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Worth The Wait

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Finally got that French toast!! #worththewait

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Our newest bread, Woodstock, is full of whole nuts. We lightly soaked it in egg, cooked in a skillet and topped it with seared pear, fresh banana, Barney Butter, chia seeds and coconut. You know, the usual!

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Plus the usual warm drink served in my mug.

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We had a low-key day the started very late due to a marginal night of sleep. We had 6 great nights in a row, so I’ll take a sleepless night every now and then. Since I was able to snooze in small nap increments until 9:30, I felt pretty well rested when I finally got up.

I actually met Matt for some family gym time at 12:30- 26 minutes of Stairmaster and a nice round of weights were awesome! SO glad to be getting back into fitness!

Also so glad to have my normal palate back!

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This was quite the salad!! Never underestimate a can of beans. I went to the pantry to put some protein into lunch and came out with a can of Whole Foods brand baked beans. I heated up half a cup and poured them over a salad topped with carrots, peppers and avocado with cheese on top!

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Served with a slice of Tuscan Herb and some grapes.

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Afternoon snack in between baby feedings, naps and playtimes! Pumpkin ball and an apple.

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Then Matt, Maze and I headed up to the intersection of Hydraulic Rd. and 29 for a “soft” hat tour of the new Stonefield Shopping Center. Tomorrow the first shop opens – Pier 1 – and in 2 weeks…

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TRADER JOE’S!!

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The excitement is bursting within me! When I lived near TJ’s in Charlotte, I didn’t shop there for my weekly grocery trips. But it’s great for specialty items: sunflower butter {obviously}, smoked trout, salty p-nuts, trail mix, cornbread mix and a few others. TJ’s is such a FUN store that I’m still super excited. I love how products are always a’changin’

#worththewait

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Just a sneak peek! Trader Joe’s wouldn’t actually let us inside : (

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Opening next weekend: our huge new theater!!! IMAX and stadium seating and the whole shebang. Cville definitely needed a new theater. All next week are $2 movies (see them here!) and I’m hoping to take Maze to one (a kiddo one with the other moms so if he cries…)

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We toured the grounds with some hot beverages

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A wee bit of hot chocolate for me

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The buildings have beautiful details, and the stone and wood are local. This is only the beginning though because there are plans for a lot more custom décor (“jewels” as the developer said) to decorate the place with a local flair. They have hired a Charlottesville interior designer to craft custom pieces (some made with antique materials) to decorate throughout.

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This is the inside of Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, which is bumped up to accommodate an indoor climbing wall that can be seen from 29!

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The first restaurant of about 5-6 to open will be Burtons, but the one I am most excited about is called Pasture. It’s a local food/farm fresh concept with its first location in Richmond. Most of the restaurants and retail will be opening from February through next summer. Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen [out of Houston] and Black and Orange Burger [out of Washington, DC] were two other more casual places that sound really unique and cool! And a wine bar. I miss the swanky wine bars in Charlotte!

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I know there is some controversy with such a big development coming to Cville, and I wouldn’t be happy if they had bulldozed something historic to put this in its place. I tend to hope for the best in things and for my family at least, I know we will enjoy what’s to come. I think one day this will be a fun spot to bring Maze to walk the stroller, and I am truly excited about what is planned. (And in my opinion, 29 needed a little modernization).

We tried to weasel more names of the stores coming out of the developer (he knows!), but his lips were sealed. There are some bigger national stores {Pottery Barn}, but their focus is on getting all of the smaller spots filled with unique and locally run shops to make this a one-of-a-kind place to visit. And since my heart is in food, I think the restaurants all sound great!

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I had fun with Dolly, Dana, Sarah, Lindsey and for the first time I got to meet the face behind Mas To Millers!! We were thrilled to find out he is a huge fan of our Great Harvest scuffins : )

After a chilly walk outside, we came home to heat-n-eat this vegetable beef soup we found in the freezer. We THINK it was a Karen creation (Matt says “this tastes just like my mom’s cookin’!”). So Karen if it was yours, it was great!

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Lots of veggies, white beans and chunks of beef

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Served with a slab of Woodstock and butter

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We just welcomed this activity mat into our household and Maze already loves it! I can’t believe how much he likes birds!

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We took our soup down to the basement, turned on the space heater and played on the floor with Maze while we ate. It was such a great family hour. Can’t wait to do that more often! It’s incredible to see him reacting to toys, sounds and movements now. I’m a mama in shock when he reaches his hand out to touch something! My sweet baby.

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Nite!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. We are getting our first TJs in Boulder next year and I can’t wait!!
    Also, did you read The Panic Free Pregnancy? If yes, what did you think?

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  6. It’s so fun when they start to do new things!!

    I know exactly how you are feeling while watching him do these things. 🙂 It’s one of the best parts of being a parent.

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  7. wow, that development sounds so nice! i’m from a teeny tiny town, so i get there being controversy over it. but it’s not like they plopped a walmart down. all those stores/restaurants sound like really cool additions to the area! it’s sad for me to watch my small town start to dry up and blow away bc some people are so resistant to bringing in anything new, so i definitely see these types of developments as a great thing.
    i’m pretty traditional (boring) when it comes to salads, but i definitely want to try beans like that on top of one! yum!

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  8. The French toast looks so good. How do u it? Just beaten egg and pan fried? Do u add milk too?

    I have the same mat, can’t wait for my little girl to start playing on it!

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  9. just curious- why wouldn’t you just use a can of black or pinto beans (or chick peas, YUM!) on a salad, rather than include the added sugar of baked beans? beans are great, but the sauce in baked beans is so sweet…

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  12. That shopping center sounds pretty great. We have something that is similar (but larger and with less focus on local businesses) in Jacksonville.

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  14. Our TJ’s just opened a month ago. Warning…for the first week the shelves looked like the pre-storm pictures from NY where the shelves are totally empty. The cashier told me that they were wiped out every single day and had to fully restock every night! I will have to look for the trout next time I am there

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    • Yeah I’m not hopeful it will be very fun first week or 2. Hopefully not everyone knows about the smoked trout yet : )

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    • There are lots of theaters that do mom hours during the day where is okay to cry, breastfeed, ext. I’m not talking about taking him to an R rated movie at 9 p.m.!

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      • Yeah, I know…I am a mom of 2. We have seen plenty of kids movies during the day and I must say the only babies that I have ever seen in the theater are siblings of those actually watching the movie.

        Just seems ridiculous considering he will not watch it. A waste of money not to mention kind of loud for those little ears.

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          • My cousin did the same thing when her son was 3 months old. He slept most of the time but she got out of the house, got to watch a movie and be around other moms. It’s a very common thing!

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            • Yeah. Mommy and Me movie screenings aren’t like standard movie screenings. They turn the volume down and keep the atmosphere casual. Kids can watch the movie, babies can nurse, sleep or play, and the moms get to socialize or hang out and watch the movie. It’s not as big a deal as some people are making it out be and it’s not going to traumatize her baby.

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          • I dont mind kids movies, and I definitely did this with my best friend who had a baby two months before I had mine. We would go, watch some silly cartoon, share popcorn, and not feel weird about bf’ing or a whimper. It was a way to get out of the house early on when he wasn’t interested in a lot and we had no idea what to do.

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  16. I am SO jealous of a nearby Trader Joes! My closest is 72 miles away 🙁
    Can I ask why you would take Maze to a movie? My youngest is 17 months and movies here are SO loud I wouldn’t take her. I hope they aren’t as loud for you.

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    • Because my mothers group suggested it. I don’t think I’d take him into Dark Knight, but shouldn’t the kids ones be more normal?

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      • The first movie I took my kid to was Tangled and the volume was still crazy high. But in my area we dont have any movies specifically scheduled for little kids, maybe if they have one in your area, they turn down the volume for that special showing.

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      • The link is below is for the full text of an article by the American Academy of Pediatrics detailing their recommendations for media use by children under two. I encourage you to read it before taking you seven week old baby to a movie. No matter how advanced he is, the movie cannot benefit a child that young in any way and may actually be harmful.

        http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/5/1040.full

        Also, if you do choose to take your son to the movie please consider using infant-sized ear protection as the eardrums of infants are tiny and delicate and could be harmed even if the volume is turned down.

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      • Take that baby EVERYWHERE while he is still tiny and portable. I wish I had taken mine to more movies back then. And don’t think you can only take him to kid movies. I remember taking my son to a chick flick…Dear John maybe…with my husband. The baby either slept or breasted the whole time. An action movie would be a bad idea but a date to the movies is an easy outing to take him on. ????

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    • I think the Stars and Stroller shows (the ones especially for moms with little kids) adjust the volume at that showing.

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    • Many theaters have showings specifically for moms with babies…usually weekday mornings and the movie is for the mom, not the babe. At this age, she may be able to nurse him and have him sleep through most of it.

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      • People!! I am fairly certain there is no decision that one mom makes about her own child that needs to result in so much criticism! It is obvious from the way she talked about it, that this is an outing geared toward adult women–not the newborns!! If she said her moms group was meeting at Starbucks with the babies, you would not all send her articles citing the concern of giving hot coffee to newborns, would you? Common sense, folks–it will take you far in life.
        End Rant.

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      • Yes. They started these after I’d already had my kids, so I was never able to go, but BELIEVE ME, when I had only one baby who took decent naps and/or was easily calmed by nursing, I would have loved it. Movies are among the little things that you don’t think about missing once you have kids, but you really do. We never really stopped going out to dinner once we became parents, but if we go to the movies now, it’s once a year.

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  17. Jealous of this entire post! Haha. I wish we had an awesome mall like that around us. The closest health store is 30 minutes away, and the closest “good” health food store is over an hour.

    I would definitely take advantage of those 2 dollar movies. Nemo or Madagascar would be great!

    And you can definitely tell who has made a dish. My late great-grandmother loved to cook and/or bake us a meal once every few weeks. Sometimes I’d forget that a dish was from her and say: Mom, did Grandma Sigler make this? Haha…

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  21. We are getting TJs this month too (in Wilmington, so you can stock u before your Bald Head trips!) I am not looking forward to the crowds and terribly small parking lots that seem to characterize every TJs I’ve ever been to 🙁

    We just received a play mat at a shower with an ocean theme – killer whale and all! So appropriate for the beach!

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  22. I would check with the theatre about the volume…it was too much for my toddler (in fact, he gets motion sickness at the movies, even now, so we wait for DVDs/on-demand).

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  25. I was surprised by how insanely proud I felt when I realized my son was purposely reaching out to touch toys on his playmat! Like literally my heart felt like it was bursting! And I’m so not an ooshy gooshy type. When I watch this video I made when he was first leaning to grab the toys, I have to laugh at how excited I sounded. It’s such a mundane thing, we all learn to reach out and grab things, but its such a big deal when it’s your baby!!

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  28. Your breakfast looks delicious!! I am curious, though, just because sugary sweet breakfast gives me a headache (I’m a two eggs and wheat toast in the morning type of girl): do the sprinkles, fruit, coconut flakes, etc. ever get to be too much every day?

    And great news about the Trader Joe’s!!! I am baking a pumpkin pie right now, and I used TJ’s sweetened condensed milk in it – love that place!

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    • If I used a lot of those ingredients, maybe, but less than a quarter tsp of sprinkles and a tsp of coconut barely have any sugar in them. The oats are whole grain, and fruit is wholesome. Plus there is a fair amount of protein and fat to balance the bloodstream. I’ve felt terrible after eating a donut for breakfast, but I’ve never felt even slightly bad after a bowl of oatmeal – even with toppings (although sometimes if I put a muffin on top it’s too much). But I do believe there are those who get full with protein (eggs) and those who need whole grains/fiber to feel full (oatmeal) so you must just be part of the first group.

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      • Thanks for the reply! I’m definitely in the first group, and you in the second. We do have the toppings thing in common though…I put cheese and hot sauce on my eggs! : )

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  29. Uhh, bread with nuts is soo tasty and nutricious, a true powerhouse, I adore it!
    I am sure it will become a bestseller of yours.

    Kath, off topic: now you have to update the data in your profile (top left corner), 29=>30 🙂

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  30. Trader Joe’s is an awesome store! We have one right next to Whole Foods but they are a good 40 mins away. 🙁 When we move, I want to be closer to one of those two stores.

    You live in such an awesome area. I love the way the downtown looks and you have the most unique places to eat and shop. You really picked a great place to live. 🙂

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  33. yay for Trader Joe’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i LOVE that store! sadly i dn’t have one close by!!! BUT! i think either the end of this year or begining of next i hear one will be opeing up like 30mints from my house!! still not next door but hey 30mints is deff closer than 1hr30mins!! aaaaaaaaaaaaa can’t wait!! 🙂
    enjoy your new TJ’s!!
    now were are you located at?? looks like a beautiful city!!

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  34. Never underestimate a can of beans = Amen! I just cracked a can this morning and baked them in my cast iron as sort of an egg/noodle casserole thing. We’ll get two great dinners out of the deal!

    And congrats on the TJs! And I know you said you didnt shop there for your weekly staples, and likely you can’t get it all there, but I bet you’ll end up getting more from there than you even used to. How fun for you!

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  35. I share your excitement as where I live we are also getting a trader joes which opens early this month as well!! Can’t wait to finally experience the store and what is has to offer after hearing so much about it !

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  36. What a fun day! I can’t believe it’s such a big deal to bring a baby to a movie though. Obviously you don’t think he is going to enjoy it! It’s just a fun activity. People are so critical, I have to give you props for your sincere responses! Very admirable.

    If that is Karen’s soup, you think she would mind sharing the recipe in the comments? It looks amazing!

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  40. Is there a reason why you barely show any phots of your new baby? Just wondering out of curiosity only 🙂 I just see lots/multiple food shots, grocery stores, or pics of you guys, but only one of the baby. Congrats!

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  41. HI!
    Totally random but I frequent your site and will be in Cville for a night–was wondering if you had any recommendations for dinner. Someplace that has great food and great wine (doesn’t have to be fancy but needs both of those things!). Any suggestions? I trust your taste since I’ve seen what you eat for over 2 years. Haha.

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  43. Wow, such controversy over taking her baby boy to a movie, specifically set up for moms with small children! Sheesh, people. Why can’t she enjoy an outing with other moms? Also, I mean, it’s $2! Have fun, Kath!

    The new shopping center looks fun! I was in Cville over the summer and, while we were only in town for 2 days, I think it “needs” something like that.

    Now, I hope your new TJ’s parking lot isn’t a mess. It seems like EVERY Trader Joe’s I’ve been to (in my area in the Midwest as well as in the Mid-Atlantic) is an absolute clusterF—-! Seriously. TJ’s is always busy yet they make the parking lot a huge mess unable to accommodate the crowds. I don’t get it!

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  44. I loved when my babies discovered their hands and feet. It’s pure joy to observe them figuring out how to move them around and then squeal with delight ( the babes, not the parents!) TJs? Meh, I can take it or leave it, too small, too expensive, crappy parking and too crowded IMO.

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  45. I would LOVE a Trader Joes! When I eventually go back to the US for a trip I’ll be coming home with as much as I can fit in a suitcase from TJ’s and Wholefoods! 🙂 Must try some seared pear on my French toast, they’re amazing at the moment! He’ll be sitting up crawling around before you know it, play mats are great fun!

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  46. I love looking at your food. I am convinced that I need to try that French toast! I know French toast has a lot of calories, don’t understand why?

    I wish we had trader joes & whole foods stores here in Sydney but super excited to say that we are getting a pottery barn store here early 2013, my canadian friend invited me to the opening?..YAY!

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    • Only if it’s made with cream and lots of butter. You can make it healthier with whole grain bread and just using egg, cinnamon and vanilla

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  48. Hi Kath, Maze is super cute! Total baby person so I’m loving the blog more than ever! Unrelated to this post but I just saw on his website that Jim Brickman will be in Cville on his Christmas tour concert on Decmeber 13th! We went a couple years ago and it was good. I love Christmas music and it’s a fun and magical December date night:)! Just thought I’d pass on the info! I’m bummed he’s not passing through my city this time around:(

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    • We considered it, but there’s one in North Charlotte and Concord so I don’t know if another could be supported

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  53. I’m pretty dang excited about a TJ’s in cville, but so far none of the announced stores/eateries are local to cville. Using “local” stone and wood isn’t the same as going to say The Local or Whisky Jar that serve local food. High end or not, a pottery barn is still corporation.

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    • Blue ridge mountain sports is. Pasture is at least regional from Richmond. The local stores seem to be the hardest leases to sign and always come last after the anchors though. I’m sure they would be thrilled for a smaller local store owner to express interest.

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  54. Have fun at the movie. Of course the point is for you to socialize with the other moms a bit. Can’t believe anyone would get worked up about it. Cute pic of you in front of Tj’s. You really bounced back from pregnancy. Look at that tiny waist, you rock!

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    • Marissa, the link Kath shared with us for the $2.00 movies doesn’t include any special showings for babies and toddlers. People feel like they know Kath and her family so well, it just seems natural to care about Mazen and his sweet little ears. Movies are loud for me so I can imagine it would be taxing on a tiny baby. We all love the younger monsons so it’s not to
      make Kath feel bad!

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  56. So many fun shops heading your guys’ way, I’m stoked for your TJs to open up, we have one a short drive from here and I always feel like I’m in Disneyland when I enter. Too bad a Whole Foods opened up even closer to us this past year- TJs has been a little (a lot) abandoned.

    Yay for play mats! My babe looooves his, we joke that the light-up cat that hangs from it, playing music, is his girl friend. Silly baby addiction, he just can’t get enough.

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  61. Kath – I’m always so impressed by how often you eat healthy, pre-made frozen meals! Everytime I freeze meals, they end up with freezer burn and tasting a little off. What’s your meal-freezing/defrosting technique, especially for things like soups?

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    • I actually don’t think I’m very good at freezing things either! The best thing I have learned is to get ALL of the air out and wrap things tightly. I have the best luck with soups and sauces in ziplock freezer bags. I have terrible luck with things like casseroles. But I pour a soup into a freezer bag, then put in the fridge to cool, then put in the freezer to freeze flat on a baking sheet and then you can stack the soups. Put in fridge overnight to thaw again. In general, the soups always taste as good as they did when they were fresh.

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      • Love this! That’s an awesome tip, I’m definitely going to try it out. Thank you and happy Sunday evening to you, Matt, and Maze!

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  62. I LOVE baked beans and salad! It was my staple food at University and everyone thought I was so weird! Whole wheat wrap, baby spinach, chopped scallion and hot bakes beans DELICIOUS!

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