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2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Her

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Sharing gift guide ideas for your mom, grandma, aunt, SIL, bestie, or for yourself!

I’m calling it. The holiday season is officially here and I’m so ready for it! Bring on the family fun, delicious food, and festive parties. Gift-wise, I’m trying to get my act together as quickly as possible. My goal is to have everything ordered by Cyber Monday, wrapped that week, and then I can kick back, relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday season with the fam. I wanted to share gift guides asap this year in case you have similar goals this season!

I’m starting the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide party with one of my favorite gift guides: for her!

These are ideas for your fitness-loving friends, the foodies, the BFFs, *scrunchy* friends, for your mom, MIL or nana, for the new moms out there, plus stocking stuffers and under $40 finds!

2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Her

Gifts for the fitness fanatic:


Gifts for the fitness fanatic

A sauna blanket or PEMF Go Mat. My life and two of my very favorite things. I use the Go Mat daily for meditation, and use the sauna blanket 2-3 times per week and it feels amaaaaazing. I sleep so well and it makes my skin glow. Use FITNESSISTA20 for 20% off HigherDOSE faves.

A new yoga mat and mat towel. I’ve had my Manduka mat for over 10 years and it’s still my favorite one.

Barefoot sneakers.

My top leggings pick. I always come back to these ones because the quality is amazing and they’re not see-through at all.

A cute top for yoga

A jacket for layering

TRX Go Suspension trainer

Cookbook with new fuel ideas

A theragun

A cozy oversized hoodie

– A class pack to her favorite studio, a gift card for cryotherapy or a massage.

A new water bottle. The kids and I both use and love these ones. We also love Owala.

The best weighted blanket (use code FITNESSISTA)

For the foodie who loves to cook:

The best nontoxic bakeware. I have a full blog post review coming soon but we swapped all of our bakeware to Caraway and will never go back!

This gorgeous non-toxic pan << my link gives you $20 off your first order. I use the Always Pan almost daily and it still looks great, and also love the Always Pot.

Green chili salt

Peanut butter sampler

– A new cookbook. I love this one and this one right now, and also want to order this one

Wine and champagne chiller

Marble and brass monogram board

Makeup and skincare gifts:

Obsessed with this gift box!

Cozy gift box

Holiday Seasons set – packed with my faves!

This palette. It’s the perfect mix of everyday and glitzy shades- on sale right now, too!

Glow recipe bestsellers

Clean perfume

Hero hair towel

A filtered showhead! This is the best one; I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin and hair. (code FITNESSISTA)

Healthy hair brush

Fashion finds, accessories and jewelry:

This super cute bow sweater

Birkenstock clogs

Holly Jolly sweater

The most perfect everyday sweater dress

My fave loafers! (on sale)

Statement hoop earrings

A leather tote

A birthstone pendant necklace

The best classic pajamas

Crystal hinge bangle

A pom beanie

A weekender bag

Hand painted earrings

For your “scrunchy mom” friend:

A sourdough starter

A red light face mask (code FITNESSISTA20)

Blue light blockers

Salt lamp

Sauna chair

X39 patches! I have a full blog post coming about these, too, but I’ve been loving these – so has the Pilot

Endorphin set with EMF-blocking fanny pack!

For your mom, MIL, or nana:

A Hatch light! I love this thing so much

A Nod Pod

A silk sleep mask or pillowcase

The best cozy cardigan

Custom pet embroidered sweatshirt!

This gorgeous bird feeder

This crystal bracelet

Luxe body balm

The best throw blanket Love giving these as gifts, and on sale right now, too.

These gripper slippers! I have a pair from years ago and wear them constantly during the chilly months.

Sakara delivery

For the new mama:

A Sakara delivery! These meals are so fresh and beautiful, and will feel like such a wonderful gift for a sleep-deprived mama. She’ll be able to enjoy nourishing and beautiful meals she didn’t have to cook herself. Black Friday promo is happening now!  Click here and use GINAHSAKARA for 25% off meal delivery and clean boutique items.

Joggers or cute pajamas

A hooded robe

Personalized name necklace

– An offer to come over and help her out with anything she might need (playing with older kids, holding the baby while she takes a shower or stares at the wall, help with errands or grocery pickup)… and actually do it 🙂

waffle maker

Stocking stuffers and gifts under $40:

Organifi Gold. This link stacks my code FITNESSISTA with current promos for an extra 20% off! I also use the green and red juice and the Harmony on a regular basis.

Beauty drops (use GINAHSAKARA for 25% off). I love these mineral drops in my water. They’re completely tasteless and are a great way to boost back minerals in water that may have been depleted.

Makeup eraser. These things are a GAMECHANGER and really do remove makeup extremely well, even heavy eye makeup. I have some mini ones that I stash in my bag when I travel, too.

– Make a grazing box and drop it off on her doorstep with a bottle of wine!

PF soy candles

A luxurious and calming pillow mist – I use this every night before bed

Takes morning coffee to the next level

Midnight minis or Summer Fridays minis; break these up for multiple stocking stuffers.

Topical magnesium spray. I’ve been obsessed with this for maybe 3 years now! I spray it on the kids’ feet, too.

A mini waffle maker

Makeup eraser set

Stainless steel gun sha

My #1 hair care must-have

So tell me, friends:

What are you gifting for the ladies in your family and your BFFs? What’s on your personal wish list this year?

xo

Gina

Please note: None of my gift guides are sponsored, and companies are not able to purchase spots on my gift guides. These are all items I curated myself and genuinely think they’d make awesome gifts for someone you love. Affiliate links are included, which don’t affect purchase price but enable me to earn a small kickback. I know a lot of creators share gift guides this time of year, so I’m sending a heartfelt thank you to those who shop my links and help me to support our family.

&

The post 2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Her appeared first on The Fitnessista.

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emilykoch06
11 hours ago
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Charlottesville, Virginia
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What To Know About RFK Jr.’s Stances on Key Health Issues and What He Could Do at HHS

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, is coming into the nomination process in an unusual position, with a long list of his own policy priorities separate from the president-elect’s, and a public promise by Trump to let him “go wild” on his ideas.

This article also ran on CBS News.

Céline Gounder, the editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News and a CBS News medical contributor, answers questions below about the role Kennedy has been tapped to take on and some of the ideas in the sweeping “Make America Healthy Again” platform he may try to push through.

Q: What is the role of the Department of Health and Human Services, and how much power does the HHS secretary have over its work?

A: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services comprises several agencies and offices including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Office of the Surgeon General, and much more.

There is a big difference between political appointees and career civil servants. Political appointees set strategic priorities and align their department or agency’s policies with the current administration’s objectives. Civil servants have the institutional knowledge to know how to get things done and have specialized scientific or technical expertise. Scientific questions require specialized expertise. This is why there are career scientists who advise the HHS secretary, NIH director, CDC director, and FDA commissioner.

The HHS secretary has the authority to establish regulations that govern health, including food and drug safety, public health, and health care quality. The HHS secretary can declare public health emergencies and coordinate federal responses to health crises, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters. The secretary wields significant influence over the department’s policies and its constituent agencies, which include the CDC, FDA, NIH, and others.

The HHS secretary is also in a position to shape public opinion if given a platform to do so by the media. Absent media attention, their influence on public opinion is more limited. We in the media have a responsibility to fact-check their statements and hold those in power accountable — regardless of who is in power.

Q: One of Kennedy’s most controversial stances is his criticism of vaccines, promoting the idea that they cause autism, among other conditions, and claiming “there’s no vaccine that is safe and effective.” What is the reality?

A: Extensive research has conclusively shown that vaccines do not cause autism. The “research” behind these claims was retracted due to ethical violations and sloppy work. The doctor who originally made those claims lost his medical license as a result of his professional misconduct.

For parents whose kids have autism or people who have autism, this matters. For too long, claims about the safety of vaccines have not only put people at unnecessary risk of getting illnesses that vaccines can prevent, but have also been a red herring, distracting people from the real causes of autism and how to diagnose them and treat them. That distraction is unproductive and harmful.

Secondly, nothing in this world is 100% safe and effective. It’s all about weighing risks, the pros and cons. Is one choice more beneficial or more risky? Do the pros of wearing a seat belt in the car outweigh the risks? Do the pros of exercising regularly outweigh the risks of not exercising? You could get injured while exercising. Do the pros of vaccinating instead of allowing infectious diseases to spread in the community outweigh the cons? Yes, yes, and yes.

Q: Kennedy has said he wants to leave it up to individuals to decide whether to vaccinate themselves or their children. What impact could that have?

A: Increasingly, people are formulating opinions about vaccines based not on science but on Google searches, social media, what family and friends think, and personal observation. That is not research. Research is formulating a hypothesis and trying to disprove that hypothesis. It means you understand how to differentiate correlation from causation. And it means doing repeated experiments to show consistency, not just a chance or random result.

This isn’t a question of whether people are smart or not. But most people don’t have the training, experience, and context to objectively assess the pros and cons of vaccination. You wouldn’t want me repairing your car’s transmission or brake system. I’m not stupid, but I have no training or experience in this.

The risk of leaving these decisions to untrained individuals is that these decisions won’t be made on science. They will be made based on emotion and confirmation bias, which is to say, Google searches looking for opinions that line up with your preexisting beliefs or inclinations. This will put kids at risk, and because vaccines protect against transmissible infectious diseases this will put others in the community at risk, especially other kids and people who are immunocompromised.

Q: Kennedy has also said chemicals in food are tied to autism as well as psychotic episodes and depression. What do we know about the connection between food and mental health?

A: He’s not wrong that there is a relationship between diet and autism as well as diet and mental health. These are areas of ongoing research. No diet has been proven to cure or universally improve autism or mental health symptoms, but certain dietary interventions improve symptoms in some people. These dietary changes may include elimination of ultraprocessed foods, eliminating gluten, and avoiding certain food additives or preservatives. 

Q: Kennedy has said one of the Trump administration’s first acts will be to work to remove fluoride from drinking water, arguing it’s connected to cancer, IQ loss, thyroid disease, and other health problems. Why is fluoride in drinking water, and is it safe?

A: Fluoride is put in the water to reduce the risk of cavities, especially in kids.

As with many things, fluoride safety is all about dose. Drinking a few glasses of water a day is healthy. Drinking from a fire hydrant all day would land you in the hospital. The level of fluoride in U.S. water is safe and protects against tooth decay.

When municipalities stopped putting fluoride in the water, cavity rates went up. This was observed, for example, in Calgary, Canada, and in Juneau, Alaska.

There are parts of the world, including India, China, and East Africa, where fluoride levels 30 to 40 times higher than levels in the U.S. have been found to be harmful. But we don’t have anywhere near those levels of fluoride in our water.

But Kennedy’s statement demonstrates a common misunderstanding about public health authorities in the U.S. We are the United States of America — public health powers reside at the state level. The federal government has the authority to tax and spend and to regulate commerce across state lines, and federal government authorities derive from that.

The CDC provides scientific guidance to help state and local authorities to make informed decisions. The CDC does not mandate fluoridation. The EPA sets the maximum allowable fluoride concentration in public water systems. But states have the authority to mandate fluoridation or can leave it up to local jurisdictions. 

Q: Kennedy has criticized multiple public health agencies he could now lead. He has said the FDA’s “war on public health is about to end,” claiming the agency suppresses anything that “advances human health and can’t be patented” by pharmaceutical companies. What do you make of these criticisms?

A: This again demonstrates a misunderstanding of federal agency authority. Congress has passed laws that give the FDA specific authority to regulate drugs, supplements, and food, and those laws grant the FDA different powers over drugs, supplements, and food.

If anything, given the Supreme Court’s “major questions doctrine,” the courts can determine that agencies may not make regulations on issues of significant economic or political importance unless Congress has clearly authorized such actions. For example, in the case FDA v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. (2000), the Supreme Court concluded that the FDA lacked the power to regulate tobacco. In 2009, Congress passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, granting the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco.

Drugs require FDA approval before they can be marketed. Under the law, drugs are defined as substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.

Supplements don’t need FDA approval before they are sold. The FDA monitors dietary supplements once they are on the market and can take action if they are unsafe or if they make claims about diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Dietary supplement manufacturers often choose not to seek FDA approval to market their products as drugs because:

  • There are less stringent requirements on dietary supplements than on drugs.
  • The FDA approval process is expensive and lengthy. Clinical trials take years to conduct and cost millions of dollars. Manufacturers foot the bill for clinical trials.
  • Dietary supplements can be sold directly to consumers without a prescription.

The manufacturer decides whether it wants to seek FDA approval for a drug or if it wants to market a product as a dietary supplement — and that decision typically comes down to time and money. Pharmaceutical companies are less inclined to invest millions of dollars in clinical trials of unpatented treatments due to the lack of exclusive marketing rights (in other words, a time-limited monopoly), which can affect profitability.

The FDA often goes after supplement brands that test this line when it sees companies marketing products with claims that amount to what should be regulated as a drug. This is why supplements often carry a disclaimer that they aren’t being sold to “diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” Kennedy has praised the supplement industry for “fighting back,” following a court action over an anti-aging supplement that the FDA argued should be regulated as a drug. 

Finally, the FDA doesn’t grant patents. That’s the job of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 

Q: Trump has said Kennedy will “end the Chronic Disease epidemic.” What are some of the positive actions he could take if he becomes HHS secretary to reduce chronic disease in the U.S.?

A: Kennedy has called for greater regulation of food additives and ultraprocessed foods. Ultraprocessed foods in American diets have led to an explosion in obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic disease.

However, it’s unclear which factions within Trump’s orbit will prevail. Congress may have to give the FDA the authority to regulate more aggressively and the funding to enforce those regulations. Historically, the Republican Party has been opposed to regulation. Trump’s chief of staff pick, Susie Wiles, is a longtime lobbyist who has worked on behalf of the food, insurance, and tobacco industries.

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 — which involved a number of former Trump advisers, but which Trump has tried to distance himself from — would roll back dietary guidelines, making it harder to fight ultraprocessed foods.

Alexander Tin contributed to this report.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

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emilykoch06
1 day ago
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Charlottesville, Virginia
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Sweet Potato Bacon Salad with Warm Cider Dressing.

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Sweet Potato Bacon Salad with Warm Cider Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com

Sweet Potato Bacon Salad with Warm Cider Dressing.

A wonderfully simple salad perfect for all your holiday entertaining—Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or Christmas!

READ: Sweet Potato Bacon Salad with Warm Cider Dressing.



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emilykoch06
7 days ago
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Charlottesville, Virginia
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I’ve Made Dozens of Pumpkin Pies, But THIS Is Only One Worth Making

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The new classic. READ MORE...
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emilykoch06
10 days ago
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Charlottesville, Virginia
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Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Quinoa and Spiced Yogurt

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Pumpkin takes center stage in this savory quinoa salad—a unique fall side that’s as cozy as it is flavorful. Roasted with olive oil and a touch of maple syrup, the pumpkin pairs perfectly with quinoa and fresh herbs over a bed of spiced Greek yogurt, all topped with crunchy almonds for the perfect contrast of textures. A hint of chili powder and cayenne adds a bit of spice, while the creamy yogurt balances each bite. For a twist, try swapping in butternut squash! 

Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Quinoa and Spiced Yogurt 

Key Ingredients in This Recipe 

  • Pumpkin – “Sugar”, “sugar pie” or “pie pumpkins” are the best types of pumpkins to use for baking. Larger varieties used for carving jack-o-lanterns often have a much tougher texture and lack the sweetness of the smaller pumpkins. 
  • Maple syrup – Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and caramelizes on the pumpkin as it roasts which contrasts nicely with the spice in the yogurt sauce. 
  • Quinoa –  Quinoa is a very nutritious whole grain. It’s very high in fiber and protein. The basic ratio for cooking quinoa is 1:2 – one part quinoa to two parts water or stock so it can easily be scaled. 
  • Yogurt – How does Greek yogurt differ from regular yogurt? It’s strained to remove any excess whey – resulting in a richer, creamier consistency yogurt. I recommend using full-fat Greek yogurt for the best flavor and consistency. 
  • Almonds – Roasted unsalted almonds are chopped and served over the salad for a crunchy contrast. I recommend using unsalted almonds so the salt level and seasoning in the overall salad can be better controlled. 

How to Make Roasted Pumpkin Salad

Step 1: Make the spiced yogurt.

In a small bowl whisk together the Greek yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, chili powder and cayenne until completely combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The yogurt sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. 

Step 2: Roast pumpkin.

Heat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange pumpkin on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and maple syrup and gently toss to combine. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast until the pumpkin is fork tender, about 25 minutes.

Step 3: Cook quinoa.

Add the quinoa and 1 cup (237g) of water to a boil over medium heat. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 25 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Cover and set aside.

Step 4: Mix salad.

When ready to serve add the roasted pumpkin, quinoa, parsley and chives to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.

Step 5: Serve.

Spoon yogurt onto a plate and use the back of a spoon to spread it over the plate. Top with the pumpkin salad and garnish with the chopped almonds.

Tips and Tricks for This Recipe 

Swaps and substitutions 
  • Try swapping the roasted pumpkin for another squash like butternut squash. 
  • Rather than using maple syrup to roast the pumpkins, a bit of honey can be swapped in instead. 
  • Other nuts like walnuts can be swapped for the chopped almonds. 

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this pumpkin salad recipe, give these a try: 

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Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Quinoa and Spiced Yogurt

Pumpkin takes center stage in this savory quinoa salad—a unique fall side that’s as cozy as it is flavorful.
Course Salad, Vegetable
Cuisine American
Keyword fall, greek yogurt, pumpkin, quinoa, yogurt
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4
Calories 385kcal

Ingredients

For the yogurt dressing:

  • ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • teaspoon cayenne
  • Kosher salt, as needed

For the pumpkin salad:

  • 2 (3-pound) sugar pumpkins, seeds removed, peeled and chopped into 2” pieces
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Kosher salt, as needed
  • Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
  • ½ cup quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • ¼ cup roasted, unsalted almonds, chopped

Instructions

For the yogurt dressing:

  • In a small bowl whisk together the Greek yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, chili powder and cayenne until completely combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The yogurt sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time.

For the salad:

  • Heat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
  • Arrange pumpkin on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and maple syrup and gently toss to combine. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast until the pumpkin is fork tender, about 25 minutes.
  • Add the quinoa and 1 cup (237g) of water to a boil over medium heat. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 25 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Cover and set aside.
  • When ready to serve add the roasted pumpkin, quinoa, parsley and chives to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.
  • Spoon yogurt onto a plate and use the back of a spoon to spread it over the plate. Top with the pumpkin salad and garnish with the chopped almonds.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 2584mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 58245IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 7mg

The post Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Quinoa and Spiced Yogurt appeared first on Cooking with Cocktail Rings.

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emilykoch06
14 days ago
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Charlottesville, Virginia
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Gift Guide 2024 : Tween Girls

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As a seasoned shopper (if I do say so myself), gifting for tween girls is a mission I don’t take lightly. I mean, remember those years? One day something’s totally “it,” and the next, it’s “seriously, cringe.” But worry not! The Motherchic team has done some top-tier sleuthing to uncover gifts that’ll actually stick around longer than a trend cycle. From stylish finds, baking essentials, sporty must-haves, and more – we’ve got all bases covered. Get ready for some serious smiles this season, even from the toughest-to-please tweens! Floor Lounger // For the tween girl who likes to lounge in style. Choose from over 2 dozen colors and prints of this lounge cover and just add some cushy pillows so the girls can chill in style! Perfect for movie nights, sleepovers, or TikTok scrolling marathons. Personalized Friendship Bracelet // An update on a classic. The girls will love one for themselves and then one for their BFF! Personalized Neon Sign // For the tween girl who appreciates cool room aesthetic. Who wouldn’t want to see their name in lights! Jellycat Cow // Yes the girls still love a cute Squishmallow but there is just something about the Jellycat stuffed animals […]
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emilykoch06
21 days ago
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Charlottesville, Virginia
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