Wednesday 15 May 2013

25 facts about me :)


Hi guys :)

I've been doing this blogging thing for a whole month now (check me out) and I've noticed that none of my posts are that personal.

I put up some pictures from my trip to Rome, but overall, my posts have all been mini hauls and random stuffs.

So I thought I'd post today and just tell you some random facts about me. Most of you are probably thinking "no one cares", but for the people that have messaged and asked me to post more personal blogs, here goes :)

1. Morgan is my real name (in case you were wondering)..

2. I'm primarily left handed, but can write with my right hand too.

3. I'm scared of the dark.

4. I have a phobia of anything dinosaur-ish. Crocodiles, turtles, frogs - anything that looks like it should be extinct, makes my skin crawl :( 

5. I'm VERY superstitious and would never walk under a ladder, break a mirror (on purpose) or not salute a magpie.

6. I'm born and raised in London, and could never see myself living anywhere else.

7. For my New Years Resolution, I wrote a Bucket List of 100 things I want to do before I die (morbid, I know) and have already managed to cross off more than a quarter!

8. Aside from the odd trim, I've never cut or dyed my hair, and was once offered £1000 to have it made into extensions!!

9. I'm a big football fan and support Arsenal as I'm a North London girl ;)

10. I've bitten my nails since I was tiny, and only managed to stop last year after trying the most AWFUL medicated stuff. So far, it's worked :)



11. I'm OCD about 5p. I can't touch them, and when they're in my purse, I have to turn it upside down to get them out. I don't know why I do it, and it's only with 5p, but I physically can't touch them :(

12. One of my eyes is much smaller than the other. When I smile, it almost completely closes, and the other stays normal. Weird, I know.

13. I work as a Nanny.

14. I have a BSc Degree, and am currently studying for my Masters Degree.

15. I used to be a size 14, but slimmed down to a size 8 after coming out of a long-term relationship.

16. I don't own a smartphone.

17. I have 9 piercings and 1 tattoo.

18. I'm very shy, and even had to take confidence classes so I was able to present my final project for my Bachelors Degree.

19. I have so many allergies and ailments, my friends call me Melman (after the giraffe from Madagascar).

20. I don't drink, smoke or swear.

 
21. I've broken my nose 3 times.
 
22. I have a black belt in Wu Shu Kwan - a form of Kickboxing, and have recently started Krav Maga (Google it, it's INSANE!)
 
23. Last year I was involved in a bus crash - I broke my nose (again), and bit through my cheek which has left a v-shaped scar just above my lip - you may be able to see it in the picture above :(
 
24. I'm teaching myself British Sign Language and Makaton :)
 
25. I've never been in love.
 
So there you have it. A bit more about me :) I'd love to read some facts about all you lovelies, so leave a link to your "25 facts" below, and be sure to follow!
 
Miss Morgan x

Saturday 11 May 2013

Rome: Day 3

Hi lovelies :)
 
As promised, here is day 3 of my Rome trip.
 
This was our last full day, so we raced around Rome, doing as many of the touristy things we could.. We went to the Colosseum, the Forum and the Trevi Fountain (twice!)..
 
Enjoy :)
 
 
 
 
 
The idea behind the Trevi Fountain is that you throw a coin over your left shoulder, to ensure you'll return to Rome.. I did it, so *fingers crossed* I get the opportunity to return :)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You can even see St. Peter's from the Forum!
 
 
Home <3
 
 
Check back tomorrow for the final day of my Rome holiday!
 
Miss Morgan x
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Rome: Day 2

Hi girlies :)
 
As I've been so rubbish with posting lately, I'm going to try to make it up to you.. So here is day 2 of my recent trip to Rome..
 
Day 2 was our first day waking up in Rome, and the weather was amazing.. But being a Londoner, I have no idea how to dress for the weather - vests and shorts in the snow and jumpers and long johns in the blazing heat - normal!
 
We went to St. Peter's which was AMAZING. The crowds were crazy, so we didn't go inside, but even from outside you couldn't mistake the beauty of the place. The Brother building to St. Peter's, St. Paul's is actually really close to my house, and since I've been back, I've been looking at it in a completely different light..
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It looks even better at night...
 
 
Check back for days 3 and 4 coming soon! :)
 
Miss Morgan x

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Rome: Day 1

Hi guys!
 
It's been a while since I've posted - work and Uni have been super-busy, but I always thought I had good time-management.. Evidently not!
 
So as promised, here's part 1 of my trip to Rome in April! It was honestly one of the best holidays I've ever been on! Although it wasn't a typical sunbathing holiday, I love the buzz of different cities, and I've always loved Italy - the food, the fashion (the men *cough cough) so it was an ideal trip..
 
Goodbye London...
 
 
I didn't realise I was scared of flying until I was sat at the window closest to the wing of the plane. If you can choose your seat, I'd advise you to sit well away from it, unless you want to pee your pants during take-off/landing!
 
We flew from London Gatwick, over Paris, then Geneva, to get to Rome. I was half-asleep when the Pilot came on the overhead radio to say we were flying over Lake Geneva. How AMAZING is this view?! Geneva is now on my list of Places To Go Before I Die, so if you live there, I'm VERY jealous! 
 
 
We had 4 full days in Rome, but that didn't stop us dropping our bags at the hotel and rushing straight out to the Spanish Steps! As it was so lovely and sunny, everywhere was really crowded. We pushed our way through the hoards of people to the top of the steps - (which can I just say, is a workout on it's own!) and were able to see some amazing views. Excuse my photography - I was in Super-Excited-Holiday-Mode!
 
 
 
 
As it was so hot, I felt it was only fair to stop off and get some Italian strawberries. Like British strawberries, but from Italy - haha! I'm that girl who will be suckered into buying things I can get at home for half the price, just because it says "Made In.. Not England" haha..
 
 
Being from London (and a regular on London Underground), I thought I was fully-equipped with pointy elbows and a "Don't Look At Me" face for use on the Roman Subway... How wrong I was!! After 5mins, I was sweating, squashed up against the doors and being hassled by a gypsy with an accordion! If anyone has seen the video of the train guards in China pushing commuters onto the carriages during rush hour, you have an idea of how I felt!
 
 
They also play some of the most random adverts I have ever seen - namely, a dog wearing a suit, eating Peanut Butter. Don't believe me? ...
 
 
And so, Day 1 of Rome came to an end. We were jet-lagged, sunburnt and sleepy, but full of Pizza, Pasta and Gelato and went to sleep very very happy :)
 
Check back for days 2, 3 and 4 coming very soon!
 
Miss Morgan x
 

Monday 22 April 2013

Mini Superdrug Haul

Happy Monday Ladies :)

I haven't blogged in a while as I've been in Rome! It was absolutely amazing and my next blog will be all about my trip, and I even managed to do a few vlogs! It's a big step for me as I never thought I'd be brave enough to film myself in public - but abroad, I was That Girl! Whipping my camera out at every opportunity and generally making a fool of myself, but hey ho, such is life :)

I have a few days off before I go back to work, so I thought I'd make the most of it and do a bit of retail therapy. As our flight was so early, duty-free at the airport wasn't open, so I didn't get to indulge at the MAC counter :( because of that, I felt I was allowed to treat myself to a mini spree in good old Superdrug now I'm back!

The first thing I bought were these Maybelline lipsticks. I've heard loads of girls raving about them, but I didn't think I'd be brave enough to actually wear them. But when I tried them on, they're actually really flattering and not garish at all!

 
They had loads of lovely colours, but I wanted to just try 2, to check I liked them, but now I've seen how versatile they are, I'll deffo be re-purchasing!
 
 Maybelline ColorSensational in 910 Shocking Coral & 902 Fuchsia Flash
 
 
 
The thing I love about them is that they look exactly the same on your lips as they do on the colour label on the packaging. Often, you pick a colour (be it a lipstick, nail varnish or eye-shadow) loving the colour, but once you've put it on, it's completely different to the colour on the packaging. This can be such a pain when you're trying to colour match/clash, so this has saved me a lot of time.
 
I also found this amazing Sleek eye-shadow palette. My usual go-to day look is a nude lip with a brown smoky eye, but recently I've been a little braver and have started wearing different colours of smoky eye, and I'm really noticing a difference!
 
 
 
 
 
I love the packaging of Sleek products - they look so much more expensive and lux, and this palette was only £7.99 - bargain!
 
Sleek iDivine palette in Storm
 
I absolutely love the colours in this palette! They're so pigmented, they remind me of Urban Decay shadows - I can still use my usual browns and beiges, but there are also gorgeous peacock greens, sapphire blues and gunmetal silvers.. I can't WAIT to try this out :)
 
My final purchase were these beauties - you know I can't go into Superdrug without stopping at the Barry M section - the colours are amazing and for the price, it's a no-brainer!
 
 
I wanted to try the new gel hi-shine colours, as I've heard so many good reviews on them and I must say: I'm converted! I know there are some at-home gel manicures you can do, but the prices are ridiculous, so for £3.99 each, you can't go wrong!
 
I also bought a textured paint in a gorgeous baby pink and I'm pleasantly surprised. Quite a few people have slated these polishes, but I love them! One coat gives you a nice even colour, with a sprinkling of sand. The actual feel of them is a bit nails-down-a-blackboard, but the overall effect is really cute! I'm going to rock mine as an Ice-Cream Mani, with a few more colours in the collection, to get me ready for Summer!
 
From L-R: Textured Nail Effect in 308 Kingsland Road, Gelly Hi-Shine in 315 Blueberry & Gelly Hi-Shine in 308 Greenberry
 
I'm going to be doing a giveaway very soon with Sleek and Barry M products as I know lots of you can't get them where you are, so make sure you're following, so you can keep an eye out!
 
Have an amazing day ladies :)
 
Miss Morgan x


Wednesday 10 April 2013

City views and Bozo :)

Hi my loves :) Happy Wednesday!
 
I woke up this morning to the sun streaming through my window and couldn't help but smile. Spring is well and truly here and what made me happier is that it's predicted to be over 25degrees while I'm in Rome! It may not seem that hot, but when it's been snowing in London, I'll grab every one of those degrees and eat them if I have to, haha!
 
I've been keeping up with my self-spring-cleaning this week, and went for a 5K run this morning *proud face* - I also made myself a vitamin-packed smoothie with tons of spinach, kale, celery, cucumber, apples and lime, with a hint of ginger.. It's as gross as it sounds, but if I hold my nose and think "all for the Summer Body, Morgan" it's bearable. Just.
 
I've had a lot of messages from all you lovely ladies and I honestly can't thank you enough for taking the time out to get in contact. It means so much that you've not only checked out my blog, but have made the effort to comment/message.. I was planning on keeping this blog focused on fashion/beauty/healthy living, but after so many of you have asked me to blog more about my life, I thought I would start today :)
 
As you all know by now (I hope!), I'm a London-girl, born and raised :) I live in Central London, which means I can get to pretty much any part of London fairly easily.. This is the view from my house - the camera really doesn't do it justice, but to get an idea:
 
 
 
 
The tall pointy building on the left is the BT Tower - the top of this building is covered in satellites which transmit television signal across the whole of London! The pointy-Church-looking building on the right is Saint Pancras Station - one of the oldest buildings in London, which is still a national/international train station, but also a luxury hotel! I'll definitely get some nicer/closer pictures of this building, because it's absolutely stunning!
The buildings in the centre are office and retail buildings in what is known as The City - the Financial District of London - where all the high-flying stockbrokers and bankers (yes, 'bankers' with a B) work.
 
What you may not know, is I have a French Bulldog named Bozo :) he's an old boy now and is going grey, bless him, but he's still super-cute and I just had to share him with you guys..
 
So, meet Bozo :)
 
 
 
 
Isn't he adorable? He's such a poser and knows if he sits nicely for the camera he gets a biscuit haha!
 
Do any of you have cute views and even cuter pets? I'd love to see them! Thanks again to all of you for viewing, following and getting in contact, you're the bestest :)
 
Miss Morgan x

Monday 8 April 2013

Spring Cleaning from the Inside - Day 1

Hi Guys - Happy Monday :)
 
London weather is continuing to improve and although it's still quite chilly, the sun has been shining and it got me thinking about Spring - fresh starts, new beginnings and regeneration.
 
As some of you may know, I'm going to be running Race For Life in a few weeks. It's a charity race for Cancer Research UK and all the sponsorship money goes towards research to fight Cancer, as well as helping sufferers and their families.
 
Thoughts of the race, coupled with the first signs of Spring - blossom on the trees, Daffodils, birds singing - got me thinking about how important it is to continuously aim to better yourself, both inside and out. So today is Day 1 of A Brand New Me :)
 
I'm aiming to become happier and healthier everyday, and I hope you'll come on this journey with me! But this isn't just a quick-fix for Spring - this is a lifestyle choice that I hope to keep permanently!
 
 
As today is Monday (oh, what joy) I thought I would ease myself in gently; I started the morning with a 3K run and a half-an-hour swim. I also had the yummiest smoothie from a bar called Zest - it was called Acai Antiox and was jam-packed with acai berries, raspberries, strawberries and apples - plus an anti-oxidant booster. Get. In. My. Belly.
 
(The big "3" on the cup means I bought the Fat-Pants size (don't judge me) but it was so yum, my self-control did a running jump straight into the cup - oopsie.)
 
Are any of you 'spring cleaning' your life like I am? I'd love to know what tips and tricks you have!
 
Miss Morgan x

Saturday 6 April 2013

'Nail' Spring 2013's pastels

Hi Guys :)
 
It's Spring!!
 
London weather is still misbehaving but we did have a teeny-weeny bit of sun today and it got me thinking about all the amazing trends for Spring/Summer 2013.. Strangely, one of the biggest trends this season is monochrome - and while I love classic black and white teamed together, nothing beats pastels for this time of year - even if the weather outside makes you want to cover up in black, burgundy and navy!
 
As I'm quite shy, I'm sometimes slightly hesitant to try bold new trends, but with my nails, I can feel comfortable without missing out on all the amazing fashion/beauty choices.
 
Below are my top 6 pastel nail varnishes for Spring - they're all super-easy to wear and at under £5 each, you can stay on-trend without breaking the bank. Enjoy! :) 
 
 
L-R: Rimmel 60 Seconds in '200 Princess Pink', Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish in '705 Tangy Tangerine', Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish in '704 Sweet As Sugar', Barry M Nail Paint in '264 Pink Iridescent', Barry M Nail Paint in '318 Peach Melba' and Barry M Nail Paint in '308 Pale Purple'.
 
While higher-end products such as OPI, Nails Inc. and Butter London are in a league of their own in terms of quality, Rimmel and Barry M are great for trying out new trends without committing to more expensive items, especially as trends change so quickly.
 
What trends are you most looking forward to this season?
 
Miss Morgan x
 


e.l.f Mini-haul

Hi Guys :)
 
So some of you may know about the budget beauty brand e.l.f (which stands for eyes, lips, face) - they sell everything from foundation to brushes, eyeshadows to lipsticks and everything in between - with prices starting at £1!
 
 
 
 
Although I wanted to buy EVERYTHING, I practised some serious self-control and limited myself to a few eyeshadow quads (only £1.50 each!), a jumbo matte lip pencil and a stippling brush. I also bought some yellow correcting powder to try - I've heard some great reviews for the Ben Nye Banana Powder, but didn't want to commit to buy a huge tub straight away.
 
As well as that, for this weekend only, when you spend £15 you get a Mystery Bag worth at least £9 - for free! And seeing as I was going to spend more than that anyway, it's a no-brainer! In my Mystery Bag I received a gorgeous taupey-grey nail varnish, a burnt-orange lipstick and a full-size tub of bronzer! I was contemplating buying a bronzer anyway, so to get it for free was amaze!
 
 
I may do a giveaway on these products, or something similar - let me know if you guys would like me to do one, and what kind of products you'd like. Have any of you lovelies used e.l.f products before? If so, which ones do you recommend I try? Also, let me know if you'd like a tutorial on any of the products in future.
 
Miss Morgan x

Friday 5 April 2013

What's in my hand luggage?

Hi Guys :)
 
So it's the first week of April and London is still bitterly cold - on some days as cold as -5 degrees! I've taken it upon myself to find some sun elsewhere - and have decided to go to Rome!
 
I'm flying out next week so have really got to get cracking on my packing (ha, that rhymed!) - I've still got to plan my all-weather outfits, pack my beauty supplies and leave room for all the goodies I'm going to bring back!
 
I've packed teeny-tiny sizes of everything as I'll only be there for 3 days and want to travel light as possible so I won't have to lug huge cases and hold-alls along the cobbled streets of Italia in sky scraper heels! Haha..
 
These are the basic supplies for my flight - passport (how cute is this case?!), camera, my iPad (gotta get my Candy Crush fix!), a magazine (I love me some Cosmo!), intensive moisturiser to keep my skin baby-bum-soft, lip products, antibacterial wipes, deodorant and cuticle oil.. I need to add sucky-sweets to stop my ears popping during take off/landing, a big warm hoodie and of course my Cushtie - literally like laying on a cloud!
 
 
 
Let me know if you think I've forgotten anything, or any fun things I can bring to keep me entertained on the flight :)
 
Miss Morgan x





Tuesday 2 April 2013

Introducing.. Me :)



Hi guys!
 
So, this is my brand spanking new blog!
 
I know there are A LOT of beauty/fashion girls about so I'm going to try and make this a bit different.
 
I'll be sharing advice and tips on lifestyle, keeping fit, travel, study..and of course a little bit of beauty..!
 
As a Uni student, I have to work hard to make my money go further - so welcome to my guide on how to live a Rich Girl's Life, on a Real Girl's Budget!
 
Enjoy! :)
 
Miss Morgan x