Opening My ‘Secret Santa’ Swap Box

Hello, how are ya, come in…..

I know, I know, it’s been (quite) a few days since I’ve taken my leave of absence BUT in my defence, I’ve been up to my eyeballs in wrapping paper, receipts, deliveries and all other festive paraphernalia organising.  You wouldn’t believe the past few weeks I’ve had girls – but my gosh it’s good to be back and into the swing of things yet again… though I must warn you all I’ll be taking another short jolly hols over Christmas as we’re hosting the family dinner once again, so instead of my head being stuck in a laptop it’ll be popping in & out of the oven to check on the Turkey instead! Sounds wonderful right? Well, it is – as long as you’ve a hearty glass of prosecco close to hand to keep the energy levels up!

However enough waffle from me… how the heck are you lovely lot? Can you believe there’s only 15 days left til Christmas?!?! To be honest, if one more retail assistant asks if I’m “all ready for the big day?” I may have to use my newly purchased rolls of wrapping paper in ways I didn’t intend *sigh* However moving swiftly on to slightly more positive festive tidings… MY SWAP BOX ARRIVED!!!! 

Yes, some of you may be scratching your heads thinking “What on earth’s this all about?”… okay, so let me explain… I’m a member of a fantastic nail group on Facebook & a few months ago the opportunity arose to take part in a Secret Santa Swap Box. Basically, there’s a £20 budget, you’re allocated a name and your box had to be sent off by a certain date. Mine, however, was almost TWO WEEKS overdue… no thanks to Royal Mail having a good old rummage. However all is explained in the video, and all the goodies are revealed too. So if you’ve a few minutes to spare and fancy seeing what my very generous ‘Secret Santa’ sent me then just make yourself comfy & press play!

Ps: Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube Channel so you don’t miss any future uploads 😉

Okay, I’m off to grab myself a hot chocolate and get on with some more wrapping! What’s your plans for the weekend?

Cheerio Chums…

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Keeping Up With Karen…

You know that scene from Alice In Wonderland when the March Hare scurries past Alice exclaiming “I’m late, I’M LATE!”? Well, that pretty much sums up how my week has been… scurrying around exclaiming I’m late – though when I say ‘scurrying’ I actually mean hobbling *rolls eyes* There’s been so much to do and so little time. Between preparing for our trip to Wales as well as Em’s 1st Transfer Test… there hasn’t been a free moment to catch my breath this week.

Thankfully the first of the 3 transfer tests went without a glitch. It seems such a horrid process for any little primary 7 student to go through as the workload has been utterly gruelling. Seeing her and countless other primary school children flood through the gates of the local grammar school on Saturday morning was heart wrenching. So many anxious little faces and equally anxious parents. There hasn’t been any of this process I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed. Worse still, after her last test in December there’s the waiting game for the results in January, followed by more waiting (well into 2017) to find out what secondary school each child has been accepted into. Such a dragged out process for everyone.

At last we have our trip to Wales to look forward to this week – a break from exams and all the other pressures will do us all the world of good I’m sure. As I’m away, there’ll be a small Blog & YouTube vacation as I very much doubt I’ll get the time or energy with the wedding schedule and family catch ups arranged. However, I do promise I’ve a few super exciting posts lined up over the weeks after I return so I’ll certainly be making up for it!

As for this week’s shenanigans, if you’re in the mood for a glance over what’s been happening on Confetti & Curves lately then why not take a peek at the snippets below. As always, you’re more than welcome to leave a link to any blog posts you’d like me to check out too!

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1000 YouTube Subscribers… THANK YOU

Tuesday’s post paid tribute to reaching yet another awe-inspiring milestone = 1000 YouTube followers!! I still can’t quite believe my little channel has snowballed this far… a huge thank you to everyone who’s clicked the subscribe button! You’ve made me one very happy YouTuber ❤

If you’ve a channel you’d like me to check out be sure to stop by and leave a comment – I always love meeting new YouTubers!

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How To Promote Your Nail & Beauty Business On A Budget

Did I mention I’m obsessed with marketing? Actually, it’s one of the business topics I’ve always thrived in! On Wednesday’s chatter, I discussed a few useful hints and tips on how to get the clientele for beauty business rolling in, particularly if you’re on a budget. Definitely worth a watch if you’re self-employed or freelancing in the beauty industry!

Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload – and there’ll certainly be more to come on freelancing!

As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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1000 YouTube Subscribers… THANK YOU!!!

SO, I’m casually browsing around the interwebs this morning and to my shock and surprise discover that 1000 of you fabulous folk have subscribed to my little corner of YouTube! Naturally, such a revelation caused for celebrating with a mars bar square and cup of tea… aren’t I just the modern day party animal!!

So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! All those that have taken the time to stop by my channel, watch a video, leave a comment, hit the like button and of course (the golden ticket) subscribe. Like most YouTubers, taking the plunge to launch a channel wasn’t an easy step – my nerves were as solid as grated cheese as beads of sweat lashed from my forehead at the mere thought of a nasty comment (I’ve had a few but life goes on)… isn’t the block button a wonderful invention chums?! 😉

Thinking back to my very first video I almost cringe at how horrendously nervous I was. Revealing my blog to friends and family was one thing, but actually putting myself out there on YouTube was something else as a whole new world of realisation dawned… it isn’t like taking a selfie; you can’t sit still and hope for the best angle… everything is on show! Looks, personality, surroundings. Not that I’m in any way ashamed of myself, how I act or the home I live in – but there’s always that looming fear that some nasty critter stumbles across your channel and leaves a horrid comment that will make you hibernate below a duvet for months on end, pondering how on earth to rectify a smashed confidence. Thankfully that hasn’t been the case. If anything I’m more confident now than I’ve ever been about myself… at the end of the day, I’m a mere mortal, just like everyone else. I’ve good days/bad days/crappier than crap days but also days that I’m unbelievably thankful for what I’ve achieved in building my self-belief. Isn’t it amazing the influence a bunch of people who you’ve never met (and scattered all over the world) can make in building such positivity in your life?! Every time I’ve reached a blogging or YouTube goal it’s because of the support of others (aka YOU guys) and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m under no illusion that 1000 subscribers is a mere spec of dust on the moon compared to other channels – but for me, it’s a HUGE milestone. So once again THANK YOU blog buddies – for being not only the biggest part of my blogging journey but also my YouTube one too!

If you enjoy a sprinkle of beauty chatter and have a quick moment to pop by the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel then *CLICK HERE* to subscribe! Do feel free to say a quick hello and if you have a channel too, leave the link below and I’ll go check it out 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy Beauty Buddies…

What a fabulous weekend it’s been. Friday night was a loooong overdue evening out to Belfast for a yummy meal with my little sis, which I must admit was deeelish – followed by a few cheeky cocktails thereafter 😉 I know, I’m a sucker for a strawberry daiquiri, needless to say my IBS didn’t show the same enthusiasm *sigh*  However, on Saturday afternoon Emma attended her bridesmaid fitting for her sister’s big day! I can’t quite believe my beautiful little step-daughter is getting married. Hayles and I first met when she was just a teeny bit older than Emma – it’s been such a journey over the years and I know I’m going to be a mass of tears and hankies on the day. Yes, waterproof mascara is top of my makeup essentials gals! Needless to say, I can’t wait to make the trip over to Wales for it, it’s been soooo long since I’ve seen the Welshies. There’ll certainly be lots of hugs and catching up to do!

Talking of catching up, if you aren’t up to speed with this week’s shenanigans, then why not grab yourself a cuppa and check out some of the fun features I’ve linked below. Hope you’ve all had a fabulous week, don’t forget you’re welcome to link any of your own blog posts you’d like me to stop by and check out too 🙂

Okay, I’m off to dig out the suitcases and make a packing list, what’s your plans for today?

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Competition Closed

Monday’s post was a quick reminder to get your entry in pronto as it was the last day of the Kat Von D competition! Competition is now CLOSED – all entries will now be placed into a hat and one lucky winner will be drawn from random… could it be you?!

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Chrome Nail Tip (with a sparkly dash of Holo) 

Following one of the key nails trends at the moment, Chrome, I thought I’d attempt a funky chrome tip with holographic fade. Clients are certainly loving this look right now – perfect for upcoming festive designs don’t you think?

Don’t forget, *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload!

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The Beauty Collective… What do YOU wanna know?

Following on from the success of Behind The Blog, The Beauty Collective is an exciting new series that gets up close and personal with beauty bloggers of all levels – novice, amateur & professional! Regardless how long you’ve been blogging you’re welcome to get on board. Why not submit a burning question that you’d love to ask other bloggers about their beauty & blogging habits too?

As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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How To: Chrome Powder Nail Tip (with a dash of sparkly holo)…

If you’re a nail tech, or even if you’re just obsessed with nails, you’ll probably be only too familiar with the chrome powder trend that’s been sweeping the nation over the past few months. Now while I’m not personally a huge fan of it on my own talons (it doesn’t seem to compliment my pink sausage like fingers) there’s no denying it does look impressive elsewhere… a hefty mix of futuristic meets chic.

Having invested in a few pots of powder, I’ve been playing around with it over a number of weeks – some clients love it some just aren’t so sure. However, for those that simply want a touch of chrome, this funky metallic nail design could be just what the nail tech ordered! And yes, it’s super easy peasy – no degrees in artistic nail studies required!!! *hooray*

So if you’re thinking of investing in some mirror powder or a little pot of chrome, then why not check out this week’s chatter as it may help sprinkle some design inspiration when creating a few eye-catching looks for yourself!

Is that the kettle I hear? 😉 Time to grab a coffee and get comfy… don’t forget, you can *click here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload!

What’s your thoughts on chrome nails? Are you mad for metallics? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by and say a quick hello gals 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Ooft, what a busy little bee I’ve been this week….

Between creating some fun & sparkly nail enhancements, organising mini Halloween costumes, pumpkin carving with Ems and wedding outfit hunting. Isn’t it just THEE best feeling when you order something ever-so-pretty online and it turns up fitting and looking rather nifty too?! That rarely happens to me when I order from the interwebs but everything came together perfectly, which certainly helps the stress levels when it comes to planning for as big a day as your step-daughters wedding *Yippee*

Needless to say, I’m spending today catching up on a list of things I simply haven’t gotten round too – emails is high on my priority as I’m almost terrified to open my inbox for fear of virtually drowning in them! Oh, and before I forget – there’s only one more day to enter the international giveaway (details at the bottom) – if you’re not in you can’t win so get your name down chummies! Otherwise, why not take a peek at some of the fun shenanigans that’s featured on Confetti & Curves this week…

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Seven Spooky Nail Art Designs For Halloween

Mondays post was a run through some of the coolest claw ideas on the interwebs! If you’re thinking of dressing up your digits for Halloween night then take a peek at this spooktacular lot! Which one’s your favourite?

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The Nail File: Gel Polish Vertical Ombre with Mermaid Dust

This weeks upload was a quick chatter through one of my favourite looks for fall – a gorgeous ombre. If you’re as undecided as I am when it comes to picking colours then why not combine a few of them to create this fabulous look! Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload 😀

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Halloween Costumes Throughout The Years

Friday’s post was a tad sentimental as Emma celebrated her last year attending her primary school annual Halloween party… as a little tribute to seven years of annual spooky shenanigans, here’s a peek through some of her cute and quirky costumes!

As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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***CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE CONFETTI & CURVES INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY***

The Nail File: Gel Polish Vertical Ombre with Mermaid Dust…

Howdy nail addicts & beauty buddies…

If like me, you spend far too much time deliberating over a trio of gorgeous colours, why settle for one when you can have all 3? Yep, my thoughts exactly chums 😀 as this week I talk through one of my favourite nail looks for virtually any season – a gorgeous vertical ombre *happy sigh* However, not only have I combined three of my most coveted colours; being the sparkle-obsessed magpie that I am, I just couldn’t resist a sprinkling of mermaid dust to give the finished look a gorgeous subtle shimmer.

Note for fellow Nail Techs: If you haven’t already invested in mermaid dust then I insist you treat yourself on your next nail art spree. This stuff is SUPER popular, gorgeous over virtually any shade of gel polish and perfect for any season. Whatsmore, it’s the perfect compromise for those clients that like a hint of shimmer without going full bling. Voila!

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Anyways, time to grab your cuppa and nestle back into your comfiest chair for a few minutes as I chatter through how to create this easy peasy nail art look that is a must-have option for those who either can’t decide on a delicious range of shades or those who simply love to glam up their nails with an eye-catching paint job 😉

Are you a fan of the ombre look? What trio of colours would you opt for? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to know, don’t forget to say a quick howdy in the comments below🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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***CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE CONFETTI & CURVES INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY***

Seven Spooky Nail Art Designs For Halloween…

I’m currently obsessed with browsing over intricate little nail designs, which is no surprise coming from a nail tech. Pinterest, Instagram, Google – I could spend hours sifting through the hoards of awe inspiring nail designs. However this Halloween I’ve a few clients who are super excited to get their talons transformed into something rather spooktacular!

To help me conjure up a few concepts of my own I’ve stumbled across some inspirational design ideas that have been hand-crafted by some of the best nail artists on the web. So if like me, you’re on the lookout for some fun ways to jazz up your nails this Hallows Eve then check out this creepy crew…

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1) Peek-a-boo

Cute, fun and best of all an easy peasy nail art project for virtually any skill level. All you need is some good quality black & white polish, along with a dotting tool, and hey presto – you can create your very own little spooky eyeballs!

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2) Mummified

How hilarious is this Egyptian mummy inspired nail art by YaGala?! I love the little googly eyes that give it such a fun 3D quality – definitely one I’ll be trying out over the next few days!

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3) Sugar Skulls

Over the past few years ‘Sugar Skulls’ have become a hot Halloween trend, with awesome face paints and fun makeup tutorials! I love these colourful skull nail decals which make decorating your talons a whoooole lot easier. Simply wet, peel and stick! What a fab idea 😀

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4) Haunted House 

Wow!! I adore this cute little Haunted House scene from Stylish_Mom. That gorgeous matte ombre effect finished off with such intricate hand painted designs makes this the perfect eye-catching illustration for any trick or treater!

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5) Itty Black Kitty

No Halloween nail art collection would be complete without the universal accessory of spookiness – the illustrious black cat. I love the purple background and cute kitty’s face peeking over the free-edge created by The Nail Trail. This is definitely one to etch onto on my to-do list!!

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6) Wonder Web

How fabulous is this chic spiders web design? However, fear not fellow shaky-handed folk as there are plenty of Halloween themed stamping plates to help you achieve the same precise detail without having to be a modern day Picasso!

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7) Jack Skellington

Obviously, I had to include a nail design of one of my favourite Halloween characters’ – the fabulous Jack Skellington. I’m head over heels for this work of nail-art by Cute Polish… and it looks pretty easy to recreate. It’s certainly inspired me to give it a go!

What’s your favourite spooky nail art design? Will you be giving your nails a frightful makeover? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by for a quick chatter 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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***CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE CONFETTI & CURVES INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY***

 

 

Keeping Up With Karen…

Wow, what a week it’s been here at Confetti & Curves HQ! Firstly thank you all sooooooo so much for your kind congratulations and lovely messages in regards to my 2nd blogiversary. It’s been a fantastic journey so far and I’m hoping there’ll be many more blog birthdays down the road to celebrate. Also, a huge thanks to all who have participated and shared the exciting international giveaway I’m currently running – Win a Kat Von D Eyeshadow palette of your choice. If you haven’t already entered, never fear there’s plenty of time to get your name down as the competition closes at midnight (GMT) on 31 October! *yippee*

In other news, I’ve spent much of the weekend deliberating over various colours of paint to revamp the kitchen with. Here in N.Ireland, the kitchen is always the heart of the home, as it’s the one room we seem to spend most of our time in…. chatting, drinking tea, eating dins, discussing how our day went etc. So I’m eager to make it as cosy & fresh looking as possible. As much as I love neutral walls I’ve opted for a soft pistachio green; well, actually the colour is called French Vine but you get the idea gals 😉 The only thing I’m not looking forward to is the chaos that’ll be caused in my kitchen over the coming week – but hey, as long as the tea bags and kettle are accessible I’ll stifle my grumbles.

Talking of kettles, why don’t you flick the switch on yours, put your feet up for five mins and check out some of the shenanigans that’s been happening here on Confetti & Curves this week…

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GIVEAWAY: Win a Kat Von D Eyeshadow palette of YOUR choice

Monday’s post saw the return of my blogging vacation with by celebrating two exciting milestones with a fabulous international giveaway as we reached a whopping 2000 subscribers and celebrated a 2nd blogiversary ❤ Woo hoo!

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The Nail Tech Haul

Wednesday’s beauty chatter showcased some of my recent nail art buys that clients have been loving lately. Glitters, stamping plates, stamping polishes and gorgeous gels is what to expect – not forgetting a little mention of the giveaway too! Don’t forget to  *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload!

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Seven Spooky Shadow Designs for Halloween 

Are you looking for inspiration when it comes to dressing up your eyes this Halloween? If so then look no further than Fridays post as I uncover some of the most genius creations from makeup addicts around the interwebs! How cute is that little hand painted kitty?

As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy Chums…

How’s your weekend been? It’s been non stop here at Confetti & Curves HQ as we’re now just a few days away from wedding no 1 *EEEP* In other news, I finally managed to find a great deal on some new travel luggage, got creative with nails and spent my entire Saturday evening making cute little ‘Eat Me’ tags for the wedding favours that my sis is currently in the throws of making. Think I may just take the camcorder along and attempt a little wedding type vlog 😉 Could be fun, right?

As for today I’m taking it easy and recharging the batteries! If you’re doing the same and fancy a bit of blog reading whilst you’re doing nothing then why not check out the fun shenanigans that’s been happening on Confetti & Curves this past week – don’t forget to leave a link to any blog posts you’d like me to check out too!

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The Nail File: Bridal Nail Art Designs

On Mondays post I showcased a few of my recent bridal nail designs – there’s everything from glitter, freehand to stamping. Why not check them out and let me know which one you like best! Don’t forget you can follow my nail studio, Liquid Glamour, on Facebook too by *Clicking Here*

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Ten Gorgeous Mid Year & Academic Diaries

Ooooh I do love a spot of stationery shopping, don’t you?! Especially when it comes to picking a brand new mid year diary *excited air punch* So after browsing for what seemed like hours I painstakingly whittled down my top tem choices to suit all budget… perfect for back to school or a new organisational treat to schedule all your exciting blog posts in 😀

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First Impressions: The L’Oreal Brow Artist Kit

You know me ladies… always on the hunt for pocket friendly purchases – particularly ones that claim to get my brows looking tip top. How could I resist? So this week’s chatter is a first impressions of the much acclaimed L’Oreal Brow Kit. Is it really as good as the reviews suggest?!

Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss a future upload!

As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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