Within the space of 24 hours, I travelled to two locations which were complete and utter polar opposites. The first on being the vibrant and highly cultured city of Liverpool, and the second being the tranquil and quaint village of Hayfield.

Although I have already uploaded a post on Wednesday (you can find it here), I have absolutely fallen in love with blogging and just thought I'd tap out a quick post on what I have been up to this past week.

The October Holidays - the Fallon's favourite half term. The previous school term honestly felt like it dragged on forever, and I don't think I've felt happiness like it when last Thursday came around, signifying a week of relaxing, re-cooperating and expectations of getting a tonne of work done (which most definitely has not happened ... please tell me I'm not the only one!!??).

It has since become tradition that every half term we visit a different city, and this year we decided to go to Liverpool. Although an overnight stay is usually on the cards, the hotels were completely booked up - which we later learned was due to the football being on.

This aside, we knew we had limited time, so we sure as hell made the most of it! A tour on an open top bus, - which resulted in me realising that I most definitely do not suit the windswept look (my 'My Little Pony' wooly hat managed to conceal my crazy barnet just a tad) - was followed by lunch at Pizza Express, which Alice took great joy in repeatedly reminding us that she works there - we get the message, yeah -  and then we were let loose on the shops.

There's no denying that I love visiting new cities, exploring their surroundings and seeing what they have to offer. I love the vibrant buzz of life that they encompass, and how the occupants seem to flee from all directions - with places to be, things to do and people to see.

One of my all time favourite things to do is people watch (I'm not a weirdo, I promise ...). There's something so relaxing about sitting down in a busy area and watching the people who rush past you, completely unaware of your existence. I find the concept that every person we pass on the street has their own story and leads a life that we are so blissfully unaware of so interesting, and sometimes when we sit and just watch we become that step closer to figuring all of that out.

Looking at what people are wearing is another reason I like to people watch, as it really brings to my attention just how diverse we all are as individuals. In the space of just 10 seconds, I saw so many different styles and cultures pass where I was sitting - which I always find both fascinating and liberating to see. I love that people can express themselves and everything they stand for through what they wear and how they present themselves, and it truly makes me happy when people do that.

So, now onto the countryside. I love nature, and I love going for walks, but somehow I can't help but feel like I could never settle down and reside there. The quietness is comforting for a while, yet after a while it begins to become ever so slightly harrowing. Although, any time my sister and I go anywhere - it becomes anything but quiet ... Wow, does that girl annoy me. (only joking sissy xx)

That being said, switching off from everything for a while and being in the fresh air never fails to soothe me. Having limited signal and no wifi at all seems to be a modern day horror story - we become so dependent on technology that we sometimes find it difficult to go on without it. I really want to work on switching off my phone for at least a couple of hours a day, as I find myself being so much more productive and less distracted whenever I do this.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this extra post ... I'm feeling so motivated with this blogging malarky, and would LOVE to know if you have anything you'd like me to write about!

See you on Wednesday!

Love, 
Grace x

When I was between the age of 11 to 15, I was completely obsessed with what people thought of me. How I viewed myself was based entirely on other people's opinions and whenever I heard that someone had said something nasty about me, it would utterly destroy me - my self esteem would plummet and it would take me a while and a whole lot of strength to stand back on my own two feet again. Looking back on it now, I can't help but question what it was that made me feel this way - as though the opinion of others was more important than my own, and thinking about it completely baffles me.

I've touched on this in my 'Why do we find it impossible to love ourselves' post (here), but the pressures that we, and I say this from a teenage perspective, face on a daily basis are just extraordinary. In a world where we're told to 'love ourselves', yet slated for being vain, it seems as though you have to show a measured amount of a certain characteristic, yet if you either exceed or fail to meet the limit then you will be denounced. It's a constant, vicious cycle yet I find that the less you care, then the happier you will be.

I'm not too sure if it's just coincidence, but since starting up my blog again I've noticed how much I've grown in confidence. I remember when I first published the 'Finding Happiness Again' post (here) and I had to turn my phone off for a couple of hours because I was honestly terrified about how other people were going to respond to it. Something I've always been very worried about is looking as though I'm demanding sympathy or attention - which I hope you all know is definitely not the case. I want to share my experiences, yet not because I want you to feel sorry for me - but because I want you to see how I have learnt and evolved from them.

So, going back to what I was talking about before, (sorry, but you should know by now that I tend to ramble on with myself) once I worked up enough courage to actually go on Instagram, which is where I first 'advertised' that post, the biggest amount of relief washed over me - people actually enjoyed it! I have received the most amazing amount of support with every single blog post that I do, and every message I get puts the biggest smile on my face ... I honestly don't think I can explain how happy it makes me. Also, that post is going to be (!!!) published (!!!) in a magazine at my local church - my first published article, something that I have been dreaming of for a very very very long time! That may not seem like a big deal to people, but it honestly means the world to me.

Doing things that scare you or make you nervous usually turn out to be the best things you ever do. However, even if it does all go a bit tits up, then you can learn and move forward from that and therefore see what you would do differently next time. What's the worst that could happen?

There's a very fine line between confidence and arrogance, and that's one that I'm always careful not to cross. Yes, people's opinions don't bother me entirely, but I'm never going to be one of those people who are downright rude and nasty towards others and careless about the consequences that then develop. I mean it more in the sense that I can be who I want, wear what I want, write what I want and say what I want because I know that that's who I am. If people like it, then that's great, but if they don't - then I'm not going to lose any sleep because of it.

I know people who can't even deal with someone looking at them in a weird way and, in all honesty, I used to be one of those people. If someone would laugh or whisper in close proximity to where I was, I would assume it was at my expense, and that would, without a doubt, ruin my day/week/month/year/life. Now if I notice someone doing that, it doesn't even cross my mind ... if they are laughing at me, then they have ever single right to do so - I'm a right idiot and I laugh at myself anyway so they're just saving me a job.

Being opinionated isn't being bitchy, and I don't think I can stress that enough. I find it very difficult to sit and agree with someone's opinions when I know in my heart that I completely disagree with them. If I don't like something, I WILL say it and, if I'm completely honest, it's written all over my face anyway. I definitely struggle to conceal how I'm feeling - which I guess is both a blessing and a curse. At the end of the day, not everyone is going to agree with everything, and no matter what is considered the 'social norm', if you don't agree with it, then I think you should speak up. Nothing is ever going to change if you sit down and wait for it to happen because you're too worried about how other people are going to perceive you.

You will never meet the same stranger twice, remember that. If you're too scared to have fun or act like an idiot in public, then just remember that there's a very slim chance that you will ever see these people again ... unless, say, it was at the school which you attend every day (and even so, I'm sure there's waaaaaay more drama going on than just silly old you being a bit of a weirdo). If you have goals and ambitions, you shouldn't hold them off because you are scared of how others are going to take it. At the end of the day, and please excuse the cringe here, you are in control of your own destiny so you have every single right to live your life the way you want to. By doing this blog, I am that one step closer to achieving my dreams and I am honestly so glad that I bit the bullet and clicked the 'publish' button when I did. Having this space is so important to me, and you know what - I'm proud of it. I don't want to be ordinary, passive or boring - in all honesty I want to make an impact, and I know that in order to do this then you need to put yourself out there. Opportunities don't just come running to you, you have to go and find them yourself.

To sum everything up, I just wanted to say that no other opinion of you is more important than your own. If you are happy with who you are and what you're doing, then everything else simply doesn't matter.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and I'll see (?/speak?/write to?) you next week!

Love,
Grace x

It's that time of year again, when it seems like summer was a million years ago and you are currently drowning in school work. UCAS application forms, coursework drafts, EPQ research and revision are all looming above us, acting as a constant reminder that we ALWAYS have something we need to be doing.

Now I'm not going to lie, I'm usually a very relaxed and chilled out person, but once I get stressed there is absolutely no going back. I'll burst into tears at any given moment, find it difficult to go to sleep at night and have constant stress headaches which make my eyes feel heavy and sore.

When asking people what kind of blog posts people would like to see, I got a fabulous suggestion asking me to write about 'How to destress'.

Obviously, I'm no expert on this subject - I'm a 17 year old girl and not trained in this field whatsoever - but over the years I have definitely learnt a few ways to cope when I'm feeling like my head is going to explode because of how many things I need to do.

So, lets get into it ... shall we?

1) Organisation
I personally think this is the most important one. If you keep yourself organised then there is definitely a noticeably smaller chance of you getting stressed. To do this, I have a planner where I write down all the things I need to do, and when they need to be done for. I know that a lot of people reading this tend to just take pictures of the homework that they need to do, and I used to do that too - but how many times have you forgotten to look at your phone and realised last minute that you have a piece of work due? I honestly think that is one of the worst feelings ever. (I've realised that that makes me sound like such a huge nerd, and obviously it's not the end of the world if you haven't done a piece of work, but that panicky feeling you get when you haven't done something that you really needed to is just horrendous ... in my opinion anyway).

Writing lists of what you need to do on that specific day is also a very good way of staying organised (my mum taught me this trick :D). I always find that once you've written down all your tasks, then it doesn't seem half as much as you thought you needed to do when they were circling round inside your head. Ticking off the chores after you've done them is so satisfying, and also so rewarding when you've reached the end of the list and you know that you can spend the rest of the evening just relaxing and doing whatever you want to do.

Keeping your folders organised is also oddly satisfying. Being highly stressed anyway, and then trying to find a piece of work in your giant mess of a folder is certainly not a good combination - and one that, for me, usually results in tears. Making sure that all the work you've done that day is slotted into the right section of your folder will make it easier to locate and make it so much easier when you come to revise that topic for your exams. (the dreaded 'e' word). I'd love to say that I consolidate my notes every week and produce beautiful revision notes - but I'm going to be completely honest and tell you that just doesn't happen. However, when you have any free time (which is a rarity, lets be honest) that would be useful to do as it lifts a huge weight off your shoulders, and makes you feel like you've been very efficient.

Again, something else I learnt from my mum, is the expression 'tidy room, tidy mind'. Whenever I'm working in a space that is clear with everything is in the right place, I always feel a lot more organised. I tend to do my work at either the kitchen table or at a desk, mainly because I know that if I sit on my bed or in my room doing it I feel way more tempted to go on my phone or browse the internet. Keeping my room spotless is something that I am trying to work on, because it's so annoying when I come upstairs after having done a couple of hours of work to find that I now have to tidy my room in order to be able to relax later on. Once everything is tidy, I feel that I am more in control and on top of things.

2) Make time to do what you want to do
When you're submerged in an endless plethora of work, it can seem like there will never be any time for you to go out with your friends, or even watch a TV show that you've been wanting to watch for a long time. Something that particularly heightens my stress levels is when I get bored of just sitting inside and doing work, and begin to long for the life that I had before A levels began (I guess some would call me dramatic). Taking breaks in between doing work is completely necessary, and is actually proven to improve your concentration for when you go back to doing the work. When I was revising for my GCSE exams, I used to make revision timetables where I would be revising all day every day - which looking back on it now, really wasn't healthy. If there's something that you really want to do on a particular day, they schedule your work around it - as, at the end of the day, you'll probably regret it if you don't do it.

On weekdays, I always leave at least an hour and a half to do things I want to do other than work. Usually this entails making a green tea and watching either a few episodes of The Vampire Diaries or browsing YouTube for Benedict Cumberbatch videos (I'm not even sorry). Can we please just have a moment of silence for this one. Also, I have recently starting going back to the gym again, which I found one of the best ways to combat stress. Usually I blast my music (in my headphones so no one knows that I'm actually listening to JLS) and channel all my stress into the work out. Also, side note, I'm definitely not a fitness expert and have about as much muscle as a twig but that lets just ignore that part.

3) Breathe
I feel like this one is really weird, but does anyone get so wound up that they actually forget to breathe? (Please say that it isn't just me, otherwise that would be extremely awkward).  For other weirdo's like myself, I found an fabulous app which always helps when I'm feeling extra stressed and wound up called 'Calm'. When you first download it, it'll ask you what your three main goals are - so for example, I put 'reduce stress', 'improve focus' and 'better sleep' and you can then either click the option to go on the free '7 days of calm' program or some unguided/guided meditation. The woman's voice is so calming, and after I listen to it I definitely feel a lot more relaxed - it's amazing what just some guided breathing can do. It also reminds me of when we used to do yoga at primary school, and after we'd done the five minutes of relaxation at the end people used to fall asleep - which is something that still makes me laugh, almost 7 years later, when I think about it. (I really need to get a life, don't I?)

Well, that's all for now, but I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helps in any way that it possibly can. If anyone would like to offer any suggestions for what they'd like to see a post on, then I would love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading.
Love,
Grace x

Last year my family and I completed the Twilight Walk in Chester which is run by The Brain Tumour Charity, and were even more determined to complete it again this year. (Find last years blog post here).

 

For weeks I had been worrying about doing this walk, as I knew that this year it would be especially tough (..emotionally, as physically it wasn't a humongous challenge - yet I'm certain my Uncle Paul will disagree). The thing is, you can tell yourself countless times that you're going to be strong, yet sometimes your emotions really do just get the better of you. You can't prepare yourself for anything, which is a lesson I have learnt this year, and you never know when your grief is going to hit you.

I think what got me so upset was the fact that I was surrounded by people who have been affected by brain tumours - either they had been personally affected themselves, or they had watched someone they love and admire fight this strenuous battle. A room filled with pain, grief and heartbreak, but the atmosphere was just indescribable. The strength that all of the people taking part in the walk had was tremendously inspirational, and I was honoured to be walking amongst them.

Now, lets move on from the doom and gloom - because that's not what this blog is about. Positive thinking and making the best of things is what I want to encompass here ... so let's begin.

I mention this is pretty much every single post, but I can't stress the importance of it enough. The people you surround yourself with can either make or break you. My fantastic friends and family joined me in Chester and I genuinely could not be more grateful that they were there. Their support is endless, and they can make me laugh and smile even when I feel like that isn't even possible.

Chester is a beautiful, beautiful place and luckily the weather stayed clear for about 90% of the walk - apart from a 15 minute blast of rain, which all added to the fun. Walking and talking made the stroll feel like it lasted about .23422 seconds, but mainly because I was surrounded by such lighthearted and hilarious conversation (which I wish I could transcribe here, but it's far too rude).

A rainbow appeared in the sky, and I know for a fact that it was all of our loved ones looking down on us with a smile (and perhaps a laugh due to the fact that we were soaked through). I know for a fact that Georgina is going to be getting angry at this point, so I would just like to clarify that she did give me her raincoat, and it was very much appreciated! What are best friends for, hey?

At the end of the walk we were cheered on by the many amazing volunteers who had given up their Sunday to help make this event possible. The way they encouraged you was as if you had walked Kilimanjaro, which the way my Uncle acted after the walk was finished - you would've thought we did. 'Can we get a taxi home?' was amongst the reoccuring whining but, like a true Fallon, he eventually built up enough strength to proceed with the five minute journey home (on foot!!!) and I am immensely proud of him.

Free coffee and cake, and a live band was blasting fantastic renditions of absolute BANGERS was waiting for us at the venue and finish the evening off perfectly ... However, I am slightly disappointed that Abba wasn't covered, but I guess Bon Jovi made up for that!

(Excuse the shocking quality... and language - Alice aka Potty Mouth)

To round this off, a day which started with immense sadness finished with copious amounts of joy and laughter, and I am determined to volunteer to help out at this event next year. I would just like to thank everybody who walked in memory of Luke, and also the volunteers who made the Twilight Walk possible. I cannot begin to express my gratitude, and am looking forward to seeing you next year!

Love,

Grace x

I have been asked so many times 'What inspires you to write?', and aside from the obvious answer - which is because I genuinely LOVE it and am so passionate about it, another reason is because I am surrounded by such inspiration - and I feel like I have to create something in order to celebrate it. There are so many inspirational people in my life, and I genuinely would not be the person I am today without them. 

In terms of role models, I definitely have my fair share. 

I wanted to do this post so I could share with you the people who inspire me most in the world, and I believe it would help you get to know me and understand me better ... and that's a good thing, right?

So, lets start with an obvious one. I'm pretty sure I earn a few giggles here - as anyone who knows me knows that I am completely and utterly infatuated by this man... 

1) Benedict Cumberbatch

I remember the first time I watched Sherlock. I was sat in the living room with my mum and dad, and this gorgeous face popped up on the screen - and despite my mum shouting 'oh God he's pig ugly', I fell in love (thanks for ruining that precious moment, Lynne). This man is honestly the most talented actor, in my opinion, and his role in The Imitation Game is verging on perfection. What particularly inspires me about him is the level of intelligence he has. He always strives for greatness and works extremely hard to get what he wants - qualities which I'm certainly working on. If I ever had the pleasure of meeting him, which I hope that one day I will, I know for a fact that I would be an absolute hysterical MESS (and I pray that no one ever has to witness that). 

Don't we just look fabulous together?

2) Tavi Gevinson

If I'm completely honest, it was only a couple of weeks ago that I discovered Tavi Gevinson - but since watching her Ted Talk 'A teen just trying to figure it out', I have been hooked. Everything about her, from her style to her beliefs to her achievements are things which I just find so inspiring. At the age of 11 she created a fashion blog called 'The Style Rookie' and has since gone on to achieve such amazing things. Her style has always been unique, and she is definitely not afraid to be herself. I remember an interview when she said if someone at school was cruel about an outfit she was wearing, she would come in the next day wearing something even weirder. This most certainly paid off as, at 13, she was invited to sit on the Front Row at Fashion Week - which caused some controversy, yet didn't phase her at all. When she was 15 she set up her own web based magazine aimed at teenage girls called RookieMag.com, and has also tried a stunt at journalism - writing for major publications such as Elle Magazine. As an aspiring journalist myself, Tavi Gevinson is someone who I look up to massively. If I am a fraction as successful as she is by the age of 20, I would be the happiest person alive.  

3. Victoria Beckham
I feel like people are going to read this third one and be like 'What? She's a right moody b**ch'. Well, people, let me tell you - I completely aspire to be like this woman (I would smile a bit more though). Pop star turn designer, she is a very successful and dedicated business woman. Aside from that, she is a huge style icon of mine. Her classy and minimalistic outfits are an utter favourite of mine - and it amazes me how she can throw on the most basic items and create something extraordinary. I would LOVE to own something from her clothing range, but unfortunately a part time job just doesn't cover that sort of price tag (I'm dreaming though..). I would absolutely love to spend a day as Victoria Beckham, but I'm unsure as to whether I would be a fan of the 6am starts - but if I get to wake up to David Beckham I think that'll suffice.

4. My family
There is no way on Earth that I could write this post and not include the most influential people in my life - my amazing family. I am lucky enough to have a very close knit family, and am definitely my happiest when I am with them. My sister is honestly my rock, and is the strongest person I know. She is the most intelligent person I have ever met (and most annoying, but that's another story) and I know that she could do absolutely anything she sets her mind to. However, she has a massive issue with common sense, and asks the stupidest questions I have ever heard in my life, but it does make me laugh a lot so I guess it's all good.

I am lucky enough the have the most amazing parents I could ever wish for. The amount they do for us is just insane, and I don't think I could ever get to thank them enough. My mum is the most organised person I know, and always inspires me to keep things in order (let's not mention my bedroom though) and whenever I'm stressed, sad, angry or anything - she is the first person I want to speak to. My dad is the solver of all my problems, and always talks sense into me when I need it. I would be completely lost without them, and if I am half as great of a parent as they are to me, then I know I'll be fantastic. (... although the thought of having a child really does not appeal to me, sorry Mum - the 'granny draw' may never be given to the next generation).

Luke, I simply could not write this and not include you in it. I love to imagine that you're reading all of these blogs, as it was you who inspired me to create this site. Whenever I wanted to do something, yet had doubts about it, you always pushed me to just do it, and I'll never be able to thank you for that. You taught me to be happy and smiley, regardless of what is going on, and I am such a better person because of it. I hold you so dearly, my gorgeous brother, and I can't wait until we meet again. I'm eternally grateful for the light you injected in all of our lives, and what you taught us. 'Forever and always'.

So, there you go. A little insight to my biggest inspirations, who have impacted me in so many ways. Thank you so much for reading, and I'll see you next Wednesday!

Love, 
Grace x