Living The Dream in the Mad-Town
Hi, I’m Michelle and so excited to be here! I’m a part-time working mama with two sweet babies - I mean, big kids (ages 3 1/2 and 20 months) - and a wonderful husband. I love parties, photography and DIY projects. I’m a wannabe runner and baker - kind of contradicting but I like to think that I run in order to enjoy my delectable treats guilt-free. In my former life (pre-babies), I regularly practiced yoga and pilates. I’ve been known to read “one more page” and then finish a book around 5am. I hope to one day find balance and get back to these activities. Oh, and I’m a Chicago Bears fan trying to survive in Packerland. Its been difficult these past couple of years…Thanks for reading!
It’s a vicious cycle and it happens to me year after year. Cold weather, dark mornings, and winter blues roll in and my motivation to run rolls out… I ran my third half marathon in October and a 15K in Chicago in November. I bought some new winter workout clothes (I hate to be cold) [...]
My husband and I recently took our two little ones on a wonderful last-minute trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. I say last minute because we didn’t plan it 180 days in advance like apparently most organized people do. We planned to go to Florida and then decided a few weeks before we went [...]
I have a major sweet tooth and unfortunately so do my kids. Addressing that addiction is a work in progress, so I’m always on the lookout for healthy ideas that are as cute and fun as the unhealthy treats. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, I try my best to find festive, healthier options. I [...]
I know none of you wait until the last minute to figure out gifts for important people in your lives. Neither do I {ahem}. So I’ll share this list in case you run into someone else who is desperately trying to figure out some last minute gifts. For your best friend: This is the [...]
I LOVE butternut squash soup. One of my favorite restaurants in Madison, Bonfyre American Grille, has an amazing butternut squash soup topped with finely diced apples. I have to order it whenever I eat there and you should too! Since discovering this soup, I’ve been on a quest to duplicate it or at least make [...]
It must be Elf on the Shelf week at Mama’s Gone Madison. We welcomed back our Elf, Ellie, who gained a few more names this time around. I’d like to introduce ‘Ellie Butterfly Sparkle.’ And yes, she’s sporting a homemade tutu. My daughter has one to match. I may be a little out of control [...]
Nothing is more motivating than music when it comes to exercising….except maybe an awesome running buddy! I’d pick chatting with a friend while I run over music any day. But let’s face it, even with the most dedicated workout partner, there are times when schedules don’t align and you’re stuck going solo. Its time like [...]
I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing Memorial Day weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed the hot weather in Madison…record temps! I love it. However, by the time summer starts, I’m already sad that it’s almost over since our summers are so fleeting. I need an attitude adjustment, I know. I make a conscious effort to cram [...]
I’m always on the lookout for yummy, healthy, EASY recipes for my family and I’m willing to bet that you are too. After trying this recipe, I knew I had to share. The recipe contains many of my favorite flavors – black beans, lime, cilantro and avocado and came together quickly. I made a few [...]
I can’t believe that my sweet little girl turned 4 last week! Since she was the birthday girl, she got to bring the birthday snack to share with her preschool friends. My initial thought was mini cupcakes but let’s face it, she’s in school for 2 1/2 hours and a sugary snack at 10:30am is [...]
