Happy Weekend

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This week on Design Crush:
Karen Gunderson’s Water series is deep, moody, and made of the unexpected.
Check out the 12 wardrobe pieces on my fall wish list.
Meike Harde’s aquarelle technique A. genius B. mind-blowing C. all of the-above.
Such a beautifully inspired collection of home pieces from Pop & Scott.
Want to feel all of the feelings? Take a peek at Betsy Walton‘s introspective paintings.
A solid collection of 12 modern DIYs to attempt in September.
See a next level mastery of color and layering in Torben Giehler‘s paintings.
The most incredible perpetual calendar you’re likely to ever see.
Sonia Pulido‘s transitional art is spot-on for autumn.

Design Crush elsewhere:
It’s almost that time of year – is your house guest ready? Some tips and tricks to help.
I’m getting ready to dress my place up for a very vintage Halloween!

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Pittsburgh Brew Tour: Part 1

Pittsburgh has an impressive craft beer scene that I’ve been anxious to check out this summer. There are easily fifteen breweries that I wanted to check out, but that number seemed a little too ambitious for a weekend tour. Instead I chose the six that friends recommended most highly, picked up my friend Martin, and took off for a full day of beer sampling that I hoped wouldn’t get the best of me…

 

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HITCHHIKER BREWING CO.
190 Castle Shannon Blvd  Pittsburgh PA 15228

The first stop was Hitchhiker Brewing Co., where I was immediately impressed by the huge open window looking out over the sidewalk. Their craft beers are brewed right on site with up to ten on tap at any given time. (They also have a focus on creating a low environmental impact.) The interior of the brew pub has a great industrial feel with plenty of wood and metal, and I couldn’t help but comment that if I were to design a taproom it wouldn’t be far off.

Martin and I tried a flight of three handcrafted beers, we had to pace ourselves after all. The Wheatmill was my favorite with Tumbleweed and The Barbarian in second and third. Since our tour I’ve been back to try even more brews and check out their secluded patio area out back.

 

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THE BREW GENTLEMEN BEER COMPANY
512 Braddock Ave.  Braddock, PA 15104

Across town The Brew Gentlemen was waiting for us (along with the gyro truck in the parking lot). A successful Kickstarter campaign is behind this small brewery and taproom that focuses on combining classical brewing and the culinary world. Most of their brews seem more complex than their peers, we tried both chai- and cucumber-inspired beers and I really enjoyed both. The space itself used to be an electrical supply store and now has a modern industrial feel to it with lots of wood and stainless steel. Walk around the corner from the bar and you can look down through a set of large windows to the brewery itself.

 

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FULL PINT BREWING COMPANY
1932 Lincoln Highway  North Versailles, PA 15137

Full Pint was the only brewery I’d tried before the tour, Martin had some White Lightning at his house one day. I really liked it, so had high hopes for their other brews. This stop was most like breweries I’d visited on the west coast, basically a set of huge converted garages in an industrial park – taproom on one side and brewery on the other. Lots of bright colors with the logos of each beer painted on the walls. We sampled a healthy six styles with the highpoint being that I got to try my first sour! I wasn’t sure what to expect but absolutely loved it and have been actively seeking them out ever since.

 

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ARSENAL CIDERHOUSE
300 39th Street  Pittsburgh, PA 15201

The branded fence along the perimeter of Arsenal‘s outdoor cider garden couldn’t act as a better advertisement. I’d driven by countless times before our tour, but once I walked around the the other side wanted to kick myself for waiting so long. The day we visited there was amazing live music and a smokehouse truck, so we walked around the corner to the actual brick and mortar located in an old row house to grab some cider and then lounged for a bit. (Then we spent awhile wondering why we hadn’t bought a growler… oh yeah, because we still had two more places to check out!) I could imagine wasting an entire weekend here, no problem,

 

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ROUNDABOUT BREWERY
4901 Butler Street  Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Roundabout, while having my favorite overall selection of the day, is super small inside. It was also completely packed while we were there which didn’t allow for many photos. Picture it: a back wall bar with six brews on tap and three long tables with eight stools around each. About the width of that window in the photo above and twice as deep. I really liked that the table setup made you almost have to talk with your neighbors, the way a traditional beer garden works.

 

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DRAAI LAAG BREWING COMPANY
501 E Ohio Street  Millvale, PA 15209

We ended our day at Draii Laag, coincidentally the same day they opened their big and beautiful outdoor space. This brewery focuses on Belgian-inspired ales, some of my personal favorites, but they don’t conform to styles either. I tried the Goedenacht which could only be described as a cider-mead-farmhouse ale and it was delicious. There was even a German food truck pulled up in the parking lot, and had we not been so full of beer would have jumped at the chance to partake.

 

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We’ll be reporting back with Part 2 as soon as we recover from Part 1!

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Happy Alcoholidays!

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The holidays can be tough, not on everyone but certainly for us introverts out there. And while proper amounts of imbibing and etiquette are preferred, alcohol can definitely be the social lubrication necessary to get through all of those get togethers from November through January. Here’s a slew that I’ve bookmarked for this winter. (See also: Alcoholidays 2011, Alcoholidays 2012, Alcoholidays 2013)

 

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Slow Cooker Cranberry Wassail

Spiked Pumpkin Horchata

Sour Green Apple Margarita

Vanilla Vodka Chai Tea

Spiced Apple Old Fashioned

 

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Frosted Gingerbread Martini

Pumpkin Apple Spiced Sangria

Sugar n Spice White Russian

Homemade Eggnog

Bourbon Cranberry Shrub

 

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Cider Punch

Cranberry Orange Dark and Stormy

Apple Cider Bourbon Punch

Pomegranate Gin Tonic

Hot Buttered Rum

 

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Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour

Spiced Apple Margaritas

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Gingerbread White Russian

Maple Daiquiri

Spiced Cranberry Orange Fizz

 

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Grapefruit Pomegranate Punch

Sage Ginger Prosecco Cocktail

Hard Cider Sangria

The Mid-Winter Margarita

Cranberry-Apple Cider Punch

Cranberry Margarita

 

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Milk Punch

Roasted Vanilla Grapefruit Mimosas

Gingerbread Toddy

Cranberry Orange Bourbon

Apple Cider Rum Old-Fashioned

Pear Moscow Mule

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Hassle-Free Cocktails with VitaFrute + a Giveaway

It’s been a few months since I’ve shared any recipes, so I’m here to make up for it four-fold with a fantastic quartet of cocktails. I promise you every last one is delicious and the most complicated of the bunch includes only three ingredients. (Seriously!) The star of each recipe is one of VitaFrute‘s four organic ready-to-drink cocktails that allow you to step away from the bar cart and enjoy a hassle-free get together this holiday season!

 

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Lemonade + Prosecco

Serves 2

• 5 oz VitaFrute Lemonade
• 5 oz prosecco
• lemon

Pour 2.5 oz VitaFrute Lemonade and 2.5 oz prosecco into each of two coupes. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and enjoy!

 

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Pear Nectar Margarita

Serves 2

• 10 oz VitaFrute Margarita
• 2 oz pear nectar
• pear
Pour 5 oz VitaFrute Margarita and 1 oz pear nectar into each of two cocktail glasses. Garnish with a slice of pear and a dash of ground ginger if you’re feeling adventurous.

 

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Apple Cider Cosmopolitan

Serves 2

• 6 oz VitaFrute Cosmopolitan
• 4 oz fresh apple cider
• orange

Pour 3 oz VitaFrute Cosmopolitan and 2 oz apple cider into each of two rocks glasses. Garnish with a slice of juicy orange.

 

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Coconut Colada Float

Serves 2

• 6 oz VitaFrute Coconut Colada
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• coconut flakes

Scoop vanilla ice cream into two parfait glasses, then pour 3 oz Vitafrute Coconut Colada over each. Top with a sprinkle of coconut flakes, then add a spoon and straw to enjoy.

 

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VitaFrute is teaming up with Kitchensurfing to give away a $1,000 and $500 towards a Kitchensurfing feast to make this a hassle-free holiday season! Imagine hosting that perfect holiday party without raising a finger or someone else preparing Christmas dinner for your family while you all focus on spending time together. You have until December 12th to pop over and enter for a chance to make this your best holiday season yet!

Disclaimer: I received product and compensation from VEEV Spirits. All words, opinions, and recipes are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

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Happy Weekend

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01/ A minimalist depiction of mental disorders.
02/ This zen rock garden is actually full of Japanese candy!
03/ Hilariously true animated gifs of basic tips and etiquette for surviving in NYC.
04/ Painstakingly crafting portraits of musicians made from cornflakes.
05/ Ringly lights up and buzzes when your phone needs you!
06/ This retired Boeing 727 was converted into a home in the woods. Would you dare?
07/ Picnic Lounge is an oversized blanket that resembles an antique rug. Clever.
08/ Smart ads for Keloptic turn impressionist art into realism.
09/ Social Planes take you offline – download, write, fold, and fly!
10/ When baristas and bartenders joins forces we are blessed with coffee cocktails.

This week on Design Crush:
Have you entered our Soundfreaq Sound Rise giveaway?! Wake up with this alarm/bluetooth speaker hybrid, it’s sure to get your day off to a good start.
Eight art prints I wish I had room for on my walls this month.
Melissa Zexter hand-embroiders her own photography in the most beautiful way.
Industrialist meets rugged glam in the design of Maslo Jewelry.
Crazy incredible paintings/sculptures from Conrad Jon Godly.
I’m slowing going minimalist with my style and this modern lamp is my latest addition.
Childhood dreams and sketchbook drawings come to life thanks to Katharine Morling.
If you’re looking for a super easy project this DIY Matchstick Holder is where it’s at!
After seven years of blogging we finally have a Design Crush identity suite like pros.

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My (Imaginary) New Year’s Eve 2013

After the craziness of Thanksgiving and Christmas I like to make New Year’s Eve more low-key. A come as you are get together with good friends and family is just what the doctor ordered for a great start to a new year! Want to dress up? Go for it. Prefer pajamas? That’s cool, too. We’ll decorate some with metallics and pinks and call it a day. Everyone can bring an appetizer or dessert and I’ll provide the cocktails – sound good? Mix and mingle as you please, and if you can’t stay awake until the ball drops? No judgement. Now that’s my kinda party.

 

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THE DECOR
Confetti Triangle Invitations – Oh Happy Day
DIY Confetti Wreath – A Subtle Revelry
Handmade Paper Bunting – Toast UK
Recycled Honeycomb Tissue Paper Pouf – Zipper Teeth
Happy New Year Garland – Anthropologie
Porcelain Hurricanes – West Elm
Silver + Gold New Year Tiara – Party 411
Black + Silver New Year Top Hat – Amol’s Fiesta Party Supplies
New Years Surprise Confetti – Anthropologie

THE TABLE
‘Larabee Dor Fete Mini Champagne Saucer – Kate Spade
DIY Happy New Year Cake Topper – Style Me Pretty
Floating Blocks Table Runner – LEIF
Glittering Flatware – Anthropologie
Gold Confetti Paper Napkins – Anthropologie
Mercury Glass Octagonal Hurricanes – West Elm
Metallic Print Glassware Set – West Elm
Pink Pop Side Plate – Burke Decor
Pink Dot Tablecloth – Hay

THE COCKTAILS
Black Rose – Kelley Moore
Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour – So… Let’s Hang Out
Cranberry Pear Mulled Wine – Couldn’t Be Parve
Cranberry-Orange Sparkler – Martha Stewart
Cucumber Gin Salt + Pepper Cups – Joy the Baker
Hot Buttered Rum – Not Without Salt
Sparkling Raspberry Cocktail – Apartment34
Sugar and Spice Russian – Waiting On Martha
Winter Punch – 101 Cookbooks

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An (Imaginary) Holiday Appetizer Party

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I’ve always wanted to throw a party that’s strictly about appetizers. Think about it, they’re one of the best parts of any special meal and you can typically fill up on them alone. Oh, and my definition of an “appetizer” is basically anything that can be eaten in three bites or less, which leaves plenty of room for interpretation and inspiration. The good news? You’re invited to my imaginary holiday appetizer party! (All links and sources at the end of the post.)

 

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First let’s set the mood with plenty of simple touches. Ice lanterns lining the front walk and a tinseled wreath on the front door. Rustic vases full of berried branches. A festive backdrop for photos and plenty of white paper pendants suspended from the ceiling. Even miniature handmade wreaths for party favors!

 

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The best hostesses always offer a beverage as soon as you’ve walked in the door and they’ve taken your coat! I like to offer a selection of hot and cold, boozy and non-boozy, that way you’re sure to have something for everyone. Most of the beverages above can be made in large batches, making it super easy to use pitchers and allow your guests to refill at their leisure. And of course allowing you to actually enjoy your own party!

 

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When entertaining during the holidays, I like to purchase one or two special pieces for the occasion and rely on everyday pieces for the rest. In this case the purchases are small wooden appetizer forks, napkins and a festive cheese board. Otherwise it’s easy to stick to basics in our white, black, gold, and wood palette.

 

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Last (but definitely not least) are the appetizers themselves. I think the rule of one plate of apps to every two people invited is a good rule to go by. Again, here I like to have a good mix of savory/sweet, soft/crispy, hot/cold, etc. Lots of these recipes can be prepped a day or two ahead of time and popped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to either warm them, assemble them, or set them out for guests. That equals less stress for you and a get together you can not only enjoy, but participate in. Happy Holidays!

THE DECOR
Birchwood Vase – Better Homes & Gardens
DIY Mini Holiday Wreaths – The Sweetest Occasion
Ice Lantern Kit – Terrain
DIY Tinsel Garland Wreath – Creature Comforts
Paper Pendants – Serena & Lily
Snowball Curtain – Cox & Cox

THE DRINKS
Boozy White Hot Chocolate – The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Cranberry Orange Gin Fizz – The Messy Baker Blog
Spiced Sparkling Cider – The Best Remedy
Mocha Coffee Punch – She Wears Many Hats
Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake – The Merrythought
Pink Peppermint Russian – Kleinworth & Co

THE PIECES
Arrow Forks – Sucre Shop
Be Merry! Cheese Board – C. Wonder
Gold Foil Cocktail Napkins – C. Wonder
Heath Serving Platter – Canoe
Hot Drinks Glass – Create & Barrel
Leopold Coupe Glass – Cocktail Kingdom
Mercer Burst Salad Plate – Crate & Barrel
Mingle Bar Glass – Crate & Barrel
Nico Platter – Crate & Barrel
Old Dutch Copper Tray – Overstock
Porcelain Serve Platter – Target
Wood Topped Ice Bucket – West Elm

THE APPETIZERS
Apple, Sweet Potato + Bacon Turnovers – Savory Simple
Baked Brie with Roasted Cranberry Sauce – A Couple Cooks
Cranberry Crostini – Cookie and Kate
Lobster Crostini – What Katie Ate
Mini Caramel Apple Hand Pies – Freutcake
Pumpkin Cheesecake Phyllo Straws – Rachel Cooks
Pomegranate Jeweled White Cheddar Cheeseball – How Sweet It Is
Cranberry Curd Tartlets – Martha Stewart
Zucchini Chips – Food Fanatic
Pumpkin Butter S’mores – Wit & Vinegar
Spinach Hummus + Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Quesadillas – 24 Carrot Life
Spiced Apple Chutney and Cinnamon Swirls – Great British Chefs

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My (Imaginary) Christmas 2013

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Seriously, don’t even worry about bringing anything because I’ve got it all covered! Longtime readers might remember last year’s dream Christmas dinner as the start of this extravagant/gluttonous series I create for most major holidays. And let me tell you, I should really throw make believe parties more often because they’re so much fun! This Christmas I decided to go with plenty of color and whimsy with a dash of nature and DIY thrown in to keep it real. Hope you can make it! (Links and sources at the end.)

 

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THE DECOR
Felt Ball Garland – The Fickle Felt Tree
DIY Himmeli Garland – The House That Lars Built
Paint Dipped Ornaments – Bomisch
Pine Cone Wreath – West Twin Creations
Plated Glass Votives – Serena & Lily
Still Life Taper Candles – Anthropologie
Town Square Sculptures – Anthropologie
Wire Sprinkle Line Lights – CB2
Wood Chain Kit – Sideshow Press

THE COCKTAILS
Cider Pomegranate Smash – Clara Persis
The Bourbon Épice – coco + kelley
Hot Buttered Hazelnut Whisky – Adventure in Cooking

THE APPS
Brie and Cranberry Bites –  Crumb
Sweet Potato Tahini Crostini – Love and Lemons
Whipped Ricotta with Lemon and Olive Oil – Joy the Baker

THE TABLE
Blush Champagne Coupes – Monique Lhuillier
Colonnes Stemware – Anthropologie
DIY Pie Crust Place Markers – You Are My Fave
Gold Napkin Ring Set – West Elm
Gold-Dipped Flatware – Anthropologie
Nomades Table Linen – Anthropologie
DIY Reversible Tree Flatware Mat – Confetti Pop
Silver Manzanita Candelabra – West Elm
Verge Dinnerware – Crate and Barrel

THE FOOD
Apple Herb Stuffing – Smitten Kitchen
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Red Grapes – Nutrition Stripped
Cheddar Herb Baked Apples – JJ Begonia
Creamy Chive Potatoes – Annie’s Eats
Drunken Cranberry Sauce – The Speckled Palate
Hot Butter Bean Salad with Lemon – BBC Good Food
Kale Salad with Lemon, Almonds, and Pecorino – Heather Christo
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onion, Brie, and Sage – Recipe Girl
Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Parsley Dressing – Epicurious

THE DESSERTS
Caramel Apple Cake – Pinch of Yum
Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Ginger Cream – Dine & Dish
Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Dulce de Leche – Martha Stewart

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Homemade Sweet Treats, Savory Bites + Spirits

Every year I plan on making some sort of homemade goodies for friends and family who aren’t quite of full-on gift giving caliber, just a little something to say I appreciate you. And every year  December goes by way too quickly and my good intentions are dashed. As of now I still have a few weeks to make it happen this holiday and my fingers are crossed! I’ve narrowed it down to these sweet treats, savory bites, and spirits that can be packaged up all nice like and handed out.

 

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ROW 1: Candied Grapefruit Zest – Blogging Over Thyme // Chocolate Caramel Truffles – Donna Hay // Chocolate Truffles – Maldon Sea Salt Company    ROW 2: Cinnamon Pecan Brittle – Elana’s Pantry // Honey Chai Roasted Almonds – Joy the Baker // Hot Cocoa Popcorn – Shutterbean    ROW 3: Peanut Butter Fudge – Donna Hay // Peanut Butter Pretzel Candy – Martha Stewart Living    ROW 4: Pumpkin Spice Glazed Almonds – delicious by dre // Salted Maple Honeycomb Candy – Food52 // S’mores Mini Dippers – Kevin & Amandas Recipes    ROW 5: Spiced Chai Honey Roasted Cashews – Leaf Parade // Spiced Holiday Pralines – The New York Times // Torrone – Food52

 

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ROW 1: Apple Cider & Cheddar Soft Pretzels – Wallflower Girl // Black Tea Mini Crackers – Gourmet Persuasian // Cheddar and Asiago Poppyseed Crackers – PDXfoodlove    ROW 2: Chex Party Mix – raisin&fig // Crispy Parmesan Wasabi Soybeans – Brooklyn Farm Girl // Curry-Lime Roasted Peanuts – So hungry i could blog    ROW 3: Five Spice Maple Pumpkin Seeds – GI 365 // Fried Herbed Almonds – Cook Like a Champion    ROW 4: Herb Roasted Almonds – a house in the hills // Oven Dried Cranberry and Orange Peel Salt – The Chef’s Wife // Roasted Potato Chips – Mia Loves Pretty    ROW 5: Rosemary Garlic Popcorn – My Food Diary // Salt and Pepper Bagel Chips – plentytude // Salt Roasted Chestnuts – my blue&white kitchen

 

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ROW 1: Cranberry Vanilla Vodka – Baking Bites // Bloody Mary Gift Set – almost makes perfect // Ginger Citrus Infused Rum – Vegetarian Ventures    ROW 2: Ginger Beer – Beantown Baker // Cocktail Bitters – How Sweet It Is // Sweet and Sour Mix – She Knows    ROW 3: Irish Cream – Design*Sponge // Kahlua – Liv Life    ROW 4: Limoncello – Desserts With Benefits // Amaretto – cooking ala mel // Peppermint Schnapps – The Boys Club    ROW 5: Pomegranate Tequila – Family Spice // Spiced Rum – One Martini at a Time // Spiced Pear Vodka – One Martini at a Time

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