If you’re looking for a way to add extra storage space to your current freezer, these smart tips may be of service.

1. Know what to freeze. Start streamlining what you freeze in the first place by knowing what will last and what won’t. In general, leafy vegetables, dairy products, and fried foods are not meant to freeze.
2. Separate items into portions. If you’re freezing something that would otherwise stick together after freezing, such as chicken breasts or soup, separate it into serving-sized portions so that you can easily thaw only the part that you need.
3. Use containers. Instead of piling all of your food into one large pile in the freezer, invest in freezer-safe storage containers from the local home goods store.
4. Use labels. Label everything in the freezer, from individual food items (unless they’re still in the original packaging) to your storage containers.
5. Mind the door. The door of the freezer is the warmest part, so don’t store things that can easily melt on its shelves. Save this space for less delicate foods, such as nuts, alcohol, or frozen fruits.

Fridge and Freezer Organization [The Container Store]
The Best Way to Organize Your Freezer [The Kitchn]
8 Better Ways to Keep Your Freezer Super-Organized [Good Housekeeping]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr yellowcloud

Originally an extension of Leesburg staple Tuskies, South Street Under has come into its own as a popular casual eatery and top-notch bakery. Ideal for a quick lunch, this hidden Market Station gem has received attention for the bite of their airy, moist, yet crisp ciabatta, which accompanies an array of warm and cold sandwiches on the menu, including classics such as the rueben, BBBLT (triple the Bs, triple the bacon) or the popular chicken ciapini, topped with havarti cheese, spinach, tomato and zesty pepper mayo. Treat yourself to a hot cup of the soup du jour, including a mystery “Chef’s Surprise” selection on Thursdays, or warm up with one of their daily regulars, including hearty beef chili and vegetarian fan favorite potato-leek.

For early birds stopping in for a snack on the fly, consider pairing a jumbo éclair, moist blueberry muffin or any of their other tasty baked good offerings with a hot cup of coffee to go. Not stopping at handheld pastries, South Street Under is also known for their signature truffle cake, layering ribbons of chocolate truffle cream with dark chocolate ganache and your choice of fillings.

South Street Under
203 Harrison Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 771-9610
http://www.southstreetunder.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-street-under-leesburg

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/veganfeast

If you have a family full of animal lovers, Leesburg Animal Park is the perfect spot to spend a day. The local zoo plays host to a wide array of critters, from native barnyard animals to more exotic creatures from across the ocean. Explore all of its 21 acres with your youngsters this weekend to see everything that it has to offer.

Start at the petting zoo, where little ones can get hands-on with donkeys and llamas, bunnies and ducks, cows and goats, lambs and sheep, and even deer. Then check out the exotic animal exhibits, which house everything from African serval cats to zebras to lemurs. Kids can also take a pony or camel ride, and the whole family can enjoy a wagon ride. There's even a three-story play zone inside, as well as private rooms for birthday parties.

Leesburg Animal Park
19270 James Monroe Highway
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 433-0002
www.leesburganimalpark.com
www.yelp.com/biz/leesburg-animal-park-leesburg

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Dougtone