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Tuesday, 30 April 2013

30 ways to save £1


I've seen many of these floating around the blogosphere and seeing as it's the 30th anniversary of the £1 - it's only 10 years older than me, eeek - I thought I'd do my own. Being a student, I'm desperately in need of saving money whenever possible and I think I have a few good tips to pass on to you guys.

  1. Instead of going out all the time, go round to your friends house. Why go out for a meal when you can all cook together? It saves money and it's a lot of fun.
  2. If you're a student, make sure you sign up to UNiDAYS. I literally don't purchase anything online unless I've checked this website first. It's wonderful.
  3. Are you beauty addict? Make sure you get your own Boots Advantage Card. I wrote a blog post on taking advantage of your Advantage Card a while ago and it tells you how to make the most of it. It can save you money and earn you a little treat every now and then.
  4. As someone who drives, I can tell you this. Stick to the speed limits! Not only is it the law but it really does help you save money when it comes to petrol.
  5. Bulk buy. If something is on a good offer and it's something that you love, stock up on it! It might seem expensive in the short term but you'll definitely benefit in the long term.
  6. Before you go shopping, make a shopping list and stick to it. It's easy to put whatever you want in the trolley but I promise you, if you make a shopping list, you will save money.
  7. If you have the time, shop around for the best bargains. Why just go to Asda?! There's Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsburys out there too.
  8. Speaking on shopping, never ever go food shopping when you're hungry. You WILL buy random things that you don't actually need.
  9. Look through your wardrobe. Something that you thought was ugly a few years ago might be back in fashion now.
  10. Hold a blog sale. I'm currently holding one and so far, I've made a fair bit of money to buy even more make up, oops.
  11. Use eBay. I love eBay and if you're on it at the right time and you do your research, you can find yourself a bargain. My iPhone 4 only cost me £122!
  12. Clothes swap with your friends. It's the latest trend and if you're all the same size, you can wear something that's pretty much new for free.
  13. Use mobile and media recycling websites such as Music Magpie and Envirofone. That old Barbie DVD that you no longer watch could make you an extra quid or too.
  14. Budget, budget, budget. And stick to it. If you set yourself a budget of say, £10 a week and draw it out of the bank, hide your bank card so you can't draw any money out of it.
  15. If you're travelling, use MegaBus. The last time I went to London it only cost me £25 return, bargain.
  16. If you're addicted to Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Elle, Look AND Reveal don't buy them all. Come up with some kind of deal with your friends and then swap them so you can read them all by buying just one.
  17. Go to Iceland. Seriously, it's a wonderful place.
  18. Don't buy bottled water. I've never understand why people do. Yes it's only 19p for a big bottle from Asda but by investing in a water filter you'll save a lot of money.
  19. I don't pay bills but if you do, don't leave the tap dripping, turn off things you aren't using at the plug and unless it's really cold, turn the heating off.
  20. Speaking of heating, if it's boiling in the car, DON'T USE THE AIR CONDITIONING. It uses petrol like crazy.
  21. If you think your product has reached the end of its dear life, cut it open and see what's inside. I've had an extra years worth of Urban Decay's Primer Potion simply by decanting it.
  22. Go to car boot sales. I love them when I'm back home. Unfortunately  I don't know of any in Lincoln but you can right find a bargain.
  23. Go to the Pound Shop. Brands for £1? Who can turn that down?
  24. If you're buying a new product, particularly high end, ask for samples and do your research. Don't waste your money because of the hype.
  25. D-I-Y. Don't go to the hairdressers for your hair to be coloured, don't go to the nail salon for your nails, do it yourself! It's fun and you can even invite your friends round for a pamper session.
  26. Takeaway food is the devil. It seems cheap at the time but £5 for one meal? No way. It's a lot cheaper to make it yourself.
  27. I'm a sucker for this as I love Boots Meal Deals but don't buy your food out. Make it yourself and take a packed lunch to work.
  28. Buy a jar to keep loose change in. I ended up having around £20 of 1p's at the end of my first year at university.
  29. If you see something that you want, walk away and decide whether or not you need it. You'll probably forget about it in a few days.
  30. Write a blog post like this. For every tip that you write (up to 30) you will earn yourself £1! Find out more about it here.
Do you think you're a bargain hunter? Do you know ways to save money? Then make sure you enter Money Supermarkets competition. You can find out more about it here! What are your tips on saving money?
 xxx
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REVIEW: Melvita Young Skin Skin Care


























Skin care means a lot to me. I don't have the best skin in the world but I definitely know how to make the most of it. For a few weeks now, I've been trialling a couple of things from Melvita's Young Skin range  which features a collection of skincare essentials that aim to bring out young skin's natural radiance whilst treating clogged pores and blemishes. The great thing about Melvita is that all of their products are bursting with natural ingredients that work in harmony with the skin. The Young Skin range has been certified organic by EcoCert and has been specifically designed for adolescents. First up is the Melvita Sebum Balancing Fluid* which purifies the skin and regulates oil production which all in all reduces shine. This product is light and glides over the skin wonderfully. It's moisturises the skin without leaving it looking greasy, sinks into the skin and mattifies it throughout the day so that the skin looks less shiny and more healthy. I haven't been using this at night as I like to use my La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo then but this has become a wonder product during the day time. As I mentioned yesterday, I've been using my Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation a lot which adds a glow to the skin however towards the end of the day, it makes my skin look a little bit too shiny for my liking. However, since using the Sebum Balancing Fluid, I've stopped powdering my skin throughout the day to take the shine down. Like I mentioned earlier, it doesn't dry my skin out - just leaves it looking beautifully matte. I've also been using the Melvita Foaming Gel* in my shower. Like the Sebum Balancing Fluid, the Foaming Gel is certified organic and aims to regenerate, purify and soften the skin. This is a great everyday face wash and it does a pretty good job at removing make up however I mainly use it in the morning to wake my skin up and help keep my shine at bay throughout the day. I've really enjoyed using these products - especially the Sebum Balancing Fluid which is something I believe will always be in my daytime routine.
Have you tried any products from Melvita before?
 xxx
*PR Sample
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Monday, 29 April 2013

REVIEW: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation with comparison pictures















After what seems like a lifestyle, I finally took the plunge and invested in Bourjois' Healthy Mix Foundation. In the past, I'd tried their concealer and I did like it - I thought it was great for under the eyes but not so great on blemishes - so that's probably why I'd been put off of the foundation for a while. However, after reading many spectacular reviews on this foundation - and having a spare tenner - I just couldn't resist not having it in my possession any more. I'm definitely a foundation snob - the majority of my foundations in my collection are high end and the ones that aren't, don't get used very often. But this one? Well this one is my everyday go-to foundation. Since buying this, I've worn it every single day - and even on one night out. It covers very well, this is medium/full coverage and it can be built it. I do need a little bit of concealer but during the day - unless I'm having an awful skin day - I don't like wearing proper full coverage. It smells amazing and it lasts on the skin all day long with a primer. I do need to powder throughout the day as this is a "radiance reveal" foundation which is all well and good but I do get an oily t-zone. I absolutely love the formula, the finish, the coverage, the bottle, the way it blends and well, the price.
Have you tried this foundation before? You can buy it here where it retails for £9.99.
 xxx
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Saturday, 27 April 2013

Instagram [7]

Outfit of the day | Baking brownies | Being sexy | Mid-day snack | Memories | An oompa loompa | Feeling ill with my bear | New favourite nails | Having fun with the Its Britney app | My sister's birthday presents | More fun with the Its Britney app | My new pet cat | New phone case | A sign at uni telling me how to wash my hands | Practising a photography idea | Being classy | Me with my boyfriend | I found an abandoned child in Asda | Night out | Always good when I see that Britney follows me | Baking brownies and cakes | McDonalds breakfast after a chaotic night | Outfit of the day | My sister bought me these pants | Before a night out | University in the sun | Me in a mirror again | Being a man with beer.

It's been an interesting week. On Friday, I had to hand in six pieces of work and thankfully, I handed them all in on time - early if I must have. So this week has basically been work, work, work all day and then chilling out at night. Yesterday (Friday) I went out for a much needed night out and my best friend - who changed uni's after her first year - came up to see us. She's from the Isle of Wight so we don't get to see her that often but it was lovely. I'm not recovering from last night, tidying my room and then we're going to grab some girly lunch which should be nice. We're in need of a catch up. Next week consists of work too as I have two hand-ins next Friday - kill me now! I hope you've all had a lovely week :) Also to let you know, I have four places left this month for advertising so if you'd like to, you can find out more information here.
xxx
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REVIEW: Kure Bazaar Macaron Nail Polish



One thing I'm addicted to at the moment is nail polish and my current love is the Kure Bazaar Macaron Nail Polish*. This polish has a formula of up to 85% of natural origin based wood pulp, wheat, cotton, potatoes and corn which mean that they're vegan friendly and contain no formaldehyde, dibutyl, phthalate, sythentic camphor or toluene. All of this means that the polish won't damage your nails as much and it aims to give you smooth, strong and healthy nails. The polish is ultra-shiny and it dries quicker than most. The formula is lovely and it's opaque in two coats even though it's a nude colour. I've fallen in love with Macaron as it's so easy to wear and just a beautiful colour. You can view the rest of the Kure Bazaar range here where the polishes retail for £14.95 each.
Have you ever tried any polishes from Kure Bazaar before?
xxx
*PR Sample
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Friday, 26 April 2013

REVIEW: Pond's Triple Action Moisturiser



























Ponds is one of those cult beauty brands that everyone seems to have tried out and used. The brand has been creating secret beauty weapons for over a century now and they have recently revamped their collection. Each of their creams offer a more effective and specialised treatment for individual skin types and concerns. I've been using their Triple Action Moisturiser* for a little while now and it's quickly become my favourite moisturiser. It's aimed at "mature skin" as it's an intensive moisturiser that has been developed to restore vitality and improve the appearance of mature skin. However, don't let that put you off. I'm 20 years old and I have combination skin and I haven't had any problems with this moisturiser breaking me out or providing me with too much moisture. It sinks into the skin nice and easily and creates a beautiful, soft base for make up. It contains vitamin A and E which help to stimulate cell renewal which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The Soy and Glycolic Acid helps boost collagen production which aims to firm and  tone the skin. It also contains sunscreen which protects the skin against nasty UV filters which helps to prevent and reduce the appearance of age spots. Age spots are what I have - hyperpigmentation basically. And since using this moisturiser I've noticed that my overall skin tone has improved dramatically. My skin not only feels healthier and softer but it looks it too. My make up applies like a dream and the moisturiser smells lovely too which is always a bonus. I'm just shocked at how affordable the moisturiser is. But I guess Ponds has developed a cult beauty status for a reason! You can buy the Ponds Triple Action Moisturiser* here and it retails for £4.49. Have you tried anything from Ponds before? I'm currently trying out their Cold Cream Cleanser too so look out for a review of that pretty soon.
xxx
*PR Sample
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Thursday, 25 April 2013

REVIEW: Nudwear

Feather-lite thong

Feather-lite thong

Nippies - adhesive gel nipple covers

Strapless backless adhesive clear gel bra
Left: wearing the Strapless backless adhesive bra. Right: wearing a normal bra.
No Straps, No Lines, Just Curves.
Underwear. It's a pretty taboo subject in the blogging world. But what happens when you find the most perfect and practical underwear that you just need to share with the rest of the world?! That's the dilemma I was in. Unless I'm talking to my friends, I don't feel that comfortable in discussing - and showing pictures - of my underwear however, when I came across the brand Nüdwear, I had to put my discomfort aside.  Friends Astrid Montalta and Sammy Ivanko met while working on Wall Street in New York. They both became engaged while living in London in 2011 and in their search for that perfect wedding dress they realised that what you wear underneath the dress on your big day is just as important as the dress itself. They found out that the seamless lingerie on the market wasn't that great so they both set out to create their own and Nüdwear was then born in 2012. Today, their designs are being sold in over ten countries around the world. I was sent a few things from the brand and I've been trying them out for a few weeks now. The Feather-lite thong* is made from luxury lightweight microfiber and they are elastic band free which means that they provide maximum comfort and the ultimate seamless fit. These are wonderful. I often wear tight fitted clothing around my bottom area and these don't show through at all. When it comes to disco pants, I always find myself feeling self conscious about whether or not I have the dreaded VPL but with these thongs, I no longer worry. They're incredibly comfy and extremely practical. The Nippies - Adhesive Gel Nipple Covers* aim to seamlessly conceal your nipples under clothes. They're made from 100% soft silicone gel and they are reusable up to 100 times. When peeling these off, they're completely pain-free and they do their job. They don't show up under clothes and they keep those pesky nipples at bay. And finally, the wonder product. The Strapless Backless Adhesive Clear Gel Bra* is one of those bras that every woman needs in her drawer. In the picture above, I'm wearing one of my favourite playsuits. For a while now, it's been hiding in the back of my wardrobe because every bra I wore with it ending up peaking through so this bra was literally a godsend to me. Like the Nippies, this bra is made from 100% soft silicone gel and can be reused up to 100 times. It's invisible under clothes, looks natural, supports the breasts and doesn't irritate the skin. Unfortunately, this bra is only available up to a D cup but if you're an A-D cup then I highly recommend investing in one of these. They're a must-have! Have you tried anything from Nüdwear before? What are your thoughts on the brand?
xxx
*PR Sample
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OOTD: Yellow peplum




























Outfit of the day posts definitely scare me. I'm awkward at posing and I'm worried about what you all will think of my outfit. Also, there's nowhere to take a decent outfit post in my apartment - queue Britney Spears stage, Britney posters, TV and wrapping paper in the background - but I've finally braved it. This outfit is pretty simple and it's just one that I wore to go shopping and to the library the other day in. The top is peplum style but it's pretty subtle and I love the yellow detailing - a colour I usually shy away from. I bought this top in the sales a while ago from Primark and I think it cost me just £3 but I'd never wore it a lot until more recently. Probably because my recent weight loss (and then gain after Easter, oops) has made me a little bit more confident. The skirt is a simple black bodycon skirt from New Look and the leggings are of course, Primark. I also have my shamballa bracelet on that my mum bought me - however you can't see it very well in this picture, it's pink and white though. So there you have it, a simple outfit. I hope you like it - eek.
xxx
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Wednesday, 24 April 2013

REVIEW: Lip Smacker's Disney Princess Collection































Oh when I received this press release I got really excited. I'm a lip balm addict and a Disney addict so when you merge them both together you get one very happy beauty blogger. Lip Smacker's new Disney Princess collection leaves your lips nourished with a soft, glossy sheen. There are four different flavours of these lip balms: Cinderella - vanilla; Ariel - calypso berry with a hint of glitter; Snow White - cherry with a slight shimmer and Belle - natural coloured, moisturising gloss with a sweet scent. I was sent the Snow White lip balm* and I was expecting it to taste and smell like the usual artificial cherry lip balms but this one doesn't. Both the smell and taste remind me of cherry bakewells. It also leaves a shimmery tint of the pink on the lips and moisturises them without leaving behind nasty residue.  These are priced at £3 each and you can find them at Debenhams. Who's your favourite Disney Princess?
xxx
*PR Sample
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Tuesday, 23 April 2013

REVIEW: Pür Minerals Lip Gloss Stick

L-R Berry Pretty, Beach Bum, Honey Pie
L-R Berry Pretty, Beach Bum, Honey Pie
L-R Berry Pretty, Beach Bum, Honey Pie

Although I love lipsticks, I don't get on with many of them. For some reason, they don't tend to apply nicely to my lips. I'm not sure why because I don't get dry lips and I look after my lips really well. But I have to look for moisturising formulas for them to look decent. I'd never bought into the lipgloss stick's that have been floating around the beauty world for a while now however after trying out Pür Minerals Lip Gloss Sticks I definitely will be investing in a few more. I was sent the colours Berry Pretty*, Beach Bum* and Honey Pie*, all beautiful colours. Berry Pretty is a pink/purple shade, Beach Bum is a pink/coral shade and Honey Pie is a pink/nude shade. These are really moisturising and conditioning on the lips and they create a rich, wet look, gloss effect colour. Enriched with vitamin E, the formula provides a buttery soft consistency that prevents the lips from drying out. They're not the most pigmented lipsticks out there but I like that. They're sort of medium coverage that gives the lips beautiful shine and colour. They're easy to apply and look amazing. I definitely will be investing in some more. You can buy these babies here and they retail for £16.00 each. 
Have you tried any lipgloss sticks before? Which ones would you recommend?
xxx
*PR Sample
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Monday, 22 April 2013

WISHLIST: Peplum

WISHLIST: Peplum



If there's one fashion trend I'm loving at the moment, it's peplum. Recently, I bought my first peplum top from Asda (you can find it here and it retails for £12) and needless to say, I've fallen in love with it. You can see my peplum top in the picture to the left; it's plain white and looks lovely teamed with my new pink trousers. My mum was a little bit worried about me buying a white top to start with as I normally can't keep them clean - oops! The style and fit of peplum items really suit my figure and I love that they cover up my stomach which is an area I'm really self conscious of. I will definitely be investing in more peplum style items soon and the ones listed above are the ones I've got my eyes on. What do you think of this trend?
xxx
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FAVOURITE: Eye Brow Kits from KIKO and Along Came Betty


KIKO Eyebrow Expert Styling Kit, L-R: wax, light-coloured powder, dark-coloured powder

Along Came Betty Br-Wow Kit, L-R: light-coloured powder, dark-coloured powder, wax, HD powder

If there's one part of my make up routine that I love doing the most, it's my eyebrows. I didn't start doing anything to my eyebrows until I turned 16 which is really weird and strange. And I think that because of that, I embrace it a lot these days. Your eyebrows frame your entire face and changing the way they look can completely change the way you look. For a while now I've been using two eyebrow kits and you know what? I love them both so much that I can't decide which one is better. I have used pencils in the past but like I've said, I enjoy doing my eyebrows so the whole "brush, powder, wax" makes me prefer kits over pencils. 




























The KIKO Eyebrow Styling Kit* comes in two different colours; one for deep brunettes and black haired people and the other for brunettes, redheads and blondes.It contains a wax, a light-coloured powder, a dark-coloured powder, some tweezers, an angled brush and a mini spoolie brush. First of all the brushes are great quality. I normally throw away mini brushes that come with kits but these ones stand on their own very well. The tweezers are also amazing and I love the addition of them in this kit - it makes it perfect for travelling. As well as the tweezers the mirror is a great little extra as it means you can do your brows on-the-go. The powders are spot on in pigmentation - they're not so pigmented that the brows look ridiculous or too obvious but the powder is soft enough to create a natural looking brow. The wax then keeps the brows in place for the rest of the day. You can buy the KIKO Eyebrow Styling Kit* here and it retails for £13.90.




























The Along Came Betty Br-Wow Kit* comes in just one colour but it contains a light-brown powder, a dark-brown powder, a wax, an HD powder to soften the brows and a double-sided angled brush and spoolie brush. They Along Came Betty range is one that gives Soap & Glory a run for my money and if money was no object, I'd own all of their products. The ones I've tried so far are really great in quality for the price of them. This is no different. The powders are soft and pigmented enough to fill in the brows without giving you a "Scouse-brow" and the wax is wonderful at deepening the appearance of the brows and holding them in place. What I really love about this kit is the HD powder which is included. The HD powder really does soften the look and I don't know, I can't explain it, it just makes the brows look "done" and better. It's a lovely addition and I don't think I've ever seen it in any other brow kit. You can buy the Along Came Betty Br-Wow Kit* here and it retails for £5.99.
What do you use on your eyebrows? Have you tried any of these kits before?
xxx
*PR Sample
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Saturday, 20 April 2013

REVIEW: Pür Minerals Limited Edition Collection inspired by the film Beautiful Creatures























































Light or dark - which side will you choose?
One thing I can't put down at the moment is the Pür Minerals Limited Edition Collection* which has been inspired by the Beautiful Creatures film. The make up palette contains eight shadows, one eyeliner and one lipgloss. I own all three of the Naked palettes and it's safe to say that they're my "go-to" everyday palettes. However, since receiving this they've taken a back seat. I've been loving playing around with new colours and although on first glance this looks like a neutral palette, it actually contains beautiful green and purple shades which give a lovely twist on the classic smoky eye. My personal favourite is using Fate all over the lid, Fantasy on the outer corner and Cursed in the crease. It's seriously beautiful. The colours are all extremely pigmented, last all day long on the lid (with a primer) and they're nice and easy to blend. The packaging, as you can see in the pictures, is also really nice and classic and it fits in with the film perfectly. 
L-R Supernatural, Siren, Spellbound, Fate, Fantasy, Secret, Forbidden, Cursed

L-R Eyeliner in Black Magic, Lipgloss in Lust

























































In this collection you also get an eyeliner and a lipgloss. The eyeliner is soft enough so it doesn't drag on the lids but hard enough so it stays put. You can get a good few hours wear from it on the waterline and blending it out on the lid makes a beautiful, intense smoky eye. The lipgloss isn't sticky in the slightest and adds a nice sheen to the lips with a hint of colour. I'm really glad they put a nude lipgloss inside this kit because it goes wonderfully with the smoky eyes that you can create from the eyeshadow palette. Sadly, this collection is only available in the USA however if you can get your hands on one, I highly recommend doing so as it's beautiful, versatile and great quality. You can buy this collection for $39 here.
Do you own this palette? Will you be buying it?
xxx
*PR Sample
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REVIEW: Swiss Army Victoria EDT






























Never did I ever imagine that my everyday fragrance would be one made by Swiss Army Knives. The Swiss Army Victoria EDT* has "fruity top notes of freesia, plum and blackcurrant and base notes including sandal wood and white musk. Victoria is the epitome of independent femininity." For me, I'd describe this fragrance as fresh, light and fruity and since wearing it, I've received no end of compliments. From people at work, the woman in my student accommodation office, people in the shop, my family and even one girl in the lift one day. I've fallen in love with this fragrance and it's happily sat next to my favourite perfumes; my Britney and Taylor Swift ones. The packaging has been inspired by the emblems in the military service which is "the perfect balance of strength, chic and a lighthearted lifestyle." A perfect way to describe this beautiful, summery fragrance. When buying a fragrance (1.0oz/2.5oz) you also receive a unique code to get a U-Fill. I've been loving using mine and I keep it in my bag for touch ups throughout the day.
You can also use the Victoria e-Bouquet Creator which allows you to arrange digital bouquets for your friends and family. You can then send this as a postcard in the mail alongside a sample of the scent. This means that you guys can have a smell of this fragrance without having to source it in shops! Basically, you pick your favourite flowers from a meadow and create your own unique bouquet. You then send your unique bouquet creation with a personalised message as a postcard or even via email. When you send it via postcard, your creation will be imprinted on the postcard with a sample of the Victoria fragrance. As well as this, you can place your bouquets on a voting gallery where friends, family, fans and followers can vote for their favourites and get a chance to win. The first prize is a spa trip for a two and the second and third prizes are the Victoria fragrance with its golden evening pouch and leather bracelet. I've made a bouquet and sent it to my mum as she's someone who adores flowers and I know that this fragrance is one that she's going to love aswell. You can view my bouquet here. I really like this idea. It's fun to create and you can personalise your own message while trying out the fragrance yourself. 

You can buy the Swiss Army Victoria EDT* here for £51, view all of their fragrances here and create your own Victoria e-Bouquet here. Have you ever tried any of the Swiss Army fragrances? Will you be creating your own bouquet? If you do, let me know and I'll give you a vote!
xxx
*PR Sample
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