Welcome to my Sweet and Simple blog. I am a mama to 5 crazy kids, ages 2 years to 14! When I'm not picking up toys and cleaning....I am cooking, crafting, and writing reviews! This blog is PR Friendly!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Red Barn Nifty Nappy (Ai2 Review) + #Giveaway! WORLDWIDE!

I may have been cloth diapering for over 2 years, but I still run into new diapers that out do the rest! I found an amazing cloth diaper company called Red Barn Cloth Diapers. They chose this name for their business because they actually live in a red barn and make the diapers there too! I think that is just too cool! Jeni, is a cottage licensee of Nifty Nappy and that is where she got this design to make these diapers.

I was so excited to be able to review one of their diapers! Jeni, the owner sent me an Elephant Ai2 for me and BuBu to review.
Our family collects elephants so I really love the print!

Lots of snaps makes it easy to get a great fit around the tummy!

Super soft bamboo velor insert is included

Inner fabric is red~ I am a huge fan of any color but white :)


The back of the diaper has elastic which helps contain any poo that wants to escape.


Super soft bamboo velor material insert~ the softest material I have ever seen used for diapers.

At first, I didn't understand why the insert was sewn together on one side...I realized after using it and washing it a couple times...it eliminates the "folding" process. Thank you to Vilate, owner of Nifty Nappy for such a great idea!

Just a picture to show you how small the snaps can adjust the size of the waist.

Side view of the diaper~ I love the construction of the leg openings...it must be so much more comfortable than lots of other brands!
Here are some pictures of how well it fits BuBu. I am so in love with this diaper. I am able to get the perfect fit around her waist and legs. I know red marks left by a diaper are really not that serious, but to a mama who wants their precious baby to be comfortable, it is a big deal. I am happy to say, this diaper leaves NO red marks at all.


Action shot!!! Great fit around the legs...even on the move.

Check out that cute baby bum!




I love the fit of this diaper! It has got to be the most comfy diaper in her stash. Look how nice it fits under her belly button.
My new Red Barn Nifty Nappy is my absolute favorite diaper...ever!

*ABSORBANCY*
 This diaper gets 5 stars for its leak protection. The bamboo insert absorbs so well, I am able to reuse the diaper "shell" after BuBu has peed. I use it twice before it gets tossed into the dirty diaper pail. I have had 0 leaks and this diaper has been used a couple times during the night as well (with one added bamboo insert).
*TRIMNESS*
For the trimness, I would give this diaper a 4.5. With the supplied insert, this diaper fits nicely under her clothes. I would like to see an insert that was made of the same fabric, bit one layer thinner. I think I would give it a 5 stars then.
*FIT*
Of course, 5 stars! Like I said a bunch of times in my review, the fit of this diaper is perfect! Every detail put into this diaper makes it "the" diaper ("the" most comfortable, "the" best fitting, "the" cutest, "the" softest, and I could really go on...but you get the point).
*COST*
A Red Barn Nifty Nappy Ai2 diaper costs $23.50. I think that is a fair price. There are over 40 fabric options! WOW!
*QUALITY*
This diaper is so well made. It has been washed several times (and dried in the sun) and is still in perfect condition! The outer fabric doesn't even look like it has faded at all. The inner fabric is still super soft and bright red. The insert gets a bit stiff after drying in the sun. I usually toss my stiff diapers/clothes/towels into the dryer for about 5 minutes and they come out nice and soft.
*OVERALL*
If this diaper is clean and in the stack of diapers, I will purposely dig to get it!
If you have questions about cloth diapering, you should definitely check out the Frequently Asked Questions page! For newbies, this is a great source for finding answers! You can also find a video tutorial on how to fold this diaper, to make it fit your newborn.

Be sure to "like" Red Barn Cloth Diapers on facebook!

*PURCHASE*
Visit Red Barn Cloth Diapers to buy one of these amazing diapers for your little one! This is, by far, my most favorite diaper...I would suggest you get one (or a bunch) for your baby!

*GIVEAWAY*
YES, Jeni has offered a giveaway too! I am so excited...one Green Mam-a Jam-a reader is going to win a Nifty Nappy Ai2 for their little one! Winner gets to choose the print too!
Enter using the rafflecopter form below. Only the mandatory entry is required. All other entries are totally optional but will increase your odds of winning!
Giveaway is opened to US/ Canada/ WW! International winner will need to pay shipping!
**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.
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#Giveaway: 4 Zuo Turbo Bar Stools from AToZStores.com! RV$1600!! US only 8/15




Welcome to the Zuo Turbo Bar Stool Giveaway sponsored by AtoZStores.com and hosted by Children Teaching Mama

The lucky winner is going to receive 4 Zuo Turbo Bar Stools that retail at $1600! The Turbo stool has a cozy seat molded from ABS plastic, and sits on a sturdy chrome steel tube frame. These are perfect for commercial or residential use! 

*TO ENTER*
 Please use the rafflecopter form below and make sure you let them know *Green Mam-a Jam-a* referred you to enter! There are several daily entry options, so be sure to come back each day to get those entries! The giveaway will end at 11:59pm on Wednesday, August 15th and is open to United States residents 18+!

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way to post this giveaway. Green Mam-a Jam-a is not responsible for prizes not shipped to the winner.

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Win a pair of Footzyrolls and a $200 American Express Gift Card!!





I just wanted to share this awesome giveaway I found where you can win a pair of Footzyrolls AND a $200 American Express Gift Card!

The giveaway is super easy to enter. 
Be sure to "LIKE" Footzyrolls on facebook...it is a mandatory entry!
Good luck Green Mam-a Jam-a readers! I would love one of my readers to win!! :)

Aquaphor Skin Care Products Review & #Giveaway + a $50 Visa GC! US

All three of my little ones have sensitive skin. I can almost guarantee my next baby will too. My babies get rosy, very dry cheeks in the winter and during the winter months, I have to be very careful to put sunscreen on before they go outside, all the time!

Aquaphor and I go way back to before my first baby was born. I have horribly chapped lips year round and I have tried so many different lip moisturizers, balms and chapsticks. Some products provided temporary relief, but Aquaphor was the only product that would actually"cure" my chapped lips. After realizing this, I began to try Aquaphor on other areas of my body, that needed healing. 
Aquaphor is also great for sore nipples from breastfeeding, baby bottom rashes and dry, cracked heels. My family has been using Aquaphor products for years.


I had the opportunity to review three items from Aquaphor. 
I was also given a $50 Visa GC, which I have used to stock up on some more Aquaphor products, for the new baby.

*Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo*
I really love the mildness of the Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo. It is fragrance and dye free. It creates a small amount of bubbles when used and rinses easily. You don't have to worry about it accidentally getting into your precious babies eyes, because it is a tear-free formula. A must have for babies and toddlers!

*Aquaphor Healing Ointment*
This product is the one I have used for many years. I can name so many things I have used this for and it has never let me down. After my first child was born, I had such a painful breastfeeding experience. My nipples were so irritated and chapped, they would bleed. I was recommended Aquaphor by my doctor and he even gave me a small sample. I admit, it did take a couple days to heal completely, but it was so worth the wait. I would suggest using this product daily, to prevent a problem. I rub this on my husbands feet every now and then, to show appreciation for all he does to provide for my family. A special treat that any stay at home mom should give her providing husband! This is also fragrance and dye free.

*Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment*
This product is similar to the Healing Ointment, but there are added uses on the bottle. It is also fragrance and dye free. A little goes a long way. I have used this for my baby's bottom to prevent diaper rash. I haven't had any rash issues since I started using it, so I'd say...it works great! If you use cloth diapers, I would recommend using a thin liner between baby's bum and the diaper, to prevent the ointment from getting on your cloth diaper. This has also been a life saver relieving my children's sore shoulders and faces, after being in the sun for too long.

Aquaphor products are great products to have during the summer as well as any other time during the year. There are so many uses for Aquaphor.

Visit the Aquaphor website to learn more!
Connect with Aquaphor on facebook and twitter!


*GIVEAWAY*
Aquaphor would like to offer a prize pack to one winner, so they can enjoy the benefits and many uses of Aquaphor products. One winner is going to receive a bottle of Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo, a tube of Aquaphor Healing Ointment and a $50 Visa gift card!
Thank you so much to Aquaphor for offering their products for review and giveaway at Green Mam-a Jam-a!
To enter the giveaway, please use the rafflecopter form below. You must be 18+ years of age, and a US resident, to win the giveaway.
**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Me and My Girls!

...and one more on the way :)

Momma Mosaics~Colorful Glass Art & Jewelry


The Artist: Color makes me happy. Maybe because I have lived under the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest my entire life, I can’t help but to embrace it. As a child, I discovered the joy of working with glass when my grandmother taught me how to cut and grind pieces for a stained glass window. Those lessons in creativity launched my interest in the medium and I have been obsessed ever since.  In 2006, I decided to follow my heart and take the leap from the corporate world into doing what I love most – spending time with my two daughters and pursuing my passion for glass art. Largely self-taught, I have been working in glass mosaics for the past 10 years and have studied contemporary mosaic art with local and international professionals. I am also a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and the Oregon Glass Guild. With the support of my loving husband, I now work from my home studio in Portland, Oregon and enjoy every minute of it. When I create, I feel joy. My hope is to share this joy with you through my work, and to bring just a touch of color and whimsy to your day. 
The Jewelry: This original line of mosaic jewelry is handcrafted with genuine Murano Millefiori and recycled glass.  Millefiori is Italian for "a thousand flowers", and is an ancient technique where glass rods are fused together then sliced to reveal beautiful flower-like patterns. These tiny pieces of glass are individually set by hand in bezels and then painted with a UV light-cured resin for durability and shine. Stained glass remnants from my larger mosaic artworks are often incorporated into the miniature mosaic designs.  To see some of my original glass mosaics, check out the ART GALLERY here. All metalwork is sourced from the USA and consists of lead free pewter dipped in .925 sterling silver or 24k gold. Each piece is hand cut, sanded, polished, and packed with care before leaving our studio, ensuring you receive a quality piece of wearable art to enjoy for years to come. 
~info taken directly from the Momma Mosaics website

At Momma Mosaics, you will find the most amazing, hand crafted pieces of jewelry. The owner, Charity, is a very sweet mama of two little girls. She creates beautiful wearable glass art.

Here are some pics for you to enjoy (my personal favorites)...
BLUES Earrings 
SASSY Earrings
BLACK DAISY Heart necklace
TREE OF LIFE Necklace
B&W Ring
Glass Mosaic Ring
Now, there is now way you can tell me that you are not drooling over these pretty pieces of jewelry. I just can not get over the beauty I find at her shop! I only posted pictures of my absolute favorites but there is not a piece that I do not love...go head over to her shop and take a look around!

"LIKE" Momma Mosaics on facebook and tell her I sent you!
 Comment here with your favorite piece of jewelry!

~Thank you, Charity, for letting me feature your lovely items on my blog!

*Disclosure: I was not compensated for writing this post. All opinions are my own and 100% true.

 

Monday, July 23, 2012

Get outside and play!: PlasmaCar *Review* & #Giveaway US 8/13


I love summertime! It's the perfect time to get the kids out of the house...away from the TV and video games. To be honest, it's not hard to get my kids outside. They love the outdoors and I have found the perfect outside toy for them!

I received a PlasmaCar for review. I could not wait to get this put together so I my kids could ride on it! These super cool ride on toys have an awesome weight limit~set at 220lbs on a flat, smooth surface! For ages 3+.
 The PlasmaCar was very easy to put together. There are really basic instructions and just a few pieces( all pictured). The only tools needed are a rubber mallet, a 17mm socket wrench and/ or screw driver.
 This is Marlee(3 years old), as she tries out the PlasmaCar for the first time. You can see she is ecstatic! She took a few practice "drives" before she got the hang of it. It only took her a couple minutes and she was crusin'!

 Destiny~ my 7 year old got the hang of it very quick and took off!


The PlasmaCar is powered by the driver. There are no motors or pedals to get this thing moving! Simply turn the steering wheel to take off! The PlasmaCar has been so much fun for our family. I have taken it for a spin a few times and NO, I will not post pictures of that! :)
  I have three kids (so far) and they fought over this for a week or so before I decided I needed to buy another. Now we have two and we take the kids to the park where they can race. Our house only has a strip of sidewalk so they can't get too far before it's time to turn around. At the park, the kids get to ride for a longer distance, which allows them to get to a faster speed. No one has been hurt on this toy and that means a lot.
We Love our PlasmaCars!

*To Purchase*
You can purchase a PlasmaCar at a store near you...check out their store locator!

You can find PlasmaCar on Facebook and Twitter! Be sure to "like" and "follow" for updates, sales and giveaways!

*GIVEAWAY*
I am so excited one of my readers are going to win a PlasmaCar of their own!!! PlasmaCar will choose color. Please enter using the rafflecopter form below. Only the mandatory is required. All other entries are totally optional but will increase your odds of winning. Giveaway is opened to US only. Thanks for entering and good luck!
Ends 8/13

**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.
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CitySlips #Giveaway US 7/30



Image and video hosting by TinyPic

CitySlips Giveaway
Sponsor - CitySlips

College Grad Coupons had the opportunity to review a pair of these wonderful on-the-go shoes! We were so impressed with the shoes that we wanted to give one away to ONE LUCKY WINNER! You'll even get to pick what style of shoe that you would like!
CitySlips currently offers SEVEN pairs of trendy shoes for your to choose from!
Still don't think you quite understand CitySlips? Well, I'm hear to tell you that they are the greatest investment out there, especially if you find yourself wearing the cutest yet most uncomfortable shoes on a regular basis. A night out dancing doesn't have to end with you trudging home in your flashiest heels or risking the germs from walking barefoot. CitySlips offers you cute ballet flats that fold-up into a pouch that easily fits inside your purse. Once you make the transition from heels to flats, they even provide a cool tote bag to carry your heels in!


Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Want to know more about my personal experience with CitySlips?
Check out my REVIEW!
For your chance to win one of these amazing pairs of rescue shoes! All you have to do is complete the entries on the Rafflecopter below! All entries will be verified once a winner is chosen. You must me 18 years or older to enter this giveaway. U.S. entrants only.
GOOD LUCK!
Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. Green Mam-a Jam-a is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Odds of winning are based on the amount of entries received. Facebook is in no way affiliated with this giveaway or prize. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Natures Sleep Memory Foam Slippers *Review* & #Giveaway US only 8/2

I am a flip-flop kinda gal. But at home, I like to wear comfy, cozy slippers. 

I have had the opportunity to review a pair of Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Slippers. Automatically, I knew these would be more comfortable than my current cheapy slippers. I had never really spoiled myself by buying a pair of memory foam slippers before...wow, what I was missing out on!

I chose to review the open toe slippers in mocha color. 
It is summer time here in Tennessee and we keep the air conditioner on at about 76-78 degrees. I thought these slippers would be great for summer (as well as winter), since they have the open toe feature. They keep my feet warm (sometimes a little too warm) and they sometimes sweat, so I find myself taking them off every once in a while. I think they will be best for the cooler seasons.

My new slippers fit great! They are snug and don't fall off. They are super soft and very comfortable. They felt a little on the stiff side for the first couple days, but have gradually become less stiff and more comfortable. I have been wearing them daily for almost a month and they are still like new.

My husband and kids are jealous of my new slippers. My husband is a huge slipper fan, as he hates to walk barefoot. I know what I will be getting him for Christmas this year...that's right, a pair of Nature's Sleep Slippers.

*PURCHASE*
Nature's Sleep offers two styles(closed toe and open toe) and a variety of colors. Open toe slippers are $25 and closed toe are $30. Very good price for such a quality pair of slippers!

Sign up to receive the Nature's Sleep newsletter! Signing up for their newsletter automatically qualifies you to win a Memory Foam Mattress each month!

*GIVEAWAY*
Nature's Sleep has offered a pair of slippers to one of my readers!
Please enter via the rafflecopter form below.
Only the mandatory entries are required to be entered. All other entries are totally optional but will increase your chances of winning!
This giveaway is opened to US only and ends 8/2.
Good luck!
**Disclosure: I was provided a pair of Natures Sleep slippers in order to conduct an honest review. All opinions in this review are mine and mine alone. I was not compensated for this review. 

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

FREE Blogger Event (Sign-ups open)! Find out more here!

AllBarStoolsAtoZ Giveaway - Win 4 Zuo Turbo Barstools! - An Event by the team at All Bar Stools AtoZ Giveaway - Win 4 Zuo Turbo Barstools
Event Dates: July 23rd at 12:01AM to August 14th at 11:59pm

Giveaway Prizes: 4 Zuo Bar Stools from AllBarStoolsAtoZ.com worth $1600!

Details: This is a FREE blogger event, open to US and Canada Residents and accepting sign-ups now!

Monday, July 16, 2012

My Very Own Fairy Tale Storybook *Review* & #Giveaway US 7/30

Each child is unique and special in their own way. I stumbled upon a website called I See Me, that creates personalized books (and puzzles). The best part, they offer a wide variety of topics for the books. Topics ranging from Fairy Tale to Pirate, Birthday to Big Sister/Brother, and even Preschool and Christmas books.

I was blessed with an opportunity to review a book of my choice for one of my little girls. I chose the "My Very Own Fairy Tale" story book for my three year old, Marlee.
 Marlee is the one all the way over to the right. Check out her face as she realizes they are spelling out her name in the book. She makes me laugh! 
Even my littlest is all into the book. The pictures are so colorful and detailed. Lots for the little ones to look at.
This is a favorite bedtime story for my girls. Of course, Marlee picks this out each night and either I read it to her, or big sister reads it to her.

How is it personalized?
 Each page features one letter of her name as well as a paragraph of the story about a fairy. Each page adds a letter to her name so eventually, it says her complete name~including her first and last name. The last name is optional.



 The details and colors are exceptional! This book is sure to grab the attention of kids of all ages.

Please excuse the glare, this is the best picture I could get.

At first, I was worried that the book would be too long for her to sit still and listen through. I was very wrong. Even after I am done reading it, she wants to hear it again. This is a great way to teach the little ones how to spell their name! I love the idea of a personalized book

What would I change?
Our last name has two "Z"s in it. The pictures and wording are exactly the same for both pages. This only happened with the letter "Z". Although she has to "E"s in her first name, the pictures and wording for those letters were different. If I could change anything about the book, it would be to have another picture/wording in case the child's name has a repeating letter "Z".

Personalized books make a great gift for birthdays, baby showers and Christmas!

"Like" I See Me! on facebook and "follow" on twitter too!
*PURCHASE*
Their personalized books are $32.95. Visit I See Me to purchase!

*GIVEAWAY*
The lovely folks at I See Me are offering a "My Very Own" book. Winner can choose from "My Very Own Fairy Tale" OR "My Very Own Pirate Tale".
Thank you so much to I See Me for offering this review/giveaway at Green Mam-a Jam-a!

Please use the rafflecopter form  below to enter. Only the mandatory entries are required to enter. All other entries are totally optional but will increase your odds of winning!
Giveaway is opened to US only and ends 7/30.
Thanks for entering and good luck!
**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

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Ecover Laundry Detergent and Softener *Review* and #Giveaway! US 7/30

Company Overview
Since 1980 Ecover has been devoted to developing and producing effective and ecological washing and cleaning products made from plant-based and mineral ingredients. Ecover’s aim is to provide effective, sustainable washing and cleaning solutions that can be used daily by people all around the world.


I am all about eco-friendly products! I think it's been about 2 years since I made the decision to be a "greener" person. Since I made up my mind, I have switched to cloth diapers, I recycle everything I can and my most recent change was my cleaning products. 

I had the opportunity to review two products from Ecover. I received a bottle of the Liquid Concentrate Laundry Detergent~ Sunny Days and also a bottle of the Fabric Softener~ Sunny Days. Both products have many benefits for people and the earth.


Powerful cleaning action with gentle plant-based and mineral ingredients make Ecover Laundry Liquid ideal for the whole family.  Tackle tough stains without unnecessary optical brighteners or chlorine.


Personal benefits:
  • suitable for sensitive skin
  • fresh fragrances from plant based ingredients
  • keeps colors bright
  • gentle on your skin
  • compatible with High Efficiency machines (HE)
Environmental benefits:
  • plant based ingredients
  • quick and complete biodegradability
  • no optical brighteners
  • minimum impact on aquatic life
  • not tested on animals 
  • new pioneering ingredients. Click here to read more 
  • safe for septic tanks


Let the crisp, summery scent of our Sunny Day Fabric Softener freshen your laundry. 

Personal benefits:


  • suitable for sensitive skin
  • compatible with High Efficiency machines (HE)
  • softens your laundry and reduces static cling
  • makes ironing easier
  • naturally cares for your skin
  • fresh fragrance
Environmental benefits:
  • made with plant based and mineral ingredients
  • fast and complete biodegradability
  • minimum impact on aquatic life
  • not tested on animals
  • suitable for septic tanks 











*My Review*
I was thrilled to receive not one, not two, but three products from Ecover for my review. I do a lot of laundry and I do all the grocery shopping, so these three items have great use for me!
 A lot of eco-friendly products tend to be scent free. I like a little scent for my cleaning products~ I guess I just got used to that since I used all the non-ecofriendly products, that are overpowered with scent, for so long.
Both the liquid detergent and the liquid fabric softener have a very light, crisp and clean, citrus scent. I think citrus is a great scent for a cleaner. 
I love that the detergent is concentrated so a little goes a long way. It does not make a million bubbles, but there are some, and that is promising to me, that it's got some cleaning power. 
My wash routine~ I add clothes, fill my washer with water and add one cap of Ecover Liquid Detergent. I let it swish around for a few minutes then I stop the cycle and let it soak for about 10-30 minutes. I add the fabric softener during the rinse cycle. With three kids in the house, all under the age of 8, there are going to be some staining on clothes.  Since I started using this detergent, with this method, I have noticed some stains(chocolate milk, freezer pops,etc) are lightened or have gone away completely.
I have even used the detergent on my cloth diapers and was impressed with the results. This left my diapers clean, smelling fresh and even lightened some staining!

There is no doubt in my mind that this product is effective. It cleans well, goes a long way, and leaves a nice *light* scent on your clean clothes.

The Ecover reusable tote has been used for toting groceries from the grocery store quite a bit and we have also used it to tote our swim gear to the pool a few times too.


Would I recommend Ecover Laundry products?
YES
Ecover also offers dishwashing products, household cleaners and more!


"Like" Ecover on facebook and "follow" on twitter too!

*To Purchase*
Ecover products can be purchased at the Ecover website as well as many retailers. Check out their list of retailers! Their prices are very reasonable! The bottle of detergent(51 loads) sells for $10.10 and the softener sells for $4.30, on their online store.

*Giveaway*
Ecover is generously offering both products I reviewed (Laundery Detergent AND Softener) to one lucky winner! Thank you so much Ecover!
Please enter using the rafflecopter form below. Only the mandatory entries are required. All other entries are totally optional but will increase your odds of winning! Thanks for entering and good luck! US only 7/30.

**Disclosure~ The product(s) in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.







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