Holiday traditions to create with your spouse!

We all have those traditions that we remember as a kid as the holidays approached. Some of us looked forward to seeing the different Christmas lights throughout the city, while others were excited about the thought of decorating the Christmas tree, hanging stockings by the fire, or making cookies and goodies with mom and grandma! As a couple you both come from different backgrounds with different traditions and beliefs about the holiday and sometimes it is hard to incorporate traditions that you both like and are things that you want to carry on shall you ever decide to grow your family. Sometimes it is hard to remember all the traditions or to even know where to start so we are going to give you a fun list of ideas and we challenge you to make at least one new memory with one of the holiday traditions.

• Roasting marshmellow over the fireplace and drinking hot coco
• Building a snow man (Hopefully you have snow, here in Utah we have plenty to share).
• Drive around the city and see the different light displays
• Decorate a Christmas tree
• Make Gingerbread houses
• Spend one evening give back to someone less fortunate
• Take pictures for a Christmas card
• Visit Santa & take a picture
• Go ice skating
• Go to your local light parade
• Dinner & drinks with friends to include a gift exchange
• Tip your waiter/waitress extra for the holiday season
• Make a Christmas craft
• Have a snow ball fight
• Go sledding
• Pick out one new ornament each year
• Bake cookies and other goodies
• Go caroling
• Create your own 12 days of giving 
• See a local production of the Nutcracker or other fun holiday skit
• Watch fun Christmas movies together
• Camp out in front of your Christmas tree one night with the lights one!
• Get each other Christmas PJs that you open on Christmas Eve

Christmas has become quite the commercialized holiday but it does not have to be that way! You can spend Christmas with the one you love most and create last memories and traditions that you will remember for generations. Christmas seals the events of the year and is one last opportunity to make a difference in the year! 

ONE POT PASTA

As a full time student, wife, and someone who works 50 hours a week simplicity is key for me most of the time or my poor husband will starve. I am all about those one pot meals that actually taste good (cause lets be honest most are not great)! Sunday was a busy day as we were packing up our house and preparing to move soon so we needed something quick and easy. What I loved most about this recipe is you can change it to include things you love that fit your taste much better! I try to by organic grass-fed animal products but lets be honest sometimes it just does not happen and you find yourself buying the Hillshire Farm sausage link cause it was right there in front of you and it was a flavor your husband liked. 

Are you ready to make the easiest pasta recipe ever!!! 

 I can't say enough how big of a hit this recipe was at our house and is one that we will be making again and again!!!!

ONE POT PASTA:

Prep Time 5 minutes                                                                        

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups halved grape tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat, combine spaghetti, sausage, onion, tomatoes, basil, garlic and 4 1/2 cups water; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until pasta is cooked through and liquid has reduced, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan.
• Serve immediately.

Recipe from: 

http://damndelicious.net/2014/05/16/one-pot-pasta/