Tradition #17 was celebrated last night with Candice and her fam.
What am I going to do with my life after Christmas?! Maybe I will just have to make traditions for us to do for every month of the year.
We fueled first with taco soup and cornbread. I feel like cornbread is really underrated, people forget how good it tastes.
We then got to work.
Our gingerbread house was clearly a success. Learn from my mistake. Don’t buy the cheapest Walmart gingerbread house that is already constructed and put together because it is most likely cracked in a million places when you take it out of the box.
Brooke was just happy to play with frosting and decorate with candy. She didn’t mind that no amount of frosting could keep the house together.
One thing that I just can’t (and refuse to try to) understand about Candice is her love for Cherry Cordial flavored candy. Weird.
And Brooke has more self-control than I will ever have. She is able to just sit by her presents without even attempting to touch them. She knows that they will be worth the wait on Christmas morning.
I found a few things on the internet and if I don’t share them with you then I will have a guilty conscience because they are pretty great. Click on the pictures to go to the full articles.
-Speaking of Home Alone—> I STILL NEED TO WATCH THIS BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
-“The man popped the question using four maps from a run. A British runner used a creative, and technologically advanced, way to propose to his girlfriend this week: A GPS tracking app.”
-Utahns—> you are welcome for sharing such valuable news with you. You can thank me with donuts.
–The Kara Goucher Web Series Episodes. I LOVE peaking into Kara’s life!
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What are you having for breakfast this morning?
Married peeps—> how were you proposed to? Any running related proposals?
In you opinion, what are some of the worst candy options out there?
-Circus Peanuts, Cherry Cordial, Chocolate Oranges and Boston Baked Beans.
101 comments
Sarah @ KS Runner
I hate circus peanuts and I don’t understand cherry cordials either. I’ve never made a gingerbread house before, I need to do it sometime! I always loved laying under the Christmas tree and looking up at the lights when I was a kid. So fun.
My husband proposed in a clearing in Seward Park in Seattle overlooking the lake. It was perfect for us. The originality in some of these proposals is crazy! Sometimes I think it is overthinking the whole process.
Breakfast this morning – FMW and Honey Bunches of Oats. Yum.
sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I just had coffee. I have one lowly little egg and i’m trying to decide if it’s worth it to scramble it or just wait until I head out and stop at starbucks for a protein box. (Only because i have a gift card =)
When my late husband proposed we actually had already decided to elope to vegas. He was very sick with cancer so we didn’t have the luxury of planning a wedding too far in the future. But one evening about a week before we flew out we were eating dinner and he went into the silverware drawer to get forks and pulled out the ring and got down on one knee. Totally surprised me. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.
I don’t understand whoppers. I don’t understand malt balls of any sort.
Nikki @ will run for pizza
I’m in agreement with your list of worst candies. And to be honest, I’m not a Hershey’s fan! I know, everyone can slap me now. I just think Dove is SOOOOOOOO much better. Maybe it’s the messages inside the candy that makes it taste better?!
Rachel
No, you’re right. Hershey’s sucks.
Kristina @ Blog About Running
I didn’t know Utah was the Beehive State!
Breakfast this morning was an egg and a bagel thin made extra delicious by a rare 8 mile morning run (I’m not usually a morning runner)!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
We just watched Home Alone on Thanksgiving and I thought the same thing! Gingerbread houses are pretty tricky :)
Laura
Haven’t had breakfast yet, but it will prob be oatmeal. I know, boring.
I don’t like any candy that sticks in my teeth: dots, jujubes, etc. I also don’t like chocolate being ruined with stuff like hot chili peppers. Why?????!!!
Leigha @ The Yooper Girl
I thought the proposal was for you!! That was shocking, lol! I haven’t made a gingerbread house for years.. I always get mad because it turns out ugly :) Eating oatmeal right now!
Linda @ Running4two
Circus peanuts….ugh, they are just not right. If you had to eat an OLIVE or a CIRCUS PEANUT, which would you choose? ;)
Staci @ Hoosier Running Mom
I had a banana and an apple, after my coffee!
Boston Baked Beans are the worst! I don’t like Cadbury Crème Eggs either…yuk!
I can’t believe Brooke doesn’t try to mess with her presents!? All my kids tried at that age. Now I have to wrap their presents and NOT label them at all so they don’t know who’s are who’s just so they stay away from them!
Sarah
Steel cut oatmeal and eff whites. Seriously the best! I love cherry cordials! And I’m no really a candy person!
Hollie
ha! Tim proposed me while we were foam rolling so that’s running related. We are both low key so it was perfect for us.
I made a gingerbread house a few years ago. It was pretty fun but turned out terribly. Oh well, it tasted good so that’s all that really counts.
Brynn
The Home Alone texts are hilarious! So true!
This morning is starting with coffee and clean banana walnut muffins with an egg and grapefruit. Have to fuel for that holiday shopping!
Christa @ living unbalanced.com
That home alone text is hilarious. I got my step sister a door mat for Christmas that says “keep the change, ya filthy animal” and I am so excited about it.
Kelly M
Hahaaa! That’s awesome. Where did you get it?…I really want one for my house!
Christa @ Living Unbalanced
Fab.com!
Jodi
My husband was actually the first person I uttered a word to when I moved to Louisville, KY to go to college 13 years ago.
He proposed to me 8 years later in the classroom where we met. :)
Worst candy (by far) = black licorice.
Teresa
I don’t like cherry cordial either but the Hershey kiss ones are truly amazing. Just try one.
emma
I was proposed to at the finish line of the Boston Marathon:) my first boston and definitely the best! !!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com }
Ahahaha that Home Alone text message was the best!
I almost bought a gingerbread house for me and the new hubs to decorate, but I knew I’d just eat it all.
Erica
Eating orange poppy seed bread as I type.
Delicious, but those donuts look pretty tasty.
Brenda
Circus peanuts, candy corn, and that weird peanut flavored chewy thing that seems to only exist at Halloween.
Deb
Circus peanuts <– the worst!!!! blah.
I agree with you about corn bread. It can become boring after a while, but try "dressing" it up. Last time I made them I put in some jalapeno and whole corn. YUM!! I might try some Old Bay seasoning next time. I also make mine in single serve size by using those self standing cup cake holders. No mess!
Love your blog and Brooke is adorable. She looks so well behaved. You're doing a great job raising her. :-)
Jillian
Breakfast this morning will probably be a huge cup of tea, a banana and raisin toast.
My husband proposed at a restaurant overlooking the Taj Mahal. Unbelievable… and I didn’t even see it coming!
I saw an article a while back about how all the worst candy comes from Boston (where I live). Necco wafers, Baked Beans, Charleston Chews…
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
Breakfast = trying out some new Vega protein products!
Worst candy = orange flavored chocolate. Why oh whyyyy must someone ruin the glory that is chocolate with a weird orange hint of flavor? Mysteries of the universe.
Rachel Runs Music City
Breakfast=breakfast sandwich from the cafe in our building. No time for it at home! Gah!
My husband proposed to me at the church where we met on the 5 year anniversary of when we started dating. Not super exciting, but I loved it :)
Can’t go too wrong with candy, but I don’t usually go for milk chocolate, especially by itself. However, if that’s the only option, sign me up!
Kristin
I have been reading for years, but I might have to stop because of your disdain for circus peanuts. Just kidding. Kind of.
Bethany
I am not even allowed to buy a gingerbread house anymore because I always get mad when I make them and they won’t stick together hahaha!!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
What I am currently fascinated by when it comes to technology is the homework stuff. Like, I hear my son asked Siri what genetic mutations are when he needs a definition or help. Imagine?!
Nona @ RunningHigh
I miss building gingerbread houses. I haven’t done a real one in years. So sad about yours was broken!
I hate those like spice drop gum drop things. Blech.
Linda @ TheFitty
I want to make a gingerbread house with my siblings, actually. You look like you guys had a beautiful playful time.
Kelly M
I have never built a gingerbread house. I feel like I am missing out!
My husband proposed on the edge of the Grand Canyon. He didn’t tell anyone he was planning to do it either. I had to wait until we left the park to get any cell service so that I could call our parents and friends.
I absolutely HATE those peanut butter chews in the black and orange wrappers that are given out at Halloween. Why even both making them, they just go right in the trash…. BLEH!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Circus peanuts are the worse!! I also can’t stand Smarties.
Ryan proposed at the chapel at the university where we met. We were lucky enough to book our wedding at that chapel as well!
Gingerbread houses are so fun! When I was younger my sister and I would go overboard and put so mch candy on the house would break!
Tina@GottaRunNow
I remember those Gingerbread house years – fun stuff! Breakfast today was leftovers – chicken primavera!
Rachel P
This year we decided to build a rice Krispy treat house
since gingerbread usually doesn’t work. I absolutely
love cherry cordial candy!!! Don’t understand fireballs!
My husband proposed in the same spot that he
asked me out for first date!
Jennifer
Breakfast: oatmeal
Proposal: my husband tied my ring to a bow on my puppy. She came in, I saw the ribbon, reached down to pet her, and dropped to one knee.
Worst candy: anything sour
cheryl
I have a weird trick I use with the store bought gingerbread house kits. I hot glue the “house” together (no one eats that part), and then let the kids go to town with the frosting and candy…as long as your kids know not to eat the rock hard gingerbread, it works!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Oh no, I bought the same gingerbread houses! Eeek.
The hubs proposed to me on the beach in Mexico almost 16 years ago. We were babies. The anticipation about did me in :)
Kelly
My fiance proposed to me on a run on the National Mall. We both live in DC and met running track in college, so it was absolutely perfect : )
The Hungry Runner Girl
THAT IS ADORABLE!!! I love that so so much! What day is the wedding?
Kelly
June 6th : )
The Hungry Runner Girl
WAHOOOO so so exciting!!! Congrats Kelly!
Amanda
Breakfast = HRG Cinnamon Rolls!!!
I used to think if I ever met you I would request a froyo date. Last night that changed. Janae, I need a cinnamon roll class. I was home alone so unfortunately there are no photos but twice I just broke out laughing. I’m a chef, not a baker. At one point there was flour on the floor, the counter, and me and yet my hands still had a good inch thick “glove” of dough. The end result is okay but I will be redoing this one for sure!
The Hungry Runner Girl
bahahaah! Not even kidding… come over and I will teach you how to perfect the cinnamon rolls but then you have to teach me how to cook something other than a sweet potato.
Amy @ SouthernMiles
Cornbread is a staple in our house, I love it!! No running themed proposal but I met my husband at the last half mile of a 50K we were both running :)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Butternut squash spinach egg bake, baked cinnamon plantains and raspberries are for breakfast today! Wish I had a gingerbread cookie to go with it though.
Susan
Worst candy = black licorice, good ‘n plenty and chocolate with fruit of any sort (I love chocolate, I love fruit….not mixed). I LOVE Boston Baked Beans!!
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
Wow, some people get so creative with their marriage proposals. My husband proposed to me under a huge tree with two baby owls watching from above.
Worst candies are anything with pecans, walnuts, or coconut. I also dislike black licorice, good and plenty, and Necco wafers.
Love the Home Alone comparison between now and then. Oh, how times have changed.
Sarah C
That’s a good idea Cheryl! During November for a very brief moment, or maybe the end of October I think…Costo has the BEST premade gingerbread houses. They are twice the size of anything else I’ve seen and they are only $10! We’ve gotten them two years in a row and they have worked out great!
Breakfast #1 Raisin Bran (Erewhon brand, the best), breakfast #2 a slice of toast with sunflower seed butter and honey
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner
My husband proposed to me at a winery in Napa. It was beautiful and perfect. He said he had a few other options one of which was right after a race but figured I would not want to take pictures following running 13.1 miles…so thoughtful!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
That proposal is awesome. I loved the way my husband proposed, he did it while running on my favorite trails in the city and my best friend got pictures of everything. Basically PERFECT. I never, ever, EVER link to my posts on here because that feels weird, but I will link to this one because I love to brag about it! http://www.neverseriousblog.com/the-best-run-ever-proposal-story-part-1/
I CRACKED up at the Home Alone comparison. Too stinkin’ funny.
Worst candy? LICORICE.
Monika
Yup. I read it. It was perfect.
Rachel
One of the traditions we have is the gingerbread house competition held at the Grove Park Inn!! People from around the world participate and the houses are unbelievable! Google to find pictures from previous years!!
Erin
My husband proposed on his birthday so that I would never suspect it. He was right!! Also, I love making (and eating) gingerbread houses!!
Megan D
If it were any other person I would think less of them for liking that cherry crap. Candice is lucky ;) That looks like a fun evening. I love the picture of all three of the kiddos creating/concentrating. So cute.
I have to tell you all I could think of the other night when I was watching ‘Home Alone’ is how different and unrealistic that would be in this day and age. She called the cops and they checked the house once. The cops would pounce on that house AND the mom for leaving the kid. If no one was thought to be home, an amber alert would have been sent out. And so on. But I still enjoyed the movie. Talk about childhood memories.
Can we take a full day off from whatever and hit up every place on that donut list? Please?
I had Greek yogurt with pb granola and raspberries for breakfast.
I like those circus peanuts. The other two you listed though are disgusting. So are those fruit filled sticks Scott likes.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Megan. I am not even kidding. Would you want to do that with me… including the St. George one? 10 donut shops in one day? Up for a challenge.
You struggle with your circus peanut love
Amy @ They May be Light
Our proposal was nothing unusual, but special to is. The last 12 years have certainly been an adventure though!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
I used to have Jiffy cornbread in the blue box all the time growing up and my friend just recently asked me if I had looked at the ingredients lately after I expressed my love for it. Now she has ruined me and I can’t get the list (and lard) out of my head!
I saw that proposal story the other day and thought it was super cute!
Leslie @ Life Begins @ 30?
My husband surprised me after a girls trip. I came home exhausted and he told me that the puppy got me a surprise in the refridgerator. I opened it and there was a bottle of champagne with a bow. I turned around to ask what we were celebrating and he was down on one knee. So sweet!!
I bought a gingerbread train kit from World Market to make on Christmas Eve. I hope it turns out okay!! I bought one at Trader Joe’s last year and tried the candy…it was so gross!
Becca
Last night I watched ‘Home Alone’ on ABCFamily while I was running on the treadmill at the gym (it’s a good one for treadmill running cause there’s lots of action and you already know all the dialogue by heart), and I swear I had that exact same thought about the modern communication making the entire movie a moot point. My other specific thought was they never would’ve overslept in the first place if they had cell phones, cause the alarm clocks on the phones wouldn’t have been affected by the power going out!
The Hungry Runner Girl
BAHAHAH that is awesome!!
Suzy
Typical breakfast: coffee with cream and cinnamon, and a couple of cookies. Today’s cookies are turtle shortbread cookies I made yesterday.
Kiara
We are seriously the same person! I have no idea what I’m going to do when Christmas ends. I’m freaking out just thinking that I only have a week left! (Even though I still find it totally acceptable to listen to Christmas music all year round.) The Mariah Carey Christmas CD never leaves my car….
Since I live in Florida, I was able to do a great morning run down Ocean Blvd. in 70 degree weather! 5 miles doing an 8 minute mile. So for breakfast I had a giant acai bowl topped with granola, coconut flakes, raspberries and pineapple from my favorite juice place! :)
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
ugh circus peanuts– I always think those look SO GOOD and then I try them and they’re terrible every time. what a let down!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
You are busier than an elf on Christmas with all these fun things! My hubby proposed to me on a beach when we visited a little island in Maine on a vacation. It was fabulous. :)
Kristen
For breakfasts I’ve been on a major bacon, egg, cheese english muffin sandwich kick. I may have had one for breakfast and dinner recently. Maybe.
I Love chocolate oranges and cherry cordials! I hear you on the circus peanuts and Boston baked beans though. Oh, and those little strawberry candies with the weird filling that come in fruit baskets. Ick.
Marcia
My husband (gah, its so weird getting used to saying that) proposed right before a concert, two days before we left for France. I had no clue — pretty much the sole time in my life I was speechless…
Hilary @ Embrace the Neon
I know I’m probably in the strong minority here, but my worst candy option is white chocolate. It’s. Not. Chocolate. It’s just sickeningly sweet and disappointing.
The Hungry Runner Girl
We cannot be friends.
Hilary @ Embrac the Neon
Lol – I figured I was the only one. Bring on the donuts though – and apple fritters are the best!
Michelle
I’m with you, Hilary. I’m a serious choc-aholic (I may or may not be eating a piece of chocolate fudge right now) and I always go for the “death by chocolate” or “triple chocolate delight” but if there’s white chocolate involved, it’s a deal breaker.
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I agree with you, chocolate oranges are the worst! I used to always get them in my stocking and would give them to my brother.
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
Um, I had leftover macaroni and cheese and three cuties for breakfast, so there’s that.
Ew, circus peanuts! Also: black licorice is terrible
Isa
Did you watch Driven – Kara Goucher?? I soooo want to watch it but I don’t know if it is worth paying the subscription. I also love sneaking into her life, she’s by far my favorite <3
The Hungry Runner Girl
I haven’t watched it. I WANT TO SO SO SO BAD!!!
jessica
I feel like gingerbread houses are way harder to build than they should be.! Guess I should never be an architect or a construction worker.
My husband proposed on a walking bridge. Anddd he dropped the ring. :/ but he caught it right in the aor over the railing.!! Haha
I had a bagel, coffee and half a muffin. :)
Kay
Aw too bad about the gingerbread house, but I’m sure the frosting/candy is all Brooke cares about anyway!
Cori @ shes going the distance
Thanks for reposting the Kara Goucher series! I forgot this was happening–>love her! i’m such a fangirl :)
Molly @ Motherhood and Marathons
I love all of your Christmas traditions! I think Neccos are the Worst. Candy. Ever.
J.L.
I’ve made a gingerbread house for years…at least 15. I’ve made mine from scratch, used expensive kits and cheap kits. Two huge suggestions: I have a Christmas cake stand that we set ours up on (which is a tradition in and of itself) and then I found that I do use a hot glue gun to put the house together. Saves me so much hassle. Does anybody really eat the actual house anyway after it’s sat for a month on a shelf? And the glue comes right off the cake stand. Save the frosting for all the candy and snow.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay. You are brilliant. I will be using these two tips for the rest of my life. THANK YOU!
Rachel
I had a green smoothie :)
My fiance proposed during dinner at a restaurant. I had asked him if he ever proposed to please make sure it was just us, not a lot of people around, etc. I wanted the moment to be just about us. So he told the staff at the restaurant and they hooked us up with the furthest table outside without anyone sitting next to us. (I should’ve suspected right then and there, but I honestly had no idea.) I got up to go inside, came back out, and the ring box was open next to my plate. I cried and couldn’t eat my dinner :)
Worst candy EVER is tootsie rolls. Ugh.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I don’t know if we can be friends. Tootsie rolls are amazing.
LOVE the story:)
Rachel
Tell you what. I’ll give you all the tootsie rolls, and you give me all the chocolate oranges. We can both have froyo :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay. You have a deal.
Mary Jo @ Run and Smile
Protein bar and coffee for breakfast and I really don’t like Peeps. Sorry….
Sam
Oh gosh, the worst candy ever has got to be black licorice!
Jessica @ Laces and Lattes
I LOVE the series into Kara Goucher’s life. What an absolute role model and totally down to earth!
I am actually not a big candy fan in general. chocolate on the other hand is a totally different story…
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
Haha love the home alone text!! I was proposed to by a lake, out in the country. It was sweet and romantic :)
MILF Runner
Circus peanuts. #gag #nailedit
Valerie
Thanks for the Kara share. She’s so fascinating.
Did we miss something with the cookie covered eyes? :)
Cornbread is so underrated. It’s my fave!
Amanda Olson@ runningyourbody
I agree about the cherry cordials and Boston baked beans! I also find those giant fake “peanuts” and peeps to be nauseating :) I know you love peeps, can we still be friends?
I was proposed to in a pretty park overlooking Portland, very sweet :)
Monika
Umm I’m the girl who shakes every single present I can’t open yet. #noshame
The Hungry Runner Girl
BAHAHA I think we would be good friends!
Amy @ Life to the Full
We had egg pancake this morning and it was soooo good! My husband proposed on a fake rock at the playground near my old house… yeah, it was romantic for us I suppose :) It was the only “mountain” in our area.
I loved circus peanuts as a kid, but really dislike anything chocolate-cherry flavored!!!!
Christy
It had been years since I put together a gingerbread house so I made it a point to do one this year for my 17mo. She didn’t like that I used her Lego people as props.
I’ve had 2 proposal. My first fiance proposed via movie screen. Instead of previews he had created a movie! It was seriously awesome. We never got married but we are both happily married with babies so it all worked out. My husband proposed at the finish line at the Boston marathon 2011. He almost missed me at the finish line b/c when he finished his race, he met with my sister to get the ring then begged a volunteer to put him in a wheelchair and push him back the start to meet me. As he was getting up from the chair, I had just crossed the finish line. The best race hardwear ever!
Home Alone. everyday. all day!
Jean
That donut picture reminded me – I have to tell you about a donut my husband brought me last night! It is called the monte cristo from the Donut Bar here in San Diego. It is a ginormous donut filled with jelly – and then ham and cheese. I thought it would be gross but my taste buds were so confused by it they kept going back for more, it was AWESOME! You have to try it next time you are here. Here is a link with the picture:
http://www.thrillist.com/eat/san-diego/east-village/donut-bar-a-monte-cristo-sandwich-gets-crammed-into-a-donut
Alisha @ Real Girl Running
For breakfast this morning I had a coconut milk quinoa porridge. SO. GOOD.
I was proposed to at 6am when I had just got back for an early morning walk. Is that running related? My husband then jumped on a plane and left the country for a month!
I saw Hot Dog flavoured twisties the other day. Yuck!
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
I’m with Candice! Those cordial cherry Hersey kisses are my all time favorite! You really should try one!
Brooke @ sweats & sweets
I figured out my husband’s proposal plans, and so he had to change it up rather quickly and asked me to marry him when we were cooking dinner. It was perfect, and we ended up celebrating that weekend at the restaurant he was going to ask me at since he kept the reservation.
Gracie
My husband proposed to me on his (now our!) front porch. And right after I said yes, the college students down the block started shouting “Chug! Chug! Chug!”. Now, whenever we hear a keg party, we get all romantic and nostalgic!