Through her looking glass.. Fritha Strickland

Wednesday 30 April 2014


I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely lady who appears in today's Looking Glass series last year, for a chat about blogging and motherhood over a Starbucks. Fritha lives fairly close to me in Bristol with her boyfriend and runs an online boutique full of beautiful must haves, writes her ever popular blog Tigerlily Quinn and is a professional illustrator who has worked with some big names, she is also mum to a cute little guy who is always out and about with her on her many travels. I am thrilled to be featuring her on the blog this week and you can find out more about Fritha and her work here.

Question 1
How do you start your day? Can you tell us more about the first 3 things you have to do to get your day started?

I start my day by my two year old shouting from his bedroom that the yellow sun has come up and he is allowed out of bed (thanks to the grow clock!) he then bundles into our beds and Tom (my boyfriend) heads downstairs to make the morning cup of tea and marmite toast. This is actually my favourite time of day out of our whole day. There is no better way to bring a smile to your face at 6.30am!
 
Question 2 
Share your favourite piece of wisdom and why it means something to you.

My mum once snuck a card under my bedroom door after my first love broke my heart. It said 'believe in you, I do, it's true'. It was really out of character for my mum to do so it meant that much more. It was a good reminder that I should always beleive in myself. 
 
Question 3 
What is your go to thing for comfort when it all gets to much?

When I feel overwhelmed sitting down and talking it all through with Tom really helps but things in perspective. If that fails there is always wine.
 
Question 4
Who are the women that inspire you?

My mum inspires me although we are very different and want quite different things in life. She always taught me that being kind and conscious were the most important things in life and both my parents give little value to material items which gave me a good stead for not becoming materialistic myself I think. A blogger that inspires me is Elsie from A Beautiful Mess, I have followed her blog for years and love that with hard work and believing in your dreams you can make anything happen! 
 
Question 5
How do you see yourself and what makes up your sense of identity?  

How I see myself after becoming a mum is so different to how I saw myself prior to motherhood. I think it's given me such confidence and has made me self assured, I have everything I've ever wanted now!
 
Question 6
Do you have a favourite dish or recipe that makes you feel good or gives you a much needed boost?

Mac and Cheese every time..although it doesn't give me boost, more just comfort mmm
 
Question 7
What's challenging you right now?

My toddler breaking down as the car we passed was too blue? Oh terrible twos!
 
Question 8 
Tell us more about your latest or next project.

I'm working with the Huffington Post and HomeSense at the moment with a really exciting project. I got to re-do a reader's living space which was really fun!

Catch up with Fritha and her adventures in fashion, interiors and motherhood at her blog Tigerlily Quinn You can also follow her on...
Twitter: @Tigerlilyquinn
Insatgram: @tigerlilyquinn
Pinterest: Fritha Tigerlily 
Facebook: Tigerlily Quinn



Mondays Moment of Wisdom - Pearl Number 70

Monday 28 April 2014


With the recent passing of my Granny I have been thinking so much about life, and what it stands for.
What does my life stand for? What does your life stand for?
When we die what will they say it stood for?

I'm sounding morbid I know and for most people death and the life we have lead leading up to it is not something that's though about on a daily basis but for me this has been on my mind a lot...

When I reflect back over the years I have have such a mixture of emotions, joy, regret, proud and disappointed, and a bit of frustration thrown in for good measure. The last 5 years have truly been some of the best so far and a time in my life where I have discovered who I really am and what I stand for, I'm finally becoming someone I feel proud of, who I feel is a great role model for my children and someone who's skin I'm getting really comfy in, this is a good start to the rest of my life.

The big question for me though is what do I want to be remembered for, what will be my legacy and with hand on my heart I can tell you I'm really not sure yet however this only serves to make me feel excited and eager to keep moving forward and create something that fills my soul with passion and lifts others along the way. Once upon a time I may have felt lost, isolated or even anxious at this thought but now?
Well, now it seems like a big adventure that I'm just starting, somewhere I can finally see the way forward to, a path in my future.

Getting to grips with what your legacy may be sounds challenging and daunting doesn't it?
Are you really doing something thing or living a life that is true to you?
Today I'm challenging you to have a think about it, what do you want others to remember you for? How do you want to be know for living your life? What lasting memory would you want to leave for your family and friends? Because actually the answers to those questions are not about the future or what someone will stand up and say when you are laid to rest, there actually about how you start living your life, today...

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this today so do leave a comment bellow, thanks!


A little Update...

Friday 25 April 2014


Well I'm popping on today to give a quick update and to apologise for the lack of posting around here lately! 

Firstly I am still so utterly tired from being pregnant and it's really impacting on my productivity, no one told me how hard growing a baby would be when you have one already, running around your feet!

Last week my lovely Granny past away and this has really put the brakes on any kind of normality in our lives, despite her being so poorly and really suffering with dementia it was still something that really put a cloud on the horizon and I have spent a lot time in the last 10 days reminiscing and talking with my mum and thinking about being a mother myself and the value of the life I'm leading, I am glad though that my Granny is now longer suffering and can lay her weary body to rest.

We have though, been able to lift our hearts and spirits this week with a visit to the hospital for our 20 week scan, I am thrilled and relieved to say that my lovely rainbow baby is very healthy indeed and if you hadn't guessed already by the picture, we're having a girl!

My hope now, as things start to settle and my maternity leave gets ever closer, is that I can turn my thoughts, time and creativity back to my other baby, this treasured blog of mine :) 

Through her looking glass... Heather Von St James

Monday 7 April 2014

Heather and her daughter Lilly
  Apart from feeling really cross with myself for not getting this post up last week, I am delighted to introduce you to a lady who I know you will feel just as amazed and inspired by as I am. Heather Von St James is a true survivor and I have had the pleasure to get to know her a little over the last few weeks, Heather contacted me asking if I could help raise awareness of Mesothelioma and the use of Asbestos, Heather lives in America where it is still currently legal to use asbestos which is the cause of the illness she has suffered and fought after being given only 15 months to live. Her story is truly an inspiration and you can read more here
 
Heather has kindly agreed to share her more about her life and her wisdom and is next person to be featured in my  "Through Her Looking Glass.." series, I hope you enjoy today's interview.

Question 1
How do you start your day? Can you tell us more about the first 3 things you have to do to get your day started? 
It depends on the day of the week. On the days my husband works, I get to wake him up at 5:55 am, and then crawl into bed until 7:30. On days he doesn't work, I stay in bed until 7:30 and I then get my kiddo up, love on the dogs and cats. I usually snuggle the kiddo for awhile, then crawl out of bed and start the day. The next thing is, I make beeline to the Keurig coffee maker to brew a strong cup of coffee. I can't function until I have that first sip of steaming coffee. After dropping Lily off at school, I generally take a trip to Starbucks.  That is a typical start to my day. 

Question 2
Share your favourite piece of wisdom and why it means something to you.
''Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death"  It is a quote from my favorite movie, Auntie Mame.  I like it so much I had it tattooed on my left arm- it covers pretty much my entire arm. It really embodies what I think about life. So many people get caught up in the petty small things, that they don't see all that life has to offer them! I take joy in everything. I feel and embrace all my emotion- I laugh, I cry, I love life. I try not to let the trivial things bother me because in the big picture does it really matter if Starbucks messed up my order? No, it's just coffee and can be fixed. It is the way I approach everything. 

Question 3
What is your go to thing for comfort when it all gets to much? 
My bedroom and my bed. It is my refuge. We recently remodeled our bedroom and made it a lovely, airy room. I have a huge, king size bed and I love expensive sheets. When I am having a down day, (yes, they do happen!) I crawl in bed and turn on something funny on TV. I find I usually feel better after awhile.

Question 4
Who are the women that inspire you?
Number one is my Mom. She is one of the most wise, strong, and loving women I know. I admire everything about her. She is who she is because of her tremendous faith. I strive to be more like her. She has a heart as big as all outdoors and is the best role model I could ever ask for. I'm truly blessed to have her as my mom.
Linda Reinstein from The Asbestos Disease awareness Organization is another woman whom I admire to no end. She lost her husband to mesothelioma 8 years ago, and has made it her life's mission to educate people on the dangers of asbestos. She is a mighty powerhouse and am so honored to call her friend. 

Question 5
How do you see yourself and what makes up your sense of identity?  
I wear many hats. But what doesn't change is the person wearing those hats.  I'm a mom. a wife, a survivor, a motivator and inspiration.. I love to help people and really want to make a difference.  My sense of identity ? Hmm.. physically it is my hair, and my tattoos.. I have the trademark white faux hawk, and both arm covered in colorful tattoos.. But what sets me apart is probably my quiet confidence and my ability to tell the truth to people. What you see with me is what you get.. I have no hidden agenda.. but there will always be a part of me that still sees the awkward 8th grader who was a little overweight, had crooked teeth and bad hair when I look in the mirror.. I sometimes surprise myself at what looks back. I'm a bit of a goofball, and try not to take things too seriously. I'm an optimist, and I think that shines through in all I do, 

Question 6
Do you have a favourite dish or recipe that makes you feel good or gives you a much needed boost?
My dad used to make this stuff called sauerkraut bread. It sounds horrible but it is soooo good. You take bread dough, roll it out into a big circle, and on the inside, spread sauerkraut and Italian sausage mixed together, add salt and pepper, roll it up and then bake it. My dad recently passed away, so I need to learn to make it if I ever want it again. 

Question 7
What's challenging you right now?
Dealing with the loss of my Dad. It's still so fresh. He passed away on February 27th, the day after his birthday. He was only 71. He was diagnosed with clear cell renal carcinoma back in November during a surgery to fuse some vertebrae. By the time they found the cancer, it was everywhere. He went very fast, and for that I am thankful, but wow I miss him. There is a huge hole in my life. Everyday is a new emotion surrounding his loss. I'm learning how to deal with it, and I know it will get easier. I do know I'm relieved he is no longer suffering. My dad was loved by many, many people, and I will always cherish those last days that we got to spend together. I was with him, holding his hand when he passed away.

Question 8 
Tell us more about your latest or next project.
Right now, Asbestos Awareness Week is going on, and I am inviting people to donate their social media status to help bring about awareness. Asbestos is still NOT banned in the US and is being imported and used every day. It is so dangerous and causes such suffering. There needs to be stricter regulations on the substance and an all and all ban. That is going on right now.
As far as other future projects, I'm thinking of a book. It is something that has been in the back of my mind for a few years, and perhaps this is the year I decide to actually do it. 
 
You can find out more about Mesothelioma and read Heather's blog at Mesothelioma.com
You can also connect with Heather on Twitter and Google+ and her Facebook page
If you want to know more about Mesothelioma and live in the UK then do check out the Mesothelioma UK website 
 
 I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post and Heather's courageous story so do leave a comment below!