Do I Really Look That Young?

The other day I commented on a youtube video about only having one exam left and some one replied to it with something along the lines of "Why are you sitting exams, no offence but you look about seven...". This comment effected me more than I was expecting it to. I know the profile picture I had was a few years old but not so many years that I actually was seven. A friend of an old crush of mine once said I looked 13 (this was when I was 15) which fair enough I didn't really care about that comment but the fact that this stranger on the internet said I looked younger than my littlest sister (who is 10). The comment both angered and upset me (but only just a little) because why would someone go out of their way just to make a petty comment like that, it's the sort of thing they could think but it doesn't necessarily need to be said out loud. It upset me a little because it made me think...do I really look that young? Obviously not seven, but if I look young for my age? When I'm older I'll probably look back and wish I looked younger but right now I don't want to, I want to look my age. 

Not younger, maybe older but at least 16.

Here is a photo of my two sisters, my dad and
myself last summer in France.

Esmee x

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Tasty but Simple Chicken Pie

I don't tend to cook much in my house and when I do it tends to be something quick and easy or a microwave meal. Whilst I was doing my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award last year I decided to choose cooking as my skill and my favourite thing to make was this chicken pie which is loved by all my family and I'm sure you will enjoy it too!

Ingredients*:
4x 180g skinless chicken breasts
a bunch of spring onions
150g button mushrooms
1 heaped tablespoon of plain flour
2 teaspoons of English mustard
1 heaped tablespoon of creme fraiche
300ml chicken stock
1 sheet of puff pastry
1 egg

*Disclaimer: this recipe serves 6 but because my grandparents were over there was 7 of us therefore I added more of the ingredients

Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 200^oC/ 400^oF/ gas mark 6 (if using a fan oven set the temperature to 200^oC)
Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1cm ish strips and place them in a large wide pan along with a lug of olive oil and a knob of butter, cook this for 3 minutes or so

Step 3: Slice the spring onions and mushrooms and add them to the pan with the flour, once the chicken is cooked, and stir

Step 4: Add the mustard, creme fraiche, and chicken stock to the pan, leave to simmer

Step 5: Lightly dust a clean surface and unroll the pastry, use a small knife to gently crisscross the surface
Step 6: Take the pan off the heat and tip into an oven-proof dish which is smaller than the sheet of pastry
Step 7: Cover the dish with the pastry and tuck in the edges (like in the picture), beat an egg and the brush over the top of the pie

Step 8: place on the top shelf of the over and cook for about 15 minutes or until golden

We had steamed veg with ours but you could have mashed potato and baked beans if you fancied! 

Esmee x

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STOP ASKING ME ABOUT MY FUTURE // Callie's Corner

If your question starts with "so what do you want to do" and ends with "for the rest of your life?" you better just stop talking right now and get as far away from me as possible. Just shhhh. Nope - not today.

Be quiet, stop talking to me.

Don't even breathe near me.

I'm sick of people having nothing better to talk to me about other than my future.

Let's give this post some context first though, shall we?

Last weekend we had my sister's birthday party (cute little lady is 5 now, can I get an awww?) and my mother invited her own friend over and she brought her new boyfriend. All well and good I thought, and honestly, he was pretty alright. At least until we'd finished eating and everyone had scattered to either go to the bathroom or have their own conversations. Then it was just me and him. So, of course, it's only polite and natural to attempt to socialise by having a conversation, right? I thought so too until there was a lull and he just fired right in with the usual "so what do you want to do" followed by "for the rest of your life?".

I tried to avoid it a bit by just answering with what I wanted to study at university, because does he really need to know the rest? Apparently he did, because I then had to answer my top universities - or rather, I only answered two due to the fact that I was starting to panic and could only think of those. I just wanted to stab myself in the face right then when he finally asked what I would do after that - actually, it was phrased more like: "And do you think you're going to get a job after that?"

Do I think I'm going to get a job. 

I'd feel a little bit better if he'd asked what sort of work I'd like to go into after uni, rather than someone else questioning whether I'm going to be employed or not. I already panic about whether or not I'll get into uni or if I'll get a job. I don't need other people questioning me when I'm already preoccupied with questioning myself.

The only time it's okay for people to talk to me about my future is if I'm visiting a god damn fortune teller, and that's only if I ask them to and they're okay with it. Other than that, I don't need to be constantly questioned about what I want to do. 

I need to focus on what's going on right here and now rather than have a mental breakdown because I thought about my future for more than 3 seconds.

Yes, I understand that it's important that I have things planned out. But I don't need to be thinking about that everyday of the week throughout everything I do. And neither does anyone else.

Stop asking me about my future, because the more you do, the worse yours is looking. Like, seriously, I will spoil whatever book your reading. That is how far you've pushed me.

Sorry about that. 

Bit of a change from a usual less angry post but this has been bugging the heck out of me. So, there's my rant about my future and how everyone just needs to take a large step back off a cliff on the topic. Do you ever feel like this? Does anyone ever ask you these questions to the point where you want to stab them with a spoon? Does the thought of the future make you curl up into a blanket burrito of anxiety?

Let me know in the comments.

Callie

Exclusive Interview with Scotland's Newest Boyband: Rewind

Wow, guess who's gone and got herself a second interview! This week I am excited to share with you my exclusive interview with up and coming Scottish boyband Rewind! 

Meet James MceIvar, Lewis Irons, Kieran Hepburn, Jack Robertson and Ryan Donaldson; these five lads are the members of Rewind and are ready to take the UK by a storm!

From left to right: James, Kieran, Ryan, Lewis and Jack

Hi guys! So for the people who have no idea who you are, tell us a bit about your band

James: We all auditioned for a new Scottish boyband and were lucky enough to be given a place in the line up.

Lewis: The name Rewind came from the idea that the golden era of boybands was back in the 90s when we were growing up, and if we could we'd love to go back and relive it.

What words would you use to describe Rewind?
Lewis: Fun
James: Exciting
Kieran: Scottish, I am proud of my roots

What are your singles Boomerang and Scream about?

Jack: Boomerang is about a girl that keeps coming back no matter how far you get her away she keeps coming back like a boomerang 
Lewis: Scream is kind of the opposite, it's more about the feelings after a break up and moving on to better things. 

You've announced that you are going on tour…when does it start, where are you going and what could be expected?
Ryan: We are supporting Futureproof on their UK Tour which starts on the 26th of May in Newcastle! We will be travelling around the UK, putting on a show and having a right laugh! 
James: We are going to be doing new songs, new routines... even the older stuff is new and improved. It's exciting for us to see people we haven't before and of course see the familiar faces! 
Jack: I can't wait! Every musicians dream is to tour around the UK especially with my four mates. 
Kieran: Yes, we are heading out of Scotland! 

All details of the tour and the links you need will be at the bottom of the page! Who are your musical influences? 

Lewis: Justin Timberlake for me, incredible artist. In terms of song writing though, John Mayer. His lyrics and music are genius.

Ryan: Personally I love every kind of music. Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown in the modern day and anything from Michael Jackson to the Rolling Stones in the past!
Kieran: At the end of the day, you are nothing without a great song
Jack: I have always been a golden oldie so anything from 90s right back to swing! But at the moment I'm loving the Vamps album it's a great listen.

James: People who fearless and give everything they have on a stage are the ones that influence me. 

So true Kieran! Do any of you live by any mottos? If so what are they?
Jack: Not specifically but I feel like you need to earn everything in life and things don't just come to you, and always do what you love.

James: There's a quote by Lady Gaga that I heard recently I like 'If you don't have any shadows you're not standing in the light'.

Lewis: As much as it is a bit of a cliche or a joke, you only live once is genuinely a great motto. It makes me do things I'm maybe hesitant or worried about.

What has been the best gig you've played?

James: I really enjoyed the fireworks for Clyde 1 in Paisley. Thousands of people singing Boomerang in the pouring rain was classic, the fireworks went off during the Scream chorus which was an amazing moment. I think that was the first time I felt like a popstar. 

Kieran: I just love playing so as long as I am playing, all gigs are good. Although saying that we are supporting some mega big artists this year, so they are gonna be cool

Lewis, Ryan & Jack: Tough question, there have been so many amazing gigs! But the highlight would have to be playing at the SECC last year was easily the best gig ever playing alongside Little Mix, Stooshe, Conor Maynard, Amy McDonald and more. Thousands of screaming girls, a massive stage and it was unforgettable. 

I was at that gig! Have any of you got any annoying habits?

Ryan & Jack: Time keeping!

Kieran: I'm like the Duracell bunny, always hyper.

James: Ryan gets a little bit stressed which can be funny, we are all chilled out enjoying the moment and he's throwing a strop somewhere.

Ahaha, Ryan sounds a bit like me! If you could live anywhere where would it be?

Lewis: Bora bora in the pacific, it looks like heaven on earth. 

Ryan: I would love to live in Miami! South Beach.... bringing the heat.

Kieran: Where I was born and bread, Scotland, off course!

Jack: I am a home bird so I think I would always come back but my dream is to visit everywhere! Especially New York. 

What are the best and worse things a fan has ever got you?

Lewis: The best thing was something which didn't cost much at all, it was a massive book filled with messages from fans all over, from Scotland and England to Spain and France and it was amazing. So much time and effort and such an amazing gift. The worst thing might be best kept from anyone hearing about! 

James: The best thing is always sweets, and I get cakes a lot which is great! 

Ryan: I think the best and worst would be the willy warmer I was given (he then goes on to explain what it actually is in detail but I don't think you need to know that!).

Jack: The presents are is just a never ending list of amazing generosity.

What is the best thing about being in Rewind?
James: You get to do all the things you like on a day basis and call it work!

Lewis: It's the fans. They are the reason it's happening obviously! Without them we wouldn't be performing on stage and supporting some amazing artists. They mean the world to us. 

Ryan: The Bromance. Fans. Playing live.

What's the funniest thing that's happened since being in Rewind?
Jack: Keiran is so funny with his girl chat. James makes me laugh with his clothes. Ryan makes me laugh with his dance moves and Lewis just always makes me laugh as he's always smiling! 

Lewis: Near enough everything that Kieran says is daft but hilarious. 

James: There's not a day that goes by where something funny doesn't happen.

Ryan: James has had a couple of wardrobe malfunctions during gigs: this always cracks me up.

And finally, if you were a girl which member of the band would you date and why?

Lewis: That's a tough question. I think Jack would be the most gentlemanly out of the lot of us. 

James: That's a great question! I'd probably have to go with Ryan because he'd go out his way to show you a good time suppose.

Ryan: Thats tough... would probably be Lewis: hes a gentlemen

Keiran: ME off course, cos I cook, clean, iron, walk the dog, what more could you ask for?

Jack: I'd probably pick Lewis as he is the most like a gentleman.

Here are all the links to find out more about Rewind!
Twitter handles:  @rewind_music, @james_rewind, @KieranRewind, @Ryan_Rewind, @Lewis_Rewind, @jack_Rewind
Website: httJp://rewindofficial.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialREWINDBoyband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RewindWorldOfficial/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rewindmusicofficial-1
Rewind will be joining Futureproof for every night of their tour and you can buy your tickets HERE!

Thank you so much to Lewis, Ryan, Jack, James and Keiran for taking part in this interview. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you guys and maybe one day in the future you'll come back for another chat and discuss Rewind a year on from now.

_____________________________

Thank you for reading and if you could interview anyone who would you interview and why? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @lilmissezzieb

Esmee x

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Pastel Clouds Jewellery and DISCOUNT

A while ago on Instagram I discovered a little company called Pastel Clouds and instantly fell in love with their jewellery!

First of all how cute is the packaging! Each piece of jewellery comes in its own little draw-string bag tied with blue ribbon with a little tag and the signature silver cloud (which I also added to my bracelet (featured in this post) as an extra charm!). Pastel Clouds sell range of products and I guarantee you will find something you love! There are rings, earings, bracelets and necklaces or like me, you can order them just as charms (I will put a link below on how you can do that). Also, don't you just hate it when online shopping orders take forever to arrive? Well these beauties dropped through my door only two days after ordering! And the ship world wide so you don't even need to worry about that.




As I ordered over the Easter weekend Pastel Clouds were giving away free Crown Midi/Pinky Rings with every order. For me this might have been free but it was a product that was sitting in my shopping cart anyway so it was a bonus to get my hands on it without spending a penny! I was dying to get my hands on a crown ring of some description and this one is just perfect!

Crown Midi/Pinky Ring

The quote "refuse to sink" is commonly associated with a picture of an anchor and that is partly the reason why I bought it. Many people say this quote associated with the anchor is stupid because it's an anchor's job to sink but I believe in this quote. I refuse to sink to someone else's level if they are being immature or bitchy as I have learnt to rise above it and just get on with my life. I also refuse to sink back down to rock bottom therefore this charm is a little note of positivity. 

Anchor Necklace/Bracelet

Every charm on my bracelet has some sort of meaning or memory to it; that's the reason why I chose the camera as photography is a passion of mine and taking photos is something I love to do.

Camera Necklace/Bracelet

If you have read my '2013 Favourites' you will know that The Fault In our Stars by John Green is one of my favourite books ever (and that's saying something because me, and books? Don't mix) so to celebrate the release of the trailer for the film, Pastel Clouds launched their TFIOS themed "OKAY." jewellery!

 I only have one tiny little negative thing to say about this charm is that the ink in the writing had bled a little bit but that's easy to fix by spraying on a little hairspray.

This product is available as a Necklace and Bracelet

Check out Pastel Clouds HERE to discover what else there is to offer but remember if, like me, you want them just as charms to add to a bracelet click  HERE or else you risk overspending.
As the title says I also have a discount for you guys! On all orders over £10 the lovely girls over a Pastel Clouds are giving you 10% off your order with the discount code 'EZZLEPOPS'...how cool is that! Now you definitely have a reason to buy some things, even if their not for you...maybe a friend or family member's (or girlfriend...for those male readers) birthday is coming up, Pastel Clouds have the perfect presents!  But quick...this discount only lasts until the 30th May.

Also check them out on Facebook and Instagram for competitions, giveaways and previews of new products!

Esmee x 

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