Tag: Planning

I was coasting through life

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Before Christmas, I suffered with about 5 colds in 3 months and had reached rock bottom – I was trying to learn a new role in a big organisation whilst juggling the responsbilities of parenting. I think I must have slept through September and October because they are a blur in my memory. I was coasting.

I knew that I needed to change some things and some of these things needed to be drastic in order for it to feel like I’m actually a human being who can cope!

  • I started taking vitamins – the WellWoman multivitamins, one table a day, to try and boost my immune system and improve my energy levels.
  • I upted my water game, drinking at least 1 litre a day
  • I dramatically changed my eating habits – a cold turkey routine of no snacks (other than fruit or veg) and reduced my caffeine intake.

However, I knew that eating and drinking properly wouldn’t solve the juggling and trying to be in 2 places at the same time.

Something had to give.

An honest conversation with my employer reassured me that there were no expectations around working hours and truly I was putting the pressure on myself, so I started to say no more.

  • If I had a day working from home in the diary, I stuck to it and joined meetings remotely.
  • I ensured I left promptly even if it meant leaving a meeting early to make sure I wasn’t rushing in rush hour to get back to Little PB.

No-one blinked at any of this – it was all considered to be the means to an end when you are a working parent.

But most importantly, I asked for help. I realised that I am not invincible and there are family and friends who want to help, particularly if you are struggling.

In addition to all of this, I realised that what I was missing was time for myself and given I didn’t want to sacrifice time with Little PB either side of work, I needed to create that time either before Little PB wakes up or after he has gone to bed.

I did both.

Mr PB gets up around 5.30am to get ready for work. So I got up at the same time too.

  • Whilst he makes coffee and eats breakfast, I wash my face. I find washing my face as soon as I wake up, helps me stay awake. It also gives me a surge of energy and gives me proper time to enjoy the process too.
  • I make myself a tea and whilst its brewing, I’ll do some stretches, perhaps do some hinching and feed the cats (I like my tea strong so I leave it to brew for a good few minutes)
  • Whilst Mr PB is in the shower, I climb back into bed and read – I will read from Simple Abundance, a page a day book, and a chapter of my Mindfulness in a Frantic World book.
  • Once Mr PB leaves for work around 6am, I jump in the shower and have at least 40 minutes to make the bed and get myself ready for work before Little PB wakes up.
  • I don’t look at my phone until 7am at the earliest and deleting the Instagram app during the week has certainly minimised the draw for mindless scrolling

But in order to have an effective morning routine, my evening routine is where it starts.

  • I will head to bed around 9.30pm.
  • In addition to the usual skincare routine, I will get my clothes ready for the next day and pack my bag.
  • I will also write my to-do list for the following day , reviewing my meetings and the top 3 things I want to achieve. This helps me sleep better, knowing what I have ahead of me – I appreciate that some people prefer not to know!
  • I’ve also created a evening routine station on my dressing table – eye cream, moisturiser for my feet, hands and face, cuticle oil, sleep oil, lip balm & sleep spray.

Climbing into bed around 9.45pm, I read a chapter of my book and drift off. Unless Lilttle PB stirs in the night, I will comfortably sleep through until 5.30am.

By giving myself this time both in the morning and evening has transformed my energy levels and focus during the day as well as my overall mood.

I hope this helps to inspire some of you who perhaps feel somethings needs to change

We are all here for each other

x PB x

 

 

January Favourites

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Thank you to all those who voted on my Insta Story last week – the chosen blog topic was January Favourites (not sure if the title gave it away!)

Wellbeing:

Affirmation Cards – those who follow me on Instagram will have seen that I started dabbling in Affirmations in January. I was very selective on the cards I purchased – it took me a good long while as I’m not particularly spiritual and I’m not religious so I wanted a set of cards that would match with my values along with a bit of humour. And these cards do just that! I purchased the Work version because, lets face, we spend more time at work than we do at home and working full time as well as being a Mummy, you sometimes need that extra push of  motivation and positivity

Reading – Apart from a brief pause whilst I was poorly at the end of January, I’ve been loving reading at the moment. I find its the best way to wind down at the end of the day, and even though I’m guaranteed to fall asleep mid sentence, I certainly find I’m more refreshed the next morning from having that de-stress. You will have seen my earlier blog post on my 2019 Book List – I keep adding to this and will share my purchases on Instagram
Hazlenut porridge – I never thought that porridge would appear in my favourites! I normally hate the stuff BUT I’ve found a brilliant combination which makes me want to eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Here’s my recipe:

1 cup jumbo oats

1/2 cup hazelnut milk (Innocent do the best I think!)

1/2 cup full fat milk

Leave the oats to soak for about 30-45 mins – I will usually put them in a bowl when making my tea first thing and then by the time its breakfast, they have really plumped up.

For those with time in the morning, I would suggest a gentle simmer on the hob but I usually microwave for 1 minute intervals being sure they don’t go too thick.

Add a bit of honey or brown sugar (or golden syrup) and your good to go! The hazelnut milk makes it taste like you have chocolate spread in your porridge!!

(Excuse the empty bottle pic but that shows just how much I love it!!)


Beauty

I have cleaned my face every day with Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean twice a day and I can honestly see a difference in my skin texture and pores. It leaves such a squeaky clean feeling and a little goes a long way


I’m not usually an eyeshadow fan, partly due to time and partly due to no talent! It normally goes everywhere. But, I was intrigued by the burgundy reds I’d seen across social media and thought I’d give it a go. I found the perfect palette for me – Barry M, Fall In Love 2. I didn’t purchase for the brand but the range of colours. I literally sweep across the crease of my lid and the pigment gives enough colour without being dramatic. I purchased mine from Boots.


I love when I do a show and I get to wear false eyelashes! I’ve finally found a masacara that recreates the look without the faff of eyelash glue! Benefits Bad Gal Bang….


A well-timed business trip for Mr PB meant I was treated to some duty free. Having had a sample of Twilly D’Hermes in my John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar, I fell in love. I’m usually only a fan of Jo Malone but this fragrance is so unique and the bottle is adorable with its little Hermes scarf!


Clothing

Having watched Styled By Susie on Instagram for a while, I’ve picked up a lot of her tips on the importance of basics in a wardrobe. My shopping routine for clothes is always a bit ad-hoc and I will generally buy something and then a few weeks later fall out of love with it. So, I’ve gone back to basics and purchased some well fitted basic jumpers from good old M&S and its really helped me to pair with my more colourful scarves as well as my long-forgotten jackets and accessories. I highly recommend you follow her and even download her brilliant PDF’s for guidance.

Home

This may sound bizarre, but I’ve been loving my cleaning routine this month. I’ve finally nailed The Organised Mum Method (TOMM) and am now in a rhythm of 30 minutes cleaning a day leaving the weekends free to play! I’ve adapted the routines to suit me and my work commitments but I’m thoroughly enjoying what I’ve achieved and Little PB even helps too!

x PB x

Why I love my early mornings

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It’s 5.56am and I’m up, writing this blog post. Some of you will be shouting at the screen saying why, why, WHY?! Well, I’m about to tell you.

Since becoming a mummy, I have become increasingly grateful for the time I have to myself. Please be reassured that I would of course prefer to spend time with Little PB over and above anything else, but working full time and being mum means stuff needs to get done.

With the sun rising and the birds entertaining my with their dawn chorus, I potter in the silence of the house, preparing for the day.

I tried the Miracle Morning method in its entirety for a bit – that didn’t work for me. And I think its because I took it too literally. The principle behind Miracle Morning is to set you right for the day by giving yourself time to reset your mind, focus, do some exercise and rehydrate.

So, my morning is a deconstructed version of this and here is my routine:

  • Sunrise alarm set for 5.50am. Little PB usually wakes by 7am so I know I have around an hour to get s!@* done.
  • 5.50am – Get up! (I do have to push myself to get up straight away but it’s improving!)
  • 5.55am – A big glass of water and a lemon tea (basically 2 slices of lemon in warm water)
  • 6am – Feed Pineapple & Button Co. whilst the kettle is boiling
  • 6am – 6.30am – Spend 30 mins either planning my day, painting my nails, writing blog posts, or having a pamper session in the shower. I also pack my bag for the day (although I do try to do this before I go to bed in the evening)
  • 6.30am – 7am – Get myself ready (with a cup of builders tea!) because trying to do a decent attempt at hair and make up with a toddler to entertain is never going to work

By the time Little PB stirs, I can give him my full attention until we go to nursery and I feel ready for the day.

I have had experiences where I haven’t achieved the above and I can honestly share that I feel discombobulated that whole day as a result.

So, if you want to feel more productive, positive, motivate and in control of your world, set that alarm for an hour earlier…..and then share how it goes! Good luck!

x PB x

Crafty Catch-Up – July 2017

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After stepping out of my comfort zone for the first Crafty Catch Up in February 2017, it was  a given that I was going to rugby tackle anyone I needed to for a ticket for the July 2017 catch up.

Taking a beautifully scenic journey through the Kent countryside, I arrived in Lydd and entered a room full of smiles and happiness. Rachel and Emily (the organisers) had done a fantastic job in setting up stalls and tables for the attendees.

I had the pleasure of being on Table 1 with a brilliant bunch of planner girls – Charlotte, Lynsey, Joey, Anna & Stephanie. Balloons, gold foiling, bunting, the most adorable cake & sweet stand and a safe place to plan, craft & create….what could be better?

It was so wonderful to be able to browse some planner shops – when the whole of the Planner world is online, its great to be able to see products in real life…..although this did mean that there were some indulgent purchases.

A new addition to the day was a set of craft classes which added a great dynamic. We had a TN insert class and TN pocket folder class by CraftyAliCat, hand lettering by SoJoey and a memory keeping book class by BitsOfStationery. It was also wonderful to just sit with my fellow planner girls and plan our week and have a giggle (there were plenty of those).

The goody bags were handed out by Rachel and the room was filled by ooohs and aahs of excitement, apart from me, who in my unique style, chose to wait until 2 days later…..the contents are incredible – I loved everything!

The raffle was disappointing…..but only because I didn’t win the Love From Poppy TN and it was very clear that the winner (LauraLizzy) was very VERY excited about it!! I did win something even with my impeccable timing for sharing my frustration that my name had yet to be called out.

What I have come to realise is that planner friends do truly make the best type of friends – their acceptance of your enjoyment in anything creative is so heartwarming and they have an ability to make you smile by the smallest of gestures.

The day came to an end all too quickly but that was certainly made easier with the announcement for the next catch up at the end of the year.

So, I’ll be seeing you all on 2nd December…..hopefully…..

Check out my Instagram for all the pics – @pineapplebuttonco

x PB x

I’m off to Camp Reset

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When Cori Spieker, The Reset Girl, first shared the plan to hold a Camp Reset, I was instantly disappointed that I couldn’t join in as it was obviously a meet up on the West coast of the US. I was very much mistaken and when I learnt that it was actually an online challenge, my heart started racing that little bit faster.

In Cori’s own words, “…My intention is to encourage and inspire you to take those baby steps in resetting your life. During July, we will focus on:

Self-Care Planning: Making self-care a HABIT in your life.

Healthy Sips & Snacks: Making what you choose to put into your body a more mindful and self-caring practice. Get

Moving: Making intentional movement a part of our day as a way to show our bodies the love.

Creativity Reset: Making creativity a way we express and care for ourselves daily.”

(https://www.theresetgirl.com/camp-reset/)

I signed up, not really knowing what I was committing to, and received a lovely welcome kit email with the most adorable set of printables to prepare for the start of Camp Reset on 1st July.

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I watched Cori’s YouTube video about prepping for the trip about 3 times and felt ready to grasp this challenge with both hands! I committed to scavenger hunting around my home for all my Camp Essentials and printed, cut and laminated all the beautiful Camp accessories. I even made a start in setting up my Self-Care Planner.

I felt ready and focused for the Week 1 challenge…..

1st July around 10pm……I had recieved the week 1 challenge email and with excitement started to print it all off…..but it just didn’t look as bright and engaging as all the other set ups I had seen in the Facebook group. The pictures wouldn’t print properly and I became disheartened. I was on the verge of giving up. I hadn’t really started so what was I going to loose.

With a UK Camp Reset Facebook page set up to support those across the water, I checked in and shared my disappointment and frustration and, like so many people I’ve met in the planner world, someone offered to send me some bits so I could make a start on my planner.

It was this act of kindness that made me realise something…..Camp Reset isn’t just a challenge for July but is a retreat to help us  find a way to be a better version of ourselves. Giving us the tools and resources to recognise and remember those special parts of our day, not forgetting that those closest to us are the most important aspect of anything we do. It didn’t matter that I wouldn’t achieve a badge if I didn’t complete the planner on time – what mattered was the steps I was taking to reflect on who I am and who I want to be.

With a new level of positivity and determination, I got to work……I made some commitments to myself and my family and it’s with the support of those I see every day, as well as the online community I’m proud to be a part of, that I know we will strive to be our best.

That being said, I do love my new planner set up and will share my creative process in a blog soon.

x PB x

 

Why I love multiple planners!

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When I first entered the world of planning, I found it hard to understand how it was possible to use more than 1 planner at a time. How could it be that you invest in a beautiful leather ring bound planner and then justify the need to add to that collection? Why would you not worship every part of that planner and that planner alone?

Oh, how naive this slightly younger version of myself was….almost 3 years on into my love (and mild addiction) into all things Planner related, I use 4 planners on a daily basis! Yep, F O U R. And I use them all with equal determination and purpose.

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So, let’s start with my Kate Spade ballerina pink zipped personal size. A purchase from the US, this beauty is where I store lists, lists and more lists….what books I want to read, ideas for Christmas and birthday presents (for myself obviously!), holiday planning, packing lists, shopping lists and anything else that I think should be or look like a list. With decorative pockets and a couple of creative dashboards made by moi, it’s what makes me smile every day.

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Next is my bubblegum pink Kikki K in A5. A pre loved purchase but in perfect condition. This was the first planner setup I saw on YouTube whilst watching Paper & Glam and I loved it ever since. I use this predominantly as a notebook for work so it has minimal decoration on the pockets and no fancy dividers or dashboard. I keep a Prima Planner pencil case and wipe clean notes page at the front, perfect for on the go. I also use the My Pretty Week tuck tabs to section off the different parts of the planner – so useful and adaptable! By using a planner as a notebook, it also means I can transfer into other planners should the desire take me.

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A planner collection would not be complete without an Erin Condren. I will do a full review on the new planner soon but I essentially use this as my everyday to do list and reminders. It also gives me an excuse to use pretty stickers!!

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Finally, my bargain of the year…Ban.do floral planner which I use to plan my blogs. This has minimal decoration as I don’t use it every day but I pimp it up by creating fun notes pages using my selection of post it notes.

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I think I have finally found Planner Peace. How long it lasts, I’m not sure. Particularly as I am eyeing up a Foxy Fix TN currently…..

How many planners do you use everyday? What planner item can’t you live without?

Back in business…

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I’m pretty certain that I speak for most new mummies out there that planning every small detail in the anticipation of your little bundles appearance to this world is fun and exciting!

It’s fun and exciting to put your focus into deciding whether to have a hospital bag AND a labour bag……what colour to paint the nursery……what the new arrivals first outfit will be…..who will look after the dog when the waters break……

And the key to why it’s fun and exciting is because we have oodles of time and (for the most part until we are doing an impression of a weeble) we have the energy.

1 year later….

I can honestly say that along with not knowing a love like I have for our little human, I have never known tiredness and a lack of energy like I have had over this past year. The learning curve is intense, the sleepless nights feel relentless (even though there really weren’t that bad!) and no amount of coffee could put that sparkle back in my eye. But, I’ve loved every minute. Well, almost…..

Parts of what made me ME became hidden in this last year….which made me feel resentful…. which I then regretted for feeling that way! Vicious bloody circle!

But after a very relaxing holiday and an opportunity to reflect, I’ve decided that this  can change.

Being able to balance a full time job and being a mummy means that it’s equally important to invest time to myself and my old life and the main area I want to focus on is right here. You’re reading it.

Pineapple & Button Co is back in business. I’ll be writing more blogs, I’ll be creative with P&B Co products and will share photos of beautiful places and even more beautiful planners.

However, I can’t ignore that my new accessory is now a changing bag, so I will be writing a series on Baby Travels sharing our experiences of holidays and day trips and how they can be baby and family friendly, even if at first they don’t seem it!

As a mummy attempting to be creative and stylish, I hope you enjoy what’s to come as much as I’ll enjoy writing it!

Better late than never….

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As you will all know by now, I am an avid fan of The Planner Society Kits. My regular monthly happy mail and it has yet to disappoint.

When the February kit landed on my doorstop, I knew exactly how I intended to use it but I had to be patient…..I shall explain!

I have decided that I am a 1-planner-at-a-time girl. I’ve tried multiple planners but I just forget to use the other one or I end up getting confused in an over-organised sort of way.

I have been using my large ice-blue perforated Kikki-K as an every day planner – work and home to-do lists, appointment tracking and general notes.

However, having just stopped work to have my first baby (!!), I knew I wouldn’t need the space of a large Kikki-K for my every day use. I therefore purchased the medium ice-blue perforated in the Kikki-K sale to use for the next 9-12 months.

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So…that’s the background, now onto the creative part!

I managed to hunt down a set of personal sized Kate Spade inserts from a seller in the UK. If any of you get the opportunity to purchase a set, I highly recommend it – the paper quality is fantastic and I love the addition of the polka dots!

The blue and blush pink of the papers and accessories were made for this planner! Creating 3 dividers for Calendar, To-Do and Notes using the We R Memory Keepers Tab maker, I added some of the gorgeous ephemera from the kit to decorate the dividers. Putting through my laminator ensures that they last.

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The inside pockets were a challenge as I’m used to the size in my large Kikki-K. However, the size of pockets is perfect for sticker storage of the PS Kit stickers – great for on-the-go! The addition of a couple of the page flag sheets and some more ephemera and bows converted into paperclips adds some definition to the pockets.

I am a huge lover of my Polaroid Zip printer that Father Christmas bought me – it’s super handy, super cute and adds a personal flair to my planner. So, I dedicated a space in the front section to my favourite photo.

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I also created a simple page marker and laminated card to hold the adorable note pad – both of these are removable so I can transfer from week to week easily.

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I am so happy with the final result and pleased that my patience paid off……

Hope this inspires!

x PB x

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The Planner Society – January

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I have been receiving The Planner Society Box for the past three months, and each month has not disappointed.

I thought I would share an unboxing/review of the contents for all of you who are still a little unsure.

It costs $37 a month which includes shipping to the UK. So, based on the current exchange rate, it would work out to be £25 a month. I have also been fortunate to avoid custom charges every month so, in total, I honestly believe the contents outweighs the cost.

Each box is carefully designed and pulled together to ensure you can use every last item in all your planning creations.

Carefully opening the brown paper bag, you are greeted with a desirable collection of planning goodies that anyone #plannergirl would swoon at.

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The double sided paper is always a favourite part of the box – the creator, Christy Tomlinson, beautifully creates these by hand and it is that touch of the unique which makes this box feel special. I only wish the paper cam in double quantities so you don’t have to choose just one design!

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With complimenting washi tape, you have a great base to embellish your planner without much hard work!

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The box always contains a mixture of die cuts, embellishments, stickers and planning stamps which continue the theme of the paper. This month, the mustard yellow, pink, blue and grey are just magic and certainly add a warmth to these dull winter days.

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A selection of planning stickers are adorable and versatile. I particularly love the floral additions but this month…..typewriters……need I say more!

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The addition of 4 journal cards and small notepad, again unique to Planner Society girls always add a flourish to any planner pocket.

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Some added extras this month is this gorgeous journaling notebook which is a great size for any fauxdori and a beautiful gem pen which would complete any Planner Society planner!20160202_101351961_iOSI highly recommend that anyone looking to embrace their creative planning side invests in subscribing to this box – it is truly the only planner box I need on a monthly basis to enhance my planner addiction!

You can subscribe following the link below:

http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/2015/03/new-planner-society-kit-sign-up-debut.html

x PB x

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Plan with me! #beforethetodolists

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After sharing my set up in my ice blue Kikki-K Condren, I was asked by many of you how I plan on a weekly basis.

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So, here is a plan with me for this week.

I certainly love the ability to be creative with my planner, however, my inability to make decisions easily means that once I have found a method of decorating that I like, I stick with it for a while until my creative flair inspires me otherwise.

On a Sunday evening, I sit with my We R Memory Keepers storage bag, The Planner Society kit, The Reset Girl stickers and a bunch of other goodies and decorate for the coming week.

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I only actively use this planner Monday-Friday for my work and home to do lists. So, the first step I take is to cover up Saturday and Sunday with some gorgeous paper. I am in love with the notepad from The Planner Society December kit and with a little bit of washi and some stickers, it makes perfect use of the weekend columns I don’t need. This notepaper is ideal for jotting down ideas for blogs, shopping list or general to-do’s. Adding a gumball sticker from The Reset Girl with some inspirational stickers completes this half of the week. If I fancy, I may had a Erin Condren box sticker depending on how busy the week is.

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Moving back to the first half of the week, I repeat a similar process with the craft paper, adding a piece to the lined column and embellishing with The Planner Society to-do pad and stickers. Who doesn’t adore the girls in The Planner Society kit from December?!

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With a choice sticker for the thankful thought, that is pretty much it for the week as every blank inch is full by Friday 5pm!

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Finally, using these “too cute to handle” cards and wooden embellishments from The Planner Society Kit, I created an extra large page marker. It adds to the decoration as well as being practical!

I’ll probably change up my decorating routine in February – use the hashtag #beforethetodolists on Instagram to shower me with inspiration! I love looking at all your planner layouts and decorating.

x PB x

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