A Review for an embossed Rolling Pin (Beautiful!)

I've been so intrigued with embossed rolling pins for some time, so when I was offered one for a review, of course, I jumped at the opportunity. 

I even got to choose the design I wanted...which was more difficult

than I imagined it would be.  I wanted them all! I ended up choosing the 

"Floral" pattern...

(from embossed website) 

Thank you to Jessica at embossed rolling pin  for sharing with me! 

This info...direct from their website, will give you more details..

100% Solid Beech Wood

Our embossed rolling pins are very unique. Why, you ask? Well, all of our rolling pins are made from 100% pure high-grade solid beech wood. They are also 100% food-safe and free of BPA or any other toxic substances. This makes our decorative rolling pins unique, as others sell rolling pins that are cheaply manufactured with low-grade wood or with toxic glue or wood preservatives. We’ve worked hard to ensure that our rolling pins are made from the highest-quality beech wood, and we pay meticulous attention to every detail at each stage of production. As a result, these 3D rolling pins are heirloom-quality and will last a lifetime.

The lovely rolling pin has 'decorated' my kitchen counter ever since arriving! 

I tried two 'white' cookie dough recipes at first, but was more pleased

with the darker cookie dough that seemed to make the design pop. 

I was VERY encouraged by the 'tips' I found here at 

this beautiful farm life....

(Please be sure to check out her post...her cookies are adorable too!) 

Not only how to care for the rolling pin, but how to get the best results when using it.

My favorite hint was refrigerating the dough before baking.  

WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT??? 

I used this recipe for soft gingerbread cookies (with a rum butter glaze, if desired) from the lemon apron and they tasted great and looked beautiful.  Just be sure you roll them thin enough..otherwise, a thick cookie will be harder. 

These gorgeous rolling pins make wonderful gifts for Mother's Day, Birthdays, Christmas, or 'just because'. 

Use them for really 'fancy-ing up' your pie crusts or even fondant! 

Please go to the embossed Facebook page to get more details
and then get one for yourself and maybe one for a gift. 

Or check them out at Pinterest!!

And don't forget to tell them The Better Baker sent you! 

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Cacao Chocolate Tea Review

I was contacted by the Cacao Tea Co. to taste test their tea.

I love all kinds of teas and my hubby and I enjoy an evening cuppa tea a few nights a week.

What really intrigued me about this tea is its claim that it's CHOCOLATE flavored, and yet caffeine free! It has a sweetness of its own. This special tea is made from loose-leaf cacao husks which surround the cacao bean. 

I savor the wonderful smell of the cacao tea too. It is a loose leaf tea, so it helps to have a little infuser, or cheesecloth to wrap the loose tea in to steep. 

I don't want to forget to mention the fact this tasty tea is a mood and energy booster and a perfect healthy alternative to coffee. It is also high in antioxidants and is completely sugar-free, caffeine-free, gluten-free and dairy-free.

It also helps decrease blood pressure and improves brain function! 

Now you can really have your chocolate and drink it too!! 

WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE??? 

I love that I can drink it in the evenings, when I normally have to choose decaf tea. This tea relaxes me. 

Please be sure to go to the website link below and read details about these subjects...

THE TOP FIVE REASONS WHY DRINKING THIS TEA WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE..
(they are at the bottom of the page) 

1. No Guilt Chocolate Experience

2. Rich in Antioxidants and Flavanoids

3. Delicate Energy Boost

4. Lowers Blood Pressure

5.Mood Enhancing Properties

Sip! Sip! Horray! 

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Caramel Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (Ketose liquid all-natural Sweetener Product Review!)

I've been crazy over smoothies for years. 

And this time of year is perfect for using pumpkin to whip up something up in the blender!  This treat is great for breakfast, lunch or even a bedtime snack!

I was sent a bottle of this lovely Ketose liquid sweetener to create a recipe and this is where I 'landed'. 

This is a very tasty all-natural sweetener, but is somewhat sweeter than the honey we use in our evening tea. To me, it doesn't have an aftertaste at all and certainly sweetens things up nicely. 

From their label: KetoseSweet+ contains allulose - a rare natural sugar found in maple syrup, figs and raisins. It is a safe, low-calorie, low-glycemic sweetener...with just 5% of the calories of regular sugar...it doesn't affect blood sugar levels. 

It has NO Alcohol Sugars and is a Clean Sweetener.

And direct from their website: KetoseSweet+™ combines allulose, highly purified Reb A and monk fruit extract to deliver an all natural sweetening solution for a variety of applications. Superb browning makes it ideal for Bakery Applications. Superior flavor contributes low calorie sweetness to a variety of foods. Sweeter than sugar, KetoseSweet+ adds just .4 calories per gram.

I have to ask....WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE???  

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I used this to sweeten our butternut squash for dinner and it tasted wonderful! 
Just be cautious when using as it is pretty sweet....

I have not used Splenda in years.  I find it causes a lot of intestinal upset. And it isn't natural!  Normally I use xylitol for sweetener when baking, since hubby is diabetic, and I am borderline.  I have already fallen in love with this wonderful product!!!! 

I mixed up this 'healthy' smoothie, but as always, I love all the options you can have when whipping up smoothies in the blender. 

I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you could use 2% or even canned coconut milk if you prefer. 

I also used vanilla Greek yogurt, but if you find the seasonal Pumpkin Pie yogurt or even Caramel, go for it!  I'm sure those ingredients would only make the recipe 'pop'.  (And you could add less sweetener because they do have sugar in them). 

I used a half teaspoon of vanilla extract, and half a teaspoon of caramel extract.  You can certainly adjust those to your liking also...using all of one or the other. 

I love quick and easy...you can be sipping this one down within minutes of deciding to make it!  You sure can't go wrong with that.  Even sip it on your way to work or school if need be!

This makes one large, serving or 2 smaller ones.  It is very filling and I've enjoyed it a few times already since creating it.  Recipe can be easily cut in half or doubled if desired. 

You'll feel pampered as this is an indulgent treat! 

And if you're interested, go to this website...KetoSweet+...and ask for a free sample!  You'll be hooked in no time at all. 

CARAMEL PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE

2/3 c. milk 

(almond or coconut, your choice)

1/4 c. pumpkin puree

1/4 c. unsweetened (Greek)(or vanilla, caramel or pumpkin) yogurt

 1 banana, sliced and frozen

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. caramel extract

(or a full teaspoon of either kind) 

2 - 3 tsp. Ketose Sweet liquid, adjusting to taste

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie seasoning (or cinnamon if you prefer)

(click here for a recipe to make your own p.p.s.)

4 or 5 ice cubes

whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnishing

Combine milk, pumpkin, yogurt, banana, extract, sweetener, and pumpkin pie seasoning in blender.  Whir for about 30 seconds.  Add ice cubes and whir another 30 seconds.  (Add more liquid now if you prefer). Pour into a tall glass or divide into 2 servings.  Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with seasoning. 

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Healthy Lunch and Snack Ideas

While I am definitely trying to eat healthier, especially at lunchtime, I recently was a hostess at a Ladies Day event at our church.  Instead of having one larger lunch time, we opted to have several 'snack' times during the course of the day.  

And we had seasonal themes.  Because I was already planning to serve Strawberry Soup (with angel food cake croutons) , I got to host the 'Summertime' snacks. I didn't take photos because it

was such a hectic time, but we decorated with a Red, White & Blue theme (for Memorial Day & July 4th)...and since I already decorate my home in 

r, w & b...I had lots of decorations).

Anyway, we needed to furnish options for those who have special dietary needs, and I made these wonderful GLUTEN FREE NO BAKE CHEX BARS.  I adapted the recipe by substituting some  Skinny Pop Popcorn for some of the cereal and it turned out great.  I got several comments about how much they were enjoyed. (Recipe at link above) 

I also served quesadillas, using corn tortillas with provolone between 2 of them...warming them in the oven until the cheese was melted.  These would be great cold as well.  Perfect for Gluten free eaters. 

I like to keep cut veggies on hand for hubby and me, along with a great dip of some sort.  I'm not fond of cucumbers, but it's hard to stop eating this simple and delicious Cucumber Spread . It's great on top of cuke slices or crackers.



Lately, we've been enjoying these amazing Chobani Meze Dips. We really like the 'zip' of the Chili Lime but hope to try other flavors as well. 

Believe it or not, these awesome dips have 85% less fat and 65% fewer calories than the leading hummus.  HUH?  Believe it!

I'm all about crunch and the healthier options these days are endless.  But I do love both of these snacks (below)...great for dipping...or bag up some Skinny Popcorn in ziploc bags...maybe toss in some peanuts or candy corn to dress it up. 

I like wrapping a tortilla around a stick of string cheese, wrap it in a paper towel and microwave it for about 15 seconds for a warm snack along with some veggies, and some apple slices or grapes. It makes a great lunch for me. 

I'm not a big meat eater, but get a lot of my protein from cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs and Greek yogurt.  If you're packing lunches, for you or your kids, try freezing an individual sized yogurt, wrap in a paper towel to catch moisture, and by lunch time, it will be thawed and still cold to taste.  What a special treat! 

So this is a picture of a perfect lunch for me....

I do like a little Ranch dressing and salt & pepper with my eggs.

(Our 11 yr old grandson comes over a couple of times a week and he ALWAYS  eats hard boiled eggs - and cottage cheese.  Those are his favorite snacks at Nana & Papa's house! Impressive huh?  For an 11 yr old?  He's snacked like that for years.  

In fact, when we were getting ready to move a couple of years ago, he told us to be sure to bring the hard boiled eggs and cottage cheese with us!=) 

Apple juice and water are the only things he drinks too!

Adults could learn a lot from that boy!! 

I also like a little something sweet to end my meals...how about either of these wonderful treats, using a brownie mix? MMM! 

Mini Brownie Treats or Brownie Crackle Cookies

Hope this gives you some fresh ideas for lunches. 

Disclaimer: I was not paid or compensated by any of these product companies for this blog post. These are simply my opinions and preferences.

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Healthy Fall Snacks & #Chobani Meze Dips!

I was NOT compensated for this post. All thoughts/opinions are my own. 

Fall is falling quickly and that means and that means football and tail gating! I'm not big on football, probably because we didn't have it when I went to high school, and I've just never gotten into it. I loved watching my firstborn son play a year in high school, and his son played. That was always a 'kick' to see...My hubs watches it but he's not addicted to it.  

BUT...I am all about food...and fixing snacks. Probably the most eaten snack during football season is chips and dip.

And no matter what we're doing, I like to keep healthy snacks handy when we're ready to nibble. 

So when I saw these Chobani Meze Dips my interest was peeked because they are healthier than many other dips, made with Greek yogurt, real vegetables and all natural ingredients, I just had to try them.  Believe it or not, these awesome dips have 85% less fat and 65% fewer calories than the leading hummus.  HUH?  Believe it!

I choose the Chili Lime, but there's also Roasted Red Pepper, Three Pepper Salsa and Smoked Onion & Parmesan. (That last one sounds especially tempting to me, but they didn't have it at the store where I found the other, but I will keep looking!!) 

My hubby especially loved the Chili Lime because it had a little 'zip' to it...

totally delicious!  Even though I prefer milder foods, it was not to strong or hot for me either.  MMMM!

I needed to consider what to serve with this delicious dip, and decided on veggies right away.   Have you ever tried raw green beans for dipping?  (you can blanch them just a minute or two if you'd rather). They're wonderful.  I am all about crunch, so I love sugar peas as dippers also.  Carrot sticks, celery, zucchini and cucumber sticks are wonderful too.  

And instead of loading up on tortilla chips, I found these healthier options...they were SO tasty with this amazing dip.

Now run to the store and snatch up one or two of these special healthier dips for your next get together or game. Enjoy some healthy snacking this fall!

Have you tried Chobani Simply 100 Crunch??

Hello all from the Sunshine State!

Hubby and I are enjoying our time in a warmer climate...lots of sunshine...soaking in Vitamins D and SEA.  ;-}

I am currently taking a break from new recipes at my blog, but couldn't resist the opportunity to participate in a Chobani program after being approached by their nice people. 

The idea is to promote their awesome Chobani Simply 100 products and to share ideas about starting off the year saving calories, increasing exercise, or whatever you do. 

I do LOVE Chobani yogurt - and these new Simply 100 Crunch products are perfect for me.  I am all about crunch, so having the yogurt and the crunch all in one package is right up my alley. Made with only natural ingredients, 

Chobani Simply 100 Crunch offers a guilt-free way to enjoy creamy/crunchy (my fav texture combo) healthy snack that leaves you full and your waistline intact. 

Being out of the colder weather, I am definitely enjoying walking every day in the RV park where we stay.  I downloaded the "Simply Walking" app, that counts my steps, how long I walk, and calories burned.  It's great!

And since I already downloaded "My Fitness Pal" to count my caloric intake, and to add my exercise, I feel like I'm really on track in the new year. 

Here are some simple ideas to help you burn 100 calories!

ut 

Please please please click on this link to check out these awesome Chobani products so you can be looking for them on your grocery shelves to help you get started on the right foot to good health in the new year. 

Chobani Products

I love making smoothies with Greek yogurt for added protein.  Blend with a banana (I keep slices frozen ready to toss into a smoothie). Add some almond milk....peanut or almond butter, some fruit and blend away.  Always a great way to begin your day on the go. 

Thank you kindly to Chobani for inviting me to share more of their goodness!

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Review: Cocozia's Virgin Coconut Oil & 2 Sugar Scrub Recipes

This is a sponsored post by Epicurex LLC for this delicious

Cocoazia 100% Organic Coconut oil.  All opinions are

totally mine. 

Do you have a big jar of coconut oil and are wishing you knew how to use it for things other than cooking? 

Let me help you out...

I was thrilled to receive 2 jars of Cocozia's 100% Organic Virgin coconut oil

for review.  I feel so pampered & spoiled!! 

How I loved the lovely fragrance that comes from the jar just by opening it!

This oil is great for sauteeing, as it holds the heat and doesn't burn. You really don't taste a coconut flavor...it just tastes clean. 

It's also awesome used as a skin softener. I keep a little container next to my chair in the living room and massage the oil into my cuticles...you'll be surprised how it adds health and strength to your fingernails. 

I love it whirled in my morning coffee.  It can be used as a creamer

replacement...and is better for you! It has a wonderful & pure taste. 

I enjoy adding a teaspoon to my morning smoothie - it adds an energy boost!

I have also used it as the main oil in a chocolate chip cookie recipe and they were awesome. The pure coconut flavor came through and it was delicious. 

I have enjoyed using it to clean and shine my plants by putting some coconut oil on a soft cloth and rubbing the surface of your leaves with it. What a shine! 

From the Cocozia company's description: It has immune-boosting qualities: The antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties of coconut oil may be beneficial to the immune system, helping to ward of viruses and bacteria.

I have always been fond of the smell of coconut and lime together, so when I saw this simple recipe at Our Best Bites I had to try it, but revised it slightly.
(They also have an adorable printable label at this post, so be sure to check them out). 

I really love sugar scrubs.  Coconut oil is an amazing moisturizer and sugar is an awesome exfoliant.  And this Cocozia brand is the top of the line!!! 

I've made many Sugar Scrubs before (check out the links below this post)
so I had a little fun using part brown sugar to replace a little of the white.
AND...I squeezed some of the juice from the lime into the mixture too.

I definitely added the grated lime peel...not only is it pretty, but the natural oils in the citrus peel makes a great addition to this scrub. 

COCONUT LIME SUGAR SCRUB 

1/4 c. Cocoazia 100% organic coconut oil
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
(If you prefer your mix being all white, use 1 c. white sugar)
zest, finely grated (& juice, optional) of one lime
3 - 4  drops lime essential oils 
2 drops coconut extract 

Place oil, sugars, and lime zest in a bowl.  Stir to combine, and if desired, add additional coconut oil to reach desired consistency.  Add lime and/or coconut oils for a more potent fragrance. Place in jars; label.  Give as gifts, but be sure to keep one for yourself. Use before showering - rinse off scrub then massage in the oils.  SO good for you! Or keep by your kitchen sink - wet your hands, rub together, then rinse. The oils will make your hands feel so soft. 

GINGERBREAD SUGAR SCRUB 
1/2 c.  white sugar
1/2 c.  brown sugar
1/3 c. Cocozia 100% organic coconut oil
(I reduced amount of oil (in the recipe) a little after making the scrub...
you can always add more at the end if you want it to be thinner) 
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
(or just use 1 tsp. vanilla and no almond)
1/2 tsp. ginger
1-1/2 tsp. Pampered Chef Cinnamon Blend

(It contains cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground orange

peel, cloves and ginger)

(Or you can use these spices that = 1-1/2 tsp.)

1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

2 drops cloves essential oil, optional

1/2 pint jar 

In a medium sized bowl combine sugars and coconut oil.  Whip until it blends together nicely.  Add spices and extracts; blend until smooth. Place mixture in jar.  If giving as a gift, tie a bow around the jar or lid. 

Here's some adorable free labels you can print from Cincy Shopper....
such a special touch!  I revised the above recipe I saw there. 

*Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of providing a product review.  I promise I will only provide my honest review on this blog.  This post includes my amazon affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase, but when you do through one of my links, I will make a small percentage on the sale. Thank you for supporting my site.

Simple Coconut or Coffee Sugar Scrubs

Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Chocolate (Coconut) Body Scrub

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Product Review: Island-Ware Half Sheet Jelly Roll Pan

I was so excited to be sent a lovely Half Sheet Pan by Island Warein exchange for a review. It is very high quality, excellent for baking and far surpasses other sheet pans I've used over the years. It's heavier and thicker, so it won't ever warp. And one of my favorite things about this lovely pan - it's made in the USA!!

(prepared pan prior to baking sheet cake)

I am a grandma to 8, food blogger, newspaper columnist and author of 2 cookbooks, so I have done plenty of baking in my lifetime. 

The first thing I baked was a sheet cake.  It baked perfectly even and I was impressed with the results. I've had other pans that warp while baking, but this pan is too strong for that. I also baked cookies and they turned out great. 

Be aware that the pan holds heat longer and therefore, baking requires a shorter time, by a few minutes. The pan also cleans up very nicely.

I like that it has no seams, which tend to collect water...and rust. 

I also appreciate the oversized ends that are like handles, which makes it easier to move to and from the oven. 

The only negative thing I can think to say about this pan, 1" in depth, is that I wish it was just a little deeper. Otherwise, it's perfect for me and will be used often and I know it will last for my lifetime too. Makes for a great serving tray also. 

*Disclosure:  I received this pan for the purpose of providing a product review.  I promise I will only provide my honest review on this blog.  This post includes my amazon affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase, but when you do through one of my links, I will make a small percentage on the sale. Thank you for supporting my site.

To order your own pan, click the image below:

 

Review for Chocolate Coconut Water & Chocolate Coconut Chia Smoothie

This is a sponsored post by Epicurex LLC for this delicious

Cocoazia Chocolate Coconut water.  All opinions are

totally mine. 

Again, I was thrilled to be contacted to try Cocoazia's CHOCOLATE Coconut water!  I had never even SEEN such a product. I mean...CHOCOLATE??

I rushed into the house, tore open the box and opened a container and drank up (or down?)  It tastes much like chocolate milk, with a mild coconut flavor, and is thinner than milk of course. 

And of course, I do prefer it cold...once I let it chill.  *-* 

I've shared it with others and they are impressed as well. 

It's a healthy 'chocolate milk' drink. I've read reviews when children preferred this Cocoazia Chocolate Coconut water to their regular routine of chocolate milk!  So this is super great for kids who have a dairy allergy...

It's awesome for after workouts too as it has electrolytes and vitamins.

From their website:

•Contains a natural abundance of potassium and magnesium, as well as other electrolytes.

•USDA Organic Certified, Natural Chocolate Coconut Water.

•NON GMO Pending, Gluten Free, Vegan Chocolate Coconut Water.

•Kosher Chocolate Coconut Water, No Dairy.

Since I'm a real smoothie lover, I decided to first try a healthy smoothie...

The only thing 'hard' about this smoothie is you want to think ahead so the chia seeds can soak a few minutes before you're ready to blend...

This is so good...and so good for you!

Enjoy!! 

Read my review here for 100% Organic Coconut Water....(non-chocolate)

CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHIA SMOOTHIE 

1 - 16.9 ozs. Cocozia Chocolate Coconut Water

1 Tb. chia seeds 

1 sliced frozen ripe banana 

(I keep slices in the freezer ready for recipes like this)

1/2 c. ice

2 Tb. peanut butter 

(cashew or almond butter would be great too)

1 Tb. flax seed meal

1 - 2 Tb. honey 

Add chocolate coconut water and chia seeds to blender; allow to rest for 5 - 10 minutes. 

Add remaining ingredients and blend, about 45 seconds or so.  Add more ice or frozen bananas to suit your thickness desires. 

Yield: 2 servings 

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Review for Cocoazia Coconut Water & Tropical Yogurt Popsicles (no sugar added)

This is a sponsored post for EPICUREX Cocozia Coconut Water. All opinions

are my own. 

I was VERY excited when I was contacted by Epicurex LLC asking if I would be willing to try their 100% Organic Coconut Water...

WHAT?  Well, YES, of course I would! 

I hadn't ever tried coconut water before, but in just reading the reviews of this wonderful product, I couldn't wait to try it!!!

There were comments that said it was like drinking from a coconut with a straw! Even those from countries where coconuts are raised!  A few others said they were very apprehensive as they hadn't ever tasted a good coconut water, but said this was the REAL DEAL!! 

I'D SAY THAT'S PRETTY AWESOME, HUH? 

About Cocozia Coconut Water at Amazon : This product contains a natural abundance of potassium and magnesium, as well as other electrolytes.  It is USDA Certified Organic, Kosher, it contains no GMOs  and preservatives. COCOZIA is fat and cholesterol free. And the product itself is 72% pure juice! An 8 ozs. serving is only 40 calories! 

I REALLY liked this light drink.  It's smooth and has a very light coconut flavor. 

And I love that it has electrolytes and is full of potassium too. 

It's delicious and I drank it often, knowing it was good for me made it even more desirable.  I believe this is a new 'habit' that is a healthy choice!

The containers are easy to drink from...add a straw...carry with you on the go. 

Summer will be here soon, and we'll all be looking for something to cool us down.  Why not have something healthy to grab? So I decided to make frozen popsicles with this product and was very pleased with the results. 

I used fresh mango and pineapple....you could use all of either one, and canned would work as well.  I just don't think anything can compare to fresh though. 

TROPICAL YOGURT POPSICLES 

(no sugar added)

1/2 c. fresh mango, diced

1/2 c. fresh pineapple, diced

(Or use 1 c. of one of those) 

juice from 1 orange (or lime)

1 C. plain Greek yogurt

1 frozen banana, sliced

(I keep frozen pieces in the freezer just for these kinds of things)

1 c. coconut water (may add a little more)

1 tsp. rum or coconut extract, optional

3 Tb. honey

Add ingredients in order to blender.  Blend until smooth. (I let it run about 45 seconds).   Taste to see if you want it sweeter before pouring into popsicle molds. Freeze overnight before removing to enjoy. 

Add what you'd like if you'd prefer making a smoothie...coconut flakes, oatmeal, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds..add ice if you want it thicker. It's fun to experiment cause it's all good! 

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