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Stitch Fix, Revisited

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MyΒ braid rivals ultimate braid queen Amber FillerupΒ #braidpride

Coffee Milkshakes? Yes please!

I listened to the Lively Show podcast when Jess chatted with Jessica Turner, blogger + author of The Fringe Hours, and I’d say it’s worth a listen. I found myself nodding my head in agreement with a lot of what Jessica was talking about. I also loved the one with Gretchen Rubin on habits! I’m an Obliger for sure.

I’ve made Pioneer Womans cinnamon rollsΒ three times now and FINALLY remembered to half the recipe before I started. They turned out great, as always.

David went though a strong spatula loving stage, and apparently he’s not the only one! Thanks for sharing this article with me–I laughed all the way through it!

In case you need a perfect eyeshadow combo, try Urban Decay Frisk with Mac’s Quarry. Just trust me on this one.

Almay’s smart shade butter lipstick in pink light is a fantastic pop of color without screaming you are wearing lipstick. The formula is smooth and hydrating, and it wears nicely too. I hate when cheap lipstick becomes lip liner as the day goes, but this fades evenly.

Have you heard of this thing called Whole30? WHY OF COURSE YOU HAVE because it’s everywhere. Actually it’s kind of old news at this point, but that’s about how “up to date” I am on trends. Anyway, I’m thinking about doing it because I have a really great relationship with carbs and it’s time for us to break up. I’m guessing that I’ll last about 4.3 days, but we’ll see.

Happy weekend! I’m heading to the Create & Cultivate conference with my sis! Are you going to be there? Come say hi!

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Christen says · 08.14.15

I’m the most sugar-addicted person (check out my blog), but I got through the Whole 30 and really loved it! (love the braid by the way!)

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Erica Savannah says · 08.14.15

I did WHole30 in July. I had a baby in October and I never felt better. My skin looked amazing and I had so much energy. First few days were really rough but then it was much easier. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and whole30recipes on IG. Pinterest has great recipes too. I was amazed how well we ate too. I have to say it was a lot easier since my husband did it too.

I’ll definitely do it again.

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Sabrina Alexandra says · 08.14.15

I did the Whole30 just over a year ago and it was hard, but I felt so fantastic. 30 days will change your life and relationship with food. I really should do it again now that I am supposed to be gluten AND dairy free.

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Hannah says · 08.14.15

I would really encourage you to try Whole 30. I did a couple of rounds of it last fall, and was thinking to myself this morning on my way to work that I should do another one. I can honestly say that I felt the best I have ever felt after completing one. Good luck to you!

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Leanne says · 08.14.15

As a carb + sugar lover, I was very disdainful of a friend who did the Whole30 last summer. Fast-forward a year and my pants were no longer fitting, so I decided to take the plunge and join her when she did another one. I was pleasantly surprised! The first week was tough but after that I sort of got into a groove and found it really wasn’t that bad. There are lots of delicious meals you can make and I ended up losing 8 lbs. Planning is totally key and it helps to have a buddy too if possible. Good luck!

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Briana Smith says · 08.14.15

I just finished my third Whole30. Not gonna lie, the first week or so SUCKS but I feel like I’m finally getting a hold of my food choices! πŸ™‚

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deborah hudgens says · 08.14.15

Forget that Whole 30 thing πŸ˜‰ but that braid tho!
#weneedatutorial

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Holly says · 08.15.15

Hair tutorial on the braid please!!!

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Maria Peters says · 08.14.15

Our family did a Whole 30 last March and really liked the results. I would definitely suggest picking up the book, It Starts With Food, which details the plan, because it’s much more motivational to know WHY you are doing it so that you can keep coming back to those reasons when you want to give up. There is also a similar program called the 21 Day Sugar Detox that you might want to look into. I plan to do that this Fall after baby boy arrives.

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alisia says · 08.14.15

What would you say your base color is for your hair? I always end up choosing something too dark, love yours!

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Erin says · 08.14.15

Hi Kate, I have another eye combo that I’ve been loving lately — have you checked out Maybelline’s Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadowyet? (What a long name for a product!) I am loving Tough as Taupe with some of Urban Decay Frisk on top.

Enjoy the conference,
Erin

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Sue says · 08.14.15

I am currently on day 14 of my 3rd whole30! It is hard but the benefits are so worth it! Make sure you read the book It Starts With Food before you start and also their newest book, the Whole30 guide. It completely changed my life. Who knew it wasn’t normal to feel bad after eating!! I have found Instagram is the best place for support. Whole30recipes is a good starting point!! Keep us updated!!!!!

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KJ says · 08.14.15

Whole30 is a life changer. If you keep things simple you’ll be great. Try not to be overwhelmed by all of the recipes. I stick to the same breakfast and lunch and mix up my dinners.

And that braid? Holy smokes.

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Alyse says · 08.14.15

I’m on day 14 on my first WHOLE30 and I’m loving it! Clothes fit better, I feel better and I will definitely do it again! Read the book and let us know when you do it! You’ll have lots of support!!! ❀️

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Kaitlin says · 08.14.15

Today is my last day of the Whole30…you can do it!

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Darla says · 08.14.15

AHHH! I just found your blog this week and I think I’m in love with both you and it πŸ˜‰ I really have needed some inspiration on clothes, makeup and hair to put a little pep in my step and shake me out of my mom-routine of yoga pants, messy bun and no makeup. I feel (And look) so much better after trying a few of your hair and makeup tutorials. In a world where it feels like I am constantly giving, giving, giving, I at least look and feel more like myself while I’m doing it.

I was hell-bent on losing the baby weight this time around by doing low carb. The first month I lost 20 pounds . . . the next 9 months I didn’t lose anything but was stubborn about it. I was so afraid of eating carbs that I just kept at it and kept at it. FINALLY I conceded that it wasn’t working and I’d better try something else. Now I’m doing carb-cycling and my metabolism is working so much better. I’ve lost almost 15 pounds in the last month and only have about 10 more to go! I just mention it in case you have the same experience trying to go low carb. It looks like we have similar body types. Anyway, I’ve done some tweaking and experimenting and came up with my own cycle. I found that I can go 3, maybe 4 days low carb and then MAMA NEEDS SOME CARBS SO EVERYONE IS HAPPY. So I will do, let’s say, Monday-Tuesday low carb. Wednesday I check in with my body. If I need carbs, I do higher carbs but limit sweets to fruit and no junk food (I might have and english muffin, a tortilla, rice or potatoes, etc) Thursday, Friday, low carb. Saturday is a guilt-free day. Ice cream for dessert, nutella, whatever. I don’t binge but I don’t feel guilty either.

The thing that really works for me in this is that I have a second floating high carb day that I can bust out for emergencies, or events that come up. I just *try* not to have two back-to-back high carb days.

Anyway, you didn’t ask for my advice but maybe this will save you time and frustration. It’s also totally possible that your body with thrive on extended low carb!

Thanks so much for all of your great styling tips!

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Mary Kate says · 08.14.15

I’m impressed there’s no way I could do the Whole 30 challenge! More power to you! Also, your braids look amazing!

Mary Kate

http://www.mynewchicagolife.com

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Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says · 08.14.15

I love Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls! I found a small batch version online and it’s perfect for my little family of 2 and a baby.

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Lindsay J. says · 08.14.15

I am starting Whole 30 September 1st. I will be at the beach next week and ain’t nobody got time for that on vacation. I made it 2 weeks last time, but my daughter is 6 months old and it is time for me to get back on the healthy train.

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Chelsey says · 08.14.15

I tried to do the whole30 but I felt like the drastic change was too much. I decided to still eat oats and avoid refined sugars but occasionally use a little pure maple syrup in my oatmeal. The first week I ended up napping when my kids napped a lot which helped me come off of all the sugar.
My skin is completely clear and I have so much more energy. I also switched from bikini body mommy to BBG workouts which I really love. The BBG community on Instagram is amazing. It’s such a mix of people but everybody is so nice and supportive.

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Jess Lively says · 08.14.15

Thank you so much for sharing these episodes of The Lively Show, Hun!! It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed them so much. : )

Love,
Jess!

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Kaileigh says · 08.14.15

I thought about doing the whole 30 when I was trying to get pregnant as I read that it could help….and I just didn’t feel like I would be able to do it! I like the idea of it but I just love food so much! Luckily I eventually got pregnant while only giving up caffeine, which was hard enough….

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Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says · 08.14.15

Happy weekend girly! I hope you have a great time at the conference!

Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com

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Liz says · 08.14.15

So to echo what everyone else has said, I am really enjoying the Whole30, I’m on day 21. It actually hasn’t been as difficult as I thought, I mostly am just getting tired of all the preparation involved. Dining out is also particularly difficult but PTL Chipotle is approved (only carnitas, but still…). I highly encourage you to look into it! I chose to do the Whole30 to just see how my body reacts to eating only unprocessed food and to try to drop a little weight before my vacation- you aren’t supposed to weigh yourself until the end of the program, but I can tell I’ve probably dropped close to 8-10lbs- and I considered myself a pretty healthy eater before this!

Also, I adore you and your blog; yours is the first I read with my cup of tea each morning! Thank you for all you do!

Xx
Liz

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Jennifer says · 08.14.15

I am trying to get up the nerve to start Whole 30. I also hear it is hard but so worth it. And I so need it, I love carbs. #alot Here’s to kicking carbs in the butt, and feeling oh so good about ourselves! πŸ™‚

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Kari Anne says · 08.14.15

My husband and I did this in January. For the sake of our marriage we won’t be doing it again lol. He got SO whiny by the end he drove me NUTS. He kept saying “this doesn’t make me want sugar less! I just want sugar more because I miss it!” And “I can’t eat anything I just want string cheese” lol needless to say he lost weight but oh my goodness.

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Jennifer says · 08.14.15

My husband and I did the Whole30 this summer. I lasted 4.3 days too! (Ok, I think it was more like a week.) I caved. I couldn’t handle it anymore. The emotional eating got the best of me. However, my husband completed the entire thing and he lost 27 pounds! Good luck! I am sure you will be stronger than me!

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Jennifer says · 08.14.15

Hi, Kate. I would love a quick tutorial or picture/diagram of how you apply and blend the frisk and quarry. For those of us who are not ‘natuals’ with applying makeuo, we can use all of the instruction we can get πŸ™‚

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Lynn says · 08.14.15

YES, PLEASE!!!!

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Heather says · 08.17.15

Ditto to this request!!!

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Catherine R. says · 08.20.15

Yes! Please do this even if it just a quick description!

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Tricia R says · 08.14.15

I, too, have done the Whole 30 in the past. It’s not terrible and I’d consider doing it again but I don’t think it’s a game changer either. I lost 8 pounds, all of which came back once it was over even though I don’t eat that terribly to begin with. It takes a TON of prep time, like you’ll be making your own mayo and ketchup because it’s impossible to find any that’s compliant. Also, eating out isn’t impossible but it’s very hard and not much fun. If you do it, I found the Well Fed cookbooks to be the absolute best ones out there.

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Molly says · 08.14.15

I did Whole 30 during lent and it was amazing. I lost so much weight, slept better, spent less money (less eating out and no expensive cocktails…). My skin improved and my mom said I was a much happier person to be around πŸ™‚ As someone who kills for bread, or pasta, or pizza, or sugar..it was a challenge, but so worth it. My only advice is to really prepare. Grocery shopping ahead of time, meal prepping/planning, stocking up on tupperware and freezer bags to make meals ahead were all essential.

Let us know when you start — would love to do it again with you and it helps to have a support system, even if it is virtual!

Cheering you on!

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Amber says · 08.14.15

I’ve thinking of trying Whole30 for a long time, like years….trying to convince myself to break up with sugar and carbs takes a long time! Maybe we should all try together? You could do a group on your blog!

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Nicole says · 08.14.15

I saw the article you linked about the little boy who carried his spatula everywhere and I immediately thought, “Patchy!” πŸ™‚

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Melanie says · 08.14.15

I mostly lurk and rarely comment. But have to jump in on the WHOLE30 bit. Do it. And really DO it. It’s amazing. I’ve done four of them and get great results every time. Really the energy, quality of sleep, and metal peace is worth the preparation, lack of eating out, and learning new habits. Also from a business standpoint, do it on your blog and you’ll have a ton of people doing with you and supporting you and each other. It can be fun too! (But yes, prepare, prepare, prepare!) Echo also the Well Fed cookbook recommendation. Even if you don’t do a Whole30 those meals are GOOD.

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Jennifer S says · 08.15.15

Ditto on the suggestion to share your whole 30 journey on your blog. When I did it the first time, I joined a FB group of ladies that were doing it about the same time…it is always helpful to get suggestions, tios, etc from others who are doing it at the same time.

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M&MFASHIONBITES says · 08.14.15

Cute photo πŸ™‚
BLOG M&M FASHION BITES : http://mmfashionbites.blogspot.gr/
Maria V.

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Angela D says · 08.14.15

I want to do whole 30 with you!

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megan says · 08.14.15

Please share your Whole30 recipes and meals! I always run out of ideas!

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Melanie says · 08.14.15

Both of my whole 30s lasted about 5 days. Bless it, I am too weak! I will have to go listen to that podcast!

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Lisa says · 08.14.15

I want to do it with you too! I have the books, just need to prepare and I’m good to go. Let me know when you want to get started! πŸ™‚

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Alicia says · 08.14.15

I was just thinking I need to do something too! I’m going to look into the whole 30, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. You’ll have to keep us posted on if you do it and how it goes for you!

I had my 3rd baby in February, and the last ten pounds are being really stubborn this time. I’m still breastfeeding and have wondered if that has something to do with it, despite the fact that I never had that problem before. But it couldn’t hurt to clean up my diet, because…yeah. I love me some carbs.

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Vanessa says · 08.16.15

The weight came off easily for me after the first two, but after #3 it was rough. I breastfed him until he was 15 months and weaned himself. I’ve never done Whole 30, but MyFitnessPal was a life saver for me. I went into it hoping to lose 20 lbs as my ultimate goal, and I ended up losing 35 and am healthier than I thought possible. Good luck!

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Andrea Worley says · 08.14.15

I’ve done 2 rounds of Whole30, and it’s been so great! You should for sure read the book before starting it’s helpful in so many ways.

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Martie says · 08.14.15

My sister, Jimmie has done Whole 30 twice, and always feels better afterwards. It really seems to help curb cravings for a long time. I’m not that determined! Ha!
Love the braid! It’s so pretty, and too cute with your glasses!

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amy says · 08.14.15

hey kate,
whole30 is a life changer. i didn’t get through the 30 days, i ended up doing whole17 :). but honestly, i never felt better. i am starting over this coming monday. i am taking this weekend to get prepared food-wise. it take discipline and time to prep and plan. my suggestion is to keep it simple; eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch and mix up dinner. you’ll definitely want to get the book IT STARTS WITH FOOD. It gives you the ‘whys’ of why you cannot eat XY&Z. the whole30 website is good too {you can print the whole30 food compliant list}. You can sign up for daily emails that help inspire you along the way. their new book, whole30, is a good one to get as well. gives more great info and recipes. both books have been invaluable to me.

it isn’t easy, b/c if you are addicted to sugar {i’m raising my hand really high} the first couple of weeks are insanely difficult. just be glad you don’t work around adults who are constantly bringing in junk to eat. i digress!

i would highly recommend you give it the ol’ college try but definitely take time to read, buy, and plan before you actually start changing the way you eat. because if you don’t have the food in your fridge, it’s so very easy to reach for the bagel and cream cheese.

good luck,
amy

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Hannah says · 08.14.15

I couldn’t agree more about whole 30. I have done a couple of rounds and can say that I have never felt better than ehen I am adhering to the guidelines. I’m starting another round on Monday as well. Good luck to you!

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Morgan A. says · 08.14.15

Oh wow I just looked at the cinnamon roll recipe. That makes A LOT of rolls haha! Even splitting that in half it would make a lot! I have been trying to find a good one for Christmas morning, and so far I end up crying every time haha. They never turn out! I think this looks like a good one to try, as long as I can half it correctly! Happy weekend!!

x. Morgan

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Jessi Malay says · 08.14.15

Adorable and your hair is gorgoeus!

XO, Jessi
mywhiteT.com

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Elisha says · 08.14.15

Have you heard of Trim Healthy Mama? Much more do-able and long lasting than Whole 30! AND you get to eat your carbs! … Well, the healthy ones πŸ™‚ I’ve lost my baby weight with the help of the plan. Anyway, it’s a book (there’s also a Facebook page). Amazon sells it… I highly recommend it!

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tiffany says · 08.15.15

I did the whole 30 and loved it. Success is all in preparation. Meal prepping made a world of difference for me. I am due in 3 1/2 weeks and plan to do another round after my little guy gets here.

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Whitney @ Come Home For Comfort says · 08.15.15

I’m sure Whole 30 would do me a world of good. I’ll start as soon as I finish my Toaster Strudel and coffee with chocolate/caramel creamer. LOL. πŸ™‚ Good for you! I hope it’s a success!

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MargarEt says · 08.15.15

did the whole30 and if you can make it past the first week it’s downhill from there. Next toughest part is the last 5 days. It is a wonderful thing!

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Rachel says · 08.15.15

I am on page 85!! Just got this from my boyfrand (Target) on Friday. Everything is pointing to “DO THIS”! My husband and I will be starting Sept 1. Currently we are moving so no better way to start a new house than with “Tiger Blood”.

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Kate says · 08.16.15

wait. Are you calling Target your boyfrand because if you are you are the funniest person I know

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Lindsay says · 08.15.15

Yes! I am in my 2nd whole30! It has been life changing. I was an active and generally healthy person before, but it has been a wonderful experience. I can’t even tell you how many family members and friends have done it now since I have because of the results I have had and how much I rave about it. Good luck, I believe in you!

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AmberD says · 08.16.15

Fellow obliger here. I read Rubin’s new book- Better than Before and its a nice look at our habits and how we keep them. So umm.. about that whole 30, I’ll do it if you do it… Now to convince my husband to do a 5k with me so I don’t quit.

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Andrea says · 08.17.15

If you’re thinking about cutting carbs, I REALLY recommend reading this book. It really helps you to understand why it works. In my opinion people are more likely to stick to a diet when they understand it, rather than just basing it off of what people tell them. I’ve lost over 20 pounds in 6 months this way!

Why We Get Fat, and What to do About it: Gary Taubes

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Bonnie says · 08.23.15

Hi Kate!! Love your blog. What kind of braid is this?? I LOVE it and want to learn how to do it!!

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Sheri Beall says · 05.07.17

What were the name of the cultivate devotional journals you mentioned?

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Kate says · 05.08.17

Write the Word Journal

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