Recipe: Spicy Tomato Cream Pasta

One of our favorite pasta dishes is, Spicy Tomato Cream Pasta. I found this recipe a couple years ago while browsing Pinterest. We make this at least once or twice a month and we always have leftovers. This isn't my recipe, but I am sharing it with you since I love it so much. I made a few tweaks to the originial recipe.

SPICY TOMATO CREAM PASTA
by Christin Mahrlig (Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes

INGREDIENTS

- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or a few swirls around the pot)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves (2 - 2 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic from the jar)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more if you like it spicier)
- 1 24 oz jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound angel hair pasta

MAKE IT

1. Heat olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes or until translucent.
2. In another pot, heat water for your pasta.
3. Add garlic, basil and red pepper flakes to your onions and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add spaghetti sauce (I used Rao's Marinara since it is our favorite), heavy cream, salt and pepper. Turn down your heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

5. Cook your pasta according to the box and then drain it.
6. Add your pasta to the sauce and let it simmer for about 2 minutes so it incorporates.

7. Serve. You can add on some fresh parsley at the end.

Enjoy!

Weekending

And just like that it is Monday again. But it's a good Monday since we are 6 days away from Christmas. We have a lot planned this week between seeing friends, appointments and spending time with family. Bring on Christmas week,

But first, let's recap this weekend.

Friday after work, Rory and I headed out to lunch since we got off in the middle of the girls' nap time. We grabbed lunch and then went to pick the girls up, but only one little lady was awake. So we slowly got everything ready and waited for Sutton to wake up. Once she was up, we headed out to Bath and Body Works. I needed to pick up some lotions and things for the girls' teacher gifts. Plus they were having a sale on lotions for $3,50. It was a steal.

After BBW, we headed to Total Wine to stock up on wine, get drinks for our Christmas party and search for the beer I had at our friends 40th Birthday party two weekends ago. It was a beer with cranberry and ginger and it was heavenly. Luckily, we found it there. Total Wine was insanely packed for a Friday at 3 pm.

Once we were done, we headed home to hang out, build a fire and relax.

Saturday morning we got up, got dressed and I had the girls pose for pictures. I am trying to them prepared for Christmas photos and all the is to come for their birthday party.

We grabbed our coats and headed off to breakfast. The girls were very excited for their monster pieces of bacon.

After breakfast we headed home to take a nice long walk. But since it was only about 30 degrees outside, we all had to bundle up. We took a nice long walk and then I headed out to grab more stocking stuffers and to be officially done with Christmas shopping. Thank goodness. Once I got back, the girls were in bed for naptime and Rory headed out to finish his Christmas shopping.

After naps, we headed back out to get Walter some toothpaste, treats and a toy. We also went out to dinner and then to Baked Bear for dessert. I have been dying to try Baked Bear since they opened up a few months ago, but we never ventured out that way. Well we had their amazing ice cream sandwiches (everything is homemade) and were beyond stuffed. So stuffed.

Funfetti Cookies with Birthday Cake Ice Cream

We looked at some Christmas lights on the way home, but not too many as the girls were getting pretty tired.

I watched Alligent while Rory promptly passed out on the couch. I had ate so much food that I couldn't sleep, so movie time it was.

Sunday morning we got up and I headed out for coffee and bagel sandwiches. Then at 9 am, my in-laws came over to watch the girls, so Rory and I could go snowboarding. The skies were blue and it was very cold (about 14 degree with winds that made it feel like 6 degrees), but we had a great time. We got in 8 runs before we were wiped. Rory dropped his snowboard off to get his edges sharpened and his board waxed and then we headed back down for some lunch.

We got home when the girls were napping and just hung out catching up with my in-laws. I then showered and headed off to Whole Foods for some grocery shopping. It was chaos at the store, but luckily I didn't need too much as we have very few nights at home this week.

When I got home, Rory took Walter for a walk and the girls and I played. And this happened. Silly girl.

Silly girl took her shirt off and wanted her robe on. Then she only wanted it part way on and was walking around with her drum on her head. I had to get a picture.

After the girls' dinner, we bathed them and then I headed out to a friends birthday dinner. We had so much fun talking, playing darts, eating and taking way too many pictures.

I headed home around 9 pm to the fire still roaring and football to end the evening.

How was your weekend?

I am linking up with Biana.

Friday Favorites

It's Friday and that means we are one week closer to Christmas. How is December flying by that fast? I feel like we just had Thanksgiving. We don't have a lot planned this weekend and I am ok with that.

ONE. I know this is a bit heavy to start a post with this, but I have been following the Tate family for quite awhile now. One of their triplets was diagnosed with brain cancer almost a year ago (January 2015). Sadly, on December 4th, he passed away. Hayes was a fighter. If you want to donate to research for childhood cancer and his foundation, please visit here.

TWO. I have been making my way through so many Hallmark Christmas movies. My husband rolls his eyes everytime a new one pops up. But I don't care. I love them. They may be cheesy and everyone has the same premise, but they are the best. My two favorites so far are, Christmas Under Wraps and Christmas in Homestead.

 Christmas in Homestead

THREE. We had our day for bringing in food for the Month of Fabulous Food and the dessert like dish that my husband found and I made was a huge hit. I had a lot of people ask for the recipe (in real life), so I thought I would share it here too in case you want some amazing goodness.

Chocolate Lasagna

The only difference I did was less chocolate chips on top which I think was a good choice since this is already a sweeter dessert. But it is HEAVENLY. 

We also made chorizo and eggs with all the fixing for breakfast burritos.

FOUR.We finally finalized our plans for our next trip to Mexico. Yes, we are going back to Puerto Vallarta. How can we not? We pay for our flights using points (plus some money for taxes), have a condo to stay in for free (courtesy of family) and we only pay for food and fun. It's a total win. We are going for 9 days in March! I can't wait!!!

FIVE. One of my best friends is coming into town today and I couldn't be more excited. I haven't seen her since June and I can't wait to hang out with her next week. We have a lunch and dinner planned. I can't wait to catch up!

SIX. I finally got going on planning a small brunch for my girls. We don't want anything huge, but still wanted to celebrate our two little blessings. We are hosting a small brunch on New Year's Eve complete with quiche, waffles, fruit, yogurt, bacon and other yummy stuff that the girls love.

I just can't believe my girls will be 2 in 13 days!

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Karli, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

Christmas Bucket List Update, Bits of Cheer and Christmas Pajama Party

I am taking another week of from Confessions, to participate in Bits of Cheer and the Christmas Pajama Party link-ups.

Ever since we thought about having children, I was always excited at the thought of Christmas with our future children. Now that we have the girls, I am even more excited about Christmas with them.

We have been checking things off our bucket list and I can't wait to share even more of our traditions with them.

Here is our update to our Christmas Bucket List:

1. Decorate the Tree and Our House

We decorated our house and tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

2. Santa Train or the Polar Express Train

3. Go Tree Hunting and Find the Perfect Christmas Tree

We went tree cutting the day after Thanksgiving and found the most perfectly imperfect tree.

4. Go Christmas Light Looking

5. Send Out Christmas Cards

6. Get Santa Photos Taken

7. Elf on the Shelf

This is a sort of one. We have moved the Elf around, but the girls are not that interested in him. Maybe next year.

8. New PJs on Christmas Eve

9. Watch as Many Christmas Movies as I Can

I have been watching a ton of them. The girls and I watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and they have been enjoying the Hallmark movies with me. Ok, maybe not enjoying them, but they cuddle me while I watch them. We plan to watch the Grinch this weekend and maybe Elf.

10. New Christmas Ornaments

11. Christmas Eve Party

12. Advent Calendar

I have been moving the snowflake everyday this month, well maybe a few times I missed it and Rory did it. We also have a Santa countdown that we change the number of days left until Santa comes every morning.

13. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls for Christmas Morning

14. Host Christmas Dinner

So far we are 7 1/2 out of 14. I am happy we have done that much. I figured we would only get half done.

The girls have been wearing a lot of wintery pjs and even their Christmasy ones a few times.

 Avery was none to pleased to take a photo for me

Sutton loved posing for me

I tried to get more photos of them last night and this is all they would give me.

Sutton

Avery

Christmas Gifts for Her

I feel like I am a hard person to shop for. I either buy what I want (within reason) or I just don't really need anything. Sure I can dream of all the big priced items that we could never afford, but that just makes us all depressed. Unless I win the lottery. But that is a whole other post in and of itself.

I thought about things that I would want for Christmas and put together a list of Christmas Gifts for Her.

One | Two | Three | Four
Five | Six | Seven | Eight
Nine | Ten | Eleven | Twelve

One. These Tahoe necklaces don't really apply to most of you since you probably don't live near Tahoe, but I have had my eye on them FOREVER. But something similar like a state necklace with the heart where your city is would be a perfect gift as well.

Two. I need a new gym badly. My zipper is pulling from the seams and it is just worn out. This gym bag gets amazing reviews and is meant for sports and sweat. 

Three. I am always looking for new comfy pjs/lounge pants. When you chase toddlers around the house, you want to be comfy and not restricted in jeans. I love slipping on lounge pants after work and on the weekends and these seem to fit the comfy bill according to reviews.

Four. I have bought several friends these Butter socks and there is a reason they call them Butter socks...they are soft as butter on your feet. Seriously heaven.

Five. Several bloggers have mentioned this masque and I need a new one. It gets amazing reviews and really cleans out your pores.

Six. This cream is a life saver for me during the winter months. I always need more, especially right now. It keeps my hands soft, my skin hydrated and heals the cracks from washing my hands endlessly. It is perfect for a stocking stuffer.

Seven. Uggs makes an amazing slipper and mine could be replaced. I have had a similar pair for a long time and they held up nicely. But it is time for a new pair and these are not only pretty but they have a sole on the bottom where you can wear them outside to take out the trash or anything else you need.

Eight. Hunter boots are always a win in my book. It may not rain that much here, but you can still wear them in the snow. I got a pair last year for Christmas and I LOVE them. Enough said.

Nine. This sweater looks comfy, soft and perfect for Tahoe weather.

Ten. Last week I talked about my love for Glassybabies. You can buy them as a candle holder or a drinking glass. I have yet to buy a drinking glass, but would love to receive one as a gift.

Eleven. We all know my love for Kate Spade and her earrings are no exception. These glitter earrings are perfect for the stocking and they sell out fast.

Twelve. This year for Rory's birthday I made him a Sugar Fina custom candy box and I received a free small cube of a candy of my choice. I, of course, went with the champagne gummies. They are amazing. I could eat them everyday and that is why I want a big cube in my stocking please.

What is on your Christmas list?

Santa Photos!

So a few weeks ago, the girls visited Santa. They came into the store, played and were very happy. We talked Santa up all week in hopes of a good picture. As you remember, last year's photo was the cutest and we hoped to get another one like it.

Nope. The girls were not having it. They were soooo scared of Santa and he was the nicest. Sutton tried to run from him and Avery screamed her head off. There were lots of tears and laughs (by Rory and I).

After taking a few shots with Santa, they had us sit with the girls just in case she couldn't get a good photo.

Side note: it turns out the photographer worked in the NICU while the girls were there and she remembers them. She said she could never forget the twins, Sutton and Avery.

And now, the girls' 2016 photo with Santa...

Haha, seriously the best. This is a framer for sure. Maybe next year they will like Santa more.

Weekending

Another weekend in the books and another weekend closer to Christmas. I can't believe we are less than two weeks out. We have been buying, wrapping and getting everything ready.

This weekend was a pretty relaxed one. Though the girls were a bit feisty.

Friday after work, we went to lunch since the girls were still napping and we had to wait to go get them. We had some salads and then went around to a few shops in the area to see if we wanted to buy anything.

After we picked up the girls, we headed home. The girls played and I had to play nurse and help Rory clean his leg. He got some sort of infection and when he went to the doctor, they told him he could do a warm compress and try to extract some of the pus out of it. He waited a few days to do this, but needed help. It was gross, but at least he got some relief. He is on antibiotics for it. I will spare the photos of his wound.

My in-laws came over at 4:30 so we could run a few errands. Our bench for our mudroom finally came in (only 2 months late) and we needed to pick it up. This location is pretty neat and not really good for kids, so we needed a babysitter for them. We went to a few other stores and bought a few gifts. Then we browsed West Elm for a few other items to use our gift cards on. We picked up our bench and headed to a kids store for some stocking stuffers and then across the street to the wine store. Priorities.

After we got a few bottles of wine, we headed home to drop everything off. But we dropped it off in the garage to not disturb the girls. We then headed out to a sports bar for Rory's friends 40th birthday party. We ate, drank and had a good time catching up with friends.

Saturday morning the girls slept in until 8:15 am. This is unheard of for the girls and us parents throughly enjoyed it. We grabbed some coffee and breakfast burritos to share and cuddled down for the day. We had A LOT of rain all day long. We did manage to get out to the mall to finish up our Christmas shopping and to Costco for a few necessities.

Once we were finished, we headed home for naps and watched a bunch of football. The girls took late naps due to waking up late, so once they got up and were awake fully, we headed out to go look at Christmas lights. We went to our favorite house, Lights of Tanea, and the girls were mesmerized.

 I have a great video on IG of the light show (@daniellekira)

After some Christmas light looking, we headed to In N Out for a quick dinner. Then we were off to look at more Christmas lights. And we checked this off our Christmas bucket list.

Once we got home, we got our fire started again, put the girls to bed and relaxed by the fire.

Sunday morning we headed out to breakfast. After breakfast we played around the house. I also vacuumed, cleaned out our hall closet and put together our mudroom bench. The girls played in the top of the box the bench came in and were in heaven. Once I was finished putting the bench together, the girls wanted to get on it for pictures.

Then I fed the girls their lunch and they were holding hands most of the time. It was very sweet of them considering how feisty they were all weekend.

Walter is always on food watch

After cleaning up, I put the girls down for their nap. Once Rory finished cutting back our grape vines, I headed out to the grocery store. 

After the girls got up from their naps, we headed out on a walk. It wasn't too cold outside, but we bundled the girls up and put them in their wagon instead of stroller, at their request. We took an hour long walk and enjoyed the Christmas decorations and the major flooding that occurred from the day before.

This is a little creek that sometimes has water and it expanded very widely. This was the day after the floods.

Once we got back, we built a fire and relaxed for a bit before making the girls dinner and getting everything ready for the next day. Then we gave the girls baths and played while watching football and Christmas movies. 

Once we put the girls to bed, I made us dinner, our favorite go to, Spicy Tomato Cream Pasta (recipe coming soon). We had dinner, cleaned up, watched football by the fire and wrapped a bunch of presents before finally heading to bed. 

How was your weekend?

I am linking up with Biana.