8isGreat's plan for the week (I may make some changes as I review my calendar)
Sunday - Pork BBQ, Cole Slaw
Monday - Monterey Chicken, rice, green beans
Monterey Chicken - Grill chicken breasts in BBQ sauce. Top with cooked bacon slices and shredded cheddar and heat quickly until cheese melts. Top with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions.
Tuesday - Ham steak with pineapple sauce [15 1/4 oz can crushed pineapple, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon BBQ spice, 2 Tablespoons honey. Blend pineapple in blender until smooth, pour into saucepan add Worcestershire sauce and BBQ spice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in honey and serve over Ham], potatoes, corn, rolls
Wednesday - Turkey sandwiches [sliced turkey, roasted red bell peppers, provalone heated until cheese melts topped with lettuce, tomatoes and 1,000 Island dressing] and potato salad.
Thursday - Turkey taco salads, refried beans
Friday - Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Saturday - Chicken Enchilada's, Mexican rice, lettuce, tomatoes
Monday, June 1, 2009
Can I feed my family of ten on less than $100/week - UPDATE
My goal this month was to spend less than $100/week on groceries, H&B items, cleaning supplies, and diapers. I did not meet this goal, but considerably dropped my OOP expenses in these catagories this month (May) when compared to April. See April's totals here.
My total OOP expenses [for groceries, H&B, cleaning supplies and diapers] in May was $491.65. My April expenses for the same catagories were $1,120. I spent $628 less this month.
The weekly breakdown for May comes to $122.91/week. April's weekly breakdown was $280. I spent $157 less each week in the month of May.
The problems I encountered that made my goal of $100/week difficult were:
1. I implemented my weekly menus, but after a great first week I ended up not sticking to the menu on the average of 2-3 days per week. I realize that I really need to look at the activities my family has scheduled and plan accordingly.
2. Another problem I didn't anticipate was my DH or DD making purchases for me but adding extra items that affected my OOP expenses.
3. I also made some unplanned purchases for a hungry toddler on a mini road trip. I should have planned ahead and had some crackers and water in the car for this.
4. I continued to stock up on items that my family regularly uses when I found a really great price.
My goals for June:
I still think I can get my weekly OOP expenses below $100/week and will keep this goal for June.
I learned that I need to create a more realistic meal plan that fits with our activities.
This month I will give myself a "stock up" weekly budget that is within the regular weekly budget. Maybe of the $99 budget I could allocate $49 to stocking up and $50 for the regular milk, bread, eggs, I need to keep us going.
My total OOP expenses [for groceries, H&B, cleaning supplies and diapers] in May was $491.65. My April expenses for the same catagories were $1,120. I spent $628 less this month.
The weekly breakdown for May comes to $122.91/week. April's weekly breakdown was $280. I spent $157 less each week in the month of May.
The problems I encountered that made my goal of $100/week difficult were:
1. I implemented my weekly menus, but after a great first week I ended up not sticking to the menu on the average of 2-3 days per week. I realize that I really need to look at the activities my family has scheduled and plan accordingly.
2. Another problem I didn't anticipate was my DH or DD making purchases for me but adding extra items that affected my OOP expenses.
3. I also made some unplanned purchases for a hungry toddler on a mini road trip. I should have planned ahead and had some crackers and water in the car for this.
4. I continued to stock up on items that my family regularly uses when I found a really great price.
My goals for June:
I still think I can get my weekly OOP expenses below $100/week and will keep this goal for June.
I learned that I need to create a more realistic meal plan that fits with our activities.
This month I will give myself a "stock up" weekly budget that is within the regular weekly budget. Maybe of the $99 budget I could allocate $49 to stocking up and $50 for the regular milk, bread, eggs, I need to keep us going.
Meal Plan Monday
Well--it's a new month which means I had to sit down and write out the whole month's worth of dinners. This month we'll probably see some more ground turkey (since I got a lot last month)!
Last week was the first week I've strayed so much from my meal plan. An unexpected night out for myself as well as a very tired pregnant lady not feeling like cooking changed the schedule up a bit--so you may see some of the meals scheduled for last week appearing again soon!
Sunday: Zesty Herb marinated grilled chicken--McCormick mix, but I use olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make. (make extra for Wednesday's club salad), corn on the cob and packet potatoes. (slice white and sweet potatoes very thinly, toss with olive oil, salt/pepper, dried thyme and sliced onions. Wrap in aluminum foil packets and and grill for 15 or so minutes.) Chocolate cake for dessert since it was Pentecost--the birthday of the Church!
Monday: Tball practice Taco salad (add black beans and corn), refried beans, peaches
Tuesday: Baked ziti with turkey sausage--from Sugar Solution cookbook--recipe coming later after I email my other sister for it!
Wednesday: Tball game Chicken Club Pasta Salad
8 ounces corkscrew or spiral pasta
3/4 cup italian dressing
1/4 cup mayo
2 cups chopped, cooked rotisserie chicken
1 cup Muenster or Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
12 strips of crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled
1 avocado, chopped
1 cup each chopped celery and green bell pepper
8 ounces cherry tomatoes, cut in half
At home, cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions and rinse it with cold water. Whisk the dressing with the mayonnaise in a large bowl, then stir in the pasta and the remaining ingredients. Spoon the salad into individual resealable plastic containers and chill. Transfer the containers to your cooler before heading out.
Thursday: Piano practice Grilled turkey burgers with roasted red pepper mayo, fries, salad
Friday: Grilled cheese pizzas for kids, grilled veggie pizzas for grown ups
Saturday: Grilled sirloin steaks, baked potatoes, brocolli, red cabbage.
For more ideas check out Meal Plan Monday!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Shoppers Food Double Coupon Weekend!
Thanks to Gina at MoneywiseMoms I learned that Shoppers was doubling coupons up to (and including) $1 this weekend. They also have an in circular coupon for $5 off when you buy $20 worth of selected products (cereals, poptarts, cookies.) Most of my $1/1 coupons for Kelloggs cereals that I printed off coupons.com a few weeks back were going to expire in the next week, so I thought it was the perfect time to use them up! The way it works is by buying 8 boxes of cereal at $2.50 each and using the $1/1 coupons per box and the $5 Shoppers coupon you make $1! (which is then applied to the rest of your groceries.)
My total for this trip was $15.65.
I got:
24 boxes of cereal (lots to be donated)
2 jars of Miracle Whip (donate)--I bought this for free to be able to use the Kraft $2 off meat purchase to make the ground turkey just $.50
1.25 lbs Ground turkey
2 cans Hormel chili
4 cans vegetarian refried beans
6 boxes of jello (only 5 pictured)
4 pack of Kraft American cheese
3 bags of Marcal napkins
3 boxes uncle bens brown rice
1 McCormick black pepper
1 Daisy 8 oz sour cream
2 Breakstone 16 0z sour cream
3 Wacky Mac
2 Barilla Piccolini pastas
12 Mentos gums
2 YoPlait Yo-Plus yogurt
3 donuts (not pictured!)
Total $15.65. (Actually it should have been $.50 less, but I accidentally grabbed a box of Rice Krispies that was smaller--but $.50 more.)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Harris Teeter Triples - How to...
Not sure how to get a low OOP from the items you need at HT this week? Check out HCW's "Brag Thread" and see what other couponers are purchasing and what they paid.
Thrifty Thursday
Thrift stores!
Thrift stores are terrific places to find great, high-quality, unique and inexpensive household items. Often, the items in a thrift store are perfectly good things that somebody else has outgrown or simply grown tired of.
If you need to furnish a new apartment, Thrift stores are great sources of the necessary kitchen items - dishes, pots and pans, and baking items. You'll also find bedspreads, curtains, carpets, small appliances, and furniture.
I go to one local thrift store because they get a regular supply of these little juice glasses. (I really don't like to drink out of plastic cups.) My little ones help with dishes and we break quite a few glasses over a year. These also remind me of my Grandmother who always served breakfst with two of these little glasses, one with milk and the other with juice. :o)
All the glasses in this cupboard came from a thrift store. They are not all the same pattern, but they are all clear glass and in my opinion look nicer on the table than different colored plastic cups.
Be sure to check out the accessories. You'll find belts, purses, luggage, shoes, hats, and even jewelry (usually the costume variety) at a fraction of their regular prices. I bought this brand new, never used Vera Bradley wallet for my daughter last year. I didn't know what the retail value was, but I knew enough to know $3 was a bargain. My daughter was thrilled!
Watch for bargains and sales. Many thrift stores have a sales or clearance rack to unload items that have not sold in some time. Also, keep a look out for store-wide sales, such as student or senior discount day, 50% off day or $1 day among others. Most thrift shops will have signs up for these events.
Before buying an item, take a good look at it. Is it in good shape? Is it stained? Does it have any holes or tears? If it has a zipper, buttons or clasps make sure these work.
Because it's inexpensive, it can be very easy to accumulate clutter at thrift stores. Don't just look at the bargain; ask yourself whether you really need and will use an item. Clean out your closets periodically, too, and pass along the stuff you're done with.
Always wash thrift store clothing before you wear it.
See more posts on more thrift store deals here and here.
Thrift stores are terrific places to find great, high-quality, unique and inexpensive household items. Often, the items in a thrift store are perfectly good things that somebody else has outgrown or simply grown tired of.
If you need to furnish a new apartment, Thrift stores are great sources of the necessary kitchen items - dishes, pots and pans, and baking items. You'll also find bedspreads, curtains, carpets, small appliances, and furniture.
I go to one local thrift store because they get a regular supply of these little juice glasses. (I really don't like to drink out of plastic cups.) My little ones help with dishes and we break quite a few glasses over a year. These also remind me of my Grandmother who always served breakfst with two of these little glasses, one with milk and the other with juice. :o)
All the glasses in this cupboard came from a thrift store. They are not all the same pattern, but they are all clear glass and in my opinion look nicer on the table than different colored plastic cups.
Before buying an item, take a good look at it. Is it in good shape? Is it stained? Does it have any holes or tears? If it has a zipper, buttons or clasps make sure these work.
Because it's inexpensive, it can be very easy to accumulate clutter at thrift stores. Don't just look at the bargain; ask yourself whether you really need and will use an item. Clean out your closets periodically, too, and pass along the stuff you're done with.
Always wash thrift store clothing before you wear it.
See more posts on more thrift store deals here and here.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Food Lion Private Brand Super Sale 5/27-6/23
I received this email from FL.
Current Promotions: Food Lion Private Brand Super Sale!
-May 27 - June 23, 2009
-Save up to $10
-Purchase a minimum of 4 (maximum of 40) Food Lion Brand brand products in one shopping visit
-Receive up to $10 in Food Lion Coupons (catalina's) at checkout. Coupons are redeemable on your next shopping order (OYNO)
4 products= $1.00
6 products = $1.50
8 products= $2.00
10 products= $2.50
20 products= $ 5.00
40 products= $10.00
The fine print: All Food Lion Brand items are eligible except fresh meat, produce, and random weight deli/bakery items. Coupon expires 2 weeks from date of issue.
Go to HCW to read the deal talk to make the most of this offer.
Current Promotions: Food Lion Private Brand Super Sale!
-May 27 - June 23, 2009
-Save up to $10
-Purchase a minimum of 4 (maximum of 40) Food Lion Brand brand products in one shopping visit
-Receive up to $10 in Food Lion Coupons (catalina's) at checkout. Coupons are redeemable on your next shopping order (OYNO)
4 products= $1.00
6 products = $1.50
8 products= $2.00
10 products= $2.50
20 products= $ 5.00
40 products= $10.00
The fine print: All Food Lion Brand items are eligible except fresh meat, produce, and random weight deli/bakery items. Coupon expires 2 weeks from date of issue.
Go to HCW to read the deal talk to make the most of this offer.
TRIPLE COUPONS AT HARRIS TEETER 5/27-6/2
This list of FREE items is from the HT forum Triples thread at HCW. Go here to see the complete list of deals this week at HCW:HT's triple Q event!
Please note prices vary by region - please check your stores.
Thanks to Jessero, bargains4angels, riley1319, mnmbeachchix, everprincess, momto8kiddos, nyummisssion99, slickcat79, jaymers, clippingfool, nyc4me03, jenn139, mariana7mcc9 for spotting deals.
Glass Plus - BOGO -$1.39 for 1
.50/1 5/17 SS = free
Smuckers Sundae toppings -$2
-.75/1 =Free or -.55/1= .35 (5/17 RP)
Powerade - $1.11
.75/2 tearpad = free
Eggo Waffles – $1.66
.75/1 4/05 RP – exp 5/31= free
12 ct Rhodes Dinner Roll s= $2.19
.75/1 Rhodes Traditional Rolls 03-22-09 SS =free
8 oz French's Classic Yellow Mustard - $1.50
05-10-09 SS .50/1 = free
Caprisun Drinks 10pk 1.99
.75/1 Summer 09' Kraft Food and Family
final Price - FREE
All Mitchum Deodorant BOGO 1.5-3.4 oz (1.79-1.99 for one)
.75/1 from 5/10 SS=FREE
McCormick grill mates packet seasoning
reg. price $1.29
MQ .50/1 (5/3/09 RP and 4/19/09 RP)
$1.29-$1.50=FREE
Mahatma Rice 5 oz packet (buy 2)
reg price .89 each, 2 for 1.78
MQ .75/2 (3/1/09 RP and 4/26/09 RP)
1.78-2.25=FREE
Viva Delightful Designs - on clearance - $1.94
.85/1 4/05 SS *exp 5/31* = free
2.5 oz Bumble Bee Tuna (green pouch) - $1.29
.55/1 blinkie = free
Marcuhan Yakisoba - $1
.35/1 5/10 SS = free
Daisy Sour Cream, 8 oz - $1.45
4/05 SS = free
McCormick black peppers – various flavors- $2
5/10 RP = Free
Lipton Tea Bags – 16 ct - $1.29
.50/1 5/17 RP = free
Gatorade G2 or Tiger, 32 oz - .97
.50/1 tearpads = free
Edge Advanced shave gel
price: $2
Q: 75/1 (05-17-09 SS) = free
Kikkoman Soy Sauce2/$3
.55/1 (peelie, blinkie, hangtag)
= FREE
Tabasco Sauce 2oz 1.00
.75/1 (5/17 SS, winetag); .50/1 (4/26 SS, 5/17 SS)
= FREE
Lawry's 30 Minute Marinade $1.49 BOGO
Lawry's Marinades, Any - 05-17-09 RP $0.50/1=FREE
French’s Spicy Brown Mustard 12oz $1.89
French's Mustard, Any - 05-10-09 SS 0.75/1=FREE
McCormick Spices:
Pepper = 1.65
Ground Cinnamon = 1.99
Parsley Flakes = 1.99
Oregano Leaves = 1.99
Chili Powder = 1.55
Garlic Salt = 1.89
Paprika = 2.19
.75/1 4/5 RP
= Free
Wacky Mac
BOGO - .79
MQ .50/1 (5/10/09 SS) (DND 5)=free
Please note prices vary by region - please check your stores.
Thanks to Jessero, bargains4angels, riley1319, mnmbeachchix, everprincess, momto8kiddos, nyummisssion99, slickcat79, jaymers, clippingfool, nyc4me03, jenn139, mariana7mcc9 for spotting deals.
Glass Plus - BOGO -$1.39 for 1
.50/1 5/17 SS = free
Smuckers Sundae toppings -$2
-.75/1 =Free or -.55/1= .35 (5/17 RP)
Powerade - $1.11
.75/2 tearpad = free
Eggo Waffles – $1.66
.75/1 4/05 RP – exp 5/31= free
12 ct Rhodes Dinner Roll s= $2.19
.75/1 Rhodes Traditional Rolls 03-22-09 SS =free
8 oz French's Classic Yellow Mustard - $1.50
05-10-09 SS .50/1 = free
Caprisun Drinks 10pk 1.99
.75/1 Summer 09' Kraft Food and Family
final Price - FREE
All Mitchum Deodorant BOGO 1.5-3.4 oz (1.79-1.99 for one)
.75/1 from 5/10 SS=FREE
McCormick grill mates packet seasoning
reg. price $1.29
MQ .50/1 (5/3/09 RP and 4/19/09 RP)
$1.29-$1.50=FREE
Mahatma Rice 5 oz packet (buy 2)
reg price .89 each, 2 for 1.78
MQ .75/2 (3/1/09 RP and 4/26/09 RP)
1.78-2.25=FREE
Viva Delightful Designs - on clearance - $1.94
.85/1 4/05 SS *exp 5/31* = free
2.5 oz Bumble Bee Tuna (green pouch) - $1.29
.55/1 blinkie = free
Marcuhan Yakisoba - $1
.35/1 5/10 SS = free
Daisy Sour Cream, 8 oz - $1.45
4/05 SS = free
McCormick black peppers – various flavors- $2
5/10 RP = Free
Lipton Tea Bags – 16 ct - $1.29
.50/1 5/17 RP = free
Gatorade G2 or Tiger, 32 oz - .97
.50/1 tearpads = free
Edge Advanced shave gel
price: $2
Q: 75/1 (05-17-09 SS) = free
Kikkoman Soy Sauce2/$3
.55/1 (peelie, blinkie, hangtag)
= FREE
Tabasco Sauce 2oz 1.00
.75/1 (5/17 SS, winetag); .50/1 (4/26 SS, 5/17 SS)
= FREE
Lawry's 30 Minute Marinade $1.49 BOGO
Lawry's Marinades, Any - 05-17-09 RP $0.50/1=FREE
French’s Spicy Brown Mustard 12oz $1.89
French's Mustard, Any - 05-10-09 SS 0.75/1=FREE
McCormick Spices:
Pepper = 1.65
Ground Cinnamon = 1.99
Parsley Flakes = 1.99
Oregano Leaves = 1.99
Chili Powder = 1.55
Garlic Salt = 1.89
Paprika = 2.19
.75/1 4/5 RP
= Free
Wacky Mac
BOGO - .79
MQ .50/1 (5/10/09 SS) (DND 5)=free
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Menu Plan Monday - 8isGreat
Monday- Chicken Noodle Casserole - suate 1/4 onion, 1/2 med. red pepper, 1 celery rib and 1 garlic clove in 1/8 cup of butter until tender, add 3/4 cup fresh mushrooms. Cook 1-2 mi. longer. remove veggies with slotted spoon, set aside. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons flour to skillet and stir until blended. gradually add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Bring to boil. Cook & stir until thickened (about 2 min). Reduce heat. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups half and half cream. Add 1 (8 oz. pkg) cream cheese and cook until melted. Remove from heat. In large bowl combine 6 cups cubed chicken 1 teaspoon salt, 1 pkg cooked egg noodles, veggies and cheese sauce. Transfer to ungreased baking dish.
Topping - Combine 1 cup finely crushed cornflakes, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon veg. oil, 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
Cover and bake at 350 for 20 min. Uncover and bake 15 min. longer.
Tuesday - (I'm read Frugal Momma's Monday recipe and decided this was what I was going to have with my free steaks and veggies!)) Beef, red/green pepper, red onion and grape tomato shish kabobs (marinated in Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Italian dressing, buttered egg noodles.
Wednesday - BLT sandwiches, spinach and strawberry salad
Thursday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls
Friday - Cold Tuna Casserole served on a lettuce leaf with wedges of tomato and cucumber and potato chips on the side. This is a family favorite! Cooked egg noodles, canned drained tuna, mayo celery seed, minced onion, parsley flakes, shredded carrots, pickle juice (If I have any). Chill for a few hours before serving.
Saturday - We are hosting an all day community yard sale at our church. I'll be pooped! And there will be cash on hand. So, PIZZA!
Topping - Combine 1 cup finely crushed cornflakes, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon veg. oil, 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
Cover and bake at 350 for 20 min. Uncover and bake 15 min. longer.
Tuesday - (I'm read Frugal Momma's Monday recipe and decided this was what I was going to have with my free steaks and veggies!)) Beef, red/green pepper, red onion and grape tomato shish kabobs (marinated in Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Italian dressing, buttered egg noodles.
Wednesday - BLT sandwiches, spinach and strawberry salad
Thursday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls
Friday - Cold Tuna Casserole served on a lettuce leaf with wedges of tomato and cucumber and potato chips on the side. This is a family favorite! Cooked egg noodles, canned drained tuna, mayo celery seed, minced onion, parsley flakes, shredded carrots, pickle juice (If I have any). Chill for a few hours before serving.
Saturday - We are hosting an all day community yard sale at our church. I'll be pooped! And there will be cash on hand. So, PIZZA!
Behold, the power of coupons!
I had a *crazy* shopping weekend. I posted the run I did on Friday night, but then I also went back Saturday and did some more serious shopping. Saturday I got over $500 worth of groceries for $35.43 oop, but still had $15 in store catalinas to use on future purchases and a catalina for a free gallon of milk, and used those receipts for $51 worth of mail in rebates. So I MADE money buying over $500 worth of groceries.
So what did I get for $35.43? (sorry--no pictures--it was just too much stuff to set up for a picture and most needed to get in the freezer pretty quickly!)
2.5 lbs thin cut fajita steaks
13.33 lbs 90% ground beef
4.7 lbs stew meat
12 indiv beef shish kabobs
2.66 lbs ground turkey
130bottles Kraft BBQ sauce--all to be donated to food bank
4 1/2 gallons ice cream
5 cans OJ
2 cheese tombstone pizzas
1 pepperoni tombstone pizza
1 frosted mini wheats
2 Special K yogurt clusters
1 lb carrots
2 red peppers
1 green pepper
1 cucumber
2 oranges
8 fuji apples
3 pears
1 head green leaf lettuce
1 ex large tomato
2 lbs strawberries
8 bananas
2 lenders frozen bagels
2 tubs cool whip
1/3 lb American cheese
1 lg tub oxiclean
1 box ice cream sandwiches
2 kraft salad dressings
2 bottles A1
5 vitamin water
1 lb Kraft American cheese
2 sweet potatoes
6 ears corn
Then yesterday I went out for one final trip. I had $1/1 produce or frozen food item coupons that expired today that I wanted to use up.

For $10.07 I bought:
Before learning how to combine coupons with sales and other promotions I never would have thought this was possible. I know have freezer stocked with meat, ice cream, veggies and bagels, tons of fresh produce and I'm able to donate a TON of bbq sauce to the food bank where I'm sure it will be appreciated!
So what did I get for $35.43? (sorry--no pictures--it was just too much stuff to set up for a picture and most needed to get in the freezer pretty quickly!)
2.5 lbs thin cut fajita steaks
13.33 lbs 90% ground beef
4.7 lbs stew meat
12 indiv beef shish kabobs
2.66 lbs ground turkey
130bottles Kraft BBQ sauce--all to be donated to food bank
4 1/2 gallons ice cream
5 cans OJ
2 cheese tombstone pizzas
1 pepperoni tombstone pizza
1 frosted mini wheats
2 Special K yogurt clusters
1 lb carrots
2 red peppers
1 green pepper
1 cucumber
2 oranges
8 fuji apples
3 pears
1 head green leaf lettuce
1 ex large tomato
2 lbs strawberries
8 bananas
2 lenders frozen bagels
2 tubs cool whip
1/3 lb American cheese
1 lg tub oxiclean
1 box ice cream sandwiches
2 kraft salad dressings
2 bottles A1
5 vitamin water
1 lb Kraft American cheese
2 sweet potatoes
6 ears corn
Then yesterday I went out for one final trip. I had $1/1 produce or frozen food item coupons that expired today that I wanted to use up.
For $10.07 I bought:
| box frozen spinach |
| 6 kiwi |
| 1 cucumber |
| 5.76 (14) fuji apples |
| 3 half gallons ice cream |
| french fries |
| 2 lenders bagels |
| 2 bags Lays potato chips |
| 9.92 lbs potatoes |
Before learning how to combine coupons with sales and other promotions I never would have thought this was possible. I know have freezer stocked with meat, ice cream, veggies and bagels, tons of fresh produce and I'm able to donate a TON of bbq sauce to the food bank where I'm sure it will be appreciated!
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