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Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 1998

3574 Bankhead Ave: Mid-Century Modern Vibes in Edgewood!

by The Hat Team

3574 Bankhead Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36111

MLS# 574169

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 3,134 Square Feet | Edgewood

Play VisualTour

If you are looking for plenty of room and awesomely cool mid-century modern vibes, this might just be what you have been searching for! This Loeb and Hannon custom built masterpiece has only had two loving families in its life, and while the kitchen has had some updating, the layout and bathrooms retain the original (and pristine) fixtures and tilework. The impressive living room has a vaulted ceiling and lots of windows overlooking the expansive front yard. Cool metal-work screen divides the living room space from the formal dining area. The large kitchen has plenty of counter and cabinet space, smooth surface stove, double ovens, and a spacious breakfast room. Enormous wood-paneled den also boasts vaulted volume ceiling, wall of adjustable display shelving, and newly installed extra-wide sliding glass doors opening to covered rear patio. Built for the original family, the wood paneled "boy's" room has private bath, walk-in closet, and large windows up the vaulted front ceiling for lots of natural light. The two "girl's" room share a long walk-through bath with double vanities and original pink fixtures! The rear primary bedroom is quite large and has his/her separate dressing rooms and closets, sharing a walk-in shower and WC. Off the primary bedroom and the den/family room is a covered porch that runs almost the full width of the house, plus a patio from grilling and relaxing. Backyard has raised beds for gardening, a detached storage building, and a chicken coop for fresh eggs! The front and back yards feature heirloom fig trees, peach trees, plum trees, varietal persimmon tree, and blueberry bushes just about to burst with fresh fruit. Treat yourself to a visit to this one-of-a-kind time capsule and you too will be smitten with its architecture and unique qualities.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

How to Navigate Purchasing and Selling a House Simultaneously

by The Hat Team

Let’s face it, selling and buying a house at the same time can be very overwhelming and usually involves some element of risk. However, it is common for people to have to buy and sell at the same time. Per the National Association of Realtors, 71% of repeat home buyers still owned their previous residences, which means it’s highly likely that most of them were both buyers and sellers.


If you are lucky enough to time it right, you may hit that perfect “sweet spot” where you sell your house, make a profit that can be used for a down payment, and then find your next dream home, in that order. But chances are, things might not go as planned and hoped for.

Let’s look at some common challenges you might face, different avenues that might work better for you, and tips for getting through the process with your mental health intact.

FINANCIAL ISSUES

Chances are you might not have the amount of cash on hand that it takes to make a down payment on a house unless you sell your current home first. If you have found your new dream home and don’t want to risk losing it while waiting to sell, you have some options. You could do a cash out refinance on your current home, take out a home equity line of credit, or maybe sell some investments. But keep in mind that these options have costs and might not work for everyone.


LOGISTICS

With all the details and decisions that have to be made when both buying and selling a home, the logistics of doing both at the same time can be complicated. You have to think about the timing of the purchase and sale and negotiating with both the sellers of your new home and the buyers of your current home; all while trying to organize and pack for your move. An experienced Realtor is vital to help you navigate this process.

RISK OF LOSING HOME TO NON-CONTINGENT BUYER

Buying and selling at the same time comes with risks, one of which is moving forward with a purchase before you have sold your current home. To minimize this risk, many homeowners choose to make their offer on a house contingent upon the sale of their current home. But this brings about another risk, because there is a possibility that your offer may get turned down in favor of a buyer who has made a non-contingent offer. At that point you may have to decide whether you can remove the contingency, which may not be financially possible.

Now let’s look at some tips to help you navigate the buying-while-selling process:

  • Determine Financial Feasibility – It’s time to take a good hard look at your monthly disposable income and to ask yourself these questions:
  • Can you afford paying both mortgages?
  • How long will you be able to afford doing so?
  • Do you have enough available cash for a down payment?
  • Will you have enough available for down payment after paying both mortgages for a “worst-case scenario” period of time?

If you are living paycheck to paycheck, buying and selling at the same time is not a good option for you, but if you have a steady, dependable income and low monthly debts, you may be able to get through the process relatively unscathed. Talking to a trusted lender is a good idea at this stage because they can help you determine what you can afford to do.

  • Consider a Bridge Loan – If you do not have enough for a down payment, you may want to consider a bridge loan. A bridge loan is a short-term loan that uses the equity from your current home to get the necessary down payment to complete your purchase. But you must keep in mind that this is only an option if you are ok with taking on two mortgage payments for up to six months to a year: the typical term for a bridge loan.
     
  • Make Satisfying Offers to Both Seller and Buyer – If the thought of two mortgage payments is too much, as mentioned before, you can make an offer contingent upon selling your current home. With that contingency, your contract states that you won’t lose your earnest money if your house doesn’t sell. This eliminates your financial risk but weakens your offer. If another buyer makes a cash offer with no contingencies, sellers will go after the cash offer every time. Today’s market of low inventory and high demand means that a contingent offer is not as likely to be accepted. One way you can have a better shot at getting your new house is to offer significant non-refundable earnest money, in the hope that the seller will be willing to wait longer for your current house to sell.
     
  • Look For a Cash Buyer – If you’ve already decided to buy your next home and sell your current home later, you definitely will want it to sell as quickly as possible. So, as a seller, a cash sale with no contingencies is the way to go if you can. You may want to seek out an instant homebuyer or a local real estate investment company to initiate a cash sale, typically a much faster process than a traditional listing process. The downside is that the offers you may receive might be significantly less than what you might get on the open market.

If your Realtor can help you find a cash buyer on the open market, all the better!


While the idea of buying and selling at the same time is definitely a little scary, the experienced, professional Realtors on Sandra Nickel's team can help you through the process.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information!

Easter Events in and Around Montgomery, AL

by The Hat Team

Looking for fun Easter Events to enjoy with your family? Check out this list of things to do in and around Montgomery!

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Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 20, 2025 - 10:15 AM

St. John’s Episcopal Church
113 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL

Come out to St. John’s Episcopal for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. This is a family-friendly event that is free and open to all. Bring your kids and join in the fun!

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2025 Pike Road Community Egg Hunt at The Well

Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 3:00 pm

1001 Marler Road, Pike Road, AL

It’s almost time for the ANNUAL PIKE ROAD COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT and we are so excited for another fun year of egg hunting and activities! Join us at The Well on Saturday, April 5th from 3:00-5:00pm. Bring your Easter basket and invite your friends and neighbors to join us for an afternoon of egg-hunting excitement as well as inflatables, games, crafts, face painting, hayrides to the petting zoo, and pictures with the Easter Bunny! We will also have food, treats, and other goods available for purchase at the Spring Market at The Arc.

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6th Annual Bunny Shop Hop

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Spinners Park
390 W. Sixth Street, Prattville, AL

Hop into spring with a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and door prizes at the 6th Annual Bunny Shop Hop in Prattville! Enjoy a variety of vendors, delicious treats, and festive Easter fun at Spinners Park on Saturday, April 5th, from 9 AM – 5 PM. Plus, free admission and parking make it the perfect family-friendly event! https://www.facebook.com/PrattvilleSpinners/

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A Very Hoppy Easter

Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 10:00 am

1032 US-231, Wetumpka, AL

Join us for a hoppin' good time! Enjoy a fun filled day of open play, and plan a family photo with the Easter Bunny! Vibe and Vow Wedding DJ will be playing all the family friendly hits and Stewart and Barnes Photo Co will be our photographer once again! You do not want to miss this dynamic duo! Then stick around for a visit from Bluey and enjoy face painting from 10-11! Open play admission required ($7.50/hr) to participate.

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Bunny Bash

Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

15670 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL

Celebrate Easter with us at Pike Road Nutrition on Saturday, April 12th! Take photos with the Easter Bunny and collect treats for the little ones all while recharging on a delicious tea full of clean energy! We can't wait to see you there!!

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Easter 2025 Sneaker Ball

Sunday, April 20, 2025 - 6:00 pm
5050 Narrow Lane Rd, Montgomery, AL

Welcome to Easter 2025 Sneaker Ball!

Come join us for a night of fun and dancing at the 5050 Narrow Lane Rd. Get ready to show off your coolest kicks and dance the night away with friends and family. This in-person event is the perfect way to celebrate Easter in style.

Don't miss out on the chance to strut your stuff and enjoy a night of music, laughter, and good vibes. Get your tickets now and get ready to have a ball!

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If you are in the market to buy or sell a home or both, let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

1230 Westmoreland Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 573792

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2,724 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Play VisualTour

Situated in the heart of Old Cloverdale, this spacious home awaits its new owner! Made for entertaining, the first floor seamlessly flows from the living room, through breakfast/keeping room into a wonderful, updated galley-style kitchen with breakfast bar and granite countertops. The formal dining room is large enough for big family meals and has a quaint built-in china cabinet. Center rear is a big den/family room that overlooks the back deck and pool area. First floor also has a primary bedroom/bath with wall of custom built-ins and another guest bedroom and full bath. Second floor (which can be conveniently closed off if not in use) has landing gathering area, two good sized bedrooms, and another full bath. Just in time for spring and summer, relax and unwind on the big back deck overlooking saltwater pool and party gazebo! Saltwater pool has a rock-formed waterfall at one end. Don't miss the cozy screened porch off the living room with custom built hanging daybed for lounging and relaxing. This one is move-in ready and close to all the dining and entertainment venues in Cloverdale, plus minutes away from downtown and Maxwell!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

How to Grow Your Own Food with Limited Space

by The Hat Team

Do you love the idea of growing your own food, but don’t have room for a garden? Don’t worry! You can still grow vegetables and herbs even if you don’t have a sunny patch of soil to plant them in. You just need some containers!  You might be surprised to discover how many of your favorite edibles will grow just fine in a container.

To get started, you must make sure that the container you choose is large enough to hold a full-grown plant.  Veggies like lettuce and spinach don’t require a lot of space, nor do many herbs. But beefy tomatoes and peppers will need some growing room.

Once you’ve got the right containers, it’s time to purchase the proper potting mix designed for container growth. You will also need to water more often because roots in containers can’t work their way out to reach water. Make sure that the area where you plan to have your containers can withstand their weight. For example, if you plan to put them on your second-floor balcony, you’re going to want to check the building code to make sure it can handle heavy pots.

Here are some examples of edibles that do well in containers:

  • Herbs

Herbs do well in containers of all shapes and sizes. You can place them on a patio, in a windowsill or line them along your sidewalk. The trick is to make sure the pot you choose matches the adult size of the plant. Smaller herbs like chervil, chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, tarragon and thyme do well in containers that are 6-12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Larger plants like basil, lavender, and lemongrass need a minimum of 16–18-inch containers, while rosemary and dill need even larger pots.

  • Salad Greens

Salad greens like lettuce, lettuce blends, mesclun and microgreens have very shallow roots and only require pots to be about 6 inches deep. Others like chicory, radicchio and spinach need 8 inches.

  • Strawberries

Strawberries make beautiful container plants. Imagine having one close to where you sit outdoors and simply reaching over to pluck a ripe, scrumptious berry right off the plant. They also do well in hanging baskets. The berries will be at eye level while keeping pests from getting into them. Strawberries will grow in just about any container as long as they’re at least 8 inches deep. If you do choose to use a hanging container, go a little bigger; at least 12 inches wide and deep.

  • Peppers

The advantage of growing peppers in a container is that you can start them earlier than normal, meaning you will also get to harvest them earlier for your dining pleasure. The disadvantage is that they may not be as big as garden-grown versions. But they will be as tasty! And they provide a colorful addition to a balcony or patio garden. You will want a container that is at least 8 inches deep and at least 16 to 18 inches wide.

  • Tomatoes

Tomatoes grown in containers are just as yummy as the ones grown in garden soil, but they have the added perk of avoiding soil-borne diseases. If you plant in containers you start with new soil every year. It’s important to match the tomato size to the container size for optimal growth. Always err on the side of more space. Even the tiniest tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, will need planters that are at least a foot deep and even wider.

  • Eggplants

This gorgeous plant often gets overlooked when considering a container garden, but it shouldn’t! It will brighten up any container garden with its lovely violet spring flowers and shiny purple fruits. While they are not huge plants, they will need some space to thrive. Containers for eggplants should be a minimum of 12 inches deep and 16-18 inches wide.

These are just a sampling of edible plants that can be grown in containers. If you thought you could never have an herb or vegetable garden, think again!  Get started on your own edible container garden and you will be enjoying fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies before you know it! The 35 Easiest Container and Pot Friendly Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home or both, let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

227 Landmark Dr: Landmark Estates End-Unit Townhouse!

by The Hat Team

227 Landmark Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117

MLS# 572672

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,662 Square Feet | Landmark Estates

Play VisualTour

Welcome to 227 Landmark! This end-unit townhouse features a first-floor main bedroom, and spacious living/dining room combo. Upstairs are two more bedrooms, sharing a split bath with 2 vanity/dressing areas. Additional storage in walk-in attic space off front upstairs bedroom. Rear has private enclosed patio and attached storage room for your garden tools. Great location, close to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Relatively new HVAC, new water heater, fresh paint, new carpet upstairs!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

The Pros & Cons of Renovating Before Selling

by The Hat Team

If you are preparing to list your house for sale, you may be wondering if the financial reward will be worth the time, effort and money to fix up things that are in disrepair or that are dated. The answer to that question depends on a myriad of circumstances such as the current real estate market, the condition of competing inventory and whether the renovations that need to be made generally provide a return on investment.


Some home buyers are looking to purchase a “fixer upper”.  They are looking for properties priced to sell, perhaps because they don’t qualify for more expensive homes or maybe because they want to make a profit by fixing the home themselves. Most fixer buyers want to do simple repairs such as painting walls, replacing light fixtures and putting in new carpet.

Only a few want to take a house down to the studs and completely redo it.  These potential buyers will want a price for the home that will allow for all the repairs, the inconvenience of doing the work, and often a bit more.

For example, if a home is worth $200,000 fixed up but needs a new roof, and the roof costs approximately $10,000, a buyer most likely will not offer $190,000 for this home. The reason is that they can probably find a similar house that already has a new roof for $200,000 and save themselves the headache of replacing it themselves.  A buyer in this situation might offer $175,000 or less, in which case it would make more sense for the seller to replace the roof and sell it for $200,000.


It’s important to note that many buyers are looking for “turnkey” homes. They fear having to make major repairs because they might be costlier than anticipated or other problems might be revealed. Even if the price is right, homes listed for sale in “as is” condition might not attract as many buyers.

However, before doing major renovations, there are many things to consider. Smart sellers will research what their home’s market value will be once improvements are made and compare it to the cost of the renovations. If an upgrade won’t provide a return on the investment, it probably doesn’t make sense to do it.  Knowing the condition of your competition is helpful. For example, if other homes for sale in your neighborhood all have modern kitchens, it might make sense to update yours. This doesn’t mean you should tear it down and start from scratch. Often a minor kitchen remodel will suffice.

Also, keep in mind that kitchen and bathroom remodels are known to bring the best return on investment.

Start by making a list of the things in your home that are dated or in disrepair and then prioritize.  Here is a list of 10 minimum improvements to make before putting your house on the market:
 

  • Patch all holes and cracks in walls and ceilings.
  • Fix all appliances and HVAC systems.
  • Repair leaky faucets.
  • Replace worn carpeting.
  • Repaint dark or marred walls in neutral colors (not white).
  • Replace broken windows.
  • Repair the roof.
  • Change dated light fixtures/ceiling fans.
  • Replace old linens/window coverings.
  • Fix any code violations.


If your real estate market is a sellers’ market and homes are moving quickly, you can get by with fewer fixups, however a home that needs repairs will still deliver a lower price. If it’s a buyers’ market, people might not even be willing to look at homes that need repairs.  An experienced professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel can assist you in determining if renovating your house will benefit you when selling.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home or both, let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Live Your Best Life in Midtown Montgomery Alabama

by The Hat Team

Montgomery is a spectacular city!  Its warmth, Southern hospitality, high quality of life, and low cost of living make it an ideal place to work and live. While it is a mid-sized city, it has a small-town feel, giving you the best of both worlds!


Midtown Montgomery
is home to the city’s most diverse area. The people living there encompass all socioeconomic levels and include residents of varying ages, races, and orientations. In fact, people living in Midtown not only tolerate diversity; they welcome it and celebrate it!

You will find everything you want from a big city in Midtown Montgomery; from world-class arts and theater to excellent health care facilities, to a bustling restaurant and retail area, and while every city has its own unique history, Montgomery is home to some of the most memorable events in American history. There are many family-friendly museums, monuments, and historical sites that celebrate African American history. One particular street is said by locals to be one of the most historic in America!  At one end of Dexter Ave., you will find a large fountain, at another the Alabama State Capitol, and in between, is the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served as pastor in the late 1950s. This street is also where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus.


Montgomery is the city where the modern civil rights movement took off, and its rich history makes it an interesting and inspiring place to live.

Midtown Montgomery is home to approximately 195,287 residents. It includes established neighborhoods with charming, historic homes, the city’s two largest business parks, Jackson Hospital, two of the largest private schools in Montgomery: Montgomery Academy and Trinity Presbyterian School, Huntingdon College and Alabama State University. Midtown Montgomery is convenient to Interstate 85 and Vaughn Road, two highly traveled Montgomery thoroughfares between east Montgomery and downtown. 

If you are a foodie, Montgomery will not disappoint! The people here love their food so much, the Minor League Baseball team is named, wait for it…the Montgomery Biscuits! And living in Midtown provides convenient access to some of the best restaurants in town. There is no shortage of delectable dining experiences in and around Midtown. Vintage Cafe, a great breakfast/lunch spot in a bank where you can even eat in the vault, Filet & Vine, a restaurant and market all in one, and Bibb Street Pizza Company are just a few of the many casual dining options. For more upscale dining, head to the downtown entertainment district to try Central, a locally owned, and regionally sourced fine dining establishment.

One of the best things about Midtown Montgomery are the neighborhoods. Beautiful, historic homes from Bungalow and Cottage style architecture to Craftsman style, to Tudor and Neoclassical Revivals, sit among mature trees and exquisite gardens; some of them walk-in ready and others a fixer-upper’s dream.


Find more information about Midtown Montgomery neighborhoods HERE.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

1948 Graham St: Adorable Old Cloverdale Cottage!

by The Hat Team

1948 Graham Street, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 572092

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,410 Square Feet | Cloverdale

Play VisualTour

This adorable Old Cloverdale cottage is just a few blocks from Cloverdale's happening dining and entertainment district! Step inside and discover a unique and wonderful open plan perfect for entertaining! Kitchen and bathrooms have been nicely updated over the years, making this practically move-in ready. Large primary bath features double vanities, walk-in shower, and walk in closet. Out back is a large concrete patio perfect for a fire-pit and grill, plus a wired workshop/storage building that would be ideal for he/she-shed, studio, and great storage. Come check this one out before it's gone!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team

Start Your Spring Cleaning Now

by The Hat Team

Spring is almost here! Yay! That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best. Also, if you start now, you will be done and ready to enjoy the weather when spring arrives.


If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your whole house, here is a handy guide to help you get started:

Kitchen

  • Empty your cabinets and wipe them down. Take some time to check your spices for expiration dates and toss any that have expired. Keep a note pad nearby so you can write down what needs to be replaced.
  • Clean your oven. If it is self-cleaning, make sure you have your windows open (pick a cool day for this), so that the house doesn’t get too hot. If it is not self-cleaning, create a paste with baking soda and water, cover the interior of the oven with the paste and leave it overnight. The next day, use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime along with it. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
  • If you are able, carefully move your kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum and mop to get rid of built-up dirt and grime.

Bathroom

  • Clean the bathroom exhaust fan. It can collect dust like a ceiling fan, so give it a good cleaning to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
  • Clean hairbrushes and combs by soaking them in the sink. Do the same with makeup brushes, wash them with mild soap and allow them to air dry.
  • Go through your vanity drawers and get rid of any old makeup or skin care products that you no longer use or that have passed their prime.

Bedrooms

  • Take mattresses off the bed to vacuum both sides of them. Then, if possible, prop them in the sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight can help kill germs. When you replace the mattresses on the bed, be sure to flip and rotate them from their previous position.
  • If you don’t wash your pillows regularly, now is a great time to do it. If they are looking pretty bad, then you should replace them.
  • Switch to lighter weight bedding for spring and summer. If you have been using flannel sheets and heavy comforter, change to light cotton sheets and quilt for warmer months.

Overall

  • Don’t neglect your walls! They get dirty too. Use an extended duster to remove dust and cobwebs and then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt.
  • Take down curtains and wash them (following manufacturer’s instructions). Clean blinds as well. Either take them down and clean them outdoors or thoroughly clean them using appropriate cleaning materials.
  • Clean your baseboards. The best way to do it is to get down on the floor and scrub them with microfiber cloth and hot, soapy water. But if getting on the floor is a deal breaker for you, they have many tools available specifically for wiping down baseboards.

Spring cleaning does not have to be an overwhelming task!  Don’t try to do it all in one day. Spread it out over a few days or a weekend. And don’t do it all yourself!  Get the whole family involved and you will be done before you know it!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home or both, let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 1998

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