My First Week of Hello Fresh!

On my Instagram (follow along @_thepinkchickadee), I have been sharing my ratings and meals via Hello Fresh. Last week was my first-ever week of Hello Fresh – a subscription service that brings healthy meals for every type of diet right to your doorstep. While I do know that Hello Fresh is not for everybody or every budget, I have personally really enjoyed it along with its several customization options and several ways for me to cook in my kitchen like never before. So, today, I am going to be sharing my experiences with my first-ever week of Hello Fresh!

How do you get free Hello Fresh meals? Get $120 off your first Hello Fresh box(es) when your order using this link: https://www.hellofresh.com/pages/share?c=HS-7N1HD4BXO&utm_campaign=clipboard&utm_couponvalue=120&utm_invitername=Kate&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=raf-share

*Disclaimer: Now, before I get into the meat of this post, it is in NO way being sponsored by Hello Fresh.*

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Hello Fresh offers several different plans for for 2+ meals/week and with 2-4 servings (I think – I know 2 servings is the smallest offered) and including ALL diets, including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and all the meats. You can select your dieting preferences upon creating your account. At the same time, Hello Fresh also offers add-on’s each week, ranging from lunch staples like soup, sandwiches, salads, oatmeal, and even Oat Latte’s. The best part?! The meals and add-on’s vary week per week AND you get to choose which meals and add on’s (if any) you would like. You can also skip a box each week or donate one if you’re going out of town. Personally, I went with 4 meals/week for 2 servings along with a few add-on’s and it solidifies all of my at-home food intake for the week.

When I first opened my Hello Fresh package, I was in AWE! The packaging is beautiful AND the packaging is all done within a sustainable manner. My favorite part was opening up my box to beautifully put together and visually-appealing recipes for each of the 4 meals that I chose. Each meal is arranged with its own special packaging and labelled accordingly. And, everything is contained well with a HUGE ice pack to keep it all cool until its arrival at your home. Overall, I can truly say that Hello Fresh’s packaging was the icing on the top of the cake!

As I got into the meat of the week being the cooking, I found their recipes to be beautifully put together – both visually and directionally. I was able to successfully cook all of my meals and be a bit more adventurous than my usual dump and go sheet pan recipes. Cooking has been a stress relief for me, too. BUT, when it came to the end product aka the meals, I was WOWed! I felt as if I was eating takeout, but thinking much more consciously health-wise and wayyy more delicious.

Personally, I am now HOOKED on the Hello Fresh train and don’t plan to get off of it anytime soon. I am really excited to continue to use it over the next few weeks and potentially months. While it does come at a hefty price tag, the convenience of getting the majority of my groceries delivered right to my doorstep while maintaining healthy eating habits is golden for me and worth the price tag.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: January 17-21

I haven’t done a weekly menu in a while, so I feel that it is time for another! Coincidentally, this is the first time that I am crafting a weekly menu based off of the meals that I get via Hello Fresh. Just last week, I had my first week of Hello Fresh (I get my box every Monday and order 4 meals for 2 people/week in case you’re wondering!) and for the foreseen future will continue to keep my subscription going strong. This week’s menu includes mostly Hello Fresh meals with menu items curated surrounding them. Now, let’s get our taste buds craving something yummy!!

Meal 1: Frijoles Fresca Bowls with Tomato and Pepper Jack. I am REALLY excited about this meal! It is noted as a Hall of Fame recipe on Hello Fresh, and I am super excited to try it. Essentially, to me, it feels like a healthier version of a Chipotle’s vegetarian version of their burrito bowls aka my staple order there. Along with my vegetarian burrito bowl, I ALWAYS order chips at Chipotle to use the bowl as its dip. So, I am doing the same with this recipe using Wegman’s-branded tortilla chips.

Meal 2: Blackened Salmon Penne with Charred Poblano and Monterey Jack Cheese. This is a recipe that I would have NEVER thought to have made this on my own and even think of such a delicious sounding meal! So, when I saw this magnificent creation, I knew that I needed to try it. I will probably serve this pasta on its own or with some leftover tortilla chips.

Meal 3: Creamy Ricotta Tomato Ravioli with Kale and Lemony Tuscan Sauce. I have always LOVED pasta, so whenever I see a vegetarian pasta recipe pop up as a potential meal for me on Hello Fresh, then I WILL 9 times out of 10 add it to my meal plan. What I LOVE about this recipe is that I get ALLLL the benefits of a delicious pasta dish, but with NONE of the health-wise guilt that typical pasta dishes bring me. I plan to serve this dish with a side salad, too!

Meal 4: Mustard Soy Salmon with Pickled Scallions, Ginger Rice, and Zesty Carrots. Personally, salmon has always been one of my all-time favorite fishes. I am, in fact, a HUGE fish fan, but salmon is a very very dear favorite of mine. So, this recipe was a must-try for me. It added that Asian cuisine feel to me, but with all of the benefits of a healthy meal.

Meal 5: Pesto Caprese Sandwiches with Almond-Studded Green Salad. Ever since I studied abroad in Tuscany, Italy, I have missed enjoying Caprese sandwiches in general, as it was indeed a staple of my diet then. I LOVE that this recipe gives all of the healthy benefits with a simple taste of Italy right here in Northern Virginia, especially with the side salad that it comes with.

Meal 6: Grilled Cheese with Truffle Butter and Wegman’s’ freshly made Chicken Noodle Soup or Tomato Bisque. A comfort food at its finest – enough said!

This week’s menu has me super uber-excited. Here’s to eating healthy AND enjoying what I eat, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: October 18-22

Another week, another weekly menu! My week’s have gotten pretty busy since the most recent holiday weekend – Columbus Day weekend. However, I am still brewing some things in the kitchen to enjoy some home-cooked specialties. This week, I am not making as much in the kitchen, but I am still enjoying a few recipes here and there. Let’s get cooking!

Meal 1:

In recent times, Progresso has whipped up a new dry formula for Crockpot soups and I have been eager to try! So, I am going to be whipping up that soup recipe, myself. I am trying their chicken noodle soup formula, but not adding any chicken to it. To enjoy this soup, I will be baking some biscuits Pillsbury style and sautéing some kale.

Meal 2:

About a month ago, I stocked up on Fall products at Trader Joe’s. Now, I am oh so excited to whip up some wheat spaghetti with Trader Joe’s Autumn Harvest Pasta Sauce and add in some white wine and mussels. I will be topping off this meal with some Texas toast and kale Caesar salad!

Meal 3:

Last but not least, I will be enjoying some egg cups with broccoli and spinach within them. They’re most definitely a delicious and easy recipe to make. I’m excited to enjoy them all this week.

Here’s to an exciting week in the kitchen!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: September 27-October 1

one time, no weekly menu! Recently, I have made a master bucket list for ALL of the Fall recipes that I have wanted to try. Now that I can officially say it’s Fall y’all, I can also officially make ALL of my favorite Fall recipes with no shame. Like I wasn’t before, but can enjoy them knowing it’s starting to get a bit cooler in the air.

Weekly Menu Round-Up: September 27-October 1

  • Meal-Prepped Lunch: The other day, I was looking up some recipes involving seafood that are also great for Fall. One of the first recipes that I came across was a Rustic Crab Quiche from Garlic & Zest – a recipe that I cannot wait to try this week and enjoy at every lunch! I will be serving my quiche with one of my favorite pre-made Food Lion salads – a Poppyseed salad.
  • Dinner 1: For quite a while, I have been intrigued by the idea of cooking up some Teriyaki Salmon! If you follow me on Instagram (@_thepinkchickadee) which you probably should – I would LOVE to connect! – then you know that I am a major fan of shopping at my local Food Lion grocery store. If you don’t know what Food Lion is, it is a grocery store chain that is near and dear to those in the central East Coast states – Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, the works. My local Food Lion carries a Teriyaki Salmon pre-made that I HAVE to try and finally bought. I will be serving my baked Teriyaki Salmon in a sheet pan style with roasted broccoli, carrots, and some skillet rice and potstickers, too.
  • Dinner 2: It may be my inner Washington, DC in me, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Old Bay seasoning. My college Big Sis Stephanie made an oven butter baked shrimp with broccoli and mushrooms on a sheet pan a while back, and I have been dreaming about making it myself since! I *finally* am trying it and will be adding in some foil-wrapped baked Cod of course topped with some Old Bay to the sheet pan, too. I will top it all off over some cauliflower rice – a new favorite in my Mom’s and I’s kitchen if I’m in the mood!
  • Dinner 3: A few weeks ago, I went to Trader Joe’s and stocked up on ravioli of *ALLLL* kinds. One of the ravioli’s that I picked up was their corn ravioli – ravioli that I plan to try this week with some butter and parmesan and Texas toast – a childhood favorite of mine.
  • Dinner 4: One of my favorite Air Fryer recipes, which I actually raved about in a recent blog post is air fried salmon marinated in none other than Chick Fil-A sauce. It’s a delicious creation that’s oh so unique, and indeed it is! I will be serving this salmon speciality of mine with some roasted broccoli and Mac & cheese with the noodles in the shapes of my favorite Disney Frozen characters.

This week’s menu straight from my own kitchen has me excited and looking forward to many more meals to enjoy, especially as it’s Fall y’all!!!

XOXO – Katie <3 e

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My Favorite Air Fryer Recipes + Some I Want to Try!

Salmon, fries, and pizza, oh my! I love love love my Ninja 4 Quart Air Fryer and all that it can quickly and conveniently whip up for me. I have owned it since February 2021 and it has been one of my most favorite purchases. Over the past 7 months, I had experimented with and made some amazing recipes at the convenience and luxury of my own Air Fryer. Some of these recipes I never thought I could even make in an Air Fryer, either. Today, I will be sharing my favorite Air Fryer recipes and some that I want to try very soon!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

y Favorite Air Fryer Recipes!

  • Shrimp – Shrimp has been such an Air Fryer staple of mine! I do not even have to defrost it before adding it into the Air Fryer! I can add the seasonings before or after I simply air fry it, and it is so so so easy. Typically, I top my shrimp off with Old Bay Seasoning.
  • Pizza – Whoever thought you could air fry pizza?! I surely did not! Well, until I tried it! I have so far only air fried pizza with naan as the crust, since it can easily fit into my Air Fryer and only whip it up within 5-7 minutes.
  • Fries – I am such a quirky person when it comes to the texture of my fries! However, my Air Fryer can make me some pretty great fries. It takes about 10-15 minutes and I am set!
  • Crab Cakes – Crab cakes are so fun to make, yet they can take 20-30 minutes to bake in the oven. So, I tried them in the Air Fryer and discovered that I can make one of my favorite seafood staples for a much quicker time frame in it!
  • Salmon – Like shrimp, I do not have to defrost any salmon that I air fry either! In my opinion, it is pretty great when I do not have to defrost any of my seafood before cooking it. One of my favorite ways to cook salmon in the Air Fryer is to marinate it in of all things: Chick Fil-A sauce! Yes, Chick Fil-A sauce is incredible in the Air Fryer!!

Air Fryer Recipes I Want to Try!

Personally, I want to branch off a bit from the typical seafood recipes that I make in the Air Fryer! Needless to say, I have a few ideas in mind:

  • Bagel Bites – I saw this on YouTube one night and have been dying to try since! I have heard people RAVE about homemade bagel bites.
  • Pumpkin Seeds – If I can air fry some pumpkin seeds aka a Fall staple snack, then you know that I probably will!
  • Deep Fried Oreos – Back in my college days (which weren’t that long ago – HAH!), I went to the North Carolina State Fair every year where I would ALWAYS get some deep fried Oreos. With COVID-19, I sadly will be passing on the North Carolina State Fair this year, but I hope to bring some of it with me home to Washington, DC!

Through it all, I have LOVED using my Air Fryer! Not only has it saved me time, but it has also allowed me to enjoy some unique meals that I would not have anticipated I would ever try. If you are stuck on whether or not to purchase an Air Fryer, then I say GO FOR IT! Trust me, you will not regret it.

Shop my Ninja Black 4 Quart Air Fryer here!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My New Favorite Iced Coffee Machine + My At-Home Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe!

If I told you that you could save hundred’s and even up to one thousand dollars or more on coffee/a year?! A way that you can forgo your go-to Starbucks or Dunkin’ order for something just as good and even more affordable?! It may sound too good to be true. But, you heard me right – there is, indeed a way that you can do just that! The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine saves its customers $800 on average per year on iced coffee, according to its box. I recently purchased the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine, and many of y’all have been asking me about it wanting to buy it yourselves, too. Well, y’all asked and today I will deliver: I am sharing my own experiences with the Mr. Coffee Iced Machine.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine Review

The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine retails for $30 at its full retail price; however, recently, I have seen it retail on sale at Target for $25 (where I purchased) and Walmart for $15. This coffee machine comes in 4 different colors to meet your coffee station’s decorative coloring and needs. Along with the coffee machine, your purchase of up to $30 comes with a high quality clear branded tumbler with a lid and straw as well as a measuring cup to measure out your coffee grounds. Personally, you get A LOT of bang for your buck!

So far, my experiences with the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine have been pretty great. It is easy to use, with the instructions on how to use it taped right to the top of it upon unboxing it, and even pours coffee quicker than *drumroll please* the Keurig. In order to use, you add 1/2 cup of water to the base, a measuring cup (provided with the machine) full of coffee grounds to the coffee ground container, place a tumbler with ice underneath, and press the button to allow it to work some magic for less than a minute. It’s easy as eating a slice of pumpkin pie!!!

As for the taste of the coffee, I find it to be pretty great. Personally, I see great benefits to buying your own coffee grounds and/or K-Cups and brewing your own at-home coffee. As a self-proclaimed caffeine queen and an actual caffeine addict (hey, at least I own up to that part!), I find a lot of benefits in saving my own money and enjoying some coffee straight from the comfort of my own home. At the same time, I do enjoy some Starbucks here and there, but in moderation (and, yes, I am Team Starbucks over Team Dunkin’!). When using the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine, you get to choose which coffee grounds you use and you can use your favorite, too. As for adding in an additional taste, I always add creamer to my hot coffee and use the same one with my iced coffee and add in a bit of flavored syrup too, and no, not maple syrup. You can even add in whipped cream, some sweet spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin spice, or sugar – the possibilities are unlimited! I find it pretty great that one can choose what they put on their own iced coffee to their liking, especially when made at home.

Overall, the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine is a 10/10. Not only is this coffee machine super easy to use and convenient, it is also super affordable. I can customize my coffee the way I like it and be my own barista (see my at-home Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe using this machine below!). Personally, I felt like I robbed the store because the price and everything included was too good to be true!

My At-Home Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe!

***Please note that this recipe is made using the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine.***

Ingredients:

  • Pumpkin-flavored coffee grounds (I got mine at TJ Maxx)
  • SkinnyGirl Pumpkin-flavored fat free/sugar free syrup (I got mine at TJ Maxx)
  • Pumpkin-flavored coffee creamer (I use Delight’s fat free creamer)
  • Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice

Steps:

  1. Use the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine as usual (add in coffee grounds to the machine, water to the machine base, ice to tumbler, and start the coffee brewing!)
  2. Add in the coffee creamer and syrup
  3. Sprinkle the pumpkin spices on top
  4. Stir it all together
  5. Enjoy!

If you are interested in purchasing your own Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine, then you can purchase your own in store at Target or Walmart or using this link: https://rstyle.me/+qRo5tDvuyPCTStDva8jw-Q

Happy coffee day!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: August 9-13

Love me some delicious and healthy meals! This week’s menu is filled with some delicious and healthy meals that I have enjoyed in the past and am looking to continue to enjoy. Ever since I moved into my first-ever college apartment, I started planning weekly menus. My Aunt April gave me the idea when she shared her weekly menus with my cousins in the kitchen. So, I have loved sharing them with y’all and continue to moving forward, too!

Meal-Prepped Lunch

This week, I am trying a healthy, carb-less Italian dish! I am trying a Kale Sautee with Polenta. Although this recipe calls for sausage, I am going to stick with a vegetarian option and do this recipe sausage and meat-free! I am really looking forward to trying this recipe, as I have been looking to try something with polenta recently. I will also be serving it with an over easy egg over it!

Meal 1

To kick off the week, I will be enjoying air fryer Tilapia rubbed in spices such as Cayenne, Garlic Powder, and Paprika along with roasted broccoli and a sweet kale salad. I will also be enjoying this meal with my Papa!

Meal 2

Growing up, one of my favorite recipes ever was my Mom’s Pesto Bread Crumb Salmon! So, I am whipping it up in my own kitchen this week and serving it with roasted cherry tomatoes and buttered noodles.

Meal 3

If you follow along with my Instagram Stories recently, then you may know that I am an avid Food Lion grocery store fan! My local Food Lion has a variety of fresh and pre-marinated seafood. Last week, I picked up a bunch of tilapia on sale in that section and this week I am trying their Mahi Madi marinated in roasted garlic. I will be serving it with roasted sweet peppers and brown rice.

Meal 4

One of my best friends is coming over this week and I am having one of our favorite seafood dishes with it – Roasted Butter Scallops.I will also be serving it with sautéed peas in garlic along with some mashed cauliflower and *of course* French fries!

This week’s menu is one that I am most definitely really looking forward to! Here’s to more great meals this week and beyond!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: July 26-30

I haven’t done a weekly menu in what feels like AGES!!! However, since my summer vacation is now almost over, it’s time to get back into a weekly menu groove. This week’s menu is all about eating well while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating high calorie foods in moderation. Now, let’s get into it.

Meal-Prepped Lunch

This week, I am starting to meal prep lunches for the entire week. To kick off my first week at my new job, I will be having an Italian Couscous Salad (minus the salami) using this recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron. As someone who LOVES couscous and caprese salad, this meal prep recipe is such an excitement for me to try!

Meal 1

My first meal of the week will be air fryer beer battered cod with a roasted beet and goat cheese salad. The salad will be made with a Spring salad mix which I purchased at my local Food Lion, and I will be roasting the beets before putting them into the salad with some crumbled goat cheese, too.

Meal 2

One of my all-time favorite recipes and the first big girl recipe that I ever made is Tuscan Butter Salmon. Initially, I discovered this gem of a recipe from Delish on Facebook about 3 years ago. Nowadays, I have memorized the recipe for myself and have LOVED enjoying it myself! I will be serving Tuscan Butter salmon atop of some brown rice and with Caesar salad.

Meal 3

If you know me, then you know I LOVE some sautéed kale! I will be making some sautéed kale and keeping this recipe pretty simple by serving it with Alfredo gnocchi using Alfredo sauce from my local Food Lion.

Meal 4

My Dad is coming into town to visit me this weekend, so I will be whipping him up a special meal! Recently, I purchased an Instant Pot and have LOVED using it to make sautéed mushrooms via the sauté function. It is healthy, yet delicious. I will be serving my favorite sautéed mushrooms with some Air Fryer tilapia and some of my favorite spices atop of it all along with my step mom’s amazing signature baked Mac & cheese recipe.

Meal 5

Waffles!!!!

Here’s to a great first week!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Georgetown Cupcakes Delivery Review

My favorite dessert is cupcakes! Remember the show DC Cupcakes?! Well, you’re in luck because the cupcake shop that is featured on the show, Georgetown Cupcakes, delivers their cupcakes nationwide. Over the years, I have received a dozen Georgetown Cupcakes shipped to me from my Dad as a birthday gift. Today, I am sharing an *unsponsored* review of my experiences receiving a delivered dozen of Georgetown Cupcakes.

Where do they deliver?

Georgetown Cupcakes delivers to all states in the United States, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii.

When should I place my order?

You must place an order at 5pm the day before your delivery date, in order to receive it.

How do the cupcakes stay cool and collect when shipping?

Each package of cupcakes comes wrapped in bubble wrap with ice packs on the top, in order keep them cool in shipment. They are also covered in plastic to keep them from moving so they stay real pretty when they arrive.

What flavors can you choose from?

All of Georgetown Cupcakes’ regular cupcake flavors and monthly specials are up for grabs when you order.

What are your thoughts?

I have loved receiving Georgetown Cupcakes every year as a birthday gift. Personally, I never was a big fan of cake and always preferred cupcakes. Also, I attend college out of state and wanted a cake from my family to celebrate with friends when I could not see them. So, it worked out perfectly for me!

Georgetown Cupcakes has always been my favorite cupcakery. It is always nice to be able to receive my favorite cupcakes that I can usually only get in Washington, DC while in North Carolina. The cupcakes arrive just as delicious as they do in the shop and are in great quality and condition. That being said, I highly suggest ordering them yourself if you want them for an occasion and are not living near any of their shops. They are definitely worth the delivery fees and great quality service!

Want to order yourself?! Place your order today using this link: https://www.georgetowncupcake.com/OrderType.aspx

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: April 19-23

It’s crazy to think that I have one month left until graduation! I will also have about one month left in my sweet little apartment here in Raleigh. Keeping all of this in mind, I want to go out with a bang in my kitchen and make as many memories as I can before moving up to Washington, DC. So, here we go with this week’s menu.

Monday

Growing up, my mother made these amazing roasted potato wedges. Luckily for my childhood craving’s satisfaction, I found a similar recipe from I am Baker and will be trying it. To go with it, I will be whipping up some air fryer cod filets – courtesy of my Papa’s classic staple in his own kitchen!

Tuesday

Recently, I have been OBSESSED with my Ninja air fryer. Seafood has, indeed, been a favorite of mine to make in it, too. So, I will be making some air fryer salmon and serving it with some cheesy scalloped potatoes that I adored enjoying at my friend’s house for Easter using a recipe also from I am Baker. Additionally, I will be whipping up some good olde roasted asparagus.

Wednesday

Just like Tuesday, I will also be making some salmon *yet again* in the air fryer. This time, however, I will be serving my salmon with some roasted sweet peppers and some couscous.

Thursday & Friday

This Thursday, I will be getting my second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine *cue the confetti!!!!*. In order to give myself some grace and recovery time, I made the decision to stock up on some soups – most notably, chicken noodle soup and clam chowder. That way, I can remain strong and protected against this virus.

While my time at Meredith is coming to an end, I still want to enjoy some great pleasures and memories in my kitchen. That way, I can look back at this time and these years with a great big smile.

XOXO – Katie <3

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