Corn Refiners Association and High Fructose Corn Syrup

As a mother to growing young children, I typically try to balance the boys; diets and limit their sugar intake.  When I step into a grocery store, reading food labels can be almost overwhelming.  I usually try to make choices that have the least amount of sugar, but I also don’t deny them a few sweet treats.

There has been an ever growing debate on the effects of high fructose corn syrup in our diet and it’s relation to obesity.  If you haven’t read or heard the information, you can easily get clued in at your local grocery store.  In the bread aisle alone, every other loaf, is stamped with “no high fructose corn syrup!”  Having this on a label is a subconscious mental cue that HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) is something that you want to avoid.

I was able to attend a live webinar  and learn a little more about the sugars we put into our mouth.  But prior to the meeting we had to do a hunt through our pantries and pick out five items we use on a regular basis and find out how much sugar was in each one of those items.  I was surprised at what I found.  You wouldn’t think that your tomatoes has any sugar in them, but they do.  If you want to know whats in your food, a good resource is (www.sugarstacks.com)  I am amazed at just how much sugar we consume.

Attending this webinar, put on by mom central and the corn refiners association was a fun and very educational hour, looking into HFCS and how all sugars are broken down in the body.  I was surprised to find out that the key differences in table sugar vs HFCS was that sucrose is fructose and glucose and HFCS is fructose and glucose that is bound together.  Both of them are broken down the same way by a particular enzyme in the body.

When you get down to brass tax, in my opinion, it isn’t the type of sugar we consume across the board but how much we are consuming.  Your daily intake of sugar should be 25% of your caloric intake.  I know that it is very easy to over indulge in sweet and sugary foods, and I think that moderation is probably the key.  I am sure that debates will continue, but the one thing that remains the same is that all experts agree that eating a balance diet is key to nutrition.  Pay attention to food labels, plan out menus that balance your sugar intake, and get your children involved.  Knowledge is key to teaching them healthy eating habits, high fructose corn syrup or not.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the Corn Refiners Association. I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Logitech Cool Gear For Back To School

Things have certainly changed since I went away to college. I can remember all of the stuff I had to bring along to move into my dorm. When I am out shopping these days, I see all sorts of useful stuff for the college kids today. They have compact versions of everything to make the most out of what little space you have in those dorm rooms.


I am a gadget girl by nature, and I love to explore all the cool things. I also like having things small and portable. I tend to do a lot of travel and I have to condense my technology related gadgetry into a carry on. When I went to school with my radio/cd player (remember those?), it was this huge thing with a plug attached to it, and it had the option of running on D size batteries, which never lasted more than an hour it seemed.

Today, things are quite different. Cd’s are becoming something of the past and MP3 players and Ipods are taking over the scene. All this talk is making me feel old, but even I am enjoying the newest technology when it comes to listening to music, working on the computer, or being involved with social media.

Logitech has some really great back to school products or products for anyone that can give you high quality technology that is small and compact, yet delivers great results. I am in love with their newest rechargeable speaker system for my ITouch, and it is perfect for a college dorm room as well. Occasionally when no one is looking, I like to crank up my music and dance while cleaning, but the ITouch has limited sound capability without the use of speakers.

I was sent the Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i ($149.99) and my first question was how good could the sound possibly be out of these small portable speakers? I must have been living under a rock because the sound is amazing! One of the greatest features is the fact that they are rechargeable, which means you can move them around the house, or out in the hallway in your dorm, or to the park, or anywhere you want to go without relying on a place to plug them in. I sometimes take them into the bathroom, put on some zen like music and soak in the tub. You can take these to a football game and do a little tailgating too! They even have a remote so you can forward on to your next song without ever leaving your chair.

The speakers were easy to use straight out of the box, and easy to set up with a snap in position stand on the back of the speakers.

Rechargeable Speaker S715i Features

-Eight-hour rechargeable battery*

* Actual battery life will vary with use, settings and environmental conditions. Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles.

–Custom-tuned sound

You get two 3” laser-tuned neodymium drivers for a rich mid range, two ½” neodymium tweeters for crisp high notes, and four 2” passive radiators for deep bass.

-Portable design

-Travel case

Your speaker, AC adapter and remote pack neatly into the bag for travel.

-Wireless remote control

You’re in control of important functions like power, volume, play, pause, shuffle, skip and repeat from up to 30 feet (10 meters) away.

-Trayless dock

Your speaker’s innovative dock design works with iPhone as well as any iPod with a Universal Dock Connector.** without the need for those annoying trays.

The only personal drawbacks for me is that the carrying case did not have a strap with it and I had to remove my protective backing on my Ipod in order for it to fit onto the connector for the speakers. So if you wanted to carry it with you, you would have to put it in a backpack or carry it under your arm. Overall, I love these particular speakers, because they sound great and I can put them anywhere in my home, and they are perfect for kids who are going off to school. They take up minimal space and the price is not bad for the wonderful sound quality. The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i would make a wonderful gift for the college bound graduate, or for anyone who wants to save space and not skimp on sound quality.

Logitech also offers some other really great techy ideas for sending the kids off to school.

– HD Webcam C510 ($59.99): perfect for students on the go – with its fold and go design, calling and recording in   HD is unbelievably clear and convenient
– HD Pro Webcam C910 ($99.99): perfect for those parents left at home empty nesters…offers full HD 1080p recording and HD 720p video calling
– Fantasy Collection: unique color designs for mice, keyboards, and notebook accessories that are so fun and full of personality, they’ll inspire even the worst of college dorm rooms


To celebrate going back to school and wonderful technology in general. Logitech and DoubleBugs would like to offer one lucky reader a cool M310 Wireless Mouse in a really shabby chic red floral pattern, you can see it here.

Here’s what you gotta do!

Leave me a comment here and tell me why you would like to win!

Additional Entries

Tweet about this giveaway

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Comment on One of my other posts

Giveaway Starts September 16, 2010 and Ends October 4th, 2010

Good Luck!!!

Winners are chosen at random, if no response within 48 hours prize is forfeited

Open to US residents only.

“To help facilitate my review Logitech sent me the Rechargeable Speaker S715i for review, the opinions I have expressed here are that of my own.”

Im Part Of The Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive!

Going to the dentist is admittedly not one of my favorite things to do.  I will sheepishly admit that, I haven’t been in awhile because I am scared to death of all the poking and prodding that you inevitably go through in the dentist chair.  You would think that my rear end had legs because, I could scoot right out of the chair.  To avoid any additional length of time in the chair, I try my best to keep my mouth in somewhat good order.

I am a regular flosser and daily tooth brusher, but I rarely use any type of mouthwash or rinses unless maybe I have eaten an onion or my breath doesn’t feel so fresh.  In all honesty, I avoid mouthwash because most of them tend to feel like they are out to burn my mouth till it goes numb and kill my taste buds instead of my bad breath.  I have tried many a mouthwash and had to rinse with water right after, eliminating any effectiveness it may have had.

I was recently invited to participate in the Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive.  As part of the campaign I will be using  Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse twice daily for the next month and sharing my overall experience with you!

Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse provides six benefits in one: re-builds enamel, helps prevent cavities, cleans teeth and gums, kills bad breath germs, and freshens breath  for a more complete way to get better dental checkups
vs. brushing alone.  And the most appealing aspect of  this new mouthwash is the fact that it doesn’t have that burn of the alcohol that most mouthwashes have.  I am most eager to try it out for that very reason.  Hopefully, I can share with you, that I can still feel my mouth after using it, and arm myself with another line of defense, to avoid any extended visits in the dentist chair.

“I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Umi Shoes Sends Them Off To School In Style

The streets around the neighborhood have become quiet again, and that means it is back to school time.  With that comes all new school supplies, and new clothes for the kiddos.  Since having the boys, I have come to realize that children grow up quick, and that means as a parent you are out buying clothes and shoes at least twice a year for your kids.  Going back to school means going through the closets, and getting kids ready to look and do their best.

Even though my two aren’t in the classroom, I do have to shop and update all their clothes and shoes for the upcoming Fall and Winter months.  Having twins means that, I am clothing two at the same the time, and buying shoes, two to four pairs at a time.  When, I am out looking for kid’s shoes, as a parent, I am looking for shoes that are practical but look stylish, and shoes that are well made.  Typically, I buy shoes that are made to last till Spring, and that allow for a little extra growth.  I am willing to spend the extra twenty dollars on shoes so they last.

Umi shoes is one of my most favorite shoes  for the boys.  They are good quality shoes, that fit well and look good.  In the past, I  have found that most of the really fun shoes are for girls but Umi has equally awesome shoes for boys and girls.  Adorable Fall styles, like the Tiberius Lo and Oleson are some of the cutest shoes to join Umi’s wonderful collection of shoes.   Umi shoes are  made to fit your child’s growing feet and to bend and flex with them as they run, jump, and play.  Both of my boys have tested Umi shoes to their limits, and even after they outgrow them, they still look great.  All their shoes are made with a little extra grow room so, you can make their shoes last through the season.

About Umi

At Umi they meticulously craft each and every shoe for the utmost in comfort and fit. Years of experience working with age-appropriate lasts, patterns and buttersoft leathers give Umi a step up over everyone else. At Umi, all they make are children’s shoes, and they believe every step your child takes is as important as their very first.

Taking Care of The Earth

At Umi, caring for little feet also means caring for the earth—which means they set their standards sky-high. Every shoe they make is tested for safety and durability and meets strict guidelines for child-safe materials. They use only non-toxic drum-dyed leathers and other environmentally friendly components. Protected in recycled packaging, Umi’s a brand is sure to please parents and Mother Nature alike.

Growing little feet need shoes that are comfortable and that can move and groove with childhood play, while looking their very best.  We love Umi shoes because they are comfortable, look great and I know they are going to outlast my boys feet.

“Umi provided us with a pair of Tiberius Lo shoes to help facilitate my review, the opinions I have expressed are strictly that of my own”

Banquet Fruit Pies

I am a sucker for pie especially when it is fresh out of the oven and when someone else makes it for me.  Pie has to be one of those comfort foods that tastes good out of the fridge or warm.

I love to roll up my sleeves and make a fresh pie, but sometimes I just crave a slice of pie that doesn’t require me going through all the steps to make one.  Recently, I was given the opportunity to try Banquets new fruit pies, and I was excited, because who doesn’t love pie?  Banquet has been making  meals for more than 50 years, and now they are introducing new single-serving fruit pies.  Each Banquet fruit pie has a half serving of real fruit inside a flaky pastry shell that you can enjoy hot from the oven or microwave. The pies come in three delicious flavors: apple, peach, and cherry berry for a great low price.

I   popped one of the cherry berry pies in the oven because I like a crust that is more brown and a little crunchy, but you have the option of making them in your microwave. Then after pulling the pie out, I topped that baby with some whip cream and grabbed my fork. The crust was nice and flaky and the filling was pretty good and had just the right amount of sweetness and tart mixed together. Banquet’s new fruit pies are perfect if you have that late night sweet craving or if you want to treat the kids. And the fact that they only cost around a dollar makes it an even sweeter deal. I will definitely have a few of these on hand in the freezer from some late night indulgence and fun treats for the kids.

**I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received free coupons to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate**

Kroger Stores Add Up The Savings Event

The Summer is just about gone and it is time for back to school.  I know for families this means making school lunches, and making sure kids get off to a good start with a full stomach.

Kroger Family of Stores (which includes Kroger, Ralph’s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy)are having their “Add Up the Savings” Event to help you stock up on your favorite General Mills & Kimberly Clark brands From August 8 through August 21. When you buy 8 participating items from any Kroger store, you’ll receive $4 off of your purchase. Some of the  participating brands include: Cheerios, Yoplait Yogurt, Pillsbury Cookies & Biscuits, Kleenex, Huggies, Betty Crocker Brownies, Cottonelle, and Lucky Charms!

With school times fast approaching and for some it starts this week, families will be trying to save money to offset the cost of going back to school.

In addition to these great savings, you can also take advantage of a great program of Bonus Box Tops Offers that allow you to  help a participating school of your choice this year!  We love box tops, and even though the boys aren’t in school yet we pass them on to one of the neighborhood teachers so she can put them towards helping our local school here.

All you have to do,  is register at www.RewardYourSchool.com. Once you register, you will  receive 5 Bonus Box Tops just for signing up! You can also receive custom offers for Bonus Box Tops for purchasing participating products.

These great offers are:

Buy any 4 Box Tops products and get 10 Bonus Box Tops
Buy any 8 Box Tops products and get 25 Bonus Box Tops

The offers you select will then load onto your Kroger Shopper Card to be redeemed once you purchase the items. This makes it easier and saves lots of time because there’s no clipping! Just remember to scan your Kroger Shopper Card and the Bonus Box Tops will automatically go straight the participating school of your choice.

I love stocking up on our favorite foods, but I love saving money even more!  So to help you get more bang for your buck and start the school year off right.  Doublebugs is offering you the chance to save big with a Kroger Family of Stores $25 Gift Card!

Here’s What You Gotta Do!

Leave a comment and tell me how you save money on groceries

Additional Entries

Tweet about this giveaway and include the hashtag #myblogspark

Add me to your twitter

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Good Luck!!!

Contest starts August 17, 2010 and Ends September 8, 2010

Winner Chosen at Random

If Winner Does Not Reply in 48hrs, The prize will be forfeited.

Taylor Gifts Can Help You Get In Shape

Weight loss is almost always a touchy subject for many people.  For me it isn’t touchy but it is something I just like to avoid, because who wants to go on a diet at any point in their lives.  I have discovered that if I don’t call it a diet, that I tend to have more will power in staying to my planned exercise and eating regimen.

As a mom, I have very little time to myself.  If you are like me, I like to do things that I enjoy doing and I am afraid, that exercising isn’t one of those favorite things to do!  You have to do it on a regular basis if you are going to make any progress, and no matter how  many times I am up on the treadmill, or doing some other routine, I am busy wondering why I am there torturing myself when I could be watching a movie or reading a good book.

Taylor Gifts has a a great selection of personal care items like the belly burner, to help you look your best like body shapers and exercise equipment.  I like to try fun things like the belly burner, that doesn’t require that I be stuck to a machine staring at my four walls where I concentrate on the misery of exercise.  If exercise were fun, then we wouldn’t avoid it, but I think its a conspiracy like food.  All the stuff that you like is bad for you, and all the healthy stuff, no one likes anyway.

My overall thought is to do the things that make you feel good.  As a mom we get so busy doing all the things for our families and forget about ourselves, so it is nice to take those time outs.  Put on a belly burner, and take yourself shopping, or whatever makes you feel good!

Breyers Smooth And Dreamy Ice Cream Bars *review and giveaway*

Who doesn’t love ice cream in the Summer time or just about any time for that matter.  For us moms, I am sure we break out a pint of of favorite ice cream when the day hasn’t gone so well and it makes all your trouble melt away.  July is National Ice Cream month and to help celebrate, I had the chance to try Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Ice cream bars. 

I am always looking for a chocolate fix and I almost always like my chocolate cold.  Ice cream seems to be my latest craving and the more chocolate the better.  Breyers, has a new selection of ice cream bars that will satisfy those chocolate craving that come up in the heat of the Summer.  I tried the Triple Chocolate Chip Bars and I thought I died and went to heaven.   They have just the right amount of chocolate goodness with a hint of crunch from the mini chocolate chips and the chocolate shell coating.  Nothing was left out and it is the perfect combination.  Not only that, Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Bars have no artificial flavors or colors, 160 calories or less and 4-6g of fat per serving!  What can be better than felling like you are indulging without the guilt?  After trying them, I shoved the box into the back of the freezer to keep them well hidden, so I don’t have to share.  I will definitely be keeping a private stash in my freezer.  I can’t wait to try all of the different flavors.

To help me celebrate my love for chocolate, and for the sake of chocolate in general, Mom Central and Breyers is letting me giveaway some Breyers Smooth And Dreamy to five lucky readers!   You definitely want to get in on this one, and who can pass up free ice cream????

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Here’s What You Gotta Do

Tell me why you would like to try Breyers Smooth And Dreamy Bars, Or share a childhood memory about ice cream.

Additional Entries

Follow me on Twitter

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Tweet about this giveaway

Contest Starts July 30 and Ends August 2o, 2010

Good Luck!!!!

Winners are drawn at random, if winner does not respond within 24 hours the prize is forfeited

Contest open to US residents only.

Eggo Real Fruit Pizzas Making Morning Routine A Snap *giveaway*

When morning time rolls around, I find myself wanting to roll right back over and stay asleep, but my two four year olds have different plans.  I usually wake up to the words “mommy it’s time to get up!”   I pry my eyes open to find two pairs of little eyes staring back at me.

We have a clear routine in the mornings and I have carefully designed an organized path to begin our day.  While I try and wake myself up we begin in the bathroom, since it’s on our way.  With twins, and with most kids in general, they fight over what belongs to who, so I try and avoid this like the plague, so my brain can wake up enough to tell my feet how to walk properly.

Being organized makes things a lot easier and everyone has a clear direction in the morning.

Assigned colors:  This is great for us, so there are no mix ups and there is great peace and harmony (well sort of…a girl can dream), each of my boys has a color.   We head to the bathroom and they know that the red and blue  toothbrushes are theirs and they know what color they should have.  This is a great way to set out clothes for the boys too, because then they know whose clothes are theirs for the day.  They have outfits for the day in their red and blue bin.

We head to the kitchen, and this is where we start the day.

Make the basics ahead: Cups are filled the night before, each one has their color so they know which one to grab from the fridge. This makes it easy, and it really helps them have that sense of independence that most toddlers and kids want.  They know to sit quietly on the couch, and my husband and I set the tv the night before to their favorite channel so they know to hit the big button and watch while I make breakfast (this keeps me sane…almost).  No one ever agrees on the same food choice, but sometimes I get lucky.

Breakfast usually isn’t elaborate in our house with the exception of Sundays where I make a big breakfast.  The boys typically choose a poptart, cereal with or without milk, a waffle,  fruit or something relatively quick.  Breakfast, is just one of those meals where you are trying to head out the door for the day, so you have time constraints. I can usually tell when the boys get bored with food choices, so I am almost always in the lookout for some things to change it up.

Recently, I was chosen to be and EggoAM mom and we got the chance to try Eggo’s  Real Fruit pizzas.  We are already huge fans of Eggo waffles, so the chance to try their fruit pizza was a no brainer.  I surprised the boys by asking them if they wanted a special pizza for breakfast. and they were really excited.  At first they asked if the “pizza guy” was going to bring it, but I had to explain that the Fed Ex guy brought it in a special package.  Either way, they were excited to try pizza for breakfast.

I decided to pop one in the oven for a crisper crust, but you can toss one in the microwave if you are in a hurry.  In the 5-7 minutes while it was cooking, you can smell the hint of cinnamon which made my kitchen smell like I was Martha Stewart., and both the boys had to check on it’s progress.

I was a little skeptical about yogurt on a pizza that you heat in the oven or microwave, because I am used to yogurt being cold, but to my surprise it had a really great flavor and the boys loved it too.  It seemed to have just the right amount of everything, and I loved the combination of a slightly tangy flavor, with the crunch of the crust.  One thing I did notice was that the crust seemed a little flatter than whats on the picture, so I expected something a little more doughy, but I liked the thinner crust.  Both of the boys seemed full and satisfied with just half a pizza.  As you can see, it was a big hit! I stole the strawberry one for myself!

Eggo’s Real Fruit Pizzas are a great way to compliment your morning routine and keep you on task.   Need to figure out a hassle free way through morning chaos? Check out The Motherhood Eggo Mornings Circle where you’ll find me and other Eggo AM Moms  sharing ways to make mornings run like a well oiled machine.

” I was provided with items for review purposes by Eggo and TheMotherhood and was compensated for my time in writing this post and running this giveaway. The opinions I have expressed, however, are strictly that of my own.”

Want to give Eggo Real Fruit Pizzas A Try?  What morning routines get you going in the morning?

You can win: A set of Eggo Real Fruit Pizzas to try out for yourself – 5 winners (1 set each).

Here’s What Ya Gotta Do!

Mandatory Entry Requirement

1. Leave a comment (and a valid e-mail address) here and share your best tips for a smooth, organized, hassle free morning

Motherhood will also be creating Eggo’s Best Tips for a hassle free morning by choosing the best user-generated tips submitted.  One of those lucky submissions will be selected for a GRAND PRIZE including samples of Eggo Real Fruit Pizzas  and a set of Kellogg’s mugs.  So Get Busy!

Additional Entries

Follow me on twitter

Tweet about this giveaway

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At the close of the contest 5 winners will be chosen via Random.org

Limit one (1) Giveaway entry per person for entire giveaway. Entrants for the giveaways may not
participate with multiple e-mail addresses. Any entrant who attempts to enter with multiple e-mail
addresses, under multiple identities, or uses any other device will be disqualified from participation in the
promotion, and all entries submitted by that entrant will be void.
ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18
years of age or older at time of entry. Employees of TheMotherhood (“Sponsor”), its affiliates,
subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies and their immediate family members and/or those living
in the same household of each are not eligible to participate.
WINNERS: Giveaway winners will be randomly selected using www.random.org on August 5 by the brand
ambassadors, and the Sponsor will ensure there are no duplicate winners across all 20 brand
ambassadors’ blogs. The Sponsor’s decisions are final. Winners will be notified by e-mail. In the event
the Sponsor is unable to contact the winner within 48 hours of first notification, prize will be forfeited and
an alternate winner selected. Each winner must supply a valid mailing address and P.O. Boxes are
prohibited. All prizes will be sent directly to each winner.

This promotion has not been sponsored by, endorsed by, nor is affiliated with the Kellogg Company

Winner has 24 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

Contest Ends 11pm July 27th

Good Luck!!!

You can read the official rules here

Hunts Ketchup Gets Down To The Basics

We are huge ketchup fans in this house.   Both of my boys always ask for everything with dip (meaning ketchup).  They dip their french fries, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks, so we find ourselves going through bottles of the stuff on a regular basis.  I always try to read the labels, and often times you cannot pronounce what is in your food.

We were sent a bottle of Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup to try, which boasts no high fructose corn syrup.  As a Mom, you are always trying to make healthy and conscious food decisions for your family without compromising the taste.  High fructose corn syrup is something I try to avoid because it isn’t really a  natural sugar in our diet.  Hunt’s ketchup now features five simple ingredients. Hunt’s reformulated recipe includes no high fructose corn syrup, and no artificial ingredients or preservatives and we all loved the taste.  It tasted just as good without all the extra fake fluff in our food (as I call it).

And to celebrate Moms and the choices they have to make for their family,  starting July 2nd, Moms have a chance to win a family vacation (up to $5,000) through a photo contest. To enter, go to facebook.com/hunts, submit a photo of you and your family achieving a “simple victory” and you could win that summer vacation you’ve been longing for.

Having basic and simple ingredients in our foods, doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the taste.  I am seeing more and more foods offered in local grocery stores that are getting back to basic ingredients, and I like having those choices for my family!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Hunt’s and received a ketchup sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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