Tag Archives: holiday season

Jan1

Happy New Year!!!!

Posted on January 1, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year to all of you!!! I am so thrilled to be able to celebrate another holiday here on lifewithlilred and continue on with another year of daily content and fun on my page. Most importantly, I’m excited to share it with all of my dear friends and readers and I thank each and every one of you for stopping by! I don’t know about all of you, but 2022 mainly sucked eggs for me so here’s to lots of good things in store for 2023. And, yes, I definitely did type 2022 first instead of 2023 lol I’ll be doing that for a while. *Face palm*

I have never been one for making New Year’s Resolutions like working out or eating less Taco Bell and when I have, I didn’t keep them. Rather, I like to set goals that I want to accomplish in the new year and see what happens. For example, it would be awesome if the followers on lifewithlilred and my social media platforms (Instagram @lifewithlilred94 and Facebook is: Sarah Mushenheim) increased and I will be working hard to achieve that. I would also LOVE to take a mini vacation of some kind with Johnny, which would be our first time doing so. Maybe this summer?!

As you might have deduced if you keep up on my page, the last several months of 2022 were not good for me in any way shape or form. So, I am trying to manifest all of the positive things to come mine and my family’s way in 2023. I think we could all use a break! During happy or sad times, however, it always brings me joy to sit down and write a post for my blog and I am so thankful to have that and all of you as a constant in my life – no matter what the year is! ❤

I hope that all of you and yours have the happiest, most prosperous, and safe new year. Have a blast celebrating and keep it locked for another year of your favorite Lil Red blogger! Here’s to 2023 – Let’s make it our best year yet!

Happy New Year!!!!

Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? Was 2022 a good or bad year for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec29

Happy Haulidays: Husband’s Family Edition

Posted on December 29, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Happy Haulidays: Husband’s Family Edition

Hello! On Christmas Eve, Johnny and I celebrated with his wonderful parents and Aunt Elaine and it was a hoot! We had a delicious dinner, opened gifts, and continued on with the thirty year strong Miller family tradition of watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We spent a fantastic day together and it felt so warm and fuzzy – both from the family love and the fact that it was way warmer at Chez Miller than it was in mine and Johnny’s apartment! As always, Johnny’s family spoiled us rotten and we are so appreciative for their way too generous gifts. Check it out:

This is my third Miller Christmas and just when I thought that my second family couldn’t outdo themselves any more in their holiday game, they proved me wrong. Johnny and I were blown away by our gifts under the tree and in our stockings and our gifters truly know us too well. Three or so days before we celebrated, Johnny was so close to buying the Willie Nelson Chia Pet at Walgreen’s! I was really surprised that Johnny didn’t make the purchase and part of me thought he was holding off to make it a post Christmas treat. That’s one future errand to cross off the list. 😀

My favorite gift from this haul has to be the hilarious mug my father-in-law gifted to me. I haven’t been tempted yet to send Johnny off to the circus but this mug has certainly given me some ideas to think about. 😉 Johnny’s dad also gifted us with the spray fire extinguishers. He is the king of funny and practical gifts! And, can we talk about how adorable the Son’s Survival Kit is that Johnny’s mom got him as a stocking stuffer? I thought that it was so sweet and had to include it in this post even though it’s not mine. ❤

Aunt Elaine gifts me and Johnny with our absolute favorite chocolates from Boston every year. They are simply the best and we have been making very quick work of our Christmas candy selection! Candy is synonymous with Christmas at the Miller home. My mother-in-law makes amazing homemade chocolates that are seriously to die for. I actually have one of her huge homemade candy trays at my parents’ house that I can’t wait to dig into later today!

I am lucky enough to celebrate every holiday with two families that I love so much and this Christmas was a GREAT SUCCESS. I’m already excited for next year’s celebration! 😀

What kinds of gifts did you give this holiday season? What is your favorite gift that you received? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec27

My Presence Is A Present OOTD

Posted on December 27, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This little fit was worn during my Christmas celebration with my family and it was such an amazing day. My Presence Is A Present might be a cocky title for a holiday outfit, however, I had to let it be jokingly known to everyone since I was sporting an adorable bow headband! This outfit isn’t the most exciting but it was perfect for the day of running around after three small children and kept me warm with the frigid temp of negative four. Yikes! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Striped Sweater: Philosophy, TJMaxx
Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters
Chain Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx
Skull Earrings: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx
Bow Headband: Marc’s

This outfit is actually a very far cry from what I had in mind. Originally, I was planning on wearing a skirt and jacket combo to my family Christmas extravaganza. Obviously, it didn’t end up hitting the way I had hoped for and, honestly, it was a good thing. It was SO. Freaking. Cold. and rather than spend time trying to make a less warm outfit work, I scrapped it entirely for a look that I wouldn’t completely freeze my nads off in. I also wanted an outfit that kept me comfortable as I tried to keep up with my nieces and nephew!

With simplicity, warmth, and comfort being the new focus, my striped sweater by Philosophy was the optimum choice. It is so soft and I love the way it fits. It has just the slightest touch of slouch in the sleeves while being more form fitting in the torso, which is refreshing after endless aisles of oversized cold weather apparel. And, although this holiday fit ended up being basically All Black Everything, the poppy bright stripes added some festive cheer. This sweater was an awesome purchase and it served me well in the clutch when my first fit was an epic failure.

Since a skirt wasn’t in the cards, the only other option for bottoms was a pair of jeans and I wore my old standby from American Eagle. I sure as hell wasn’t going to be wearing the distressed pair with under zero degree weather! As always, the jeans from AEO are the absolute best. They fit so well and hug the curves of my body without being too tight. I have never owned a better pair of pantaloons in my life and can’t recommend them enough if you are on the hunt for a good pair of skinnies.

For accessories, not only was my original outfit a bust but so was my hair. It just wasn’t behaving the way I wanted it to and I was getting so annoyed lol. After what felt like forever of mussing and tussing my hair in the bathroom mirror, I threw my hands up and said “Screw it, I’m getting a headband”. The green bow band that I selected was bought for a dollar at a local discount store and it was just what I needed to tame the beast of my mane and incorporate some holiday fun.

With a headband on, I didn’t want to overdo it with a flashy pair of earrings to avoid looking cluttered. So, I kept things simple with a pair of Betsey Johnson earrings in a lovely teardrop shape. This pair was ideal because it didn’t hang too low and, of course, I like anything with skulls on it! These earrings were a gift from my mom two Christmases ago and I was happy to break them out for our celebration this year. ❤

Finally, it was time for shoes and I selected my pair of Olivia Millers. I purchased these for twenty dollars last winter and they are adorable and of such good quality despite the discounted price. The white stitching around the chunky base is such a cool detail and the bold silver chain turns the basic shape of the boot into something special. Granted, I did slip a little outside in these babies in the snow and ice but that’s neither here nor there. 😉

Even though my presence wasn’t a present in the OOTD I had planned for, I still like this one all the same! Keep it posted for bloopers from this look tomorrow!! ❤

How did you celebrate the holidays? What did you wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec26

Holiday Fun At Lock 3

Posted on December 26, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone!!! This past Wednesday, I bundled up against the cold with my sister, Kristen, and sweet nieces, Val and Raya, for some pre-Christmas fun. Originally, we were going to go to a somewhat far away holiday lights display but got turned off by the driving. So, we headed to downtown Akron’s Lock 3 instead that hosts light displays and ice skating in the winter. The rink was crazy crowded and to both mine and Val’s disappointment, we had to pass on her first skating lesson with TT. We still had a blast visiting Archie The Talking Snowman and playing mini golf, though! Check it out:

Literally everyone in northeast Ohio knows Archie The Talking Snowman. He had a long tenure at Chapel Hill Mall until it closed down a few years ago and since got moved to Lock 3. Every holiday season when we were little, we would visit Archie at the mall and tell him what we wanted for Christmas and, of course, that we had been good all year. He would then promise to put in a good word with the Big Man just for us. Yes, it was just some guy in the gigantic snowman talking to us but it was freaking magical as a kid!

Kristen and I thought Val would be stoked to meet Archie and tell him what’s on her wish list but that was far from the case. Lol, little lady was freaking terrified and, honestly, so was I! The booming voice of Archie reverberated throughout the entire area and even into the parking garage. I don’t remember him being so loud! Val agreed to let Kristen talk to Archie on her behalf and it was a fine compromise. 🙂

After visiting with Archie, we went to check out the adorable displays set up in cabins that used to house vendors for a Christkindl Market. These displays actually used to be set up in windows all throughout the buildings of downtown Akron and it was cool to see them all in one place without walking around the city in the cold. I definitely remember the little snowpeople window from way back when! This was my favorite one and Val’s too. She is such a TT’s girl! ❤

When we were done scouring the displays, we realized ice skating was a bust. To warm up and make the most of the evening, we played mini golf at the small indoor course set up by the Akron Children’s Museum. This was the first time Val played putt putt and it went better than we expected – no meltdowns were had unlike her TT when she was little! About halfway through mini golfing, Val realized it was the funnest thing ever and took mine and Kristen’s turns for us. She rolled with the punches of not being able to skate beautifully and our evening ended on such a high note.

I have always loved the holiday season and it is infinitely better now that Johnny and I have sweet nieces and nephews to share it with. I cannot wait to take Val skating and it looks like we’re going to have to go mini golfing this summer!

Are there any holiday traditions like Archie in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite holiday activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec25

Merry Christmas!!

Posted on December 25, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and a very Merry Christmas to you!! Whatever holiday you celebrate this winter season, I hope that all of you have been having the best time enjoying great company and food and making wonderful memories. This is the eighth holiday season that I have had the pleasure of wishing good cheer to my dear friends and readers throughout the blogosphere and it never gets old. Each and every one of you are the reason why I get up extra early to write every morning and my page would not be what it is without that constant motivation. You are all so amazing!

I’m sure all of you have family gatherings to attend and gifts to open so I will keep this post short and sweet. I just wanted to personally send my well wishes to you and yours for a fantastic holiday season and prosperous new year. Thank you for being my friend and for taking the time out of your days to keep up with Lil Red. I love you all!

Merry Christmas!! ❤

Dec20

Happy Haulidays: Bestie Edition

Posted on December 20, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My best friend, Lea, and I have celebrated fourteen Christmases together and we had our annual holiday hang out this past weekend. It was a hoot! I made us a big baked ziti dinner and our husbands had a man date playing banjo together while Lea and I girl talked the evening away. After almost a decade and a half of prezzies purchased, you would think that Lea and I would be fresh out of gift ideas. That’s far from the case for us, though, and Lea is one of my favorite people to shop for! As always, she knocked it out of the park for me too. Check it out:

Until a week or so ago, I never appreciated the joy of fuzzy socks. However, one of my clients gifted me with an amazing pair of slipper socks last week and I am obsessed. So, I was insanely excited to receive some more pairs from Lea! These holiday socks are the softest, most comfortable things that I have ever put on my feet. They keep my tootsies toasty and they are too cute to boot. The polka dot pattern is so sweet and how adorable is that little hedgehog?! 😀

Lea loves to frequent craft fairs during the holiday season and the jewelry dish and T-shirt were both bought at one she went to with her mom. The jewelry dish is going to be perfect for housing my stud earrings, which is just what I need. I have so many pairs throughout the house that I have taken off and never bothered to put back smh. This dish is so pretty and simple and the cream base with the mauve rim is divine.

The piece de resistance from this holiday haul is, of course, the hilarious T-shirt that Lea got me. I have never owned any type of Christmas themed clothing and this shirt is the one to have. Its sentiment speaks to me on a spiritual level and I would have bought it for myself if I saw it while shopping. What can I say, after fourteen years of best friendship, Lea knows a thing or two about me! Although this is a holiday shirt, I will be wearing it year round. In fact, it just might make an appearance in an OOTD coming soon!

I had the best time celebrating Christmas and comradery with my best friend. I look forward to our holiday hang every year and here’s to fourteen more years of them!

Do you have any holiday traditions with your bestie? Where do you like to shop for holiday gifts? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec10

Happy Haulidays: Blogging Bestie Edition

Posted on December 10, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Happy Haulidays: Blogging Bestie Edition

Hello!!! Kate from Live In The Nautical has been one of my best friends for well over eight years. She was one of the first people who I came in contact with when lifewithlilred first began and the rest is history. These past few months have been difficult on our friendship. No, we absolutely did not have a falling out – we have both just been crazy freaking busy. My poor bestie was severely under the weather and my life was insane with a month of almost daily trips to downtown Cleveland to visit a loved one at the Cleveland Clinic.

They say that the holidays bring people together and this was so true for both of your favorite bloggers. This past Monday, I received Kate’s Christmas prezzie in the mail and the best friend telepathy was still as strong as ever. I had been waiting since Friday for Etsy links to the gifts I wanted to purchase for her!! As always, Kate spoiled me rotten and I can’t wait to relax with all of these goodies from Lush. I can feel my worries soaking away already! Check it out:

Anyone who follows me on my blog or social media knows that my husband and I share a deep love for Halloween and all things macabre. As you can see, Kate knows this too and turned my Christmas gifts into a part two celebration of the happiest time of the year for me. As soon as I opened my package, I knew that there were Lush products involved because I could smell them right away! Kate is so thoughtful because she knows that I would take a bath with a Lush bath bomb every day if I could but I literally never buy them for myself.

I cannot wait to pamper myself with all of these wonderful bath time treats and it is truly a two part present because it gives me the gift of content! Keep it posted for brand new Bath Bomb Blitz posts to see the scary good results of each product. While I am looking forward to using all of my gifts, I think I am most excited to try the Black Rose bath bomb. And, of course, I am especially partial to the vampire bubble bar or, as Lush cleverly calls it, the Bubble Lugosi lol! 😀

Kate’s Halloween themed Christmas gifts were all treats and no tricks. Not only did she go above and beyond with Lush goodies galore but she also got me a super cool music sheet of This Is Halloween from the Nightmare Before Christmas. It is going to look so amazing framed and hung up on mine and Johnny’s art wall! Anything that adds to the Halloween decor in my apartment is a GREAT SUCCESS of a gift and I also love the front and back of the protective covering she put the music sheet in. The skeleton couple on the back is definitely me and Johnny!

A month ago, I was not looking forward to Christmas at all. However, the holiday season got started with a bang after I received my gift in the mail from Kate. We are reunited and it feels so good and this Grinch’s heart is bursting at the seams!! ❤

What is your favorite Lush product? What gets you in the holiday spirit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov30

How To Treat Yourself To The Ultimate Makeover

Posted on November 30, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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How To Treat Yourself To The Ultimate Makeover

We all deserve to treat ourselves every once in a while, and what better way to do that than with a makeover? Whether you’re looking for a new hairstyle, wardrobe, or skin care routine, there are endless ways to pamper yourself and feel like a new person. Let’s check out some tips on how you can treat yourself to the ultimate makeover:

Pick a Style Icon:

The first step to any makeover is finding some inspiration. Research your favorite celebrities or style bloggers and find someone whose look you’d like to emulate. Once you have your style icon in mind, you’ll have a better idea of the changes you want to make. Are you still trying to figure out where to start? Pinterest is always a great place to look for fashion inspo.

Update Your Hairstyle:

One of the easiest ways to change your look is by updating your hairstyle. If you’re feeling bold, why not try a brand new color? On the other hand, if you’re not ready for such a drastic change, ask your stylist for a cut that will complement your face shape. You’d be surprised by how much of a difference the right hair cut can make.

Invest in Some New Clothes:

Next up on our list is clothes. If your style needs an update, it’s time to hit the stores (or the internet) and find new pieces that speak to you. But beware – one of the pitfalls of shopping for a new wardrobe is spending too much money on clothes you’ll never wear. To avoid this trap, stick to buying items that can be mixed and matched with pieces you already own. This way, you’ll get the most bang for your buck and your closet will thank you for it!

Treat Your Skin Right:

Remember your skin! After all, what’s the point of having a killer outfit if your skin doesn’t look its best? If you need help figuring out where to start when it comes to skin care, try using products with natural ingredients or consulting with a dermatologist. And remember – just like with clothes, it’s crucial not to overspend on skin care products that might not work for you. Instead, start small and gradually add new products as needed.

Invest In Your Smile:

Finally, don’t forget to invest in your smile. A great way to instantly boost your confidence is by visiting a cosmetic dentist and having them whiten, straighten, or even reshape your teeth. With the right Cosmetic Dentist, you can have a brand new smile in no time and you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make in your confidence.

Go ahead and permit yourself to splurge – it’s close enough to the new year to invest in yourself for a new you. And just in time for the holidays to wow your friends and family!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov29

Beautifying Your Smile For The Holidays

Posted on November 29, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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The holiday season is here and that means family photos galore! However, this can be easier said than done if you feel self conscious about your smile. Let’s check out some simple tips to put a real smile back on your face just in time for the family and friends paparazzi:

Stay away from sugars:

Sugary foods and drinks like juices, sodas, and sugary candies are awful for your teeth and oral health. Foods that are high in sugars are the leading cause of tooth decay and other tooth-related ailments that can ruin your smile. When one tooth becomes infected, it can lead to a cavity or even a much more severe condition called tooth decay. This is why you should ditch sugars and try to pick up a healthy diet

Develop good dental hygiene habits:

To keep your smile looking great, you should try and develop good oral hygiene habits. It would be best if you always brushed your teeth twice a day and flossed once a day. Brushing your teeth is the most critical thing you can do to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Brushing your teeth removes bacteria and plaque that build up on your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is stubborn, so even if you brush your teeth, it is still essential that you floss daily to remove all of the plaque and bacteria from your teeth.

Receive dental work if needed:

If you’ve been brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day but still aren’t seeing the results you want, it may be time to get a professional evaluation. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and determine if any dental work is needed to improve your smile and health. Dental work can include crowns, dentures, bridges, teeth removal, All-on-4 Dental Implants, and more. Depending on what is needed, dental work can make your smile look better and make you feel better about the way your smile looks.

Whiten your teeth:

Poor dental hygiene, genetics, and other factors can cause your teeth to look yellowish. Teeth whitening can make you feel better about your smile and it is a straightforward procedure. Whitening is a common cosmetic procedure that whitens teeth by removing yellow stains. There are various types of whitening systems available on the market. These include at-home whitening kits and professional cosmetic procedures. The best and most natural way to whiten your teeth is to use a whitening toothpaste.

Drink water:

Water is essential for keeping your body and mouth healthy. It is also helpful for whitening your teeth. Drinking water daily will help you reduce plaque buildup in your mouth. Not drinking enough water can cause bacteria, sugars, plaque, and other things to build up on your teeth. This can make your teeth look dull and yellow. A water tracker is a great way to make sure you are getting enough water throughout the day.

Visit a dentist for regular checkups:

The best way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy is to visit your dentist regularly. Regular checkups allow your dentist to keep an eye out for any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. This way, your dentist can suggest preventive measures to keep your smile looking radiant. You should see your dentist regularly even if you do not have any issues with your teeth. Doing this can keep you from getting any oral ailments you are unaware of.

Look into braces or retainers:

If you have crooked teeth, you can work towards improving them. This is done by getting braces. Braces have been proven to help improve the appearance of teeth by straightening them out. Retainers are similar to braces, except they are used to keep teeth in place. Which treatment you choose depends on your specific needs and budget. Both braces and retainers can be expensive but they are worth it if they can improve your self esteem.

Follow the tips above and flash your pearly whites all holiday season long. You will be amazed at how much a smile suits you!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov25

Gift Ideas For The Littles On Your List

Posted on November 25, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I are the proud aunt and uncle of a toddler aged boy and girl and a newborn little girl. They are each so precious and we love to spoil them rotten every chance we get! Prior to them being born, we both had little to no experience with children. Now, we can make mom and dad jokes with the best of them every treat day and the novelty never wears off. Being an aunt and uncle is an absolute hoot and every gift giving occasion makes us want to buy out the entire toy aisle! If you have some littles on your holiday shopping list, here are some ideas to get you started:

LEGO DUPLO:

Johnny and I are both avid lovers of building LEGO and we are about to give our nephew a head start on the fun with his own DUPLO set. DUPLO are LEGO bricks made specifically for little ones that are bigger and have simpler builds. Our nephew is a fan of anything and everything related to vehicles – especially fire trucks. I was so excited to find a DUPLO fire truck set and just know he’ll have a blast putting it together with his mom and dad!

Book Nook:

Our oldest niece has a staggering collection of books and being read to is one of her favorite things. Among other gifts for her, I purchased a purple (Her favorite color) book nook. It is basically a bookshelf with cushions built in so she has a comfortable space to flip through the pages of her go to pop up books. The book nook is going to be so perfect in her playroom and I hope it continues to harvest her love of reading since her TT is a big reader too. ❤

Mothman Baby:

Our youngest niece is a newborn girl and this will be her first Christmas. Her big sister has grown fond of all things spooky thanks to me and Johnny so there is no better time than the present to get started with the youngest member of our niece and nephew crew. Aside from a “My First Christmas” gift for our little, we also got Mothman, Nessie, and Yeti Baby pop up books for her. They are absolutely DARLING (I read through them online before making the purchase) and are an awesome introduction to cryptids. These books show all of the baby cryptids on adventures that typically end with them being safely tucked in for a good night’s sleep. Too cute!

Activity/Sticker Books:

My oldest niece and nephew are obsessed with stickers and Water Wow books and these are such great stocking stuffers on the cheap. Coloring books, connect the dots, and picture finds are also wonderful ways to go too. They are sure to give your littles entertainment for at least five minutes – long enough to get some sips of coffee before it gets cold! 😀

Treat Day Tickets:

Taking our niece and nephew crew on treat days is such a joy for me and Johnny and can also make an awesome gift. Outings like a trip to the zoo or a child friendly amusement park will have to wait for warm weather but that will give them an adventure to look forward to! If you aren’t keen on waiting until summertime, indoor activity centers, children’s museums, a trip to the movie theater, or lunch at their favorite restaurant are all solid options.

Take A Class:

My niece and nephew are both three and that is a perfect age to get started on extracurricular activities. Our niece is currently taking dance classes and our nephew is taking tumbling. Funding a current class or signing them up for one would be such an amazing gift. Some ideas include classes for swimming, crafts, sports, singing, or baking. Bonus points if you take them to some of their lessons!

The holiday season is always a special time but it just hits different when you see little ones experiencing it. I cannot wait for another Christmas with my favorite lil besties! ❤

What is one of the best gifts you received as a child? What is something that one of your littles want for the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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