Early Fall Fashion Finds

Early Fall Fashion Finds

It's still warm here in Texas, but the temperatures have lowered closer to 90 than 110. I wore one of my favorite new Amazon finds on a cooler, rainy day last week - a turtleneck drawstring waist pullover. I love everything about this top, especially the drawstring...

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My Top Five Closet Organization Tips

My Top Five Closet Organization Tips

Since returning home from Maine, I have been cleaning and organizing. Being away for months at a time makes you question whether you need to hold on to something you didn't miss - in this case, my clothes.  I've also officially started my retirement (yay me) so I...

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Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl Muffins

Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl Muffins

Here is a twist on banana bread: Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl muffins. With very ripe bananas on hand, Mr. Twist opened one of my favorite cookbooks to bake fresh-baked breakfast bread! Served with fruit and a hot cup of coffee, these muffins are something special....

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New York Crumb Cake

New York Crumb Cake

I scrolled through Pinterest one evening and came across this recipe from Cook's Illustrated for New York Style Crumb Cake. I remember loving crumb cake as a kid. I remember my mother buying small packaged crumb cakes from the grocery store as a treat (she did not let...

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Me, Mother and our Secret Garden

Me, Mother and our Secret Garden

My mother's birthday was this past week - August 15. She would have been 97 years old! I miss her, and I thought I'd share a post from a few years ago when I was in a creative writing class in graduate school. The professor challenged us to write about a place that is...

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Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.

She taught me how to prepare fabulous food, entertain guests with style and design a traditional home with a pop of color and a splash of animal print. Share my fondness of blending Mother’s mid-century style with a modern spin.

Mrs. Twist Takes on Instagram

Retailers hit me in my weak spot this season with all the pink and orange Halloween. I started picking things out in August, and I'm glad I did because I think everyone else loves 🩷🧡, too!

I added some color to the black cat with a @wirrwarrwraps ribbon kit! Check my stories to see how these cute kits embellished my decor.

Retailers hit me in my weak spot this season with all the pink and orange Halloween. I started picking things out in August, and I`m glad I did because I think everyone else loves 🩷🧡, too!

I added some color to the black cat with a @wirrwarrwraps ribbon kit! Check my stories to see how these cute kits embellished my decor.
...

14 6
When I don't have time to bake pumpkin bread from scratch, my go-to is @traderjoes Pumpkin Bread mix. 

Do you like pumpkin bread plain or without things mixed in like nuts or chocolate? 👇

When I don`t have time to bake pumpkin bread from scratch, my go-to is @traderjoes Pumpkin Bread mix.

Do you like pumpkin bread plain or without things mixed in like nuts or chocolate? 👇
...

20 2
Support Fort Worth's newest small business @match_point_coffee. We enjoyed crafted coffees and yummy tacos from @tacos_y_rocky. 

If you're looking for a space to host a podcast or meet a client, you can book their conference room for a small fee.

Spacious seating, welcoming employees, chill vibes, and jigsaw puzzles. 

They also regularly spotlight a charity partner to share insights about their mission and offer ways for you to get involved. Today's partner was North Hi Mount PTA. 

Go support local!

Support Fort Worth`s newest small business @match_point_coffee. We enjoyed crafted coffees and yummy tacos from @tacos_y_rocky.

If you`re looking for a space to host a podcast or meet a client, you can book their conference room for a small fee.

Spacious seating, welcoming employees, chill vibes, and jigsaw puzzles.

They also regularly spotlight a charity partner to share insights about their mission and offer ways for you to get involved. Today`s partner was North Hi Mount PTA.

Go support local!
...

23 10
Another dose of Erma. Happy Sunday!

Another dose of Erma. Happy Sunday! ...

41 11
👻 It’s a spooky cocktail season ahead. Try this twist on a classic - The Midnight Margarita 🧙‍♀️ 

1 ½ ounce Coconut tequila
1 ounce Triple sec
1 ounce lime juice
1 cup Ice
2 ounces *Butterfly pea flower tea brewed, cooled to ice cold, and sweetened to taste
1 slice Lime wheel dried or fresh, for garnish, optional 

Mix the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice together up to one day in advance.
Brew the butterfly pea flower tea up to one day in advance.
When ready to serve, add the ice to the blender with the tequila mix.
Pour into a cocktail glass (with or without salt) and then top with the cold butterfly pea flower tea.

*The Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is on Amazon and makes drinks a perfect shade of purple!

Recipe credit @melissacooksitall

👻 It’s a spooky cocktail season ahead. Try this twist on a classic - The Midnight Margarita 🧙‍♀️

1 ½ ounce Coconut tequila
1 ounce Triple sec
1 ounce lime juice
1 cup Ice
2 ounces *Butterfly pea flower tea brewed, cooled to ice cold, and sweetened to taste
1 slice Lime wheel dried or fresh, for garnish, optional

Mix the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice together up to one day in advance.
Brew the butterfly pea flower tea up to one day in advance.
When ready to serve, add the ice to the blender with the tequila mix.
Pour into a cocktail glass (with or without salt) and then top with the cold butterfly pea flower tea.

*The Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is on Amazon and makes drinks a perfect shade of purple!

Recipe credit @melissacooksitall
...

24 7
Hello October! Can we now agree it's time to officially welcome all things pumpkin to the table. Hello, pumpkin spice!  Here's my @traderjoes haul:

🎃 Cold Brew pumpkin spice concentrate perfect to make an iced PSL
🎃 Pumpkin brownies perfect for a coffee date
🎃 Mini pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting
🎃 Pumpkin ultra moisturing hand cream OMG.
🎃 Overnight pumpkin oats
🎃 @nespresso pumpkin spice pods

What do you love about October?

Hello October! Can we now agree it`s time to officially welcome all things pumpkin to the table. Hello, pumpkin spice! Here`s my @traderjoes haul:

🎃 Cold Brew pumpkin spice concentrate perfect to make an iced PSL
🎃 Pumpkin brownies perfect for a coffee date
🎃 Mini pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting
🎃 Pumpkin ultra moisturing hand cream OMG.
🎃 Overnight pumpkin oats
🎃 @nespresso pumpkin spice pods

What do you love about October?
...

13 3
🌸Here's the scoop🌸 - Zinnias need sun,  water, and constant cutting to enjoy inside. 

Zinnias do best when you cut them, which is hard for me because I want people to enjoy the blooms as they walk by my front yard. But cutting them encourages new blooms.

We had a little aphid problem back in July but sprayed the Zinnias with Rose Shield, a product we found @archies_gardenland, and they rebounded.

Of course, this time of year, all flowers are enjoying the cooler days, so we will continue to enjoy the Zinnias through the first frost. You know who else loves Zinnias - hummingbirds, bees, and monarchs. Such a feast for our winged friends.

🌸Here`s the scoop🌸 - Zinnias need sun, water, and constant cutting to enjoy inside.

Zinnias do best when you cut them, which is hard for me because I want people to enjoy the blooms as they walk by my front yard. But cutting them encourages new blooms.

We had a little aphid problem back in July but sprayed the Zinnias with Rose Shield, a product we found @archies_gardenland, and they rebounded.

Of course, this time of year, all flowers are enjoying the cooler days, so we will continue to enjoy the Zinnias through the first frost. You know who else loves Zinnias - hummingbirds, bees, and monarchs. Such a feast for our winged friends.
...

22 13
French Toast Casserole! My daughter requests this for every holiday breakfast - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. You can divide into two pans and take one to a friend.

Save this for the recipe below 👇

FOR THE FRENCH TOAST:
1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread (After making this several times, an entire loaf of bread is more than you want, maybe just use 3/4 of the loaf)
8 whole eggs
2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
3/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. vanilla extract

FOR THE TOPPING:
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. firmly-packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
1 stick cold butter, cut into pieces
Fresh fruit (optional)
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter. Tear bread into chunks (or cut into
cubes) and evenly distribute in the pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour
evenly over the bread. Cover tightly and store in the fridge for several hours or
overnight.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add nutmeg if
desired. Add butter pieces and cut them into the dry mixture until the mixture
resembles fine pebbles. Store in a Ziploc in the fridge.
When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350° F. Remove
the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top. (If you’re
using fruit, sprinkle on before the crumb mixture.) Bake for 45 minutes for a
softer, more bread pudding texture. Bake 1 hour or more for a firmer, less liquid
texture.
Scoop out individual portions. Top with butter and drizzle with maple syrup.

French Toast Casserole! My daughter requests this for every holiday breakfast - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year`s Day. You can divide into two pans and take one to a friend.

Save this for the recipe below 👇

FOR THE FRENCH TOAST:
1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread (After making this several times, an entire loaf of bread is more than you want, maybe just use 3/4 of the loaf)
8 whole eggs
2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
3/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. vanilla extract

FOR THE TOPPING:
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. firmly-packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
1 stick cold butter, cut into pieces
Fresh fruit (optional)
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter. Tear bread into chunks (or cut into
cubes) and evenly distribute in the pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour
evenly over the bread. Cover tightly and store in the fridge for several hours or
overnight.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add nutmeg if
desired. Add butter pieces and cut them into the dry mixture until the mixture
resembles fine pebbles. Store in a Ziploc in the fridge.
When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350° F. Remove
the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top. (If you’re
using fruit, sprinkle on before the crumb mixture.) Bake for 45 minutes for a
softer, more bread pudding texture. Bake 1 hour or more for a firmer, less liquid
texture.
Scoop out individual portions. Top with butter and drizzle with maple syrup.
...

20 4
Menopause much?  I started HRT last January, and it's been a lifesaver for my menopausal symptoms. Did you know there's over 60 symptoms and side effects associated with menopause - including heart disease, bone weakening, memory, and brain fog.

I'm reading The New Menopause by @drmaryclaire, and I'll be starting a series on my YouTube channel to discuss and share what I've learned.

Be your own advocate. Find a health care practitioner who will listen, hear, support, and acknowledge your needs.

Menopause much? I started HRT last January, and it`s been a lifesaver for my menopausal symptoms. Did you know there`s over 60 symptoms and side effects associated with menopause - including heart disease, bone weakening, memory, and brain fog.

I`m reading The New Menopause by @drmaryclaire, and I`ll be starting a series on my YouTube channel to discuss and share what I`ve learned.

Be your own advocate. Find a health care practitioner who will listen, hear, support, and acknowledge your needs.
...

78 14
A Pay Day bar. Easy snack. Just mix together salted peanuts, candy corn, and chocolate chips. 

Fun fact - I bit the white tips off the candy corn to trick my mother into thinking I lost a tooth! 🤣🤣

A Pay Day bar. Easy snack. Just mix together salted peanuts, candy corn, and chocolate chips.

Fun fact - I bit the white tips off the candy corn to trick my mother into thinking I lost a tooth! 🤣🤣
...

46 11
Your Sunday wisdom. I'm guilty. I've done this when Miss Twist was younger...and when Mr. Twist makes the bed. 

Anyone else remake the bed? I'm taking a poll👇

Your Sunday wisdom. I`m guilty. I`ve done this when Miss Twist was younger...and when Mr. Twist makes the bed.

Anyone else remake the bed? I`m taking a poll👇
...

54 14
Upside Down Pizza - Here's what's for dinner tonight!  It's so good and is perfect for football weekends.

Be sure to screenshot the recipe or SAVE for later.

Upside Down Pizza - Here`s what`s for dinner tonight! It`s so good and is perfect for football weekends.

Be sure to screenshot the recipe or SAVE for later.
...

26 5
YOU ARE BRAVE! I hope this message reaches you on a day when you really need it.

Do the homework! Reach out to someone RIGHT NOW and tell them just these three words. YOU ARE BRAVE. Then message me back and tell me how it made them and you feel! ❤️ Thanks for following me!

YOU ARE BRAVE! I hope this message reaches you on a day when you really need it.

Do the homework! Reach out to someone RIGHT NOW and tell them just these three words. YOU ARE BRAVE. Then message me back and tell me how it made them and you feel! ❤️ Thanks for following me!
...

38 8
Monthly ribbons kits from @houseofturnberry are the perfect way to switch out your season decor.

I hung my new faux mum wreath and added the Halloween ribbon kit. As a monthly subscriber, a kit is delivered every month. It's super easy to just clip the ribbons on to whatever you want to embellish.

Comment KIT and I'll send you link for the wreath and the ribbon kit.

Happy fall y'all 🎃🎃

Monthly ribbons kits from @houseofturnberry are the perfect way to switch out your season decor.

I hung my new faux mum wreath and added the Halloween ribbon kit. As a monthly subscriber, a kit is delivered every month. It`s super easy to just clip the ribbons on to whatever you want to embellish.

Comment KIT and I`ll send you link for the wreath and the ribbon kit.

Happy fall y`all 🎃🎃
...

31 9
My mother loved Erma Bombeck. Women, wives, and mothers related to Erma's wisdom and humor about life. Happy Sunday.

My mother loved Erma Bombeck. Women, wives, and mothers related to Erma`s wisdom and humor about life. Happy Sunday. ...

82 2
Keeping it reel folks. You know it's love when your husband pulls off your pink compression sock for you! 🤣🤣 A Funknee Story continues.

On crutches until October 9, not what I hoped, but I'll do anything to have a completely healthy knee again.  Total knee reconstruction with repair to ACL, MCL & meniscus. Week two down.

Keeping it reel folks. You know it`s love when your husband pulls off your pink compression sock for you! 🤣🤣 A Funknee Story continues.

On crutches until October 9, not what I hoped, but I`ll do anything to have a completely healthy knee again. Total knee reconstruction with repair to ACL, MCL & meniscus. Week two down.
...

65 21
Soft Ginger Cookies - Years ago, I, along with my daughter and God daughter, made 77 dozen of these cookies for their "Flour Girls" Baking for Change ministry at church. What a delight to witness the love our girls gave to this project.

We perfected the recipe, to a soft, flavorful ginger-filled cookie perfect with a cold glass of milk. Be sure to SAVE it for later.

Soft Ginger Cookies
Makes 3 dozen

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp ground Ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature 
1 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1/4 cup Molasses

1/4 sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon for rolling dough

Combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Beat butter 30 seconds until soft.

Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Add egg and molasses and beat well.

Add 1/2 the flour mixture and hand stir, then stir in the rest of the flour mixture.

The dough should be at a consistency  that you can roll it with your hands into balls. You may have to a little more flour until you can easily roll the dough.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll the balls in sugar/cinnamon sugar.

Place cookies 2 inches apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 12 minutes. Do not brown. The cookies should be almost underbaked. Sorinkle sugar over warm cookies if desired.

Let cool 2 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.

Soft Ginger Cookies - Years ago, I, along with my daughter and God daughter, made 77 dozen of these cookies for their "Flour Girls" Baking for Change ministry at church. What a delight to witness the love our girls gave to this project.

We perfected the recipe, to a soft, flavorful ginger-filled cookie perfect with a cold glass of milk. Be sure to SAVE it for later.

Soft Ginger Cookies
Makes 3 dozen

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp ground Ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1/4 cup Molasses

1/4 sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon for rolling dough

Combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Beat butter 30 seconds until soft.

Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Add egg and molasses and beat well.

Add 1/2 the flour mixture and hand stir, then stir in the rest of the flour mixture.

The dough should be at a consistency that you can roll it with your hands into balls. You may have to a little more flour until you can easily roll the dough.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll the balls in sugar/cinnamon sugar.

Place cookies 2 inches apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 12 minutes. Do not brown. The cookies should be almost underbaked. Sorinkle sugar over warm cookies if desired.

Let cool 2 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.
...

29 14
I'm ready for it - everything fall offers! Pumpkins, sweaters, mums, changing leaves, cooler days, Halloween, and pumpkin spice everything.

What's your favorite thing about fall!

I`m ready for it - everything fall offers! Pumpkins, sweaters, mums, changing leaves, cooler days, Halloween, and pumpkin spice everything.

What`s your favorite thing about fall!
...

43 14
Flowers from my garden, a stack of books, a fall-scented candle, and a delicious room spray. The simple pleasures to delight the senses.

What makes you happy?

Flowers from my garden, a stack of books, a fall-scented candle, and a delicious room spray. The simple pleasures to delight the senses.

What makes you happy?
...

28 6
We made it to the "ber" months - my favorite season. I hope September brings you all the beautiful moments you deserve.

We made it to the "ber" months - my favorite season. I hope September brings you all the beautiful moments you deserve. ...

22 4
I've had so much fun transforming this empty, white room into a bright, colorful jewel box. The inspiration came from @adamtrest art I purchased during a visit last spring to Laurel, Mississippi. 

My mother loved birds, and I dedicated this guest room to her. Stay tuned this week as I share more details on how I pulled it all together using a mix of new and thrifted things that tell a story.

A special thank you to @theocdbachelorette
and her fabulous team, who helped me make it beautiful and ready for company!

I`ve had so much fun transforming this empty, white room into a bright, colorful jewel box. The inspiration came from @adamtrest art I purchased during a visit last spring to Laurel, Mississippi.

My mother loved birds, and I dedicated this guest room to her. Stay tuned this week as I share more details on how I pulled it all together using a mix of new and thrifted things that tell a story.

A special thank you to @theocdbachelorette
and her fabulous team, who helped me make it beautiful and ready for company!
...

110 37
I love my birthday for two reasons. First, the cake. Every year, my mother made it so special, picking out my cake. It was usually white cake with buttercream roses.🎂🍰

Secondly, I loved my birthday because of how my mother made me FEEL - longed for, celebrated, and treasured.  I wonder what she'd think knowing I'm 60 years fabulous this year? 

I have no regrets or sadness flipping the page to a new decade. I'm excited to use my AARP card and ask for all the SENIOR discounts!🤣

I love my birthday for two reasons. First, the cake. Every year, my mother made it so special, picking out my cake. It was usually white cake with buttercream roses.🎂🍰

Secondly, I loved my birthday because of how my mother made me FEEL - longed for, celebrated, and treasured. I wonder what she`d think knowing I`m 60 years fabulous this year?

I have no regrets or sadness flipping the page to a new decade. I`m excited to use my AARP card and ask for all the SENIOR discounts!🤣
...

163 113
When I visit a boutique hotel, I immediately want to capture that luxury fragrance at home.  I've partnered with @benevolence.la, who offers thoughtfully designed, casual-luxury home fragrances made in the USA.

Made in California, their elegant and  sophisticated packaging immediately elevates my guest bath. Their selection of fragrances relieve stress and revitalize your senses. 

Available for purchase on Amazon Benevolence LA is made with 100% pure essential oil, and containing absolutely no base or fillers, this diffuser set is safe and toxic-free. This product comes in a matte charcoal and gold-stamped gift box with (1) 7 oil diffuser sticks, (2) a charcoal glass vase, and (3) essential oil (4.06oz), good for 90-120 days continuous fragrance. 

Comment DIFFUSER, and I'll send you a link to my Amazon shop! 

@benevolence.la @stackinfluence #benevolencela #benevolencelapartner #amazonhome #amazonhomefinds #amazonfavorites

When I visit a boutique hotel, I immediately want to capture that luxury fragrance at home.  I`ve partnered with @benevolence.la, who offers thoughtfully designed, casual-luxury home fragrances made in the USA.

Made in California, their elegant and  sophisticated packaging immediately elevates my guest bath. Their selection of fragrances relieve stress and revitalize your senses.

Available for purchase on Amazon Benevolence LA is made with 100% pure essential oil, and containing absolutely no base or fillers, this diffuser set is safe and toxic-free. This product comes in a matte charcoal and gold-stamped gift box with (1) 7 oil diffuser sticks, (2) a charcoal glass vase, and (3) essential oil (4.06oz), good for 90-120 days continuous fragrance.

Comment DIFFUSER, and I`ll send you a link to my Amazon shop!

@benevolence.la @stackinfluence #benevolencela #benevolencelapartner #amazonhome #amazonhomefinds #amazonfavorites
...

25 5
I had such fun today chatting with Teri the owner of @173mercantile in Kennebunk, Maine. Her shop is filled with unique finds for your home and she offers a concierge gift service.

Give @173mercantile a follow and #supportsmallbusiness. 🦞🦞🦞

I had such fun today chatting with Teri the owner of @173mercantile in Kennebunk, Maine. Her shop is filled with unique finds for your home and she offers a concierge gift service.

Give @173mercantile a follow and #supportsmallbusiness. 🦞🦞🦞
...

36 3
I am a positive person. Oh, I have my small moments with fancy pity parties, but then I dust myself off and GET IT DONE! 

Is this how I imagined I'd spend my 60th birthday next week? No. But I'm determined to hasten my recovery with positive thinking, pro-active and healthy living, and leaning in to LETTING PEOPLE HELP ME. That's hard to do. But don't steal people's joy when they ask, "How can I help?"

Onward and upward! T minus 5 days!

I am a positive person. Oh, I have my small moments with fancy pity parties, but then I dust myself off and GET IT DONE!

Is this how I imagined I`d spend my 60th birthday next week? No. But I`m determined to hasten my recovery with positive thinking, pro-active and healthy living, and leaning in to LETTING PEOPLE HELP ME. That`s hard to do. But don`t steal people`s joy when they ask, "How can I help?"

Onward and upward! T minus 5 days!
...

90 25
You know that smell? It's coming from your disposal. Once a month, I pop in a LemiShine  pod, and it cleans out the bacteria and built up food, leaving the drains and disposable clean and fresh.

Comment CLEAN, and I'll send you a link to the pods on sale now at Walmart. Happy cleaning.

You know that smell? It`s coming from your disposal. Once a month, I pop in a LemiShine pod, and it cleans out the bacteria and built up food, leaving the drains and disposable clean and fresh.

Comment CLEAN, and I`ll send you a link to the pods on sale now at Walmart. Happy cleaning.
...

6 3

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