Author Archives: Tammy Greene

About Tammy Greene

Tammy is happily married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother of two. She is the creator of the blog Married and Naked, where she shares her own struggles and successes in her marriage. By sharing the lessons she has learned she hopes that her readers will feel inspired to know that successful relationships are not easy but they are possible and that Happily Ever After can definitely be within reach.

7 Holiday Date Night Traditions

7 Fun Holiday Date Night Traditions

1. Bask in the Glory of Holiday Lights. Christmas lights are a holiday tradition dating back to Thomas Edison and became an official holiday tradition in 1895. Holiday lights are beautiful and fill us with a sense of awe. Take some time to enjoy the hard work of your neighbors. Hop in the car with your sweetheart and take a drive around the neighborhood to appreciate the magic a simple strand of lights can bring.

2. Drink Cocoa by the Tree. If you celebrate the holidays by decorating the tree, you know how much work this can be. But, once the work is done, do you take the time to appreciate your efforts? Warm up a cup of cocoa, top it with some mini marshmallows and cuddle by the tree. Take in the smell, reminisce, and relax. Don’t let your efforts only be enjoyed on Christmas Day.

3. Watch a Holiday Movie. Take some time to snuggle on the couch, put your feet up and share a blanket while you watch one of the many holiday classics. From the funny to the heartfelt, there is an endless array of movies to choose from. Take some time to unwind together and laugh or cry your way through your favorite holiday film. You can never go wrong with Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life.

4. Play Hooky. One of my very favorite things to do is to play hooky from work with my husband. There is something delicious about leaving work early sometimes to spend some time with my sweetie. Take a day away from the usual grind to spend it enjoying some quality time while getting in some last minute shopping. Hold hands and stroll through the mall, pick up a holiday flavored coffee, and check everyone off your list. Fighting the crowds is way more fun if you have someone you love standing next to you.

5. Build a Gingerbread House. I know this tradition is usually reserved for the kids, but why is that? Shouldn’t the grown ups have fun too? You can make one from scratch, or take the easy route and pick up a pre-made house at the store. Design a house that represents each of you by adding icing and your favorite candies. Display it proud for everyone to see. Each time you walk by you won’t be able to help but smile at what you created together.

6. Have a Sweetheart Christmas. Let’s face it, Christmas day can be hectic and exhausting. Opening gifts can be a whirlwind of tissue and paper and watching the clock to make sure you are on time to the next event.

One thing that my husband and I have done since we were teenagers, is have our own separate Sweetheart Christmas. On the night of the 25th, after all the hustle of the day has past and the kids are asleep, hubby and I light a fire, warm some cocoa and meet by the tree. It is only then that we exchange our gifts for each other.

This time has become a very special tradition for us. It gives us the ability to take our time opening each others gifts. It gives us time to breathe in the peace and gratitude that the holiday season brings. It gives us time to express our love and appreciation without feeling rushed. These are precious moments for us. Celebrating Christmas together this way is the perfect way to wrap up the holidays.

7. Give Back. No matter where you live, you do not have to look far to find someone in need. The holidays are a time for giving, so what better way to give than to reach out to someone who could use a helping hand? Take some time to look beyond your own needs and stress and devote some of that attention to someone who could use some kindness.

Whether it be donating gifts, making a meal, or donating your time, make this a holiday project you and your sweetie do together. There is tremendous joy to be found in doing something kind for others.

Whatever you decide to do, take some time to enjoy the season together. Cuddle, take in the sights and smells, listen to music, and start some new traditions. It only comes by once a year so don’t let this special time fly by without taking a few moments to relax and enjoy it together.

Happy Holidays.

Tammy

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4 Holiday Date Night Traditions

Holiday Date Night Traditions

Look at Lights
Christmas lights are a holiday tradition dating back to Thomas Edison and became an official holiday tradition in 1895. Holiday lights are beautiful and fill us with a sense of awe. Take some time to enjoy the hard work of your neighbors. Hop in the car with your sweetheart and take a drive around the neighborhood to appreciate the magic a simple strand of lights can bring.

Drink Cocoa by the Tree
If you celebrate the holidays by decorating the tree, you know how much work this can be. But, once the work is done, do you take the time to appreciate your efforts? Warm up a cup of cocoa, top it with some mini marshmallows and cuddle by the tree. Take in the smell, reminisce, and relax. Don’t let your efforts only be enjoyed on Christmas Day.

Watch a Holiday Movie
Take some time to snuggle on the couch, put your feet up and share a blanket while you watch one of the many holiday classics. From the funny to the heartfelt, there is an endless array of movies to choose from. Take some time to unwind together and laugh or cry your way through your favorite holiday film.

Give Back
No matter where you live, you do not have to look far to find someone in need. The holidays are a time for giving, so what better way to give than to reach out to someone who could use a helping hand? Take some time to look beyond your own needs and stress and devote some of that attention to someone who could use some kindness.

Happy Holidays.

4 Fun Summer Date Nights

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There is something about the summer sun that makes me feel at home and happy.

On the first day of summer I welcome in with a happy heart the heat, the bbqs, the swimming, the vacation time.

But, what I look forward to most is spending the warm summer evenings hanging out with my husband. There is little else that brings my heart so much joy.

Summer is a time when you can forget the traditional date night of heading to a restaurant.

It is the time when you can get creative, head outdoors and enjoy the lingering summer sun with the one you love.

Here are some ideas for fun summer dates to spend with your sweetie.

Go To A Drive In
A drive in movie is, without a doubt nostalgic and romantic. And, there is something undeniably tender about snuggling next to your sweetie under the summer night sky and sharing a box of Milk Duds.

Revisit your youth and pack up the car with chairs, blankets, pillows and sweets and take your spouse to a good old fashioned drive in theater.

Do an online search to find a drive in near you. No drive in theaters around? Check event listings in your area. Many cities offer movies in the park for a similar experience.

Dance at an Outdoor Concert
There is nothing quite like an outdoor concert. But, going to a big expensive concert isn’t necessary in order to take your sweetie on this fun date. Many towns offer concerts in the park with local bands.

Pack up some fold up chairs and buy some take out and sit back and enjoy the local culture. Hear a song you like? Ask your spouse to dance. Summer air, good food, music and your sweetie? Now those are the ingredients of a great date!

Go For a Drive
For as long as I have known my husband he has loved to put together a summer playlist of music. Back in the day that meant making a mixed cassette tape. Now it is as simple as dragging and dropping our favorite songs in ITunes.

For a great summer date, make a playlist that your spouse would like and hit the open road. Go for a drive with the windows down, the music on and sing out loud together. See where the road and the music takes you.

Watch a Meteor Shower
One of my favorite date memories is when Husband and I drove up to the mountains and laid in the bed of the truck watching a meteor shower. Talk about romantic.

This summer, head out past the city lights between August 10th and August 13th to catch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Grab some blankets, pillows, wine and dessert and have a romantic night among the stars.

Whatever it is that you do for date night, get out and enjoy the summer air. The freedom and hope that summer brings comes and goes so quickly. Don’t let it fly by without taking some time to enjoy it with the one you love most.

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

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I once heard someone say, “The way to a man’s heart is thru his stomach.” I believe that there is some truth to that statement.

Food is love.

Unfortunately for my husband, I am not a cook. I grew up on microwave dinners and restaurants. The knowledge and gift of being able to whip up a culinary masterpiece from scratch was not passed along to me.

But that doesn’t stop me from trying.

If food is love, then I want to cook for my husband as much as possible.

These Cinnamon Sugar Almonds are a sure ticket to my husband’s heart. They are the perfect combination of nutty crunchy sweetness.

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

Ingredients

1 egg white
1 Tbsp water
3 Cups Almonds (raw)
¼ Cup brown sugar
½ Cup granulated sugar
3 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl combine the egg white and water. Whisk until it gets a little bit frothy.

In a separate small bowl mix together the sugars and the cinnamon. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the almonds and the egg white mixture. Stir until almonds are well covered in the egg white. Next, pour in your sugar mixture and combine well to ensure that all almonds are coated.

Spread almonds in an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and give them a stir. Then, bake another 10 – 15 minutes.

I love to eat the almonds when they are still warm from the oven.

Feel free to experiment with combinations of other nuts that you love. Almonds just happen to be my favorite.

You won’t believe how wonderful your house will smell while these are baking.

These almonds are not only a great treat for your husband, but they would also make wonderful gifts for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers.

I hope you enjoy!

What snack do you like to make for your sweetie?

Recipe adapted from Damn Delicious