years... SIX YEARS??? 

I can't quite believe my blog has been active for over six years. I can't imagine life without it. I remember setting it up in the summer of 2013 before neglecting it until December 2013, and since December 31st 2013 – I haven't looked back once. 

Started in the winter of 2013 for something to do, somewhere to express myself and just something to occupy my time with; The Perks of Mollie Quirk was born to serve me as an outlet. Sixteen year old Mollie had just moved to a new town near the sea, had no friends, had just been diagnosed with gallstones, was being home-schooled and had nothing to do. I was obsessed with Company Magazine, a group of fashion bloggers, scrolling Lookbook and trying to perfect a clean-cut Instagram theme. My blog was born from boredom and soon became a way of life.

If I hadn't started my blog I don't think I'd be where I am today. If it wasn't for my blog I wouldn't have done Photography at college, nor would I have done my Level 3 Media diploma, nor would I have enrolled on a Journalism degree. I owe SO much to my blog, it really has transformed my entire life. 

I've blogged since I was 16 – I'm now 22. That's six whole years of my life. I feel as though I've grown up with my blog. It's been with me for a massive chunk of my life and it really means a lot to me. 

Six years of blogging has taught me an awful lot. Here's just a few things that six years of blogging has taught me about blogging:

- Don't shy away from shouting about your blog – it's your greatest asset.

- Don't feel pressured into going self-hosted if you don't want to.

- Write about what you LOVE, what brings you JOY and what makes you truly HAPPY.

- Don't feel forced into finding your 'niche'.

- Have fun with your blog. It's YOUR space, and so long as you're being respectful, you're doing great!

- It's okay if you'd rather stay in and blog on a Friday instead of going out drinking.

- People will copy you – approach it and confront it in a mature way.

- Don't agree to a 'Blogger's trip to LA' (if you know, you know).

- Get involved with the community.

- Support as many people as you can – blogging is a great way of making friends.

- DO NOT BUY FOLLOWERS, LIKES, VIEWS etc... (I never have and never will... you shouldn't either).

- Don't get hung up over the number of views, likes, follows and comments. They will all come in good time.

- Don't feel pressured into turning your blog into a business. I'm happy with it being my hobby and would like it to stay this way.

- Buy a decent theme – Etsy have some amazing ones! 

- Put your blog on your CV. Use your blog as your portfolio. 

Things blogging has taught me about myself:

- I'm a really good writer. And I really LOVE to write.

- Fashion is something that I'm really passionate about, and my dress sense isn't half bad.

- I really, really want to be a fashion magazine editor.

- I express myself better through writing than through speaking.

- I'm committed. I mean, after SIX YEARS (of blogging almost EVERY WEEK without fail) how can I not be a committed person?

- I prefer blogging to a lot of things (clubbing, drinking, socialising).

- I'm obsessed with social media. 

- I've become too obsessed with things being 'Insta-worthy'.

- I'm beautiful. Yes I'm a size 16, yes I have rolls, YES I'm beautiful... YES, STILL!

Steal Mollie's style...

I'm wearing the gorgeous Chi Chi Curve RiRi Dress in Navy (£75). It's from their 'curve' collection. I'm in the size 18 (I sized up to be on the safe side and I'm so glad I did). It's a gorgeous dress, it fits like a dream, accentuates my figure beautifully and makes me feel stunning. The embellishing, the pouffy full skirt, the cute little sleeves – this dress is pure perfection! Chi Chi kindly gifted me the dress.

I'd just like to take a moment to thank you ALL for reading my blog. This past six years have been amazing and I am so grateful to every single one of you who have ever clicked on my little 'ole blog's URL. Thank you for reading, thank you for supporting, and thank you for being YOU!

How long have you been reading my blog for? 1 year? 3? Maybe the whole 6? Let me know in the comments below!