Take the Kids on a Beach Getaway Without the Stress

June 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Summer is now officially in session and that only means one thing – time to head to the shore. If you and your family plan on heading to one of the US coasts to catch the waves, build sandcastles and explore the area, the season is perfect for it. If you’re going to survive the next few days at the beach with your kids, however, it’s probably important that you plan ahead. 

Here are some pointers to plan the perfect family getaway.

Choose a Kid-Friendly Destination

There are beaches all up and down the east and west coast. Each of them provides a different experience. There are some that are more laid back and simplistic with nothing more than the sand and the ocean while others are more family-oriented with boardwalks, rides, arcades, and other activities. The more you have to keep them busy, the less time they have to be bored. Another factor to consider when thinking about which beach you’ll be visiting is travel distance. Whether you’re going on a road trip or taking a plane, the longer the travel is the more agitated your children will become which could make for a miserable few hours.

Look for Homey Accommodations

Instead of opting for the hotel that may not have enough space for your active children or large family, you can look for something that feels more like home. If you were going to South Carolina, you might check out Hilton Head Rentals and get a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom vacation rental for the week. This would give everyone a place to rest, eat, use the restroom, and watch television or play games.

Pack Entertainment

When packing for your family beach vacation you should remember to pack some entertainment for the kids. You won’t spend all of your time outside and when you decide to go back to the rental for the evening, your kids may still be wired from the day’s events. Having backups like board games, gaming consoles, movies, and toys can keep them occupied and help keep the peace.

Check Out the Food

There’s nothing worse than going to a restaurant and your picky toddlers don’t like anything on the menu. Even if you intend to splurge on some of the finer cuisines, you should check nearby restaurants to make sure that there are food items that your children can enjoy. You can look for common favorites like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers. Most restaurants have those options, but it’s good to check anyway.

Visit Popular Attractions During Off-Peak Hours

When you’re visiting the beach or other tourist attractions with your kids, crowds can really complicate things. Your children aren’t able to enjoy themselves as much. Not to mention sand being kicked up in your face every few minutes. If you want to feel as if you have the beach to yourself, head down to the shore before opening hours or after the lifeguards have left for the day. The same goes for tourist attractions. Going early in the morning or just a few hours before the place closes will result in fewer crowds and can sometimes save you money.

Don’t Forget Safety

The beach can be a lot of fun, but it can also turn dangerous fairly quickly. Make sure that you remember to practice safety while on vacation. Kids are known to run off and heaven forbid they get injured, stung, or swept away in the currents. A few things you can do to keep your kids safe on the beach is to pack a first aid kit. You can also have younger children wear lifejackets just in case they end up slipping into the water. Lastly, talk to your kids about the importance of staying together and where you can see them. Set boundaries and pay attention to the lifeguards for any warnings.

Heading to the beach with the kids can be a ton of fun if you plan it right. When traveling with small kids there’s so much you want to avoid, from temper tantrums and sibling rivalries to boredom or them getting hurt. The tips above can help to minimize a lot of these stresses so that you can enjoy your time at the shore with your family.

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Best Foods to Try on Your Scandinavia Trip

June 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Recently, Scandinavian cuisine has started gaining popularity quite rapidly and this can be easily explained by the unprecedented interest to the countries of the European North. Moreover, gourmets from all over the world are at times simply bored from the habitual restaurants of Italian or French cuisine and desire to taste something new. Despite their simplicity, Nordic foods are really diverse and won’t leave anyone indifferent. But how do you choose among the plethora of Scandinavian dishes and what are the must-tries you can’t miss during your Scandinavia trip?

 

Scandinavian basics

 

Scandinavian cuisine includes traditional recipes of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark which all have a lot in common. The main principles that Scandinavians are fiercely proud of and obsessed about is eco-friendliness and a healthy lifestyle, that’s why the cuisine recognizes only fresh natural products. Thus it’s fair to say that the cuisine wouldn’t be Scandinavian, if environmental concerns weren’t the top priority. As a rule, the dishes are cooked from locally produced ingredients which reduce the carbon emissions of the region and meet the requirements of organic food with no pesticides and other chemical fertilizers.

 

The basis of Scandinavian cuisine consists of fish and various seafood as well as meats. What is more, the chefs actively use all possible gifts of nature: wild herbs, berries, vegetables, beans and mushrooms.

 

Lutefisk and other sea creatures

 

A notable place in the diet of the peoples of Scandinavia is occupied by fish and seafood. Fish is a basic product in a number of salads, first and second dishes, and even pies, so if you are a fish fan, Scandinavia will fully satisfy your gastronomic demands.

 

Swedes boast their local ‘surströmming’ which is a type of fermented Baltic Sea herring. Your trip to Norway or Denmark won’t be complete without savouring some smoked salmon, a popular Scandinavian delicacy. You also just can’t miss another Norwegian specialty, ‘fiskepudding’, made from fresh white fish and served with mushroom sauce, delicate and spongy fish pudding will be a perfect addition to any dinner.

 

When in Finland, try some of the tasty fish pies, ‘kalakukko’, especially common in the east of the country. Cooked of local small fish and baked inside a dark rye bread, this dish is made by the best traditions of the national Finnish cuisine.

 

For those who want to try something more zesty and extraordinary, Scandinavians invented ‘lutefisk’. It is a dried stockfish (normally cod or ling), brined in lye, then soaked and steamed until it flakes. Traditionally, ‘lutefisk’ is served with boiled potatoes or mashed green peas.

 

Meat delicacies

 

Considering the climatic conditions, Scandinavian food has to be substantial and nutritious. In regards to meat, Nordic countries have a wide range of options for meat lovers. Creative Swedes came up with the idea to mix meat with something non-conventional and the exotic mixture of flavours eventually turned into their hallmark national cuisine. Famous Swedish meatballs are served with gravy, boiled potatoes and… cranberry jam, which is, by the way, extremely delicious. While in Finland, you can also try juicy and tender cutlets ‘Kottbullar’, prepared from mutton, beef and veal.

 

Apart from the usual beef and pork, which are widely used in local recipes, Scandinavians have more in store to surprise you. If you’re adventurous enough, you are welcome to taste such rare meats as deer, elk, bear and horse.

 

The king of Scandinavian kitchen

 

Nowadays, sandwiches have become widespread and won the national love among Scandinavians. For instance, in Denmark, a sandwich is called “the king of the kitchen” due to its popularity and simplicity of cooking. There are up to 700 kinds of sandwiches, starting from a simple slice of bread smeared with butter and ending with multi-storey sophisticated sandwiches with the number of ingredients exceeding 10!

 

A Scandinavian sandwich, or ‘smørrebrød’, is a result of a creative approach and years of experiments. So once you start trying them, it’s important not to lose count. One of the most famous Danish sandwiches, ‘Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite open-faced sandwich’ is a perfect mix of several layers of bacon, tomatoes, liver pate and a white radish, separated by slices of bread. Other sandwich ingredients can include seafood, meats, lettuce, asparagus, eggs, different sauces and so on. Thus, all you need is to select some to your taste and arrange a substantial degustation in one of the cozy restaurants.

 

‘Fika’ time

 

Working Scandinavians, Swedes in particular, have a lovely ritual to have 10-15 minute breaks accompanied with pastries, cookies or pies during their workday. This tradition is called ‘fika’ and it’s starting to spread worldwide. But what are the best ‘fika’ choices?

 

The region’s variety of pastries is something you can definitely fall in love with. In Denmark and Norway, you won’t be able to resist the temptation to try ‘kransekake’. This Scandinavian cake takes the form of a steep-sloped cone with white icing and is hard to the touch, but soft and chewy.

 

Any Swedish ‘fika’ just can’t do without ‘lussekatt’, a traditional sweet bun flavoured with saffron and cinnamon. Another dessert, called ‘mazarin’, is a pastry with almond. In addition, Sweet teeth can also enjoy ‘semla’ or a plain bread bun, Danish ‘kringle’, and the small cylindrical pastry covered with green marzipan ‘punsch-roll’.

 

To sum up, Scandinavia is a true gastronomic paradise for those who want their food to be both healthy and delicious. That’s why while planning your journey to this magnificent region, put some restaurants in your travel list in order to not only enjoy the views, but the tastes as well.

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Switch up you fitness-plan this summer and get the body you want

June 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you have left it late this year to prepare for your summer body then don’t worry, so have we. However, there is still time to get the results you want ahead of bikini season, by taking inspiration from 2018’s key workout trends and shaking up your exercise regime to help you get the body you want in no time at all.

  1. HIIT your fitness goals and prepare for an intense sweat sesh – HIIT workouts have been popular for a while and are renowned for their ability to engage all muscle groups and leave you a calorie burning machine, long after the class has finished.  In these classes you can expect to burn anywhere from 500-900 calories and uses a combination of treadmill work and training interval exercises to keep your heart rate up and keep your body guessing. These classes are great if you want an intense workout and quick results.
  2.  Overcome the Obstacles – Prepare to increase your stamina, agility and have your resilience thoroughly tested with an outdoor obstacle course. These classes are usually run by a specialist boot-camp with trained instructors though some gyms do hold an indoor equivalent. They are perfect to get you out ion the fresh-air and the combination of different exercises in quick succession will challenge you to your limits.  From scaling steep inclines to running with sandbags, this dynamic workout will usually last for around 45minutes and the alternating cardiovascular and strength training will turn you into a true ninja warrior.
  3. Training to the Max from home – It is not always convenient to train outside or to head to the gym for a class so why not exercise from home? With the Bowflex Max Trainer, you can still have an intense work-out whilst meeting work and family commitments. This unique elliptical trainer gives you a total body workout allowing you to burn over two and half times more calories than the average elliptical trainer. Focus on a specific set of muscles such as the calves and core or work the whole body with the trainers Fat Burn workout program. Whatever plan you choose to do this innovative piece of equipment will support your weight loss and fitness goals and is the perfect way to train from home.  If you want to learn more about it, AllWorkoutRoutines have written a useful guide that may help.
  4. In the Splash Zone – High intensity aquatics is a trend not to be ignored. Whilst water aerobics are nothing new, these newly developed classes incorporate innovative equipment designed to increase resistance and allow for a high intensity work out in pool environment that is less stressful on the joints. These clever classes work you hard with a combination of lunges, push-ups and jumps, performed with weighted training aids. They are guaranteed to torch some serious calories and help you to recover quicker. Head down to your local pool to see their list of new water activities ahead of the summer and help you get the body you have dreamed of in half the time.
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Eyewear has changed a lot over the last 100 years

June 15, 2018 by 1 Comment

Eyewear or sunglasses are one of the most essential parts of the fashion realm.

The significance of eyewear has transformed a great deal with time. From a compulsory gadget to the part of practical style statement, specs have observed soberly a development.

This is one of the closets essential that may reinvent the appearance of the wearer. Markets these days is full of different types of the eyewear, be it a reduced down metallic, to unimaginable variety of shapes colors and sizes or just  with gold-hued symmetrical particulars, discover the category that will change your appearance in this period’s trendy eyewear assortment.

How eyewear changed all over the period of time and shaped the eyewear we identify and adore nowadays.

1900-1920: French Pince-Nez

The French pince-nez, or nose pinch, eyeglasses were a public elegance in the beginning of the 20th century. They were not very comfortable to wear.

Scrooge McDuck from the common cartoon “Duck Tales” attires pince-nez spectacles.

1920-1930: Completely Round Era.

Lens made up of plastic were turn out to be accessible, spreading use of glasses for celebrities and sportspersons. Round, extra relaxed above-the ear frames was very addictive.

1940-1950: The Cat Eye.

To close, spectacles converted a lot more than a remedial gear. The dazzling and trendy brow line flair ultimately influenced the cat-eye, which is quiet widespread currently.

Marilyn Monroe promoted the cat eye character and often sported in them in movies.

1960-1970: The Progression

This was the era of innovation and panache and hippies governed the fashion realm and fetched responsiveness to gigantic, intense styles of sunglasses although in diverse means.

Jackie Kennedy used oversize shades stayed enormously powerful in bringing the crowds to adopt the fashion.

1980-1990: Oversized.

Larger frames continued in fashion a lot of daring flairs appeared in the method of jazzy figures, colors, and materials. Till the 90’s this carried a handful of extra sophisticated options.

2000s and beyond: include all

By the turn of this century sun glasses have come out from the kingdom of esteem class and noble to the hands of commons.

This era has introduced attractive and reasonable eyewear, which is very easy to create and acquire. With the online stores anyone might select from a variety historical, standard, contemporary, and useful designs all from a single click and can easily compare the overall prices.

Types of faces and eye ear

Oval face

An oval face is a thrilling open canvas for selecting frames.one could go for almost any flair, positively. Grab the chance to show with a diversity of surfaces, hues and perspectives which might highlight your finest features.

  • Select frames that are equivalent or greater than the broadest portion of your face.
  • Indulge with textures and figures to ensemble your individual panache.
  • Select shades that shield your eyebrows and cheekbones.

Round faces

Round faces have young-looking structures that couple well through complementary symmetrical eyewear. Search for outstanding quadrilateral figures, and select thinner frames that entail length to the round face. Click here to find massive round sunglasses!

  • Find pointed lines to improve permissive structures and poise your complete shape.
  • Select thin, rectangular frames to generate a elongated face shape.
  • Frames with a conflicting bridge color or material will aid widen your eyes.

Heart-shaped

Heart-shaped faces sorts’ extraordinary cheekbones and a separate thin chin. Go for a spirited appearance with frames that are broader than the forehead, and select thinner sanctuaries to improve the equilibrium of the face.

  • Select frames somewhat broader than your forehead.
  • Find for widening frames to stabilize a sharp chin.
  • For improved equilibrium, catch a design with reedy, low-set temples.

Square faces

Square faces have well distinct perspectives that are supplemented and moderated by round and oval shapes. Effort those positions with thin, bowed frames, and don’t be scared to testing with cat-eye and semi rimless designs.

  • Pursue plumper, thinner frames to diminish boney features.
  • Show with semi-rimless frames to stabilize the jaw line.
  • Select a frame broader than your cheekbones.
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Why Brick New York Has The Best Group Fitness Classes

June 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

When thinking about joining a new gym, some of the first things you look for are good hours, good equipment, clean facilities, and a friendly staff. Places like Brick New York, a gym near Grand Central goes above and beyond to make an excellent first and lasting impression. Brick New York is unique in the fact that it offers group fitness classes that can’t be found anywhere else. Along with that, there’s a complementary shower room, towel service, Wi-Fi- access, and even a Progenex shake & Caveman Coffee Bar to purchase recovery drinks at after your workout.

 

Each personal and group fitness trainer is highly qualified and enthusiastic when it comes to helping members meet their fitness goals. Below you can find the classes offered at Brick New York and what each of them entails.

 

B | Fit  

This program revolves around both strength and conditioning by testing your aerobic capacity as well as your muscular endurance. B | Fit uses traditional lifts like deadlifts, squats, and presses. This class is fine for both experienced and inexperienced lifters and athletes.

 

B | Strong

This is a class for those looking to put on muscle mass and be able to lift heavier weights at the end of the program. The goal is to improve definition by utilizing isolated free weight movement while also improving the numbers.

 

B | Mobile

This is a unique program in the fact that it’s focus is on enhancing muscle recovery as well as increasing your body’s range of motion. The trainers will teach deep stretching techniques along with mobility methods that include bands, foam rollers, and other tools.

 

B | X

This class looks to work you at high intensity by using bodyweight movements, kettle bells, medicine balls, dumbbells, running, rowing, and biking. The class is set up like a circuit that’s sure to leave you out of breath.

 

Barbell | Club

This class revolves around learning how to execute Olympic style lifts like clean and jerks and snatches. Other movements will be integrated in the class in order to better perform the targeted Olympic lift. This class is also perfect for experienced lifters and beginners.

 

RUN | Endurance

This class focuses on running technique as well as cardio endurance. Trainers will help to motivate runners as well as tweaks their techniques when it comes to sprinting, pacing, and distance running. What’s unique about this running class is that it can be taken outside if weather permits.

 

CrossFit

CrossFit classes are held all across the globe so it’s not exactly unique to Brick New York. It is however an awesome program to enroll in if you want to see a dramatic difference in your body and fitness levels. This program focuses on functional movements like those used in gymnastics, running, rowing, and weightlifting. If you get good enough at it, you can join the CrossFit games and compete internationally.

 

BRICK | Academy

This class targets new athletes that are looking to engage in high-intensity training for the first time. The purpose of this program is to give beginners a foundation before jumping into a more specific fitness class.

 

B | Flow

This class lasts one hour and focuses on improving you flexibility, stability, and mobility. Its purpose is to support your other weekly workouts, but can be a great workout in itself.

 

Some people choose Brick New York just because of the unique and intense classes that they offer. At Brick, you’re not just joining a gym, but a community of people that are there for the same reasons as you are. Getting fit is a journey that you have to dedicate yourself to around the clock. If you’re going to go all in, make sure you’re having fun while doing so.

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Improving Your Energy with Natural Herbs

June 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Herbs offer a natural alternative to boost energy levels and enhance brain function. Adaptogenic herbs increase resistance to illness by strengthening your immune system. Also knowns as “natural fatigue fighters,” herbs contain plant-based polyphenol antioxidants that clear your body and mind of toxins that slow metabolic function.

Are feeling exhausted all the time? The stresses of work and family life accumulate over time, resulting in physiological disorders that can disrupt your feeling of well-being, thereby reducing your quality of life.

Here are 9 examples of adaptogenic herbs to supercharge your diet and restore your energy levels.

 

  1.    Green Tea

Instead of reaching for an energy drink when you’re feeling tired, prepare yourself a steaming mug of green tea. Green tea contains natural caffeine to wake you up. Catechins, natural plant polyphenols found in green tea, balance the effect of caffeine in the body, providing a sustained release of energy. Green tea boosts metabolic function and alleviates stress, preventing anxiety.

 

  1. Rhodiola

This golden root assists the body in managing adrenaline production. Supplementing with Rhodiola suppresses feelings of anxiety while providing a boost of energy that eliminates fatigue. This adaptogenic herb balances your mood and boosts libido, making it a popular supplement choice for professionals and students.

 

  1. Ashwagandha

Well-known in Ayurvedic medicine, this herbal remedy is used to improve energy levels and stabilize mood. Regular supplementation with ashwagandha keeps your mind clear and increases levels of vitality. The polyphenols found in ashwagandha reduce stress and demand on the adrenal system. It’s a particularly useful herbal treatment for conditions such as adrenal fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.

 

  1. Panax Ginseng

Also known in Chinese medicine as “red ginseng,” the roots of this plant contain potent energizing compounds. Supplementing with 500 mg to 1,000 mg of red ginseng three times a day improves energy levels and enhances feelings of well-being while boosting libido. Panax ginseng is the most studied natural adaptogenic, with use extending back through millennia. Available in liquid or powder, you can find Panax ginseng as a stand-alone supplement, or blended into energy compounds.

 

  1. Holy Basil

Basil isn’t just a tasty herb used to flavor food; it’s also a powerful adaptogenic herb used to restore vitality. This traditional Ayurvedic herb contains polyphenol compounds that alleviate stress on the adrenal system. Well-known for its anti-inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal system, basil helps improve digestion and colon health as well.

 

  1. Astralagus

Weak circulation of blood throughout the body reduces energy levels and exposes the immune system to infection. Circulatory issues can develop from environmental stresses, or as a result of poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Astralagus enhances immune function and boosts heart health by improving circulation. Astralagus is used in Chinese medicine as an ingredient in energy tonics to restore mental and physical vitality.

 

  1. Oregano

Sprinkle this adaptogenic herb over pasta dishes, roasted veggies, or scrambled eggs for a taste sensation that’s out-of-this-world. Oregano, when combined with amino acids, decreases mental fatigue and improves feelings of alertness. Boost your immune function, detoxify your GI tract, and improve digestion by adding this essential herb to your diet.

 

  1. Supplement for Increased Energy Levels

You can find Mitochondria inside every cell in the human body. These microscopic, essential organelles, produce energy from ATP and shuttle it throughout your system. As we age, mitochondria lose their efficiency, creating feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Malfunctioning mitochondria are responsible for your need to have an afternoon nap or the reason why you might feel tired after a full night’s sleep.

Supplements for mitochondria act as an energy booster, restoring the normal function of these organelles.

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Most important steps of taking care of your Brazilian hair extensions

June 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Brazilian hair is one of the most popular types of hair extensions, especially in South America. It is usually collected from donors with strong, healthy, unprocessed hair, from small places in Brazil.

It´s of very high quality and therefore silky soft, pretty thick, low maintenance and very durable. It can last up to a year, if properly cared for.

Since this type of hair is of very high quality, it is also more expensive than other types of hair, so you would probably want to learn how to properly take care of it.

Here are some things you should be doing to make your Brazilian hair extensions last as long as you can, while maintaining its softness and brilliance.

  1. Proper installation

The first, and maybe the most important step, to making your hair extensions look amazing is to properly install them.

This will probably be done by your highly experienced stylist, but here are some things you should look out for:

  • your hair should be washed first, in order to clean any leftover product or oil residue and buildup, so the extensions would not stick to your hair. It would be best to let it dry naturally and comb it out with a wide-tooth
  • do not pierce or put needles through the wefts
  • do not split the wefts
  • avoid cutting the wefts, if necessary, each cut weft end should be sealed with glue.
  1. Washing

The second, equally important step, is to properly treat your new beautiful extensions with appropriate products.

The best choice would be mild sulfate and silicone free shampoos (once a month), conditioners (twice a month) and other hair products (e.g. water-based silicone serums). They would help maintain the hair´s natural softness, while keeping it tangle free.

Be aware – over-shampooing your hair can strip it of much needed nutrients and oils, and make it look damaged and lifeless.

  1. Drying

In order to not dry out your hair too soon, it would be best if you would let it dry naturally. First, pat your hair dry (do not rub) with a clean towel and then let it dry naturally.

Do not use hair dryers, but if for some reason you really have to, minimize the heat exposure.

Avoid going to bed with damp hair, since it could make your hair frizzy and tangled.

  1. Brushing

You should brush your hair twice a day, and before each wash.

Use a paddle or natural hair brush (preferably boar hair) but avoid fine tooth combs (they can lead to breakage in the weave).

Don´t forget to hold your hair at the roots, so you don´t loosen the extensions.

  1. Sleeping

Before going to bed at night, you should brush your hair and tie it down, or even braid it, then cover it with a silk or satin cap.

Never use cotton materials, because they could absorb oils or elastic bands, since they can cause stress to your hair.

We’re all set!

Now you know 5 great ways to take a good care of your Brazilian hair.

In case this type of hair is not to your liking, I recommend you to read this great guide about another great type of human hair – Peruvian hair: Important Facts You Should Know.

Why don’t you give it a try next?

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Great Accessory for your Phone #selfiebetter #monetallday

June 13, 2018 by 1 Comment

Monet is beauty and function for your phone. The ultimate fashion accessory for the on-the-go minimalist.  It’s a an extension of your hand with its easy slip on grip that provides a secure hold on your phone while taking better selfies. That same grip becomes your kickstand and Monet is a sleek wallet to hold money and cards. It’s currently available in 30 color variations with more colors currently in production.Monet is your 3-in-1 phone grip and the only accessory you need for a busy lifestyle:

  • The Gym
  • Pilates
  • Coffee dates
  • Meeting for brunch
  • Quick shopping trips and more….

Celebrity Influencer Jake Paul introduced Monet at the Consumer Electronics Show in January with much fanfare. Additionally, many other celebrities including Scott Disick, Stephanie Shepherd and The Selfie Kid are putting Monets on their phones to help them #selfiebetter.

Where to buy

Monetbrand.com, Amazon.com,  Walmart -coming this Fall and other retailers

Retail Cost

$19.99

Social media handle

@monet_brand

Instagram Hashtags

#selfiebetter

#monetallday

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