PERSONAL: [internship | reem acra]

The Emmys are this Sunday, which means busy, busy, busy! Today we worked 12+hrs, met with fashion designer, Reem Acra, who btw is so extremely sweet, adorable & so amazing! <3 her! We got to see first hand her Spring 2010 collection, fresh off the NY runway. Had 3 fittings back to back and our last fitting ended @ 8pm.

What a crazy long day. But to tell you the truth meeting Reem Acra was so worth all of that, I'm still in ahh from meeting her. What an amazing experience, I'm so extremely grateful for all the opportunities/experiences the stylist has given me thus far (little over a month). Its definitely hard work, but worth every moment.

Styling is definitely want I wanna do, I enjoy every moment of it. Its as fun & exciting as it sounds but a lot more work & harder than you'd think it would be.

Ok Off to bed, another long day & early start tomorrow. Boy am I pooped.

Nite,
Xoxo
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PERSONAL: [internship | coco before chanel]

[image taken w/my bb outside the theater]

The stylist's Assistant & I have been starting work super early and @ times working late as well and it really meant a lot to us when the stylist was nice enough (& we were lucky enough) to let us go to the Coco before Chanel LA premiere yesterday night to watch the movie before it comes drops in theaters.

We were exhausted & had to start work early again the next day, but it was worth it. The movie was AMAZING, we loved it! Audrey Tautou was adorable (in the movie @ at the premiere). I don't normally like foreign films, reading subtitles to me... takes away from the movie, but Coco before Chanel was so well done. Of course to enjoy the film you'd probably have to LOVE Chanel, and/or love fashion because otherwise why would you care about Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's life before Chanel, right?!

Funny side note/story for you guys. so a while back when I was still a full-time graphic designer looking into getting my foot in the door as a fashion stylist, I received an email from the FIDM alumi department inviting me to a fashion stylist mixer/panel (last year). So of course I went, thought I'd get insight on how to start to become a stylist & where to start. I was also hoping to get inspired and to get guidance but got the complete opposite from this stylist. funniest thing though... Last night I saw the stylist @ the premiere and was seated right next to the stylist. Apart of me wanted to say "My foots in the door Bee-otch! Even though you told me I didn't have a chance with a graphics background. Now what?! AND I'm sitting next to you @ this premiere. Get off your high horse please!!" Ha! But I was mature & did say anything. Lol. This story proves to you that when you keep your head held high, you will forever stay on the up rise! Don't let no one hold you down!

Xoxo

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PERSONAL: [internship | 90210]

Most days consist of pulling clothing for clients and/or doing returns. Which I do enjoy doing, but what might (I said might) top that is when we're able to dress the client & get them ready for the actual event. I've been able to do fittings which is super exciting, but being able to see everything come together is just AMAZING!

On this day I was able to go with the stylist and help dress a client from 90210 for an event. Just being able to see the hair, make up, clothes & accessories all put together is very rewarding for me. And when the client has a smile & feels gorgeous/sexy/beautiful its to die for... Nothing better (ok maybe but only a rare few moment are better ha)!

You always hear stories about celebrities and how diva-ish they are. But to be honest this client was nothing but sweet/adorable to me. I <3 her, she's such a doll!

Xoxo

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PERSONAL: [day 7 | internship]

Today was a fairly slow day. Looked thru & organized all the possible Emmy dress and put them on racks so that the stylist can see what options we have.

There's this AMAZING couture dress... AMAZING. But unfortunately its not the right color for the client. If only I had a reason/event to wear something like that to. Shoot I'd even be happy with just being able to try it on! Ha. Its Seriously GORGEOUS! The fabric (silk & lace), draping, how its gathered, how it lays/flows,... To die for!

As for today's highlight: I was told/forced (ha!) to try QuickTrim diet pills because the stylist didn't wanna be wired with energy so she had me try it first. And everyone that knows me knows I can't swallow pills, but she was like "no, ill show you. I had the same problem" so she shoves the pill down my throat and pours tons water in my mouth. If only you guys could see how much water I spit back up haha BUT amazingly the pill went down... YAY!! (Which BTW feels like its still stuck in my throat even though I know its not ha) Obviously things work differently with different people, but let me just tell you... Not a fan! I feel boated, gas-y, tummy hurts, & I feel like I have to poo. Yuck, never again! But YAY for swallowing my first pill EVERRR!!! Ha

Bed time (as you can see the diet pill didn't give me energy ha), early day tomorrow. Day 8: Emmy fitting.

Xoxo
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PERSONAL: [fashion | stylist | internship]

People always say that things happen for a reason & that when one door closes another one opens. I've always somewhat believed in that saying, but it really wasn't until recently that I've come to truly believe in it.

I've been a Graphic Designer for the last 7yrs and for the last 4-5yrs I've been dreaming of starting a new career in Fashion and since I know I wouldn't be great at being a full on fashion designer, I've always thought it would be amazing if I could try to become a fashion stylist.

I grew up being a tomboy so I was really late to the fashion game, but better late than never, right?! Ha. I think we all grow, change & mature everyday of our lives. We never stop growing & changing into the person we are & who we're going to be. This is why I started my career as a Graphic Designer, figured out the hard way that sitting in front of a computer all day wasn't my cup of tea but at the same time I found my love for fashion. (When I mean fashion I don't mean Brand names, because fashion to me isn't about the Brands. Its about the look, the style & the fit.)

You might be wondering why I waited so long to change my career, and to be honest... It was the money. Luckily for me, the hubby & I have worked are tails off for the last 8-7yrs to be able to be in an amazing position where we've saved a good amount of money, and the hubby is making enough on his own for us to be able to live off of while I get to try to start my career from the bottom up.

As we all know the economy is not doing well at all. So back in June I was laid off from my Graphic Design position and to tell you the truth, it was very bitter sweet! It actually gave me the push to finally try and pursue something that I've only dreamed about. The only problem, its not an easy task to get your foot in the door and to become a stylist with NO fashion background. A part of me thought it would never happen and that I'd probably have to go back to being a Graphic Designer (which isn't horrible, just not what I wanna do at the moment). But then I get a call from the hubby's cousin telling me about this amazing opportunity to internship with a celebrity fashion stylist. I seriously DIED when she told me about it and next thing you know, I'm an intern!

Its a once in a life time opportunity and I thank the hubby & cousin so much for their love & support in my new adventure (of course along w/all my family & friends). The experience has been crazy but worth it. I've loved every moment of it so far.

Since I've been super busy with this internship I haven't had time to blog as much. But I thought maybe it would be fun if I started to blog more about my internship. If not for you guys, then for me so I can someday read back & remember everything. We all know how awful my memory is. Ha!

Here's a little break down of what I've been able to do so far:
• Dropped off shoes to one of the clients home
• Pulled clothes/shoes for client to attend the Melrose Place premiere
• Returned a huge bag full of Jimmy Choo shoes
• Pulled dresses for a client to attend the emmy's
• returned clothes back to the fashion houses/showrooms
• Help fit clients for their events
• Bring clothes to get tailored
• Pull/return shoes at Sergio Rossi's PR's showroom

**pulling clothes means going to a fashion showroom or store and grabbing possible clothing options for a client to wear to their event.**

Today's highlight: picking up 4 possible Emmy dresses at Valentino. What a heard life right?! Lol <3

wish me luck!
xoxo

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ADDICTION: [starbucks | mocha frap]

I've always been a fan of Starbucks mocha frappachino but never craved it as much as I do now.

Annie & I took a much needed vaca to Waikiki Hawai'i for 6 days last week and being that Hawai'i is so hot & humid, on top of Annie being addicted to coffee, what's better than a nice, cold, refreshing Starbuck Mocha Frap... Right?! Ha. I think we got one everyday except MAYBE one or two days lol.

And since we've been back I've had one everyday except once... twice if you include today's wanna-be Mocha Frap aka Mocha Ice Blended from Coffee Bean. So not the same! Lol

What an expensive habit! Imma need to kick this obsession like its crack haha.

Wish me luck!
Xoxo

ps. I'll try and get out of vaca mode & post pics of our trip to Hawai'i soon.
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RECIPE: [chicken | tofu]

As requested here is my mother in-laws delicious chicken & tofu over rice recipe.

roughly 5 pieces of Chicken breast
1/2 Onion (large)
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
1/2 cup Sugar
1 cup water
1 nappa cabbage or spinach
Tofu (firm)
Green onions
Steamed rice

Cut up chicken into small pieces & Stir fry until browned, add 1 onion sliced up, and stir fry another 5 minutes until onion gets a little soft, then add about 1/2 cup soy sauce, about 1/2 cup sugar and about 1 cup water.

Bring to a boil, stirring, then taste sauce and adjust if needed. more soy sauce, more sugar, more water?! it should be a little on the strong/salty & sweet side since you'll be adding tofu & veggies.

Let simmer for at least 10-15 minutes with just the chicken & onions, then add cut up tofu and simmer for another 10-15 minutes with the tofu.

Then add whatever veggies you want spinach or nappa cabbage and cut up green onion and add in about 5 minutes before you serve it.

Enjoy!!
Xoxo

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PERSONAL: [question | car]

Would you buy the same exact car as your friend/someone you know? (Color/model/year)

why the question you might ask?!

I had a pretty heated argument with a friend. she had stated that I'm a snobby/selfish person for wanting to drive a different car than everyone else I know. I like individuality, does that make me a snob?

She said that if she liked/wanted the same exact car that her friend drove she would just get it. And yes maybe it is selfish of me to think the way I do, but if that's the case wouldn't it also be selfish of the person for just buying something because they wanted it and not consider the other persons feelings on the matter too? (In no way do I or am I looking down @ people who do or have, I'm just trying to defend my character and playing devils advocate, you know?!)

Maybe its just me, but I grew up in a place where your car was an extension of ones self, not in a status kind of way(I can care less about that) but in a way where its another way of identifying a person. (i.e. "Hey there goes so & so")

In no way am I saying that no one I know can have the same car or that its wrong of a friend to have the same car as me. But I myself, just personally try NOT to get cars that other people I KNOW. Do I wish everyone thought the same way.. Yea! Do I expect them too... Of course NOT! Its personal opinions and people can do what they want. Would I ever tell a friend they can't get the same car?! Of course not. Would I prefer them to get a different color, yea but would I de-friend, hate or be mad at them if they didn't get a different color?! No!

Its just personal preference. No ones right or wrong. I dunno like I said, maybe its just me? so tell me, what are your personal thoughts on the topic? (don't worry, no judgments here)

Xoxo
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WEEKEND RECAP: [travels | sacramento]

This weekend the hubby (yes the hubby) and I headed up to Sacramento for my Aunty Judi's surprise 60th birthday party on Saturday.

FRIDAY:________________________________
I get home from work & finished packing using my brand spanking new luggage (YAY!). I seriously was shocked when I was able to pack both of our stuff in my luggage. Normally I have no space left to fit Daren's 2 t-shirts, 2 shocks, 1 jeans, 1 polo shirt & 1 undershirt... But I did it! Lol

Once Daren got home we were off to LAX to grab Mexican food @ the airport for dinner (like I always do before my flights) and to catch our short flight to the 916.

While @ the airport I got a text from my cousin Geof saying he didn't get the banner Nic (his sister) had asked me to make for their mom's party. Doh! I had sent to Wednesday afternoon thinking it would definitely get there by friday... Guess not! I knew I should've sent it over night or taken it with me on the plane. Oh well. Live and learn!

Oh and I didn't tell my parents that I was going to bring Daren with me, I wanted it to be small surprise. Plus I figured that since my parents are now planning to come down here for both Thanksgiving & Christmas this year the rest of my family won't be able to see him.

So once we landed safely in Sacramento my dad picked us up. When we arrived at my parents house we chatted for a few minutes but we were super tired and headed to bed. Plus my cousin Geof wanted me to wake up early to help him set up the party.

SATURDAY:_____________________________
I woke up around 8:30am so I could take a shower and get ready before my cousin Geof came to pick me up at 9:30am. As Daren of course slept in. Lol go figure right?!

Geof & I then headed over to Wishing Well (party store) to pick up balloons and a back up banner. After that we headed to Freeport Bakery to pick up the awesomely decorated cake (wish I took a photo of it). Then we headed to Geof's house to pick up the flowers. By this time it was already 10:45am (party started @ 11am) and the Party people were already heading to the venue (Fortune House Chinese Restaurant) so we headed over there to set up. We were hopping that banner I made would've made it just in time... But sadly it didn't.

The surprise was a success! She wasn't expecting it at all. My cousin's planned it out perfectly. They planned a family dinner Sat night so she wasn't expecting it. I guess geof also told her I probably wouldn't be able to come because I was just there and Daren hardly comes up so she wasn't expecting him either. But of course I didn't find this out until the end of the night when my mom had told me. I was wondering why she looked so surprised to see me there let alone daren. Good one guys ha!

After lunch Daren & I headed off to the movies to go see the Hangover. It was funny, but not as funny as I thought it was going to be.

And after the movies it was time for dinner (was still full from lunch & popcorn lol). Daren had TONS of work to do so he opted out of dinner and had us drop him off at startbucks so he could work with no distractions (I.e. TV, bed etc). So we did, and then head off to Scott's Seafood for dinner.

4 hours later we were finally done with dinner and went to go pick Daren up from starbucks. Lol

SUNDAY:______________________________
We had lunch with the Sato's (kellie, brent & my nephew brodie) & natalie at Paesano's (sp?) In elk grove or should I say Breakfast. For some strange reason they now don't serve lunch until 2pm on weekends... Its that weird?? We were so sad but decided to stick it out any ways.

After lunch it was time to pack up and head over to the cemetery to visit my brother's nitch. I haven't gotten to go the last few trips back and especially since Daren was with me this time, I thought we should definitely go pay him a visit.

Then it was off the airport. Sadly for Daren I accidentally scheduled our flight back during the Laker/Magic Game 2. But I got to catch the beginning and he would've caught the end if he wasn't a workaholic and didn't head into the office once we landed. Lol

All in all the weekend was nice. Nice to have the hubby around and with me... For the most part. Most weekends consist of him working a lot. (Thanks again for flying up with me babe! 123)

Welp that was my weekend. Sorry no pictures... I really need to get better at taking them ha. But I hope you guys all had great weekends.

Until next time...
Xoxo

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FASHION: [great finds | h&m]

Oh how I love accessories.
Xoxo

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PERSONAL: [weekend | low down]

Its been a little while since I've actually taken time to blog on here. Normally my weekends don't consist of anything interesting so I don't see the need to share with you guys about me being a lazy couch potato. Lol but recently its been a tad busy & entertaining.

APRIL 24 WEEKEND:_____________________

A few weeks ago Annie & Ben came to visit me (well kinda ha) for the weekend (yay!). They arrived Friday night and right away I wanted to take them to some of my favorite eateries. First stop, Furaibo & Pinkberry. Both were a success... Yay!

Annie had a class trip (on Sat) to LA's fashion district to pick out fabulous fabrics for the line they have to create for this semester's project and invited me to join. We started off the day super early, 7:45am. We headed to go get annie her morning coffee and then met up with her teachers & classmates at their hotel, the Farmer's Daughter and then we were off to Downtown LA!

We walked around the garment district from 9:30am-3:30pm and found some amazing fabrics. I even ended up buying some and I don't event know how to sew YET! Lol. But they were too cute to not buy. Ha! After we walked around for 6 hours we headed over to Annie's Grandma's place to say hi and eat a little. Unfortunately we had dinner plans already, it was SO hard to leave there after tasting some of the homemade chinese food... OMG it was delicious!! I didn't want Korean BBQ after that. Sigh! Just thinking about the food again is making my mouth water. But off to Tahoe Gabli we went for some good 'ol Korean BBQ. I was so busy, wasn't thinking and completely forgot to make reservations. So we ended up waiting a good 1.5 hours for a table.

That Sunday before they left to drive back to Sac I had to take them to King's Hawaiian for some yummie Breakfast and of course sense I got her hooked on their cakes, they picked up tons of pastries and a whole doughbosh (sp?) Cake to take back home with them. Heehee. Their trip seemed so short. I wish they could've stayed longer so that I could take them to all the other great places I love to eat at. Oh well hopefully next time!

LAST WEEKEND:________________________

I worked late Fri & Sat. So unfortunately I had to miss out on all the weekend activities like Korean BBQ @ Road to Soul on Friday night with my Tatum Jones friends before they jetted off to do a show in Seattle. And on Saturday night I missed the Fabulous Bev's Bday party.

Luckily I didn't have work on Sunday, so I headed down to Torrance to go get my car washed (finally!) And then Mina & I went tanning & got me a gym membership @ La Fitness. (Which you'd be happy to know I used on tuesday, I would've gone Wed (haircut w/Jane) & Thrus (dinner @ Kristaldo's lol) but had plans already.. Yay!) Oh and then we had KBBQ @ Futosato's with the boys.

THIS WEEKEND:________________________

After work I headed over to Mina's to do card making & baking with her & Stacy. (Thanks Stacy for letting us use your scrap booking/craft stuff) Mina & I got off to a very slow and rusty start but we later got the hang of it. Ha! I don't normally like to do things on Fridays after work because I don't have much energy after working all day. So you can imagine how slow my brain was functioning that night lol.

On Saturday I did get up until 2:30pm (ha I told you I'm not use to doing things on a fri). Once I forced myself out of bed I plopped myself onto the couch (couch potato remember?! Ha) to watch my TV shows that were recorded on our DVR from the few nights before. I was on the couch until about 7pm, which is when I had to get ready to go ROLLERSKATING!!

Saturday night was Tiff's Bday Party @ the Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale. I didn't think the hubby could make it because of work, so I asked Mina if she's join me. Let me just tell you, I hadn't roller skated since probably Jr. High. So I was Super excited & scared and the same time.

Once we got there we got our skates, strapped in and were ready to roll (pun intended ha!). By the time we were ready to go it was "beginner/intermidate roller skating backwards" time on the floor. You can imagine how scared we were being so rusty AND having to try skating Backwards right off the bat. But we were troopers and headed on out the rink anyway. Oh boy were we rusty haha. I think I almost fell a handful of times and I didn't look graceful doing it heehee. Mina on the other hand looked calm and collected out there. If only we had video haha!

After about 5 mins going backwards it was the "advance backwards skater". Man did they make us look like fools lol. I remember being almost (not really haha) that good. Next it was finally the forward skating time on the rink. At first I was super rusty, but I got the hang of it by the end of the night. I still almost tumbled all thru out the night but I'm glad to report they were all false alarms. YAY!

I forgot how much of a work out roller skating was. Man were we sweating up a storm but we had SO much fun! i'll have to remember to wear a tank top & shorts next time. lol It brought us back to our good 'ol childhood. Thanks for inviting me Tiff & thanks for joining me Mina, I had a blast! Hope you enjoyed your bday as much as wee did Tiff!!

[i stole these photos from tiff. =p]

Sunday was Mother's day (happy mom's day to all you moms). Since my mom is in Sacramento and Daren's Mom was in Vegas we decided to just hang out and spend the day together. We started the day off by watching the laker's & rocket's game on tv. Then we headed to the Bridge to go watch X-men Wolverine (don't forget to watch for an extra scene after the credits) & Star Trek back to back. Both were entertaining but personally I think Star trek was better.

After the movies we headed to the super market to pick up food & drink and then the hubby made us dinner, hambger helper lol. Can't complain right?! At least he made dinner heehee.

Next week.. i'm off to Sacramento!!

Hope you all have a fun filled weekend and a Happy Mother's day!

Xoxo
PS: i really need to start using a camera again, so i can post some photos. >_<>

CELEBRATE: [mother's | day]

Wishing all the AMAZING mothers out there a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

**even the mothers with pets as kids**

Xoxo

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MOVIE: [twilight | on demand]

I don't really the have time to look at magazines let alone read a novel. So its very safe to say that I haven't read the Twilight series. Which also means I'm not sure what all the hypes about.

Because I wasn't a fan & did understand the hype, I didn't feel the need to watch the movie in the theaters.... But with the super fast turn around from theaters to DVD now days the movie was released on Saturday to DVD and even better it came out on Time Warner's "On-Demand" so I didn't have to leave my cozy apartment while I was sick and it was just a click away... YAY for convenience!

To be completely honest the first time I watched it with the hubby I didn't hate it, but it wasn't very good. I thought the acting was over the top & the directing was as well.

But sense On-Demand gives you 24 hrs to watch the movie you've paid for, I decided to give it a second chance. Surprisingly the second time around made more sense and the acting & directing didn't seem as over the top as it had the previous time. Maybe because I knew what to expect or maybe it was because after watching it the first time without reading the book I got a better understanding of the story/characters in the movie?!

In any case it was entertaining for me to watch and I think it was a little too sappy for the hubby's personal taste. As for the future, will I watch the second or third movie in theaters... Ehh probably not, but you never know!

Xoxo

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FLOWERS: [tulips | hubby]

The tulips that the hubby gave me on Saturday are slowly blooming.

Aren't they gorgeous???!!!
Thanks again Beluga 123.

Xoxo

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PERSONAL: [hubby | tulips]

I woke up Saturday morning feeling really sore and ill. So I slept most of the day away. The hubby had to go do some work and when he came home he brought me food and these lovely tulips photographed above. Sometimes the hubby can be really sweet haha.

Thanks beluga 123
Xoxo

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BDAY: [happy 31st | douglas]

They say as time goes by it'll get easier. But I still miss you just as much as I did last year. I know that I'll never stop missing you but maybe one day it won't hurt anymore.

Happy Birthday Big Bro!

Watch over me...
Love you always
Xoxo

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FASHION: [target | alexander mcqueen]

Mina told me she went to target (torrance, ca) on sunday and she said they had already put out the McQ line for target.

So today I decided to check out the target by my work (hollywood, ca) to see if they did also... And they DID, so did another on close to where I live (west la).

I'm so sad! Most of the items left weren't my style, lucky I did find a couple of things left over that I liked. I guess I have to wait until target.com releases it online on the 4th.

Happy hunting!
Xoxo

**UPDATE**
annie went to go check in Sacramento and they haven't put their shipment out yet.. LUCKY!

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PHOTO: [cory's bday | tobs, jen & jay]

I've know these two since 1996... We go WAY back! Lol <3
why am i so pale... i need to get into the sun more often.lol

and if you're wondering why i'm squinting it's because they kept making me laugh. i should've taken more photos but i forgot. the only reason why i have this one is because tobs wanted to take a photo with his phone. =p

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PHOTO: [sacramento| jen & michelle]

Feb 2009
thanks for sending me the photo michelle!!
can't wait to see you again!
xoxo

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PERSONAL//: [experiences | travels]

Growing up my parents took my brother and I every where... Hawaii, Caribbean, Canada, Hong Kong, China, etc. Where ever they went we went.

One of the great things I've learned from my parents is the love for traveling. I wanna visit so many places and see so many things. Life is short and the world is an amazing place. But the one and only thing that's holding me back is the money.

A decent trip will normally cost you anywhere from $5000-$12000 (flights, hotels, food, souvenirs/shopping, transportation, etc). I know the experience is well worth the money but deep down inside I would feel extremely guilty spending that money on a vacation/trip while we're still saving for our first home.

If only we were rich and/or won the lotto. Lol

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