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Casual Friday

Casual Friday: April 27, 2018

April 27, 2018

• Thank you so much for your enthusiasm behind the launch of our t-shirt line, ProperTee yesterday! We can't wait to see you all in your shirts and to release more designs we have in the pipeline. Amazon Prime shipping is fantastic, right?! ;) Fun fact: Chris came up with the name ProperTee (a play on property) and I am basically indebted to him forever because of it.

• The weather shifted this week, at last! And I feel like it might stick this time. No more snow, right Idaho? To celebrate, we started setting up the deck. Uncovering the fireplace, putting together our new longer sofas--obsessed with the white-washed wood! We have a couple big projects we're doing out here next week--and then I'll share some more pulled back photos.

Rug, Pouf, Sofa, Vase, Faux Stems, Coffee Table, Macrame Pillow, Red Pillow, Striped Pillow

• We are leaving for a quick family trip to California this weekend and it's honestly the worst timing, but I'm trying to shift my mindset and have a little fun while we're there instead of focusing on all the projects we're leaving in behind for a few days. We're taking the girls to Disneyland (our first time!) and visiting the beach and spending so much time as a family--that part, I can't wait for. I got a couple new swimsuits this year for the occasion, but this poppy red floral one with ruffle sleeves is hands down the best one! So sweet and flattering. (I sized up since I'm tall).

• Last weekend, I took 9 of my girlfriends up to our cabin for a sleepover and it was the best time. We ate so much food, took a hundred pictures together, played cards against humanity, did fun facials, tried mBerry tablets that made every crazy sour thing you could think of taste sweet---we were downing lemons!--and just had the kind of real, deep conversations about life that you can have with your best friends. At the crack of dawn, I woke up and hiked a little up our property to catch a glimpse of our cabin with the mountains and water in the background and I felt re-invigorated for this project we took on and this place that we get to call our own. ...and then I spotted huge bear tracks (for real!) and ran back inside.

• Can we talk about deodorant for a second? Would that be weird? I have super sensitive skin and after having Polly, it has gotten worse (I have hashimoto's and after having babies, my body always basically attacks itself for a good while.) All that to say, I cannot find a good natural deodorant that works! I was using fragrance free Dove for years, which didn't bother me until it did. Then I switched to Native--the coconut vanilla scent is out of this world but I feel like it just isn't working great! I workout hard every morning and am on the go all day and would love to find something that can keep up, but also is easy on the skin. Gimme your recs!

• Lastly, if you missed our mother's day gift guide earlier this week--check it out here!

Have a happy weekend! I'll be laying out tile patterns for the bathroom today if you want to follow along on stories! @chrislovesjulia

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  1. I believe a few people mentioned this, but I thought it was worth another vote. I use a salt crystal and won't ever change! I tried Tom's (sticky; doesn't last long). I tried Schmidt's (loved it, until I got rashes on my pits); I tried Schmidt's Sensitive (The Geranium smell gave me a headache and I still smelled, although I didn't have any rashes). I finally tried a crystal (amazon travel size- like $4) and it's so great. It doesn't smell like anything. All day protection. Not sticky. No yellow under armpit stains or 'grease' marks. It does break easily if you drop it and it's kind of weird to get used to wetting it and rubbing it on (I might have to try the roll on!), but so worth it. It also lasts FOREVER too! Win-Win-Win-Win-Win.

  2. I know it sounds like a silly product that won't work, but I really recommend Lavanila's Sport Luxe deodorant. I have very sensitive underarm skin and this has NEVER irritated me in the past year that I've been using it. The smell is nothing like vanilla but is very pleasantly fresh and floral. I recommended it to a friend who was having terrible reactions to every deodorant she tried and it was a game-changer for her too. I've sampled so many of the more naturally-spectrumed deodorants on the market and nothing has worked like this. One of its positive qualities is that you can buy it at Sephora and some department stores (Nordstrom?) so you might be able to peek at/smell it in person first. Good luck! P.S: How are your eyes doing?

  3. I LOVE Young Living all natural deodorant with essential oils. There are two varieties, Mountain Mint and Mountain Mist. The mist version is ever so slightly floral. I have Hashimito’s too and am sensitive to strong smells. I prefer the mint. It goes on smoothly and I never worry about BO on even the hottest, muggiest days in Texas.

  4. I have friends that swear by Primally Pure. I have smelled two of their scents and they are amazing.

  5. Because I'm a shopping enabler: american eagle/aerie has adorable swimsuits... IN TALL! Yup. I know.

  6. Hey Julia! I was thinking about your underarms (how weird is that??) and wondering if the problem could actually be with your body wash/soap. Any chance you changed that up? Through trial and error I learned that a rash I developed under my arms was actually from a popular brand of children’s body wash/shampoo rather than my deodorant (which I had used for years without issue). The rash got worse over the course of weeks and only affected my underarms, even though I had been using the product on my whole body, so I didn’t make the connection at first. Just another thought!

  7. Muuust try Schmidt’s charcoal magnesium scent deodorant!! As good as any none natural deodorant I’ve used. The lime scent is ok. I’ve found with natural deodorant that scents can make a huge difference! I love lavanilla lemon scent but vanilla or lavender was basically like wearing nothing.

  8. I use Primal Pit Paste and have also used Young Living deodorant. Both are clean & smelly great!

  9. I have a friend who is highly allergic to all types of skin products and deodorants. She developed her own line of make-up products, soaps and, yes, deodorant. I haven't personally tried it but many of my friends have and they love it and say it works. You can find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lucygiglione/. She just opened a brick and mortar called Lucy's Artisan Apothecary but has a shop on Etsy.

    1. I should say that I haven't tried her deodorant. I have tried her mineral make-up, mascara, and soaps and love them. I have sensitive skin, especially on my face and none of her products that I have tried caused any skin irritation.

  10. I normally wouldn’t comment, but I had to because I struggled for so long with deodorant! I just started using Kopari and it checks all stinky, sensitive armpit boxes.

    1. No baking soda-I also have extremely sensitive skin. Most natural deodorant uses baking soda which gives me a huge rash. No skin issues what so ever with Kopari.
    2. Perfect texture-Many deodorants clump up after a days wear. Kopari is not white so you won’t get those nasty clumps.
    3. Smell-literally all of the smells. The deodorant smells amazing and best of all, you do too! Natural deodorant often doesn’t do its job of deodorizing. This one actually works with no reapplication needed!

  11. I want to let you know about two of my favorite Instagram people who talk about all things health and hoshimotos. Frolic and Flow & Whole Daily Life. I think you will love following them!

  12. I agree with the others. Try Primal Pit Paste it's amazing and works extremely well. I use the unscented in the sensitive formula and it rocks.

  13. on natural deodorants I use this brand. Its called Good Sense. It works amazingly. you will still sweat but it wont smell at all. I used it the whole 2 years i went back to school at age 40 (I was a dance major) and I never smelled once. You'll need to let the bottle settle and then pour off the watery liquid off the top. I just use a make-up brush to brush it on each morning. Then it drys as i put on the rest of my makeup. Ive used it for years now. Im also the primary chorister (excessive sunday sweating...) and Ive never had a problem! try it you'll love it! a good friend recommended it, and she said it had to be this brand.

    s://www.amazon.com/Good-Sense-Magnesia-Laxative-Original/dp/B000V9N5UW/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1525111010&sr=1-5&keywords=milk+of+magnesia

  14. My husband uses coconut oil and fresh lime juice as deodorant. For years, he tried all types of deodorant brands (both natural and unnatural) and its the only thing that works. It's not an antiperspirant but it kills any and all odors. I don't know the science behind it but it works.

  15. you NEED to try primally pure, I've tried every type of natural deodorant under the sun and this is the ONLY one that actually works and doesn't irritate the skin. I've had numerous girlfriends and their husbands make the switch. serious life changer!!!

  16. Did you ever think you would have so many suggestions for pit stick??? Try the Primal Pit Paste, I use the Jasmine also have Hashie's, available from Amazon but cheaper from Thrive Market. The new t's are brilliant, and your trade name is just perfect. You 2 are a great team and it has been really awesome to see your dreams coming to fruition-I listened to your "second choice" podcast with Preston and was moved to tears. The girls are gonna have a blast at Disneyland, pack your own snacks to save money and eating (somewhat) healthy and gluten free(!) is really easy there, just avoid those darn churros. xoxo

  17. Primally Pure is, hands down, the best natural deodorant I've tried! I have sensitive skin and have had no problems with their formula. I also only have to apply it once in 24 hours. I use the lavender scent, but I've heard great things about the charcoal one as well.

  18. Hi Julia! Totally irrelevant from this post, but the Persian rugs that you have in your house are strikingly beautiful. My question is: how do maintain and clean them? Being only familiar with standard poly/cotton rugs, wool is a entirely different field that I'm hesitant with (especially with their steeper price tag for higher quality and age). With all of the talk of vinegar, steam cleaning, and etc., I wouldn't even know where to begin! I'd love it if you ever decide to do a chapter on Proper Wool Rug Care 101 one day!

  19. I used the same dove or years and about two years ago they changed formulas. I don’t think they make a plain deodorant anymore. I think they only have antiperspirant. The same package I used to buy now says antiperspirant, and it doesn’t seem to wash off properly. It irritates my skin to no end. I tried some awful ones for awhile, and then I noticed that the back of the dove packages say the percentage of the aluminum ingredient. The one I used to buy is the strongest one on the shelf! A shame since it was also the cheapest. I looked for one on the shelf with a smaller percentage, and it has been working great. All that to say, try a different dove one if you liked them before. Just find one with a smaller percentage of the active ingredient.

  20. OMG! Try Bend Soap Company . . . . . .all their products are completely natural and work great!! It's a family run business . . . .check out their story . . ..so cute!!!!!

  21. I had developed a reaction to traditional deodorants and searched for a more natural alternative. After being frustrated for many years, I found and love the deodorant cream from Bubble & Bee. https://bubbleandbee.com/ It takes a bit to get used to putting it on using your fingers. It is worth it. Certain scents work better for me. Jasmint and Lemon & Clove are my favorites. They offer a trial pack so you can try several scents to see which works for you. A 2 oz jar lasts me approximately 2-3 mos.

  22. After trying other natural brands for the past couple years, I’m 100% sold on Primally Pure. I love the charcoal deodorant!

  23. I’ve been using Arm & Hammer Essentials for years, as the aluminum in antiperspirants caused my lympnodes to swell. I used to use my hisband’s Old Spice because I needed something stronger, but Arm & Hammer is the clear winner. He’s even switched! My eldest daughter even uses it without any issues, and she has Hashimoto’s and eczema.

  24. DoTerra’s deodorant is so so good!! It takes a little bit to transition to it from conventional deodorant, but hands down, best deodorant! I’m a preggo hustling mom of a two and four year-old pair of energetic kids, and I wouldn’t trade my deodorant for another one!

  25. My sis uses the Soap Walla Kitchen deodorant cream and swears by it. She said it's a little strange to put it on with your fingers, but it works great and she never sweats under her arms. Hope this helps!

    Meghan

    1. I second soapwalla! My Huband and I have been using it for years. They also just came out with a version with no baking soda- for those with sensitive skin.

  26. Thought I'd chime in here: I do not have very sensitive skin and usually use Dove, but I've wanted to find a natural alternative deodorant. Well, every one I've tried has given me red, stinging rashes! Schmidt's was the worst for me! Plus I felt smelly. So: buyer beware on Schmidt's at least. Any maybe try another unscented mainstream brand? I've liked roll-on Ban before...

    1. I LOVE Schmidts!! The bergamot lime is my favorite. But I have heard some people can be sensitive to the baking soda in most natural deodorants, so you might try and find one without.

    2. Shmidts gave me a rash as well! I switched to using Norwex’s deodorant... it’s not an anti-perspirant, but the scent is great!

    3. I'm told it's the baking soda. So brands without it, or Schmidt's sensitive skin is better.

  27. For the natural deodorant, as others suggested a salt crystal works great, but it can get messy and you have to apply to wet skin which isn't convenient. But! There's a roll on one (I use Crystal Body Deodorant Roll-On) that works just as well and it's just as easy to use as standard deodorant! I've been using it for years after trying many natural deodorants that didn't work well at all. :)

  28. I’ve tried ALL the natural deodorants and while a few have been ok, about a year ago I learned of a local woman (here in Chaelotte) and her mom who is a chemist that had just made one and were looking for people to test it. It’s called Pink Hippo and it is by far the best one I’ve used yet! They now have moisturizer and a serum that are both awesome too and the price is so fair. You can order from their website and get free shipping over a certain amount or some of the products are on Amazon too. For sensitive skin you may want to consider the one without baking soda. Definitely give them a try!

  29. I have been making my own deodorant for almost ten years! It’s super easy and cheap and smells amazing thanks to the coconut oil. I keep it in a pretty glass jar on the bathroom counter.
    1/4 cup baking soda
    1/4 cup arrowroot powder (or cornstarch but I find the arrowroot is more gentle on skin)
    6-8 tbspn coconut oil.
    Mix the dry ingredients then add the coconut oil. Mix with a spoon until well blended. In the cold weather it will be a little hard but the temperature of your fingers will get the consistency where you can apply it. I honestly feel like I stink no matter what deodorant I try, this is the only thing that works for me! :)

  30. Depending on what not working for you means, after I had my babies I noticed my deodorant wasn't working as well so I switched to the dove clinical strength. It worked really well for me and I didn't get a rash at all. I normally switch between fragrance free dove and Almay hypoallergenic. I getthe almay ar Walmart all the time but have yet to see it at target.

  31. The view from the cabin is so breathtaking! Deck is looking great - why don't you just get a second coffee table to fill your space. Also, my husband uses the Crystal deodorant and swears by it. He's had major sensitivity issues and this works.

  32. I have heard that the kopari deoderant works great, and I want to give it a try. I use Jason's and I smell fine until I workout!

  33. For me, any of the natural deodorants that have a slick, gel texture don't work. (Tom's of Maine, Alaffia, Herban Cowboy) I've had decent results with some of the rub-on creams. (Primal Pit Paste was OK, Routine is better but more $) The best I've found is the Schmidts stick. It goes on a little rough, but keeps the smell away and seems to reduce my sweating a bit too. I've seen it in box stores, and they also had it at my Costco recently.

    1. Ditto on Schmitts! None of the others really work for me and I’ve tried them all. The Charcoal and Magnesium variety goes on the easiest for me. The smell is sort of softly Irish Springy. AND I can get it for like $5.99 at Walmart. $20 deodorant doesn’t work for this girl!

  34. I recently have been having the deodorant woes, so started using just plain old baking soda. I am seriously amazed at how well it works, and it has changed everything. My pits stay completely dry, and there is absolutely no BO odor, or the off putting smell of deodorant. Plus no unhealthy additives like aluminum and such. Just scoop a little in a bowl, add a small amount of water to form a paste, scoop some up with two fingers, wipe on, and voila! Problem solved!

  35. Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda free deodorant in lavender. I use it after shaving and no irritation when I used to get rashes with other deoderants!

  36. I was in the same boat and am a HUGE sweater. Shockingly, this deodorant cream (link below) is working wonders! I am actually sweating less overall and even after an Orangetheory workout...I can "deal" with the stink. I was using Secret Clinical before and have been trying everything to avoid aluminum....this is IT for me!!

    https://amzn.to/2JwfoiM

  37. Deodorant! This is a little more high maintenance than you might like but it really works... once a week (or every other week) I do the Aztec Clay Mask with apple cider vinegar on my ARMPITS! It really removes whatever nasty bacteria cause the BO smell and also prevents ingrown hairs which I used to get regularly. I use Schmidt's Lime and Bergamot (smells DELICIOUS) from Target in between masks just out of habit but I wonder if I don't really even need to do that. If you are having issues I would 100% recommend the mask treatment.

  38. Second for Bubble and Bee. They're awesome. If you find you're still sensitive to some of these suggestions, try one without baking soda. Many/most natural deodorants include that, but many people are sensitive to it. Bubble and Bee and Schmidt's have sensitive versions with no baking soda.

  39. I used Dove sensitive skin deodorant forever and suddenly it started irritating my skin. I did some research and they changed it so the sensitive skin isn’t fragrance free anymore. And the Dove fragrance free isn’t “sensitive” and it irritated my skin too. I finally switched to Mitchum fragrance free sensitive skin and it’s awesome! My skin is so sensitive that almost all deodorants are irritating.

  40. I've been using Native for over a year now & just received the coconut - love it. Previously I used, with success, was Eau Des Minimes. The only reason I switched was Native is a solid & the other a roll on. It will be awhile before I need new stuff since I just received my 3 pack, but I'm excited to see all of the other suggestions here.
    Have fun at Disney making memories!!!

  41. I have ridiculously sensitive skin (including pitties). Schmidt's is frequently recommended, but it destroyed me. I see some people have already mentioned Thai Crystal (or salt deodorant). I use their spray, sold on Amazon. The bottle it comes in can be a PITA (clogging), so I use my own. It helps to not be rubbing something directly on the skin. I alternate this with Secret Outlast Clear Gel, Unscented (Target carries it). For whatever reason, this doesn't bother me. Been using it since high school. If you do decide to try this, you only need 1 click per arm. I'd prefer to only use natural products, but I really need the chemical boost every other day. I figure I'm at least minimizing how much I use.

    By the way, I have serious cabin envy. My primary home is actually in the woods, but I don't have a lake view! :-P

  42. Tom’s of Maine deodorant is my pick but you need to get the no aluminum mens! I stole it from the hubby and realized it was the best. Plus no white streaks on your clothes!

  43. I use the grapefruit Meow Meow Tweet and love it, but I have to pair it with the Kaia Naturals Deodorant Booster Bar to make it last all day :)

  44. I second Schmidts. I was thinking about trying Native, but ran across Schmidts at the local Walmart a couple of months ago and gave it a shot. It's held up to everything (including speaking engagements) except podcast taping... because I'm apparently more wigged out by a microphone than 100 people.

    Full disclosure though, my workout record is spotty... at best.

  45. I have tried so many brands of natural deodorant and none have done the job on their own. I started taking magnesium at night and that has made all the difference. My sweat isn't near as stinky and I can totally use natural deodorant (I like Primal Pit - very affordable and owned by a woman). I live in Houston so I feel like this solution must be pretty effective if I can make it through our swampy summers without a problem!

  46. I used Nine Naturals Pregnancy Deodorant for the first 4 months of my pregnancy, and it worked great! I highly recommend it. https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Naturals-Unscented-Pregnancy-Deodorant/dp/B00MBR6BRQ.

    Shortly before I was going to re-order, I saw this $4.99 all natural deodorant at Target and decided to try it just because, well, it was there and it was $4.99. It has also worked great (though it is slightly messier at the top after you use it), and it smells a decent bit better than the Nine Naturals. https://www.target.com/p/schmidt-s-charcoal-and-magnesium-natural-deodorant-2-65oz/-/A-52735107

    1. Agree with Schmidt's! I will say that it does take your body awhile to get used to wearing a 'natural deodorant' but I have tried lots of natural deodorants that didn't work. I'd say give each about 6 weeks so your body has time to adjust.

    2. On the schmidt's band wagon, too- I'm also sensitive and I think the sensitive skin formula works a lot better for me than the regular, with the exception of the regular charcoal kind, which is insane. It's the ONLY deodorant my husband has ever worn that allows me to snuggle right into his armpit at the end of the day and not be super aware that he's a man. Like, not in a good way.

    3. I agree with Schmidt's--I just got some (actually in response to all those comments on that Cup of Jo post haha!) and it is working out really well for me so far! I have super sensitive skin (I'm allergic to most deodorants) and I'd categorize myself as someone who has a pretty distinct pit smell (sigh, I've just had to accept this about myself). It's $5 and easily accessible which makes it easy to try. I have the rose vanilla one. I wore it to hot yoga and also a really hot day outside at a craft fair where I was literally dripping sweat--it hasn't let me down yet!

  47. I love Piperwai! It is super effective. For sensitive skin, also check out the Meow Meow Tweet brand- they make a lot of baking soda free deo, which is often the culprit of natural deodorant sensitivity. Follain.com sells these and they have awesome customer service to help you determine which is best for you. Highly recommend!

  48. Bali Secrets natural deodorant is the first one I've found that works for me. I get it through Amazon.

  49. Soapwalla deodorant is THE BEST. It takes a little bit to get used to the different style of application (you apply it with your hands) but it's legit the best I've tried and smells great! I use the citrus one!

  50. First, only wear deodorant when you absolutely have to, then wash it off as soon as you can, and use a gentle soap, like Cetaphil (gentle soap and water, sometimes 2-3 times a day, is the best deodorant). When you have irritation, try a little organic coconut oil. This is the only deodorant that works fairly well without much irritation for me, but I still use it sparingly. It rolls on wet; give it time to dry. It's a body chemistry thing, so what works for others may not work for you. https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Signature-Bundles/dp/B01N5VFULX/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524833624&sr=8-3&keywords=kiss%2Bmy%2Bface%2Bdeodorant%2Bunscented&th=1

  51. I JUST ordered Salt Crystal Deodorant after reading about it on A Cup of Jo yesterday! Very excited to give it a try!

    1. Salt Crystal all the way. My husband used it for years before me, and I rolled my eyes...until I tried it after every natural deodorant eventually caused irritation. There was like a 3-5 day adjustment period but it works like a charm. No residue, no smell. Just beware that whatever you set it on, small crystals will form since you have to get it wet to use. Place a paper towel or small dish under it.

  52. I’ve switched to Piper Wai deodorant and love it! I would say I sweat more than average (tmi??) and have never had an issue with odor- even during a workout. And as a bonus it’s not white so no finding white streaks on your shirt mid morning!

    1. I use Piper Wai as well! Love it. It's natural, it smells good and it works really well. You have to use the jar one though (the original product). They came out with a stick version last year and I tried it - it doesn't work! I guess they changed the formula because it makes me stink! After a few weeks I gave up on the stick and ordered the jar again.

  53. I would go with Primally Pure or Schmidt's. Both are fantastic and just as good as the "real" (unnatural) stuff. Schmidt's has so many great scents too, I love the Charcoal and Magnesium for extra sweaty days!

  54. The view of your cabin is sooooo beautiful! And how fun to go up with your friends. Those bear tracks were crazy on your Instagram stories! I'm glad that's all you saw of the bear. Have a great weekend in California! I'm sure your girls will love Disneyland!

  55. Schmidt’s is one of my go-to deodorants. They have several scents and a fragrance free option. My husband and I have both switched to their products. He works outside all day in a manual labor job and finds it works well for him too. Lush makes some great ones as well.

  56. I read on a blog last year about a great deodorant but saw that it was priced at $27 and could not believe that it would be worthwhile. The review was so good that I decided to try this deodorant because I could get it from Nordstrom and if I did not think it was worth it I could return it. This is the best deodorant I have bought and gladly restock when I need to.
    https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-karan-cashmere-mist-deodorant-antiperspirant/2792883?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort

  57. Try primally pure deodorant! I was SOOOO skeptical of natural deodorant - I work out and I sweat A LOT in general. And holy cow I smelled BETTER than I did using normal deodorant with primally pure. I was seriously blown away.

  58. Armpit talk alert! I've used Native as well. My partner loves it but I'm not hooked. Most days I just go without. The less often I use deodorant the less often I need it, but this is a process that requires time and being okay with smelling human at the end of a no shower day. This method worked great for months and then I started noticing stink sooner and sooner. Then it was happening immediately after a shower. This was horrifying and obviously not a deodorant issue. So I mixed tea tree oil and lotion and used that for about a week. Problem solved. I'm back to only using deodorant when I have to present at work. Native for low key ones, chemical deodorant for big ones.

    One product that intrigues me is the Mother Dirt spray. It's good bacteria that eat "bad" sweat bacteria... for some people it can replace deodorant and shouldn't irritate at all.

  59. Love all the tees! I’m in Canada and they don’t seem to be available here (cue tears) is there a possibility of these becoming available north of the border eventually?

  60. I tried Native but it irritated my skin and I felt like it just didn’t work. I had better luck with Schmidt’s (they have a sensitive line), and I’m now using Lavanilla Sport that I get at Sephora (works the best for me!).

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Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
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