Circus Circus!

Sunday afternoon, Little Monkey and I took a trip to the circus!  We had an awesome time.  It was the Jerusalem Shrine Circus and I was pretty impressed by the variety and quality of the acts.  Before the show, they had elephant rides, pony rides, pictures with a snake, bounce houses and face painting.  As you can see below, LM chose to get his face painted like a snake.  He kept making me take pictures of him so he could see himself (he was very impressed).

His two favorite parts were the Human Cannonball and the Lions.  I'd say I was most impressed by the motorcycles.  They had this small metal cage and put 6 motorcycles in it and they drove around and around and upside down without running into each other.  It was unbelievable!

We had a great time together and he was completely zonked out by the time we got home.

The problem with bananas.... (Making banana bread from a store bought cake mix)

I'm on the fence about bananas.  I like them right before they ripen when their stems still have just a hint of green.  One day past that stage, and they are dead to me.

Which brings me to the problem with bananas.... gnats!  As soon as they pass the perfect stage, I ignore them and they attract gnats.   This grosses me out and I usually just throw them away... until about a year ago when pinterest rocked my world!

I was pinning and randomly came across a pin for Artsy-Fartsy Mama's post on Easy Banana Bread using a store bought yellow cake mix.  I ran to the cabinet but only had some crumb cake mix.   I figured I'd swap out Fartsy's yellow cake mix with the crumb cake, and voila... the best chocolate chip banana crumb cake you will ever know!! Its totally moist and delicious and super easy.  And Big Monkey LOVES it!

Normally I make it in two loaf pans but last night, I tried it muffin style and they were even better than usual. Give it a try....

Feel awesome in your workout wear!- Ellie monthly subscription box

This year, my new year's resolution was to get rid of all my nasty, old workout clothes and really get some things I feel great in.  I think this will help with my motivation and just make me want to get out there an run.  So, a few months ago I joined a monthly subscription service that makes great looking workout wear.  The new brand is called Ellie and I'm in love with the style and the material!  All the material is moisture wicking and drifit but most importantly I just look damn good in it :-)  I've pretty much been wearing the leggings and long sleeve shirt, and adding my Uggs, as my goto outfit this winter.

Anyway, I made a video you can see here letting you know about the brand and showing the pieces I've gotten and worn so far.

Use my link here ELLIE and get 20% off your first month's order.  You can cancel anytime or return something you don't like or doesn't fit.  Shipping is free to you and back if you don't like something.

Let me know how you like it.

Getting back in the running game....

So, since I ran my fastest half marathon at the Jazz Half in October (1:55), I have been seriously slacking in my running and exercising in general. I have a pretty hard time getting out of bed in cold weather so I'm hoping spring will reenergize my routine. This picture sort of motivated me. Maybe it's time for some new, fun running gear?

I also need my running buddies to get their butt in gear. Knowing someone is waiting for me to meet them, always makes me get up in the morning.