Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Friday, December 23, 2011
Review: Palm Beach Green Sterling Anabella Curtains
REVIEW:
When I received the package in the mail, I was surprised at how heavy the curtains were. Being thick and made of 100% Egyptian cotton, these curtains are not the thin wispy curtains you would buy at a cheap chain-store. I knew the curtains would be 96" but I did not fully grasp how huge that was. Since my son is 7 months old and grabs EVERYTHING, at this time we need to keep the curtains out of reach so he does not pull on them and rip the curtain rod from the wall and hurt himself, so the length was a little bit of an issue but if you have a sewing machine - you can easily tack them up or you can just raise the curtain rod a little. If your child is a few years old or more, length will not be as much of an issue. Being a beautiful white, it is highly beneficial that these curtains are 100% washable and do not require dry cleaning. The curtains have a nice thickness to help keep some light out of the room during nap time. The valance is not available for purchase online which is a shame since it would have been a nice touch to the curtains.
Available for purchase at $65 at BabyBeddingZone, these curtains are definitely worth their value. Regular retail value is $650 so $65 is a steal! BabyBeddingZone has other adorable curtains as well. Check them out here!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Review: Qwik Shower Big Wet Wipes
I was given the opportunity to review a small sample pack of Qwik Shower Big Wet Wipes. When I received the package in the mail, I was surprised at how large they were! The 10x12 wipes are larger than paper towel sheets...and pretty thick too! They come premoistened so you don't even have to search for a sink or water bottle.
With a 6 month old in the house, we always have something to clean. I used the wipes to clean off his bumbo seat, high chair, his ABC mat on the floor, and they worked great. These wipes will be great to keep in the diaper bag or my purse. If I don't need a full one - I can just tear it and use part of one and save the rest for later. The wipes are also safe to wipe yourself down after working out in the yard or even exercising.
The wipes are available for purchase and right now you can get them shipped for free.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Review: Boot Stroot
When I first heard of the Boot Stroot, my first thoughts were that it was just another cheesy product like a lot of the "As seen on tv" items. Lately I've been realizing there's a lot of genius behind products like this; they are so simple yet so helpful!!! After trying the Boot Stroot, I decided it is a MUST-HAVE this winter!
The Boot Stroot holds your pants in place so your jeans never ride up your leg! Stand, sit, dance or run; the Boot Stroot ensures that your pants stay where they belong! They are available in brown, blue or black.
I received a set of brown Boot Stroots to try and review. I did not have a pair of boots to try them with but what girl doesn't like an excuse to go shoe shopping? ;) The Boot Stroots are small so they fit in my purse while I headed to a shoe store to go boot shopping!
I found a pair of boots in my size that I liked and got my Boot Stroots out. Within seconds, I had them wrapped around my pant legs right above my ankles, holding the pant leg down and tight to my legs. When I tried on a pair of boots, I realized the genius behind the Boot Stroots. I don't have the figure to wear "skinny jeans" at this time so my jeans would have otherwise bunched up and looked ridiculous with boots over them. With the Boot Stroots, I actually felt comfortable wearing boots with my jeans and my jeans stayed down as I walked around! When you are done with them, they are as easily removable as they were to put on!
I would definitely pay $8.99 for a set of Boot Stroots instead of buying all new jeans. They work wonders and are so simple! I tried on a few more pairs of boots before I found a pair I wanted to buy and the Boot Stroot stayed in place the whole time.
Visit the Boot Stroot website to order your own pair of Boot Stroots for this winter!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
The Boot Stroot holds your pants in place so your jeans never ride up your leg! Stand, sit, dance or run; the Boot Stroot ensures that your pants stay where they belong! They are available in brown, blue or black.
I received a set of brown Boot Stroots to try and review. I did not have a pair of boots to try them with but what girl doesn't like an excuse to go shoe shopping? ;) The Boot Stroots are small so they fit in my purse while I headed to a shoe store to go boot shopping!
I found a pair of boots in my size that I liked and got my Boot Stroots out. Within seconds, I had them wrapped around my pant legs right above my ankles, holding the pant leg down and tight to my legs. When I tried on a pair of boots, I realized the genius behind the Boot Stroots. I don't have the figure to wear "skinny jeans" at this time so my jeans would have otherwise bunched up and looked ridiculous with boots over them. With the Boot Stroots, I actually felt comfortable wearing boots with my jeans and my jeans stayed down as I walked around! When you are done with them, they are as easily removable as they were to put on!
I would definitely pay $8.99 for a set of Boot Stroots instead of buying all new jeans. They work wonders and are so simple! I tried on a few more pairs of boots before I found a pair I wanted to buy and the Boot Stroot stayed in place the whole time.
Visit the Boot Stroot website to order your own pair of Boot Stroots for this winter!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Review: Smiley Cookies
I was given the opportunity to review 12 delicious Smiley Cookies....and do believe me - there is nothing left of them! :)
The Smiley Cookies are free of trans fats, they are kosher, and they are made in a nut-free facility. Remaining fresh for a minimum of a week in a closed container, these cookies make a great gift for any occasion. On the Smiley Cookie website, you can find a variety of cookie styles - flowers, colorful smileys, heart shaped cookies, 12-inch cookies, and more.
I was given the opportunity to try the Holiday cookies - a mix of 6 gingerbread and 6 sugar cookies. They arrived in a cute smiley box that I will definitely be keeping to reuse as a gift box or keepsake box.
When I opened the plastic container to try the cookies, I was surprised at how soft they were! I have never much cared for the flavor of gingerbread but as I tried one of the gingerbread Smiley Cookies, I was surprised! It had a light gingerbread flavor - enough to get a good taste but not overbearing like some cookies I had tried before. When I bit into a sugar cookie, I was instantly in love. The cookies had smooth texture and were not messy to eat.
If you are interested in purchasing the same holiday cookie package as I reviewed, visit the Smiley Cookie website. Be sure to 'like' the Smiley Cookie Facebook page to get a 20% off coupon!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Review: Prefense Hand Sanitizer
As a new mother, I am always looking for ways to eliminate chemicals while also eliminating germs. When I found out I was going to be reviewing a sample of Prefense hand sanitizer, needless to say, I was pretty excited! Prefense hand sanitizer is a silica based hand sanitizer. The ingredients list is pretty short, which is always a good sign. The main ingredient is Amosilq (silica) and the inactive ingredients are water, cocamidopropyl
betaine, essential oil fragrance and citric acid. Pretty simple, right?
As a mom who is constantly washing my hands when I am around my 5 month old, I tend to get dry hands. Every time you wash with soap and warm water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer, you are pulling
essential oils from your skin. The Prefense hand sanitizer has NO alcohol and has natural oils, preventing the dry hands you otherwise would get.
Each spray lasts “all day” according to the Prefense website and my sample size 1.5 oz bottle contains 120 applications. Prefense estimates that this will only cost you $0.08 per day to protect yourself against germs such as staph, strep, E.coli and MRSA.
When sampling my Prefense hand sanitizer, I was surprised that there wasn’t a strong smell like so many other hand sanitizers have. On the contrary, I could hardly smell it! There is a light “citrus breeze” scent but it was not overbearing and will not scare my son away when he is older and starts using hand sanitizer. The hand sanitizer was very easy to apply - it comes out as a foam instead of a glob like others I have used in the past. The foam spreads easily when you rub your hands together, giving an even spread of sanitizer on your hands.
I will definitely be keeping this in my purse to keep with me especially throughout winter with all of the flu germs floating around!
Want to find out more or purchase your own Prefense hand sanitizer? Visit their website or Amazon shop where you can purchase individual wipes or hand sanitizer or even combo packs! Be sure to visit Prefense on Facebook and Twitter for new product alerts and information.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com
Friday, November 11, 2011
Review & Giveaway: Prefense Hand Sanitizer
Review:
As a new mother, I am always looking for ways to eliminate chemicals while also eliminating germs. When I found out I was going to be reviewing a sample of Prefense hand sanitizer, needless to say, I was pretty excited!
Prefense hand sanitizer is a silica based hand sanitizer. The ingredients list is pretty short, which is always a good sign. The main ingredient is Amosilq (silica) and the inactive ingredients are water, cocamidopropyl
betaine, essential oil fragrance and citric acid. Pretty simple, right?
As a mom who is constantly washing my hands when I am around my 5 month old, I tend to get dry hands. Every time you wash with soap and warm water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer, you are pulling
essential oils from your skin. The Prefense hand sanitizer has NO alcohol and has natural oils, preventing the dry hands you otherwise would get.
Each spray lasts “all day” according to the Prefense website and my sample size 1.5 oz bottle contains 120 applications. Prefense estimates that this will only cost you $0.08 per day to protect yourself against germs such as staph, strep, E.coli and MRSA.
When sampling my Prefense hand sanitizer, I was surprised that there wasn’t a strong smell like so many other hand sanitizers have. On the contrary, I could hardly smell it! There is a light “citrus breeze” scent but it was not overbearing and will not scare my son away when he is older and starts using hand sanitizer. The hand sanitizer was very easy to apply - it comes out as a foam instead of a glob like others I have used in the past. The foam spreads easily when you rub your hands together, giving an even spread of sanitizer on your hands.
I will definitely be keeping this in my purse to keep with me especially throughout winter with all of the flu germs floating around!
Want to find out more or purchase your own Prefense hand sanitizer? Visit their website or Amazon shop where you can purchase individual wipes or hand sanitizer or even combo packs! Be sure to visit Prefense on Facebook and Twitter for new product alerts and information.
Win It!
Win your own full size 8oz (640 sprays) Prefense hand sanitizer by entering in the Rafflecopter widget below. Giveaway will be open from November 11, 2011 to November 18, 2011. The product will be sent to the winner from Prefense.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Review: The Slice Safety Cutter
The Slice Safety Cutter is a small versatile cutter with a tiny ceramic blade near the tip. I was sent one to review, so naturally, as a coupon clipper, I tested the Safety Cutter by cutting coupons with it. The Slice Safety Cutter sells for $5.99 on the Slice Product website.
The Safety Cutter specifications as listed on the Slice website:- -Ceramic blade lasts longer than steel
- Stays sharp and never rusts
- Built-in magnet and key-ring hole
- Rubberized non-slip finish
- Finger-Friendly™ Design
- For left- and right-handers
Personal Review:
The Safety Cutter is small and very easy to store whether in a coupon binder, your pocket or stuck to the fridge with the internal magnet. The Safety Cutter is the size of just one handle of the scissors I usually keep in my coupon binder.
At a glance, I almost could not find the blade. The ceramic blade is so tiny and barely sticks out of the plastic. With an infant in the house, this is great. I can shove the blade against my finger and it does not poke through. However, if I hold it down and slide it across my skin, it will probably slice my skin but not very deep (I’m not testing that though!)
The specifications list that the cutter has a rubberized non-slip finish. It does feel slightly rubberized but not as much as some things that I have used. When cutting coupons, I did not experience any slipping.
After cutting a few coupons, I noticed that no matter whether it was on computer paper or it was magazine paper or newspaper, there was a jagged edge where the Safety Cutter cut. To cut tape or plastic to open a package, this cutter would be great, but it is not my choice for coupon clipping.
One of the specifications is that it is useable for left or right handers. Being left handed, I know that most scissors and cutters do fit that description so that does not strike me as impressive.
I will be continuing to use my scissors exclusively for coupon clipping, but this cutter will still be useful around the house and easily storable by sticking it to the fridge with its magnetization.
Visit the Slice Products website to view this product and others.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Review: Bio Crystals Cleaning Products
I happened to have done some housekeeping and did not have many dirty areas to test the strength of the All Purpose Cleaner, so I decided to make a little mess of my own. I sprayed oils onto the counters, poured wet salt on top, and drizzled sticky caramel topping across the surface. After letting the mess set in for a while, I tried wiping the mess up with only a paper towel. Most of it came up, but the counter was left oily and sticky, with the occasional stuck-on salt chunk. I sprayed a bit of the Bio+Green All Purpose Cleaner on half of it and the big-brand cleaner I typically use at home on the other half, then wiped the counter clean. I repeated the process on some baby formula that had stuck itself to the counter for dear life.The All Purpose Cleaner got the oil and sticky residue off equally as well as the big-brand (and non-natural) cleaner I used next to it. The major differences were that the Bio+Green product did not have the strong "cleaner" smell, instead smelling just slightly of spearmint. Also, as with castile soaps, the counter dried faster after use and no film was left behind at all. It was also able to get the baby formula powder off almost instantly.
The cleaner also works well with all surfaces - I used it on wood, stainless steel, vinyl, porcelain and a window, all of which look great. The natural ingredients in the cleaner did not damage any of it, and worked better than the big-brand on the stainless steel toaster, on which the big-brand left a rainbow-like effect and residue while the Bio+Green left none. The only area in which the big-brand outperformed was burnt-on residue on the stovetop, and even the big-brand had to sit on the mess for half an hour before it would come up.
The Fruit and Vegetable wash was used on my newly purchased apples, strawberries and, for fun, a watermelon. I don't have a fruit and veggie wash at home, so no comparison could be made. However, I found the wash to leave no smell or taste on the apples or strawberries, leaving them clean looking without the waxy coating that was on them from the grocer. The watermelon took a bit of work, but came out shiny and green enough that nobody would pass it up in the store.
The good: The Bio+Green products left no residue and performed just as well as big-brands which contain potentially hazardous chemicals. The Bio+Green cleaners are all-natural and even the sachets dissolve and leave no waste or mess. A company could stockpile these to save space and never have to worry about running out of cleaners. With a 3 month old baby in the house who is starting to pull anything and everything into his mouth, a good, non-toxic cleaner that actually WORKS seems a blessing, and I intend to get more of the cleaner for use on his toys and everything else he chews on (thankfully the dogs don't chew, just the baby!).
The bad:
The sachet takes a while to dissolve (15 minutes while I shook it), and while the sachets take up little space, you are limited by the number of spray bottles you have on hand. I have only one bottle, so in order to prepare and use the Fruit and Vegetable Wash I had to pour the All Purpose Cleaner into another container and make the wash. The All Purpose didn't handle burnt and stuck on messes very well, but then again it isn't an oven cleaner, is it?
Verdict:
Overall I would definitely recommend the Bio+Green products to anyone who wants a natural solution to cleaning. It performs as well as the big-brands but is all-natural and non-toxic. I'm not worried about using products on my dogs' level - they leave things alone. But anyone with a baby will know that starting very early they are curious and a strong urge to chew and lick anything they can get their mouth on. With Bio+Green I won't have to worry about spending more time RINSING his toys than I do cleaning them, just to get the chemicals off.
For more information or to purchase Bio+Green products, visit the Bio Green Crystals website.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Survey Websites: My experience
I have recently began experimenting with various survey websites. During one month, I received $25, a free CoverGirl mascara, and more points that I have not yet redeemed. Keep in mind, I did not spend excessive time on these surveys. I merely was experimenting with the different websites in my spare time to see which ones seemed legitimate.
Once you get the hang of it, the demographic and starter questions on the surveys are quick and you can speed right through them. Be careful though - if you go too quick, they may think you aren't putting thought into the answers and disqualify your survey so you do not earn points.
Update, August 31 2011: I wrote this in June and I have not completed any surveys in the meantime since I have had a newborn to devote time to while running my blog. I am getting back into the surveys and am excited to start getting the checks and free products in the mail again!
Toluna
60,000 points - $20 check (minimum payout)
My earnings for the month: 75,000 points
I started taking surveys at the beginning of May and by the end of May, I earned enough points to cash in for a $20 check. Many surveys are 1,800-3000 points and state that they should take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. I requested my check at the beginning of June and received it in about 2 weeks or less.
MySurvey
1100 points - $10 gift card of your choice or other reward
My earnings for the month: 325 points, CoverGirl Mascara to review
Surveys that I participated in vary from 5-150 points. I did not really take too many of the surveys on this website, however this is where I was randomly sent a CoverGirl mascara for being part of the 20-25 year old female demographic. A week after being sent the mascara, I was emailed that there was a survey on their website to complete. The survey took less than 5 minutes to complete. My survey has many different rewards you can cash your points out for. You can request $10 gift cards or paypal cash for 1100 points. The other awards seem to be similar in value for the amount of points required.
Synovate
5000 points - $5 check (minimum payout)
My earnings for the month: 5450 points
Again, much like MySurvey, I did not spend much time on surveys here. I completed a few here and there but did not qualify for many. Synovate is reputed as a good survey company and I have heard great things about them. Just for registering, I earned 500 points, but then I completed surveys for approximately 250 points each. I requested my check just a few days, so I have not yet received it. It should come within a couple of weeks.
Opinion Outpost
50 points - $5 Amazon, or 200 points - $20 check
My earnings for the month: 50 points
Another survey site that I did not spend much time on and have only completed a few surveys. I completed a total of 4 surveys, probably taking me 15 minutes each. So I guess that means I made $5 in an hour which is less than most states' minimum wage. But I did those while I was pregnant and could not do a whole lot else to make money, so I will not complain! I am waiting until I have enough points to get a check so I do not know how long a check will take to be mailed. It says 4-8 weeks, however that is the same as Toluna said, and I received that check in less than 2 weeks after requesting it. Opinion Outpost is also well reputable among survey takers that I have met.
Overall I am happy with each of these survey sites. At this point, I cannot pick a favorite. I hope to receive more products to review in the future, but money is great! Toluna seems to send me the most surveys but it all depends on your demographic and interests.
Some I have not tried yet but have heard great things about:
Global Test Market
Inbox Dollars
Valued Opinions
Vindale Research
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Review: Playtex Ventaire Bottles
Playtex Ventaire Bottles
Features as listed on the Playtex Baby website
Personal Review
Photo courtesy of Playtex Baby
In no way was this review sponsored by Playtex Baby
- Features breakthrough micro-channel vent technology that vents air at the back of the bottle versus through the nipple, which prevents air from mixing with milk and provides a virtually bubble-free feeding.
- Unique angled design with micro-channel vents helps prevent ear infections because it promotes semi-upright feeding to minimize fluid build-up in the middle ear.
- Advanced venting system design to help liquid flow consistently
- BPA-free and Phthalate-free
- Slender design makes it easy for baby to hold
- Available in 6oz and 9oz
 |
| very content with his Playtex Ventaire bottle! |
I began using the Playtex bottles alongside the Phillips Avent Natural Feeding Bottle. When using the Avent brand, my little boy seemed to have problems with gas. He was having a harder time burping. Once I switched over to Playtex Ventaire exclusively, he did not have as much gas. The bottles help him to not swallow as much air because of their design.
The bottles are easy to clean. They come apart into 6 pieces: the lid, nipple, retainer ring, bottle, silicone vent, and the bottom vent. That sounds like a lot of pieces for one bottle but I find it easier to make sure the entire inside of the bottle is cleaned and sanitized because it comes apart, even at the bottom.
I am very happy with these bottles. They are great for my baby and I would definitely recommend them. The price is definitely reasonable considering you are saving your baby a great deal of pain and saving yourself the trouble of a colicky baby. Playtex offers a variety of colors and sizes.
I am very happy with these bottles. They are great for my baby and I would definitely recommend them. The price is definitely reasonable considering you are saving your baby a great deal of pain and saving yourself the trouble of a colicky baby. Playtex offers a variety of colors and sizes.
Photo courtesy of Playtex Baby
In no way was this review sponsored by Playtex Baby
Review: Safety 1st S1 Satellite Premier Playard
S1 by Safety 1st Satellite Premier Playard – Pegasus
Babies R Us - $159.99
Babies R Us - $159.99
• My Neat Storage features 3 roomy shelves and an easy-access hamper for laundry or toy. Hamper is removable and washable
• Starry Night Mobile with rotating plush toys, twinkling lights and a nightlight, and classical and sing-to-me songs
• Elevated changing table keep baby easily within arm's reach during changing
• Innovative, visible SecureTech™ lock lets you know play yard is in the properly locked position
• Comfortable bassinet for baby’s nap time with easy snap-on bars and breathable mesh
• Stop or Go wheels: Lift to Go or push down to Stop
Personal Review:
The Satellite Premier Playard took less than 10 minutes to put up! Since I had a big pregnant belly at the time, my husband put it together and had no problems at all. After we completely set it up, we folded it up and followed the directions on how to put it into the travel bag. It is a little heavy to carry in the bag as it does not have wheels like some of the other brands, but it fit well and was nice and compact.
After having the playard put together, I realized how easily the bassinet snaps in and out, making the playard perfect for either a newborn baby or a toddler. The bassinet was sturdy and easily held my 25lb dog even when he was trying to walk from one side to the other and had it shaking around. Another feature I liked was that it seemed to have some cushion. Some of the others I compared to at the store were hard as a rock and I wanted something more comfortable for my baby.
The storage is not enough for all of my supplies but enough to keep a few things out and right there at hand when using the changing table. The changing table is very sturdy, held by small metal poles that also help to hold the storage in place. My little boy is now 1 month old and seems to almost take up the whole length of the changing table, so I do not know how easy it will be to use once he is even bigger.
Overall, the price was reasonable, the playard is easy to put together and take down, is sturdy and has some great extra features that many other playards do not have.
Photo Courtesy of Safety 1st
In no way was this review sponsored by Safety 1st
Photo Courtesy of Safety 1st
In no way was this review sponsored by Safety 1st
Review: Safety 1st S1 Aerolite Travel System
S1 by Safety 1st AeroLite Premier Travel System Stroller- Pegasus
Personal Review:
Photo courtesy of Safety 1st
In no way was this review sponsored by Safety 1st
Stroller
• Multi-position canopy with airflow mesh panels
• Ultra-compact, 1-hand fold and stand
• Child snack tray with cup holder
• Multi-position recline
• 5 point harness
• Slide Guard® protection
• Easy-access basket
• Parent tray with 2 cup holders and fabric covered storage compartment
Infant Car Seat
• Air Protect® side impact technology which reduces side impact forces through the precise release of air.
• Base belt lock easily secures your vehicle seat belt during installation
• Carry Curve™ Handle features ergonomic design
• Customizable insert and low harness slots make the seat ideal for preemies and adjustable for growing babies
• Extended use from a tiny 4 to a full 35 pounds
Includes 17% more leg room than most infant car seats
Specifications:
Infant Car Seat accommodates child from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height.
Stroller accommodates child up to 50 pounds.
Assembled Size: 41.5” H x 25.25” W x 38”
Personal Review:
My little boy was born May 24 so we will definitely be getting a lot of use out of our stroller. We loved the features and as a first time mom, I wanted a travel system that was affordable yet protective for my little boy!
The car seat is cushioned even enough for my newborn. It snaps into the car just as easily as it snaps into the stroller. It comes with a separate car seat base so all you need to do is fasten the base in once, which only takes a few minutes anyways. Every time you use the car seat in the car, you just snap it in, and snap it right back out when you want to remove it. It is secure, yet simple and easy to use. My newborn boy was 7 lbs and the harness was able to secure his little body without hurting him. As he is growing, I see this being a great car seat, with the adjustable harness slots.
The stroller, even while I had a large pregnant belly, folded up with ease and fits inside my car trunk with no problem. The car seat snaps in and stays in place much better than the other brands and models I tried in store. When the car seat is removed from the stroller, the stroller has plenty of space for a toddler. The basket beneath the stroller fits a diaper bag or large purse easily.
The only issue I see so far is the parent canvas storage compartment on the stroller. The store model had one that would not stay in place, which I imagine could happen after months of use. Mine has been fine so far but I have been very careful with it.
Photo courtesy of Safety 1st
In no way was this review sponsored by Safety 1st
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