Slacking off On Your Elfin Duties? Lisa Torre Has the Answer
Admittedly, just as quickly as I began wrapping up our Thanksgiving leftovers, I began unwrapping our Christmas decorations this year. It is true. I love Christmas -- the holiday cheer, gift-giving, and gathering of family. And although I normally can keep my penchant for seasonal decorating under reasonable control, my enthusiasm got the better of me this time around. I broke open the boxes marked "Xmas" with a chorus of Jingle Bells serenading me much earlier than expected.
One box, two boxes...I excitedly carried the third box over to the fireplace, positioning it on the floor next to the bin of wood standing-by. "Time to decorate the mantle," I thought to myself. Committed to making it lovelier than ever before, I flipped open the corrugated flaps and peered inside. Suddenly, horror overcame me as two beedy eyes returned my gaze with that of its own...or should I say "his" own. The Elf on the Shelf, the only bain in my existence at Christmas-time, once again, announced his presence and control over my life.
Moms everywhere know the feeling for we are the minions of which the Elf on the Shelf depends upon to carry out his secret ritual of relocating him throughout the entire house from December 1st thru December 24th. The critical nature of this nightly exercise can't be overstressed. We (me included) have been known to wake frantically at 2am to move our elves - having forgotten to do so prior to going to sleep - rather than cope with the interrogation that comes along with not doing so from our children. The pressure is intense!
Thankfully, Lisa Torre reacted appropriately and stealthily, recently launching a Facebook support group, Elf on the Shelf For Slackers, to help waylay the many breakdowns mothers will endure from failing to perform their elfin duties. The posts are hysterical. Whether you own an elf or not, you should join the group for the sheer pleasure of reading every one of them. Lisa's brilliance will speak for itself through the many contributions alongside her interview below.
What is your full name?
Lisa Torre
What is your personal mantra?
"I just have to make it to their bedtime"
Share a bit about your life.
I'm a 42 year old mom of three insane children (Jackson 13, Lucas 7, Ana 3) who turned fitness from a hobby into a career. I taught yoga for 12 years and after losing both of my parents within 9 months of each other, I decided that I no longer wanted OTHER people to raise my kids so I started coaching people through their fitness journeys from home. I've been married for 8 years to the love of my life and we share our home with our 3 monkeys and 2 dogs and 2 cats. To say we live in a circus would be a complete and total understatement...but we wouldn't have it any other way
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
My life's purpose would be to raise these three little humans and send them off into the world with steel in their veins but love in their hearts. My goal is to help as many people change their lives as I can and to make people smile and laugh each and every day.
What is the name of your FB page? When was it launched?
LisaTorreFitness was launched back in 2012 but I think you are wanting the Elf on the Shelf for Slackers group which I literally JUST created yesterday.
What is the primary focus of your posts and how are you different?
I try to provide health and fitness support as well as some laughs on my LisaTorreFitness page but the focus of the Elf on the Shelf for Slackers group is to provide ideas for moving the elf, nightly reminders so parents don't forget, ideas on how to explain it if they DO forget as well as some laughs along the way.
List any awards you have won.
"Mother of the Year" and then shortly thereafter, "Worst Mom of the Year."
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
I'm a health and fitness coach for Team Beachbody.
Which social media platforms do you engage in beyond FB?
What is the one piece of advice you would give to moms who may be interested in beginning to blog?
Write from the heart.
Are you an entrepreneur or professional (outside of being a mom)? Please share.
I'm a mompreneur.
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
My oldest has special needs and is often bullied in school so anti-bullying is my thing.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
As the mom who tried her best and ended up raising 3 amazing kids while making those around her laugh.
Whether you need a boost of creativity when finding new and exciting hiding spots for your elf or a handy excuse as to why the little guy has remained tied to the cat for three days straight, it's all here at Elf on the Shelf For Slackers. Gone are the days when you were forced to battle this beast alone!