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Sunday
Aug232020

“SNACKS 101” - Back to School - Back to Routine

Great time to get all little hands on deck. Take advantage of all things in season. With "Snacks 101" There is something for everyone.


 

 

1.“An Apple a Day”- A fresh Ontario Apple, or other seasonal fruit, is a delicious, healthy snack any time.

 

2.Quick Blueberry Pancakes: Add fresh Ontario Blueberries to prepared pancake mix.      

pastedGraphic.pdf

3. Jiggly Fruit Salad: Add delicious Ontario Berries or other diced fruit to your favourite flavour of gelatin.

 

4. Melonade In blender jar combine equal parts cold lemonade and chunks of peeled Ontario Muskmelon.  Process until smooth.

 

5. Cereal Plus Add sliced fresh Ontario Peaches, Nectarines or Plums to your morning cereal…yumm.

 

6. Mr. Potato Head Top steaming hot baked Ontario Potatoes with homemade salsa, broccoli and cheese or sour cream and chopped green onions.

 

7.Portobello Burger: Brush Ontario Portobello Mushroom cap with oil and sauté or grill until tender. Place in bun with Ontario Tomato, Onion and Lettuce.

 

8. Instant Corn Chowder: Add fresh Ontario Corn kernels to canned cream of potato soup. Simmer 4 - 5 minutes.

 

9. Stuffed Tomato Combine cooked Ontario Corn kernels with diced Ontario tomato, Sweet Green Pepper, Green Onion and minced fresh parsley.  Add a splash of vinaigrette dressing; fill seeded Ontario Tomato halves.

 

10. Nutty Apples: Core Ontario Apple halves and fill centres with peanut butter or Ricotta cheese.  Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

 

11. Potato Skins: Cut Ontario Baked Potato skins into strips, drizzle with olive oil and salt; bake in a hot oven until crisp.

 

12.Pumpkin Seeds: Bake Ontario Pumpkin seeds in the oven until toasted and lightly browned, salt to taste…enjoy!

 

13. Icy Grapes Wash single serving bunches of Ontario Grapes. Place in freezer bags and freeze for a cooling, low-cal snack anytime.

pastedGraphic.pdf

14. ”Ants on a Log” : Fill cavity of Ontario Celery stick with peanut butter or cheese.  Dot with raisins or chocolate chips.

 

15. Sweet Maple Peach Treat:  Brush Ontario Peach halves with Maple Syrup; grill or broil until hot.


16. Snack Anytime Keep Ontario Carrot and Celery sticks, Broccoli and Cauliflower handy in your fridge for quick low-cal snacking.

 

17. Peachsicles: Purée 4 peeled, pitted and sliced Ontario Peaches with 1/3 cup (75 mL) sugar and dash of lemon juice.  Freeze in popsicle containers.

 

18. Chocolaty Fruit Fondue:  Dip your favourite Ontario Berries and other seasonal fruit into warm, melted chocolate - decadent!

 

19.Sweet Potato Chips:  Cut thin slices of Ontario Sweet Potatoes with a vegetable peeler and deep-fry until crisp and golden brown.

 

20. Simply Caesar Drizzle store-bought Caesar dressing over torn Ontario Romaine lettuce; add generous amounts of grated Parmesan cheese and flavoured croutons.

 

21. Mac’n Cheese Plus: Add some cooked Ontario Broccoli to a package of macaroni and cheese for added flavour and nutrition.

 

22. Veggie Fried Rice: Sauté cooked rice with diced Ontario Onion, Carrot, Sweet Pepper and Zucchini.  Season with soy sauce.

 

23. Watermelon Mania: Add chunks of seeded Ontario Watermelon to milk and vanilla ice cream in a blender.  Process until smooth.

 

24.Berry Peanutty :Spread peanut butter on slices of bread; top with seasonal Sandwich Ontario Berries.  Mash lightly with a fork - Berry Good!

 

25.Yogurt “Fool” : Stir chopped Ontario seasonal fruit into plain yogurt; add Ontario Liquid Honey to taste, sprinkle with chopped nuts.

 

26. Wrapped Melon: Wrap prosciutto around wedges of juicy Ontario Muskmelon for a refreshing appetizer or snack.

 

27. Soup’s On! Add shredded Ontario Carrot and finely chopped Broccoli and Zucchini to chicken noodle soup; simmer for a few minutes until vegetables are tender.

 

28. Bagels n’ More Top bagel halves with cream cheese and thinly sliced Ontario Apples, Pears, Peaches or Greenhouse Cucumbers.

 

29. Cucumber Rounds: Top thick slices of Ontario Cucumber with tuna salad.              

pastedGraphic.pdf

30. Fruit Smoothie:  For a snack in a glass, whirl Ontario Peaches or Berries with yogurt and Ontario Honey in a blender.

 

31. Cottage Cheese Delight: Cover cottage cheese with slices of fresh Ontario Fruit and Berries for a high protein, low cal snack or lunch.

 

32. Baked Apples:  Mmm…Ontario Apples, hot from the oven, drizzled with Ontario Maple Syrup.

 

33. Buried Treasure Pudding: Stir fresh Ontario Berries - Blueberries, Raspberries or Strawberries into your favourite dessert pudding.

 

34. Mushrooms on Toast Sauté Ontario Mushrooms with a little chopped bacon, season to taste.  Serve on toast for breakfast or an any-time snack.

 

35. Fruit on the Run: Spoon fresh sliced and diced Ontario seasonal fruit into a waffle cone for easy dessert on the run.

 

36. Quesadilla Fest: Cover flour tortilla with shredded cheese.  Top with Ontario Tomato, Onion, Broccoli and Sweet Pepper.  Microwave until cheese begins to melt - roll up.

 

37. Stewed: Add sliced Ontario Carrots, Onions, Potatoes, Rutabagas and Parsnips to your next beef or lamb stew.

 

38. Plum Stewed: Small chunks of Ontario Plums are great in stews;mix them in at the end and cook just enough to soften.


39. Speedy Slaw: Toss shredded Ontario Cabbage with Ranch-style dressing to moisten; season to taste.

 

40. Veggied Pasta Salad: Add fresh Ontario Spinach leaves and chopped Green Onion, Cucumber and Red Pepper to purchased pasta salad.

 

41. Kabob It! Thread Ontario Muskmelon and Watermelon balls, Berries and Peach slices on wooden skewers.  Eat “as is” or serve with yogurt for dipping.

 

42. Crescent Surprise:  Using purchased crescent roll dough, add a slice of Cheddarcheese and your favourite Ontario Veggie – Sweet Green Pepper or Carrot sticks, sliced Onion or Mushrooms.  Roll up and bake as per directions on package.

 

43. Bruschetta Basics: Combine diced Ontario Tomato and Green Onion with minced Garlic and fresh parsley or basil, a splash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper.  Use to top toasted slices of French bread.

 

44. Berrisicles:  Purée 2 cups (500 mL) Ontario Raspberries with 1/3 cup (75 mL) sugar and a dash of lemon juice.  Freeze in popsicle container.

 

45. Strawberries and Cream: Couldn’t be simpler or more scrumptious…fresh Ontario Strawberries and cream.


46.Squash Bowl : Scoop out cooked Ontario Squash from shell and use the shell as a serving bowl for squash soup or dip.

 

47. Anytime Breakfast: Top your favourite pancakes with Ontario juicy fresh fruit like Blueberries, Raspberries, Peach and Nectarine slices.  Pour on the Ontario Maple Syrup!

 

48. Fruit Dippers:  Slice fresh Ontario Fruit - Apples, Peaches, Pears - and dip into your favourite flavour of yogurt.

 

49. Fruity Ice Cream Soda: Purée Ontario Raspberries or Peaches.  Spoon over ice cream or sherbet in a tall glass; add soda water or seltzer to taste.

 

50. Fritters:  Add Ontario Apple slices to your fritter batter.

 

51.Tomato Sandwich:  Thinly sliced Ontario Tomatoes on toast seasoned with salt and pepper…simply delicious!

 

52. Baked Garlic:  Cut off top third from head of Ontario Garlic to expose cloves. Bake in 325°F (160°C) oven until soft.  To serve, squeeze pulp from cloves and spread on fresh French bread.

pastedGraphic.pdf

53. Pears ‘n Cheese:  Blue, brie and camembert cheeses with fresh Ontario Pear wedges and crackers make quick, elegant hors d’oeuvres.

 

54: Quickie Corn: Microwave individual plastic wrapped Ontario Corn on the Cob for approximately 4 minutes for a quick snack.

 

55. Sundae Best: Purée Ontario Peaches, Apricots or Strawberries and serve over your favourite flavour of ice cream. 

 

56. Fruit Fiesta: Make your own fresh fruit salad using seasonal Ontario Fruit.

 

57. Salad Time:  Make a fresh salad using Ontario Salad Vegetables - Lettuce, Spinach, Tomatoes, Onions, Mushrooms…the choice is endless.

 

58. Snack Sticks: Serve raw Ontario Carrot, Celery and Rutabaga sticks with blue cheese dressing.

 

59. Peaches n’ Greens: Add seasonal Ontario fruit to your salad greens. Team up Peach and Muskmelon cubes, Raspberries, Blueberries or diced Pears with torn Spinach leaves or baby Lettuces. Toss with fruit based salad dressing and nuts.

 

60. Cherry Muffins: Add Ontario Sour Cherries to your muffin mix … marvelous!

 

61. Rice is Nice:  Top rice cakes with sweetened cream cheese and thin slices of Ontario Muskmelon, Peach, Apple or Pear.  Add a dash of cinnamon if you like.

 

62. Sprout It! Add Ontario Bean or Alfalfa Sprouts to any sandwich to add crunch!

 

63. Jammy: Use fresh Ontario Berries to make your own delicious jam.

 

64. Beef It Up! Sauté beef stir-fry strips with sliced Ontario Mushrooms and Onions until onions are soft and beef well browned.  Stir in steak sauce to taste.

 

65. Cool as a Cucumber:  Nothing is as cool and refreshing as lightly buttered fresh bread layered with thinly sliced Ontario Greenhouse Cucumbers.

 

66. Fruity Shortcake:  Stir a handful of fresh Ontario Blueberries into a variety bakingmix when making a batch of shortcake biscuits.  Fill split baked biscuits with sweetened whipped cream, Ontario Raspberries, Blueberries and Peach slices.

 

67. Grill It! Large slices of grilled Ontario Eggplant and Zucchini are great served with any barbecued meat.

 

68. Ice Cream Treat: What can be easier and more delicious than scoops of ice cream smothered in slices of  juicy, seasonal Ontario Fruit.

 

69: Onion Rings: Slice Ontario Onions 1/4-inch thick and separate into rings, dip into a mixture of club soda and flour.  Deep fry, drain on paper towel, and season to taste.

 

70.  Velvety Mashed:  Whip cream cheese into boiled Ontario Potatoes as you Potatoes are mashing them - smashing!

 

71. Very Veggie Nacho: Top nacho chips with cheese and diced Ontario Onion, Sweet Peppers, Tomatoes and Mushrooms.  Microwave to melt cheese.

 

72. Caramel Apples: Insert a wooden skewer into the stem end of Ontario Apples. Melt store-bought caramels and quickly dip in apples one at a time.  Refrigerate to set.

 

73. Scrambled Veggies: Add your favourite diced Ontario Vegetables - Onions, Green or Red Peppers, Mushrooms, Broccoli - to your scrambled egg mixture for added flavour and fibre.

 

74. Pear Up: Brown sliced Ontario Pears in butter and cinnamon; place on toasted waffles.  Drizzle with Ontario Maple Syrup.

 

75. Pucker Up! Dip cleaned stalk of Ontario Rhubarb into sugar or Ontario Honey - enjoy the tang and crunch!

 

76. Raspberry Milk Shake: Combine Ontario Raspberries with milk, vanilla ice cream and Ontario Honey in a blender.  Whip until creamy.

 

77. Marinated Veggies: Marinate a selection of blanched Ontario Vegetables – Carrot coins, Broccoli and Cauliflower florets - in store-bought Italian salad dressing.

 

78. Stir-Fry: Use marinated Ontario Vegetables in a stir-fry.  

pastedGraphic.pdf

 

79. Veggie Bites: Toss cut-up seasonal Ontario Vegetables with mayonnaise and then with seasoned bread crumbs.  Bake until crisp.

 

80. Corn-ucopia: Serve herb butter to spread over hot Ontario Corn on the cob.

 

81.French Fried:  Peel and cut Ontario Potatoes, Rutabagas and Parsnips into Sticks (or use precut Rutabaga sticks).  Toss with some oil and potato dry seasoning mix.  Bake on foil lined baking sheet in 450°F (230°C) oven until browned and cooked through.

 

82. Watermelon Basket: Cut Ontario Watermelon in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller, scoop out flesh of melon an fill cavity with fresh seasonal fruit including melon balls. 

 

83. Raspberry Snow: Purée Ontario Raspberries and sweeten generously with corn syrup.  Pour over crushed ice.

 

84. Marinated Mushrooms: Marinate small, whole Ontario Mushrooms in seasoned oil and vinegar dressing.  Serve as snacks or appetizers.

 

85. Pizza Feast:  Dice and slice a variety of Ontario Sweet Green or Red Peppers, Mushrooms, Broccoli, Onions and Tomatoes and toss on a store-bought pizza crust, add cheese and bake.

 

86. Grill Mate:  Skewer some seasonal Ontario Vegetables - Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers - brush with oil, grill and serve with barbecued meal. 

 

87. Cheese Dreams:  Top crackers with Ontario Tomato and Onion, cheese and bacon bits.  Heat until cheese melts.

 

88. Cinful Peaches: Peel and quarter an Ontario Peach; sprinkle with cinnamon and microwave for 30 seconds.  Serve with vanilla ice cream.

 

89. Couscous Crunch:  Sauté a medley of seasonal Ontario vegetables - Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Parsnips… until tender and serve on a bed of couscous.

 

90. Tip of the Iceberg: To basic cream soup mixture, add shredded Ontario Iceberg Lettuce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

 

91. Cherry Tomatoes Get Topped: Place halved Ontario Cherry Tomatoes in shallow ovenproof dish and top with mixture of romano-cheese flavoured bread crumbs, minced Ontario Garlic, olive oil and pepper.  Bake until browned.

 

92. Deli Salad Plus: Spruce up deli salads by adding seasonal Ontario vegetables.

pastedGraphic.pdf

 

93. Apricot Crepes: Spread Ricotta cheese and apricot jam on warm crepes. Top generously with juicy, chopped Ontario Apricots. Roll up.

 

94. Pepper & Chevre: Spread Ontario Chevre on crackers. Top with hot pepper jelly Snack and thin strips of Ontario Red or Yellow Pepper.

 

95. Dressed Up Dessert: Even the simplest dessert becomes special with a few fresh Ontario Raspberries or Blueberries used as garnish.

 

96.Cranberry Zip: Make your own cranberry sauce to add zip to turkey, chicken, or pork any time of the year.

 

97. Chocolate Covered: Dip luscious Ontario Berries by their stems, one by one into melted chocolate, place on wax paper lined cookie sheet, refrigerate until set.  Enjoy!

 

98. Watermelon Salad: Ontario Watermelon slices sprinkled with mild rice vinegar make a delightful salad.

 

99. Apple-Cinnamon Crunch: Serve crisp Ontario Apple slices on warm cinnamon toast. Drizzle with Ontario Maple Syrup.

 

100. Pepper Wedges Olé Combine softened cream cheese with some drained salsa 

sauce to taste.  Use to fill wedges of Ontario Sweet Green or Red Pepper.

 

101. Watermelon Freeze Cut thick Ontario Watermelon slices into triangle shapes and 

place onto popsicle sticks.  Cover and freeze until firm for a chilling snack experience!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday
Jul152020

Summer Staycation - Local Berries are on the menu!

We wait all year for the juicy berry goodness! Picking berries is fun for the entire family!
The Berry first Taste of Summer is Strawberries, then Raspberries....

Click on video below, for all you need to know for this year's picking!

Strawberry Picking Tips:

  • Call ahead to the Pick Your Own Farm near you. You want to be sure they are open and ready for you www.ontarioberries.com
  • Go early, especially on the weekend; a large turnout can pick the field clean.
  • During Covi, growers offer containers to collect your berries. 
  • Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen.
  • To pick, gently hold the stem between thumb and forefinger. Carefully pinch and break the stem to release the berry without squeezing the berry itself.

Storing and Preparing

  • Remove any damaged berries as soon as possible. Trim damaged areas and use in sauces, ice creams or in baking where appearance doesn't matter.
  • Store berries in the refrigerator with hulls intact, unwashed, and lightly covered in a single layer. Use within three to six days.
  • Just before serving, gently rinse under cold running water (avoid soaking because the strawberries will absorb water and lose flavour), gently pat dry with paper towels, and hull.
  • Hull and freeze your Ontario Strawberries for a divine treat after the season!

 

Three easy strawberry recipes

  • Freeze your strawberries and use instead of ice cubes!
  • Fill a glass vase full of local berries. Place a bowl of freshly whipped cream or melted chocolate beside you and you will be the star of the party!
  • Blend fresh strawberries into your lemonade
  • Grill your Ontario strawberries 
  • More great recipes such as Strawberry Eton Mess parfait can be found at Foodland Ontario
  • IF you can’t make it to the fields, the berries will be available at your local roadside fruit stands and if you don’t have time to organize a Strawberry Social, look for one in your community!

 

Wednesday
Jun172020

End of Year Teacher Gifts 

Teacher Gift Ideas

It has been a year for the record books.  Let's not forget those teachers who have worked so hard to help our kids learn through these challenging times.  I was so pleased to share my ideas today on CTV Morning Live.  Here is a link to the video.  Let me know if you have any other ideas to add by sharing in the comments

teacher gifts ctv segment
Tuesday
Apr072020

EVERY DAY is EARTH DAY - Time to 'SPRING' into Action

Cleaning the Capital

In hounour of Spring Cleaning, the kids and I have donned plastic gloves and are carrying plastic bags on our walks. If your kids like to go through the trees, it is a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants. There are many more tips on 'How To' at  Clean the Capital 

 Together, we can keep Ottawa clean, green, and litter-free.

Build Fairy Houses

Inspired by some of her favourite movies and books, Meghan had the idea to build Fairy Houses in our backyard.  We have collected many items on our walks and while cleaning up our own yard.  So far we have sticks, bark, dry grass, pebbles, feathers and pine cones.  We will also use some papers and treasures from our recycle bin.   I have posted some ideas over on Pinterest

Legend has it that if you place a fairy house in your garden a fairy might come and live in it, bringing luck and magic to the garden and its owner.

 

To attract the fairies to your structure you can leave enticing gifts, such as crystals, silver, or gold. Fairies love natural things with a shimmer and a sparkle, but they do not like magnets or iron. Timing is important when connecting with the fairies. They are most active around a full moon, solstices, and equinoxes, so this would be a good time to leave them a small treat like fruit or sweets, especially chocolate. They love chocolate

Backyard Wildlife

With the fairies settled into their habitats, we have begun to think about the wildlife in our backyard that could also use some love and attention.

Water and/ or birdbaths

All wildlife need water and this is one of the easiest things for us to provide.  From simple dripping water to a container or an elaborate bird bath, outdoor enthusiasts big and small can attract birds, amphibians and small animals to their yards with this simple provision. 

 

Just pick a container and make sure it is kept full of fresh water.  It is also important to change the water and clean your dish or bath on a weekly basis.  This can be done using a scouring brush or a cloth.  If your container gets really dirty, a mild dish detergent will do the trick.  Be sure to rinse well. 

 

The best bird baths at our house are made using the three Rs.  Recycled plastic or metal containers hung over a branch make awesome bird baths.

 

Feed the Birds

We also love to feed the birds.  Here is a link to some fun feeders we have made in the past. 

Another great way to be kind to birds it to keep them from flying into our windows.  Suncatchers work well for this.   The easiest sun catcher ever can be made from old cds. 

 

Play in the Mud

Do you know what mudpuddling is?  We just found out that butterflies enjoy hanging around mud puddles, who doesn’t really?   The male butterflies look to mud puddles for salts and minerals to enhance breeding.  To attract these mudpuddlers bury a bucket to the rim, fill it with gravel or sand and keep it moist at all times. 

 

Get into the Garden

Now that it actually starting to feel more like spring it is not too early to turn your attention to your garden itself.  Gardening is one of our favourite warm weather passtimes and we start early getting prepared. 

 

It’s time to get out the planters and decorations.  For Earth Day, you can create some beautiful planters using recycled items.  Here are some great videos and ideas. 

 

Decorate your Driveway

Spread the word.  It’s Earth Day and we are taking it to the streets.  It’s so much fun to decorate our driveway using sidewalk chalk.  Now you can make your own and get the message out. 

 

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 30 minutes

Here's How:

You will Need

 

  • A Mold
  • 1 cup Plaster of Paris
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • Medium Sized Bowl
  • Powedered Tempera Paint

 

 

Find a mold for your sidewalk chalk. Anything from a toilet tissue roll or small paper cup to fancy candy molds will work.

Mix together 1 cup of Plaster of Paris with 3/4 cup of water.

Add color to your mixture using powdered tempera paint.

Blend well and let stand for a few minutes.

Pour your mixture into the molds you chose.

Set aside and let dry completely.

Once dry you can remove your chalk from the mold.

Set it aside to dry for approximately 24 hours more.

Take your chalk outside and create fun masterpieces!

Tips:

Powdered tempera paint is available at most large craft stores.

Experiment with making swirled colors by adding the paint and stirring very little.

Drying time can take from several hours to a few days depending on the size of the mold you chose.

 

Reuse and Recyle around Town:

Many of the depots are currently closed, but if you can find a space to store, they will be grateful for drop offs when they re open.

Books

Pack up your old books and head out to the book fairs.  Look for listings in your local paper.  Or consider one of donating your books to the Ottawa Public Library, Goodwill or Value Village .  Here is a list of places that accept used books in Ottawa. 

Toys & Games

I can’t think of anything more recyclable than toys.  Gently used toys have the opportunity to bring joy to some of others.  I love to bring my toys to the children’s schools, shelters and Donation Depots in your neighbourhood. 

Ensure that you compost, recycle and dispose of waste properly 

However you spend it, treat every day like Earth Day!

 

Julie

 

 

Saturday
Mar212020

BACK TO SCHOOL : BACK TO ROUTINE - EMBRACING THE NEW NORMAL.

1.Build your Back to School Toolbox:

All the tools we need to complete homework are in the box: pens, pencils, calculators, computer. We used the school supply list provided from our school to make sure we filled our boxes with everything we would need for our work space.  

If you kids like to find another spot to do homework, their toolbox can go with them.

pastedGraphic.pdf

 

2.Create a Workspace:

 Image result for pictures of homework space

Have them make it personalized

  • Add a few of their favourite things. Some kids like fidget toys near by. 
  • Use an exercise ball as their char. 
  • Use a chalkboard or wipe board as a different writing  tool.
  • Add some pictures, art or a plant.

3.Visual Aids are great for Your Children and their Workspace

For the youngest grades:

  • alphabet letters
  • numbers
  • recognition words that they are learning

For the older grades

  • multiplication chart
  • math formulas
  • grammar rules

 

                          …just as a few suggestions

 

4.Different Workspaces for Different Subjects: 

Image result for pictures of art supplies 

ART ROOM: A big table with a splash cover over it, allowing budding artists to feel free in their space.

SCIENCE ROOM: We chose the kitchen. The best place to clean up quick science experiments/ explosions. It is also a great way to get kids in the kitchen helping and making meals. Great life skills.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: The great outdoors. With the weather warming up, you can spend a lot of time outdoors! If you choose to stay indoors, we have ideas posted.

Reading Corner: A nice reading corner anywhere that speaks to your reader. A bean bag chair or just a lot of pillows. A blanket and good lighting. 

 

5.Make a Schedule That Works For Your Learner: 

 

  • If you have multiple learners in your home, you will most likely want to be on the same schedule. 
  • Most of us are already working from home, so important that you factor that into your schedule. They will need your help from time to time and it is fun to be part of the learning.
  •  Each learner can create their schedule. What subject when. 
  • There are many schedule templates out there. Choose one that works for your family.
  • You might not get it right the first time, but try try again. We will be!

 

pastedGraphic.pdf

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