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ASOS has some great 20% off deals for this Black Friday weekend

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(Picture: ASOS)

Black Friday is coming, and ASOS customers can get 20% off using code HELLO20 throughout this weekend on thousands of products.

ASOS has just updated its ‘New In’ section ahead of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, and it includes a number of items including jumpers, bags, boots and jewellery.

Below, we’ve selected a range of products we’re loving, that we think we’ll love too.

First off is the Stradivarius scarf print bomber jacket

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

The bomber jacket is available in sizes 8 – 12 and features a range of colours. It has a bold print and baseball collar, and is said to be perfect for ‘your warm-weather rotation’. It’s currently selling for £49.99 but you can get it for £40 with the code.

We’re in love with these Miss Selfridge mustard tartan boots

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

These stunning boots come in sizes 3-8. They feature a side-zip opening, a pointed toe and a high, tapered heel. They’re selling for £45, but you can get them for £36.

Release your inner hipster with this Reclaimed Vintage inspired gold plated chain necklace

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

The originally £22 necklace, which will set you back £17.60 with 20% off, has a chunky chain, an adjustable chain length and a lobster-clasp fastening.

It’s the season for high neck tops – and this frilly long-sleeve top comes in loads of colours

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

This high neck top features a lettuce edge and comes in black and grey. It’s currently selling for £12 but you can get it for £9.60 with the code.

Designer fans, rejoice: You can get loads of money off these trainers

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

These Polo Ralph Lauren lace up sneakers are apparently ‘understated cool’ and have a lace-up fastening, padded cuffs for comfort, a chunky sole and a Polo logo on the heel. They’re originally £119 but you can get them for £95.20.

Asos’ Black Friday deals also feature beauty – such as this Lime Crime brow pen

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

The £18.50 brow pen, which you can get for £14.80, has a thin tip for precision, a pigmented formula and is said to be able to create hair-like strokes, so forget microblading.

Asos is also selling home wear – like this cute teapot

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

Root 7 dipped blue tea pot, which you can get for £24 down from £30, features a baby blue and white pattern and comes with a detachable tea strainer.

This season, we’re all about faux fur – and this jacket is stunning

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

You can get this brown faux fur coat for £60 down from £75.

It has notch lapels, side pockets (yes, actual pockets) and will ‘fit you just right’, according to Asos.

These cute earrings are super cheap

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

These £10 earrings, which you can get for £8 are incredibly bold and feature a purple hoop design with snakes on them.

We love this sequin blouse

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

The Mango long sleeve sequin top in rainbow is perfect for all of the Christmas parties you have coming up.

You can currently get it for £64 down from £79.99.

It’s fully lined and has a plunge neck.

Fashion bloggers are loving animal print right now – and so should you

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

This Pretty Little Thing leopard print skirt is selling for £28, but you can get it for £22.40.

It features an all-over leopard print pleated pattern, and has an elasticated waist – so it’s the perfect skirt to wear for when you’re indulging over Christmas dinner.

And finally, this River Island bag is super cute

ASOS Black Friday deals Picture: ASOS METROGRAB
(Picture: ASOS)

The River Island leather across body bag with tassels in tan usually costs £45, but you can get it for £36.

It’s fully lined, features a metallic design, has contrast suede inserts and a grab handle and adjustable strap. It’d go great with a faux fur coat. Lovely.

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You can now buy a magnum of Heineken from Sainsbury’s

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(Picture: Sainsbury’s)

For a limited time, Heineken is launching its first ever festive magnum, exclusively available in Sainsbury’s from the end of November.

The 1.5 bottle of beer comes in a contemporary festive green brushed-aluminium bottle, which features the Heineken logo and gold fireworks.

The bottle top is replaced with a cage and cork clasp.

The magnum is meant to be given as a gift, but of course you could switch it up and go for beer instead of prosecco on Christmas day.

(Picture: Sainsbury’s)

What’s more, personalisation stations will be popping up at selected Sainsbury’s across the UK, where with the purchase of a Heineken magnum, shoppers can add a photo message on to branded gift boxes for free.

Toby Lancaster, spokesman for Heineken says of the launch: ‘Christmas is renowned as a time for generosity and togetherness, so we wanted to launch something extra special this season for people to share with friends.’

Also in Heineken’s festive range this year will be limited edition packs featuring festive bow ties that double up as a bottle opener or feature flashing lights, making them the perfect party prop for your Christmas get togethers.

Heineken’s festive magnums are available, while stocks last, at selected Sainsbury’s stores nationwide for just £8

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Daisy is the the ‘unluckiest rescue dog’ who has spent 100 days at Battersea as no one will adopt her

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Daisy, Battersea Dog and Cats Home
There’s plenty of life in the old dog yet (Picture: Battersea Dog and Cats Home)

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.

However, it seems like little (or big, should we say) Daisy might not have a proper home even for Christmas, and will be spending it in a kennel in Battersea.

She’s now spent over 100 days at their rescue centre, and has been dubbed their ‘unluckiest rescue dog’.

The mastiff cross’ first stint at Battersea was in 2010, when she was just a young pup.

She stayed for just 15 days, but was returned this year, and has had no one register an interest in her since.

Daisy is nine, and people seem to be reluctant to take on a dog of her age.

Daisy, Battersea Dog and Cats Home
How could you not want to cuddle up with this cutie? (Picture: Battersea Dog and Cats Home)

However, the average time spent at Battersea – even for older animals – is 40 days, so she’s proving something of an anomaly.

Battersea centre manager Steve Craddock told Daily Mail: ‘Sadly, large breeds like Daisy don’t have as longer life spans as smaller dogs do, living for an average of around 10 to 12 years.

‘While Daisy is in the twilight years of her life, she still acts like a big baby. She loves to bounce around and play with her favourite people, curl up for cuddles and is always most comfortable carrying around one of her soft toys’.

Dogs under seven spend the least amount of time at the London dogs home, and puppies are in huge demand.

However, dogs like Daisy have a lot of love to give, and can actually be better suited to people’s homes and lifestyles.

Daisy, Battersea Dog and Cats Home
She still loves playing with toys and chasing squirrels (Picture: Battersea Dog and Cats Home)

Steve continued: ‘Older dogs, like Daisy, are already house trained and while many still have a lot of get-up-and-go, older dogs need a lot less exercise making them a lot less work for a new owner.

‘Older dogs are often much more relaxed than younger dogs, and in a lot of cases they would rather just have a cuddle on the sofa and some human affection, than be running around chasing tennis balls all day.’

Battersea describe Daisy as a ‘gentle and sensitive soul’ and say she walks nicely on the lead.

Once she’s settled into a home, she can be extremely loyal and loving.

If you think you might have a home for Daisy, check out her profile here.

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Woman has ‘date from hell’ when man ditched her after she ripped open her hand on a tree stump

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(Picture: Caters News)

A young woman says she had a ‘date from hell’ after she impaled her hand on a tree stump and was then abandoned by her date at the top of a mountain.

24-year-old Sarah Wylie was left speechless when the man – who she says had pursued her online for three weeks – appeared to be more bothered by ensuring he got his bloodied sock back after the accident than her welfare.

The disaster occurred when Sarah organised a romantic first date to climb Mount Tibrogargan, in Queensland, Australia, at sunrise earlier this year.

During their descent down the mountain, Sarah suddenly slipped on a rock and began tumbling down a slope.

In a desperate attempt to save herself, Sarah grabbed onto a nearby tree stump – but horrifically impaled her hand.

*WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT*PIC FROMSarah Wylie/Caters News - (PICTURED: Sarahs injury) - A woman who horrifically IMPALED her hand while hiking with a man she met online has blasted her DATE FROM HELL after he heartlessly abandoned her at the top of a mountain.After weeks of chatting to a man who pursued her online, Sarah Wylie arranged for the two of them to go mountain climbing at sunrise on their first date but had no idea of the nightmare to follow.SEE CATERS COPY
(Picture: Sarah Wylie/Caters News)

To make matters worse, her date – who she has chosen not to name – left her at the top of the mountain as Sarah claims he ‘needed to get to work’.

Sarah also says that despite offering his sock to help stop the bleeding, he quickly asked for it back before heading off alone.

Thankfully Sarah was spotted by off-duty firefighters and was taken to hospital.

The exercise physiologist said: ‘I’d been chatting with this guy who had got in touch with me online.

‘I didn’t want to meet up straight away, so I got to know him first and we talked for about three weeks.

‘Then we decided to climb a mountain together for our first date. It sounded like a really nice idea and something a little different.

‘As soon as I met up with him, I didn’t really get a good feeling from the very beginning. I could tell straight away it probably wasn’t going to work.

PIC FROMSarah Wylie/Caters News - (PICTURED:Sarah Wylie,24, when she went on a hike with a man she had met online on Mount Tibrogargan on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.) - A woman who horrifically IMPALED her hand while hiking with a man she met online has blasted her DATE FROM HELL after he heartlessly abandoned her at the top of a mountain.After weeks of chatting to a man who pursued her online, Sarah Wylie arranged for the two of them to go mountain climbing at sunrise on their first date but had no idea of the nightmare to follow.SEE CATERS COPY
(Picture: Sarah Wylie/Caters News)

‘We had not even been together for an hour before the fall happened. My footing was off and I rolled my ankle and fell.

‘As I was falling, I looked behind me and noticed there was a tree stump so I tried to grab onto it. But instead, I impaled my hand.

‘It went into my palm and ripped all the way through to my middle finger. I knew straight away it was serious, as I could see the muscle fibres poking out of my hand.

‘I’d never seen so much blood in my life.’

Covered in blood and frozen with fear, Sarah says she pleaded with her date to help rip off her vest in order to make a tourniquet for her hand – but instead, he gave her his sock.

Miraculously, a team of off-duty firefighters who were also mountain climbing at the same time had witnessed the accident and thankfully came to Sarah’s rescue.

PIC FROMSarah Wylie/Caters News - (PICTURED: Sarah Wylie, 24, from Sunshine Coast, Queensland) - A woman who horrifically IMPALED her hand while hiking with a man she met online has blasted her DATE FROM HELL after he heartlessly abandoned her at the top of a mountain.After weeks of chatting to a man who pursued her online, Sarah Wylie arranged for the two of them to go mountain climbing at sunrise on their first date but had no idea of the nightmare to follow.SEE CATERS COPY
(Picture: Sarah Wylie/Caters News)

As she drifted in and out of consciousness, Sarah claims her date decided it was the perfect time to make a swift getaway – but not without his bloodied sock.

Sarah said: ‘He had absolutely no idea what to do.

‘He was trying to get reception on his mobile phone, so that he could call his work.

‘He then said he had to go because he needed to go to work and had a lot of meetings.

‘This was only 10 or 15 minutes after I fell.

‘After I fell initially, I saw so much blood on my hand and asked him to help me take my singlet off to stop the bleeding.

‘But instead he just took his sock off.

‘So I just used that until the fireman wrapped a proper bandage around my hand.

‘But the most shocking part was that he actually asked for the sock back before he left.

PIC FROMSarah Wylie/Caters News - (PICTURED: Sarah Wylie being rescued after she fell over on the mountain) - A woman who horrifically IMPALED her hand while hiking with a man she met online has blasted her DATE FROM HELL after he heartlessly abandoned her at the top of a mountain.After weeks of chatting to a man who pursued her online, Sarah Wylie arranged for the two of them to go mountain climbing at sunrise on their first date but had no idea of the nightmare to follow.SEE CATERS COPY
(Picture: Sarah Wylie/Caters News)

‘At this point I was going in and out of consciousness, but all he cared about was his sock, which by then was completely covered in blood.

‘I was absolutely shocked at his behaviour.’

It took another three hours for Sarah to be abseiled down the mountain – which she said was one of the ‘most traumatic experiences’ of her life.

Sarah needed urgent surgery for her horrific injuries, which left her with 22 stitches, while also temporarily losing all use of her dominant hand.

And while she recovered in hospital, Sarah says she received a ‘bizarre’ text messages from her date – who later blocked her on all social media platforms.

She said: ‘He asked me to send him photographs of my hand, which I did. He told me it looked like a zombie hand, as if this was a cool thing.

‘The next day, a local radio station had reported on my story and said it happened while I was on a date. He then promptly sent me another text to tell me that this was in fact, not a date at all.

‘After that, he blocked me on social media, and I’ve never heard from him again.’

The harrowing experience, which happened in July this year, has left Sarah with permanent nerve damage and scarring on her right hand.

She said: ‘It’s just been a complete nightmare. The amount of physical, financial and emotional drain this has caused me is unbelievable.

‘I cannot fathom that a human being could do that in this day and age, I was completely alone, which added to the trauma.

‘I haven’t been on any more dates since it all happened.

‘I just want to focus on myself and career right now.

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Mum-to-be accidentally texts stranger about her bowel movements

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(Picture: Kennedy News)

A mum-to-be was left mortified after a ‘baby brain’ text blunder saw her update someone with an embarrassing message about her bowel movements.

Sales adviser Jamie Astwood, 28, was texting her best friend Jess Taylor on Tuesday morning while using the toilet.

At the same time she was attempting to flog her boyfriend’s old phone over Facebook and accidentally sent a message intended for her pal to the buyer.

After innocently quizzing the man, named Iyanda, if he was local, she then sent him: ‘I’m just having my usual morning plop.’

Iyanda appeared unfazed by the bizarre message and simply replied that he would ‘see her tomorrow’ for the item.

PIC FROM Kennedy News and Media (PICTURED: EMBARRASSING MESSAGE SENT BY PREGNANT JAMIE, 28, AND RESPONSE) A mum-to-be was left mortified when a 'baby brain' text blunder saw her update a punter with a hilariously embarrassing message about her bowel movements. Sales adviser Jamie Astwood, 28, was texting her best friend Jess Taylor on Tuesday morning while using the toilet. However at the same time she was attempting to flog her boyfriend's old phone over Facebook and accidentally sent a message intended for her pal to the buyer. SEE KENNEDY NEWS COPY - 0161 697 4266
(Picture: Kennedy News and Media)

However, perhaps unsurprisingly, he then failed to turn up.

Jamie, from Catterick, North Yorkshire, said: ‘Talk about baby brain. I was so embarrassed.

‘I was mortified when I sent it and Jess was crying laughing when I called her straight after. This type of thing could only happen to me.

‘I’d put an advert online as I wanted to sell my boyfriend’s old phone and I was sat in the bathroom.

‘I had received a message from someone asking about it earlier, then I was also talking to my friend Jess on Messenger.

PIC FROM Kennedy News and Media (PICTURED: PREGNANT JAMIE, 28, WHO MESSAGED A STRANGER ON FACEBOOK IN EMBARRASSING BLUNDER) A mum-to-be was left mortified when a 'baby brain' text blunder saw her update a punter with a hilariously embarrassing message about her bowel movements. Sales adviser Jamie Astwood, 28, was texting her best friend Jess Taylor on Tuesday morning while using the toilet. However at the same time she was attempting to flog her boyfriend's old phone over Facebook and accidentally sent a message intended for her pal to the buyer. SEE KENNEDY NEWS COPY - 0161 697 4266
(Picture: Kennedy News and Media)

‘I was messaging them both and basically sent the guy a message saying “I’m just having my usual morning plop” which was meant to be for Jess. I bet the guy thought I’d lost the plot.’

Embarrassed over the text, Jamie tried to delete it but realised it wasn’t possible. So she just had to live it down.

Sitting nervously awaiting the man’s response, she claims she was ‘disappointed’ he hadn’t responded with something funny.

Jamie said: ‘I tried to delete the message but realised it wouldn’t let me. I noticed he hadn’t read it at first and my husband Sam said to block him.

‘The funniest thing was the man completely ignored it when he replied, as if it was just most normal thing in the world.

PIC FROM Kennedy News and Media (PICTURED: TEXT SENT BY JAMIE TO FRIEND JESS ADMITTING HER MISTAKE) A mum-to-be was left mortified when a 'baby brain' text blunder saw her update a punter with a hilariously embarrassing message about her bowel movements. Sales adviser Jamie Astwood, 28, was texting her best friend Jess Taylor on Tuesday morning while using the toilet. However at the same time she was attempting to flog her boyfriend's old phone over Facebook and accidentally sent a message intended for her pal to the buyer. SEE KENNEDY NEWS COPY - 0161 697 4266
(Picture: Kennedy News and Media)

‘I was expecting him to say someone witty back or make a joke, but he just said “I’ll see you tomorrow morning mate”. I had no idea what he was on about.

‘I’ve not heard from him since. I was a bit disappointed really.

‘I rang Jess straight away and we were both in stitches laughing at it.

‘That wasn’t my day. I’m 38 weeks pregnant and keep doing all kinds of weird things.

‘That same day I accidentally poured myself a cup of Zoflora disinfectant instead of a cup of tea. I also pour more hot water into my bath when trying to cool it down.

‘Hopefully my brain will recover after I’ve had the baby.’

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Dad gets Jeremy Kyle tattooed on his bum by famous artist

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A dad from Newcastle has had Jeremy Kyle's face permanently tattooed on his BUM. And Ryan Porter is already planning to get Jerry Springer inked on his other cheek. Instagram star Jord Liddell tattooed skint Ryan after accepting his dare to get the ITV star on his backside. Tattoo fan Ryan Porter, 27 from Wallsend who has had a portrait of Jeremy Kyle tattooed on his bum
(Picture: Simon Greener/ ncjMedia Ltd)

A dad from Newcastle has had Jeremy Kyle’s face permanently tattooed on his bum. Yes, really.

Ryan Porter is already planning on getting Jerry Springer inked on his other bum cheek, after getting Jeremy tattooed on him by Instagrammer Jord Liddell.

Yet Ryan isn’t even a big Jezza fan – and only wanted some of ‘genius’ Jord’s art on his body.

‘If you could take the skin off – especially in a few years – I think it would be worth a fortune,’ claimed Ryan about his bum tattoo.

‘I could be sitting on potential gold dust!’

He got his first inking aged 15, but said he’s been branded ‘crazy’ for getting Jeremy’s face.

‘I like him, but I don’t like parts of his show – I think it is public humiliation,’ added Ryan, whose bum has been seen by thousands online.

‘But I love art and I love the idea of art being on my skin.’

Ryan, from Wallsend, is covered from head to toe in tattoos, and had dreamed of a sitting with Jord after following his Instagram five months ago.

‘I have tattoos in my mouth and everything,’ said engaged Ryan.

‘I have one in my lip saying “bite me” and I’ve done some myself.’

But the location of his latest made a DIY job almost impossible.

A dad from Newcastle has had Jeremy Kyle's face permanently tattooed on his BUM. And Ryan Porter is already planning to get Jerry Springer inked on his other cheek. Instagram star Jord Liddell tattooed skint Ryan after accepting his dare to get the ITV star on his backside. Tattoo fan Ryan Porter, 27 from Wallsend who has had a portrait of Jeremy Kyle tattooed on his bum
(Picture: ncjMedia Ltd)

So after Jord, who has over 100k Instagram followers, asked for a model, Ryan couldn’t say yes quick enough.

‘I’m skint, but he said if someone is game enough to get Jeremy Kyle tattoo I’ll do it for free,’ added Ryan, who estimates the five hour sitting would have usually cost £400.

Jord wanted someone to get the Jeremy Kyle tattoo – but he wasn’t bothered where.

With space at an apparent premium on Ryan’s body, it was he who suggested putting it on his bum.

‘When he said he wanted it on the a***, well I had to it for free!’ laughed 24-year-old Jord.

‘It was a first come first served offer and he was first – but I loved it, and he said I was the only guy he trusted to let me do it.’

The tattooist and model later shared a snap on Instagram, captioned with a request to ‘put something on the end of it!’ when he dropped his Calvin Klein underpants at Wrekenton’s Ace of Art studio for the sitting.

The tattooist has a huge fanbase there, having done the job for almost a year.

He admits Monday’s sitting was his most surreal yet.

The results have been viewed over 8,000 times to date. Ryan claims his backside’s now so famous, he was sorting his phone contract and the EE customer service advisor recognised him from the tattoo.

Now he’s set his sights on more tattoos. After Jerry Springer, he plans on turning his back into a ‘shrine’ for dead people who have inspired him.

Biggie Smalls will be drawn alongside Albert Einstein under the tagline ‘We Are Not Promised Tomorrow’.

And after his Jezza tattoo, he will make sure someone with talent is in charge of that.

‘I’ve had some messes over the years – I’ve even ended up with tattoos I’ve not asked for,’ added Ryan.

‘I made some silly decision when I was younger, so I’d always make sure I pay someone like Jord who knows what they are doing.’

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Giving birth to another child could have left her in a wheelchair – so woman’s friend had her baby

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Left; Kelly and Kim. Right; Kelly and her two sons (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

A mum has revealed how she let another woman give birth to her second child because another pregnancy could have left her in a wheelchair.

Kelly Bullock, 33, from Warrington, Cheshire, and her husband Paul, 34, welcomed Riley to their family six months ago.

Back in 2013, Kelly gave birth to Brody, now five, but she developed a condition called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy.

Despite operations to help her walk again, doctors said that another pregnancy would cause further damage to her pelvis.

So like Robbie Williams and Ayda Field, the couple had to turn to surrogacy to have another baby.

Brody with Kim’s bump (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

She explains: ‘It broke my heart as I desperately wanted another child but I was terrified of going through pregnancy again knowing I would be even worse.

‘I can’t even carry a handbag without pain so there was no way I’d be able to carry a baby.’

Kelly’s condition started when she was 10 weeks pregnant with Brody.

She developed pain in her coccyx and lower back, which then spread to her pelvis and leg joints.

By 20 weeks, she struggled to walk more than a few steps and was using a wheelchair by 24 weeks.

She was diagnosed with a severe case of SPD, where swelling during pregnancy makes the Symphysis Pubis joint at the front of the pelvis move excessively.

‘I had to give up work and lie on the sofa all day,’ Kelly, who had run a pet care business for 10 years, tells Metro.co.uk.

‘I was told it would go as soon as I had the baby and only 7% of people have it long term. This got me through the pregnancy as I thought it would go when the baby arrived.

‘Unfortunately it didn’t and pushing for two hours damaged my pelvis even more.

Kelly, Paul and Kim in the delivery room (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

‘The pain was unbearable after having Brody. My husband had to take extra time off work and do everything as I could barely move and if I did my legs would get stuck and I’d have to click them back in which was agony.’

Kelly had surgery which helped to reduce the pain but doctors told her that having another child was likely to cause further damage.

Desperate to have a second baby, Kelly and Paul started to look at surrogacy but initially thought it would be too expensive.

What are the symptoms of SPD?

  • Pain deep in the pubic area and groin (between the vagina and anus)
  • the pain can be manageable or severe
  • it can be brought on by some types of activity, such as walking, climbing stairs and turning over in bed
  • you may also have pain across your lower back
  • you might have a grinding or clicking sensation in your pubic area
  • the pain can be made worse by parting your legs or by standing on one leg.

Tommy’s Baby Care

But when a friend Kimberley Bott, 32, offered to carry their baby, they decided to go for it.

‘We thought it would take years to save but then my amazing friend offered to be our surrogate,’ she says.

‘I remember we were having a playdate with our kids and she just blurted it out that she had been looking into it and would love to be our surrogate.

‘I burst into tears I was that happy and excited. It was my only way of having another biological child so we just decided to go for it.’

The couple had to take out a bank loan to pay for the private IVF treatment.

Kelly and Kim during labour (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

Surrogacy works similarly to normal IVF, where the woman takes drugs to increase egg production. The eggs are then fertilised at a fertility clinic and embryos are created. These can then be implanted in the surrogate.

The process was not straightforward for Kelly and Paul.

How does surrogacy work?

Surrogacy is the act of a woman carrying a pregnancy and giving birth for the child’s parents, as they are unable to carry a child themselves.

There are two types of surrogacy; host/gestational surrogacy and straight/traditional surrogacy.

Gestational/Host Surrogacy

Host surrogacy takes embryos made by intended parent/s, and transfers them via IVF into the surrogate.

The surrogate is not genetically connected the the child conceived. The embryos are either fully made up of both intended parents genetics, or made up of one intended parents genetics plus either donor eggs OR donor sperm.

Straight/Traditional Surrogacy

Straight surrogacy uses the surrogate’s own eggs to conceive.

This can take place at home using artificial insemination, using an insemination kit or via a clinic using IUI or IVF with the surrogate acting a known egg donor.

Surrogacy UK

Kelly says: ‘We had to take out a loan to pay for all the treatments. We were told all our embryos were perfect and we got eight after I went through IVF.

‘I thought IVF was going to be horrific but it didn’t affect me in the slightest. I injected twice a day which was a huge accomplishment as I’m awful with needles.

‘Our first cycle didn’t work which was a shock as we really expected it to, as fertility wasn’t an issue with us.

‘Kim had a bleed four days after being implanted and we knew it hadn’t worked.

‘The exact same thing happened on the next go and we were devastated as we had always agreed to only have three attempts.

‘It turned out her lining had never been thick enough to implant so we upped medication and when her lining was thick enough we implanted two embryos as it was our last shot.

‘This is when we got pregnant. We had a six week scan and found out we were having one baby.’

Kelly holding Riley (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

Kelly watched as Kim’s bump grew over the next nine months and although she wasn’t carrying her own baby, she loved the experience.

‘I honestly loved watching someone else carry my baby,’ Kelly says.

‘I got to enjoy pregnancy this time around and see how it should be.

‘Pregnancy was agony for me so I really loved this experience.

‘I never felt like I missed out on a thing. I went to every appointment and scan.

‘I could understand if you had never been pregnant before and went through surrogacy that you would feel you miss out on things like the kicks but I loved it.’

On 28 April 2018, Kelly and Paul were in the room with Kim as she gave birth to their little boy Riley.

‘It was the most amazing experience being able to see our son being born,’ she says.

‘It was a straightforward birth with no complications and Kim was so brave and handed him straight to us.

Brody and Riley announcing his birth (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

‘We instantly fell in love with him.’

Although she hadn’t carried him, Kelly felt an instant bond with Riley.

She says: ‘If I’m honest I did worry that I’d feel like he wasn’t mine because I didn’t carry him, or that they’d put the wrong embryo in.

‘So many things go through your mind but I needn’t have worried.

‘I felt the bond instantly and it all felt so natural.

‘He was the image of my husband’s family too.

Paul, Kelly, Riley and Brody (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

‘We were all so happy including my amazing friend who said it was the most amazing experience.’

Kelly says that having a surrogate was a very positive experience for everyone – though she did have some worries early on.

‘We had such a great bond with our surrogate and saw each other all the time to the point I missed seeing her when Riley was born, I missed the whole experience which is something I never thought would happen.

‘The hardest thing was probably in the beginning after implantation – the waiting and not being able to feel what was happening – and I suppose the unknown of how we would all feel after the baby was born.

‘I was worried she would feel attachment and a bond to our son. Thankfully she didn’t and always treated him like our son.’

Kelly and her boys (Picture: Kelly Bullock/Metro.co.uk)

Six months on, the family are enjoying life as a family of four – travelling the world together and documenting it on Kelly’s blog.

Although they loved the surrogacy experience, they aren’t sure it is something they will do again.

Kelly adds: ‘I think we are done now. We have our two beautiful boys but I’d never say never.

‘We still have two embryos stored but it’s money that would stop us as it costs over £20,000.

‘Maybe if we win the lottery.’

Fertility Month

This story is part of Fertility Month, a month-long series covering all aspects of fertility.

For the next four weeks, we will be speaking to people at all stages of the fertility journey as well as doctors, lawyers and fertility experts who can shed light on the most important issues.

If you have a story to tell or a question to ask, please do get in touch at fertilitystories@metro.co.uk.

Here is a selection of the stories from Fertility Month so far - and you can find all Fertility Month content here.

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MORE: How hard is it to get pregnant if you have polycystic ovary syndrome?

MORE: How to get super sperm like the Danish Vikings

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Giving up buying new things taught me that none of us need Black Friday deals

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Amazon packages awaiting delivery over the festive period (Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Let’s face it, we are well and truly a nation of people who love stuff.

We are a country that wouldn’t think twice if someone described ‘shopping’ as a hobby or recreational activity.

Therefore, it’s not really surprising that since 2010 we’ve well and truly embraced a new retail import from our American friends, Black Friday.

This relatively new phenomenon has the power to convince our usually rational friends that fighting in a store over a pair of headphones you never knew you needed, nor wanted that morning, is perfectly acceptable behaviour.

Alarmed with the growing popularity of Black Friday, Vancouver based artist Ted Dave came up with an antidote, with his now widely celebrated ‘Buy Nothing Day’.

For 24 hours, you can do anything but spend cash. No train fare, no coffees to go. Nada. Instead, you spend the time reading a good book, exploring the outdoors with friends.

Anything you fancy as long as it doesn’t cost a penny. I think he’s really onto something, and so do a lot of people. The day gets more subscribers each year, and I am not surprised.

Five years ago I was a retailer’s dream.

I signed up for every Black Friday sale pre-list, would buy a pair of shoes because I had a bad day at work, and worked endless hours to get that coveted promotion, all because all I ever wanted was more.

We are taught from a young age that more is better. A good education will get you a good job, which at the end of the day equals being able to afford bigger things.

A huge house, with the latest car outside on the drive, and TVs that have to go on the wall as they don’t make stands big enough.

I never took a moment to appreciate my current situation because I was moving too quickly onto the next best thing.

A new car only felt amazing until it wasn’t so new anymore and everyone else had the latest model. So then what? I was stuck in a rut, and I was pretty unhappy.

Strangely, since coveting less things to make me ‘look’ like I’ve achieved a lot, I have actually begun to achieve more personally and professionally.

Luckily, in the search for why nothing I achieved felt good for long, I came across a blog featuring a 30 day minimalism challenge, where it promised to help you re-evaluate your own happiness and encouraged you to live more meaningfully. I decided to give it a try.

In a relatively short period of time it encouraged me to declutter my home, readdress my relationship with technology and the endless addictive scroll of social media, and to prioritise the things that really mattered to me. One day at a time.

How would your life improve with less stuff? Less time spent on cleaning, less furniture and clutter, less debt, less need, want, envy and busyness?

For me, I have become a whole lot more content.

I have travelled more than ever, enjoyed and lived in the now, felt content with what I have, and felt empowered to do more with my own time.

I am healthier, happier and I have a good strong value base.

Strangely, since coveting less things to make me ‘look’ like I’ve achieved a lot, I have actually begun to achieve more personally and professionally.

Instead of material goods, I have spent my money on memories, goals and plans. By actually prioritising my time, I have ironically done so much more.

What I have now is happiness, and that feeling of content I used to try and get from buying the best material things.

I am not unique in this realisation. There’s a reason that the idea of living minimally is growing in popularity.

In an age of information overload, seeing up to 10,000 adverts a day, free next day delivery and social media over sharing of our material wealth, people are crying out for a different reality where they are not forever comparing themselves to others.

If you are feeling too busy, stressed, overwhelmed or forever comparing yourself to others, use Buy Nothing Day as an opportunity to reflect on what really matters to you and makes you happy; list your five priorities.

Then, instead of spending the next few weeks before Christmas, Boxing Day Sales and New Year in stores impulse buying things no one really wants or needs (one in 10 unwanted presents ends up in landfill), spend that time and money doing the things that make you and others around you happy.

Stuff, especially stuff impulse bought on sale won’t make you happy in the long-term, but making sure your money and time is spent on actual priorities will.

You can find Lyndsay at www.lyndsayweir.com

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People with alopecia shouldn’t have to make do with sub-standard wigs. We deserve better

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‘When I lost all my hair suddenly at 27, I didn’t consider wearing a wig.’ (Picture: Getty)

Alopecia patients in Wales are calling for the NHS to fund real hair wigs, and as someone with the condition, I whole-heartedly agree that NHS wig provision should be improved.

Having alopecia and wearing wigs can take its toll emotionally, psychologically and financially.

Many people in the UK are struggling to afford quality wigs and the NHS does not always provide assistance.

When I lost all my hair suddenly at 27, I didn’t consider wearing a wig.

It might sound a bit naïve now, but at the time I didn’t know how many people wore them. I assumed all wigs were grey and curly and only worn by women three times my age.

And, at no point did my doctors suggest a wig or offer me any assistance in obtaining one.

I still choose not to wear one but I now know that I am in the minority for women and girls with alopecia.

Yet, it’s by working with those that do wear them through Alopecia UK that I’ve learned how important having access to the right type of wig can be for those who wear them.

Unfortunately, accessing suitable wigs can be a real challenge. The quality of wigs varies considerably with cost often being a factor.

That’s not to say cheap wigs are terrible – lots of people wear cheaper wigs and look great in them – but many are poor quality and look ‘wiggy’, which is something all necessity wig wearers are keen to avoid.

On the other hand, human hair wigs tend to be longer lasting than synthetic ones and so can be a good option for those who wear wigs every day.

In comparison, they last 12 months to, on average, a three month life span of a synthetic wig.

When you have alopecia, you want to feel like yourself and having your hairstyle dictated by limited wig choice makes that impossible.

Which is why funding for these wigs on the NHS would make such a difference to the lives of those with alopecia. Patients should be able to choose the type of wig they wear and not be pushed into wearing a certain type.

Some people are able to access assistance with wigs via the NHS but it’s not consistent across the UK.

Sadly, we’ve been told by individuals affected that some NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups are making decisions not to help with funding.

This is also something we found when looking at inequity in wig provision in England.

Even when funding is given, it is only usually offered for synthetic wigs with some people reporting to the charity that they have even been refused a human hair wig prescription when they have an allergy to synthetic fibre.

On top of that, Alopecia UK’s report found that the wigs on offer are limited in variety.

When you have alopecia, you want to feel like yourself and having your hairstyle dictated by limited wig choice makes that impossible.

The condition can have a huge psychological impact and, in the absence of a cure, wigs should be viewed as a treatment option by the NHS.

A recent study, supported by Alopecia UK, examined levels of anxiety, depression and social anxiety in people diagnosed.

Clinically significant levels of social anxiety were reported by 47.5% of people, with 35.5% reporting anxiety and 29% reporting depression.

From a survey of 338 respondents, 86.7% of people reported wearing a wig to socialise, suggesting wigs were a valuable strategy to manage social situations.

In addition, 76.3% of respondents reported wearing a wig for work, school or university, suggesting wigs gave people the confidence to engage in society.

This, partnered with the inequity of wig provision within NHS England, is a serious issue.

Things could be improved if the NHS adopted the following recommendations as highlighted in Alopecia UK’s NHS England report:

  • Increase wig supplier choice to patients.
  • Introduce minimum levels for wig provision, to include the choice of synthetic or human hair.
  • Ensure alopecia is never referred to as a ‘cosmetic issue’ and those with alopecia should receive psychological support.

Whilst some people can afford to purchase wigs privately, many cannot.

Of the participants of the 2017 study who purchased wigs by NHS prescription (49%), 28.1% reported that they would be unable to afford their wig privately.

The majority (65.1%) of participants reported worry about affording new wigs.

There is sometimes a failure within the NHS to recognise that alopecia is not a cosmetic issue and ‘just hair’.

More needs to be done to help those with the condition and recognising the psychological impact of hair loss is where all doctors and NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups need to start.

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People who post black and white photos on Instagram might be more likely to have rubbish dating lives

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(Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)

We’ve all scrolled through someone’s Instagram and made a load of assumptions based on their captions and filter choices.

But it turns out that – while yes, we are being judgmental – those snap judgements may actually hold some weight.

New research suggests that the photos you post on Instagram really do indicate certain aspects of your personality.

People who post black and white photos on Instagram, for example, tend to be less likeable, emotionally unstable, and have poor romantic relationships.

Whew.

Researchers looked at more than 25,000 Instagram posts from 179 students, then assessed the students’ personal characteristics through an online survey and analysing the Big Five personality traits.

They found some key parts of Instagram posts that reflect someone’s IRL self: the content of the photos, the number of faces, the emotion on those faces, and the colours used.

It was found that what people were taking pictures of was a good indicator of the their extraversion (which makes sense – if you’re posting photos of parties you’re more likely to be an extrovert than someone who only posts photos of trees and books).

The number of faces showed a link with extraversion, agreeableness, and openness – the more faces that appeared, the more extroverted, agreeable, and open the people tended to be – as did the emotions expressed on the faces in the photos.

When it came to use of colour, the findings were pretty stark.

An open letter to the Instagram fitness model my boyfriend dumped me for
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Students who posted more colourful photos tended to be more agreeable (meaning likeable and easy to get along with), while those who used fewer colours or posted black and white pics were more likely to be neurotic, emotionally unstable, and be in unhappy relationships.

Again, sorry to anyone sticking to an carefully curated theme of black and white. Just repeating the study’s findings.

This isn’t the first time scientists have suggested that your Instagram feed is an indicator of who you truly are.

Earlier this year researchers from Sejong University in South Korea found that people who post lots of selfies on Instagram tend to be more narcissistic… but the same goes for people who ‘like’ and follow other people who post loads of selfies. Interesting.

And way back in 2017, Sheerluxe curated research and suggested that people who post lots of pictures of their partner are insecure, those who use Valencia tend to be popular, and those who post lots of gym photos are self-obsessed.

The University of Vermont also found bad news for people who love the Moon and Inkwell filters.

They found that artificially intelligent software was able to identify those with depression with a 70% accuracy rate, simply by looking at the colour content of their Instagram photos.

People who were depressed tended to post photos that were bluer, darker, and greyer than those who were mentally healthy. The most popular filter among those with depression was Inkwell, which turns photos black and white.

Those with depression also tended to post pictures containing fewer faces, possibly due to reduced social interaction.

So shockingly enough, what you choose to post online may reveal quite a bit about who you are.

Anyone else doing a panicked scroll through their ‘Gram to see what beans they’ve spilled?

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Lush is selling new exclusive bath and shower bombs this Black Friday

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Picture: Lush, Getty Lush isn't doing any Black Friday deals, but they are selling new products
(Picture: Lush/Getty)

It’s Black Friday, so naturally you’re pondering if there are any deals to justify doing a massive Lush spree.

The bad news: Lush isn’t actually doing any Black Friday deals.

The good news: They’ve got some exciting new products in that are worth trying, buying, and – if you’re strong enough – giving away as Christmas presents.

Lush confirmed to Metro.co.uk that they have no Black Friday plans, but if they pull out a last-minute deal we’ll make sure to update this article.

So, no, there’s no solid excuse to buy today, but if you were thinking of upping the products in your bathroom, here are the new products worth picking up.

The Goddess bath bomb, £5.95

(Picture: Ellen Scott/Metro.co.uk)

Hey, do you remember when Ariana Grande released her video for God Is A Woman, and all we wanted was to sway around in sparkling, swirling purple bath bomb?

Well, Lush kindly made that dream come true with a bath bomb inspired by that very video.

Goddess is purple and shimmering, and transforms your bathtub into your very own Ariana-esque world.

Plus it smells delightful, with deep oudh, sandalwood, and jasmine scents, while cocoa butter, shea butter, and argan oil moisturise the skin to leave you glowing.

Shower bombs, £2.75 each

(Picture: Lush)

We tried these at the Lush Showcase and are officially obsessed.

They look like baby bath bombs, but rather than dropping them in your tub you run them under water in the shower to make a mousse-style lather.

If you’re a morning shower-er, go for Not Sleepy, packed with zingy lemon, lime, and orange, or if you get clean before bed choose Sleepy, which is the shower bomb version of that infamous miracle lotion.

Fans of classic Lush scent Karma can pick up the themed shower bomb, while anyone who wants to de-stress (*raises hand*) should give Koyaanisqatsi a go.

Golden Pear bath bomb, £5.95

(Picture: Lush)

Grab this if you’re putting together a speedy Christmas gift.

The pear design topped with gold glitter is super festive, and the product itself is glorious, with Brazilian orange, cardamom oil, and a pear scent with a touch of wood.

Wrap it in one of Lush’s cloth wraps or just chuck it in a hamper and you’re done. Fancy.

Those are the three newbies we’d recommend, but it’s also entirely worth looking out for limited edition Christmas products, because Lush knows how to nail ’em.

We love the Buck’s Fizz Naked Body Conditioner (£9.95),  the Holly Berry Massage Bar (£7.50), the Gingerbread Sparkle Jar (£8.50), and the Yog Nog Yule Log (£5.95).

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All the best Black Friday 2018 UK deals, offers and discounts available today

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(Picture: Getty Images)

Black Friday 2018 has officially arrived.

And we’ve already seen top retailers dropping prices across thousands of products, from Currys, Argos and John Lewis. Not forgetting Amazon who every year reduce the price of their own-label products, including their Fire 7 Kids, the Fire HD 8 Kids, Kindle Paperwhite as well as the insanely popular Echo, all of which are still on sale.

But with so many deals and discounts on offer, it’s difficult to compare prices and not get caught up in the hype.

So here are all the best Black Friday deals we’ve found today. And there will be more to come, so keep checking back to find a true bargain.

Here’s our top picks:

John Lewis & Partners Beauty Advent Calendar, was £150.15 now £115.50

(Picture: John Lewis)

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette, was £43 now £34.39

(Picture: Beauty Bay)

 

iPhone 8 £29.99 upfront (£36 per month for 100GB data Vodafone), Carphone Warehouse

(Picture: Carphone Warehouse)

 

Apple iPhone XR, was £225 now £175 using code, mobiles.co.uk

(Picture: mobiles.co.uk)

 

Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Vacuum, was £369.99 now £199

(Picture: Argos)

 

Up to 70% off everything online at Photobox

(Picture: Photobox)

 

Fire TV Stick 4K and Echo Dot, was £99.98 now £59.98

(Picture: Amazon)

 

Amazon Echo (2nd gen), was £89.99 now £54.99

(Picture: Amazon)

 

Apple MacBook Pro Core i7 Laptop, was £2289.97 now £1699.97

(Picture: Laptopsdirect)

 

Google Pixelbook, was £999 now £699

(Picture: Currys)

Nintendo Switch with Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, was £339.97 now £299.99

(Picture: Very)

XBOX One Fallout 76, was £29 now £32.49

(Picture: Currys)

The best Black Friday deals 2018

Looking to grab a Black Friday bargain? Check out the below pages to find the best deals.

All the best bits of the Selfridges Black Friday sale

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Look! It’s Selfridges! (Picture: Getty)

However much you might have tried to resist it, let’s just accept that Black Friday is here to stay, and as long as you only buy things which you would have purchased full price, it’s a good thing.

Especially when swanky stores like Selfridges put on a nice big discount, meaning you can take home the iconic yellow carrier bag, but with a smaller price tag.

But with so much on the website, the choice can be a bit overwhelming. So, without having to search through every page online, what are the highlights of the Selfridges sale?

Fashion

(Picture: Selfridges)

There are a lot of of highlights here, with big discounts on brands like All Saints and Karen Millen.

All Saints Leather jacket reduced from £318 to £222

Michael Kors shoes reduced from £109 to £79

Adidas trainers reduced from £75 to £50

Karen Millen dress down from £140 to £105

Ted Baker coat, reduced from £329 to £230

Whistles jumper, down from £79 to £55.30

Beauty

(Picture: Selfridges)

The beauty sale is slightly smaller than the fashion one, but with discounts on some impressive brands.

GHDs, reduced from £109 to £76

Philips IPL hair removal system down from £575 to £475

Panasonic beard trimmer reduced from £80 to £60

Philips shaver down from £80 to £54

Ted Baker perfume reduced from £30 to £21

Bags

(Picture: Whistles)

Given that bags are the perfect Christmas present, it’s lucky that Selfridges have just over 300 of them on reduction.

Whistles Verity down from £280 to £198

Folli Follie shoulder bag, reduced from £250 to £175

Dune tote, was £70, now £56

Ted Baker backpack,was £75 now £52.50

Kids

(Picture: Selfridges)

Not actual children, but rather, products for them.

Lelli Kelli sliders, were £20, now £9

Little White Company dress, reduced from £35 to £16

My Little Pony, was £23, now £16

Miss KG high tops, reduced from £79 to £34

Jewellery

(Picture: Monica Vinader)

Monica Vinader ring, from £225 to £168.50

Folli Follie watch, was £165, now £99

Links of London bracelet, was £195, now £156

Kendra Scott necklace, reduced from £65 to £45.50 

Fossil watch, reduced from £259 to £232.99

The best Black Friday deals 2018

Looking to grab a Black Friday bargain? Check out the below pages to find the best deals.

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MORE: Lush is selling new exclusive bath and shower bombs this Black Friday

Woman engaged to a chandelier now has a tattoo of the light of her life

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Pic by Michael Scott/Caters News - (PICTURED: Amander Whittaker, 33, from Leeds cuddles Jewel, the chandelier whilst in bed. Pic taken 01/12/2017.) -Despite already being engaged to a century old chandelier, a woman has gone one step further to show how committed she is to her fianc, she has now had a tattoo of her fianc, Lumiere. The North Yorkshire native had her tattoo designed by star of Tattoo Fixers, Alice Perrin on the hit television show. Amanda Liberty, 34, first fell in love with a drum kit at the age of fourteen and has since gone on to love the iconic Statue of Liberty, even changing her surname by deed poll to Liberty. Identifying as objectum sexual, the Leeds born woman is currently engaged to chandelier Lumiere after claiming I knew that she was the one for me - it was love at first sight. The chandelier which was originally born in Germany ninety-one years ago is 28inches wide first caught Amandas eye when she stumbled across her soon-to-be wife on eBay. Speaking about her upcoming nuptials, Amanda said: We dont have anything booked yet, I have friends all over the world and I want all of them to be there! SEE CATERS COPY.
Amanda cuddling Jewel, one of 25 chandeliers she’s in an open relationship with (Picture: Michael Scott/Caters News)

Not everyone has learned from the cover-up work needed on Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande.

The pain of a laser simply isn’t enough to stop people getting tattoos of their loved ones.

That includes Amanda Liberty, who’s just got a tattoo of her fiancé, a chandelier called Lumiere.

Amanda now has a simple portrait of her beloved on her arm, designed by Alice Perrin from Tattoo Fixers.

Amanda and Lumiere became engaged last year after she popped the question, but it’s only now that Amanda has taken the next step in commitment: a permanent inking of the object she loves.

Amanda identifies as objectum sexual, which means she’s attracted to objects and not people. Her first love was a drum kit, followed by the Statue of Liberty (who she changed her last name for).

But with Lumiere the centuries-old chandelier, it was love at first sight. Getting a tattoo felt like an obvious choice.

Pic by Caters News - (Pictured: Lumiere a century old chandelier.)- Despite already being engaged to a century old chandelier, a woman has gone one step further to show how committed she is to her fianc, she has now had a tattoo of her fianc, Lumiere. The North Yorkshire native had her tattoo designed by star of Tattoo Fixers, Alice Perrin on the hit television show. Amanda Liberty, 34, first fell in love with a drum kit at the age of fourteen and has since gone on to love the iconic Statue of Liberty, even changing her surname by deed poll to Liberty. Identifying as objectum sexual, the Leeds born woman is currently engaged to chandelier Lumiere after claiming I knew that she was the one for me - it was love at first sight. The chandelier which was originally born in Germany ninety-one years ago is 28inches wide first caught Amandas eye when she stumbled across her soon-to-be wife on eBay.Speaking about her upcoming nuptials, Amanda said: We dont have anything booked yet, I have friends all over the world and I want all of them to be there! SEE CATERS COPY.
Lumiere is from Germany and is 91 years old (Picture: Caters News Agency)

‘I was excited to see the end result,’ said Amanda. ‘Before I got it done I was very nervous about the needle, I’m not the biggest fan of them, but it wasn’t too nerve-wracking.

‘The first time I saw the tattoo, it was amazing – Alice’s tattoo was the best fit and I chose her because of it.

‘I was so pleased to see the final result, it was incredible.

‘Lumiere also thought it was brilliant, she gave me the energy telling me it was great.

‘She tells me when she doesn’t like things but she really likes the tattoo.’

Pic by Caters News - (Pictured: Amanda Liberty who is engaged to Lumiere a century old chandelier. The tattoo of Lumiere.)- Despite already being engaged to a century old chandelier, a woman has gone one step further to show how committed she is to her fianc, she has now had a tattoo of her fianc, Lumiere. The North Yorkshire native had her tattoo designed by star of Tattoo Fixers, Alice Perrin on the hit television show. Amanda Liberty, 34, first fell in love with a drum kit at the age of fourteen and has since gone on to love the iconic Statue of Liberty, even changing her surname by deed poll to Liberty. Identifying as objectum sexual, the Leeds born woman is currently engaged to chandelier Lumiere after claiming I knew that she was the one for me - it was love at first sight. The chandelier which was originally born in Germany ninety-one years ago is 28inches wide first caught Amandas eye when she stumbled across her soon-to-be wife on eBay.Speaking about her upcoming nuptials, Amanda said: We dont have anything booked yet, I have friends all over the world and I want all of them to be there! SEE CATERS COPY.
Amanda now has a tattoo of her fiancée (Picture: Caters News Agency)

Lumiere started life in Germany 91 years ago, and met Amanda when she spotted the chandelier on Ebay. Amanda put in a bid of £400 and had her love shipped over to hang in her home.

Amanda is in an open relationship with Lumiere, sharing her love with 25 other chandeliers in her home. She takes one slimmer chandelier, called Jewel into bed each night for a cuddle.

But it was Lumiere who Amanda proposed to, on Valentine’s Day 2016. They haven’t yet made plans for the wedding.

‘We don’t have anything booked yet, I have friends all over the world and I want all of them to be there,’ explains Amanda.

‘I don’t want to marry her without lots of people there, I don’t want it to be just me and Lumiere.

Pic by Michael Scott/Caters News - (PICTURED: Amander Whittaker, 33, from Leeds kisses her favourite chandelier, Lumiere. Pic taken 01/12/2017.) -Despite already being engaged to a century old chandelier, a woman has gone one step further to show how committed she is to her fianc, she has now had a tattoo of her fianc, Lumiere. The North Yorkshire native had her tattoo designed by star of Tattoo Fixers, Alice Perrin on the hit television show. Amanda Liberty, 34, first fell in love with a drum kit at the age of fourteen and has since gone on to love the iconic Statue of Liberty, even changing her surname by deed poll to Liberty. Identifying as objectum sexual, the Leeds born woman is currently engaged to chandelier Lumiere after claiming I knew that she was the one for me - it was love at first sight. The chandelier which was originally born in Germany ninety-one years ago is 28inches wide first caught Amandas eye when she stumbled across her soon-to-be wife on eBay. Speaking about her upcoming nuptials, Amanda said: We dont have anything booked yet, I have friends all over the world and I want all of them to be there! SEE CATERS COPY.
Amanda kissing Lumiere (Picture: Michael Scott/Caters News)

‘She has such a beautiful shape, and I feel really amazing energy coming from her.’

For now the couple will focus on celebrating Christmas, with Lumiere wearing red bows for the festivities, and enjoying their love regardless of what anyone says.

‘People just think I’m just batty – they don’t take the time to get to know me,’ says Amanda. ‘The term “fruit loop” has been used numerous times.

‘I love Lumiere and want to be with her for the rest of my life.

‘None of my chandeliers are jealous of each other, they understand that I love them all for all of their different personalities.

‘When I first saw Lumiere I knew she was the one for me – it was love at first sight.’

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Glossier Black Friday 2018 deals get you 20% off everything online

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(Picture: Glossier)

We’ve seen some great Black Friday beauty deals this year, but the beauty sale we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.

From 23 November through 26 November, everything—yes, EVERY SINGLE THING from cult US beauty brand Glossier will be 20% off.

thumbnail for post ID 8170982Jurgen Klopp responds to speculation Liverpool are ready to sell Fabinho

Needless to say, we’re pretty excited to stock up on our favourites, or buy a pink pouch filled with ‘cool girl’ approved beauty products to gift to our bestie this Christmas.

So to help a girl (or guy) out, we’ve complied a list of the best Glossier products worthy of adding to your top shelf this Black Friday.

 

Glossier Boy Brow, was £14 now £11.20

Glossier Boy Brow (Picture: Glossier)

If you’e looking for a brow gel that will actually define, shape and tame your hairs, Glossier Boy Brow is made with wax, so it will fix your brows in place without looking like your wearing any product at all.

It’s a mainstay in our makeup-bags and for good reason, as it’s super easy to use and doesn’t make hairs look crispy.

 

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, was £15 now £12

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser (Picture: Glossier)

Best used as a second cleanse in the evening, or first cleanse in the morning, Glossier Milky Jelly is a gentle cleanser, perfect for anyone and everyone who wants to take better care of their skin.

It’s pH-balanced meaning it won’t leave your skin dry, or tight. And the creamy gel formula is made with a blend of soothing rosewater and Pro-Vitamin B5 to help retain moisture, so your skin is left feeling soft. Even better, it’s vegan.

 

Glossier You, was £45 now £36

Glossier You (Picture: Glossier)

Perfume is a personal affair, but Glossier You is a crowd-pleasing perfume. The brands first perfume is comforting, subtle, long-lasting, clean and attracts compliments with it’s blend of musky, elegant and rich woody notes.

This eau de parfum is that designed to smell like you–that is, mimic your skin’s own scent – clever, huh?

 

Glossier Lash Slick, was £14 now £11.20

Glossier Lash Slick (Picture: Glossier)

This mascara from Glossier will enhance what you already have, giving you a natural-looking lash look.

The formulation contains teeny-tiny fibers to lengthen and Vegan Biotin to condition and strengthen lashes over time. It also applies without clumping and is truly easy to remove as it’s a tubing mascara.

Meaning, unlike traditional mascaras that paint lashes in pigment, tubing mascaras create a tube-like barrier, that will slide off your lashes with a lot of warm water and gentle pressure.

 

Glossier Cloud Paint, was £15 now £12

Glossier Cloud Paint (Picture: Glossier)

Glossier’s Cloud Paint is a gel-cream blusher and one of Glossier’s most recognisable products to date.

Don’t let the little squeezy tubes fool you, as you only need the tiniest amount of product to achieve a flush of colour and a glorious glow. So it will practically last forever.

Our favourite shades are ‘beam’, a flattering soft peach and ‘dawn’, a striking coral-orange, that looks especially pretty when worn on darker skin tones.

Glossier Stretch Concealer, was £15 now £12

Glossier Stretch Concealer (Picture: Glossier)

For those with dry skin, it can be difficult to find an under eye concealer that doesn’t accentuate dry, or flaky patches.

But Glossier Stretch Concealer actually hydrates with its oil-rich formula and gives it a favourable dewy finish.

Plus it’s buildable, cruelty-free and works best when applied with fingertips – so no additional makeup brushes are needed.

The best Black Friday deals 2018

Looking to grab a Black Friday bargain? Check out the below pages to find the best deals.

MORE: Sky Black Friday deals keep coming on broadband, phone contracts and speakers

MORE: All the best bits of the Selfridges Black Friday sale


Why do men lie about their age on dating apps?

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Men who lie about their age on dating apps
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

‘I turned up for a date with a blonde guy in his early 30s whose profile included a photo of him on a yacht, showing off rather nice abs. But when I arrived at the coffee shop, the only man sitting by himself was a paunchy 60-something with grey hair.

‘He was entirely unrecognisable from the pictures on the profile, but he was holding a book on the Inca Trail, which we’d talked about online.

‘I didn’t know what to do so I introduced myself, and he asked if I wanted a coffee. He was strange and shifty, so I said I’d just remembered something I had to do.

‘Later he messaged me to say he was disappointed that I’d clearly lied about wanting to meet an interesting man.’

Rachel, who was 26 at the time, says: ‘do these guys think we won’t notice that they’ve lied through their aged arses?’

Well actually, this appears to be exactly what they think.

Emile Ratelband, a Dutch guy who’s pushing 70, reckons he has a biological age of 45. He believes that with a legal green light to dial back a few decades, he’ll be doing a veritable trolley dash on Tinder, lining up dates with all the nubile young lovelies. Because it’s literally only the number that’s holding him back.

He explains, ‘when I’m on Tinder and it says I’m 69, I don’t get an answer. When I’m 49, with the face I have, I will be in a luxurious position.’

To be fair, I did once date a 44 year old who turned out to be on the verge of 55 and I actually didn’t notice. Although, this probably says less about him looking youthful, and more about a colossal, clanging blind spot in my retinas, as my friend Lizzy looked at his picture and insisted he was in his 60s.

But while I clearly need to see an optician, other women tend to be more perceptive.

At 24, Urszula dated a guy off Tinder who claimed to be 25, but she knew from the outset that something was up.

Cyber flashing - What to do if you're a victim and how to report it Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

‘He looked a lot older, especially his skin,’ she says, adding: ‘he had wrinkles!’

Over the course of a month, she repeatedly asked if he’d lied about his age, but he stuck to his story until she insisted on seeing his driving license. At this point it emerged that he was 33 – and in the midst of a divorce.

‘He thought it wouldn’t matter, but I don’t want to date someone a decade older than me, and once someone’s lied, you can’t trust that person,’ says Urszula. ‘Who knows what else he lied about?’

Stephanie, who’s 31, met a guy whose profile said he was 32, but he gave himself away as a good decade older during the date.

Stephanie explains: ‘I thought he looked older, then when we were sitting talking, he said, “well, Stephanie I am 44 now, so I’ve travelled a lot”.’

When Stephanie pointed out that his profile said he was 32, he went bright red and became flustered. ‘He was like, “oh, oh…” then quickly glazed past it,; says Stephanie, who turned down a second date. ‘There’s nothing wrong with being 44, it’s the lying I didn’t like.’

So why are men lying about their age on dating apps (I ask, in an effort to appear open minded while a voice in my head screams to shag younger women)?

Tim, who’s 50, knocks five years off his age on Tinder.

He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘I want to meet a woman who’s 35-55, but a lot of women limit their settings to search for men who are 45 and under. If I have my profile age as 50, the only women I match with are aunts.

‘It’s not that I want a young woman – it’s more that I want an active person, because I love to run.’

Having side-stepped the settings that would stop his profile appearing to women who aren’t looking for a man of his age, Tim writes his real age in the bio section of his profile. He explains he ‘wouldn’t want anyone to be disappointed’ if they met.

So far, none of his matches have queried this discrepancy. ‘It seems that age isn’t very important for women, says Tim. ‘They never talk about it.’

William, who’s 33, says he usually knocks a few years off his age on dating profiles.

Shaveducking dating trend
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

‘I normally put that I’m 30 to try and attract women in their mid-twenties,’ he tells us. ‘When I put my real age, I tend to get women who are 30 plus – and if anyone is under 25, you know they’re a single mum.’ The horror.

William, who claims ‘I’ve been told I look 27 max’ says a dating age of 30 means he gets more matches with the women he’s looking for. Sadly, it hasn’t led to many actual dates. ‘I haven’t had any luck with online dating at all really,’ he says.

45 year old Dean says he used to pretend to be three years younger for a combination of reasons.

‘It was when I turned 40 and I didn’t want to be 40 – I found it hard to accept that’s how old I was,’ he explains. ‘It was also because I don’t feel I put myself down on paper very well, and the easiest way to capture how I live my life is to say I’m a bit younger.

‘I go and see a lot of bands, and I know from standing in the audience at a gig, that I’m in the minority at my age. Everyone else tends to be younger. I also have an interest in new music, which is something that people who are younger tend to get into much more.’

Dean says his main aim was to increase his chances of meeting someone with the same interests as himself. He says: ‘The age I was looking for ranged from 10 years younger than me to a couple of years older than me. I wasn’t specifically looking for someone younger, so much as I didn’t want to be ruled out by people who would have ruled out anybody over 40.’

With a preference for meeting people in real life, Dean didn’t go on any dates off the back of his dating profile. Currently considering online dating again, Dean says that this time round he plans to be honest. He says: ‘I wouldn’t take six years off to make myself 39, and I’m actually alright with being 45 – I’ve become more comfortable in myself.’

Ed also toyed with knocking a few years off when he reached a similar age.

‘It was when I turned 41,’ he explains. ‘I noticed I was getting fewer matches and I thought, I bet people have a cut-off point of 40.’

Ed was looking to meet women from 30s into 40s, and found that re-branding himself as 38 got him more matches, despite using the same pictures, all of which were recent.

But Ed’s increase in matches didn’t lead to a relationship. He tells us: ‘I chatted online for about six months then I just abandoned it. I didn’t even go on any dates because I didn’t want to explain why I’d lied about my age. I’m happy with my age and I wouldn’t want to go on a date under false pretences.’

So what is it with men changing their ages on dating apps – and does it ever lead to a happy ever after? Relationship and dating coach James Preece tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Men have traditionally dated women a few years younger, but now they aren’t getting a look in. Dating apps have made people more selective, so men are tweaking their ages to boost their opportunities.

‘They might even use old photos or add a few inches to their height. They hope their date won’t notice – or that they’ll be able to win them over face to face.

‘But tricking people into meeting you is a waste of everyone’s time and it results in disappointment. Honesty is always the best policy.’

MORE: People who post black and white photos on Instagram might be more likely to have rubbish dating lives

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What is Joules doing for Black Friday 2018?

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Joules does high quality cotton clothing, but that quality comes with a bit of a price tag, so you’ll be excited to hear that they’ve got some pretty generous Black Friday offers.

Also – if you sign up for their mailing list they’ll give you £10 off your order straight away. Not a bad start.

Shoes

(Picture: Joules)

30% off on shoes and boots. The leopard print Westbourne boots were £150 and are currently £105. 

There’s also a pair of leopard print trainers reduced to £55.97 from £79, and a pair of hiking boots (nice ones) for £112 rather than £160. 

Kids

Generous discounts across the board. We like this knitted poncho, which avoids the issue of trying to wrestle arms into a jumper. Reduced from £34.95 to £20.95.

Also, teeny tiny wellies are a bit of a steal, down to £15.95 from £21.95. 

And if you don’t love this cardigan,(£17.95 from £26.95) we’re a bit worried about your taste…

Women’s

Joules has a smorgasbord of things for women. This dalmatian jumper is super fun, was £59.95 and is now £39.95. They’ve also got a variety of their classic tunic tops on reduction from £39.95 to £27.95. 

If you’re in the market for a new winter coat, this wool parka is half price, down from £199 to £99. 

Men’s

Joules make classic, hard wearing men’s clothing. We love this navy waffle jumper, originally £59.95, now £34.95.

They’ve also got a decent offer on pants (who doesn’t need more pants?) for £22.95 reduced from £34.95 for three pairs.

Also, if it’s time to replace your winter coat, this quilted one looks lovely and warm and is £89.95, discounted from £129. 

 

Superdrug’s best Black Friday discounts and offers

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(Picture: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)

People are scrapping for TVs and furiously hitting refresh in the hope of bargains: Yup, it’s Black Friday again.

Every year you get the same sage advice: Don’t simply use the day to buy things you don’t need.

That much is certainly true, but who doesn’t need a few more eyeshadow pallettes and body lotions?!

Let’s take a look at some of Superdrug’s top Black Friday bargains this time around.

Revolution

(Picture: Superdrug)

Revolution have some sweet deals on at the moment.

This palette is only £6.99, and there are others starting from around a fiver.

Plus, if you spend £12 on the brand you get another free palette, and for spending £25 you’ll get yourself a free mystery bag.

Oral B

(Picture: Superdrug)

What is Christmas without someone getting a fancy electric toothbrush.

Oral B at Superdrug currently has loads of products at better than half price.

So, you can get this all-singing all-dancing rose gold toothbrush for £89.99 down from £299.

Ardell

(Picture: Superdrug)

Ardell Wispies are the cult lash that everyone wears.

If you’re a big lash fan, it might be worth investing in this big variety pack from the brand.

It’s currently down from £69.99 to £34.99.

Gillette

(Picture: Gillette)

Razors are pretty expensive all year round, so grab this saving while you can.

A Gillette starter pack is down from £17.99 to £8.98, and the blades are now buy one get one free.

Babyliss

(Picture: Superdrug)

Are your curlers or straighteners on their last legs?

There are plenty of discounts on Babyliss products in the Black Friday sale at Superdrug, and their Vintage Glamour straighteners are now just £19.99.

You can check out the rest of the bargains here.

It’s likely that some will last until Cyber Monday, but it’s your call if you want to wait, as plenty of things may sell out.

The best Black Friday deals 2018

Looking to grab a Black Friday bargain? Check out the below pages to find the best deals.

MORE: What is Joules doing for Black Friday 2018?

MORE: Glossier Black Friday 2018 deals get you 20% off everything online

Lego’s Black Friday 2018 deals

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(Picture: Lego)

Black Friday weekend is here, and Lego has got a whole bunch of deals for the kids – or for any adult who absolutely loves Lego, of course.

Every day, Lego will offer a big deal for anyone looking to save money, which includes a free movie, but there are lots of deals available over the weekend, including Cyber Monday.

This includes The Joker Manor

(Picture: Lego)

The Joker Manor is ‘packed with iconic details’ from the Batman movie set. It includes a rollercoaster around a building, a huge buildable The Joker head with a trapdoor and slide, punching boxing gloves, a rocking The Joker sign and a rotating ‘big eye’ tower.

It’s currently £199.99 down from £249.99.

Next up is the MINI Cooper

This green replica of the classic MINI Cooper is full of authentic details, including a white colour scheme with white wing mirrors and racing stripes. It has opening doors, a hood and trunk, sporty fog lights, a detailed engine and a separate spare tire compartment.

It costs £55.99, down from £79.99, as this Lego car is currently Lego’s deal of the day, with 30% off.

The Lego Mindstorm EV3

(Picture: Lego)

You can build your own walking, talking and thinking robot, complete with a series of challenging missions using the intuitive icon-based EV3 Programmer App for tablet devices to build and program TRACK3R, R3PTAR, SPIK3R, EV3RSTORM and GRIPP3R, and then create your own programs.

It’s selling for £239.99, down from £299.99.

If you’re more into Disney, Cinderella’s Dream Castle is for you

(Picture: Lego)

Down to £55.99 from £69.99, the castle is the ‘ultimate set to play out your fairytales, whether recreating scenes from Disney’s Cinderella or creating new stories of your own’.

It features a grand dining room, bedroom, dressing area, kitchen, fireplace and balcony, there’s so much to explore and hidden secrets to discover in this popular building toy for kids.

Farm Adventures is perfect for younger kids

(Picture: Lego)

Down to £43.99 from £54.99, this set is perfect for toddlers.

It features a barn and a whole bunch of animals to play with.

Heartlake City Pet Center

(Picture: Lego)

Selling for £43.99 down from £54.99, Heartlake City Pet Center features a pet shop selling animal food, accessories and fish, while upstairs there’s a vet clinic with an examination table, scales and a sleeping area.

There’s also a small animal playground with a seesaw and a pet grooming parlour, along with a vehicle for mobile grooming services.

And finally, for all ages, is the classic Bricks

(Picture: Lego)

Build what you want, when you want, with 1,500 Lego bricks. This’ll set you back £39.99, down from £49.99.

The best Black Friday deals 2018

Looking to grab a Black Friday bargain? Check out the below pages to find the best deals.

MORE: Superdrug’s best Black Friday discounts and offers

MORE: Glossier Black Friday 2018 deals get you 20% off everything online

When do Black Friday deals end? Don’t miss any of the offers

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Black Friday is more than just a day (Picture: Getty Images)

Once upon a time Black Friday may have just been about one day of bargains, but those days are long gone.

You will have seen offers cropping up all week in the build up to Black Friday, and with Cyber Monday taking place next week, they will keep on coming.

Tim Allen reveals original Santa Clause script was 'much darker'Tim Allen reveals original The Santa Clause script had a much 'darker' twist

For many places, there are 10 or 12 days of deals all together, however, you can’t always know how long a certain offer will last for.

With so many different outlets producing so many different discounts, they inevitably end at entirely different times.

Vector realistic isolated neon sign of Black Friday lettering for decoration and covering on the transparent background. Concept of sale, clearance and discount.; Shutterstock ID 731488546; Purchase Order: -
Black Friday will rumble on for a while (Picture: Shutterstock)

Traditionally, Black Friday discounts came to a close at 11.59pm on the day itself, or when the discounted stock ran out.

For some retailers, this is still the case and Amazon has plenty of ‘Deals of the Day’ which will end as Black Friday becomes regular Saturday.

However, many places are rolling over their deals until Monday, such as Currys PC World, which is offering a range of discount codes which ‘Must end Monday!’

The only way to know when Black Friday deals end is to check the specific retailer, and then the specific product as there may well not be a set end time for a shop.

If you have seen something you like, check the Terms and Conditions of the offer and it will tell you when the offer is set to expire.

Best of luck!

Looking to grab a Black Friday bargain? Check out the below pages to find the best deals.

MORE: Vodafone’s top Black Friday bargains

MORE: The pick of the Currys PC World Black Friday deals on televisions, tablets, laptops and much more

 

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