There is an Elf on My Shelf (Cat Lady Edition )

About two years ago my niece and nephew called me with excitement!! 

Niece : Auntie we have an Elf on the Shelf !! ( squealing)

Me: is that a new toy ? 

Niece : He is a little guy that came to our door, that watches us for Santa all day , plays pranks on us. He is freaking my brother out . 

Me: I think I'm freaked out honey ? 

Niece : Mommy will tell you about it ( disgusted at my lack of elf knowledge) 

So there and then I was educated on the history of the Elf on the Shelf . They have been around for years but being a childless cat lady I didn't know. ( only one cat to be clear)  I wondered why my friends were posting pics of elves taped to walls and having tea parties with Iron Man .

 The following weekend I was over the kids house for dinner and doing some Christmas preparation with " Santa" ( late night gift wrapping and tagging sessions . When I became entrusted with the moving of the Elf . I didn't take this lightly for I know we'd post it to Facebook in the morning. Plus my two little critics would have to be impressed. Even though they wouldn't know it was me. 

My very first Elf on the Shelf Minion Collaboration

Well that year my family got me a Elf on the Shelf for my cat. The following year my niece would find out I had one. She was so excited that our elves would be best friends . We could send each other pictures.

 This morning at 6 am sharp I got a text from her mom . Ummm your niece wants to know if you're elf came  to your house last night . She wanted me to FaceTime so she could experience it with me ( yes the cuteness factor even that early is something I treasure)  I ran and pulled out of the Christmas box and staged it. Hanging my elf from my coffee mug rack Now for the next 4 weeks . 

I'll get to talk to one of my favorite humans everyday. It seems that kids grow up so fast these days. The fact that we get to have this time. The world is in such chaos and gloom. It's comforting to know each morning. I get to check in with someone who's childlike optimism will remind me that there is good in the world. Most of all hope for a brighter future. 

PTB Book Report : Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstien

Carrie Brownstein is known by many from the Emmy Peabody Award-winning satirical comedy TV Series Portlandia on IFC. She is a founding member of the iconic Riot Grrl band, Sleater Kinney. Brownstein just penned her first memoir " Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl a Memoir "  released on October 27th has received some very rave reviews. 

I binge-read the book in one weekend, certainly a page-turner. Brownstein's narrative is so personal, I will say Brownstein's honesty is refreshing very relatable. The way she explains the highs and lows that come with pursuing a creative endeavor is honest, insightful, and beautiful. She shares her insecurities with no sugar coating. This is a must-read for the content is well written the flow is easy to follow. I found myself in tears being able to relate to the feeling you don't belong. Brownstein's linguistic training is apparent in her words are so fluid. Actually inspired me to take my vocabulary up a notch. Honestly, I was a bit preppy back in the day, the kids in a band thought that I was lame. Wearing penny loafers and loves baby soft kinda puts you in a certain genre of a nerd. The music history in this book is so stellar, you get a truly intimate look at  So PTB readers we give this book 5 stars must-read. Sleater Kinney has a new album out and is currently on tour. Check the links below for more information

Sleater-Kinney http://www.sleater-kinney.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SleaterKinney
Twitter https://twitter.com/sleater_kinney
Instagram http://instagram.com/sleater_kinney
Sub Pop https://www.subpop.com/artists/sleate...
On Tour https://www.subpop.com/artists/sleate...

Random Life : Were all Mad on Monday

This morning after running around my house like a wayward tornado. Collecting as the Brits would say the  "bits and bobs" that make my day run.
Sometimes I take the utmost care and attention to my attire. Though there are some days like Monday where everything just goes crazy . Getting out the door seems rewarding.

As I ran out my front door , my eyes are drawn to the beautiful sun. The only problem being , that I almost burned out my retinas. Acting with the confidence of person having sunglasses on , I felt like a gremlin from the 80s movie. ( Bright Light , Bright Light ) The sun also brought attention to the many orange cat hairs clinging to my tights . The sunlight seems to reveal everything that the darkness hides. With the winter nipping at our noses here in New England. I take a little extra time to bask in the warmth and glow of the sun.  Even if it shows my furry tights. After a well needed lint rolling of epic proportions. I was able to survive this Monday.

Duran Duran - Pressure Off (feat. Janelle Monáe and Nile Rodgers) [Offic...

Weekend Reading : " Hunger Makes me a Modern Girl "

So excited just started reading "Hunger Makes me a Modern Girl " by @Carrie_Rachel . #hungermakesmeamoderngirl pic.twitter.com/hhZuKZRxd4

— Tracey Whitney (@PopTrashBeauty) November 7, 2015