Natural Beauty

"Quote"

2012-03-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Have a lovely weekend!

2012-03-02T08:05:00.000-06:00

Photos via

31 Bits, Spring 2012: Chasing Daylight

2012-03-02T07:00:00.008-06:00

Check these out; they're gorgeous and so inspiring!

31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity. Learn more: 31 Bits

Fenugreen

2012-03-02T06:00:00.003-06:00

Fenugreen FreshPaper keeps produce fresh for up to 2-4 times longer. We aim to address the massive, yet often overlooked, global challenge of food spoilage (25%of the world's food supply is lost to spoilage each year). Fenugreen's organic, biodegradable, award-winning & patented innovation is based on a grandmother's home remedy and is revolutionizing the food industry as we know it.

Founder, Kavita M. Shukla

Portrait by Robert X. Fogarty for Dear World

31 Bits - Spring 2012

2012-03-01T06:00:00.006-06:00

Check out more on 31 Bits' Spring 2012 campaign here. Love the equestrian theme! I don't want to sound like a broken record or anything but... 31 Bits jewelry is made of 100% recycled paper, provides opportunities for women in Uganda... and I love them. Ok? Ok.

glassbaby

2012-02-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

When the first glassbaby was created in 1998, Lee Rhodes, glassybaby creator and founder, was raising her three small children and fighting what would become a 7-year battle with a rare form of lung cancer. She had endured surgery, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and was searching for a few moments of serenity to escape the fear that encompassed her life. Inspired by the beauty of these elegant vessels, Lee filled them with tea lights and scattered them throughout her home. She found great hope and healing in their color, light and love. From the beginning glassybaby has been giving back money from sales to charities helping cancer patients. Rhodes met many patients in waiting rooms who could not afford day to day costs like bus fare during chemotherapy. glassbaby has now donated more than $650,000 from sales to charities dedicated to healing and meeting those needs.

Best. Hey girl. Ever.

2012-02-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

Oh yea. That's good stuff.

Kinfolk & Sunday Suppers

2012-02-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am completely taken with both Kinfolk and Sunday Suppers... and look at what happens when they join forces at The Green Building! Read more here.

Kinfolk: Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. We have come together to create Kinfolk as our collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we love. Every element of Kinfolk—the features, photography, and general aesthetics—are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived. Kinfolk is the marriage of our appreciation for art and design and our love for spending time with family and friends.

Sunday Suppers: Sunday Suppers are class-cooking-dining experiences, pairing friends and food. The classes are held in a waterfront loft in Brooklyn, NY and are taught by local Chefs. The food is market fresh, local and organic and the approach is to create seasonal and fresh meals together.

The Green Building: The Green Building is an elegant multi-use space located in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Previously a brass foundry, The Green Building has been transformed into a unique raw space featuring original brick walls, soaring exposed beam ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers. A hidden door located within the coat check leads to two beautifully-appointed, 1920s-inspired private rooms.

The Week: "8 Lessons for Living a Fuller Life"

2012-02-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

WE ARE ON the verge of losing an irreplaceable natural resource. The inexorable process of human aging is depriving us of one of the most extraordinary groups of human beings that has ever lived: America's older generation. The last veteran of World War I has died; those of World War II are now in their 80s. The youngest children of the Great Depression have reached their late 70s. When this generation has passed, where will we go to recover the lessons they learned about life? For five years, I have collected the advice and wisdom of over a thousand of our elders — "experts," as I call them — about surviving and thriving in a difficult world. Here is what eight of them had to say...

Read the article here via The Week
Photos by Karsten Thormaehlen via Flavorwire

SECON Summary

2012-02-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

I'll give a more in-depth report on the Harvard Social Entrpreneurship Conference and Dear World later this week (spoiler alert: I give the conference 6 out of 5 stars) but here are a few of the highlights:

The programming and speakers were enriching and inspiring.

Harvard is unbelievably gorgeous.

The Hotel Veritas is my most favorite hotel. Ever. I never wanted to leave.

I met Lauren Bush Lauren of FEED Projects.

(Portrait by Robert X. Fogarty for Dear World)

Best weekend ever.

... wow.

2012-02-25T22:04:00.001-06:00

I was lucky enough to hear Daniel Epstein of Unreasonable Institute and Unreasonable Adventures, Kavita M. Shukla of Fenugreen, Taylor Conroy of Destroy Normal and TenInThree, and Lauren Bush Lauren of FEED Projects speak today and then I got to write on them. I'm not sure I've ever had a better day. I am so enjoying the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference and am truly inspired by all the people here who are doing good, and doing it so well.

Hitting the road.

2012-02-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

I'm off for a little romantic weekend getaway this weekend and then I'll be on the road with Dear World until next Monday. If you're in Vegas next week or at Harvard for the conference next weekend give a holler! See you all on the 27th!

Jonny Imerman & Imerman Angels

2012-02-16T05:00:00.003-06:00

Today I wanted to share a little more about 1) Imerman Angels, the cancer mentorship organization 2) The founder, Jonny Imerman, aka the most adorable, compassionate, patient and sweetest man on the planet [or as I like to call him... vegan Jesus]

Imerman Angels carefully matches and individually pairs a person touched by cancer (a cancer fighter or survivor) with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Mentor Angel). Cancer caregivers (spouses, parents, children and other family and friends of fighters) also receive 1-on-1 connections with other caregivers and survivors. These 1-on-1 relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world. Imerman Angels is a federally registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Jonny, still wearing a "tumors suck" sticker after a survivors' meeting. Adorbs!

Please note his religious and political views. Love.

Jonny's love and compassion really are the beating heart of the organization and have drawn amazing supporters and mission into this project. If you or anyone you know has beaten or is currently fighting cancer, please consider looking into Imerman Angels. The program eliminates a lot of fear and anxiety for patients and brings so much meaning and enrichment to survivors in their ability to assist. They do a really thoughtful job of pairing and have a huge database, which creates strong matches that truly help people feel less alone in their fight.

"Quote"

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T06:00:00.019-06:00

Gifts That Give Back: Valentine's Day Edition

Photos via, bottom left photo via Katya Horner of Slight Clutter Photography

"The Political Dr. Seuss"

2012-02-13T06:00:00.004-06:00

With The Lorax (one of my Seuss faves) opening March 2nd, thought this was both interesting and topical:

Both an idealist and a curmudgeon, Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904–91) spent much of his life trying to improve a society he knew was inherently flawed. He had a keen eye for hypocrites, bullies and demagogues, and ridiculed them whenever he got the chance. He was a man of strong opinions and deep convictions, though shy and unassuming in demeanor. Among friends he was quite charming, and was famous for his practical jokes. And yet he guarded his privacy dearly, and seldom made public appearances. He was an internationally renowned children’s author, though he never had children of his own, and once admitted that "in mass, they terrify me." Dreamer or cynic? Grandfather or grinch? It seems that Dr. Seuss was all of these things and more, a complex, talented and passionate man who struggled to remain hopeful in spite of the "dissemination of stupidity" he saw all around him. Above all, Dr. Seuss and his work were intrinsically political. via the PBS documentary, more here

Have a relaxing weekend!

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Just because...

2012-02-08T06:05:00.002-06:00

...these are really friggin cute and made me smile. How could you be angry after seeing this?

"Pearls Before Breakfast"

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

"In Washington DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about four minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule. About four minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. At six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At ten minutes, a three-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly. At forty-five minutes: The musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. After one hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music. This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. This experiment raised several questions: In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? If so, do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made… How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?" Washington Post article from April 2007, with video

"Quote"

2012-02-07T06:00:00.002-06:00

Monday Fiesta Interlude

2012-02-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

Ok, I'm officially hungry now. Love this chick and I am totally going to make her potato rosemary pizza as well.

Have a fantastic weekend!

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Really looking forward to attending a fabulous fundraiser this weekend. Party for a cause? What's not to love. Hope you all have a good one!

Rat Friends

2012-02-03T06:23:00.002-06:00

Not only will rats frantically work to free their trapped cage mate; they will do so even when there's a tempting little pile of chocolate chips nearby, the study reveals. Instead of leaving their pal in the trap and selfishly gobbling the candy all by themselves, rats will free their cage mate and share the chocolate.

Just thought that both that photo and this article from NPR were adorable. Happy Friday!

(Editor's note: the article and the photo are in no way related aside from the fact that they are both really stinkin' cute. The rats in the article are helping other rats, not teddy bears. )

JuiceRx Update

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

A belated update on my JuiceRx cleanse: I was honestly worried that juice cleanses might be a gimmick, but weeks after the holidays I was still feeling off from overindulging. Long story short, I already miss my juice cleanse I finished on Sunday! I wouldn’t recommend heavy exercise or stress because I felt somewhat lightheaded, but even though this sounds contradictory, the cleanse actually made me feel more vital and energetic than I have in a long time. Not to mention I saw a huge difference in the vibrancy of my skin (I was asked if I had been tanning). The first day was by far the worst, while day two and three were surprisingly easy. The juices were tasty, not too sweet and I definitely felt the power of the condensed fresh vitamins and minerals. (That sounds cheesy, but no really.) The process also kickstarted even healthier eating habits because by the third day I did not want to loose the energy or the glow I had gained. I took their suggestions seriously to rest and drink a lot of water, which really helped. However, my recommendation would be to plan to have a fresh raw green salad at night if you’re famished because I personally cannot sleep when I’m hungry. Also, right now they only deliver a few days of the week right after they press the juice, so be sure to plan ahead. All in all, I cannot say enough great things about JuiceRx, honestly. They are local (Chicago), organic, green and delicious and they take all of the guesswork out of it. I did the standard three day, but the option to pick the flavors also looks fantastic, especially if the morning drink with cayenne makes you nervous. There is no question I will do this again. While the price looks a little steep, don’t forget to factor in how much you would have spent in food and beverage instead - especially if you’re doing it over a weekend - and you’ll see it’s actually pretty reasonable. I loved everything about it, from the variety of the flavors to the fact that they dropped it off for me in a Prius. Plus I am big on any preventative/integrative health measure and this one, I have no doubt, at least saved me a cold or two. The cherry on top: they’re offering $15 off to NB readers, see the right sidebar at the top for details.

Gifts That Give Back: Valentine's Day Edition

2012-02-01T06:00:00.003-06:00

So Valentine’s Day is coming up on us like a freight train. Here's a few quick thoughts on what I think would make the holiday extra sweet:

Buy your valentines from small artists and graphic designers to support their work (this one on Etsy here).

The most adorable gift ever would be to sponsor an animal at the Gentle Barn in someone’s name. Addison the Donkey is pictured here; he is $40 a month to sponsor, but smaller animals like chickens are closer to $5 a month. There are also horses, pigs, dogs, llamas, goats, etc. (Or you could sponsor a child’s food or part of an environmental preserve, you know, get creative based on what the recipient cares about. You get it.)

Of course, if you were planning on buying jewelry, 31 Bits is made of recycled paper and provides jobs for women in Uganda. If you’re looking for something fancier, Brilliant Earth uses conflict-free diamonds and recycled gold.

If you’re purchasing chocolate, why not support organic chocolate that saves endangered species? I mean really. They’re available at Whole Foods.

The FEED Love bag provides 25 meals in areas with high rates of HIV/AIDS patients through the UN World Food Programme.

Of course, a TisBest Charity Gift Card is always fabulous.

A word on flowers: muted colors and monochromatic and you can’t go wrong. Fair trade and/or organic? Bonus.

Actually, one of my favorite Valentine’s Day gifts was when a friend made a donation to a battered women’s shelter in my name (kind of on the theme of “righting the wrong of the dark side of love”). Anyway, if you’re going to celebrate it, why not include family in friends and think outside the box of romantic love in your gift giving? That’s what she taught me.

Hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with love, in its many forms.

C

CIW Videos

2012-01-30T06:00:00.004-06:00

Fantastic news: the Chicago Ideas Week site relaunched today and there are tons of videos from the talks in October! Watch all of the Social Entrepreneurship talks here (hint: they'll change your life) and Bill Clinton's talk here, plus there are tons more in a multitude of fields, including Health & Wellness here. Happy Monday!

Have a relaxing weekend!

2012-01-27T07:00:00.001-06:00

JuiceRx

2012-01-27T06:00:00.003-06:00

I'm starting a JuiceRx three-day juice cleanse today so I said a small prayer this morning... for everyone who may encounter me for the next few days. I've heard nothing but good things about this place - they even drop it off in a Prius! Plus it's made organically and locally. Will report back.

EPIC

2012-01-26T06:00:00.004-06:00

EPIC empowers creative people to make social change happen. For our creative rallies—eight, intense, fun weeks of collaboration—we pair hand-picked volunteers from the advertising and design industries with nonprofit clients dedicated to education, children and families.

During the creative rally, each team creates programs and materials—on a strictly probono basis—that their nonprofit client will use to positively impact the lives of those they serve. The team leader—a creative director or principal designer from one of Chicago’s most sought-after shops—directs a group of creative professionals whose skill set matches a client’s specific needs.

For creatives, it’s the chance to work with other like-minded professionals across the industry—and to use their talent to create social good. For nonprofits, it’s the chance to develop the kind of world-class, strategic marketing that their missions deserve. And when nonprofits and creative people join forces, they make a bigger impact on the world than either could alone.

Read the "How" article here, http://iamepic.org/

"Quote"

2012-01-25T06:30:00.001-06:00

Uber

2012-01-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

A private car service at a fraction of the cost? I do love me some Uber. Download the app, create an account and use it to instantaneously find the nearest car to you via GPS. It automatically charges your card, tip is included and you don’t have to do darned a thing. (Except try to look like someone important when you get picked up and dropped off, obviously, that's half the fun.)

Read about the very scientific Uber experiment here.

Uber is available in Chicago, San Francisco, NYC, Seattle, Boston, Paris and Washington, with more coming soon. Uber also partners with charities for fundraisers, so be sure to consider contacting them for your next event.

These guys are revolutionizing the transportation industry. And it looks good. They're giving $10 off the first ride to Natural Beauty readers, check the right side bar for details. Sunglasses not included.

Pizza Showdown

2012-01-24T06:20:00.000-06:00

This happened to me the other week with soups. I swear, every time I go to get recipe ideas online everything looks downright amazing and I can’t decide what to make. Maybe you’ll do better than me? Here they are: Four Cheese White Pizza, Pizza Margherita, Rustic Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza, Potato and Rosemary Pizza, Nectarine Pizza with Basil and Balsamic, Butternut Squash Pizza with Hazelnut Dough

And because it’s nearly impossible to do anything without the correct outfit, here’s the Gwyneth-approved linen demi apron. (I look like this when I cook, right? And I can handle the responsibility of a partial apron…?)

10 Things: Paul Newman

2012-01-24T06:15:00.000-06:00

via Matchbook Magazine

Two Things

2012-01-23T06:19:00.002-06:00

There is a new series of promotions for NB-approved goods and services in the right sidebar. Please e-mail me at naturalbeautytheblog[at]gmail[dot]com if you’d like to offer NB readers an exclusive discount to see why I love y’all.

I'm compiling more information about philanthropies to share here; please e-mail me if you'd like your non-profit to be highlighted.

Happy Monday!

C

"Quote"

2012-01-23T06:05:00.000-06:00

Have a great weekend!

2012-01-20T06:00:00.001-06:00

Really looking forward to a relaxing weekend with the girl pack, provided the snow doesn't get in the way. Hmmm. Have a great one!

I Heart Flywheel Chicago

2012-01-19T06:05:00.001-06:00

I should start by saying that there is nothing that has impacted my quality of life more than exercising about five times a week. Truly, nothing has had a more drastic positive on my health or my overall wellbeing by a long shot. One of my favorite resources is Revolutionary Act - by the same people as Experience Life - and I love their view that it is literally revolutionary to save ourselves and our healthcare system unnecessary cost and pain through a healthy lifestyle.

Ok, so, Flywheel Chicago. I am obsessed with this place. Truly. I have never done any other type of exercise that has affected me as noticeably or as quickly. I cannot get enough of it. The cost is definitely on the high end ($25 for single classes) but for the quality of the workout, there’s really no comparison. Top things I love: seeing your stats in class and tracking your progress from every ride on your online account; super clean space; really fun and challenging environment; free water, spinning shoes and fruit. That’s right. Free fruit. And you’ll leave drenched in sweat after 45 minutes. Even if you phone it in you will have had an amazing workout.

As far as instructors, Antonia is super energetic and motivating, and so sweet (you’ll never get the stink eye) plus she plays the most badass jams, so she gets two thumbs up from me! Michael’s imitations of the divas - Mariah, Britney, Lady Gaga, etc. - keep me giggling and his goofy positive energy is totally contagious… though on several occasions he has said things that were so funny that I thought I was going to fall off my bike (like when he unexpectedly screamed “Ride it like you stole it!!”). Small hazard. But after a long day, it’s definitely encouraging.

They’re doing a promo where your first ride is free, which I will post on shortly. And with a free ride you have no excuse. Just go. I promise. You’ll see what I mean.

Two close seconds:
Bikram Yoga River North – By the end of the class I am convinced that I am going to faint and wake up surrounded by fifty sweaty people in their underwear. However, the feeling you get an hour after the class is over and you have recovered from sweating out all of your sins (I’m sure I sometimes leave smelling exactly like a margarita) is indescribable. Bring several towels! They’re in Suite 520 at 1 East Erie 312.397.9643

Jeff Kallas at David Barton Gym – Jeff is a rockstar. He seriously knows his stuff and the workouts are really varied, plus he’s cute and super professional. He’ll kick your butt. Train with him or take his classes. You can thank me later. David Barton – or, “Zoolander’s Gym,” as I affectionately call it – is in 600 West Chicago 312.836.9127

Warby Parker in GOOP

2012-01-19T06:00:00.006-06:00

The handsome, charming, one-and-only Dave Gilboa of Warby Parker was featured in the GOOP newsletter today! Here’s what he had to say about starting a small business:

As described above, Warby Parker is an amazing Social Enterprise; they sell designer glasses at $95 a piece and give a pair to someone in need for every pair they sell. I have a pair of the Thompsons in Revolver Black and have received a million + compliments on them. They have been featured in publications like Vogue and GQ and have over-the-top customer satisfaction ratings. Read more about Warby Parker's story here.

Photo by Robert X. Fogarty for Dear World

Green Photo Board

2012-01-18T06:00:00.001-06:00

That's all. Enjoy! Happy Wednesday!

"Quote"

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Buy print here

Happy MLK Day

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

At a school for black civil rights activists, here the young girl is being trained to not react to smoke blown in her face.
by Eve Arnold, Virginia 1960

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

"When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am not speaking of that force which is just emotional bosh. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality."

How far we've come. How far we've yet to go.

Have a good weekend!

2012-01-13T17:49:00.000-06:00

Well, winter finally arrived here! After a little accident last Saturday, I have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and help I received from friends all week. And I get to see my partner in crime tomorrow! I can’t tell you how grateful I am; I can’t imagine that anyone has better friends. It's going to be a fantastic snowy weekend in the 312. Have a great one!

Karyn's on Green

2012-01-12T06:40:00.002-06:00

One of the sweetest men on the planet took me to the loveliest vegan dinner last night and I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. If you're in Chicago you have to go to Karyn's on Green. Everything we had was outrageously good; it was honestly one of the best meals of my life, vegan, vegetarian or otherwise. Not to mention, it's such a pleasure to support the original pioneers of veganism and environmental cuisine in Chicago. I promise you it's true, "bold flavors and imaginative combinations so satisfying you’ll never know what’s missing."

ZOMG

2012-01-11T06:05:00.006-06:00

Lauren Bush is going to be a keynote speaker at the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference!!!! Holy moly, this is exciting news! I will be there helping Robert with Dear World and I cannot recommend the weekend enough. There's still time to register. Meanwhile, check out the other keynotes here and this article where their Social Media Director, Rohit Malhotra, explains Twitter to Social Entrepreneurs through... Beyonce lyrics? I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

Headline Keynotes
DR. LARRY BRILLIANT, President and CEO of Skoll Foundation’s Global Threats Fund and a leading world epidemiologist working towards solutions to multiple human ailments, “International Public Health Hero”, and former inaugural Executive Director of Google.org
DAVID BLOOD, co-founder along with Al Gore of Generation Investment Management, a $7 billion investment partnership with socially-minded and sustainable approach, and retired CEO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management division
DR. JUDITH RODIN, President of Rockefeller Foundation, a $3.5 billion foundation that funds social enterprises dealing with delivery of basic human necessities, and former President of the University of Pennsylvania

Young Entrepreneur Keynote Panelists
LAUREN BUSH, fashion model, designer, former Student Ambassador of the UN World Food Programme, brain behind branded FEED bags and related initiatives to fight global hunger
TAYLOR CONROY, Destroy Normal blogger, conceiver of the Early Entrepreneurs Experiment, founder of a carbon-neutral real estate company, and author of the longest bio known to man.

Soup Showdown

2012-01-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

I was hoping to make a soup or two this weekend with the oncoming cold front, but now I can't just pick one. Find these delicious-looking recipes and more here.

"Quote"

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

SLAT Photography

2012-01-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

Shelby, intern extraordinaire, has a new Etsy shop with warehouse photos like those below. $5 from each sale will benefit The Salvation Army Freedom Center, which will be built where the warehouse sits now. Pretty rockin'. I especially love this shot of the brass angel:

2012 Looks Good

2012-01-06T13:35:00.001-06:00

At the airport I found myself begrudgingly reading a women's magazine in spite of my inherent bias against them (not that I wouldn't like to read the umpteenth article about how to attract a man or apply eyeshadow 100 different ways...) but I was beyond pleasantly surprised when I found in Marie Claire a great article on Angelina Jolie and her directoral debut, the Bosnian actresses she chose and "trusted to tell the story of their people," a profile on Lauren Bush and the fifth year of FEED (she actually debuted the first bag in Marie Claire), an article on Jennifer Buffet and the NoVo Foundation, and a section on philanthropy that had snippets from four prominent female "do-gooders" and these recommendations:

Infinite Family (infinatefamily.org) allows you to mentor an African teen or preteen via webcam
Great Nonprofits (greatnonprofits.org) is a database where you can review your volunteer experience and read user recommendations
Sparked (sparked.com) lets you to put your professional skills to use, pro bono, based on your strengths and interests

GoodShop (goodshop.com) gives you the opportunity to shop online at your favorite retailers and have a portion of your purchase go to the charity of your choice (J.Crew gives 5%)
SwipeGood (swipegood.com) rounds up your purchase to the nearest dollar, giving the change to your chosen charity
Deal Gooder (dealgooder.com) provides local deals where each purchase benefits a nonprofit

Common Kindness (commonkindness.com) offers food coupons that bill the company and give 5 cents a coupon to the charity you choose

Free Rice (freerice.com) hosts learning games and donates rice to the United Nations Food Programme
Charitii (charitii.com) has crosswords and gives to groups like the Nature Conservatory
VisoGive (youtube.com/user/give) nonprofits upload fun videos and receive 60% of the advertising revenue

For more info, pick up the January issue of Marie Claire (a portion of the profits from the issue will go to women in need) and prepare to be amazed that philanthropy is officially mainstream chic, and it's the focus of this new-year-themed issue!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T06:00:00.003-06:00

Wishing all of you all the best in 2012! I'm still off relaxing but I'll be back in a few days. C

On Vacation

2011-12-26T15:53:00.001-06:00

I'm off for a lovely relaxing rustic vacation. Have a great New Years! C

Christmas Playlist

2011-12-25T11:48:00.002-06:00

If you're looking for a new playlist for tonight's dinner, I thought I'd share a few of my very favorite Christmas jams:

Christmas Song [Live] - Dave Matthews Band (this has the best story, in my opinion, regardless of your personal beliefs)
Cool Yule - Kurt Elling (love this cover, really goofy and hilarious Christmas song)
O Christmas Tree - Martin Sexton (acoustic, love this album - Camp Holiday - it's very imperfect but refreshing compared to many overproduced Christmas tracks)
Someday at Christmas - Jack Johnson (fantastic anti-war classic and he is a perfect match for it)
Santa Baby - Macy Gray (usually I find this song irritating, but her scratchy vocals make it fresh)
Obviously anything vintage - Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, etc. - are all welcome.

And don't forget "The Christmas Story Re-Told" by Garrison Keillor. One year it wasn't on CD or available to download yet but we only had it on a cassette tape, so we listened to it on a tiny boom box in the car on the way down to church on Christmas Eve. It was goofy but it's pretty awesome. Plus it's hard to give up on great traditions!

Hope you're having a lovely holiday!

C

"So I'm told and so the story goes
The people he knew were
Less than golden-hearted
Gamblers and robbers, drinkers and jokers
All soul-searchers
Like you and me
Like you and me
Searching for love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love was all around" - Christmas Song, Dave Matthews Band

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hope you all are enjoying the season and time spent with family and friends. C

Green Holiday

2011-12-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

The top tips I've found for an eco-friendly holiday:

- decorate with natural materials (pine cones, branches, garland, berries)

- wrap with natural and recycled materials (newspaper, sprigs of pine, raffia etc)

- decorate a potted rosemary bush as a small tree and make herb wreaths to keep after the holiday for cooking

- use LED tree lights

- buy an organic Christmas tree

- use organic ingredients in your holiday meals, drink organic wine and minimize food waste

- recycle your Christmas tree (earth911.org)

- donate to environmental organizations as gifts; spend time volunteering as a holiday activity

Photos via

Holy moly.

2011-12-21T07:05:00.000-06:00

Christmas is how many days away?! It really snuck up on me. This past weekend was the first time it really started to feel like the holidays. Cue the frantic rush to finish everything. My fingers are crossed for a white Christmas. Hope you all are having a lovely season!

Photos via

"Quote"

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Rustic Chic Holiday

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via Sunday Suppers

Pinterest malfunctions directly correlate with...

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Restoration Hardware

Jayson Home & Garden

... a devastating loss of creativity and resources. We were trying to wrap up a series of concept boards at the time, but luckily S and I knew just where to pop by for inspiration. Kids in a candy store. I think we'll be ok now.

"Quote"

2011-12-19T08:20:00.000-06:00

Worth a Read

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WSJ Debate: Should Philantropies Operate Like Businesses? (figures below)

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Point-Counterpoint: Philanthrocapitalism and A New Model for Philanthopy

Harvard Business School: How 'Hybrid' Nonprofits Can Stay on Mission

Have a lovely winter weekend!

2011-12-16T06:00:00.002-06:00

Photos via

Would someone tweet this to Santa, please?

2011-12-15T07:05:00.003-06:00

Dear Santa,
I have been extremely well-behaved this year. I think. In any case, I thought I would try my luck. Here is what I’d really like:

A dog. Any one of the little rescued guys from PAWS Chicago, like Remey or Joshua would be perfect.

A boyfriend who is like Paul Newman (philanthropist, handsome, family man). However, I would also accept a copy of this print. I’m flexible.

A vacation. Somewhere green and chic like Bardessono in Napa would be preferable.

Finally, I know this is a lot to ask, but I'd really like to be an Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme or a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador… can we make this happen?

If all else fails, I'd really like a TisBest gift card.

Thanks for everything and travel safely!

Sincerely,

Caroline

P.S. If you're really stumped, there are more options on my Holiday Gifts That Give Back and Holiday Gifts That Give Back: Kids lists.

The Madison Fund

2011-12-15T06:00:00.003-06:00

The Madison Fund provides low-income borrowers with the tools they need to overcome the many obstacles of poverty and build a sound financial base for the future.

In the past few weeks, The Madison Fund has been featured in news outlets around Wisconsin including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Wisconsin State Journal, and our Executive Director was interviewed by the local affiliate of NPR. Word is getting out that The Madison Fund, the first student-run nonprofit micro-lending organization in Wisconsin, is helping to spur community growth and create jobs.

Thanks to this recent media surge, TMF has been receiving calls, emails, and loan applications from dozens of eager entrepreneurs. We have met with an award-winning chef who wants to open up his own kitchen; an innovative entrepreneur who wants to create Wisconsin’s first not-for-profit car dealership; and hardworking permanent residents who want to become American Citizens. However, there has been much more demand than there is available funding for all of these applicants.

So this holiday season, TMF’s holiday wish is to raise $4,000 by January 1st. Since December 31st is the last day of 2011 that you can deduct a charitable contribution from your taxes for this year, TMF’s holiday goal couldn’t come at a better time! As always, all contributions are completely tax deductible, and unlike other nonprofits, since The Madison Fund has near zero administrative and operating costs, 100% of contributions are invested directly into our revolving, sustainable loan pool.

Through smart and innovative lending practices, TMF extends credit to those who would otherwise be unable to obtain funding for their business activities. By establishing relationships with borrowers and coupling loans with financial guidance, The Madison Fund’s staff ensures that even the under-privileged and under-educated are best positioned to start and grow their businesses.

The Madison Fund
www.madisonfund.org
(800) 294-7517

My sister is involved with this fantastic organization. Learn more about their Mission/Vision here.

To help them meet their goal of $4,000 this holiday season you can make a tax-deductible contribution that will be directly invested into the loan pool. Donate online here or send a check to The Madison Fund, 1360 Regent St. #124, Madison, WI 53715.

Casino Club, Chicago

2011-12-14T07:10:00.001-06:00

I visited the Casino Club for an event yesterday and it never fails to take my breath away. It may be the most hopelessly beautiful place in all of Chicago; the Art Deco preservation is magnificent and the food is outstanding. I'd like to move in, please.

Lovely weather we're having...

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

So I'm dreaming of a vacation somewhere like Bardessono in Napa, a fire and this series of F. Scott Fitzgerald hardcovers... or any combination thereof, really.

Holiday Giving

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TisBest is proud to represent the American Red Cross as one of the 250+ charity partners a recipient can donate to with a TisBest Charity Gift Card. Help give a better world this holiday.

"Quote"

2011-12-12T07:05:00.000-06:00

Roald Dahl Wisdom

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Three bits of Roald Dahl wisdom. Have a great week!

Have a lovely weekend!

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I'm excited to be spending the weekend engaged in lots of holiday-preparation activities. Hope you all enjoy the few days off!

Photos via

"Quote"

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via Minted

Wrapping Up

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I’m very excited to report that we’ll be adding a series of Katya Horner’s photographs in the computer lab of a current project (top right photo). It’s an extension of the green theme and will relate to the photo of the the building's green roof (top left photo). As access to the roof is restricted, it will be nice for people to see what it looks like up there; the view is gorgeous! This is also the same space that will have the “world of words” (photo below), which is a reflection of the digital nature of the space and the international connectivity that the internet fosters. It’s nice to be wrapping this up and see it all come together!

Inspiring Peeps.

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Lauren Bush on FEED

Jonny Imerman on Imerman Angels

Articles:
Experience Life's Five Change Agents
Forbes' Top 30 Social Entrepreneurs
GOOD's Gun Trafficking for Good, Prison Knitting Circles

You Have Mail

2011-12-06T18:12:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I wish I had your addresses so I could send you each a personal note on one of these holiday cards I just made with my new heat embosser. (I know. I’m doing crafts that require power tools now. I’m worried too.)

Thank you for reading. I so appreciate your support in my first year of blogging. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this community.

Wishing you health and happiness this holiday season and in 2012! Hope you have a magical winter.

"Quote"

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Image via minted.com

Vintage Holiday

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Is there enough time left to plan a vintage holiday party? Doesn't that sound fantastic?

Photos via: The Aviator, Water for Elephants, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day; invitations here

Fa la la!

2011-12-05T07:04:00.007-06:00

I have to be honest, I wrote my December 1st post almost begrudgingly. Retailers breaking out the Christmas goods way too early combined with the threat of Chicago winters had me actually feeling all

But then! I went to Paper Source today and learned how to heat emboss my own handmade holiday cards and now I’m feeling quite

Fa la la la la – la la – la – la!

Here's to a happy and healthy holiday season!

Photos via

Hooray!

2011-12-05T07:03:00.001-06:00

Very exciting news today! My lovely friend Sean was just published in House Beautiful!! You may recognize him from this post. (I also just realized that my review of his blog was quoted above Chicago Home + Garden’s on his site so I am feeling especially important this morning.) Anyway, please pick it up and check it out! Congratulations, Sean!! Sean Michael Design blog

Have a fantastic weekend!

2011-12-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

I toured the most beautiful gothic building yesterday and was completely charmed. Hope you have a wonderful few days off! C

Photos via

Happy December!

2011-12-01T17:58:00.000-06:00

Here are a few of my favorite staples to keep December simple, streamlined and stress-free:

Keep wrapping green, chic and painless with: recycled kraft paper, old newspapers or other neutral wrapping (these from Anthropologie); stamp on the To and From and avoid extra paper and plastic with this stamp from Paper Source; top it off with twine, raffia or hand-dyed silk ribbon; and I love these holiday cards on recycled paper designed by independent artists on Minted.com

To send: Jayson Home & Garden's holiday florals are flawless, Williams Sonoma's cooks' herb wreath makes a seamless transition from doors to recipes, Harry & David offers beautiful organic fruits and dried fruit with nut boxes

Just add: a few $25 TisBest charity gift cards on-hand for unexpected gifts

Puppy Love

2011-11-30T07:00:00.002-06:00

This video of rescued beagles inspired me to share some information about adopting shelter pets. Jack (below) is the sweetest little guy and he’s meant more to me than I can say. We found him through Adopt a Pet, a networking site that allows you to search shelters for dogs, cats and other pets by breed, size, age, location, etc. PAWS Chicago also has a fantastic facility and a great system for ensuring solid long-term pet-owner match.

Happiness is a warm puppy. - Charles M. Schulz

Holiday Gifts That Give Back II: Kids

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1 Help Charlie Heal The art on these cards is created by 4-year-old Walker Greenman; 100% of profits go towards a medical fund for Walker's baby brother Charlie, who suffers from Craniosynostosis and had a stroke shortly after birth.
2 UNICEF Give immunizations, food and clean water to save kids' lives around the world in the recipient's name.
3 Plumpy This FEED 5 Bear is made of 100% plush organic cotton and natural burlap. Each one that is sold will provide PlumpyNut, a high nutrient paste, to 5 children under the age of 5 through the non-profit organization Industrial Revelation.

"Quote"

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"Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact and that is: everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.” - Steve Jobs

Have a great long weekend!

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Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you have a fantastic time with family and friends. C

Photos via

Black Friday

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Black Friday is two days from today. Last year Americans spent 45 billion dollars over Black Friday weekend. Please share this on your blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr etc if you'd like to see some of that redirected towards a good cause!

Kinfolk: A Guide for Small Gatherings

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Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. We have come together to create Kinfolk as our collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we love. Every element of Kinfolk – the features, photography, and general aesthetics – are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived. Kinfolk is the marriage of our appreciation for art and design and our love for spending time with family and friends.

For obvious reasons, I am completely taken with this magazine and loving this Pinterest board. Here is the exclusive preview of Volume 2.

"Quote"

2011-11-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

You knew it was coming.

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On to serious matters today... Twilight.

Now that everyone’s had time to groan, don’t worry, I am only going to address is the set design. Holy. Moly. That was one beautiful wedding and honeymoon. I wish I could find more stills to accurately depict the abundance of suspended white flowers, the sparkling string lights and the breathtaking way they mixed vintage elegance with rustic forest earthiness. And a private island off of Brazil? Yea. I can work with that. Frankly, I’d go again just to see those first scenes because they are nothing but pure wish fulfillment. But as soon as she gets pregnant with that demon child? Well. You thought you had problems. I think I’d need to sit through the second half with a sweatshirt over my head again. In any case, you should probably see it, if for no other reason than you will be able to speak eloquently in the inevitable “Team Edward” versus “Team Jacob” debate that erupts over the Thanksgiving table. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Have a lovely weekend!

2011-11-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'm off for a little weekend trip, thank goodness! (It may or may not include seeing an unnamed movie about a brunette, a very pale family and a certain gentleman who - thankfully - does not appear to own a shirt...) Hope you all have a good one! C

Holiday Gift List: Gifts That Give Back

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1 31 Bits jewelry is made out of recycled paper and provides women in Uganda with work opportunities
2 Warby Parker gives a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased and empowers locals with job training
3 FEED bags provide meals to children in poverty and Plumpy Bear provides high-nutrient paste to five children under five
4 TisBest Charity Gift Cards allow you to choose an amount and let the recipient choose which charity receives it
5 Water.org water bottles support Water.org's mission to provide clean water and sanitation
6 TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased
7 Beeline bath and body products provide job skills for those with barriers to employment

CIW Recap - Gary White

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Gary White, Co-Founder of Water.org

Read: Matt Damon and Gary White on The Huffington Post, Water.org in Fast Company

Photo by Robert X. Fogarty for Dear World, Write Our Future

Stop.

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

When a container ship ran aground off the east coast of New Zealand earlier this month, blue penguins were some of the many animals affected by the oil spill. A knitting shop called Skeinz came up with the ingenious and adorable idea of asking volunteers to donate tiny sweaters to prevent the penguins from injesting the oil while preening.

Too cute.

(via SHFT)

"Quote"

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Fur Ball

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I had a fantastic time helping out at the Fur Ball this weekend. PAWS is working to build a No Kill Chicago, where pets will no longer be destroyed because they are homeless. In 2011 they will find homes for more than 4,400 pets. They have a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer and support their work.

Have a fantastic weekend!

2011-11-11T07:00:00.002-06:00

Photos via

"The end of living and the beginning of survival."

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The truth is, the challenges facing Native Americans are particularly topical around Thanksgiving. I have yet to find anything brief and comprehensive on this subject, but in the meantime I do want to mention the Native American Heritage Association for the amazing work they do (they have had 7 consecutive 4-star ratings on Charity Navigator). Very little breaks my heart quite as much as the treatment these people have endured and continue to face. In spite of some of the questions as to its true origin, I love this Letter from Chief Seattle:

The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky, the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every meadow, every humming insect. All are holy in the memory and experience of my people. We know the sap which courses through the trees as we know the blood that courses through our veins. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters. The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the dew in the meadow, the body heat of the pony, and man all belong to the same family. The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water, but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you our land, you must remember that it is sacred. Each glossy reflection in the clear waters of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father. The rivers are our brothers. They quench our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. So you must give the rivers the kindness that you would give any brother. If we sell you our land, remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life that it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. The wind also gives our children the spirit of life. So if we sell our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow flowers. Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth. This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. One thing we know: our God is also your God. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator. Your destiny is a mystery to us. What will happen when the buffalo are all slaughtered? The wild horses tamed? What will happen when the secret corners of the forest are heavy with the scent of many men and the view of the ripe hills is blotted with talking wires? Where will the thicket be? Gone. Where will the eagle be? Gone. And what is to say goodbye to the swift pony and then hunt? The end of living and the beginning of survival. When the last red man has vanished with this wilderness, and his memory is only the shadow of a cloud moving across the prairie, will these shores and forests still be here? Will there be any of the spirit of my people left? We love this earth as a newborn loves its mother's heartbeat. So, if we sell you our land, love it as we have loved it. Care for it, as we have cared for it. Hold in your mind the memory of the land as it is when you receive it. Preserve the land for all children, and love it, as God loves us. As we are part of the land, you too are part of the land. This earth is precious to us. It is also precious to you. One thing we know - there is only one God. No man, be he red man or white man, can be apart. We are all brothers after all.

First snow today

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Oh boy. Here we go.

Recipe for a good day:

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"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present." - Marianne Williamson

Thanksgiving plotting... Part III

2011-11-09T08:08:00.002-06:00

If all of this talk of the impending holiday season has you reaching for an autumnal cocktail, here are some of Chicago's finest:
Morco's Panacea, Blackbird's The Rites of Autumn, GT Fish & Oyster's Old Money. Maybe they'll make it into the Thanksgiving lineup.

Thanksgiving plotting... Part II

2011-11-09T08:05:00.000-06:00

I love this as a Thanksgiving tablescape! It's autumnal but fresh and original. I'd add an herb bouquet at each setting with these "I'm Thankful For" cards as placecards and go long on the candlelight.

via Sunday Suppers

Thanksgiving plotting...

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

From left: Roasted Truffled Fingerling Potatoes, Golden-Crusted Brussels Sprouts, Nikki's Sweet Potatoes, Spice-Kissed Pumpkin Pie, Hazlenut and Chard Ravioli Salad, Green Beans with Hazlenuts and Gorgonzola, Honeyed Fig and Lavender Crostata

"Quote"

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