What I Got For Christmas 2015

Hi :)

I hope you all had a really wonderful break and time spent with your families these holidays. I was very fortunate to be given some really great presents which I though I would share with you today!

Probably one of my favourite presents that I received was these gorgeous Victoria's Secret 'Body by Victoria Supersoft Short PJ Set' in Ruby Wine. These are so comfy and even though I'm fairly tall (5'10"/178cm) the shorts are short but still long enough to cover everywhere they're supposed to.

I was so happy when I opened this present it was a copy of Amy Winehouse's Frank on vinyl. If you know me you know that Amy is one of my all time favourite singers (RIP) and Frank was my favourite era of hers. This record has been on replay since I received it!

I was given this Zara perfume duo from my parents and the fragrances are really beautiful. One is 'oriental' and the other is 'floral'.

I received this Lush Christmas bath box from my aunt, uncle and cousins and it smells incredible. I love everything from Lush and I always feel so much better after having a Lush bath. I've already used the blue one which I believe is called Lord of Misrule, it turned my bath all kinds of pretty colours (blues, purples, pinks etc.) and smelt amazing.

I was given this reusable piping kit from my grandparents and I definitely wasn't expecting it however it was so sweet. I love baking and cooking and my grandma is definitely a big part of that as a lot of the recipes I grew up cooking were hers. I also had a major assignment this year which involved making my own cookbook my grandparents were really supportive of the whole thing and came to see my project when it was all done on the day. This present was really thoughtful and I will definitely be using this heaps (also it came in an adorable elephant box which isn't shown).

This beautiful little Christmas tealight holder was given to me from my little brother and it is from Dusk. I really loved this gift more for the meaning behind it, my brother is only 11 so the fact that he actually went out of his way to go and pick something out for me himself with his money that he spent meant a lot.

From my parents and grandparents I received $80 worth of Zara gift cards, I also got a $50 Westfield voucher from my aunt, uncle and cousins which means I get to go on a bit of a mini shopping spree soon :P

I was given some beautiful stationary from my great aunt and uncle and also from my aunt, uncle and cousins which will definitely come in handy as I'm the type of person who is always writing things down or making lists.

I was given this sweet little butterfly bracelet from Tuscany Silver from our friends in Norway, the chain itself is rosegold and the butterfly charm is studded with diamantes.

I was given these pyjamas as well from my aunt, uncle and cousins and our friends in England. The polka dot ones are from a brand called Love to Lounge and the pink and navy ones are from Primark.

I also received a few other bits and pieces which aren't pictured such as black Forever 21 skinny jeans for work, a grey knit, high necked top from Cotton on, a few books etc.

I'm so grateful to all of my amazing family and friends who gave me these beautiful gifts.

In case I don't post beforehand hope you all have a fantastic and safe ending to 2015 and a great start to 2016!

Thanks for reading xx

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Christmas TAG

Hi :)

I was tagged by my bestest Chummy Tara AKA her blog RahRaah  to do the Christmas TAG. As it's now just 6 days away I thought there was no better time than the present!

 

1. What is your favorite Christmas film?

I love Arthur Christmas!

 

2. Have you ever had a White Christmas?

No, but I'm hoping to one day when I'm older.

 

3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?

My grandparent's house, spending time with my Mum's side of the family

 

4. What is your favorite Christmas song?

An all time favourite is Baby it's Cold Outside but this year I've been loving the Santa Baby cover by Simone Battle.

 

 

5. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

Yes, because we spend Christmas Eve with my Dad's side of the family and go to their church where my uncle is the minister and then we open presents afterwards!

 

6. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Rudolph, Dancer, Prancer, Donner, Blitzen... Nope!

 

7. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?

A new tradition but spending Christmas Eve Eve with Tara and also I always look forward to watching all my favourite YouTubers doing Vlogmas.

 

8. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

Fake unfortunately but I'm hoping when I'm a bit older and move out of home I can get a real one.

 

9. What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?

I've always loved candy-canes but this year I've been loving the Starbucks Gingerbread Frappicino (with soy milk and no whipped cream) 

 

10. Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?

I like giving gifts because I'm such an awkward person and find it incredibly embarassing when I have everyone's attention on me.

 

11. What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?

I'm so grateful for every gift that I receice but one of the best would  have to be a few years ago when my parents surprised me with Taylor Swift concert tickets!

  

12. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

 England because it is one of my most favourite places in the whole world and it's where I want to move when I'm finished school although I do also think that New York would be amazing.

 

13. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?

I'm definately not a pro but I also don't fail so I guess in the middle!

 

14. Most memorable Holiday moment?

Probably when I was younger my family was in the car on the way to my grandparent's house on Christmas morning and my younger brother all of a sudden yelled out "SANTA ISN'T REAL!" and even though I already knew I don't think my parents realised but in the end we were all laughing.

 

15. What made you realize the truth about Santa?

I think as you grow up you just eventually realise.

 

16. Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?

 Not really.

 

17. What makes the holidays special for you?

Spending time with family and friends!

 

Thank-you for reading my answers and thank-you Tara for the tag!

I tag everyone reading this!

I'm going to try and blog every day leading up to Christmas :)

Morgan xx

 

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2014 Christmas Wish List

Hi :)

I really am terrible at this aren't I... Anyway with Christmas just around the corner I thought I should post my 2014 Christmas Wish List. I know in no way will I get all of these things but these are some of the things I would love to get! Also there are things on this list that are less expensive and things that I could probably only ever dream of getting hahha. Also just saying I'm a teenage girl and have my own hobbies, style, likes, dislikes etc, so obviously these gifts aren't going to be to everyone's tastes.

1. The Nutri Bullet-Starting off on a strong note (an expensive one too).

My blender at the moment is pretty average and we don't have a huge amount of counter space.

Around the $120 AUD price mark

2. A few books.

-14,000 Things to be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer

-Rookie Yearbook 1,2 & 3

-The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

-To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

-The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

-Every Kiss a War by Leese Cross-Smith

Approx. $10-$30 AUD

3. CD's

Any of the Arctic Monkeys or Ball Park Music albums because I really want more physical copies of albums rather than just on my phone.

Approx. $20 AUD

AM- http://www.arcticmonkeys-store.co.uk/am/albums
BPM- http://ballparkmusic.bigcartel.com/

4. Tiger Mist dresses

http://tigermist.com.au/Product/Rise-Of-Dawn-Faded-Midi-Dress-With-Low-Side/25219

Either this one pictured or this pattern

$79.95 AUD

5. Nike Pro Core 3 Shorts

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/pro-3-training-shorts/pid-829529/pgid-967811

$28 AUD

6. Canon EOS 700D Camera

http://www.canon.com.au/en-AU/Personal/Products/Cameras-and-Accessories/EOS-Digital-SLR-Cameras/EOS-700D

I will most likely not get this as it is incredibly expensive but I can dream right.After a lot of research I found that this is one of the best cameras for amateur photographers and is one of the least expensive for a proper DSLR camera.

$500+ AUD

I hope that this Christmas you get all that you desire! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and God bless. I look forward to what's in store for 2015!

Morgs xx

Long Overdue European 'Face' Haul and Reviews

Hi :)

I'm sorry I haven't been posting recently, I can't really make excuses except for the fact that I've had school and tests. I'm going to try so hard for the rest of the year to get at least 2 posts up a month :/

Anyway, as many of you know in late June- early July I went with my family on a holiday to Europe (France, England, Norway, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland). While I was there I bought quite a few make-up/skincare items and I've been meaning to do a face haul post for a while now.

So here you go! My long overdue Europe 'face' haul with short reviews of each of the products.

Isadora 'Wake Up Make-up Foundation' 00 FAIR- $30+ AUD

This foundation is amazing, I bought it in Sweden. I have oily and acne prone skin and the foundation stayed put for most of the day, it is fairly matte but still has a dewy look.  It has an SPF level of 20 and a velvety smooth finish. I also have light skin and a lot of foundations are too dark for me, this foundation was pretty much a perfect match! It is medium to full coverage and blends really well.

However, this brand is not sold in Australia and getting it sent from friends in Norway would put this foundation to above $45 AUD a lot more than I would normally pay for a foundation. 

UPDATE- I have recently been using Covergirl's 'TRU Blend Foundation' L-1 IVORY- $20 AUD (Priceline) as I'm almost out the Isadora and they have a great variety of colours.

Soap and Glory 'The Fab Pore Purifying Mask and Peel'- Around $18.50 AUD

I've been using this mask once a week usually on a Friday night, the morning after you can definitely see results but it does leave my skin a bit oily which I guess is normal. I just use a make-up wipe and cleanser then a moisturiser and my skin is lovely and soft. The mask is lightly exfoliating but not a peel as it says on the box, I use warm water and a face towel to wipe off the mask by rubbing in small circles. I've seen some Soap and Glory products in Australia but they've always been really expensive, my next purchase from them will hopefully be Soap and Glory's 'Whipped Butter Cream' :)

Benefit 'the Pore-fessional Primer' - $50+ AUD

I had been wanting to try some Benefit products for AGES and was so excited when I arrived in London, Europe sell Benefit products a whole lot cheaper than they do in Australia. I'd heard so much about 'the Pore-fessional  primer' so before I decided to buy the whole tube I bought a Benefit sample pack from Boots to try it out. It was love at first try, it is so silky smooth and makes your skin feel kind of velvety (weird right!) but it does it's job! It makes your foundation stay on longer and creates a much smoother and even effect. As I don't want to waste any I usually only use this on special occasions (parties, concerts etc.) but I have to admit one of my biggest regrets of my trip was not picking up another bottle of this stuff!

Urban Decay 'Naked BASICS Eye-Shadow Palette' - $30+ AUD

I don't typically wear eye shadow so when I do I wear very natural colours, this palette is perfect for me. I was looking at the Naked 1,2 and 3 palettes but in the end this was the one with the colours I would wear most often. My favourite shades in the palette are 'Venus' which is a light, matte peach colour and 'Walk of Shame' which is similar to 'Venus' but with more browny/earthy undertones. All the colours in the palette are easy to build up or wear naturally by themselves and I'm really pleased I bought this palette!

Thanks for reading and I hope you've enjoyed these reviews!

Morgan xx

Easter 2014

Hi :)

And happy Easter!

Hope everyone has had a great day.

Normally I go to my grandparents or great aunts for Easter but this year, for the first time Easter was at our house. Here are some photos and ideas for Easter:

We (Mum, little brother and me) started on Friday by marbling some eggs, but it was last minute and all the stores were closed on Friday so we only had yellow and blue food colouring... Anyway this is the instructions we used http://www.marthastewart.com/921623/how-make-marbleized-easter-eggs 

This was such a fun activity to do, everyone enjoyed it and we spent the afternoon telling stories and laughing!

We then added some white cotton balls to white ramekins, in these we put our marbled eggs (with some ribbon wrapped around the middle) and a variety of different Easter eggs.

A picture of our delicious lunch, shout-out to mum for cooking our yummy lunch of lamb racks and roast veggies for 13 people!

On Saturday night mum and I spent the night baking these Easter bunny cupcakes for the kids at church (although they ended up looking a bit like mice...) We made plain vanilla cupcakes, iced them with lemon icing, put in a pink lolly for a nose and cut a marshmallow in half to make ears.

My favourite of all the things we did for the lunch was my little project. I found this old frame and painted it with paint leftover from painting my room. I stuck on a sign with blu-tac.

My cat Popoke 'helping' me during painting.

I then took photos of the guests at the lunch holding the sign and sent the photos out as a momento of the day.

Hope you enjoyed these photos and had a great day!

Happy Easter.

Xx

A Couple of Reviews- Rimmel, Almay and More!

Hi :)

Almay Eyeliner (Black 205)- $7.99

I recently got this eyeliner for free in a give-away bag and it's brilliant!

It's super pigmented and dark, it glides on so smoothly and is really easy to get an even line (even for someone as uncoordinated as me :P). 

This was Almay product I've ever used and from this product I'm excited to test out some more!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation- $19.95

I had been using this foundation for a couple of months until (very embarrassingly) my good friend told me it was the complete wrong colour for me. I have to admit I think this was a mistake on my behalf, not only was the bottle put in the wrong place but the yellow lights in the store made me see the colour differently to what it actually looked like. Oh well! 

All in all I didn't really enjoy using this foundation, even though I've heard amazing reviews on it, I didn't find it that great. It had a light covering which didn't work for me, it was also quite shiny which made my already oily skin look even oilier. I have to say I probably won't be buying this again and I'll be looking for a new foundation.

Maybelline Rocket Volum Express Mascara- $7.50

I adore this mascara. It clumps so much less than my other favourite mascara the Maybelline Falsies, I normally first use my Model Co. Fibre Lashxtend to lengthen my lashes first and then the Rocket Volum for extra length, darkening and volume. I couldn't recommend this more!

Hope you've enjoyed reading some of my reviews!

Xx

P.S. I'm kind of scared to put out my details online, but slowly I want to start introduce myself more :D

Business Inquiries: morgscc@gmail.com

Get the look- The Carrie Diaries

Hi :)

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've been back at school and had lots of homework to do!

Today I thought I'd do a get the look for Carrie Bradshaw from The Carrie Diaries in 3 easy steps.
Enjoy!

The Look:

The Clothes:

Skirt, Blouse, Belt, Heels, Clutch

The Break-Down:

Patterned Skirt-
Topshop portobello print calf skater skirt $90
She adds a fluffy tutu skirt underneath for volume.
Get a cheaper version here for $45 or here for $15

Yellow Blouse-
Kensie sheer embellished blouse in citrus green (no longer available)
Get a similar one here for $50

Orange Belt-
The costume designer for TCD said that this belt is vintage so cannot be bought read here
I found two options on etsy here ($8) and here ($15)

Teal Clutch-
Fendi super bowl beaded baguette $2374
Get it on sale from bluefly here for $1755.89

Shoes-
Carven engraving of Paris platform wedges $560
Get them on sale here for $218

Hope this was helpful and that you enjoyed!
Look out for more coming up soon.
Xx

Back To School- My Top Tips

Hi :)

If you're like me and live in Australia then you too will be going back to school sometime next week or the following week.
It's taken me several years to learn how to get ready for going back to school so I'm going to share some of my top tips for going back to school.

Tip #1- Get Organised
Probably the most important tip in this whole post, people always told me growing up to get organised and not leave things to the last minute (I still do a lot of the time) but I didn't listen. Now that I'm older I find it soooooooo much easier starting a new school year and just a new year in general with a fresh head-space and mind set and getting organised.

The first thing I did this year to get organised and the one I'm going to talk about was COMPLETELY clean my room, I de-cluttered, found places for things I'd just left anywhere and my biggest accomplishment- cleaned my desk. Towards the end of last year I had let clothes pile up to the ceiling and had so much junk on and around my desk I couldn't even see it.

To clean my desk first: 

-I moved all the clothes onto my bed so that I could sort through them later 

-Then I got some plastic bags and got rid of papers I didn't need, wrappers, random bits of plastic and pretty much anything else I didn't need and wouldn't have any value 

-I then went through my stationary and threw out and pens and other things that no longer worked

-I found a place for everything and grouped things together that needed to be together (assignments and important papers in folders, pens and pencils in pencil tins etc.)

-After, I went through my clothes, I put anything that didn't fit or I no longer wore to the side to be sold or given away, threw out bad quality clothes with rips, stains and no elastic left and then I put the remaining clothes into drawers and grouped them together in my closet (jeans and pants together, skirts together, dresses together etc.)

Credit: thingsorgnizedneatly.tumblr.com

Tip #2- Set Goals 

Going into the year set a list of goals that you want to achieve by the end of the year, write them down somewhere you can see (maybe put it up by your desk). Once you achieve them mark them off and at the end of the year do something nice for yourself. 

When writing your list make them something that will challenge you, so you are always striving for something, but make sure it's still achievable. Don't say that you want to come first in every single subject this year if at the moment you're coming last. Say that you want to improve in all your subjects from last year, maybe try a new subject or start a study schedule if you don't already have one.

Credit: everybodyhasabrain.tumblr.com

Tip #3- Surviving in a strict school
My school is fairly strict when it comes to rules but sometimes they let things slide.Our school rules state that no make-up is to be worn, no nail polish can be visible, hair past a girls shoulders must be tied up, hair must not be dyed (older years it's allowed as long as you can hardly tell it's been dyed), dresses and skirts must reach past the knee/ touch the floor when kneeling, only one pair of earrings can be worn and they must be in the ears and many more unfair rules which you could say don't let us experiment and become our own person. I've become used to these rules though and have even found found some ways to bypass some of them or at least get by with them.

Make-up

If you really can't be seen without make-up on substitute a thick, cakey foundation for a bb or cc cream, not only do they look natural they cover breakouts, moisturise and most contain sunscreen. Maybelline have a cheap bb cream called Drem Fresh 8-in-1 BB cream which you can buy in Woolworths or Coles and pretty much any normal pharmacy for around $10-$15 or for a higher end product I've heard brilliant things about MACs Prep and Prime Beauty Butter which sells for around $40.

Find a matte translucent powder to get rid of any shine and set the bb cream. I use Maybelline Shine Free Oil Control Loose Powder which I bought in Target for $20 and it works brilliantly.

Finally find a good mascara, concentrate on the bottom of your lashes to get a thicker look and then on the very end of your lashes to really lengthen them without clumps which look unnatural and you may get told off for it. I found Model Co. Fibre Lashxtend extreme black lengthening mascara works really well, it doesn't clump at all, I got it for free with a magazine but it sells for about $28.

Credit: kitshsnitch.blogspot.com

Hair
Messy Bun

Credit: iwastakenbysurprise.blogspot.com

Perfect Messy Buns Hair Tutorial- Kaylnxo13

Braids

Credit: www.srugulo.info

Easy Messy Fishtail Braid Tutorial- Luxy Hair

Textured High Pony Tail

Credit; platform-online.net

Voluminous Ponytail Hair Tutorial- Le Sassafras

Anyways this has gotten pretty long so I might stop here if you think I should do another one of these let me know :)

P.S. I hope this all make sense I wrote it at 12am...

Xx

Cute Christmas Cookies

Recipe from http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/nice--n--soft-sugar-cookies

• Hi :)
• These yummy Christmas cookies are perfect for gifting or taking to Christmas parties.

• INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 egg
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups self-rising flour
• FROSTING:
• 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 teaspoons meringue powder
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• Green, red and yellow food colouring

METHOD:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 3/16-in. thickness. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 5-7 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
4. For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, water and meringue powder on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4 minutes or until soft peaks form. Add corn syrup; beat 1 minute longer.
5. Tint with food coloUring of your choice. Cover frosting with damp paper towels or plastic wrap between uses. Spread and/or pipe frosting on cookies. Let stand until set.

Editor’s Note: As a substitute for each cup of self-rising flour, place 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup. As a substitute for each1/2 cup of self-rising flour, place 3/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 1/2-cup measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1/2 cup. 

Have fun making your own yummy Christmas cookies!

Xx

A Good Time for A Great Christmas Movie

Hi :)

I have to admit I'm a HUGE sucker for a good Christmas movie. 

Elf- 2003 (PG)
Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa's sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa's naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter's relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities.

A Boyfriend For Christmas- 2004 (G)
On Christmas Day, Santa brings two lonely people together. But can love overcome deception?

Christmas With The Kranks- 2004 (PG)
Luther Krank is fed up with the commerciality of Christmas; he decides to skip the holiday and go on a vacation with his wife instead. But when his daughter decides at the last minute to come home, he must put together a holiday celebration.

Home Alone- 1990 (PG)
8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a vacation in France over the holiday season. Once he realizes they've left him home by himself, Kevin learns to fend for himself. He eventually has to protect his house against bumbling burglars Harry and Marv, who are planning to rob every house in Kevin's suburban Chicago neighborhood. Kevin's mother Kate is frantic when she realizes that she and the family have unintentionally left Kevin behind in Chicago, and she tries to make it back to Chicago as fast as she can, getting help from a polka band leader named Gus Polinski.

The Best Man Holiday- 2013 (R?- questionable)
When college friends reunite after 15 years over the Christmas holidays, they will discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and romances to be ignited.

The Grinch- 2000 (PG)
Based on the book by the famous Dr. Seuss. Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville. In Whoville, live the Whos, an almost mutated sort of munchkinlike people. All the Whos love Christmas, yet just outside of their beloved Whoville lives the Grinch. The Grinch is a nasty creature that hates Christmas, and plots to steal it away from the Whos which he equally abhors. Yet a small child, Cindy Lou Who, decides to try befriend the Grinch.

The Santa Clause- 1994 (PG)
When a man inadvertantly kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

I hope you enjoy these movies too!

Xx

Sidenote- I just want to say that keep in mind everyone has different opinions on movies and some of these may not be your cup of tea.