Design.Wine.Dine.

The “Holy Crap I’m Fat” Moment

You people KNOW what I’m taking about… and if you don’t than you’re either 1) Miranda Kerr (a freak of nature) 2) a personal trainer and work out for a living so you can never, ever really feel fat or 3) lying to yourself.  Life is going along its merry way, Halloween passes, the temperatures start to cool (so you’re embracing your fantastic layered fall fashions) and then BAM!  Out of nowhere Thanksgiving rolls around and you WAY over indulge.  But seriously, how many times a year do you get turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied yams or sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and PUMPKIN PIE ALL TOGETHER?!?  So you justify and let it slide, tell yourself next week you’ll be better and then suddenly you’re in the midst of 700 work parties, company retreats, holiday gatherings, Hanukkah celebrations, shopping excursions, picking up a few last minute gifts instead of making it to yoga (or if you’re like me, having an absolute meltdown over finals and not enjoying a single moment of the holiday season AGAIN because for some reason you just HAD to go back to school to pursue your dreams).  And then BAM!  Christmas.  Same story as Thanksgiving, but maybe worse because there are way more desserts at Christmas and by then your stomach is twice the size it was in June so you can naturally eat more.  I know.  Gross.  Amongst all of the travel to see loved ones, you grab a snack in the airport, consume way more Starbucks than usual because the Peppermint Mochas only happen once a year and share your favorite restaurant hot spots “back home” with your significant other.  And then you decide to throw a New Year’s party when you get back from the traveling, cook up a storm, drink way too much champagne and way over indulge AGAIN.  Football bowl games (aka more food/booze) for the next few days (GO GREEN!), and then you hop on the next flight to Vegas because hey, who doesn’t need a little family birthday party/reunion in the CITY OF INDULGENCE after having just indulged your face off for the past MONTH?!?  Of course you make lengthy (yet completely realistic and attainable) New Year’s resolutions (PUHlease), work out ten times harder than you have since October and then reward yourself with two brownies and a cake pop.  I mean FOR REAL.  It HAS to stop.

That being said, I spent last evening Pinning away healthy food inspiration to try to regain some sort of excitement for cooking, healthy, fulfilling food in my own kitchen and here are some of the images/recipes I can’t wait to try out.  Don’t believe me because I’m always snapping shots of cheese, burgers and waffles?  Here is the proof.

{Refreshing. Image via}

{Hearty looking smoothie.  Image via}

{Fresh and simple.  Image via}

{Avocados make me happy.  Must try this one soon.  Image via}

{Protein bowl.  Image via}

{This looks so tasty, my stomach is literally growling now.  Image via}

{Love salmon.  Image via}

{Colorful and refreshing.  Image via}

{Lovely salad.  Image via}

Cheers to making 2012 the year of health and success!

The Clarkston Union


{The Clarkston Union – located at 54 South Main St. Clarkston, MI}

On a recent trip back to Michigan, I visited my favorite restaurant on earth called The Clarkston Union in the small town of Clarkston where I grew up.  To say I’m obsessed with this place would be an understatement.  I literally crave food from the Clarkston Union at least two or three times a week ALL the way in California – almost three years after moving here (which I’m aware makes me sound like a complete heffer, but I simply don’t care).  If you are ever in Michigan and have the opportunity to visit this one-of-a-kind place, you needn’t know more than these two and a half words: Mac & Cheese.  Canadian sharp cheddar, mild pinconning layered with penne rigate and a crunchy crust make for an absolutely unbeatable combination.  Having visited the famous Beecher’s in Seattle, I can honestly say that I enjoy the originality of the Clarkston Union’s Mac & Cheese more.  This isn’t said to bash Beecher’s by any means – they make a mean Mac & Cheese, it’s simply the crunchy crust that puts The Union’s in first place (something you miss out on at Beecher’s in their small cup, ice-cream-scoop serving method as a result of their endless line down Pike Street).  If you’re feeling particularly exploratory, try The Union’s Mac & Cheese with ham or better yet, lobster – my favorite… my mouth is watering as I type.  Two other dishes worth noting are the Caesar Salad (which I know sounds boring, but I’ve spent years trying to replicate the dressing – it’s heavenly) and the Press (an iron-pressed panini that changes daily and I’ve never had one I didn’t finish).  I won’t even get started on the Sunday breakfast.  Holy Eggs Benedict and Biscuits & Gravy!  Dear Clarkston Union, please come cater my future wedding life.

As if my food rant wasn’t enough, the interior of The Clarkston Union is nothing short of inspirational as a designer.  An old church turned bar/restaurant, the structure retains its beauty in its original stained glass windows as well as pews for a creative (and setting appropriate) twist on banquette seating.  Funky accents such as vintage art, photography and wall objects, a disco ball and 40+ beer taps top this place off.  Enjoy The Clarkston Union with a Bell’s Oberon or Hopslam (my two favorite beers) from Kalamazoo, Michigan and thank me later.

If you can’t make it to Michigan anytime in the near future, check out The Clarkston Union on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on The Food Network December 12th at 10:00pm. 

{Beer menu on the outside patio}

{The best Caesar Salad ever.  Period}

{The “most macked” Mac & Cheese}

{Scrumptious crust}

{I got mine with lobster!  Mmmm!}

{Snapped a shot of my dad’s cheese burger}

{Great design}

{From the entrance}

{I love all of the original details – the hardwood floors, pews for booths, chalkboard beer and wine menus, stained glass…}

{Vintage artwork, photos, bingo}

{Beer taps for days… some of the best micro brews available including Bell’s}

{Love}

{Gorgeous}

White Chicken Chili

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10/2015 UPDATE!  Hi there!  Meg here!  This recipe has been without-a-doubt my most popular post to date.  I’m so happy you all love it and come back to it time and time again!  That being said, I have a ton of yummy fall recipes that are dying to be tried including Pumpkin Doughnuts, Butternut Squash Soup, and a delicious fall flatbread. Check more of them out here. I’d love to hear what you think!  If you’re just here for the best chicken chili ever, carry on and check it out below.  Cheers!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where life takes off running and you spend the majority of your time just trying to catch up?  The vision of a little girl chasing after her older sister and friends down the block keeps coming to mind for some reason and last week, that was totally me – life’s little sister.  That being said, I’ve been a very bad blogger, but I’m anxious to catch up on everything I’ve missed and share a few things I’ve been dying to post about.

In the midst of all of the mayhem the temperatures cooled off and southern California finally started to feel like fall last Tuesday.  Absolutely craving my dad’s White Chicken Chili, I pulled out my Crock Pot and decided to give it a shot for the first time on my own and I’m thrilled that it turned out just perfectly.  I even received a, “Babe, we really need to start using this Crock Pot more often,” ovation from the boyfriend who easily downed multiple servings.  My dad’s recipe is definitely the best White Chicken Chili I’ve ever tasted so I’m finally sharing it with the world… lucky you!  Give it a try and let me know what you think 🙂

Ingredients

Chili:
1 1/2  lbs uncooked chicken breast (can be frozen) cut into 1-2″ chunks
2 – 15 oz cans of white beans (drained)
1 – 15 oz can of white corn (drained)
1 onion chopped (sweet/Vidalia)
1 clove garlic finely chopped (I love garlic so I used 2)
1 package taco seasoning
1 – 7 oz can of chopped green chilies
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 – 14 oz can of chicken broth

Toppings:
1/2 cup sour cream (I used low fat)
2 tbls lime juice
Finely chopped cilantro
Fresh shredded cheese (I used Colby-Jack)
Corn tortilla chips (the authentic yellow kind)

Directions

Place cut up chicken in the bottom of the Crock Pot (I use this one).  Add beans, corn and onion.  Mix the next five ingredients and pour over the top.  Cover and cook on low in the Crock Pot for 8-10 hours.  (I was running low on time so I cooked mine on low for about 4 1/2 hours and then raised it to high for the last two hours).

Before serving use a potato masher to break up the chicken.  (Make sure you do this very quickly with pressure and alternating directions… the consistency should change from brothy with chunks of meat and beans to a very thick and even consistency.  If it is still brothy, keep mashing).

Add shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a splash of lime juice, cilantro and chips before serving.  YUM!

* Yield: 6-8
**To complete our autumn meal, I made a fresh garden salad and hot apple cider.  For dessert, we enjoyed our first pumpkin pie of the season.  Mmmm 🙂 Get the look below!

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PS:  I finally took some new photos of this old favorite.  I can’t believe how far things have come since my little old point-and-shoot camera from college 😉  Cheers!

Wine Wednesday

Wine and cheese are two items we always have on hand in our household.  Whether it’s just the two of us for a relaxing night in or a casual last minute get together with a few guests, a great bottle of wine and a platter of 3-4 delicious cheeses sets the perfect tone for effortless entertaining.  I’m not sure if it’s the fall colors over the weekend in Michigan or my cousin’s 2012 vineyard wedding brainstorming session that got me excited about wine parties, but I’ve really come back to California with an itch to host a slightly more formal wine tasting this fall that would include more than just four people.  I’m thinking cheeses, meats, olives, gourmet mac & cheese and even cracker crust pizzas… YUM!  Check out some of the images below that have me completely inspired (and hungry) this morning 🙂

{Cracker crust pizza, red wine and a fabulous raised cheese platter.  Love!  Image via}

{Delicious assortment!  Image via}

{One of my personal favorites: bite sized gourmet mac and cheese.  Mmm!  Image via}
{Gorgeous!  Image via}
{I love the idea of using a slate as a labeled cheese platter.  Image via}

{Cleaver!  Cork spreading knives to fit with the theme.  Image via}

{What a great idea!  Chalkboard runner with labeled pairings.  Love!  Image via}

 

Homeward Bound

This morning I’m headed back to Pure Michigan and I simply could not be more thrilled to truly experience fall for the first time in a few years.  My cousin just got engaged to one of the loveliest women I’ve ever met and our two families are celebrating with an engagement party on Saturday which is the reason for the last minute trip.  Since I’m only going to be there until Monday, I’ve been thinking about what else to cram into just a few days.  Top of my list?  Experiencing some gorgeous fall colors, a trip to the cider mill & pumpkin patch, plenty of autumn flavors and lots of family/friend time.  I can’t wait 🙂

{Image via}

{Image via}

{Image via}

Home in a Box

There comes a point when all (or most) of our parents must move away from our childhood home.  I think the initial reaction is usually selfish… “But why?”, “But that’s where I grew up”, “Where am I going to go ‘home’ to this Christmas?”  For me, this news has been a long time coming and while it was expected at some point, the emptiness that followed the news was much tougher than I’d imagined.  As a child of the automotive industry, I’ve watched my parents dreams crumble with the economy under the wrath of corporate restructuring, downsizing and government bail outs.  I know we’ve all felt the economy slap us in the face a few times over the course of the last few years, but no one has felt it like Michigan.  I’ve watched good people lose their homes and family friends struggle to pay for college because the keys to their educations were wrapped up in bad investment portfolios that shattered in 2008.  For those of us who stepped out from under the roofs of our parents these past few years, our reality checks were quite a bit different than I presume they were 10-15 years ago.  “Our parents’ notion that we’d get out of college and make $80K a year was the biggest fallacy of the 1990s,” a friend of mine recently told me.  But who could have predicted?  We were all prepared for the best – not the worst.

My parents are moving into their new home this week and while I’m happy for their sake that they’re finally downsizing to a much more manageable house and yard both in terms of physical effort and finances, I’ve been quite determined up until this point to just not think about it.  Our family home is where I listened to countless life lessons from my dad, learned to cook, buried our family dog, gardened in the summer with my mom, basked in the sun by the pool and shoveled snow in the winter.  That home is where I played with Barbies for hours, decorated our log cabin (playhouse), learned to drive and constantly broke curfew.  It’s where I tried on my first pair of toe shoes with pride and practiced my barre work in the basement in front of the mirrored closet doors my dad installed.  I remember walking into that house for the first time in 3rd grade knowing my parents had found our home.  I couldn’t wait to paint my room pink with my grandpa and play in my two dormer windows that felt enormous as a little girl.

But what’s really effecting me emotionally about their move this week is the countless lessons of design and homemaking that I learned from my mom in that house.  It’s where she taught me the art of picking out materials, space planning a room and effortlessly mixing prints.  It’s where she and my grandma taught me to sew and where she made all of our pillows and (absolutely pristine) window treatments by hand.  There really is no place like home and the feeling of home that my mom created for our family over the years is something I struggle to recreate in my own little home daily.  How did she always make it look so easy?

I received a box while I was in Austin of a few things my mom came across while packing and decided to pass along to me… a set of her gorgeous wedding glasses with silver rims, my great grandmother Ida’s cordial glasses, her set of watercolors, a colorful cigar box that used to hold my jewelry as a teenager, a tasty sangria mix and a pair of earrings since I can’t ever seem to find mine.  While the box of ‘home’ brought a smile to my face, it also forced me to finally think about it… something I’ve been avoiding for weeks.  Soon the family home that I grew up in will just be a memory and it will be up to someone else to truly make it theirs.

In the interim, I’ll focus on how to help my parents re-do their new place.  The kitchen needs updating, the floors are outdated and there is a hideous purple staircase (to be ripped out) that I haven’t stopped hearing about.  There are new window treatments to be made, old wall coverings to tear down and paint to replace.  I’m excited for the two of us to finally collaborate on our first real project with her wisdom and my new design education… and I have a feeling it’ll be a smashing success.

Cheers to learning to embrace change and to cherishing the memories.

{City Guide} I Left My Heart in Austin

Last Thursday I left for Austin City Limits for a long, Texas weekend with the ONEHOPE Wine team (wine sponsor of this year’s festivities).  I was hoping for a relaxing few days of music, wine and sleep following a treacherous week of finals, but I was in for a little surprise.  I FELL IN LOVE with Austin.  Every moment that wasn’t spent enduring the 104 degree heat in Zilker Park (watching the likes of Coldplay, Arcade Fire and Foster The People – can we say best music festival ever?) was spent scouring every inch of the Texas city I’m just dying to get back to.  Future home?  Yes please!  Check out a few of my favorites below:

Disclaimer: Our trip was overly food-filled so scroll down and get hungry… and then book a trip to Austin – STAT!

FOOD

{Located on South Congress, Home Slice Pizza offers some of the best pies I’ve ever tasted.  As a Chicago style deep-dish girl, I thought there was no way I’d fall for their famed New York style, but I was so, so wrong.  Something else to love?  Check out their menu for the perfect beer and wine pairings for each of their ‘zzas.  Home Slice knew the path straight to my heart}

{Home Slice: White Pie with Spinach: Olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, ricotta, provolone and romano.  This particular pizza came highly recommended by several Austin friends so I just had to give it a try.  SO. GREAT.  I was worried that the ricotta would weigh down the thin crust (and the flavor), but every bite was just as fresh and bursting with Italian zest as the bite before.  The garlic absolutely makes this pizza.  My ‘chef’ father always says, “when in doubt, throw in another clove of garlic” so I’m a huge fan of the stuff and this picture is making me seriously hungry all over again}

{Home Slice: Italian Meatball and Bell Pepper: Italian meatballs, bell peppers, mozzarella. This was one of their Pizza by the Slice options (that change daily).  With a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, this pizza has everything you could ever want… Savory meat, crisp peppers, a perfectly balanced sauce and a tiny bit of spice.  The flavor was so amazing that we ordered another slice to split.  Hey!  It’s thin crust.  Less carbs.  Right?}

{I’m the world’s biggest shameless female burger fan…  and I’m not kidding.  I make an honest attempt to try burgers at the locally famous joints in every city we travel to, but hopdoddy Burger Bar might have just won my lifetime award for BEST burger EVER this past weekend – twice over.  Created to “honor the perfect union of beer and burgers” hopdoddy offers several craft beers (including my new favorite: Bucket Head IPA) to pair perfectly with their all natural, daily ground, hormone and antibiotic free Black Angus.  Does life really get any better than this?  Umm… try one of their milkshakes and you’ll see}

{hopdoddy: The Prime Time: Perfectly prepared Kobe beef, slightly sweet caramelized onions, a touch of horseradish to give it just enough kick and a mouthwatering homemade steak sauce.  The scent reminded me of Christmas Eve at my parents’ house with a prime rib roast in the oven.  Simply amazing.  No “Prime Time” knockoff will ever compare}

{hopdoddy: Buffalo Bill: Bison, Blue Cheese, Frank’s Hot Sauce, Apple-Smoked Bacon, Sassy Saucy.  I think I bit into this burger and said, “is this a joke?”  The flavor was so incredible that we finished the entire thing before I could even snap a shot.  I’m usually a little leery of bacon on burgers simply because if it isn’t prepared perfectly, it has the potential to ruin the entire meal.  Obviously, hopdoddy pulled through with perfect prep in every way.  Perfect zing with the perfect level of rich blue cheese (not overpowering) to create a perfectly balanced burger. Perfection}

{hopdoddy: Oreo Shake: Homemade spun custard with real whipped cream and Oreos.  HEAVEN.  This was the single best milkshake I’ve ever had in my life.  I’m pretty sure the homemade spun custard is the secret, but I’ve never tasted anything like it}

{Snack Bar was a fun, little retro restaurant we dropped into for breakfast one morning.  They describe their cuisine as “globally inspired, locally sourced, chef-driven and made with organic, raised-right & natural ingredients.”  Love it already.  The menu offers everything from Avocado Quinoa to Egg and Gravy Biscuits so there is a bit of something for everyone.  The casual environment is super inviting with a kind, hospitable staff.  Awesome spot!  Why the Michigan map you might ask?  Every table had a map of a different state under the glass and we happened to sit with Lady Mitten that morning.  I’m definitely taking it as a sign of Austin welcoming yours truly with open arms}

{Snack Bar: Egg & Gravy Biscuit:  Housemade buttermilk biscuit, two farm eggs any style, meat-free dirty cream gravy.  Don’t judge.  This was a Texas weekend and I was going to eat like a Texan.  I’d never had meat-free gravy before and was a little worried it would be lacking flavor, but I was pleasantly surprised.  GREAT dish (if you’re a fan of biscuits and gravy, of course)}

{Snack Bar: OhM Sandwich: 2 over-medium farm eggs, cheddar, bacon or avocado (get both!), lettuce, tomato & onion, sourdough.  My perfect breakfast, right there.  Unreal sandwich.  Mouth. Watering.  Get it}

{W Hotel/TRACE: Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Deep fried in pig fat and sliced into perfect bite size pieces.  Can’t say that I’ve ever had someone offer me something “fried in pig fat”, but one piece wasn’t going to kill me.  Absolutely incredible. Creamy inside with a perfectly crisp outside…  It isn’t offered on the restaurant menu, but was part of the VIP section food at ACL on day one.  We were all really hoping it was going to be there on day two and three but it’s probably better that it wasn’t ;-)}

Other eateries to visit: Franklin Barbeque (World Famous BBQ), The Salt Lick Driftwood (BYOB)

SHOPS

{I’ve been looking for blue mason jars EVERYWHERE at a reasonable price and have had the hardest time.  I finally found some at this amazing antique/thrift store, Uncommon Objects.  I could have taken home a million other vintage finds, but sadly my suitcase (and bank account) just weren’t big enough}

{Uncommon Objects: I can just picture a wildflower centerpiece in these vintage glass medicine bottles}

{Uncommon Objects: Wire baskets = LOVE. Vintage Edison bulbs, chemical jars and candlesticks.  As much as animal head/skull decor freaks me out, I could have definitely brought home a pair of antlers (or two).  Getting them on the plane would have been a nightmare, however.  TSA had a Ball with my mason jars… no pun intended}

{Uncommon Objects: Vintage costume jewelry.  Gorgeous green!}

{I can’t help it… I just really love West Elm.  And after hearing about their Austin store a TON over the course of the last few weeks in the blog world, I had to drop by.  Out of all of their stores, this one is my favorite – complete with a super friendly staff}

{I think my shelves might need a revamp ;-)}

Other shops: Anything on South Congress… tons of little boutiques with great clothing and decor.  I could have spent an entire day on that street but sadly we only had an afternoon.

SITES

{We took a stroll around the state capital.  It was beautiful to say the least and there is just so much state pride in Austin and throughout Texas – It’s contagious}

{Gorgeous}

{I came across this old, deserted florist during one of our walks to the festival.  It still had the original glass and paint and the inside was covered with dead plants hanging along the rafters that had long been left to wilt away.  It was as though someone packed their bags and left town one day and this is all that remains.  I would just love to fix that place up and call it my own}

Other sites: University of Texas (what a FUN school), Lake Travis (I’ve heard it’s beautiful, but we were unable to make it), the downtown Austin bar scene (hundreds of bars – old and new – line the streets near UT).

Unfortunately, we couldn’t see EVERYTHING in Austin, but we will definitely be back for more.  I was blown away by the friendliness of the people, the sense of welcome that I received and the overall lifestyle which is a world of difference from LA.  I’m very lucky to live where I do, but I’ve got to say, I left my heart in Austin.

xoxo
Meg

Taco Tuesday

Before I moved to California, fish tacos were a completely foreign concept to me.  As a Michigander who was used to only beef or chicken tacos, I believed that fish had absolutely no place in one of my favorites and I was therefore reluctant to even give it a try.  My mom finally convinced me shortly after I moved to the west coast during one of her visits and I’ve been borderline obsessed with them since.  She sent me the below recipe a few months ago and with a few tweaks, I’ve made it my own.  After trying fish tacos at way too many restaurants to count since my craze began, I can say without a doubt that these are the best fish tacos I’ve ever tasted in my life (without even needing fresh catch).  They’ve been a huge hit anytime we’ve had guests and per numerous requests, I’ve sent the recipe to more people than I can even remember.

Ingredients

Fish:
Tortilla Chipotle Lime Crusted Tilapia Fillets (From Costco… seriously.  Available in their frozen food section).

Southwest Slaw:
1 cup finely shredded green cabbage
1 tbsp. finely chopped pickled jalepenos
1 tbsp. lime juice
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. red onion (very finely chopped)
1 tsp. chopped cilantro (optional)
salt to taste

Sauce:
Ranch dressing
Cholula Pepper Sauce (Original)
Mix ~4:1 dressing to Cholula

Small to medium flour tortillas, Mexican blend cheese, avocados

Directions

Bake fish according to box instructions and steam tortillas to heat/soften.  Slice fillet lengthwise into 2 strips and place on warmed flour tortilla.  Top with cheese, slaw, sauce and avocado.  Fold or roll up to serve.  Perfectly pair your fish tacos with a summery Sauvignon Blanc or your favorite summer ale.

Note:  This recipe is fairly spicy as is.  I LOVE spicy food, but if you’re not a fan, decrease the amount of jalepenos to your liking.  Serves 2 adults/2 tacos each.  I generally triple the recipe as the slaw is better the second day, someone is always joining us for taco dinners and we love, love, love to have leftovers!

TGIF

It’s FRIDAY in LA and I could not be happier!  After some residual tech glitches this week from my catastrophic computer crash last month as I talked about here, I’m ready to step away from the laptop for a few days.  One of my best friends from high school is visiting this weekend so I’m excited to show her around my neck of the woods and check out a few of my favorite spots.  First on the list?  Hot’s Kitchen in Hermosa Beach.  A full restaurant review is coming next week so my lips are sealed as to any other details, but let’s just say there are plenty of great IPAs on tap for some refreshing SoCal fun.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Summer Saturdays

Last week was completely chaotic and while it wound up successful, I was a little unprepared for the famous “6 Man” tournament/celebration to sweep the beach on Saturday.  Instead, we played it a little more low-key with some much-needed rest and recovery and by hitting up a few of our favorite restaurants.  Martha’s in Hermosa Beach definitely tops our list of favorite breakfast eateries in the LA area and this weekend (as always) it did not disappoint.  With a stunning beach view, we sipped on mimosas and split our two favorites: The Montecristo and Stuffed French Toast special… just what we needed to put an end to the week.

{Delightful beach-side mimosas}

{Before Martha’s, I’d never had a Montecristo… I was really missing out!  Layered sliced turkey, sliced ham, melted cheddar and swiss on grilled egg-dipped sour dough.  Served with raspberry preserves and syrup for dipping. Aaaaamazing!}

{The Stuffed French Toast special varies from day-to-day.  Saturday’s was stuffed with peaches and cream cheese and served with a side of chicken jalapeno sausage… an utterly perfect combination of sweet and spicy}

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