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  • NicoleDeRosa

Updated: May 25, 2023


Strolling the aisles of Trader Joe's can be confusing if you don't know how to read labels properly. This is the first installment of many posts on My Top 10 Favorite Clean Items at Trader Joe's because, sadly, not everything there is clean and healthy.


I hope I can make your next shopping experience at Trader Joe's easier and save you money along the way! I love Whole Foods, but I have found the same clean items for less money at good 'ole Trader Joe's.




Trader Joe's Organic Coconut Sugar is an ideal substitute for cane sugar and is derived from flowers and organically grown Indonesian coconut trees. The nectar of the coconut flours is collected, boiled and ground into powder to create this delicious sweetener.


Ingredients: Organic Coconut Palm Sugar. Contains: Coconut. Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI)


Serving Size: 1 tsp. (4g)

Servings per container about: 114

Calories: 15

Total Fat: 0%

Sodium: 0%

Total Carbohydrate: 4g / 2%

Sugars: 4g

Protein: 0g






Organic Vermont Maple Syrup

Trader Joe's Organic Maple Syrup was created by hand-selecting (and tasting) various batches from multi-generational producers in Vermont. The glass bottles range from delicate to mild (early season harvest) to very bold & strong (later in the season). Note: Always buy glass when you can over plastic!


We are big fans of the Grade A Dark Color Robust Taste. This syrup is just a bit more intense than the amber color, but is still well done. It is a bit woodsy, but nothing that hid the maple & slight vanilla flavors. We even use it as a sweetener in coffee!








100% Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold Pressed)


Per Mashed:


"When it comes to picking out good olive oil, the choices can be somewhat daunting. Just about every grocery store has a wide variety of choices, all at different price points, and that's before one even considers hitting up a specialty shop. Even olive oil experts will agree though, that it's really not necessary to spend an arm and a leg for a decent olive oil, and you can find some seriously great ones on the shelf of your local Trader Joe's."



If you happen to find Greek Kalamata extra virgin olive oil (above) on the shelf at your Trader Joe's grab one! The editors of Bon Appétit are big fans of the stuff, and found it to be a great everyday olive oil to keep on hand. Lifehacker is also a fan of this Greek olive oil calling it "delicious" and commending its low price point of around $9 a bottle.

This is an olive oil of good quality and won't break the bank, and can use it in everything from salad dressings to simply drizzling over fresh bread without the guilt that might come with a pricier olive oil!








Dr. Bronner's - Castile Soap


Did you know that you can use Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap as a laundry detergent? Just take 2 tablespoons of Dr. Bronner's then add white distilled vinegar and viola! You've got yourself a clean, non-toxic laundry detergent that you made in a matter of seconds! This is a list of all the ways you can use Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap HERE









GoMacro Bar - "Protein Purity"


We love this clean, "Protein Purity" Bar made with Sunflower Butter + Chocolate (Organic, Non-GMO, GF, Vegan) because it is High Protein! You can sometimes find it at

Trader Joe's, but we have recently found the

Kids size (which is half the size & price) at either Whole Foods or via Amazon. Great for throwing in your bag for an on the go snack or after a doctors appointment you had to fast for because of blood work....Trust and believe, this will perk you right up!







Organic Coconut Aminos


This is THE perfect soy sauce substitute!

It is made with super clean ingredients: organic coconut sap, water and sea salt. That's all! I use this on my warm & cold veggie bowls, veggie dumplings, veggie wraps, plant based sushi, over noodles (like my Citrus Soba Noodle recipe...coming soon!) as well as these recipes:









Coconut Oil (Organic, Virgin, Unrefined, Cold Pressed)


T.J.'s sells this in a glass jar or this super convenient box of 14 individual packets.


The packets are so incredibly handy if you want to take them with you on the go during a day when you are out all day long, travelling, camping etc.





Use Coconut Oil for:


  • Making pancakes + waffles + cookies + muffins + cupcakes + breads etc.

  • Making Sugar Free Dark Chocolate

  • Cooking Safely at High Temperatures

  • Making Healthy Mayonnaise

  • Making a Natural Deodorant

  • Making a Non-Toxic Insect Repellent

  • Removing Stains

  • Soothing Chapped Lips

  • Making Your Wood Furniture Shine

  • Healing Ragged Cuticles

  • Making Homemade Salad Dressings + Marinades (click HERE for my recipes)



Benefits of Coconut Oil

  • Protecting Your Skin From UV Rays

  • Increasing Your Metabolism

  • Improving Your Dental Health

  • Relieving Skin Irritation and Eczema

  • Improving Brain Function

  • Moisturizing Your Skin

  • May Help Fight Infections

  • Increasing Your "Good" HDL Cholesterol

  • May Reduce Belly Fat

  • Protecting Your Hair From Damage

  • Increasing Hunger + Food Intake

  • Improving Wound Healing

  • Boosting Bone Health

  • Combating Candida

  • Reducing Inflammation

  • Quick Energy Source

  • Relieving Symptoms of Arthritis

  • Improving Liver Health


Source + more info on coconut oil, check out Healthline's article 29 Uses For Coconut Oil, HERE .






Organic Unsweetened Flake Coconut


As described on the package, this is pure unsweetened, organic coconut with absolutely nothing added to it and it's ideal for snacking and cooking!


"It's just what you would get if you went to the effort to harvest, crack, shred and dry the coconut yourself (once you found yourself in the tropics where the nuts grow)"









Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa


First things first....the 2 reasons we LOVE this Trader Joe's Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa is


1) Contains NO citric acid

2) Contains NO added sugar


Made with big chunks of organic diced tomatoes, organic tomato paste, organic onions, and organic jalapeños, then spiced with organic cayenne pepper and organic dehydrated garlic, Trader Joe's Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa is fresh and flavorful, packing just the right amount of medium-level heat.






Organic Pumpkin


Only ONE INGREDIENT is in this can: Organic Pumpkin. That's all! Look at the back label of most other canned pumpkin, organic or otherwise and you will find fillers, gums and unpronounceable ingredients.


I love anything pumpkin pie related and I will make pumpkin inspired treats year 'round so this item is a favorite and a staple of mine in our pantry!


I will be sharing clean versions of the recipes below for all of the ways I use organic pumpkin year 'round!





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  • NicoleDeRosa

Updated: Aug 9, 2023




I love making my own salad dressings + marinades. I've compiled a list of 15 super versatile + yummy options. They are perfect for warm veggie bowls, sandwiches, wraps or salads! I love all of them, but I do loooooove the Maple Syrup + Orange Dressing either warmed up (over veggies or as a marinade on my fish dishes) or served cold (over a salad).

Enjoy + let me know in the comments, which ones you have made + which ones are your favorite! Post your photos + tag me on Instagram!




Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette


Ingredients

Makes 5 servings
  • 1 large lemon, zested + juiced

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard (we love the Primal Kitchen brand which you can get here) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • Sea salt (to taste)

  • Black pepper (to taste)


Directions
  • Combine all your ingredients in a bowl + whisk to combine.

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.







Strawberry Vinaigrette


Ingredients


Directions
  • Combine all ingredients in a blender

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.





Honey Mustard


Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • 1/2 a lemon (juiced or I used the Santa Cruz Organics brand)

  • 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard (we love the Primal Kitchen brand which you can get here) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • 1 tablespoon of honey

  • Salt (to taste)

  • Pepper (to taste)


Directions
  • Combine all ingredients in a blender

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.






Avocado Cilantro


Ingredients
  • 2 small avocados

  • 2 lemons (juiced)

  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk (we use the Malibu Mylk brand which you can get here)

  • 1/2 cup of filtered water

  • 1/4 cup of fresh organic cilantro

  • 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

  • 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder

  • Salt (to taste)


Directions
  • Combine all ingredients in a blender

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.





Peanut Thai


Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter (or we use Almond or Walnut Butter by the Artisana brand)

  • 1/4 cup of coconut aminos

  • 1 lime (juiced)

  • 1 tablespoon of honey

  • 1 teaspoon of minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon of filtered water


Directions
  • Combine all ingredients in a blender

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.






Apple Cider Vinegar Herb Dressing


I loooooove this herb dressing on top of warm veggie bowls, sandwiches, wraps or salads! Super versatile!

Ingredients
  • 1/2 a bunch of organic parsley (cleaned + chopped)

  • 1/2 a bunch of organic cilantro (cleaned + chopped)

  • 1/2 a bunch of organic basil (cleaned)

  • 2 garlic cloves (peeled)

  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

  • Salt (to taste)

  • Pepper (to taste)

  • 1/2 a cup of organic extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10


Directions

  • Combine all ingredients in a blender

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.





Sesame Ginger Dressing


I loooooove this sesame ginger dressing either warmed up (over veggies or as a marinade) or cold (over a salad). It's so good and so versatile!


Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos

  • 1.5 tablespoons of honey

  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

  • Salt (to taste)

  • Pepper (to taste)

  • Cayenne (to taste)

  • 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger


Directions
  • Combine all your ingredients in a bowl + whisk to combine.

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.






Super Simple Dressing


Ingredients

Directions
  • Combine all your ingredients in a bowl + whisk to combine.

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.





Lemon Garlic Dressing


Ingredients

Directions
  • In a food processor or chopper, combine all ingredients above.

  • Blend until there are no garlic pieces left.

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.





Basil Salad Dressing


Ingredients
  • 2 ounces of fresh basil

  • 3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • 1/2 a teaspoon of sea salt

  • 1/2 a teaspoon of pepper

  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice


Directions
  • In a food processor or chopper, combine all ingredients above.

  • Blend on high speed until smooth

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.





Creamy Avocado Dressing


Ingredients
  • 1 avocado

  • 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

  • 1/2 cup of filtered water

  • 1/4 teaspoon of celtic sea salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper


Directions
  • Place avocado, extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil and filtered water in blender.

  • Puree until smooth

  • Then blend in salt + pepper





Avocado Dressing


Ingredients
  • 2 ripe avocados (chopped)

  • 2 spring onions (finely chopped)

  • 1 clove of garlic (minced)

  • Lime juice (to taste) - omit if you are sensitive to citrus

  • Filtered water (as needed)

  • Sea Salt (to taste)

  • 1/2 a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (optional)


Directions
  • In a food processor or chopper, combine all ingredients above.

  • Blend on high speed until smooth

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.





Creamy Onion Dressing


Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons of red onion (minced)

  • 1/2 a cup of apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon of stevia

  • 1 teaspoon of mustard powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon of celtic sea salt

  • 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10



Directions
  • Place onion, vinegar, stevia, mustard and salt in a blender

  • Puree on high speed for 20 seconds, until smooth

  • Turn on blender + drizzle in extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil





Green Goddess Dressing


Ingredients
  • 1 avocado

  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

  • 1/2 a teaspoon of herbs de provence

  • 1/2 teaspoon of celtic sea salt

  • 3-5 drops of stevia

  • 1 cup of filtered water



Directions
  • In a blender, combine all ingredients above.

  • Blend on high speed until smooth + creamy

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.







Maple Syrup + Orange Dressing


I love this dressing when I make Crispy Orange Cauliflower with Coconut Jasmine Rice. You can find that recipe here .


Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoons of sesame oil (I use: Napa Valley Naturals)

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger

  • 3 cloves of garlic (minced)

  • 1 cup of fresh orange juice (I use: 365 brand, organic w/ Vitamin D + Calcium)

  • 1/4 cup of maple syrup (I use: 365 brand, dark maple syrup)

  • 3 tablespoons of coconut aminos (I use: Big Tree Farms, organic, non-gmo, soy + gluten free )

  • 3/4 teaspoons of red chili flakes

  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons of water



Directions
  • In a saucepan, heat up sesame oil. Then add in your ginger + garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Whisk in all of your ingredients EXCEPT cornstarch + water. Whisk for 2 minutes then crank up the heat and bring to a boil.

  • While your sauce is heating up, place cornstarch + water into a separate bowl, then add it to the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. You want to make sure the cornstarch has dissolved.

  • Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

  • Shake well or whisk again each day before using.


Photos courtesy of: Wix, Artisana & Primal Kitchen

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  • NicoleDeRosa

Things that go through the mind of someone with an Anxiety Disorder :



Why we don't get help

  • I can't control it, it controls me.

  • I don't always know why I'm anxious.

  • Even I think the things I worry about are ridiculous.

  • No matter how irrational it all sounds, it's not a choice and it feels real to me.

  • People will think I am doing it for attention.

  • It's awkward.

  • People will think I'm weak.

  • People will think I'm crazy.

  • People won't understand, they'll minimize it by saying, "get over it" or "just do it".

  • Even though I look OK on the outside, anxiety is reeking havoc on my insides.

  • Because I'm ashamed.



I know for myself personally, it was too much effort and work into seeking out a therapist and I just didn't want to dig deeper for many years. I was always filling my time with doing things to not focus on the things that upset me and I would ignore all the warning signs that I clearly had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks. That is until they showed up more publicly and I had to face them head on and made the brave decision to ask for help. I am so proud of myself this year...or this past 2020 as it were for seeking help!


It should not matter that the people below are celebrities, they are all still human beings. I thought it was a very diverse group of people from over the years and centuries (and I'm sure there are many more) who have been clinically diagnosed with Anxiety Disorders, such as myself.


Check out the list below of all these inspiring people who have truly put themselves out there, being in a field where you are in front of audiences, crowds, being chased, being questioned, being judged about every little minute detail of you and your life. They are not normal or humane circumstance really....and couple that with having an Anxiety Disorder.


I want to share this post to remove the stigma of having Anxiety Disorders. There is nothing wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with me. And, there is nothing we are unable to do if we set our mind to it - the possibilities are endless!

You can still suffer from having an Anxiety Disorder, but also want to be an artist (actor, dancer, singer, model, physicist, cartoonist, baseball player, poet, U.S. President and so on...) but not want all the Anxiety inducing things that come with being a "celebrity" or the attention that comes with a particular career or hobby. Some people say, "Well, why did they want to be a famous person in the first place? Why did they want to act? Why did they want to be in the public eye?" The answer is clear, they wanted to enjoy what they are passionate about. The other stuff (celebrity, paparazzi, over the top attention) that is all unwanted (most of the time, if the person or publicist is not calling in for the attention) and is just a byproduct or invention if you will that crossed the line and human's personal space and boundaries many years ago.


I'm still not clear why there aren't laws that protect people from legitimate stalker like paparazzi who have been known to run cars off the road, cross the line and boundaries saying filthy things to people (especially women) just to get a reaction shot for a photo. Imagine having an Anxiety Disorder on top of all that swirling around you when all you wanted was to act or sing etc.


My family and friends of course think of me as very outgoing and chatty with people. This is true to an extent if I am comfortable with you, but on the flip side, certain situations make me feel EXTREMELY UNEASY and actually AFRAID and bring on both an Anxiety and Panic Attack. My triggers are crowds, loud talking, yelling, confrontation and much more. BUT, that said and simply put, no one thing causes anxiety. However, there are a few things that can increase your risk:


  • Genetics. Researchers have found that people who develop anxiety disorders before the age of 20 likely also have a relative who lives with anxiety.

  • Brain Chemistry. Science shows that stress can change the chemical balance in the brain. So it is no surprise that this chemical change can affect your mood.

  • Personality. For some people, their personality can make them predisposed to certain anxiety disorders.

  • Life Events. Traumatic events can change our lives…they can also change our brains. Sometimes, anxiety can manifest around large or challenging life changes. At some point, I may choose to open up more about this but not at this time. This is an area where a lot if not most of my Anxiety and Panic Attacks have come from and continued throughout the years.


I am happy to see that these successful humans (not just celebrities) below have been doing such wonderful and inspiring things in their life despite or in spite of having Anxiety Disorder.



Celebrities who have anxiety disorders:





  • Abraham Lincoln (former U.S. President)

  • Adele (musician)

  • Al Kasha (songwriter)

  • Alanis Morissette (singer)

  • Alex Rodriguez (baseball player)

  • Alfred Lord Tennyson (poet)

  • Amanda Bynes (actress)






  • Amanda Seyfried (actress)

  • Ann Wilson (singer)

  • Ann Tyler (author)

  • Anthony Hopkins (actor)

  • Ashley Judd (musician, actress)

  • Aretha Franklin (singer)

  • Barbara Bush (former First Lady - U.S.)

  • Barbara Gordon (filmmaker)






  • Barbra Streisand (singer, actress)

  • Beverly Johnson (model)

  • Bonnie Raitt (musician)

  • Brooke Shields (actress)

  • Burt Reynolds (actor)

  • Carly Simon (singer)

  • Charles Schultz (cartoonist)







  • Charlize Theron (actress)

  • Charlotte Bronte (author)

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones (actress)

  • Cher (singer, actress)

  • Christina Ricci (actress)

  • Chloe Sevigny (actress)

  • Courtney Love (singer, actress)







  • Dave Stewart (singer - Eurythmics)

  • David Beckham (soccer player)

  • David Bowie (singer)

  • Dean Cain (actor)

  • Deana Carter (singer)

  • Dick Clark (t.v. personality)

  • Donny Osmond (actor)






  • Drew Barrymore (actress)

  • Drew Carey (comedian)

  • Earl Campbell (Heisman Trophy winner)

  • Edie Falco (actress)

  • Edvard Munch (artist)

  • Elizabeth Taylor (actress)

  • Emily Dickinson (poet)






  • Emma Stone (actress)

  • Eric Clapton (musician)

  • Goldie Hawn (actress)

  • Halle Berry (actress)

  • Heath Ledger (actor)

  • Heather Locklear (actress)

  • Howard Stern (radio personality)






  • Howie Mandel (comedian)

  • Isaac Asimov (author)

  • James Garner (actor)

  • Janet Jackson (musician)

  • Jennifer Lawrence (actress)

  • Jessica Alba (actress)

  • Jim Carrey (actor)

  • Jim Eisenreich (baseball)

  • Joan Rivers (actress, comedian)

  • John Candy (actor, comedian)

  • John Cougar Mellencamp (musician, actor)












  • John Cleese (actor)

  • John Madden (announcer)

  • John Mayer (musician)

  • John Steinbeck (author)

  • John Stuart Mill (philosopher)

  • Johnny Depp (actor)

  • Judy Garland (actress, singer)

  • Kate Moss (model)

  • Kim Basinger (actress)

  • Lani O' Grady (actress)

  • Leila Kenzie (actress)

  • Margot Kidder (actress)









  • Marie Osmond (actress)

  • Marlon Brando (actor)

  • Marty Ingels (comedian)

  • Marilyn Monroe (actress)

  • Michael Crichton (writer)

  • Michael English (gospel artist)










  • Michael Jackson (singer)

  • Mickey Rourke (actor)

  • Miley Cyrus (musician)

  • Naomi Campbell (model)

  • Naomi Judd (singer)







  • Nicholas Cage (actor)

  • Nicole Kidman (actress)

  • Nikola Tesla (inventor)

  • Olivia Hussey (actress)

  • Oprah Winfrey (host, actress)

  • Paula Deen (chef)

  • Pete Harnisch (baseball)

  • Ray Charles (musician)







  • Robert Burns (poet)

  • Robert McFarlane (former National Security Advisor - U.S.)

  • Robin Quivers (radio host)

  • Roseanne Barr (comedian)

  • Sally Field (actress)

  • Sam Shepard (playright)

  • Scarlett Johansson (actress)

  • Shecky Greene (comedian)

  • Sheryl Crow (musician)

  • Sigmund Freud (psychiatrist)

  • Sir Isaac Newton (scientist)

  • Sir Laurence Olivier (actor)

  • Sissy Spacek (actress)

  • Susan Powter (t.v. host)






  • Tom Snyder (host)

  • Tony Dow (actor, director)

  • Vinny Guadagnino (actor)

  • W.B Yeats (poet)

  • Willard Scott (weatherman)

  • Winona Ryder (actress)

  • Whoopi Goldberg (actress, host)




Anxiety can feel overwhelming. It’s also highly treatable. Some common treatments include:

  • Deep Breaths. Focus on your breathing to calm and center yourself.

  • Stress Less. Stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress.

  • Get some shut-eye. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can regulate your mood and stress.

  • Talk to a professional. A therapist may be able to help you manage triggers and symptoms. Therapists and doctors may also prescribe medication to help manage your mental health. Please contact me if you need help finding a professional in your area.

  • It’s always okay to ask for help. In fact, asking for help is brave. Looking to get started? Try talking to your doctor to learn more about how you are feeling and ways to take care of your mental health.





Source: National Institute of Mental Health

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