2015 so far

A photo taken from a school trip
to Morocco two years ago

So we haven't had a little catch up recently and I know what you're thinking by the title...it's only the 1st March! 

Up where I live, we have yet to see snow despite it being incredibly cold like everyday. This I am grateful for...not the cold but the lack on snow. Yes it's pretty and I guess fun to play in if you are of a certain age but I hate it. The only times I can actually enjoy it is when I'm wrapped up warm inside with a mug of hot chocolate and the fire is on.

January brought the dreaded prelims. For those who have no clue what I'm talking about, England call them mocks which are practically practises for the actual exams which I sit in May. Unfortunately I didn't do too great in these but it proves I can only get better in time.

School work is having it's ups and downs especially my folios. I love art and my class is like a little family but it can be so boring sometimes. Having almost completed my design folio, I had to more onto expressive which is a nightmare. The standard thing to do is fruit, fabric and glass etc but because I was fed up with that I decided to theme mine around cameras...but I've come to s standstill. Having not completed my first drawing I moved onto the second to find myself wasting periods staring at it. Any advice on concentrating and getting a task done? I would be so thankful!

Last week we were told we had to make our 6th year subject choices. An information lunchtime was organised and pretty much everyone went along to find out more. At first I had no idea what I wanted to do...other than no way was I taking three Advanced Highers! Although I just moaned about it above I actually am going to take Adv. Art & Design and well as Adv. Pure Maths...you might think I'm crazy for considering it but not as mad as those wanting to do Adv. English in my eyes. Along with those two I am considering crashing Higher Business Management as it looks interesting and I think I've come to conclusion about my future at university which BusMan could help with.

It's not till June but so many people are talking about it...the school dance. Currently there is so much stress about dresses that it's got to a point where there is a group on facebook for the girls in my year to post photos on their dresses. Fun fact...I am actually in town right now trying on different colours and styles in order to find my perfect dress.

If you know of any websites that sell long dance/prom style dresses please send me links as I'm struggling!

If you've been reading my blog all month you will know that I went to London in the February break. I promise there will be posts full of photos from my trip soon but I didn't have time this week to sort through things and write a proper post. These will go up in about two weeks as I have a special post planned for next week!

What've you been up to recently?
Esmee x

The awards where I'm NOT asked "Who are you wearing tonight?"

But for those who are asking, a fluffy onesie by New Look ;)

So the lovely Kirsty tagged me in not one but TWO blogging awards!! The Liebster Award (which I have taken part in before and you can read HERE) and The Versatile Blogger Award, which I had never heard of before until now. And since starting writing this post a new reader, Yasmina, also tagged me in her Liebster Award noms!

Both awards have different rules however I'm combining them and making my own thing. The Liebster Award involves answering the 11 questions asked before asking 11 questions to those you nominate and to complete The Versatile Blogger Award you share 7 facts about yourself and nominate fellow bloggers to do the same.

So here goes with those 7 facts (this is much harder than it looks!)

1. I an obsessed with glitter and sparkly things to the extent that it probably isn't healthy. 

2. I'm one of those people who has never seen Frozen....I'm sorry!

3. I was the first person in my family to ever break a bone...I snapped one of the bones in my right wrist completely in half whilst playing football, I wasn't even in goals.

4. My name was going to be Olivia Grace before my parents' friends called their daughter exactly that and if I was a boy I would be a Jack.

5. I have never had a boyfriend and some other things have never happened to me along those lines but that's a different story. 

6. I adore live music and going to concerts is my all time favourite thing to do. It started when I saw McFly back in 2006 on the 'Motion in the Ocean' Tour when I was 8 I think (wow...I didn't realise quite how long ago that was...that's crazy).

7. I've never had any hobbies that I've stuck to or clubs that I'm still part of but I have always been a member of Girl Guiding which I love being a part of.

Kirsty's Questions:

What are your future goals? 

Short term...pass my exams and get into uni in a years time. As for long term, see Q1 of Yasmina's questions.

What is your favourite food - sweet and savoury? 

Hands down margarita pizza and ice-cream with chocolate sauce, marshmallows and choc-chips! Or actually sweet potato fries, they are incredible.

Top 3 movies?

In no particular order; 'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging', 'Love, Rosie' and anything with Zac Efron in it.

Something that really annoys you?

Text speak like "kk" etc, people who think they're better than everyone else and being a perfectionist about everything from perfect moments to filters on Instagram.

Favourite place in the world?

Disneyland...it's somewhere that you can go and just be happy, it's impossible to be sad there. I also love London and the Caribbean as well! 

Song that relates to your life?

Ooooh another tough one...I don't think I could pick just one. Recently "I'm Not That Girl" from the musical Wicked, the classic "Reach" by S Club 7 and "Oath" by Cher Lloyd. 

Piercings you have and/or want?

I currently just have my ears pierced but for a long time I've really wanted my lip pierced...that's happening when I leave school! Scaffolding piercings look cool, especially with arrows through them, but my ears are too small to do that :(

Favourite beauty product at the moment?

I'm currently loving Maybelline Colour Drama lip pencils as I've decided to start experimenting with colour on my lips.

Number one thing on your bucket list?

I have a HUGE long bucket list (see the tab at the top for proof!) I couldn't choose my number one thing though.

Favourite blogger and/or youtuber?

Louise from 'Sprinkle of Glitter' is one of my favourite bloggers/vloggers. As Yasmina asked about my favourite blogs to read, I'll stick to youtubers here. Joe Sugg aka ThatcherJoe has always been one of my faves and recently I've been watching a lot Oli White. My love for McFly continues by watching both Tom and hi wife Gi's vlogs, I love watching these two as their videos are very different to the typical "youtubers".

What made you want to start blogging?

Boredom really, and wanting to improve my writing skills even just a little. Just like other bloggers my age, I was also inspired by the likes of Zoella, Tanya Burr and Sprinkle of Glitter.

Yasmina's Questions:

1) Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

In ten years time I will be 27 so hopefully I will have a degree and a job that I enjoy, living in the capital or abroad somewhere and met someone I'm finally happy with.

2) What is your favourite childhood memory?

Christmas on the beach in the sun was always fun.

3) Favourite person in the world?

I don't really like this question because I feel that I shouldn't have a favourite person. I know many would say a celebrity or a family member but I don't think it's fair to choose.

4)Where do you want to travel to? 

Greece is the one place I want to go to more then anywhere else!

5) Favourite blog to read?

As well as all those names mentioned above; InTheFrow, The Sunday Girl, Deliciously Ella and Niomi Smart. Giovanna Fletcher (Tom's wife) also blogs for Hello magazine and I love reading about her adventures with Buzz.

6) Most embarrassing moment?

I have so many that it's difficult to say...pretty much everything I do is embarrassing. Here's a funny story though, the other weekend I was in Primark with a friend and was reading the slogans on the t-shirts and joggers etc. I came across a pair of tracksuit bottoms that I just couldn't work out what they said; asking my friend I read out the letters...S...U...G...A...R...pronouncing it "suuggar" before she pointed out that it was sugar...yeah not one of my brightest moments.

7) Where did you grow up?

Part of my childhood was spent in Trinidad in the Caribbean and the other half near Aberdeen in Scotland...I know what you're thinking, one weather extreme to another!

8) Favourite subject at school?

Probably art although I do get bored a lot and I'm good at maths...strange person that I am.

9) Which celebrity's life would you like to live for a week?

Oooh this is a toughie, I would have to say Taylor Swift as she's killing it at the moment, Beyonce just because who wouldn't want to know what it's like to be her or someone like Fearne Cotton as she gets to meet so many amazing people everyday.

10) What was the best day of your life?

Some people may say I'm sad for thinking this, but the best day of my life so far was seeing Mcbusted last year in the OMFG Zone. What a crazy experience that was!

11) One thing you would like to improve in your self or your life?

Quite cliche but confidence and self-esteem is something I would like to improve on as those two factors have lead to a lot of missed opportunities and set backs.

This is where I'm being a little different or lazy, whichever you want to call it. I'm not going to nominate individual bloggers but in fact all the Beau Bloggers and TBC girlies as well as you reading this now; my questions for you are as follows.

1. How's life? (I know quite vague, but go on...spill your heart out)

2. Who would be on your perfect festival line-up? 

3. Who are your male and female celebrity crushes?

4. What is your holy grail product?

5. What do you love most about blogging and reading other blogs?

6. Proudest/happiest moment of your life so far?

7. What is your go-to movie that you'd never get bored of?

8. Top five little bloggers? (Ones with less that 100 followers)

9. Craziest thing you've done?

10. If you could be a male celebrity for a day, who would you be and why?

11. You're having a dinner party, which celebrities do you invite and why?

Let me know how you got on and send me your links!

Esmee x

It's more than just music...the wishlist

Last month I wrote a post about the concerts I've been to in the past (you can read that HERE) and it got me thinking about who I would like to see in the future. Turns out the list is ENDLESS! Oh dear, I am going to be one skint student ;P

Obviously I would never ever turn down the opportunity to see something Mcfly related. Whether it's one of the guys performing in something different or a McBusted tour etc. I just love them too much! :P

Jessie J is someone I actually want to see live again. That woman can't go wrong and knows how to put on a good show.

I have made it my mission in life to see artists like Beyonce, Miley Cyrus and Ed Sheeran before I die! What an experience they would be.

When I lived in the Caribbean I owned multiple Britney Spears CDs and used to put on shows pretending to be her, for that reason alone I would love to see her live. For old times sake.

Many people don't get that just because I like people like McFly and 5 Seconds of Summer I can't like people like Coldplay or The Killers. I think both those bands would be incredible to see especially headlining a festival.

Somebody else that people are surprised that I like is Hoodie Allen. I first heard him as the background music in one of Marcus Butler's vlogs, instantly searched him on iTunes and SoundCloud and now own a lot of his stuff (Although not his album as UK iTunes isn't displaying it for some reason?). He's actually playing in Glasgow pretty soon but it's just before my exams and as I've already got things planned I can't go :(

Speaking of festivals...those would be paradise for me. A whole weekend full of live music with your friends, what more could you want! DJs like Avicii, Calvin Harris or David Guetta would also be a crazy experience.

A recent love of mine is George Ezra, I just adore his voice so he's definitely on the list. As well as those 5SOS boys...obvs. And The Vamps, a band that will instantly put a smile on your face, even during their ballads.

Since he appeared on The X Factor, a lot of people judged Sam Callahan and now forever associate him with that show even though he's got so much more to give. Personally I believe he wasn't given the opportunities he was promised from the show as they chose everything for him...including the wrong songs. I have loved Sam ever since a friend of mine sent me a link to his original song Runaway Train two years ago. The first time I saw him live was when he supported Union J on their clubs tour and the second was on The X Factor Live Tour. Although what I want more than ever is to see him on his own headline tour performing his own stuff. 
Ugh words just can't explain how much I love and how proud I am of Sam!

Who do you want to see live?
Esmee x

LONDON bound

Hey guys, so I found out the other day that my family and I are going to London in the February break and I can not wait! The last time I visited the capital was on a school trip back in 2010 (I think) at a time when things weren't very good or happy for me so I'm delighted to go back now.

I took to twitter for recommendations one places to go, to see and to eat as well as asking one of my best friends who seems to spend every mini-holiday in London :P

My family and I have slowly planned each day with a lot to do and see and no doubt I will be taking thousands (no exaggerations) of photos and become a proper little tourist for 5 days...oh dear ;P

Because of this there won't be a new post on Sunday (unless I can schedule something...last time it didn't work -_- ) but as soon as I'm back I will be uploading photos and letting you guys know what I got up to!

 Esmee x

The 'Almost 100 Questions' Tag

So for the past week and next I have been on study leave for my prelims (or mocks as they are know elsewhere). I have supposed to be "revising" but it's fair to say there has been a lack of that going on. Instead, I have found many different ways to distract myself from the task in hand...so much so that I found this tag on tumblr and youtube and thought "hey why not? Haven't done one of these before." (you can probably tell that writing is also something that there has been a lack of...sorry!)

Yeah so here's the 'Almost 100 Questions' tag!

 Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? 

How ever they are left that day? Usually closed though.

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?

Who doesn't?! Technically they are yours too take and did you know that in some hotels, if you ask for more they will give them to you free of charge? It's not like I've done that before...

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

I don't actually have sheets on my bed. I can't stand them and I always end up tangled up.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

Surprisingly that's not something I've found myself doing.

Do you like to use post-it notes?

Annoying bits of paper that don't stick to anything...yeah no thanks. 

Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

Are coupons still a thing these days? Knowing me, yeah I probably would do that.

Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?

A big bear as it's only one thing to deal with rather than thousands!

Do you have freckles?

I do, although you can only ever see them in summer.

Do you always smile for pictures?

All the selfies can't be the same :P 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

No but as a kid I used to count how many stairs there was in different places.

Have you ever peed in the woods?

On DofE there was no other options. 

What about pooped in the woods?

Nope, I survived three days without needing...TMI? ;P

Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?

Usually I'm singing (awfully I may add) and encouraging everyone to join in.

Do you chew your pens and pencils?

Nope however I do tap pens against my lip when I'm thinking (haha very funny...I do know that it's a rare occasion)

What size is your bed?

Queen? Possibly King (big enough for two if you get what I mean ;)...right I really need to stop)

What is your Song of the week?

I'm currently obsessed with The Heart Wants What It Wants by Selena Gomez...you just can't fault that girl.

Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Why wouldn't it be okay? 

Do you still watch cartoons?

To be honest I've never really been a fan of cartoons...sorry!

Whats your least favorite movie?

Least favourite? Erm...

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

Well I wouldn't put that on here. How do you know I haven't already hidden the treasure huh?

What do you drink with dinner?

Water...how boring :P

What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

Ketchup...ooh or garlic dip if we have it in the house.

What is your favourite food?

Pizza or ice cream...or both...together (probably not although imagine an ice-cream pizza *goes to google it* OMG they exist!)

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

'Wild Child', 'Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging' or anything with Zac Efron in it!

Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

I've been a part of Girl Guiding since I was 8.

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?

Technically I wrote a letter in one of my friends Christmas cards last year...it was like a mini essay :P

Can you change the oil on a car?

Nope

Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
No...although I haven't sat behind the wheel of a car yet despite being able to 3 months ago! Must book those lessons.

Favourite kind of sandwich?
I love smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches...is that weird or just posh? 

Best thing to eat for breakfast?
I know it's bad but I rarely have time to eat breakfast...but pancakes are definitely the winner! 

What is your usual bedtime?

After what's on the telly? I have to get up at ridiculous o'clock for school as I live so bloody far away (which sucks) So I try to go to bed at around half 10 although I'm usually on my phone till much later!

Are you lazy?

What a stupid question that is ;P

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?

I think I was a witch pretty much every year, then I was always a cat because all I needed to do was back comb my hair and draw on whiskers.

What is your Chinese astrological sign?

An Ox I think?

How many languages can you speak?
One...and sometimes I can't even manage that :P

Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
I used to and was about to buy one for Company before they announced that they weren't going to be printing anymore :(

Are you stubborn?

I'll let those around me decide that although the chances that they say yes are very, no wait, extremely high.

Ever watch soap operas?

The only one I haven't watched was Emerdale...I went through an EastEnders phase but stopped when (spoiler alert) Bradley fell off the roof, I watched Corrie on and off over the years but have stopped since Tina also fell off a roof. But Hollyoaks will always always always be my favourite!

Are you afraid of heights?
No way! I love things like rollercoasters too much.

Do you sing in the car?
Yet another stupid question...duhh.

Do you sing in the shower?
It's probably the one place I don't sing.

Do you dance in the car?
If possible.

Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
A few weeks ago as mum wanted photos of my sisters and I.

Do you think musicals are cheesy?

Yes but that doesn't mean I don't love them!

Is Christmas stressful?

For me not really but then again I'm not in charge of sorting anything.

Favourite type of fruit pie?

Cherry.

Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

Princess, fashion designer or magazine editor.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Nahh. 

Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?

All the time, it can be quite scary sometimes.

Take a vitamin daily?

Not since I was force-fed cod liver oil tablets...warning avoid them at all costs.

Wear slippers?
More of a fluffy socks kinda girl.

Wear a bath robe?

Like a dressing gown? Sometimes, or I just choose my onesie.

What do you wear to bed?

Pjs. 

First concert?

Erm...McFly I think? But it was aaaaaages ago.

Nike or Adidas?

Don't make me pick.

Cheetos Or Fritos?
When I used to live in Trinidad I used to have Cheetos all the time so those.

Ever take dance lessons?

Ballet till I was 13.

Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

Nope, that would be very narrow-minded of me.

Can you curl your tongue?

Think so!

Ever won a spelling bee?

Have you seen my spelling? Course not, spell check is my best friend.

Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
I do this all the time.

Own any record albums?

Nope. 

Own a record player?

And Nope. 

Regularly burn incense?

Do candles count? 

Ever been in love?

I've loved but never been "in love". 

Who would you like to see in concert?

Blog post coming about this!

What was the last concert you saw?

McBusted last year.

Hot tea or cold tea?

Not a big tea drinker, I know such a shock! But definitely hot over cold.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

Can you swim well?

Considering I used to swim for my local squad, yes. 

Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

Easy-peasy. 

Are you patient?

Not one bit, possibly the most impatient person ever.

DJ or band, at a wedding?

Depend on the band but usually DJs are best.

Ever won a contest?

I don't mean to show off but yes I have :P

Ever have plastic surgery?
Only for medical reasons.

Which are better black or green olives?

Black!

Can you knit or crochet?

I actually learnt when I was in primary 5 and I went to the knitting club...I was such a cool child.

Best room for a fireplace?

Front/living room.

 Do you want to get married?

One day my Prince will come.

Who was your HS crush?
HS? High School? That my friends is for me to know not you.

Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?

Not anymore but I had done in the past...multiple times. 

Do you want kids?

Maybe 2? I'm not sure.

Whats your favourite colour?

Monochrome or pink...or anything that sparkles ;P

Do you miss anyone right now?

Yup, many people. 

Let me know if you do this tag, I'd love to find out more about my readers!

Esmee x