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Friday Favourite – Quirky Pillows

July 14, 2017

It’s Friday time to round up our favourites of the week – instead of rounding up our favourite piece from our shopping trips we have decided to share a favourite items we love to add to our decor projects – ‘quirky’ pillows!

What do we mean by ‘quirky’ pillows?

You have probably noticed over the past 2-3 years that accent pillows with fun or wise sayings have been everywhere… and we love this fun trend too! We have used some in our model home projects and also some of our client decor projects. These ‘quirky’ pillows are a great way to express your style and personality all at once! Plus they are an affordable way to freshen up your home decor.

Pillows are a great and affordable way to update a bedroom or living room. These quirky and fun pillows are a way to show personality in your space – they set a mood and show off your attitude!

Pillows…

Are a great way to add a splash of colour, print, texture and in this post we are rounding up our favourite ‘quirky’ pillows! Layer one of these into your current scheme. Choose a pillow with a fun or funny saying, something inspirational or wise … there is a ‘quirky’ pillow for everyone!

Favourite ‘Quirky’ Pillows:

The message of this pillow is simple – when it comes to adding this to your decor take inspiration from the colours in this pillow.

This is a great pillow cover for a dog lover – it can be added to most decor schemes too…

Kids love quirky pillows too – this ‘PLAY’ pillow is great for a kids bedroom or a playroom.

We posted earlier about pineapple decor but here is another great quirky pillow featuring pineapples…love the message!

This Mr&Mrs lumbar pillow is a great anniversary gift or house warming gift – it’s cute on an accent chair or a bed.

Quirky pillows are also a fun addition to your decor for the seasons and the holidays…

Sometimes these pillows say what we are all thinking….like this one ‘more summer’! Who doesn’t want that?!

Pillows are another way to celebrate the seasons – this Fall pillow is fun and cheery and a perfect addition to a sofa or front entry welcoming friends and family!

Halloween is a holiday that is very much about decor so why not add a pillow like this one to your space to celebrate the spooky season….

Show off your personality with a quirky pillow,

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Paint Colour Concept for the Whole Home

July 13, 2017

When it comes to a paint colour concept you really need to think about the whole home. We just finished meeting with some clients earlier today to put together their paint colour concept – they have hired a painter to start later in the week and during our paint consultation we discussed the idea of a paint colour concept for the whole home – even though they aren’t thinking of paitning the entire home at this stage.

Photo credit : HomeBunch – This mudroom is painted in ‘Stonington Gray’ by Benjamin Moore

What is a paint colour concept?

Basically it is a plan with a series of colours for the whole home. The colours all work together even though they may be different – there is a fluidity to the whole look, so as you walk through the home room by room the colours will work in a cohesive manner.

You may not be ready right now (for a variety of reasons) to paint the entire home now but if you have a plan you can focus on the rooms to paint now and still know what the overall look and feel of the space will be. Be sure to record and file all of the paint info – so brand, name and code – you can refer to it when you are ready to paint the next set of rooms.

What to know when making your paint colour concept?

You really need to understand the lighting in your home. Which rooms have a lot of light (natural or otherwise) and at what time of day. Paint looks different in different lights – natural vs artificial, it also looks different depending on the amount of light and time of day. So we always suggest to clients to paint test swatches on the wall and take a look at them at various points in the day. Be sure you like the colour at all times of day before fully committing.

Our clients wanted a light and airy look with some ‘beachy’ inspiration without going too literal – their furniture is most neutral (think light warm grey sofas and coffee hardwood floors). the home is an older home with original interior doors and baseboards, they wanted to maintain that character but give the home a fresher and more current feel.

Here is the paint colour concept we put together for our clients:

Benjamin Moore ‘Balboa Mist’ OC-27 is perfect for their hallways and guest bedroom – it is a soft and warm grey tone and it is one of our favourites to work with.

Benjamin Moore ‘Stonington Gray’ HC-170 is another favourite of ours – it is a true gray that adds some really pigmentation on the wall without being too deep and it has a great freshness about it too. This is for the dining room (and will be paired with a farmhouse inspired table)

‘Silver Half Dollar’ 2121-40 by Benjamin Moore is a colour that’s really inspired by the beach (not just in name). We chose this for the living room – it is one of the brighter rooms in the house and they wanted a bit more colour in the room that they spend the most time in.

There master bedroom is on the top floor in an attic space – so the sloped ceilings add architectural detail to their master but the ceilings are also a bit lower – so we opted for a light and airy white. This is a clean and calming tone for the room and offers with great contrast to the dark coffee floors plus this means they have a lot of options for accent colours in bedding and more – We selected ‘White Heron’ OC-57 by Benjamin Moore.

The homeowners are happy with some of the existing colours in the home – such as the kitchen and bathrooms (so previous owners must have really focused on where to spend their money when prepping the home for the resale market as the bathrooms and kitchens all had a fresh coat of paint). So we worked with those tones along with their own tastes to create a a whole home paint colour concept.

A paint colour conept is a great way to stay focused on your style and have a designer look in your home…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, OUR FAVOURITES

Summer Wreath Inspiration

July 11, 2017

A summer wreath is a great way to add a fresh look and some curb appeal to your home. In the summer the gardens are in bloom and the colours are so bright and fresh. I love a summer wreath because it adds just a bit some of the summer florals that I love! If you are selling your home, a summer wreath is an easy (and affordable) way to add an inviting feel to your home.

Photo credit: Etsy.com

This boxwood wreath is a bright pop of green and this wreath would also work well for spring and summer

Selecting a Summer Wreath

When it comes to selecting a summer wreath – you have a lot of options – there are so many florals, colours and greenery that work for summer decor. I suggest a wreath in colours and tones that coordinate and compliment your exterior landscaping – so take a look at your planters and flower beds – that way the wreath and your landscaping plan all work together.

Photo credit : Etsy.com

This floral wreath with a mix of flowers and greenery has a main colour of coral and white and soft blue as accent colours – so in this case your flowers beds and planters should have a combination of these hues.

Multi-season wreath

If the idea of a new wreath for each season seems like too big of a commitment or you don’t have enough storage opt for a neutral or multi-season wreath. Neutral tones work all year long as do simple greenery wreaths.

Photo credit : Etsy.com

This year round wreath is a beautiful blend of neutral and great texture and the “L” adds a personalized touch.

Some favourite Summer Wreaths:

Summer wreaths are just another way to add some curb appeal to your home – whether you are selling or you just want to create a welcoming atmosphere, a wreath is a perfect accessory!

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BEDROOMS, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Boy’s Bedroom – Dinosaur Theme

May 5, 2017

I’m working on a dinosaur theme bedroom for my son. I love to decorate kids’ bedrooms – it’s so much fun! The colours, the prints, the themes – it’s a great way to really get creative and adventurous plus show off their personality.

We have decorated a few kids’ bedrooms and recently a teenage girl’s bedroom – we love giving kid’s a space of their own and helping mom and dad get the look for less – and typically we are doing this ‘bedroom makeover’ as a Christmas or Birthday gift – what a great idea!

My youngest son, Lincoln, is turning 3 in about 4 months and I’m thinking it’s time for his room to become his own. He will be transitioning out of his crib this summer and it’s probably a good time to makeover his room. My son is obsessed with dinosaurs and typically I don’t dive head first into a theme but this strong love of dinosaurs has been going on for some time, so I think I have found my theme.

When I decorate kids rooms – for clients or my own children – I like to add themed accessories like small decor items, pillows, bed sheets etc…I also like to find items that aren’t too permanent so in a few years when he has a new ‘favourite’ I can make the change very easily.

Here are some of my favouite items for Lincoln’s bedroom:

I love this pillow – accessories like this are great and affordable finds and they are perfect for a bed or a rocking chair (which we happen to have in his room so I think this will be just perfect)

Art for kids rooms can be tricky to find but you can get creative with art that isn’t necessarily stretched canvas or framed – this hanging wire dinosaur from Pottery Barn Kids is so cute (and it’s on sale right now, too)

You can’t go wrong with extra storage and I’m a big fan of easy storage for kids. Baskets and bins are great in bedrooms and playrooms for quick and easy clean up of toys and books. I love these cute dinosaur storage bins!

When I decorated my 3 older children’s bedrooms I decided that themed sheets were a good choice! I kept their duvet covers simple (Pottery Barn rugby stripes for my boys’ shared bedroom and a Floral for my daughter-I like a duvet cover that can grow with them). But I like to have more fun with their sheets – like these cute and colourful dinosaur sheets!

Area rugs are a great way to add a splash of colour and pattern to any room – so this is why I love this area rug for my son’s bedroom. I love the lime green colour with the blue and of course, the dinosaur – I know he will love it, too!

Night time can be a bit scary for kids, so I always have their bedrooms outfitted with a night light. This dinosaur night light is adorable – the light is soft, you can choose the colour as a constant or changing (red, green, or blue) plus it is portable so at night if my little guy has to got use the potty he can use it as a flash light…

To top off the dinosaur theme bedroom … a cute set of dinosaur pjs!

I’m so excited to transform his bedroom – just a few pieces will get the look and I won’t have to spend a lot!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

Wall Decor Trend – the Basket display

April 29, 2017

Wall decor is a way to really pull the look of a room together. I personally love art and I could not image a home (or a world) without it! Wall decor is a way to not just pull a room together but it’s a great way to show off your style and taste. One wall decor trend that I am loving right now – and we are starting to see if everywhere is the wall decor with baskets.

Let’s talk about this wall decor trend using baskets and woven bowls – we are seeing a lot of this in modern farmhouse but it can be used in other styles of home decor too. It’s a great way to really bring something a bit different into your space without spending a lot time installing or money for purchasing.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Read further….

They add some Texture to a room:

This is a great look for anyone looking to add some great texture to their space. Baskets have that great natural texture. Texture is such a great element to bring into a space. I love to see a really clean and crisp wall with the basket wall decor – it’s really great contrast and so interesting!

Play with Contrast:

Just because you are decorating a wall with baskets doesn’t mean they all have to look the same. Look for baskets with some interesting pattern and colour to add even more interest to your wall decor. This image is a great example of a basket display wall with looks of texture and contrast – the black and white blended with the natural tones is a great look and against the deep grey wall paint, spectacular!

Wall Decor Baskets as wall filler:

Ever have those little corners in your home that need a little wall decor but you never seem to find the right piece or a standard art frame wouldn’t fit? This is another reason to give this basket wall decor a try – you can really make it your own in terms of colour, pattern, texture and how it is arranged. This little wall space looks great with the baskets and bowls on display.

Mix up Different Sizes:

This bedroom by Summer of Simplestylings.com did such an incredible job in her bedroom with this wall decor basket display. I love the tones but I love the mix of the different size of baskets – it’s so interesting and you really notice the differences in each of these baskets. This adds some great wall decor but the natural material of the baskets adds some real warmth to the space!

Add wall baskets with colour:

If you like this look but colour is more your speed you can absolutely add some pops of colour to your basket wall decor display. I love the mix of these bright colours on the wall in this house. It really stands out nicely against the white wall.

They work in Any Room:

A lot of the images that we have seen (and shown in this post) have the wall decor baskets on display in entryways and hallways but they really can be used in any room. Try using these baskets and bowls on display as the main art feature in a room – you can really ‘customize’ the size by adding more baskets of all shapes and sizes!

Basket wall displays are a great way to add some great texture, colour, contrast and ‘custom’ art to your space – plus it’s easy and inexpensive DIY project for your home. What do you think of this trend?

SHOP WALL DECOR BASKETS + STORAGE BASKETS…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, OUR FAVOURITES

Connect the Dots – Decorating with Polka Dots!

April 20, 2017

We love a Polka Dot print! Polka Dots are a fun print to decorate with – they add a touch of whimsy and a bit of a retro vibe to a space.

What’s the History of the Polka Dot?

The Polka Dot is a print that really became popular in the US in the mid 1920s. America’s love affair with the polka dot began, perhaps, in 1926, when Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit. Shortly after, in 1928, Disney introduced its cartoon darling Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and matching bow. Throughout the 1930s, polka dot dresses appeared in stores, the fabric suddenly subversive, nipped in by ribbons and accentuated with bows. In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe was famously photographed in a polka dot bikini. And of course, the famous 1960’s hit song “Itsy Bitsy Polka Dot Bikini“.

The Polka Dot pattern is a series of circles that are evenly spaced and of the same size. A spot print isn’t necessarily consistent in spacing or size

The Polka Dot definitely has a retro feel but also a feminine one. The Polka Dot has mostly been used in women’s fashion but it definitely makes a statement in home decor.

Ways to decorate with Polka Dots

A nursery –

we love the fun and whimsy that polka dots add to a bedroom. We love this accent wall – it really adds visual interest to the room without using old colour and this can easily transition into a toddler room (and a little girl’s room and a teenagers bedroom)

Polka Dot Furniture –

try re-upholstering a simple piece of furniture with a polka dot fabric – this will add a fun element into any room and it will turn a simple piece into a statement piece. It’s a great addition to any room! This chair is an example of a spot print but isn’t it great?!

Polka Dot drapery and window treatments –

we love a patterned window treatment – it adds a nice contrast to the room against a solid wall and it’s a perfect addition to a room that doesn’t have wall space for art!

Polka Dot Pillows –

A polka dot pillow is another great way to keep a room from looking too serious. Polka dot prints comes in all colours – so you have a lot of options! We love different sizes and scales of polka dot prints, too. Plus polka dots are fun to mix with other prints!

Polka Dots in the bedroom –

Polka dot bedding can be used in so many ways on a bed. Just the pillows, bed sheets or the duvet cover. Mixing the polka dots with solids and other prints makes any bedroom unique. We love this bed set in white and gold with polka dots and stripes.

There are so many fun ways to decorate with this retro print – which is your favourite?

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, OUR FAVOURITES

My 5 Favourite Paint Colours (Right now….)

April 13, 2017

If you have been reading our blog (thank you!) you have noticed that I have recently posted some amazing before and after photos of a paint transformation. The right paint colour truly make a huge difference!

Paint is your backdrop, your canvas and with paint you can really set the tone for your decor style. Like all designers and decorators I definitely have our favourite paint colours but it really does depend on your light, existing finishes and the mood you want to set . I want to share with you our 5 favourite paint colours (and in no particular order)

Here are my 5 favourite paint colours (right now)…

#1. Paint – Classic Gray:

Benjamin Moore ‘Classic Gray’ is a soft and light grey tone . It is on the warm side. It is a favourite of mine – I have used it with my investment clients – to give their rental properties a current and fresh look but still bright and clean. I am also using this in one of our ‘sample board’ projects for a townhome community in the city!

This stunning living room, designed by Studio McGee, is a great example of ‘Classic Gray’ walls – see how light and warm it is! Even Jillian Harris did a Home tour video of the home she just sold as was talking about her love of Benjamin Moore’s ‘Classic Gray’. These 2 amazing designers can’t be wrong!

#2. Paint – Stonington Gray:

Benjamin Moore’s ‘Stonington Gray’ This is a true grey tone that I have used a number of times. It’s a medium tone grey that looks great in space where you want to add just a touch a depth. It’s still very fresh and clean looking too! It’s from the Historical collection and works nicely with exteriors too. Take the tour of the Stittsville Walk model home and see how I used Stonington Grey in this space.

Stonington Gray looks great in this eat-in kitchen space! It makes the space look fresh and current and with all the big windows and natural light this colour adds depth without making the space feel dark. The white light shade, trim and chairs are a nice contrast to the grey wall paint.

#3. Paint – Swiss Coffee:

Benjamin Moore’s ‘Swiss Coffee‘ not a new colour but a new favourite of mine! It’s rich and creamy warm white and it’s amazing with the whole Farmhouse style. It’s so clean and crisp and looks great as a canvas for artwork and other decor pieces. I am using this in a model that I am working on right now – that’s launching in early June (stay tuned…)

This living room designed by Onekindesign.com – it’s incredible!! So now that you have taken in the beauty of this room, here’s why we love this paint colour. It really allows the other elements in the room to be the star and it pulls everything together. The wood and the stone really stand out and give the room a big WOW factor but that paint compliments and adds a subtle warmth to the room.

#4. Paint – Revere Pewter:

Benjamin Moore’s ‘Revere Pewter’ This is another paint colour from the Benjamin Moore Historical collection. This is a great colour for anyone who is a bit hesitant to jump into a gray paint colour. This is more a member of the taupe family or a warm grey.

You can see here, in the image above, how soft, neutral and warmth this paint colour is! It’s enough pigment on the walls but not too deep or intense. It is a great neutral taupe-y tone without any yellow under tones. It’s great for gender neutral space or even a boy’s bedroom – you can all the accessories and colours you want and they will work!

#5. Paint – Wedgewood gray:

Benjamin Moore’s ‘Wedgewood gray’ is a beautiful shade of blue. Typically I am a big fan of neutral walls but if I had to pick a colour it would be something in a shade of blue. This is a great colour for certain areas of the home that you want to bring colour into with art and accessories so for instance a mudroom or front entry. There’s usually a lot of trim, flooring and other hard textures, so a bit of colour on the wall breaks it up a bit.

So here’s an entry painted out in Wedgewood Gray – it’s such a fresh and clean colour. The white trim and wall paneling really pop too. The hall tree is painted in Kendall Charcoal – both Benjamin Moore colours – it’s a great colour combination with the white and blue.

So these are my 5 favourite paint colours right now….what do you think?

SHOP FARMHOUSE FAVOURITES …

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

How Paint Transforms A Room

April 6, 2017

Paint really transforms any space! when you have been living in your home for some time you really to get used to your surroundings and often you don’t even notice your space anymore. When we meet home staging and interior decorating clients – we always bring up, paint! Why? Well paint can totally and completely transform the look of any room.

Paint can do so much for a space – make it appear – brighter, bigger, cleaner and fresher! Undertaking the job yourself can be a bit daunting so don’t hesitate to contact a professional painter…it will certainly save you time and you will love the results.

Let us tell you about a recent paint transformation…

Our client moved to a new city and a new part of the country – her husband had a new job and her kids were starting at new schools. they didn’t know anyone and they had a lot on their plate. They moved from a new build open concept, classic contemporary home into a much older, more traditional and slightly dated home.

She did her best (and a good job) setting up their space but she knew the house needed something. That’s when we entered her life!

Our first suggestion was paint! Why? To get the fresh and more modern look she craved, the gold yellow sunflower walls weren’t working.

We worked with the furniture pieces and her art pieces along with the natural light to find the best paint colours for her.

Check out the difference paint can make!

So what did we do?

There are only a few changes in this room but what a difference! Paint was the big change…We selected an accent wall for the fireplace – Sherwin Williams ‘ Acier’ and the rest of the house (you can see the dining room to the left) in Sherwin-Williams ‘Mindful Gray’

We also swapped out the old and more traditional looking lamp shades for some simple white drum shades. You may not have noticed this subtle change but take another look – the shades are brighter and so much fresher.

We also played around with the art placement and looked through the pieces that she had still packed.

We also sourced out some new and more current wall sconces, again ones with those fresh and bright white shades!

We would say this room has come a long way! We are still working on some accessories but already this room (and this house) looks so much fresher and cleaner.

A little paint can go a long way…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – What is Chalk Paint?

March 22, 2017

“What is chalk paint? I have heard people talking about it. “

Yes – chalk paint is a term we are hearing a lot …so here are the details.

What is Chalk paint?

Chalk paint is an actual brand of paint – Annie Sloan has trademarked the brand (but there are other similar paints by other companies). But it is a paint used mostly on furniture. The paint has a flat and chalk like finish and is used to create an aged finish on furniture pieces. Plus you can distress the finish as well (very easily).

With the popularity of the Farmhouse look in home decor – chalk paint is being used a lot. To update great garage sale finds or transform pieces to give them a rustic, shabby chic or country look. Don’t you just love the charm that the chalk like finish adds to decor pieces and furniture?

Get creative with Chalk Paint:

Frames:

Chalk painting your photo frames or even old frames that you often see at yard sales or online – look so chippy and vintage with a spot of chalk paint. These look great in a gallery wall

Storage furniture:

Adding chalk paint to a large piece of furniture transforms the look of the room. This dresser looks aged and adds a romantic look and feel in the bedroom.

Vases:

Trying painting your mason jars . This is a great idea for a center piece, spring decor, weddings and Easter – the finish of the paint and the tones are perfect for the spring season!

Chairs:

I love these chairs – they look like an old vintage find from an old cafe and that robin’s egg blue really adds some personality in the space.

Chalk paint allows for you to get create with some old furniture items, garage sale finds or just updating your space! We all know what a difference fresh paint can make in a space so why not try something new!

It’s only paint…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Spring Home Decor

March 1, 2017

“Spring is almost here. What are your favourite spring home decor ideas?”

Spring really is a wonderful time of year! Both us of have spring birthdays…but that’s not the only reason why we love spring! Spring is fresh, fun and a new start. Spring offers so much colour – just look around and you will see it every where.

We have a few favourite ways to bring spring into home decor.

Kristi’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

Greenery –

yes this is THE colour of the year but for me, the first spring home decor piece I add to my home is a beautiful floral arrangement (or potted plant). It just brings a burst of life into your room especially after these long and snowy winters. It’s so fresh to see ‘green’ again! I love to see fresh flowers on a kitchen or dining table but I also love them in my bedroom – it’s so lovely to wake up and see a touch of nature!

Let the light in (and the air, too) –

we are stuck at home all winter long and when that warm spring sunshine is out I want to bring it in – along with the fresh air. I pull back the drapes and pull up the blinds and open the windows (even if it’s just for a little bit). Our spring season here is still pretty brisk but letting that light and fresh air gives the home a good boost. That beautiful natural light and fresh air can really make a difference!

Switch up my textures –

if you don’t know this about me yet, you will soon figure it out. I don’t decorate my home with a lot of colour (unlike Maddie) but I love texture! Faux fur, leather, wood, wool knits, cow hide, metal and well any texture. But once spring is here – I tuck away my furry pillows and blankets. I give them a wash and hide them away until the fall. They just add a winter-like feel to my space and who needs winter all year long? Instead I have added some Stonewashed Belgian linen pillows in some different earthy tones and a few with some print.

Maddie’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

Colour –

I love colour. I love all colours. One of the reasons I have a lot of white and grey in my house is so I have a lot of freedom to play with colour. Since I have lived in my home (coming up on 3 years now) I have played with shades of aqua and blue, teal and orange and now I’m on a pink kick! (My office has a bold and bright pink accent wall) Colour is a great way to bring spring into your home. Take some cues from your spring flower garden, green grass, robin eggs and all that the spring season presents. Use colour with decor items, art, and pillows.

Pattern –

I also love pattern. I feel a room without pattern is pretty much incomplete. Every room needs some pattern. For spring think floral pattern – you might be thinking that it’s not modern enough for you or it’s too feminine – think again! There are so many options for floral pattern, I love and have some of these Bluebellgray pillows at my place. I have it mixed with some other more geometric prints and my bold abstract art. I love the bold colours mixed with an abstract watercolour print against my gray sectional. If florals aren’t for you, try adding a bold pop of colour – one colourful print item can total change up your look (and maybe inspire you to add even more to your room).

Spring is such a great time to refresh your home decor – many of the new collections are out in stores at the end of winter and that’s when we have a ton of choices – colour, texture, print and pattern – you don’t need a lot to make an impact …just a few pieces can put a spring in your step!

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