Your Elegant House

December 11, 2008

Use Custom Bedding For A Holiday Bedroom Makeover

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 8:17 pm

The result of any bedroom makeover will be made personal with the thoughtful addition of custom draperies options from FashionWindowTreatments.com. Our choices are as numerous as the clients we serve. Whether you are a traditionalist, a modernist, new trend-oriented, country classic or desirous of a Hollywood boudoir, we can outfit your bed, chair, windows, and decorative throw pillows with the most gorgeous fabrics, at affordable prices and with excellent customer service and attention to all the finest of details.

Your room’s fabrics reflect your personality and will set the overall design tone for the room - even more than its furnishingsmagazine, we will most certainly have something perfect in our inventory to mimic your favourite styles, and at a fraction of the price you would expect to pay for custom bedding and home decor from an interior decorator.

Go ahead and dream. Our professional consultants are happy to help you bring everything together for a truly customized, unique, decorator look. You can afford it. Our pricing is so competitive, and your friends and family will think you hired a pricey interior decorator from that place no-one can afford to shop at!

Haven’t you always wanted to design a room from the bed on up? We can create custom pillow shams, duvet covers, fabric blinds, panel curtains, and decorative touches that speak to your aesthetic, your image, and your budget. The team of seamstresses at FashionWindowTreatments.com are highly skilled and industrious; taking extra special care with the professional finishing touches that make the difference between off-the-rack at your major department store, and the quality you expect from custom bedding experts like us.

Do you like sparkling beads, silk trimwork, braided rope detailing, satin, or durable, washable synthetics? We have it all, and then some. Our custom bedding inventory is massive. The most difficult decision may be which rooms you want to start with first. Working with us at FashionWindowTreatments.com is easier than working with an in-home decorator because you can browse all the samples at your leisure, and you don’t need an appointment. Our customer service department is ready to serve you, and we can even send out fabric swatches so you can look up close to see the quality and beauty of our product materials. They can even make suggestions on accessories such as area rugs if you like.

The holidays are coming, and that means you will probably have out-of-town guests and family visiting. You can impress them all and create a haven of style and comfort in time for the season! Why not begin to dream about your new custom bedding by taking a browse through our incredibly sumptuous, quality selections. Get inspired by the rich colors, textures, light-reflective qualities and special trims that await your experience in creative custom bedding with the help from our expert design team at FashionWindowTreatments.com.

Decorative Throw Pillows Add New Personality To Your Room

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 2:01 am

Other than a new coat of paint, there is just no easier nor more cost-effective way to completely change the look of many rooms in your home than to add some new cushiony comforts with a few casually tossed and thoughtfully selected decorative pillows.

I have had three sofas in my life over the last decade or so, but you would think I redecorated my living room monthly. What’s my secret? Among my collection of personal home décor items are about 40 beautiful decorative throw pillows that suit my changing moods, changing seasons, and ever-changing mind! Whenever I get bored with the look of my room, which is about as often as I get bored with my wardrobe, I just change it all up super-quick by rearranging my decorative throw pillows and by playing around with the different colours, textures, shapes, arrangement, and styles available at FashionWindowTreatments.com.

My sofa is definitely a one-of-a-kind conversation piece, much like a chameleon. It’s the cozy center of our home’s comfort and the place for all of us to sit together, talk, read, or snuggle up under a soft blanket. Your sofa, too, can add sparkling new life to the same-old-same-old whenever you redecorate this easy way. I like to call it “pillorating”. Allow me to elaborate upon my easy schemes.

I have been accumulating decorative throw pillows for many years now. It’s much cheaper than buying new furniture, and it’s so much fun! Some of my good stand-bys are in solid colors that coordinate easily with all sorts of patterns. I have several classic damask prints, a few bold geometrics, some with fancy beaded borders, corduroys, satin, and even a leopard print one that is reversible with solid black on the other side. I combine new with vintage, and the latest patterns with Granny’s floral cross-stitch. It’s an eclectic masterpiece! This same concept can be used in other areas of the home, such as the dining room using chair cushions or the bathroom by changing the patterns on your long shower curtains.

My favorite decorative throw pillow of all is in gorgeous black velvet, appliquéd with red roses and bright green velvet leaves that set off the red and draw the eye as a good work of art will do. This throw pillow adds so much texture to our otherwise ordinary, maybe even drab sage green velour sofa. All at a fraction of the price of a new piece of art!

I move my pillows from sofas to chairs, and even throw them in pile on the floor for some extra fun seating! Sometimes I use the sofa pillows upstairs on the bed. And when guests visit, I dress up the guestroom, getting creative by designing a haven of delight for our houseguests. All with decorative throw pillows! I try to choose shapes and styles I know will suit the tastes of our guests, and it always works!

I get excited just thinking about all the possibilities of looks that are achievable by simply adding a few new decorative throw pillows to a home’s collection. When you tire of them, simply store your decorative throw pillows in plastic until it’s time for a change again. And then, when you bring them back out later, you’ll love all the looks they offer all over again!

Recently I have started thinking about decorative throw pillows yet again, because I bought a mid-century Danish modern, low-riser sofa in turquoise and teak. Sounds like a hard thing to work into your room’s décor without having to start from scratch, right? Nope! All I need is ONE colour to tie it all together, and I can achieve this by finding decorative throw pillows with turquoise beads, piping, or fabric. Voila! A whole new room that’s all tied together! It’s going to look so designer chic. I can’t wait to find that next perfect decorative throw pillow at FashionWindowTreatments.

September 17, 2008

Antique Chandeliers

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 11:46 am

Anyone who has ever decorated and furnished a room will know just how important it is to have the right kind of lighting. Every room is different and therefore requires lighting that will complement the home decor and furnishings of that particular room. - this is even more important when you are looking for just the right kind of lighting.

These tiffany style desk lamps can be a beautiful addition to any home; they also provide very flexible lighting systems in a living room that is often used for many different purposes. Decorative table lamps can be used to create a specific mood in a room. If you want to sit back and relax while listening to some music then the soft light of a corner crystal chandeliers will enhance that mood. In order to show how distinctive the right table lamp can be you should take into account the size of your room and the size of the lamp. You should also ensure that the materials in the lamp compliment the rest of the décor in your room.

Many people will choose table lamps that fit the décor of a particular room. If, for example, your living room is ultra modern, then a tiffany lamp, no matter how unique or beautiful it is just would not fit the style of such a room. You may decide to settle for a unique table lamp that is fashioned from nickel in a spare, modern style. If on the other hand, your tastes run to the more traditional type of décor then a tiffany lamp would be ideal. There are many different designs and colors to be had in this style and it is well worth searching the internet where there are some great sites offering exquisite table lamps.

If you use several different table lamps, strategically placed, to light up your living room then you will be able to create a variety of different moods. They can be both distinctive and versatile; providing not only background lighting but a useful resource for undertaking different tasks. Sewing tasks require a more direct light than you might want if you were watching the television for example.

A table lamp is quite different from a desk lamp. A desk lamp is often an angle poise lamp which enables the user to shed direct light onto a task, and on the other hand is more than just a functional object; it is both functional and ornamental. For example it is possible to get some exquisite table lamps like the Cameo Dragonfly table lamp with lighted base. Lamps like this are an asset to any room, not only because of its unique style, but because it can provide a light that is soft enough to suit most moods.

They come in many different sizes with the average lamp being about 20″ tall. It is possible to have lamps of different heights in different parts of a room. A unique table lamp should reflect some of your personality and therefore an integral part of your décor. There are items to suit many different tastes and budgets and it is possible to make up your own unique display to add a touch more style to your already stylish home.

September 14, 2008

Island And Billiard Lamps

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 7:22 pm

Contemporary desk lamps focus around functionality and art, which is exactly what lamp design has always been about. From the elegant and distinctive Dale Tiffany Lamps, still made in the tradition of the originals of the highest quality and care, to modern designs made out of almost any material, minimilistic in color and beautiful in polish and sleek looks, to lamps that can even represent other objects (such as a Chinese Take Out box) lighting has come a long way - and continues to evolve in an exciting direction.

No matter what décor style you prefer, candle wall sconces and Pool Table Lamps designs abound. Many of the designs are so well done, in fact, that they would complement any environment. Dale Tiffany style lamps, despite being born from that art deco era, continue to add charm to the home or office - and are therefore becoming increasingly popular. They have a tendency to create a focal point that many designs can’t do, and remain rare and original in design. Adding a Dale Tiffany style lamp even to a majorly modern home or office creates a unique contrast that many décor designers strive to achieve. This style continues to delight.

Designers of contemporary table lamps focus on using new and unique materials to create their artistic and beautiful designs. Some lamps are made from glass and metal, with the brushed or polished look allowed to come through nicely, and with fitted black or white bases. A stunning, one color shade to match finishes it off, creating a nucleus of attraction in any home or office environment.

Traditionally, classy lighting design only came in two variations : uplight and downlight. The theory has essentially stayed the same, as both of these are not harsh on the eyes and create a natural and elegant atmosphere to the room. Upward light design is when the bulb faces upwards, so that the light reflects against the ceiling creating a soft and lush light for the room. Downlight is the opposite, the bulb facing down, so that the delicate light focuses specifically around the table, desk or piece that the lamp has been placed upon. Contemporary designers do the same, by using a variation of materials and unique, beautiful designs. A particularly popular design is the tabletop chandelier, strands of glowing plastic or glass fibers lighting the room naturally and delicately.

Contemporary designers like to focus on natural light, creating the best lighting for reading or writing, but also for dining or entertaining. Sometimes contemporary table lamps are not just designed with uplight or downlight, but can be adjusted to best suit the user’s needs.

Many designers are also experimenting with new and elaborate shade designs and colors - from box shapes to the cone designs, to wicka designs, all designed to complement the furniture and placement of the lamp. Glass, metal and many other
materials are also being used. floor lamps and desk lamps are following the same exciting trends, and can create a fantastic combination when purchased together while focusing on a particular interior décor idea.

September 10, 2008

Tiffany Style Lamps

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 5:34 pm

When you are looking for a way to add both color and class to your environment, you’ll find that one of the best ways to do so is with a Tiffany lamp or light fixture. You’ll find that there is a reason that the table lamps have been so popular for the last century, and you’ll find that with a little bit of work and thought that they can easily be integrated into your home environment. The Art Nouveau movement, of which the Tiffany glassware was a part, is something that proclaims beauty in every space, and this type of lamp is no exception.

The thing that will distinguish a table lamps from the normal desk lamp or table lamp is its beautiful lampshade. The Tiffany lamp has a shade which is a gorgeous confection of stained glass that has been meticulously soldered together, and many people feel that this is the hallmark of its charm. You’ll find that the stained glass designs on this lamp will range in color from cool and lovely blues and greens to vibrant reds, golds and oranges. Take some time to think about where the various colors might do their best work, and you will find that your Tiffany lamp can bring a a great deal of life to any room in your house.

When you are looking for a very dramatic effect, you should consider what you can do with a tiffany lamps. Although this company is best known for its table lamps and desk lamps, you will find that they also have a great deal to do with very dramatic and very elegant light fixtures, especially in the way of chandelier. You’ll find that in many cases, their light fixtures are wonderfully made with stained glass, but you’ll also find that there is a great deal of the delicate metalwork that is so indicative of the Tiffany designs. Make sure that you don’t put a light fixture like this into a place where it will overwhelm the room; makes sure that it is suspended at an appropriate height and that it has an appropriate size to go with it.

Take some time to think about what a simple Tiffany lamp in the form of a desk lamp or a a table lamp can do for you. You’ll find that if choose a lamp with a colorful lampshade that you will be tempted to decorate the entire room in a way that suits it, and this is a good impulse. Make sure that you take a look at the colors that you have to choose from and that you do not accidentally create an eyesore.

When you are looking to decorate your home, take some time to consider the elegance and distinction that a well-placed Tiffany lamp can bring and start planning today. There’s no end to the good that a well placed light source can do, so don’t let this opportunity go by unnoticed; this is a great chance to take a look around to make sure that your home matches your tastes.

August 7, 2008

Floor Lamps

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 5:13 pm

When you think of chandeliers, there is a chance that you end up passing up on them because you consider them to be too antiquated or elaborate. The truth is, chandeliers have updated as much as people have, and you’ll find that when you want to add a dramatic accent and a terrific source of light to a room that a chandelier might be exactly what you are looking for. If you are curious to see what a chandelier can do for the entry way or dining room that you are thinking of redoing, take a look for some great tips below.

When you are thinking of getting wall sconces, remember that it should be proportionate to the room that it fills. If you have a chandelier that dangles too low, the room will feel cramped, and even if they don’t need to, your guests will feel as though they should be ducking. On the other hand, if the room is too large for the size of the chandelier that you have decided on, you’ll find that it looks shrunken and out of place.

There’s a fairly good formula to help you decided on a chandelier size. Start with the dimension of the room in feet, the width by the depth, and add those numbers together. The sum of those numbers equals the number of inches of the diameter of your chandelier. This will give you a rough place to start. When thinking of the height of the chandelier, remember that it should not be more than seven feet from the floor.

With this in mind, you’ll realize that you can quite easily make sure that you don’t get the wrong chandelier; now all you have to do is find the right one! Chandeliers, despite their association with ballrooms and large confections of crystal, can come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and you’ll find that when you are interested in making sure that your room gets a certain effect across that a chandelier can be the perfect accent.

Think about the way you want the room to look. Are you hoping for a cozy, welcoming feel? You may want a chandelier and floor lamps that has a warm feel and is made out of bronze of wood. Similarly, if you are looking for something a little more stern or dramatic, consider taking a look at chandeliers that look like cast iron, or ones that are made from steel. When you are considering a chandelier, remember that it needs to work with the rest of the accents in your room and not fight them. You can also control the look of the chandelier by making a concrete decision on what the wattage is of the bulbs that you use in it.

If you are in a situation where you can think about a chandelier, remember that this decorative element can change the look of your whole room. There are many different options open to you when it comes to choosing a chandelier, so make sure that you inspect them all!

May 31, 2008

Antique Chandeliers

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 4:57 pm

When you think of Chandeliers, there is a chance that you end up passing up on them because you consider them to be too antiquated or elaborate. The truth is, chandeliers have updated as much as people have, and you’ll find that when you want to add a dramatic accent and a terrific source of light to a room that a chandelier might be exactly what you are looking for. If you are curious to see what a chandelier can do for the entry way or dining room that you are thinking of redoing, take a look for some great tips below.

When you are thinking of getting Crystal Chandeliers, remember that it should be proportionate to the room that it fills. If you have a chandelier that dangles too low, the room will feel cramped, and even if they don’t need to, your guests will feel as though they should be ducking. On the other hand, if the room is too large for the size of the chandelier that you have decided on, you’ll find that it looks shrunken and out of place.

There’s a fairly good formula to help you decided on a chandelier size. Start with the dimension of the room in feet, the width by the depth, and add those numbers together. The sum of those numbers equals the number of inches of the diameter of your chandelier. This will give you a rough place to start. When thinking of the height of the chandelier, remember that it should not be more than seven feet from the floor.

With this in mind, you’ll realize that you can quite easily make sure that you don’t get the wrong chandelier; now all you have to do is find the right one! Chandeliers, despite their association with ballrooms and large confections of crystal, can come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and you’ll find that when you are interested in making sure that your room gets a certain effect across that a chandelier can be the perfect accent.

Think about the way you want the room to look. Are you hoping for a cozy, welcoming feel? You may want a chandelier that has a warm feel and is made out of bronze of wood. Similarly, if you are looking for something a little more stern or dramatic, consider taking a look at chandeliers that look like cast iron, or ones that are made from steel. When you are considering a chandelier, remember that it needs to work with the rest of the accents in your room and not fight them. You can also control the look of the chandelier by making a concrete decision on what the wattage is of the bulbs that you use in it.

If you are in a situation where you can think about Antique Chandeliers, remember that this decorative element can change the look of your whole room. There are many different options open to you when it comes to choosing a chandelier, so make sure that you inspect them all!

May 18, 2008

Table Lamps

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 1:06 pm

The proper lighting in a home can give it depth and character. The styles of lamps, sconces, chandeliers, table lamps, and tract lighting are varied and numerous on the market today. If you are decorating a home for the first time, keep in mind that the light fixtures and the amount of light you provide in each area depends on the size of the room and the activities for which you’ll be using the space.

The living room or family room is often one of the most enjoyed rooms in any home. Table lamps are an excellent way to light up a living room. They provide soft lighting for relaxation or watching television, or brighter lighting for reading. Overhead ceiling lights or recessed lighting with a dimmer switch can give bright light for playing board games or for entertaining.

In addition to having a beautiful chandelier above the dining table, formal dining rooms are an excellent place to incorporate a colorful and exquisite table lamps. Placed directly on a buffet, it provides soft light for a romantic dinner at home or simply for highlighting a favorite painting on the wall. Even when it isn’t lit, it will compliment the overall room decor. China hutches are the perfect place for accent lighting to show off your beautiful glassware or unique serving dishes. Wall sconces are yet another great use of lighting in a dining room for special occasions, especially if they are operated with a dimmer switch.

Many times, lighting in the kitchen is overlooked or simply not done properly to allow for the many different tasks that occur in this space. The concept of layering is important here. Over the sink, preparation areas, and in the pantry, task lighting is a good choice. Soft, ambient lighting draws people into the kitchen and makes them feel welcome. If your cabinets don’t reach to the ceiling, ambient light fixtures are best placed in that open space.

Bedrooms are a room that also require layers of light and that means using both overhead and portable light fixtures throughout the room. Couples should each have individually controlled reading lamps on their side of the bed. This would be a great way to use unique table lamps, reflecting the character of the person using them. An overhead light fixture, perhaps combined with a ceiling fan, is a must for any bedroom. Those times when you want to clean or just need to see every corner, the overhead is extremely handy. For children’s bedrooms, it is important to have an overhead light and additional portable lights by which they can read or do homework. A lamp with a dimmer is essential for the nursery, so that parents can look in on their little one without waking her up.

Bathrooms require combined styles of light fixtures as well. Vanity lighting is best accomplished with vertical fixtures or sconces on either side of the mirror. Avoid recessed lighting in this area as it tends to cast shadows on the face. If you have a larger bathroom, a separate recessed light with a glass lens in the shower stall is a good idea. A dimmer on the lights in the bathroom, many times a refuge these days, is an inexpensive addition to create a relaxing mood if desired.

Lighting is often overlooked in a home and the result is a darker, less inviting atmosphere. Ample lighting is essential for creating a warm, inviting and comfortable home for both you, your family, and those who come to visit.

May 13, 2008

Keep Your AC Costs Down With Exterior Window Treatments

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 11:36 pm

New exterior window blinds, shades, and awnings can help reduce your summer cooling costs. Exterior blinds can definitely prevent the sun’s solar rays from entering the home and therefore the interior of the house will be cooler during the day.

The exterior blind is quite often used interchangeably with awning. In fact, the exterior blinds do not have the slats that interior blinds have. However, exterior blinds can fit up snug against the window frame to provide better sun protection. Moreover, some people have the opinion that exterior shutters are shutter blinds. Please remember that these treatments can angle away from the bottom of the window.

What form of exterior window you like is immaterial as long as the exterior blinds helps regulate the temperature of your home. Exterior blinds can definitely prevent the hot sun’s rays from reaching the window glass. This is because the glass will not heat up and hence will not transmit heat into your home.

Exterior blinds can also give you an extra degree of privacy just like indoor window treatments. This will certainly give you a greater piece of mind. If you need more privacy, you need to put the blinds on windows where people have a view of the interior of your house or else you can use the awning type to serve the purpose.

You’ll also get better light control by using discounted wood blinds. If you want better light control, you can use an exterior blind that can be opened or retracted. This will help you to control the light inside your home at any time of day or year. There are so many models, which differ on the amount of light that they let in. Therefore, it is vital that you need to decide your exact requirement before buying it.

Using exterior blinds is environmentally friendly. You’ll run your air conditioner less because the temperature in your home will remain cooler. You’ll be doing your part to prevent global warming.

While buying exterior window blinds, be sure that your choice fulfills your needs and increases the style of your home. You can even select a style, which matches your home’s color. It is also important that you should measure your windows before purchasing. If you have any questions on how to do this, you may consult with the retailer.

Window treatments at a discount can save you money by reducing your cooling costs. At the same time, you can add privacy and style to your home by using exterior blinds.

May 6, 2008

How To Find The Perfect African Rug

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 3:31 am

You should try out an African carpet if you want to add a little exotic flair to your house. There are 2 difference types of this North African carpet: Carpets made with wool that hasn’t been died and Turkish carpets that have the traditional geometrical patterns. A carpet’s size, color, pattern and shape can tell you the origin of the carpet. There are carpets that have mythological or historical figures such as animals and people. You can also find carpets with other geometrical shapes that form both straight lines and angles.

Do you ever wonder if a carpet can bring excitement to you floor? You might be surprised to find out that an African carpet just might do it. This carpet is made by hand with materials such as silk, mohair, cotton and wool. The carpets are colored with dyes made from animals, plants, minerals, aniline and chrome.

Don’t worry, you can find great looking options for your home if you can’t afford to spend more. If an African carpet isn’t in your budget, you may want to take a look at alternatives such as a beautiful frieze carpet or a durable Karastan carpet. It’s possible to find great style without breaking the bank.

You need to consider a few things before you buy one of these beautiful carpets. First, where are you going to put your new carpet? Is it in a high traffic area? Is it somewhere that there is a possibility of someone spilling something on it? Next, make sure you know exactly what size carpet you need and that you can find something that will get the attention of the people in your home. Last, make sure that the carpet your looking at is in a price range that you can afford.

A carpet can be a significant investment. You should protect it. You want to take the necessary steps to ensure that it stays beautiful and that it will continue to look spectacular for a long time. Stair treads for carpet are a great way to protect an African carpet runner that you’re using on your stairs.

Spills should be taken care of immediately. It’s important that you don’t let a spill or a stain sit on the carpet too long. To clean up, try using a spoon to ladle up any pooling fluids and make sure that you only use cold water on your carpet. Once you’ve taken the spilled fluid out of the carpet, use a clean cotton cloth or paper towel to dry it. You can even use a hair dryer to speed up the drying. The bottom line is that you need to get it clean and dry as quickly as possible.

All that’s left for you to do is to make your purchase and enjoy your carpet. You’ll get almost as much pleasure watching your neighbor’s get jealous of your beautiful new African carpet.

April 23, 2008

A Ceramic Windchime Is Just Cool

Filed under: Accents — Decor Guru @ 11:32 am

The soft breeze blowing through the windows gently pushing the Unique Wind Chimes against one another trying to orchestrate a new music note and a symphony is an enchanting moment to experience. The soft chimes produced even amidst the slightest wind brings a deep feeling of togetherness and awareness in ones mind tuning the heart and soul and making it relaxed and peaceful. What are wind chimes? Why is it used in houses or gardens? What are wind chimes made up of?

The sound of the best wind chime depends upon the choice of the material used to make the wind chime. The different types of wind chimes can be categorized as,

• Chinese wind chime
• Japanese wind chime
• Brass wind chime
• Seashell wind chime
• Copper wind chime
• Aluminum wind chime
Ceramic Windchime
• Solar wind chime
• Metal wind chime
• Glass wind chime
• Clay wind chime
• Tuned wind chime
• Garden wind chime
• Silverware wind chime

Wind chimes are a decorating ornamental display used in the windows or doorway. Many hang these wind chimes out doors in the garden or porch. The overall purpose for hanging these chimes is to bring in a harmonious musical note every time the breeze or a gentle wind blows. The wind chimes are made of various materials like clay, metal, silver, aluminum, glass, wood, bamboo etc. the cheap wind chimes however is the clay and metal wind chimes.

Japanese wind chimes and Chinese wind chimes are all used as a tradition. It is considered as good luck omens and sometimes it is said to keep off bad spirits. Whatever the purpose, wind chimes are a true marvel which can bring in a beautiful musical element into our lives. It is definitely a great joy to listen to the soft musical sounds emanating from the chimes every time the wind blows. Wind chimes are the greatest things of beauty that can make the room more color and musical.

Woodstock wind chimes are the best wind chimes as the musical wind chimes produce some unique harmony. Classic wind chimes which are traditionally set is the bamboo wind chimes. Harmony chimes are designed to produce best music with a unique harmony. Butterfly wind chime, slumped wind chime, spiral wind chime are other models wherein different types of musical notes can be heard and enjoyed.

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