Holiday Spirit


Last week I had a Christmas party with some of my friends. I wanted to bring a drink for the evening that was a bit lighter than the typical eggnog and spiked hot chocolate that seems to be popular. My friend and I came up with something that is light, refreshing but still festive!


Cranberry Lime Christmas Cocktail
1 part lime Vodka
2 parts Cranberry Lime Spiked Sparkling Seltzer
Ice
Lime Wedges
Cranberries

Mix Vodka and Sparkling Seltzer together and pour over ice! Squeeze in lime juice and garnish with lime wedges and cranberries.

Its simple but delicious and refreshing!

What are your favorite drinks this time of year?
Kara Krittenbrink
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Winter Blue







I had my first (and second) Christmas Party this weekend! The first one called for winter cocktail attire and I love any excuse to get dressed up! Last week I shared these picks for adding some sparkle to your holiday party attire. 

I bought this dress before Thanksgiving and knew I would have plenty of reasons to wear it over the Christmas season! It is different than my typical party dresses because I don't have many that are midi length. Midi is a classic look that works for so many events. This dress would be great for your work party, a wedding or anything else you need cocktail attire. 

The fabric of the dress is what makes it so festive. I've always thought navy is universally flattering on almost all skin tones and hair colors! The fabric has a shimmer to it that has several different colors of metallic thread woven thru it. Since it is navy and not red or green its Holiday appropriate but you can still wear it once the Christmas season is over!
Kara Krittenbrink
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Sparkle & Shine


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This time of year seems to bring lots of celebrations, holiday parties, work parties, cocktails with friends etc! A bit of sparkle adds such a festive touch to any outfit. Whether your event is dressy or casual, I have pulled a few pieces that will have you in the Holiday Spirit.

I wore this sparkly top to celebrate my 30th birthday last month. I wore it with black denim and black heels for a night out with my girlfriends. It would be equally fun with a black skirt or distressed denim. 

This sparkly sweater is great for a more casual event that you still want a special outfit for. I also love this sparkly sweater! It would go equally well with denim or a skirt!

I recently purchased this dress and will be wearing it to a couple holiday parties I have coming up! The cut is so flattering and actually has several colors of sparkle woven into the fabric!

What sparkly pieces are you looking to add to your Holiday looks?


Kara Krittenbrink
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Fall at Anthropologie


Anthropologie is somewhere I shop year round. I also look to it as a place to find special pieces to add to my wardrobe. Fall always seems to be the time I love Anthropologie the most. Their selection of tops and dresses are the best. I have spent countless times browsing thru their new arrivals and narrowed it down here to some of my favorites. 

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Embellished pieces are such a huge trend for Fall. I love how the beading on this top and this top elevate what would be basic blouses. This dress is my absolute favorite! The embroidered flowers are so unique. This would be a great dress for upcoming holiday parties.

This kimono has been in my shopping cart for a couple weeks! Its a great layer for the cool Fall weather. 

Jumpsuits can be great for so many different occasions. I love this lace jumpsuit for date night or a girls' night out! This jumpsuit could be dressed up with heels or down with flats. The plunge front adds a special touch.




Kara Krittenbrink
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Florals for Fall?


I'm not sure whether it was traveling half of the month or being on the beach less than 2 weeks ago, but Fall truly snuck up on me. While the temperatures here have not been very Fall like, I've been browsing thru all the new Fall pieces at my favorite brands.

One thing that is making a real statement is Fall florals. While floral patterned pieces don't seem new, this isn't your typical pastel or light colored floral print. This season the floral patterns are dark, moody and make a statement.  Common Fall colors and color schemes are now being put into all types of floral pieces.  My favorite are any in jewel tones. The florals also sometimes on Fall fabrics like velvet and brocade. I like it as a change from the patterns you typically think of during the Fall or Winter.

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I've found tops, pants, dresses, skirts and accessories in Fall floral patterns but the jumpsuits have been what really caught my eye. While full body pattern can seem a bit intimidating, the darker color palette of these jumpsuits are very flattering. When I shop for jumpsuits I try to think about what types of pants and tops flatter me most and then I look for a jumpsuit with those same silhouettes. 

I've put together a full range of jumpsuits with different tops and pant looks. To style these pieces I keep everything else pretty simple. A strappy simple heel or mule will elevate the jumpsuit for a nice event or night out. Want a casual look? Pair with a pointy toe flat. For any look,  I keep the jewelry simple and dainty.

What do you think of the Fall floral trend?
Kara Krittenbrink
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A Black Dress in Florence


When I was packing for my trip, I didn't want to buy a lot of new things for the trip. I knew if I planned things out well that I had most of the items I needed for the two week trip. Once I had my packing list together I thought I was missing a piece. I wanted a versatile black dress. I pictured it being midi length, maybe a slip dress and appropriate for day and night. 

Once I had the dress in my mind, I knew I had to find it, so I shopped online at Nordstroms. Nordstroms is always my go to when I'm trying to find a specific item. They have such a huge selection at all types of price points. It only took a little bit of searching to find this black dress.

It's the perfect mix of dressy and casual! I paired it with sandals, heels and even tennis shoes!  This dress looked great on its own, with lots of jewelry or a jean jacket on the cooler nights. I love the strappy detail in the back that make it a little different than other slip dresses.






Florence was one of our last stops on our trip and one of my favorite. After arriving late one evening we had dinner outside at Boccadama Santa Croce in the Piazza Santa Croce. It was my favorite meal of the entire trip. The atmosphere in the Piazza was quintessential Italy.

The next day we took a half day tour thru Tuscany and visited three wineries in the Chianti region. This dress was the perfect easy and comfortable look for that day. After our early afternoon in Tuscany we spent the afternoon on a rooftop bar admiring the gorgeous view. Since the dress is so versatile I just freshened up my hair and makeup and was ready for dinner, no need to change!  We had another incredible dinner at Trattoria Giovanni. It was one of our most authentically Tuscan meals! 

The best part of many of these cities is when you just wander around with no real agenda. Around midnight we walked to the El Duomo. We could admire it with out the crowds and had it basically to ourselves! What an experience!

What have been some of your favorite travel experiences? 


Kara Krittenbrink
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A New Look at SPF


It's a well known fact that everyone should wear SPF daily. Preventing sun damage is an incredibly important part of any skin care routine.  It can be hard to find sunscreen products with sunscreen or sunscreens themselves that feel good on the skin. Many products are sticky or leave a residue on your skin. Also, many ingredients in sunscreens can actually irritate your skin.

I recently learned about the brand Supergoop. Their mission is to create sunscreen products that you want to use! They promise their products are lightweight and absorb easily into the skin. Supergoop doesn't use parabens, oxybenzone or synthetic fragrances. 


After browsing thru their products I purchased the Setting Mist with SPF 50. It felt like an easy way to make sure I wear SPF on my face everyday. The setting mist is lightweight and feels great. It takes a few seconds to spray on and you are done! It sets your makeup and keeps it looking fresher longer. This setting spray has quickly become a staple part of my daily routine!

Have you ever used any products from the Supergoop brand?



Kara Krittenbrink
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A New Day, A New Brand


During my most recent trip to Target I discovered one of their newest brands A New Day. This brand has quickly become my favorite! There are so many great pieces from trendy jackets to classic tops! You truly could make a whole wardrobe out of it. I managed to contain myself to only buying this top and this skirt! I've scoured thru the whole collection and picked out some of my favorites, several of these pieces will most definitely make it into my wardrobe this Fall.


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Kara Krittenbrink
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Venice with my Favorite Accessory


If you follow me on instagram you might have seen that I was in Italy and Croatia for two weeks. I just got home a few days ago and am still trying to get back to my normal routine. Traveling is my favorite thing to do and this trip was absolutely the best trip I've ever had! Some people have described the trip as once in a lifetime, but I don't see it that way. I plan to have many more trips like this in my future! 

Over the next few weeks I'm going to share posts from the trip. I plan on sharing suggestions and recommendations from each of the different cities we visited and also including packing tips and other information. Our first (and last) stop was Venice so I'll kick off my travel posts with it.










 One of my favorite and most versatile pieces that I packed was my denim dress. I wore it several days for sightseeing and out for dinner one night. It was comfortable and lightweight so even in the heat of the day I felt great. Here are my picks of several denim dresses!

I paired it with one of my favorite accessories, a scarf. In this case I used a scarf as a headband. It's  a simple touch that adds a lot of interest to even the simplest of outfits. It's also a great accessory to pack on a trip because it can be worn in so many ways! You can tie it around your neck, as a headband, around your ponytail, on your purse and so many other ways. For practical reasons it was nice to have a scarf as a thick headband, it made my hair look good, even when I didn't have a lot of time to fix it. This scarf is particularly special to me, it was passed down to me from my mom! I loved being able to bring part of her with me on this trip.  

Below are a few scarves I've had my eye on! Another look I love is adding a colorful print scarf to an all white look!


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Kara Krittenbrink
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Back to the Basics


The staple of any wardrobe are quality basics. One of these basics is the tshirt. While it is a simple item, finding the right one can be harder than you'd think. I've tried plenty of brands and styles and here are my current favorites.


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Lou and Grey is a brand I turn to time and time again when I'm looking for basic dresses, tshirts or sweats. The fabric is so soft yet still holds its shape well. I recently picked up this swing tshirt as an alternative to my regular scoop neck shirts.

You can't beat a classic vneck t-shirt. They are one of the most versatile items I own. I'll wear them with jeans, shorts, workout leggings, skirts and even leather pants. I have this one from JCrew in atleast 4 colors. I also love this linen version!

I just recently discovered the luxe line at Old Navy. The fabric is so soft and I found all the t-shirts in the line to be quite flattering. I bought several colors in this curved hem tank and t-shirt. They are great on their own but also make great layering pieces.

What are your favorite brands and styles for tshirts?
Kara Krittenbrink
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Daily Makeup Routine


Although not entirely intentional, in the last few years I have paired down my daily makeup routine.  I've focused on tried and true products that work on my skin and can create a daily look. This makeup look is simple, polished and my go to for work or day time activities. It's also a great base that I can add on to if I want to step things up or have a night out.

I didn't realize until putting this post together that most of my favorite products are Bare Minerals.  I have trouble finding makeup that matches my skin tone and bare minerals has all of their products in a light enough tone!



SKIN

I prep my skin with my favorite moisturizer with SPF and let it soak in. Then I use this concealer to cover up my dark circles or redness around my nose and lips. I blend the concealer with a wet beauty blender. I have tried imitations and found that there is a difference. The beauty blender is worth the extra $$! 

On any days that I need a bit more touch up, I'll use this Correcting Concealer with my beauty blender as well! To set my concealer, I use this bare minerals foundation in Fairly Light. On a normal day I don't wear full foundation all over my face but just use it as the setting powder where I've put concealer. For a night out or nicer event at this point I'll put some foundation all over my face!

Next I add a bit of color to my face with this bronzer and blush. Using a big fluffy brush (like this one) I lightly put Hoola Matte Bronzer on my cheeks, nose and around my hairline. Next I add this blush to the apples of my cheeks.


Eyes

If you've read Everyday K for long, you'll know my love for lip color. I like bright colors and think they complement me best. Because of this, I tend to focus my makeup more on my lips and keep my eyes simple.

I've had trouble finding a brow pencil that matches my brows until I found this one! It's a great color and consistency. It fills my brows in well while still looking natural. Once my brows are filled in I curl and coat my lashes with my favorite Blinc mascara! Besides highlight, this is all I do to  my eyes.




Highlight

One of my favorite beauty products is highlighter!! I'll be doing a full post all about it soon but for now I'll share how I use it daily. With an eye shadow brush I blend this highlighter in the shade light to medium on my brow bone and in the inner corner of my eyes. Then with a fluffier brush I'll put some on my cheekbones and on my cupids bow!

Lips

For me, this simple polished look is asking for a fun lip! I like a pretty pink or coral color for the Summer! Lately, I have been using lipsense because it lasts the whole work day. I'm going to do a pro and con post for lipsense soon!






Kara Krittenbrink
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White Midi Dress






It's hot... like seriously hot in Oklahoma. We have officially hit the triple digits and it doesn't look like we will be getting a break anytime soon. Trying to stay stylish doesn't seem like it should be a priority when all you are worrying about is staying cool! 

White is always chic, especially in the summer! It also helps that it keeps you cool even in the dead of Summer. I love this dress with nude accessories and simple jewelry for a nice event. I've also dressed it down with flat sandals. It would also look great with a bright heel to add a pop of color. The versatility of this dress is one of the reasons I'm packing it for my upcoming trip to Italy and Croatia!

 I have found several other great white dresses. This dress has a similar top and waist detail. I love the button detail on this maxi dress. The lace detail on this dress makes it unique!

Kara Krittenbrink
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Chambray All Day


Many items in my wardrobe have very specific instances I can wear them. They are only appropriate for certain events or times of year. To counter these types of pieces, I like to have other items that add versatility to my wardrobe, the chambray dress is one of these pieces!

Think of the chambray dress as the more casual version of the little black dress. It is all about how you style it. For a date night you can add heels, jewelry and a clutch. Wedges and tassel earrings are all you need for brunch or a shower. You can even wear a chambray dress with causal tennis shoes or flats for a more casual work. Because of its versatility, a chambray dress will be the first thing I pack for my upcoming trip to Europe. 


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Finding the perfect chambray dress may seem a little daunting with all the choices out there. It may take you trying on a few different styles before you find one that fits right and is your style but it is worth the work!

Do you have a chambray dress that you love to wear?


Kara Krittenbrink
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Mask Time


Since the first time I wore make up, my mom made sure I had a skincare routine. It started very simple with a gentle cleanser and basic moisturizer with spf but it got me used to having a routine. As I've gotten older I've changed up my cleansers and creams and added a few steps. 
             
As an adult, masks have become my favorite part of my skincare routine. I like to try out new ones and see how they can enhance my skin. With a little trial and error I've come up with a few that I can always count on. Which one I use depends on what my skin needs in the moment. 

This mask plumps up your skin and gives a jolt of moisture. I like to use this mask before a nice event or any time I want my makeup to look especially good. My face is always smoother and glowy after.


This is the latest mask for me to add to my favorite list! This mask goes on and as it dries it tingles. The sensation takes a bit to get used to but I actually grew to enjoy it. This mask first and foremost is a great exfoliator. It removes dead skin cells and impurities and combats dullness and dryness. Unlike many other exfoliating masks, this one also moisturizes. I've never had as great results after using a mask one time than I did with this one. The only downside is the application, it is a bit messy. Taking off this mask is a bit of work but the results are worth the trouble!


Anytime my skin seems a bit extra clogged or needs some clarifying, I turn to this mask. This mask deep cleans and brightens your skin. As a preventative measure I will use this one when I am PMSing to help prevent any breakouts.

What are your favorite masks? I'm always open to trying a new one!
Kara Krittenbrink
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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale


If you follow any other fashion blog you have probably seen a post about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It has everyone excited because it is unlike most other sales in the fact that the items on sale are things for the upcoming season so they are just coming out. It is a great time to get a head start on purchasing some items you need for the Fall or Winter. There are also plenty of items you can wear now. Last year I did a post (here) on some tips for shopping the sale since it can be a bit overwhelming.

If you have a Nordstrom debit or credit card you can shop the sale now. Otherwise you can start shopping on July 21st!

Since there isn't a Nordstrom in Oklahoma, I had to shop online. I am eagerly awaiting for my items to come in and I will report back on all of them once I have them. For now I've put together my favorite items below, some of them I've ordered and others are on my wishlist!


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A few years ago I bought a Tory Burch purse similar to this one. It is the best crossbody I own because it converts from a crossbody to a shoulder strap. I still use my purse all the time, especially when I travel. 

This off the shoulder top is the perfect going out or date night top. Style it now with your favorite jean shorts and wedges and when it cools off I love it with dark distressed denim and pumps!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great time to stock up on dresses. I bought this denim dress in hopes that it will be great to pack for an upcoming trip. I can't wait to wear this lace dress to one of my best friend's rehearsal dinner. This stretch midi dress is a wardrobe staple, depending on the styling it will work for both work and play. 

If you are in need of any jackets or coats, this sale is the time to buy one. There are several great leather jackets in the sale and I have my eye on this one. 

Have you found any great items from the sale?
Kara Krittenbrink
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Beauty Rx: Blinc Mascara



Next to lipstick, mascara is my favorite makeup product. I love long dark lashes and mine are so light so I always am wearing mascara. I think it instantly makes me look more awake and feel prettier. I've tried so many mascaras and even reviewed some of my favorites here

My one big issues is mascara smearing, smudging and coming off when I didn't want it to. At the end of a long day, I typically would have a bit of darkness under my eyes from my mascara. Also, after a sweaty workout I would always worry that I would have mascara smears everywhere. While I was looking for a mascara that would solve these problems I remembered a close friend of mine had been recommending blinc mascara to me for awhile but I had never tried it. She said that it stayed put unlike any other mascara, which is exactly what I need.

Rarely do I love something when I first try it, but blinc mascara was the exception. It goes in really smooth and dark and lengthened my eyelashes. The brand recommends that you coat both the top and bottom of your lashes so I did one swipe on the top of my lashes and then 2-3 swipes below. Once the mascara is on there, it isn't going anywhere! The mascara creates these tubes around your lashes that don't smear or smudge. In fact, if you get any of the mascara on your skin while applying it, you let it dry and then it immediately wipes off without any black left behind. 

I really have put this blinc mascara to the test! In one long day I worked a full day, cried, and had a very sweaty workout without any issues of mascara not where it was supposed to be! I really couldn't believe at first. I've even forgotten to take it off at night and not had any smears on my face when I woke up the next morning.

The worry with a mascara that stays on that well would be how to get it off. The first time I wore it, I was sure it would be difficult to take off or take my eyelashes off with it. That is not the case with this mascara. To take it off you splash some warm water on your lashes. Once you've done that a few times you just use your fingers or a wash cloth and wipe off the mascara "tubes". They really come off in little black tubes! It is a bit weird the first time you take off the mascara but I quickly got used to it and love it!
Kara Krittenbrink
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White Hot Summer


We are definitely in the middle of wedding season! I have recently recieved several invites and also have a couple bachelorette parties coming up! If you are a bride, I'm sure you are in the middle of looking for several white outfits for Showers, parties and the rehearsal dinner. Now I'm not someone that thinks the bride has to wear white for all the events but it can be fun! 

I've scoured some of my favorite stores and found some white pieces that will be great for all the wedding events but you will still want to wear after you are a Mrs!


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Kara Krittenbrink
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Look for Less - Embroidered Dress




I love finding alternate options for pricier items! I put together a look for less here that I think is pretty similar! Can you tell which side is more expensive? The right side has is the less expensive option!  

Both of these outfits would be great for so many summer activities! Brunch, vacation, baby shower, causal date or whatever you are up to. 

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Kara Krittenbrink
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Suit Up


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I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend! Mine was pretty relaxed which was a nice change of pace. I will be moving soon so I packed lots of boxes. I did manage to get out and enjoy the weather a little bit by hanging out poolside and going to the zoo.

With the beginning of Summer, I know its only the beginning of my time spent poolside. I also have a couple trips coming up that will require me to pack some swimsuits. I like to add one or two swimsuits to my collection each Summer. Each season one pieces get more stylish than the last. I've pulled together several of my favorites. A few of these I have ordered and ore on their way to my house. I like trying swimsuits on at my house and then send back the ones that aren't my favorites!

Have you tried the one piece trend?


Kara Krittenbrink
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Oversized Bows on Toes



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If you've followed Everyday K for awhile you know I love bow details! While bows aren't anything new, the oversized bow is an update to the look. I've been especially drawn to the oversized sometimes floppy bows on shoes. Sandals, mules, slides and heels all are updated with this detail. 

I think these will have to be mine very soon! The block heel will be comfortable and go with all of my favorite summer dresses. These flats will dress up any outfit. 

In the summer I live in breezy comfy outfits on the weekends! These slides will go with all of the casual shorts and dresses I love to wear. 

What do you think of the oversized bow trend?


Kara Krittenbrink
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It's Been Awhile...







Before I get to my outfit, I wanted to touch on my absence over the last few months. Since the beginning of the year, my life has been busy with work, trips, etc. I had to slow down and eventually take a break from posting. Now I'm back and ready to make Everyday K better than ever!

I wore this outfit on a recent trip to Scottsdale. The weather was absolutely perfect! For a day of brunch and shopping I opted for this tie top and my favorite white jeans. I always get excited when it warms up a bit and I can get my white jeans out again. I think the white makes most tops pop.

I love mixing prints together but its even nicer when a piece has already done it for you. Stripes and florals are a classic combination! The tie top seems to be a big trend for this Spring and Summer. I love how it dresses up even the most basic pieces.  

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Espadrille (old, similar here & here
Kara Krittenbrink
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The Best of JCrew Spring



Spring is only a couple weeks away but I'm already itching to find some new Spring pieces for my wardrobe! I've always been a big fan of JCrew and feature it on the blog quite often. This Spring collection may be one of my favorites yet!! I seriously want every single piece!

This striped off the shoulder top will be a classic wardrobe piece! For a classic look pair it with white denim and your favorite wedge sandals. This striped skirt is a statement piece! I'd love to wear it with a chambray top and nude sandal. I could also dress it up for a wedding or shower with a silk top.

These sailor pants will be my next purchase for my work wardrobe. The buttons add just a nod of the sailor trend without being too much. Tuck in this red top and add a pointy toe heel to keep the look sophisticated. 

This skirt is so girly! The white and cream color is stunning but it also comes in blue. Dress it up or down, you'll wear it all Spring and Summer!

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Kara Krittenbrink
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