Heroes: Katie Piper

There are many people I use as inspiration in my life but none hold quite as much sway as Katie Piper. I think I have watched every documentary she has ever been involved with from the very first, during which my mum and I sat in tears for what had been done to her, all the way to the programs in which she sheds light on other visibly impaired people and how it affects them.

She has handled her situation with great strength, poise and elegance. Katie has gone from strength to strength and it has been a real pleasure watching her confidence grow and her story unfold. Which brings me to the present day when Katie herself cannot quite believe how wonderfully things have turned out in her life.

 Before and soon after her attack.

Who I've Become...

It is said that our personalities are formed by the age of 7. I cannot remember much about being that age, apart from wanting to make sure everyone else was okay and happy. I can remember that feeling of pride when I would help with folding the washing (pairing socks is serious business) and the swell of happiness when my parents would come back from a good parents evening. I did that, I made them happy.

Don't even know how old I was here.. Maybe around 6ish?

Back to Purgatory

I flew back to France yesterday and surprisingly it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be! I am moving house this week on top of an exam and a 10 page essay to finish, so it's going to be a busy week!

I have however, returned from England with a new attitude towards my life here in France for the next 6 months. I met a lovely girl from my British university on my flight and by chance we were sitting next to each other on the plane! She reassured me about my year abroad and helped answer a few questions about my future when I go back home for my final year........

2013 in Review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog so I thought I would share with you what SassyLassy16up got up to in the last year! ;)



Here's an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,900 times in 2013. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 4 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Bringing Sassy Back!

There's something to be said for upping sticks and moving to another country. It's terrifying, it's exciting and it's a mash up of every fear you've ever had about yourself. Mostly though it's the biggest boost of confidence you could ever have! ;)

Lyon by night!

The Name Behind The Blog

I get asked quite a lot what the meaning of SassyLassy16up actually is when it comes to ye old blog. And because this question is one that gets frequented by you badasses often I thought I'd just explain myself a little and clear up the confusion.

Public Displays of Affection

We've all been there, we've all seen it and some of us have even envied it. Affection. That sought after emotion we want with another person, to be unapologetically ourselves, around another person and still love and be loved for it!

Romance isn't just sex

Winners Never Quit... Quitters Never Win!

My life is so far from going to plan right now... I had 2 days of calling around French people for some accommodation only to be told I need a French Guarantor, by the time I actually organised it and paid for the pleasure, I found out that Student Finance England (being the stellar organisation that they are) have messed up my loan for the THIRD year running. So I give them my greatest congratulations because it is looking like I won't be going on my year abroad thanks to them.

The Value of Friendship

This year at university has taught me a lot about friendship and how fragile it truly is.
But when it comes to long term friends and crossing that ever important line, do we know when to cut our losses?

Feeling Sassy!

Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good is the most important thing that I've learnt this year! Lately that's what I've been doing and I've really noticed a difference in my personal confidence levels!

The Art of Reinvention, La Belle France and Melvita Times!

How do you manage to settle into your personality when you're still stuck in the toxic situation that changed who you were in the first place?!

Freedom of Speech and Expression

Just wanted a little word about some things we like to call in good old Blighty, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression. Now if you know me, you know I'm not one to take anything lying down. So a few weeks ago a girl I know caused a major shit storm in my life that had some very significant domino effects.

Getting back to the Root of Things!

I touched up my roots on my hair today and it has changed more than just my hair colour!



I'm not one to really wear my heart on my sleeve; I don't usually take a chance on a special someone and I really don't like to leap off the edge and hope free-falling will work out! But actually, I took a chance on just how red my hair would turn out and I love the end result!

I'm a Writer...

I don't know whether you've picked up on this shiz yet-- I know I've pretty much only just realised, but I'm kind of a writer. I love writing. I can sit and write my novel for hours, though typing it up is probably gonna be a royal pain in my ass!

Time Out!

Given some personal circumstances that have been going on, both at home and at uni, I'm gonna be taking some time out. Only for about a week but I think it's important to switch off and unplug in order to stop me from going completely insane! I know how important it is to keep in touch with your friends and those you love but in all seriousness, sometimes you just need some tranquillity and essentially a sanctuary to clear your head of all the drama.

I wish I was going here...

So amigos, I will be back in 1 week with a better frame of mind and a completely badass post. :)

Say NO to Domestic Violence

Me being a feminist, I'm all up for women taking the steps to empowerment. But sometimes, us ladies (and some men) can get into situations that you don't realise are detrimental to your health until the damage has been done.

I have been in this situation, I know people who have been in a similar situation and today on le blog, I just wanted to discuss the warning signs that should show red flags in your relationship, as to whether your partner could go from mental abuse to physical abuse........

We SHOULD talk about it more!

You Give Me Fever...

...And the fever is catching! :P

Now before you start taping up your windows and boarding up the doors, declaring quarantine, I should probably tell you that this fever is a good one to catch. That's right, I'm talking about the Running Bug!!

Treading Water...

So since finishing the Oxford Half Marathon, I've basically been going in a little bit of a downward spiral....

Fast Girls

Ahhh!!!! I'm missing the Olympics!!! Bring back the hype, bring back the positivity for women in sport and BRING BACK THE INSPIRATION!!!!

Oh you KNOW I found you all a little extra inspiration, just in time for the winter slack to set in! The Olympics was MASSIVE this year and this film just summarises exactly what it was all about.

That moment that will take your breath away with inspiration!

Crossing the Finish Line!

So as you all may have read, I had a half marathon in Oxford on the 14th October. Well, I did it!

Let's start from the beginning........

Aren't we a gorgeous bunch?! =D