My Top 2012 Top 5 Music Addictions

Since I started doing Through the Night  on Total Radio UK . I realized I had fallen into a music rut. Everyday I read the trade magazines for my show.  I was sticking to the same artists and genres that I was used to. Being a self proclaimed music geek this was a bit disconcerting for me. Aside of the radio station  I've found other artists from facebook artist pages I frequent. Some of them were rediscovered to be honest. I know to some of you have known these artists for years. It was a happy surprise for me to acquire some music addictions this year. I mentioned only 5 but there are many others . Remember to tune in for my Radio Show Through the Night everyday 8pm EST on Total UK Radio. Id be so pleased to have you come by.



Jessie Ware 
 singer song writer signed to PMR records . She hold a English 
literature degree at Sussex University, Brighton . She started out provided backing 
vocals to other artists . Her album Devotion hit in August of 2012 . She is big in the 
UK is starting to hit the United States. So keep your eyes and ears open for Jessie 
Ware 




Lady Cylew
"A taste for the dark but beautiful. A voice that will not leave indifferent, striking and penetrating the pores. This deep and haunting chemistry created by the lyrics to the melodies, mixed and fixed in melancholia bears each song with it's own life and identity that will echo in the listeners ear. CyLeW's music is a window into emotions, a passage through the grim an ugly, the sad but attractive." ( via http://www.reverbnation.com/cylew ) 
Keep your eyes out for this artist she is amazing 





Julian Lennon
Everything Changes the acclaimed album by Julian Lennon will be available for world wide release in early 2013 . Lennon just came off a successful exhibit of his Photography called "Alone" at the Art Basel in Miami. Lennon also provided the backing vocals for Aerosmiths new Album  “Music From Another Dimension!”  on the track " LUV XXX" If you lost touch with Julian in the 80's this is a great time to rediscover this constantly evolving artist. Visit his website to view his Photography collections , Charities , brand new webstore . http://www.julianlennon.com/


Gregory Darling

" Much of ‘Coloured Life’, the new album by Gregory Darling, is so instantly memorableit suggests that Darling is wired into some illegal song-writing machine. And when Darling sings “I’m gonna take the ride of my life/Take my mind up to the sky” on ‘Ride Of My Life’- the first single to be taken from the album – you know he is emoting with some kind ofauthority. Back when popular music was a tangible threat to the establishment, Darlingnotoriously turned down countless record deals (£1.5 million from EMI/SBK and even more lucrative offers from A & M, RCA and Capitol Records) and ‘Ride Of My Life’ surely documents  his synopsis and yet proves something else: a pure blast of classic, euphoric popular music is what the world’s been waiting for 

 ( Via / Bio  http://www.gregory-darling.com/bio/ )  

Emeli Sande

"Emeli Sandé, is a soul and R&B recording artist and songwriter signed to Virgin 
Records. A former medical student, Sandé appeared as a guest vocalist on Professor 
Green's 2011 UK #1 single Read All About It and soon went on to achieve her own 
chart success with her first solo release Heaven, which debuted in the UK Singles Chart at 
#2. Her debut album Our Version of Events was released on 12th February 2012. "  

( Via Guardian UK ) 



Gaz Coombes 

"Gareth Michael "Gaz" Coombes (born 8 March 1976 in Oxford) is an English musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the English alternative rock band, Supergrass. He first entered the music scene aged sixteen as the lead singer of the band The Jennifers which featured Supergrass band mate Danny Goffey. Gaz was noticeable for his large sideburns during the 1990s." 

Trend Spotting : Elephant Poop Coffee ( Black Ivory )

My niece calls this blog Poop Trash Beauty. She is 4 years old so her fascination with poop is warranted . My friend Lizzete post an article on my facebook wall a couple of weeks ago .  Saying the new trend in coffee was elephant poop coffee . This inst the first time we have had potty talk on this blog . I wrote about the Nightingale poop facial years back and was invited to NYC to give it try. Then the urine perfume of weeks back. Im digressing my love of coffee is known by my readers, friends and family so lets get the scoop on this new trend . The pun was intended for your amusement .

We have to remember the past cat poop coffee that was all the rage of the coffee elite a few years back. This coffee was sold at 250 dollars a pound. Though it looks as if the elephant has stolen the spotlight . It is only available at exclusive resorts as of now. It retails for 30-50 dollars a cup. The reason for the price is the labor intensive process that goes into harvesting the beans. They pull the beans from the dung and process them. The elephants do eat coffee beans naturally in times of drought. It isn't uncommon for them to frequent coffee plantations to feed upon the arabica beans.

"BLACK IVORY COFFEE uses 100% Thai Arabica beans. Arabica beans contain approximately 1% caffeine. In contrast, Robusta beans contain double that amount. Green coffee beans have quite an amazing design as shell of the bean acts as a prote​ctive barrier to the coffee oils that are inside. Further, in order to extract the caffeine, heat is necessary. This is why coffee is roasted at roughly 200C and brewed at 93C. Adding further security for the elephant is the skin and pulp of the coffee bean. Blood work has been completed by independent veterinarians to confirm that there has been no harm to the elephants. An elephant veterinarian is also on-site at the the production site full-time." ( via brandchannel.com) 

My question is this would you partake in this luxe coffee trend ?

Holiday Greetings Beauties

Holiday Greeting 

Over the past three years in writing this blog. I am always amazed at the miracles that seem to happen every year. 

I would like to thank all of you for your loyalty over the years.

I wish all of you a happy , healthy , holiday season . I will be always thankful for each and everyone one of you.  

I feel the Mayans said that our world would end . I feel it did and that just maybe in 2013 we will see changes in our world for the betterment of mankind . I want to remind all of you to keep on shining brightly for you are beautiful each and everyone of you as you are now . 

Warmest Wishes 

Tracey Jolene Whitney

Last Minute Gifts for the Women in your life

Youd be surprised to know that allot of men read PTB. Some of my friends husbands, boyfriends, domestic life partners ask me what to get there significant other for Christmas. I will give you a small list of a few things that won't have you in the dog house . In this post I will give you ideas on the filler gifts not so much the big ticket items. We all know Jewelery always a win in the stocking . Here are some thoughtful gifts that will have your partner surprised and shocked. Its weird that the single cat lady gets asked for this advice but I do .

Something named Glam Glove is a no no
Its saying here clean my house but look cute 

Things you should avoid 
I will add a disclaimer on this one for times have changed. If your significant other is a foodie or domestic diva , Fitness buff some of this isn't applicable

• Cleaning products such as the above mentioned not advised 
• Don't  guess her size look at her clothes or ask her friends . Guys tend to guess a size up and if you don't want tears or " You think I'm that big "  then do your homework . If your clueless then look at the brands she wears regularly buy a gift card for that merchant. 
• Pots . Pans , cleaning machines, dish towels ,  she is not only your partner but lover not your maid so let her feel like a beautiful women. 
• Exersize equipment , work out DVD's , membership to weight watchers  you see where I am going with this . If she is into fitness or weight watchers member go for it .Or has hinted that she wants one of these above mentioned . If you get a health club membership get one for yourself and say you want to do it together. This area of gifts could cause some tears even though your trying to help . It may come across as you don't desire her any longer. 

Gifts that Rock 

Nail polish partnered with a gift card  for
 spa  mani / pedi or  Sephora

Victoria's Secret  get her a cute gift set with a gift card . Women always need bra's and underwear
If you pick something out go with her sizes the shop women are good about helping men. Though be careful that you
don't end up buying something sexy because it could be taken as. " oh this is a gift for you"

Cofffee / Tea
If she is an avid coffee tea or coffee drinker . You cant go wrong  with
gift sets mugs and accessories in this area . Gift card with the chosen
gift makes for a perfect accent especially for a busy women on the run

Photos :  Allot of photo places at Wallmart , CVS , Target
Have wonderful photo gifts that can be ready the same day
take pictures of her facebook or from albums. Make , Calendars, Mugs , Iphone covers right on line
pick them up in store in as little as 24 to 48 hours . Its thoughtful and she'll love it

If she believes in a charity go to there webstore and purchase and item.
It will be a thoughtful gift for your supporting the causes she does

http://julianlennon.firebrandstore.com/white-feather-foundation-logo-shopper-bag-black



Here is a video to cover what I didn't cove

Dear Santa

Id like to thank my internet family for all your love and prayers on the passing of my grandmother this past week. My family and I take great comfort in them all. I miss her dearly but know she is at peace.

When I began this holiday season I believed that Christmas miracles still happen even if your an 37 unemployed cat lady such as I . I already have been blessed with a few which have taken me by surprise and reignited my faith in believing to keep moving on . This blog has been such a blessing in so many ways I can't even put into words how much it means to me. How having all of you in my life has made even the most hopeless of times more bearable. So with this I write a grown up letter to Santa Claus ( its weird but so am I , I think you know this by now)

Dear Santa
 I write to you in the wee hours of the morning with a lot on my mind. A few days ago a horrific tragedy took 20 beautiful children from the world. I hope you send there families and the world healing. I also hope that this ignites gun control laws to go into effect. We shouldn't loose anymore children adults to violence. I ask that you put peace , healing , change on your sled for the world.  I hope that you also put some food for the hungry on your sled. When so many of us are worried about gaining those holiday pounds from abundance. That we share that with our neighbors so they shall not be hungry. I also hope that they have warm jackets in this winter chill. If you'd be so kind to also put some change and action on your sled for the marine animals that are being slaughtered during this time in senseless killing. One of them the dolphin who was known to have saved many men at sea. Also protection for all the animals that are being hunted by man for sport , fur , bush meat. Please send protection for the forests across the world . That are being torn down in the name of resources that can be found elsewhere. Also put sustainability on your sled for the world so there may be clean drinking water , food , shelter and medicine for those in need. If you have room could you add some jobs for us who need to support ourselves in this world. So we shall be able to be independent and productive members of society again. Also resources for the many who have lost there homes and business's to natural disaster. I think your sled may be quite full by now . I know there are so many other things the world needs. I was going to ask for a job, novelty tea kettle and new jammies though I thought these needs were more urgent .

Sincerely

Tracey

Pop Culture : The Elf on the Shelf

My niece and nephew got an elf on the shelf this year . As there mom and I talked we tried to figure out where he came from . So for those of you who don't what Elf on the Shelf is here is an introduction . I want to say being the imaginative child I was. This would have freaked me out an elf watching me. My niece and nephew take this seriously .

Once everyone goes to bed, the elf flies back to the North Pole to report back to Santa about what activities, good and bad, took place throughout the day. Before the family wakes up each night, the scout elf flies back from the North Pole and hides. By hiding in a new spot each morning around the house, the scout elf and the family play an on-going game of hide and seek. The Elf on the Shelf explains that elves get their magic by being named. In the back of each book, families have an opportunity to write their elf's name and the date that they adopted it. Once the elf is named, the scout elf receives its special Christmas magic which allows it to fly to and from the North Pole. However, the magic might go if touched, so the rule for The Elf on the Shelf states: "There's only one rule that you have to follow so I will come back and be here tomorrow: Please do not touch me. My magic might go, and Santa won't hear all I've seen or I know." Although families aren't supposed to touch their scout elf, they can talk to it and tell it all their Christmas wishes so it can report back to Santa accurately. On Christmas Day the elf will leave for the rest of the year until Thanksgiving comes.

So enter in the parents of the children. Who maybe after a couple of glasses of wined decide that they will have some fun of there own with the elf. I seriously have been laughing at the scale of the photos that have been popping up in my facebook feed . Even on Total Radio UK we have been having a good time showing these photos and our listeners love them. So Id like to share some the most creative I have found . Wonder what the kids will say when there older and find out what there parents did to there beloved elves  

Random Life Post : Our Deepest Fear

 I was in a friends car about 5 years back. She had a binder full of papers that blew open . One purple sheet landed on my lap it was ' Our Deepest Fear " by Mariana Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles . 

I have had a rough time of it lately to be honest. One thing that always brought me comfort was this writing . So I thought Id share with you using pictures between the text. This is something I need to affirm for myself. So maybe it will bring you some comfort in whatever life challenge , Fear or success in your life 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. 

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.





This song always comforts me . " Im a poster girl with no poster"

Julian Lennon " Alone " Photography Exhibit

Source: zimbio.com via Tracey on Pinterest

Julian Lennon is currently in Miami for Art Basel at two venues promoting is eagerly anticipate photo exhibit " Alone " . Lennon is a photographer in his own right.
 If you can't make it to Miami then no worries. Julian launched the his photography website just this week. We will provide a link JulianLennonPhotography.com .  

Source: zimbio.com via Tracey on Pinterest

We haven't been given required permissions to post pictures of his art . Though a visit to the website will allow you to take a journey though his collections. It is truly inspiring to see the evolution of his
work over the years. I like the way that each picture sucks you into its world. Rockstars and even Rocks ( Quartz Crystals)  are captured in a beautiful light. My favorite currently is " Blaze " from the Alone collection. I encourage you to take a look at this beautiful body of work. Here is Lennon doing in an interview at the Art Basel .


( Thank you to Shelly Williams for finding this video for us )
There is no slowing down for this Artist . Please go to JulianLennon.com for information on his exhibits. Details on how to purchase pieces. Also his webstore became active at the end of October so if
you have a Julian Lennon fan on your holiday shopping list check it out. The very t-shirt Lennon is wearing in his interview is offered in his webstore

Freaky Holiday Gifts : Urine Perfume

Source: odditycentral.com via Tracey on Pinterest

 



If you have that person on your holiday list who has everything. You will shock and amaze them with Urine perfume. Attach a card saying Merry Pissmas ( pardon the pun couldn't help it )  . You think I'm kidding, yet I am not the perfume is real it is called Cherry Tree . The creation of conceptual artist Cherry Tree. I pulled an excerpt from an article she gave The Huffington Post .

"Conceptual artist Cherry Tree has a scent of mystery about her. And the smell of urine. Her urine. And it's intentional.For the last five years, Tree, who splits time between Missouri and Spain, has been turning her own urine into perfume."I am very much into recycling," Tree, born Charity Blansit, told AOL Weird News. "And urine is something I've thought needs to be recycled, since it's something that gets eliminated."It's a whiz of an idea and one that Tree was inspired to turn into a reality in 2006."It was the first morning after a full moon," she said. "And I decided to collect my urine in a perfume bottle."At first, Tree's concept was only to collect urine after each full moon."I was fascinated by how the smell changes depending on what you eat," she said. "For instance, it smells really good after you eat a lot of honey and it smells terrible after eating chicken." ( Via The Huffington Post /David Moye  ) 

 I have to say in researching this piece I found Perfume made out of poop also. I think I'm alset with the potty perfume market. Though you must admit youd be the talk of all your friends and family if you showed up with this gem.

Santa Baby perfume baby you got some pee perfume for me

Makeup Look : Missy Mistletoe

I used an old photo filter on this picture. I wanted to give the look an old
Christmas card look

I have been channeling my ghosts of Christmas past lately to forge forward. This post is going to be reminiscent of old school PTB. I decided to name this look after Missy Mistletoe the misfit daughter of Santa Clause. She hangs on the island of misfit toys. She doesn't fit in with the Clauses. Missy is not Jolly she is sassy ( if you even knew the geekish delight I'm taking in writing this ) Her sisters are all tall thin with beautiful manes of white hair . Missy is short curvy a bit arty with short brown hair. She never fits in she stands out.

Start with a clean face

conceal dark areas, blemishes , redness
then apply foundation 

we will be using the Tokidoki Bastardio quad

I apply the lightest color across your lid then the next shimmer .
I do this so when I apply the dark green it will appear more brilliant
I place the first application of the green on my lid .
Then cut my crease with the dark brown . I apply  the shadow in a defined line .

I take a large eye shadow brush and blend out the lines
using wind sheild wiper and circular motions . I will keep
adding green until it is at the darkness I am looking for

I add liquid liner thickly to my lids. I want nice thick bold lines
you can apply to your liking . I add mascara then the eye is complete

I apply a plumb lip liner fushia pink lipstick