July 31, 2011

Sunday Project: Car Seat Cover

D's car seat handle is just about to break so I found a new one on a great sale but it is PINK! 

So this week I'm going to use the tutorial over at Make It & Love It to make a new cover for it. You can check it out HERE

Make sure you show us how yours turns out.

photo from Make It and Love It

Spa for Ma: Paper Scissors Rock Spotlight

Paper Scissors Rock is another great sponsor for our Spa for Ma event.


Paper Scissors Rock features adorable clocks, magnets, nightlights, bookmarks and cards with some awesome artwork on them. Make sure you check them out at their website and on Facebook and let us know what your favorite items are!

Thanks for sponsoring Paper Scissors Rock!

Spa for Ma: Happily Married With Kids Review

About Dr Carol:


Dr. Lindquist is a Board Certified and licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in high conflict couples and trauma therapy for individuals.  She is a Master Coach in the Bridge Coaching Institute. Her private practice has been in Laguna Beach for more than 30 years where she is part of a group of independent practitioners. She has written a book, Happily Married with Kids about how to be in the 33% of couples who grow closer and happier after kids and avoid being in the 67% who are much more unhappy or divorced. She has trained numerous therapists and published many papers on assertiveness, domestic violence and social skills training. She lives with her husband and raised her sons in Laguna Beach, California. Yes she is happily married but remembers, marriage can be very hard work sometimes. She believes working through the tough times – or just surviving – gives you a chance to look at yourselves, grow as individuals and reconnect around your strengths and the things you love about each other. Living through tough times can lead to the best and happiest part of your life.


About Happily Married With Kids:



Here, finally, is a guide to help you make a smooth transition from partnership to parenthood while preserving intimacy.
With check lists, tips and how-to’s in every chapter, the author reveals what you can do to protect and work through normal problems to make your marriage feel better.
Dr. Carol describes many ingenious ways for couples to grow closer, savor their sex lives, cultivate a loving village, and even how to argue so they can build a warmer, more loving marriage.



My Thoughts:

I am about half way through Dr. Carol's book Happily Married With Kids and already I wished I would have had it 3 years ago. I've always had a hard time putting my emotions into words, especially when I am upset, and she does a great job of helping me understand what I have felt over the past three years. My favorite part however, are the simple ideas she gives couples about how they can fix the problem. There is no major, you have to do this right now and everything will be perfect, it's simple steps and things you can to together and as a couple to help you be "in love" like you want to be. I can't wait to finish reading this book so I can hand it over for E to have a turn. This would also be a great baby shower gift for any young mom, or even a great gift for the mom the second or third time around.

You will want to check out Dr. Carol's website HERE and make sure you're following her on Facebook and Twitter in preparation for our Spa for Ma event, and to get great tips on how to strengthen your marriage post kids.

July 30, 2011

Another Great Week of Saving



Not Pictured: 2 Pillows from Target

We had another great week this week. Here's what we did:

Where We Shopped: ToysRUs, Walgreens, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Pier 1, PetSmart, Target

What We Spent: $53.47 ($17 of that was buckets at Walmart)

What We Saved: $200.15 or 78.9%

What We Earned For Next Week: $17.50 in register rewards and gift cards

*Remember* We include tax in all of our totals. 

What did you buy this week?

Spa for Ma: Bloom Organics Spotlight

I'm so glad I have the pleasure of introducing you to our next Spa for Ma sponsor, Bloom Organics.


Bloom Organics is a shop filled with one of my favorite things, reusable shopping bags. I love taking my shopping bags to the store with me because of their many benefits including, discounts and saving on trash (aka not taking the trash out as much, not that I'm lazy). I do however get tired of the bags you can buy at every store, they're all the same and so very boring. Then I found Bloom Organics, she makes adorable shopping bags in bright colors. You'll love them so go check them out HERE today!

Thanks Bloom Organics, we're so excited to have you as part of our prize!

Spa for Ma: Elegant Rose Boutique Review


About Elegant Rose Boutique:

I started making essential oil soap after trying some locally and loving it. We have always tried to go as natural as possible because of sensitivities, so making our own natural soaps and other natural products works well for us. I love experimenting and trying new combinations of scents to create unique products.

All of my products are made in small batches with natural, sustainable, and sometimes organic ingredients. My soaps are made by the cold process method. I use spices or clays for colorants in my products. If a preservative is needed in my products, I use Tinosan SDC - an all natural preservative and anti microbial based on a stabilized silver complex produced by a unique electrochemical process with silver and citric acid. 

Enjoy natural beauty products including handmade soap, moisturizing body butter, lip balm, bath bombs, lotion, natural deodorant and so much more, you can find all of your pampering needs in one place! 

My Thoughts:

The first thing I noticed when I opened Elegant Rose Boutique's package was the wonderful smell. The Bay Spice Shaving Soap sample they sent smells absolutely wonderful! The second thing I noticed was that each piece was sent in it's own individual zipping bag so that the slight melting that did occur in the shipping process was well contained and not at all hard to clean up.

The lotion sample was wonderful! I'm enjoying using it. It really does melt against your skin and smells delicious. I'm all for a lotion that smells good enough to eat.

She also sent the Charcoal Soap. This soap is absolutely beautiful. This would be a great addition to a gift basket because it has scent but is not overpowering and is a good basic soap. Besides, who wouldn't want something this beautiful in their bathroom?

Make sure you visit Elegant Rose Boutique at their Shop, Blog, and on Facebook today to prepare for Spa for Ma. 

EdenFantasys *Adult*

If you haven't checked out EdenFantasys lately now is the time. They are currently having a 60% off sale for some of their best premium products. I was pleasantly surprised to see many of their glass toys on this list which makes them an awesome price. 

This Gold Laced G is only $12 which makes it not only a great treat for yourself but also in a reasonable price for gift giving.

They also have this Rechargeable Beaded Butterfly on the list making it only $42. If you try to go green and have looked at rechargeable toys you know this is a great deal!

For those of you who like pleasant surprises why not try this Remote Control Thong. I'm not so sure about this one but at $36 it would make a great bridal/bachelor gift.

For those of my friends who are getting married in the near future, you know who you are, you better watch out because I just placed a big order and it's headed your way. This sale made my money go twice as far  to fill my traditional sized basket and the best part is that I know EdenFantasys has great products that will let the newlyweds get comfortable before having to tackle the shopping themselves. 

Remember, with EdenFantasys there is a free gift with every order and free shipping on orders over $59.


Sex toys - EdenFantasys adult toys store

July 29, 2011

Spa for Ma: Boldtman Studios Spotlight


Today I am pleased to introduce you to Boldtman Studios, one of our great sponsors for Spa for Ma.


Mike is an illustrator of 11 years. His characters make me laugh because each and every one reminds me of someone I know and love. Isn't this little girl just adorable? 

Mike has been kind enough to donate a great prize for our Spa for Ma event so make sure you check out his Shop and Etsy Shop and follow him on Facebook and Twitter so you're ready to enter!

Thanks Mike!

Date Night: Working Together

photo from boxfactory.tumblr.com
So lately every spare moment E and I have had together has been spent packing or cleaning so we can be ready to move. This has made interesting date time as during this cleaning we have found various interesting objects, like notes from when we were dating, old pictures, and various other things which have brought back some great, and some not so great, memories. This week I encourage all of you to take some time to work with your spouse. It is nice to be productive once in a while.

Spa for Ma: 6 Pomegranate Seeds Review


About 6 Pomegranate Seeds:


I specialize in handmade practical art pieces, practical in the sense that they can be put to use in addition to sitting on a shelf and looking pretty!

I'm currently focusing on jewelery/trinket boxes, journals and photo frames but you never know what's going to tickle my fancy, so stop in often to see what's new!

My Thoughts:

6 Pomegranate Seeds sent me this adorable book mark and box to review. As an avid reader I'm always looking for great bookmarks and this is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever owned.  I love the pointed tip for keeping my spot on the page since the boys never let me get to the end of a paragraph. This bookmark would make a wonderful gift for any book lover. 

Make sure you check out 6 Pomegranate Seeds' Shop HERE.
Use Code "Kerr1" for 10% off your order through 10/1.
And get ready for a great giveaway as part of our Spa for Ma event.

Snuggy Baby GIVEAWAY

Snuggy Baby is giving away a $15 Gift Certificate to one Kerrific Winner. You can see my review HERE.

What's Up For Grabs:

Gift Certificate
Value: $15

How to Enter:
Use the NEW Reafflecopter widget below. If you have problems please email me.



July 28, 2011

Triberr

So at this point most everyone knows about Triberr, but for those of you like me who are a bit behind, here's the basics.

Triberr takes the posts from your blog and tweets them out through everyone in your Tribe. 

Your tribe consists of fellow bloggers who you in turn tweet about.

The best part it's all automatic, you don't even have to think about it.

So, if anyone wants to join my tribes let me know. You can email me at kerrific5@gmail.com just put Triberr in the subject line. I have plenty of invites and it doesn't matter to me how many followers you have, everyone has to start somewhere. I do however ask that you have blogs that fit one of the following catagories:

Children
Dating Your Spouse
Saving Money

So, I know you're all anxious to join, email me today!

Spa for Ma Deevette's Creations Spotlight


Today I am pleased to introduce you to Deevette's Creations, one of our wonderful sponsors for Spa for Ma.

Deevette's Creations is an adorable little shop Dennisse runs from the back room of her house. She has made everything from school uniforms to wedding dresses and currently enjoys making things for little divas on a budget. I absolutely love her little dresses, flip flops and bows. 


You can check out her shop HERE so you know exactly what you want to purchase with the gift card you win during Spa for Ma.
Thanks Dennisse at Deevette's Creations!

Spa for Ma: Jamz Originals Review


About Jamz Originals:


Looking to broaden our horizons, my wife and I chose to start our own little business, and we began making guitar straps, and...suprise of surprises...it's been a TON of fun! We love coming up with fun, new designs for all of you musicians out there, and have enjoyed meeting so many new people. Thanks for learning about us, and we hope you'll love our shop and tell your friends about us!


Jamz Originals is the home of classic guitar straps full of style. We have straps for every mood and personality. And with the extra padding and durable, non-stretch materials we use, you'll wonder why you ever had a nylon or leather strap to begin with! 



Safety of your guitar: The nylon webbing on these straps has been tested at 600 pounds. As long as you don't have a gorilla hanging from your fret, you'll be fine!Dimensions of straps:Straps are 2 inches wide. Adjustable from 36 to 65 inches in length. Perfect for guitars AND ukeleles. Drop us a note in the comments section if you like to tie your strap off on the neck of your guitar, and we'll throw in some nylon strings for you. (no cost)We LOVE to do custom orders. If you have a specific fabric pattern that you want to have personalized into your own, one-of-a-kind strap, just convo us with the information, and we will get it done! We can also personalize straps with embroidered initials, or vinyl silk screened words or images. Embroidery jobs cost $5 more. Contact us for the additional costs for screen printing.



My Thoughts:


When I first visited Jamz Originals' shop I instantly fell in love with their awesome guitar straps. I've been playing guitar since I was about 10 and love it! In our family playing guitar is a family tradition and I was taught by my great uncle. I in turn have been teaching E, so he can play with us when we get together. They sent us this Irish Tiger strap which is even more awesome than it looks in the pictures. E was thrilled at the colors and very excited to try it out. 

Jamz Originals' straps are sturdy and very well made! These are great for any experienced guitar player, I'm already planning on a few more for Christmas this year, and are going to last you a very long time!

Make sure you check out all the great styles HERE.
And watch for a great giveaway as part of the Spa for Ma event!

Snuggy Baby Review

About Snuggy Baby:



I am a work at home mom with a beautiful snuggy baby and one amazing preschooler.  When my first daughter was born, I could not find any place to buy a sling, so I learned how to make them.  I received so many comments and compliments about my slings that I decided that every mom needed to be able to get a sling. So I started Snuggy Baby to make it easier for moms to find beautiful, comfortable slings that they would love.


It didn't happen overnight, in fact, I changed the design of my Ring Sling many times before I came across the perfect balance of fashion and comfort.  This summer, I wore my 20 pound Snuggy Baby for 6 hours straight every week standing on concrete at a local outdoor market.  I still carry my 3 year old around in a sling.  No way I could do this without an extremely comfortable sling.  I built the perfect Ring Sling for myself, and I would love to share it with you.
What started as an idea to offer 6 different patterns of ring slings has grown into a large handmade business with several product lines.  Take a look around.  I hope that you find something that you love.



My Thoughts:



Snuggy Baby sent us this adorable doll sling to review. At first B was a little unsure of what this thing was we wanted to put over his head but now that he knows how to use it it is a constant companion. Since we have little boys dolls are not a common thing in our home but we have found this sling works just as well for dog dogs, legos, books, or anything else you don't want your brother to have.


As you can see this sling fits B really well. C can also wear it with it being only slightly large but he wouldn't hold still long enough for pictures. I love that though this sling does fit B he still has room to grow and I know the boys will get lots of use out of it before it is too small. I am so pleased with this sling and the addition it has made to our toy collection. Thank you for a wonderful product Snuggy Baby!



Make sure you check back tomorrow for a great giveaway from Snuggy Baby!
Or if you can't wait use code "KerrificOnline" for 10% off your order from Snuggy Baby through 8/31.

*Disclosure: This product was provided to me at no charge by the company for a fair and honest review. The ideas and opinions expressed are my own. I was not paid or compensated in any other way.

July 27, 2011

Style and Toddlers

Style is a bit of a controversy at our house. I say E doesn't have a sense of style and in return he says I'm never in style anyway so when it comes to the kids things get a little interesting.

B is just learning to dress himself so his sense of style usually involves things not going on quite correctly. We like to laugh that his pants, and underwear, are usually on backwards and sometimes inside out. Earlier today he came waddling out of the bathroom to tell me he couldn't get his underwear up which was funny because he'd been trying for almost twenty minutes. Silly as this may seem, teaching a child to dress themselves is important.

This leads me to C who's favorite style doesn't include any clothes. He is the one I seem to be preventing from undressing all day long. It's gotten so bad that if he's not in the same room as me I worry because I know that undressing is probably his goal. For the summer we have come to a sort of arrangement, he can run around in a shirt and diaper as long as those stay in place which seems to be working pretty good.

D of course still gets to wear exactly what I say he does.

As I raise my kids, one of my goals is to teach them to dress appropriately. We follow a rule that our clothes must fit correctly, no diapers showing, and that they must be free of holes and stains (at least at the start of the day). We also teach our children that their are appropriate times, church for instance, that they need to wear a shirt and tie. We work hard to teach them the difference between church shoes, running shoes, and sandals and at what occasions they should wear each.

One of our newest styles is that both B and C must wear hats and sunglasses when we go outside. We have recently found out the C is allergic to most sunscreen, especially on his face, and that B's eyes get really swollen when he gets dust in them, he gets that from me. Our solution, hats and glasses. This seems to work really well and everyone loves the cute hats I made for them. It's been a change in our getting ready to go routine but seems to be working well. As they get older I'm sure we will have more discussions but for now the boys are good at listening and understanding what is ok and what isn't. I love my boys for that!

What do you like/dislike for your children to wear? What tips do you have for us young moms for those teenagers that maybe don't wear what you think they should? I'm open to any and all suggestions.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Have You Ever Said "EAT YOUR VEGGIES!!"?

With toddlers this seems to be an all to familiar statement. However, usually at our house it's not the veggies we have problems with. Here are a few ways to get your children to eat heather...for any type of food.

1. Make eating interesting - We like to ask B and C questions about their food. Is it hot, cold, slimy? Does it taste like chicken, cheese, strawberries? For little kids this is a great way to get them to at least try something which is always the first step.

2. Don't ask if they like it - This is a big mistake I see people make. If you never give them the chance to say they don't like something but instead emphasis how much you do like it, they are a lot more likely to try it and eat just a little. E and I always make a point to say how good something is right when we start eating, this encourages the boys without us talking directly to them because they think, well mom and dad like it so it must be good.

3. Go shopping together - this is a great way for kids to learn about different foods. While you're shopping don't just yell at them to stay right there, talk about the different foods and where they come from. Just a few weeks ago C's therapist told me she was talking to a 12 year old who didn't know where milk cam from. This  is a basic skill that we should make sure all our kids have.

4. Let the kids help you cook - many of B and C's favorite meals are the ones they get to help make. Yes, it takes a little longer and can be more frustrating but kids are much more likely to eat something they helped make.

5. Keep things basic - you don't need ten items on the table. Give children age appropriate servings of two or three things at each meal. This means there are less choices and they don't have as much to think about.

6. Kids won't starve themselves - you don't have to keep giving your kids other things because they won't eat a specific part of a meal. Kids will eat eventually so give them what's for dinner (even the veggies) and don't give them more anything until it's gone. This is easiest to start when kids are little but can be adapted for any age.

7. Make kid friendly foods - kids are more likely to eat things that look like what they are, example baked potatoes rather than mashed. It's a simple concept but not many parents think about the fact that when you're learning what things are and how they taste it's harder to remember if it keeps coming back in a different form.

8. Eat with your kids - once again, kids are more likely to eat what they see their parent's eating. If you never eat with their kids they can't know what you like.

9. Grow a garden - like helping cook, helping grow your own food encourages kids to try the fruits of their labors. For example, B and C have eaten a lot more eggs since we got chickens that they help care for.

10. Don't give up - just because your child doesn't eat something today it does not mean you should quit trying. Kids are finicky and will change their mind. When you serve a food they haven't liked in the past don't start with "I know you don't like this" just put it on their plate and chances are they will eat it.

Feeding kids can be a difficult task but it is something you can get better at. If you do have problems talk to your doctor. Texture dislike is common in kids and they can help you find ways to get around it.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Peas and Thank You blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” 

Spa for Ma: Sweetest Charms Review


About Sweetest Charms:


Sweetest Charms is a very very very small company operated in a very very small town called Imus in a very small country called Philippines.  We are a specialty store carrying sweet beads and charms that you can add on to your arts and craft projects.

Because everybody wants to be unique just like everyone else, our company strives to make charms, beads, components and other findings that are different and unique so that you can make unique stuff and be...well..be unique.


The difference in the design between Sweetest Charms and other companies is that we offer the Kawaiiness factor.   Kawaii in Japanese means cute.  In each of our designs, we don't go ahead and design what it should be, we go ahead and go with the thought, "Why Not?"  



My Thoughts:


I was sent some adorable cookie charms to review. These are so adorable and realistic. I love all their food choice charms and the prices are not bad at all. I'm not much of a jewelry wearer but when I saw these I thought how fun they would be to put in I Spy bags for my kids. I especially love the little hot dog and hamburger charms above. These charms are great for any occasion. 


You can see more adorable charms at Sweetest Charms. And watch for a great giveaway coming up as part of Spa for Ma.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Spa for Ma

For those of you who haven't heard we are participating in a big Spa for Ma event Aug 18-31. 
 I have some great sponsors planned that I cannot wait to start sharing with you!

There is still room for this event, if you are interested in participating you can check it out HERE

I'm also still accepting sponsors. If this is something you are interested in please email me at kerrific5@gmail.com

Stay tuned for more great info on Spa for Ma!

Wordless Wednesday - Uncles

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July 25, 2011

EdenFantasys - Outstanding Online Retailer *Adult*

Did you know that EdenFantasys just won an "O" Award for Outstanding Online Retailer.

I am so excited that they won this as I think they totally deserve it! I frequently order product from them both for myself and to use as wedding/bridal gifts. Not only are their prices wonderful but they also have outstanding customer service. Just last week, for example, I received my order to find that one of the items was damaged. I created a return request which was super easy and they shipped me a new product right away. It was so fast and easy!

Another reason I think EdenFantasys deserves this award is because of their awesome site set up. You can search for anything and find the exact item or something similar. Their review system further enhances this by giving you the ins and outs of any product you view. 

If you do not know where to start your search EdenFantasys also has a great forum where you can ask questions, or just quietly view what others have said. This is a great place to find out about all the newest products and anything else you may want to know about adult topics.

As a reminder, EdenFantasys is an adult site so make sure you wait to visit until after the kids are in bed.

Congrats again to EdenFantasys!
Happy Shopping!



Mom Shop Monday: Amber Marie Studios

Today I have the opportunity to introduce you to one of my favorite people in the whole world...Amber.


About Amber Marie Studios:

Amber Marie was born in Oregon and raised in Alaska. Her life has been a hectic array of experiences and this has lent itself to her talents in visuals that range from realistic portraiture to emotionally charged surrealistic visions. Regarding a piece on the surreal side, a juror for a show wrote:

“The work is powerful, but simple… the designs are compelling. It asks the viewer to search for the fragments, to identify the elements.”

With over twenty shows under her belt and about ten awards through them, she loves a challenge. A perpetual student of life and art, she hope to develop a circuit in festivals and fairs that maneuvers into a personal gallery.

She started drawing at a young age, tracing images off of a stilled television screen. This translated into a love of comics that evolved into a fantastical world. “I try to bring forth the beauty I see in the world around me, only in a different way to make the viewer pause and bring them in. If I can make someone see something a bit differently or touch their heart, I’ve done what I’ve set out to do. My art has a piece of me, almost every time.”

8 x 10 Starfish Print "Starfish Balance" by Amber MarieA traditional artist, she is influenced by Johannes Vermeer, James Christiansen, Aubrey Beardsley, Brian Froud, and all the people around her; whom she tries to channel by merging the old master style into a fantastical world filled with people she loves, knows and feels should be shown how beautiful they are. Almost every piece of artwork has a story behind it, often heavy with emotional symbolism. She loves the creation process and truly feels a connection with the items and materials she works with. It is not unusual to see her go nose to nose with a painting to see an individual stroke or touch and smell the materials she’s looking at using.

A pursuit of shows, life and touching people’s hearts is her goal in the end. Whether they smile at a whimsical fairy or connect with another person’s life story, she is always striving to improve every facet of her life, art and the world around her.



My Thoughts:


Amber is a great friend, babysitter and neighbor. But not only that, she is also a great artist. She does a little of everything.  I'm waiting for our new house to get the LOVE letters pictured above to put by our family photo. She also does beautiful portraits.


Right now our favorite things Amber does are face painting and hair tinsel. C especially loves the face painting and loves it when Amber practices on him. It is amazing to me to watch her work. She is so fast that if you look away, even for a second, she's moved on to someone else. The face photos here are from the 4th. It was so fun to get my face painted and it lasted really well! 


Amber also does a great job with hair tinsel. Last time she did mine it stayed in for almost two weeks! It is a very fun way to add a little sparkle into your life.


I highly recommend Amber as a great addition to any party or event. Or, if you want to check out her other items, make sure you visit her Etsy shop and website. Oh and if you ever see her make sure you check out the signs, you just might see someone you know. 

July 24, 2011

Sunday Project - Moving


That's right, the big day is only 2 weeks away. This week we had some awesome help. Thanks to a great neighbor we have a trailer at our house to fill and thanks to some great helpers it is almost full. We got a ton done and I'm working hard to get the rest of the packing done. If anyone has any great tips for me on moving/packing I'm all ears. Even though we're only going about two miles I still want to do it all in one day and get it over with. 

Have a great week! A.

Saving Saturday - A Day Late

Here's what I bought last week.



I shopped Shopko, Deseret Book, Walgreens, Target, and Fred Meyer (ok, E did Fred Meyer).

Total Spent: $31.90
Total Saved: $86.28
% Saved: 73

Our big investment this week was the canning supplies. I do know this purchase will be well worth it however as we love to garden and can and this way I can do so without bugging my mother for her supplies.

*Note: I include tax (6%) in all my totals.

July 19, 2011

Toddler Tuesday: Train Cake



We had a birthday at our house recently and I wanted to share the cake I made with you.
This cake was so easy to make and would be easy to make larger by adding more train cars.

For this cake I used:
  • 1 box cake mix
  • 1 can frosting
  • decorator frosting in colors needed
  • ice cream cone
  • 2 bread loaf pans



I baked my cake in two loaf pans, it took just under 40 minutes, and then after they cooled I cut the top so it was flat. I then cut one loaf in half. I used the domed part of the cake (that I cut off) as the top of the coal car. E suggested afterword that I should have cut the front of the train into a 'V' shape which I agree would have made it look more like a train. For other cars it would be fun to do one with animals (use animal crackers), or one with cars on it. But anyway, B loved it and it was red like James so he was happy. I'm already planning next years cake using this same idea, can you see the pickup truck?


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