The holidays are a perfect time to transform your home into a wonderland that’s filled with eye-catching and enchanting elements. Sure, you can set up a holiday tree and place a wreath on your front door, but there are so many other creative ways to express yourself while celebrating the joy of the season. So, here are some fun, festive, and trendy ways to dress up any room in your home. 1. SHOWCASE THE CLASSICS Do you have a lot of old holiday décor that you were maybe a little embarrassed to put out in the past? Well, consider bringing them out for everyone to see, as one of the year’s holiday decorating trends is to use vintage and traditional elements. The beloved and bright holiday colors of red, white, and green can be used to create a warm and inviting environment. Vintage decorations, tableware, and tree ornaments, some of which you might have received from grandparents and parents, can add uniqueness to a space. Even ceramic trees are popular again. And using lights that have a warmer, golden tone rather than a cooler, blue tone can also add to the traditional feel. 2. INCORPORATE TRENDY COLORS If you don’t want to go with classic holiday color schemes, or you want to do something different this year, there are several trends you can use to take your décor to the next level. Consider incorporating metallic accents that can pop against traditional and neutral colors. Pink is also popular this year, and you can even use various shades of purple to take a less traditional approach to your holiday décor. Plus, you can combine these ideas, such as by pairing gold and pink, to dress up your tree or fireplace mantel. 3. GO NATURAL This year, consider using nature-inspired pieces to decorate for the holidays. You can do this in myriad ways. For example, you could go outside and bring home elements from the natural world, such as pine cones that you found at the park. A real, rather than artificial, wreath can be hung on your front door to welcome guests. Or, you could use décor that features neutral hues and earthy tones that pair perfectly with deep green and red accents. And if you don’t want to go with a real tree, you could put up a flocked holiday tree that looks like it’s covered in snow. So many options! Plus, this trend offers a wonderful opportunity to take a more sustainable approach to your décor, so definitely consider buying items made from recycled, renewable, and natural materials too. 4. DECORATE YOUR BARN DOORS If you have a sliding barn door anywhere in your home, don’t neglect it while decorating the rest of the space. This can be an easy way to add a focal point that grabs the attention of anyone who walks into the room. And it can be so simple to do, as you can just hang a wreath and use string lights to add warmth and brightness.
Whether you're remodeling your home or are taking part of a new build project, it's important to know the name of the parts that you're working with to be able to communicate effectively with the professionals you may interact with. This stands true for the parts of your exterior doors. This is why we at DoorVida have created a door glossary that you can refer to when you happen upon terminology that you may or may not be quite familiar with.
DOOR TERMINOLOGY YOU NEED TO KNOW Here is where we will explain different door terminology and parts so that you're able to make the best decision when choosing an exterior door for your home. BORE HOLE: These are pre-drilled holes where you'll be able to accommodate and install the door lockset. BRICKMOULD: The brickmould is the exterior trim that is designed to hide the gap between the door frame and the wall. This is typically thicker than most trim and can be made of any material such as wood, PVC, fiberglass, aluminum, or composite materials. Brickmould can be a part of the screen door or storm door that it's attached to. CASING: Door and window casing trim what hides the gaps between a window or door frame and the wall. DOOR FRAME: This is the frame of the doorway where the door is fitted. Door frames are made up of the side and head jambs as well as the mullion. They can be made of all sort of materials such as wood, aluminum, and composite materials. DOOR JAMB: These are the individual sections of door frames. There are the side jambs (vertical) that hold up the head jamb ("header"/horizontal). DOOR SWEEP: The door sweep is where the majority of the weather-stripping is installed. This is found on the bottom of a door panel and creates a weather-resistant barrier. GLAZING: Glazing refers to the glass in a door. With newer exterior doors, glazing can comprised of two or more layers of glass. For additional insulation, inert gas will sometimes be injected between the layers two layers of glass and sometimes three. To manage the amount of light and heat that comes into your home, glazing can be coated with material to reflect the heat and light away. HINGE: This are the pieces that allow for your door to swing open and closed. Most doors have three hinges, but bigger and taller doors may have four or more hinges. The color and finish of a hinge will typically match the lockset. LATCH: This is the part of the door that will extend into the door frame from the side of the door panel. The latch will retract once the door handle is turned, which allows for the door to open. LOCKSET: A lockset includes the door handles, locks, latches, strike plates, and possible other additional hardware. MULLION: Mulls are the seams that form when two windows or a door and window are put together. The mullion is usually hidden by a mull casing. MUNTIN: These are supporting bars or strips that are found between panes of glass. PANEL: Panel refers to the whole part of the door that swings back and forth. Panels can also be divided into smaller panels that are found between the stiles, rails, and mullions. RAIL: These are the narrow horizontal segments on a door panel. SIDELIGHTS: These are the tall narrow windows that can be found on either or both sides of a door. Sidelights bring in more light into the home and can allow you to see who's at the door with more ease. SILL: This is the bottom part of a door frame. Sills (thresholds) are only found on exterior doors and are typically sealed and fastened to the floor. SIMULATED DIVIDED LITE (SDL): This is a door that only has one single glass pane with interlocking muntin bars. This gives the appearance that the door is made up of several separate glass panes. STILE: Stiles are found on either side of a door panel. They are vertical and are referred to as the lock stile and hinge stile. STRIKE PLATE: Typically made of metal, this is a piece of hardware that's installed into the door frame that will catch the latch of the lockset and keep the door closed. WEATHER-STRIPPING: Found on exterior doors, weather-stripping helps seal gaps that are found between a door frame and a door panel. In most cases, weather-stripping is made of a strong and flexible material such as silicone and rubber. HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Here at DoorVida, we know that your front door is almost always the first thing that people will notice about your home. In that sense, why not know everything you can about your door and the parts that make up the entire thing? You can contact us if you wish to learn more about the parts that make up your doors or if you have a question about your order from DoorVida. A Hobbit house is nestled underground, with a whimsical wooden door that fits snugly into a round hillside. The Chrysler building reflects the larger-than-life feel of New York City, and the door to Monica's apartment is as quirky as the friends themselves.
Imagining those iconic exteriors is easy because they're so memorable. Fun fact — they all happen to showcase one of the most fundamental elements of feng shui, the ancient Chinese philosophy of arranging a living space to attain balance. Achieving harmony is the main aim of feng shui. In doing so, you drive the flow of chi, a vital life force that brings good fortune and prosperity. WHY FRONT DOOR FENG SHUI IS IMPORTANT The front door is the portal to your home. It's the first thing people see, keeps your family safe, embodies your individuality, and can even change the character of the street your house is on. Every day it beckons you into the place where your most precious things live. When you apply feng shui to your exterior doors, you bring positivity into your home. Here are three handy tips to help you get the flow going. MAKE THE SPACE CLEAN AND SERENE To start, the area around your front door should be free of clutter. This space is prone to pile up, from discarded rubbish and shoes to dirt and debris. Be mindful of this and keep things as clean and clear as you can. By removing aspects that create a disorderly and stagnant feeling, you open your entryway up for positive energy to flow straight into your house. You'll also save yourself the stress of seeing a mess every time you come home. FOCUS ON THE DOOR ITSELF You may not be able to choose the direction your front door faces or whether some architectural details contradict feng shui principles, but you can control many aspects of the door itself. A front door should be proportionate to the house and larger than interior doors. Opt for materials that are aesthetically appealing to you and secure enough to keep your family safe. Metal is often used in feng shui to activate stagnant energy, while wood can either calm or stimulate the environment depending on the type you choose. KEEP IT WARM AND WELCOMING Feng shui is all about promoting a strong flow of positive energy into your home, so don't stand in its way. Watch out for off-putting details, like sharp objects or architectural features that put focus on areas like private bedrooms or the bathroom. Use fresh flowers, a pretty piece of art, or even a pop of color to draw the eye where you like and instill a sense of calm and wellbeing. GO WITH THE FLOW Applying feng shui can feel overwhelming. But as long as you strive to achieve balance and harmony, the rest should fall into place. Start with your exterior doors and see where the chi leads you — you'll be surprised at the difference a door can make. After installing your home’s new exterior door, it’s time to find the perfect locks and knobs to match. Door hardware comes in many different materials, styles, and finishes to accommodate virtually any decorative scheme, ranging from sophisticated mortises lock assemblies to more basic cylindrical locksets. With so many options to choose from, finding the right hardware for your door may require a little shopping around. Read on to review some important considerations to bear in mind when choosing hardware for a new door.
TRADITIONAL OR KEYLESS ENTRY First, you’ll need to decide if you want a conventional manually operated locking mechanism or a keyless entry for your exterior door. Smart locks either work via a mobile app or by entering a passcode directly into a number pad installed above the handle. For some, keyless entry locks offer an excellent combination of convenience and security that conventional locks cannot provide. For example, it’s impossible to pick a smart lock since there are no keyholes or other access points. You will also never have to worry about misplacing your house key or making copies for each member of your family. If you go out of town and need someone to check on your pets, you can provide the code to a friend and change the number after they leave. The other option is to purchase a conventional tumbler lock. These locks work by inserting a physical key that pushes aside pins in the mechanism, allowing the door to open. For optimal performance and security, invest in exterior door hardware that meets the highest standards of the BHMA or Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. The BHMA grades a lock on a sliding scale depending on the quality, performance, and overall durability. If you’re looking for the best hardware available, focus on lock systems with an A rating or higher. LOCKSET TYPES If you choose to go with conventional door hardware, you’ll need to decide between installing either a tubular or mortise lock system. Tubular locks consist of two separate parts, the primary lock with a keyhole and a secondary deadbolt lock installed above. Mortise locks combine these two components into a single unit and often come with a higher price tag than typical cylinder locksets. Although mortise locks cost more upfront, they usually last longer than their cylindrical counterparts and are a little easier to service. KNOBS OR LEVERS Another thing to consider when buying hardware for your new door is whether you’d prefer door knobs or lever handles. Since both options work in much the same way, this decision comes down to personal preference and taste. Door knobs have a more classic, traditional appeal, while lever-style door handles add an element of sophistication to entryways that are perfect for accentuating older, historic homes. LATCHES AND DEADBOLTS For a little extra security, you may want to consider installing an interior sliding latch, chain lock, or a deadbolt to your new door. These additional components will prevent intruders from gaining entry if they ever manage to pick the primary lock to your door. Other mechanisms worth exploring include swing bar locks and door guards. Remember, door hardware comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so be sure to select locks, latches, and deadbolts that match one another. If you’re ever uncertain about the installation process, defer to the expertise of locksmiths for help as they understand all the intricacies of properly installing all types of locks and door hardware. FIND THE RIGHT FINISH Lastly, you need to determine the type of finish you want for your hardware. Aside from the general color of your lockset and knobs, you can also choose between many different textures like a fine, polished sheen or a more antique, tarnished appearance. Some of the most popular finishes for door hardware includes: · Copper · Bronze · Nickel · Aluminum · Chrome · Pewter · Matte black · Rustic tones Are you looking for the ideal hardware to highlight the unique style of your home's entryway? DoorVida has all the quality materials you need, conveniently cataloged all in one place. Our premium hardware and locksets will give your new door the customized appearance you've always wanted. We also offer a variety of decorative door straps and clavos to bring everything together. When you start shopping around for a new exterior door, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. But before you start picking out the perfect color, finish, and architectural style, don’t forget about the most important part of your decision:
What material will your door be made out of? A front door is an essential part of your home exterior. It provides security and weather-proofing protection, while also setting the atmosphere of your home for anyone who passes by. Both wood and fiberglass can offer something different for every homeowner. The trick is knowing which one has benefits that outweigh the downsides. With these front door tips, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of both to help you make the right choice for your home. WOOD EXTERIOR DOORS Known for their aesthetic look and long-time durability, there’s a lot to like about wood doors. However, there are some reasons why homeowners might turn to fiberglass instead. PROS One of the main benefits of having a wood door is its aesthetic appeal. A wood door can offer a very high-end look. Whether stained or painted, you can get a beautiful color that shows off the wood grain and can add a touch of warmth to any home. Add some carvings and you have everything you need for a stunning exterior door. If you want to change up the look of your door, it’s also easy to sand or paint. Any small scratches or dents can blend into the natural texture of the wood. Wood is also a renewable resource, for those looking for something sustainable and eco-friendly. CONS Compared to more cost-effective options like fiberglass, wood doors tend to be on the higher end of the pricing range. They may also take more effort to maintain — sun damage and other outdoor elements can cause a door to bubble, peel, fade, or warp. Another limitation of wood doors is energy efficiency. Wood doors aren’t as efficient at sealing out the elements, as well as sealing in hot or cold air. FIBERGLASS EXTERIOR DOORS Valued for its cost-effectiveness and durability, fiberglass has emerged as a strong contender when it comes to the right exterior door. PROS One of the main advantages of fiberglass is its durability. Fiberglass can last for decades without rotting, warping, or deteriorating in any way. They’re also extra resistant to dents or scratches, which means they won’t require much maintenance to keep a fresh appearance. While not as versatile as wood, they can still be stained and painted if you want to change up the look of your door. Finally, they’re known for being highly energy efficient. In fact, they can offer up to five times the insulating power of a wood door the same size. CONS The main con of fiberglass doors comes down to one thing: aesthetics. While fiberglass can include a synthetic wood grain — which looks very similar to real wood — some homeowners don’t like the simulated look. They prefer the look and feel of genuine wood. THE DEBATE BETWEEN WOOD AND FIBERGLASS While there are some big differences between wood and fiberglass doors, it all depends on personal preference. Maybe you don’t like the synthetic feel of fiberglass. Or you value the longevity of fiberglass doors and don’t want to worry about maintenance. Whichever you choose, the best way to choose an exterior door you’ll love is to seek out top-quality craftsmanship. If you’re looking for an upgrade, our doors have the look, feel, and functionality to make a serious impression. Painting your front door is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home a complete makeover. All you need is a can of fresh paint to boost your curb appeal, refresh the exterior of your home, and fix up any signs of daily wear and tear. The best part is, it only takes about a day to get it all done.
Time for a home exterior upgrade? Whether you’re just doing a touch-up or you’re transforming the look of your door, here are some painting tips to look over before you pick up the brush. 1. PICK THE RIGHT PAINTFor an exterior door, you’ll probably need at least one quart of paint — not including the primer. Make sure you look for paint specifically labeled for exterior use. It’ll need to handle rain, sun, wind, and other elements, so you’ll need a kind of paint that’s durable, flexible, and mold-resistant. While most exterior door paints come in a semi-gloss finish, you can go for matte, eggshell, or high gloss if you prefer a different look. 2. WAIT FOR THE PERFECT TIMEKeep in mind that it might take some time for you to perfect your paint job and let everything dry. This could mean painting in the morning and giving it the rest of the day to dry, or it could mean painting in the late afternoon so it can dry all night. Whenever you paint, try to avoid direct sunlight or high humidity to keep the paint in top condition. 3. PREP, PREP, PREPIf you jump straight into it with the paintbrush, you could end up with a less than desirable finish. To make sure it looks just how you want it, be sure to take time to prepare. This means sanding the surface, cleaning it, and priming it to keep things smooth and ready for painting. The door should either be removed from its hinges or the hardware should be carefully covered in painters’ tape. 4. START WITH THE DETAILSAfter the primer has completely dried, it’s time to do your detail work. Using a fine paintbrush, go over any trim work or finer details on the door. This is your chance to get the delicate work done with a smaller brush before you go in with a bigger one. 5. PAINT THE REST OF THE DOORNow it’s time to paint the bulk of the door. Going in with a roller can make things quick and give you a nice smooth finish. But using a brush — even if just for the final layer — can give you more of an authentic, hand-painted look. Depending on the type of paint, you might need a second or third layer to make sure it doesn’t look patchy. Once the door is painted and dried, all that’s left to do is reinstall the door and put your hardware back on. A good quality paint job will protect your door for years to come, while also giving your home exterior a much-needed refresh. Ready to change the look of your home and make a great first impression? It might be time for a brand new door. You don't need a major renovation or changes to the landscape to increase your curb appeal. Small changes can make a huge difference. Whether that means adding a wreath or a new front door, you can boost your home's value and curb appeal.
These 10 tips can help get your home ready just in time for Spring. 1. GET A NEW FRONT DOOR A new front door is an inexpensive way to significantly improve your curb appeal. Many beautiful homes still have an outdated exterior door that doesn't match the house's aesthetic. This reduces your curb appeal and even reduces your home's value. A beautiful front door is a focal point that increases the appeal of your home. A quality door shows you care about your property and take pride in the look of your home. DoorVida makes reliable, customizable exterior doors you can trust to keep your home sophisticated and secure. 2. ADD LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Landscape lighting is a simple way to improve Spring curb appeal—even at night. You can emphasize existing landscaping by highlighting it with low-cost LED lighting. You can strategically place lights along sidewalks, below trees, and along the edge of your home. You can even add or upgrade sconces flanking your front door. 3. CLEAN UP YOUR SIDING Just like anything else, a house can get dirty. Your siding is no exception. Even when your home's exterior is in good shape, a quick power wash can make a major difference in how your home looks to visitors. Powerwashing is a simple and low-cost way to refresh the true color of your home and remove unsightly mildew that impacts your curb appeal. 4. WASH YOUR WINDOWS Cleaning your windows improves the quality of your home inside and out. Clean windows reflect light and make your home look brighter and more attractive. Clean windows also increase the amount of natural light you get inside the home. Your efforts outside can help you enjoy the inside of your home as well. 5. ADD GREENERY AND LANDSCAPING Greenery and landscaping significantly improve a home's curb appeal. You don't have to do anything drastic. A few bushes and some flowers can make all the difference. 6. ADD A NEW COAT OF PAINT Add some new paint to change up your colors or repair any damage. Flaking paint or dull colors can make your home look old. Consider painting window panes, eaves, and molding to increase your home's Spring curb appeal. 7. IMPROVE YOUR DRIVEWAY Your driveway takes up a lot of visual real estate and can detract from curb appeal. Repair any driveway cracks and consider resealing asphalt driveways when they get older. 8. CARE FOR YOUR LAWN Early Spring is the best time to take care of your lawn. Mowing regularly keeps your grass looking nice. Seed any patchy spots or add sod to improve your lawn. Edge along flower beds and sidewalks to create a sharp look to your lawn. 9. MULCH FLOWER BEDS It's amazing what new mulch can do for your curb appeal. New mulch looks fresh, clean, and well-tended. It also keeps pesky weeds from growing and saves you time tending your flower beds. 10. ADD A WREATH Wreaths are not just for Christmas. A Spring wreath beautifies your front door and adds curb appeal to your home. Show your neighbors and passerby that you are ready for the new season. Homeowners seem to have an endless list of improvement projects. So much so that it can be hard to see the line between what is mildly important and what is truly a necessity. And the truth about home maintenance tasks is that small issues will lead to much bigger ones. When it comes to your doors, knowing when to update can be especially difficult to judge because there is no real lifespan. The age, material and installation of the door all play a role in how long a door will last. To help determine when it’s the right time to bite the bullet and replace a door, read through these five revealing signs.
Sign #1: Paint is visibly cracked or warped Sometimes door damage isn’t subtle at all. Harsh weather with extreme temperature swings and exposure to moisture (sound like Florida?) can cause significant warping or cracking in a door. If a door has visible damage, it’s not only susceptible to air leaks, but could also be structurally unsound. Unfortunately, a warped door cannot be fixed and will eventually crack and rot. If this is where you are at, it’s replacement time. Sign #2: Opening and closing is a struggle This is one of the most clear-cut indications that a door is on its last leg. If you can’t open and close your door with relative ease, it may be time to install a new one. A door usually gets to this point due to aging, however it could also result from poor installation. General squeaking and sticking can be irritating and will likely worsen over time, but that’s not necessarily a sure sign that it’s time for a replacement. In this case try oiling the hinges. If the door is still noisy and a struggle to open after that, then you know it’s time for a new one. Sign #3: It’s a bit drafty Older doors are much more likely to allow drafts and air leaks to creep in and out of your home. This can be a little difficult to identify because the door may look perfectly fine, but your air conditioning bill is taking a hit because air is leaking out around the edges and wasting energy. To test your door, try standing in front of the door inside the house and run a hand a few inches away from where the frame meets the door. If you feel air or a change in temperature, it’s probably time to consider a replacement. Another indication of a gap issue is light creeping in. In some cases, new insulation will solve the problem, but more often a new, better insulated door will keep your air flow in check and help to keep your energy bill down. Sign #4: The sign is on the floor Scrape marks on your wood floors are a certain red flag that it’s time to update your door. This is another sign of warping and weather damage and is very common in older homes. A poor install could be the culprit for this issue, but either way, a new door is the solution. Sign #5: Safety first You should feel safe and secure behind your doors. If your door feels like it could be easily broken into, it’s time to upgrade. Older locks can be a real concern when it comes to keeping intruders out and sometimes you may just need to update the hardware. Keep in mind that door locks are not designed to last the entire lifetime of the door, and you can easily add a new multi-point lock, or even a keypad lever or deadbolt. If your door is having one or more of these issues, it is time to get a new door. Let us help! Email us today: [email protected] If you’re interested in breathing new life into your home, updating the exterior is an excellent place to start. Enhancing the curb appeal of your property not only makes your home more inviting but can also contribute to increasing its value. This home exterior guide lays out five simple ways to make the outside of your house look better than ever.
1. CLEAN OR REPLACE THE SIDINGAfter years of exposure to the elements, the siding on your home may begin to turn a murky color. You can easily restore the natural color of your siding by pressure washing the exterior at least once every two years. If your siding has started to crack or show signs of aging, it may be time to replace it altogether, and this is a good opportunity to explore various new siding options to compliment your home’s exterior. 2. CHANGE THE LANDSCAPINGA well-kept lawn and a few plants can do wonders for a home’s curb appeal. Add some garden beds around your home’s exterior or hang some potted plants from the front porch. If you live in a warmer, drier climate, consider transitioning to xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants, rocks, and mulch. You can also think about installing artificial grass to keep your property looking beautiful all year long. 3. UPGRADE EXTERIOR DOORSSomething as simple as buying a new door can drastically enhance the appeal of your home’s facade. Find a door with glass paneling to introduce more natural lighting to your home’s entryway and consider purchasing a new screen door to match. To make your new front door stand out, install decorative straps or iron clavos that match the aesthetics of your door’s hardware. 4. ADD A NEW COAT OF PAINTAnother easy and affordable home exterior upgrade anyone can do is to add a fresh coat of paint. Consider painting trim pieces like eaves, molding, or window panes a different color from your siding to create more contrast. Aside from painting the home itself, you may want to add a fresh coat to other structures on your property like the utility shed, fence, or mailbox. 5. ADJUST THE LIGHTINGAdd some exterior lighting above exterior doors or underneath awnings to add warmth and depth to your home. Illuminate pathways with solar lights or install accent lighting in garden beds as well. Improving the lighting of your home’s exterior not only adds to curb appeal but also works to create a safer, more secure environment for loved ones. A few minor upgrades can completely change the way a home looks and feels. If you’re looking for a new exterior door that makes an impression, DoorVida has everything you need. Email us today to set up your showroom appointment to discuss exterior door options: [email protected]. ![]() Designing your home takes a lot of attention to detail, with each element making or breaking the whole concept of your interior. That includes door design which cannot be neglected. Bold colors, modern styles and size are dominating current door design trends, so let’s take a look at what’s hot! Dark Paint If you are adding an interior door, don’t do what everyone else does and just add a white door. Instead, go bold and paint it a rich color that adds character and warmth to the room. Most interior doors are painted in the standard white trim color, with all of the elements matching. This choice is perfectly fine if you’re going for a traditional look, but you are missing out on a great opportunity to make a statement by going bold with your door color choice. Darker, more pigmented colors are transforming homes with stunning appearances that stand out from the normal sea of white and beige. The trending colors are navy blue and black, along with designs that feature glass and iron elements. And don’t forget to pair the door with attractive hardware to add an artistic element to the space. Height Higher front doors give the illusion of a higher ceiling, and the promise of a grand entrance. By keeping your front door sizes small, you’re limiting what you can do with this illusion. Nowhere else can you make quite a statement like the entry door. Go big and make it grand! Width If you’re going to go higher, you may as well go wider. Double doors, or perhaps an extra wide door with sidelight, add fantastic depth and dimension to your home. And if you choose wide doors for your interiors, you have the advantage of not only of opening up the space, but also create an easier way to transfer pieces of furniture between rooms. Pivot If you really want to make a statement, incorporate a pivot door into your home. Pivot doors are the pinnacle of contemporary architecture and work really well in modern homes. These types of doors rotate on a pivot box instead of traditional side hinges, which match up perfectly with large panels and are very popular for their wide, generous openings. |
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