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Party Recap and Fun Facts Friday - Christmas Memories

Party Recap
Last night's Christmas Eve Eve Brunch was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, even the Vegan Veggie Frittata. I was sort of thinking I'd be the only one eating that one, but to my surprise, everyone wanted to try it and actually liked it. Seal of approval has been given to this one. The next time I make it, I will likely add in a bit more color with red bell peppers and maybe green onions.

Vegan Veggie Frittata
Ingredients:
1 package extra firm silken tofu
1-2 tbsp spicy mustard
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Splash of soy or almond milk
To taste: salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutritional yeast flakes (approximately 3 tbsp)
1/4 orange bell pepper, diced
1/4 white onion, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 small yellow squash, diced
To taste: salt, pepper, parsley, basil
Vegan cheese (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In food processor, puree tofu, mustard, vinegar, milk, and first set of spices until thick and creamy - almost like a mousse.

In non-stick skillet, saute remaining ingredients until soft.

Prepare a small springform pan or glass baking dish with a non-stick spray (baking spray suggested). Poor the veggies into the bottom and spread around then pour in the tofu mixture and smooth out evenly. Top with the vegan cheese. Bake approximately 30 minutes or until begins to brown.

So, here are some pictures of the spread. Not super pretty because I have to put everything on the counter out of the reach of nosy, sneaky dogs.
Vegan Coffee Cake
White Chocolate Almond Cranberry Bark (aka crack)

Free No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Greek & Mexican Style Fritattas

Vegan Veggie Frittata

Veggie Sausages

Part of The Spread

Fruit Salad

 And of course a few people pictures. I sort of failed on that this time.
 

Leg Day
This morning I went with legs from STS Meso 2, Week 4. I wasn't super motivate to do a leg workout, in fact, I opted to pluck my eyebrows first ;-) In the end, I had a good leg workout and time flew by once I got started. The workout is done with 3 sets of trisets done 3x10 at 80% of my 1RM.

TS#1
Step ups
Rear leg slide back lunges
Wall squats

TS#2
Deadlifts on step
Side sliding lunges
Narrow stance squats

TS#3
Front lunges (supposed to be 45-degree angle but too hard on IT band)
Alternating plie squats
Low-plane lunges (start low and do 10 counts of low-end pulses)

Single-leg calf raises on step

I added in 2x18 of weighted donkey kicks and roll-ins/hip lifts on stability ball.

After legs, I decided to go with MMA Boxing for some cardio. Then it was stretching, rolling, stretching, and rolling.

Fun Facts Friday - Christmas Memories 
I got cleaned up, but stayed in yoga pants and warm fleece shirt for the day. I had a lot to do in the kitchen today and that always demands comfort. I had to finally make and jar my spaghetti sauce as well as bake bread. The sauce is literally an all-day affair. From start to finish it is about 7 hours. But, the sauce is just part of Christmas for me. It would almost feel wrong not giving it to friends and family now.

That brings me to Christmas memories. Most of my Christmas memories are great, they make me smile and are what I think of when I think of Christmas. Not all of our Christmases were ideal of course, but I try to remember all the great smiles, memories, and family time... and some gifts of course.
  • I Dream of Genie PJs - they were red with chiffon. We would stand and strike "Genie" poses in them.
  • A pair of cowgirl boots. My shoe fetish started very early.
  • Baking cookies with my sister.
  • Icing cookies with mom and sister. 
  • Waiting up for my cousins to get to my grandmother's house - I would guess the time of arrival based on what time they were leaving Missouri. 
  • Enjoying the traditional manicotti dinner. 
  • Sitting in the floor in PJs opening presents with Jason. 
  • Watching my niece and nephew open their gifts.
  • Spending the day with family.

What are some of your favorite or most special Christmas memories?

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