March 15, 2022

Protecting Yourself and Your Home When You Sign a Home Improvement Contract

Photo By duallogic  on Envato

A Home Improvement Project can be filled with a variety of problems and headaches. Most people are very trusting individuals and are not aware of the many problems that occur when one attempts a home improvement project. If you choose to embark on a project than you need to protect yourself and your home from common problems that occur BEFORE you sign on the dotted line. Make sure that before you sign a contract with someone to do a project that the following items or clauses are included in that contract:

CONTINUOUS WORK CLAUSE – This clause should detail the minimum number of people working on your home each day, Monday through Friday. If the weather is a factor and work cannot take place, you should include in your contract that you will receive a call by 8 a.m. that day, if no one is going to show up because of bad weather. The contractor should agree to 7-hour workdays, and work will not run past 5:00 p.m. unless permission is received by you. Reduction of $_________(determine an amount) in total price if project work schedule not continuous, with minimum manpower, for full seven

STARTING DATE CLAUSE – Full refund by contractor if job not started by__________.

COMPLETION DATE CLAUSE – The amount of $_______ will be subtracted per day, for every day project is not completed by________.

WORKSITE CONDITION CLAUSE – All areas to be kept “broom clean” on a daily basis. Define “broom clean”.

WORK STOPPAGE CLAUSE – this gives you the right to cancel the contract if work is deemed unsatisfactory or gets inexplicably delayed.

MATERIAL INSTALLATION CLAUSE – All installations will be done according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes unless otherwise noted.

ARBITRATION CLAUSE – If the unsolvable problem(s) arise both parties agree to arbitration by National Arbitration Board or other. Both parties agree to abide by the decision.

WARRANTY CLAUSE – All labor and product warranties will be supplied by the contractor before final payment.

MATERIAL DELIVERY AND STORAGE CLAUSE – All deliveries to be accepted by contractor, securing materials will be the responsibility of contractor until installation and materials will be covered and placed _________ on property.

SUBCONTRACTING CLAUSE – The contractor shall not assign this project to any other company or individual, unless they are listed as a subcontractor, without the written consent of the homeowner.

PERMIT AND FEES CLAUSE – The contractor is responsible for all required permits, fees, or notices required for the work within.

PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAUSE – The contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused to existing conditions. The contractor is liable for the full cost of the repair. The homeowner will determine who will repair the damage and at what cost.

JOB SITE BEHAVIOR CLAUSE – No loud music, foul language, alcohol or drug consumption, no cigarette butts to be left on the property, and workers will wear shirts at all times.

COMMUNICATION CLAUSE – If the homeowner needs to clarify a situation and attempts to call the contractor or contractor’s office during daytime hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the contractor agrees to return the call or contact the homeowner within 2 hours of the homeowner’s call. If a callback or contact is not made within 2 hours, there will be a deduction of $_________ per occurrence from the cost of the project.

SUBCONTRACTOR NAME, ADDRESS, AND LICENSE NUMBERS CLAUSE -Names, addresses, and license numbers of all subcontractors to be used on the project.

STARTING DATE CLAUSE – Full refund by the contractor if job not started by_(Date)__.

COMPLETION DATE CLAUSE – The amount of $_______ will be subtracted per day for the everyday project is not completed by_(Date)_.

These 17 clauses will protect you and your home from problems that will occur in the completion of your Home Improvement Project. Make sure your contract includes them all.

Remodeling is wonderful. If you want to remodel your home call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaRemodeling
March 10, 2022

Should You Choose A Window Awning?

A window awning is typically a piece of canvas or cloth which protrudes above a window by way of a frame which is fixed to the building. The canvas is then stretched over this frame, which is usually made of aluminium, wood or steel. The purpose of these awnings varies but generally they provide shade, shelter from strong winds or a cover from rain or other precipitation.

Window awnings are recommended by the Consumer Energy Center as they can really help to cool your home in the hot summer months. This then saves on the amount of energy used by powering other devices to cool your home, such as air conditioning or mechanical fans. It is said that approximately 40 per cent of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home on a hot day comes from your windows. Imagine the difference that installing window awnings could have on that figure! It has been stated that awnings can reduce the temperature in your home by up to 20 degrees on a hot sunny day.

To achieve the maximum benefit from your awning you should choose a lightly colored fabric. This then not only shades your window but actively reflects the sunlight away from the window. The installation of the awning ensures that it extends outwards and downwards over the upper part of the window and casting a shadow over the lower part, ensuring you can still see out through the window and that light is still able to enter, but not direct sunlight which is where the unwanted heat comes from.

For those who live in climates which can vary between being hot in the summer and cold in the winter, retractable awnings are the best investment. This means that you can get the maximum benefit of their cooling capabilities in the hot months but are not suffering for the same reason in the summer. There is little point reducing your cooling bills only to increase your heating bills in the process! Retractable awnings pull out in a similar way to a standard blind, allowing them to be stored away neatly when they are not required.

Although awnings are not cheap to buy, you can reduce the cost by opting for self installation kits. These are readily available on the internet and are easy to install. The cost of this is significantly less as you do not have to pay for labor costs associated with the installation. Full instructions are provided and make them a more affordable investment for many.

Home renovations increase your quality of life. Houston Bathtub Refinishers can help you a lot.

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milenaConstruction
February 10, 2022

Should You Get a Dishwasher When You Remodel Your Kitchen?

Have your recently made the decision to remodel your kitchen? If so, do you already have a remodeling plan developed? If not, you may want to think about purchasing yourself a dishwasher, if you don’t already have one.

Even if you all of your kitchen remodeling has been planned and you would like a dishwasher, you still should be able to have one. That is why you may serious want to think about purchasing yourself a dishwasher before you proceed any further.

One of the many questions asked about dishwashers and remodeling is how it is possible, especially after a remodeling plan has already been developed. In some cases it will be a little bit more difficult than others, but in other cases it will be relatively easy, especially if you plan on redoing your kitchen cabinets.

When it comes to installing a dishwasher in the kitchen, a large number of homeowners just eliminate one of their kitchen cabinets or cupboards. This will allow enough room for most standard size dishwashers. Therefore, even if you have planned your remodeling, right down to the last kitchen floor tile, you can still have that dishwasher you have already dreamed of, if you still want it.

Incase you aren’t already aware; there are a number of benefits to owning a dishwasher. One of those benefits is saved time, especially if you have a large family. The average family goes through at least three different sets of dishes each day; one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner. Whether you just dislike washing dishes by hand or you feel as if your kitchen sink never stops piling up, you could benefit from the use of a kitchen dishwasher.

What is nice about dishwashers is that you just load them, turn them on, and return back to whatever you were doing before. In most cases, you will find that it takes less than five minutes to get a dishwasher loaded and running.

In addition to the above mentioned dishwasher benefits, you may also like that dishwashers come in a number of different styles. While most dishwashers are the same size, the designs are what set most apart. It is not uncommon to find traditional white dishwashers, black dishwashers, black and white dishwashers, silver, as well as stainless steel dishwashers. Essentially, this means that you could easily find a dishwasher to match the rest of your kitchen, even after the remodeling has occurred. In fact, purchasing a dishwasher when you purchase your other kitchen remodeling supplies is a great way to ensure that everything matches.

The price is something else that you may be pleased about. Even if you are remodeling your kitchen on a budget, you should be able to find a dishwasher that fits into your budget. Standard model dishwashers, which typically come in white or black, sell for as low as $150. If you are not necessarily shopping on a budget, but rather shopping for the dishwasher that would best match the rest of your kitchen, you should expect to pay more. High end dishwashers often sell for $1,000.

Perhaps, it would be easiest to add a dishwasher to your kitchen remodeling plan if you are doing your own repairs. Many homeowners, with an instruction manual, are more than able to successfully install their dishwashers. However, even if you are using a professional to remodel your kitchen, they could still easily add a dishwasher into their list of things to do. In most cases, you will find that the cost of remodeling is the same, but it isn’t guaranteed; you may have to pay a small additional fee. Whether or not these fees exist depends on who you are working with.

Although there are a number of benefits to working a new dishwasher into your kitchen remodeling plans, you may still be unsure as to whether or not you really want to. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to examine dishwashers online or in one of your local home improvement stores. There is a good chance that once you see all of the dishwashers that are available, preferably one that would look great in your kitchen after it was remodeled, it may be easier to make a decision.

If you want to remodel your kitchen call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaKitchen
bathtub
January 10, 2022

Saving Water – The Bath vs. Shower Debate

Photo by @ellilauren  on Twenty20

In this article, we’ll debate the big question—does it takes less water to take a shower or have a bath?

First of all, let’s take a look at a few facts:

# A full bathtub holds approximately 140 litres of water
# Standard shower heads dispense 20-60 litres of water per minute
# Shower heads with flow restrictors dispense 10-15 litres of water per minute

An average bath requires 100 to 200 litres of water. Depending on your showerhead and whether it has a flow restrictor in it and how long you shower, the answer could oscillate either towards shower or bath. The average shower of four minutes with an old showerhead uses 80 litres of water. With a low-flow showerhead, only 40 litres of water is used.

If your house was constructed before 1992, chances are your showerheads force out about 20 litres of water per minute. Multiply this by the number of minutes you are in the shower and the litres add up fast!

If you’d like to test the amount of water wasted yourself, here’s an experiment you could try at home. Put the plug in the bathtub next time you take a shower (but not a stand-alone shower as you might spill over the lower shower wall). After you’ve showered, examine how much the tub filled up. If there is less water than you would usually have in a bath, then you will probably save money by taking a shower instead of a bath.

Although the chances of the contrary happening are unheard of, if it is the case for you, then in addition to the enjoyment you get in a bath, there is more good news for you.

A good, long soak in a bath can renew the spirit. Hydrotherapy, which loosely translated means ‘rejuvenation by water,’ enables bathers to revitalize themselves. Some modern systems even contain air jets that have been strategically placed to target the body’s pressure points, relieving tension and stress. Bathers can also enjoy the benefit of chromatherapy, which uses coloured light in much the same way aromatherapy uses scent to stimulate different psychological and physical responses.

Bath time for a young family can be an important playtime and social occasion to be shared with other family members. A number of people find baths a calming way to relax in today’s fast paced stressful life. Herbs and essential oils soothe aching muscles, tense nerves, and skin irritations; soften the skin; and ensure a good complexion.

The Environment Agency, however, would recommend short showers, not baths. Based on its latest research, it proclaims that a 5-minute shower uses about a third of the water of a bath and can save 50 litres every time.

The time taken to take a shower is not the sole variable though. As previously mentioned, water consumed is also dependent on the type of shower you use. Power showers can use more water than a bath in less than 5 minutes! Low-flow showerheads deliver 10 litres of water or less per minute and are relatively inexpensive. Older showerheads use 20 to 30 litres of water per minute.

If you still believe that a shower cannot equal the gratification of a bath, then it is recommended to partially fill your bath in order to use less water. That option might seem better if you consider the plight of sailors aboard ships. Due to lack of fresh water aboard ships, sailors were taught to get wet, turn off the water, soap and scrub, and then briefly turn the water on to rinse. Let’s hope Texas residents don’t suffer the same fate in a few years.

However, nothing replaces a great soak in a bathtub. It is one of the best pleasures in life. So … Enjoy your bathtub!

If you want to remodel your bathtub call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaBathtubs
deck
December 14, 2021

Quality Composite Decking

Photo by @connorjkeith on Twenty20

Thinking of buying new home decking? You should be aware there are new, attractive alternatives to wood decks. These deck-building products provide increased durability as well as extremely low maintenance. You’ll appreciate the new styles and colors which are a break from the humdrum, common deck materials that homeowners are tired of seeing. Consumers are looking for something different this year.

Today’s deck building manufacturers are producing a wide array of new synthetic, plastic, and composite decking materials. New composite products are actually combining the best qualities of wood with the strength and durability of synthetic materials.

Composite Decks

Composite decks (sometimes referred to as engineered products) are manufactured using a variety of combinations of components such as wood fibers, fillers, and binders. These components of composite decking are heated and compressed into the base composite decking boards. They offer a very durable exterior surface that is difficult to discolor and scratch, and which is easy to clean. Composite decks also resist shrinking and swelling better than natural wood decking products.

Composite decking has more advantages over pressure-treated pine decking. The material is harder and won’t dent, and they are approved for fire-rated construction. Wood products will burn and plastic-based products will melt or warp when exposed to a significant heat source. Over a ten-year period, your house decking will take a great deal of punishing use and weather. This physical beating which includes people walking and jumping on it, intense sunshine, barbecue grease burns, and rain with high winds, will wear down even the strongest of wood deck materials. Composite decks keep their beautiful appearance for many years to come with minimal maintenance. A simple pressure washing once a year is all that’s required.

Wood decking products have a unique set of limitations that might make you think twice about purchasing them for your home. Wood can rot; invite bug infestations, shrink, and swell when subjected to rain, then hot dry weather, thus loosening fasteners that hold it securely. That’s when squeaky, loose boards become an annoying feature of your deck, along with nails that stick up and present a real safety and health hazard.

Installation of composite decking is a breeze. These products were designed to enable easy cutting for the deck installers. Composite’s strength presents innumerably creative options that aren’t possible with expensive wood decks. This is contributing to the creative deck design boom in homes across America. Large decks would require extensive refinishing through the years and hiring a deck refinisher every year is not something most people would consider. If you’re thinking of building multilevel or other creative types of deck, composite decking is the right choice.

Composite Decking comes in a number of different colors that can match or compliment any home’s decor and style. Each deck board is reversible with a woodgrain face on the side and a rough sawn face on the other without any grain.

Choosing Decking

Your choice of decking will influence the overall appearance of your home and ultimately, its resale value. Homeowners today are a different breed than those of the past. Very few people live in their homes forever. Most move to new locations to take advantage of job opportunities or need a new home to suit their ever-changing family situation. Consumers today have also become bored with treated pine.

At some point, homeowners will sell their homes. The quality and appearance of the decking and its suitability for their home, property, and geographical location will affect the resale value of the home. The home buyer will not want to be faced with a series of expensive home improvements. With composite materials, homeowners can afford to build a bigger deck, and one with more creative designs. The scarcity of expensive woods is not a problem when you’re building composite decks.

Outback Decking

If wood decking is still the only type for you, this beautiful deck material is made from Red Meranti, a type of wood that has rot and mildew resistant qualities that are normally only found in woods such as cedar. Outback decking is a premier deck product. It is a sealed deck material that reduces moisture-related deck problems, splits, and faces checks. It can be refinished with virtually any refinishing product in the years to come.

If you want to renovate your bathroom, call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaBathtubs, Decking
maintenance
November 14, 2021

Keep a Detailed Home Maintenance and Renovation Diary

Photo by @Chantelle on Twenty20

Just as it’s important for you to keep detailed records of your home business, your bills, income tax information, or medical history, so too is it imperative that you keep detailed records of all maintenance you perform on your home. After all, it is your biggest investment and the one thing in your house that requires constant TLC to maintain its value and to ensure it continues to be able to protect your family from the elements and keep them secure. However, when you think about everything you have to do to take care of a home, setting up a manageable way of keeping accurate and detailed records can be an overwhelming task. But with some creative thinking and a commitment to accuracy and organization, it can make a daunting task quite simple.

Whether you are just purchasing your home or you’re just committed to setting up a manageable database of information regarding your home’s maintenance, a home maintenance diary might be just the thing you need to get organized and stay organized on this matter. Begin with taking stock of your home’s current condition. Be brutally honest when you’re assessing the situation. You might want to categorize your diary by section of the home such as the exterior, kitchen, master bedroom, or basement, or you may choose to divide it according to tasks, like painting, electrical, insulation, roof, landscaping, or climate control. Treat your initial walk-through as a real estate agent or investor might do. Study each corner, each tile, and brick, and notate any damage, defect, or upkeep that needs to happen.

As you look through your completed home maintenance diary, don’t let it become overwhelming to you. Devise a plan with the rest of your family that works for everyone involved to complete needed tasks. Perhaps you’ll devote this weekend to painting the exterior and the following weekend you’ll focus on maintaining the landscaping. If there are tasks in your diary that you feel ill-equipped to handle, call a professional. The peace of mind knowing the job was handled by a professional is well worth it.

Be sure to have a separate section available for renovations, updates, or remodels that you’ve completed as well. Be sure to date these events, and if there are any notes regarding specific equipment used or products purchased, be sure to jot that down as well.

For more information about refinishing call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaMaintenance
October 12, 2021

Kitchen Remodeling Safety Tips You Need to Know

Photo by @beachbumledford on Twenty20

Are you a homeowner who is looking to start a kitchen remodeling project? If so, are you doing that project by yourself? While a large number of homeowners make the decision to hire a professional contractor, others do not. Not only will you have control over your kitchen remodeling project, but doing your own remodeling may save you money. Although there are a number of benefits to remodeling your own kitchen, there are also a number of disadvantages. One of those disadvantages is the risk of injury.

One of the many reasons why kitchen remodeling can be termed dangerous is because of the tools that are used. Whether you are replacing your kitchen lights, your kitchen cabinets, or your kitchen flooring, you will likely need to use a collection of tools; tools that may be unsafe if used improperly. That is why it is important that you know all of the tools that you will be using, including their dangers. Although there is a good chance that you have used a box cutter or a saw before, there is also a chance that you haven’t. Before you start your kitchen remodeling project, it may be a good idea to practice with and familiarize yourself with the tools that you will be using. When it comes time to starting your remodeling, you should know how to safely use all of your tools; thus reducing your risk of injury.

It is also important that you know your own physical limits, when remodeling your kitchen. Whether you are replacing your kitchen floor tiles, installing new kitchen cabinets, or installing a new kitchen countertop, you need to know how much is too much to lift. Lifting too much weight may result in back injury; therefore, if you need assistance from someone, ask for it. It is also advised that you keep your overall ability to work in mind. Even if you are trying to get your kitchen remodeling project finished as soon as possible, it is advised that you do not push yourself. When you are tired and working, your safety is not only at risk, but the overall outcome of your project is also because more mistakes may be made. If you need a break, even for an hour, take one.

When remodeling your kitchen, it is also advised that you keep aware of your surroundings; this includes who else is in the kitchen. If you are remodeling with a friend or a relative, it is a good idea to know where they are at all times. This will help to prevent accidentally injuries. It is also important to keep an eye on who may enter the kitchen when you are remodeling. If you have children, it may be a good idea to block the entranceway to your kitchen. If you are unable to do so, you will always want to know if and when your children enter the remodeling area. If you have young children, it is advised that you never leave your remodeling tools laying around, especially large, sharp tools.

Perhaps, the best thing to keep in mind, when remodeling your kitchen, is to use your common sense. Listening to your head or what your body is telling you, like when it signals that you may need a break, is the best way to stay safe when remodeling your kitchen. It is also, as previously mentioned, the best way to ensure that you produce quality work.

For more information call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaKitchen
Remodeling
September 13, 2021

Reduce Remodeling Stress

Photo by @heartpoppi on Twenty20

Aside from the monetary burdens of remodeling, there are also several other factors when you choose to redo and area of your home that can lead to a significant amount of stress. Depending on the area you are redoing and the amount of work involved, remodeling can be an experience that throws the entire family for a loop and may take a long time to be finished.

One of the areas in which stress can factor highly is the presence of workers who are doing the remodeling in your home. Many homeowners have started to attempt their own remodeling, but the fact remains that there are some projects, such as installing ceramic tile floors and even painting- that require a professional to do the job right. Many people just do not have the time to try do-it-yourself remodeling. In these cases, the homeowner will have to deal with people from outside of the family using the home on a regular basis.

For most of us, our home is our sanctuary, where we can get away from the pressures of work and can relax among the people who love us. Having workers in the home takes away a lot of the sense of privacy critical to the enjoyment of our homes and the relaxation of the day. It is important that when you hire people to do your remodeling job for you that you make them aware of the ground rules in your house. Remember, they are your employees and you have the right to tell them some basic rules about the usage of your house. If you do not like the workers using areas of the house that they are not working in, make sure to tell them so. Also make sure to provide them with the ideal path in terms of exiting and entering the work area. It may sound strange, but you might also consider getting to know the workers a little bit. A degree of familiarity can take away the stress that may come with the belief that a total stranger is in your home.

Another area in which remodeling may add considerable stress is in the access to your home and especially in certain areas. If you are planning on remodeling your entryway, you will want to make sure that you have an alternative entry point and that it is easily accessible to the whole family.

There are several ways to totally reduce the stress that comes with remodeling. One way is to make plans to be out of the house when the remodeling is taking place- plan your vacation around the schedule. If you take this route, make sure that there is someone such as a neighbor who can check up on the work being done and ensure the schedule is being adhered to. You could also consider staying with family or friends in town, although many people will find that this just adds a different kind of stress to the remodeling process!

Finally, make sure that the remodeling is set to a precise schedule. Day after day of sawing and hammering will inevitably begin to grate on the nerves, and studies have shown that humans have a greater tolerance for ordeals when there is a definite end pointing sight.

If the remodeling process is causing you a lot of stress, the best thing to do is call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.
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milenaRemodeling
mirror
August 16, 2021

Cleaning the bathroom mirror

Photo by @.Monarkk.on Twenty20

Although there are special glass cleaners, you can also clean the typical splashes and stains from the mirror when we brush our teeth using vinegar diluted in water. You just have to dilute 1 part of vinegar in 4 parts of water. Use these proportions especially if you want to prepare it to fill a spray and use it on all the glasses in the house.

In addition, you can use the sheets of old newspapers to do a thorough cleaning of the mirror and other glass, since it does not leave any type of fiber and does not scratch the glass surfaces. Cleaning the bathroom with vinegar is an advantage.

For more information about bathroom remodeling call Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaBathrooms
kitchen drawers
July 14, 2021

Infallible trick to clean kitchen drawers and make them look like new

Photo by @manrikphoto on Twenty20

Has it ever happened to you that you try to clean your house, but you have no idea how to clean the drawers, cabinets, or drawers?

If you want to learn how to clean your drawers, you will need the following:

* Water

* Vinegar

* Rag

* Wood cleaner

* Baking soda

* Juice of two lemons

Process:

1. The first thing we must do is remove all utensils, dishes, or objects that are inside the drawers.

Place them in a place where you have a lot of space and they do not get in the way inside the kitchen, the dining room table can be a good option.

2. In a container, mix a little water and white vinegar and with the help of a cloth, begin to moisten it to clean the drawers.

You can do it with circular movements to cover the entire space. I recommend that you do this cleaning daily after cooking to prevent a layer of grease or dirt from forming on your furniture.

3. You will notice that all the dirt stays on the cloth without the need to scrub for hours.

4. Later, with the help of another cloth, apply the wood cleaner.

Remember NOT to wet the cabinets so much, as moisture could accumulate and damage the surface of your furniture.

FOR THE INSIDE OF THE DRAWERS …

1. In a bowl, mix water, two tablespoons of baking soda, and the juice of the lemons.

2. Pour the mixture into the drawers and let it rest for 10 minutes.

3. Later with the help of a cloth clean everything and that’s it.

This mixture is perfect for cleaning, eliminating bad odors, and preventing grease from sticking inside your cabinets.

NOTE: If you want to remove the moisture inside your drawers, put a plate with baking soda to do all the work.

There are certain cleaning products that are especially for wooden drawers and cabinets, such as oils, polish, or disinfectants, which you can find in any supermarket.

Cleanliness inside the kitchen is vital because it is the place where we prepare food and if a deep cleaning is not done, bacteria could be generated in it and contaminate the food.

For more information on refinishing your kitchen ask at Houston Bathtub Refinishers.

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milenaKitchen
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