Thomas & Friends Personalised Christmas Book Review

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Disclosure - We were sent the product below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. 

I have mentioned before that I love personalised gift. I always find that personalisation adds 'that little bit more' to a gift idea. When I was younger I had a Snow White book and I was in it. My name, date of birth, friends etc had all been added to create a story. I loved that book so much and I still have it somewhere. When we were offered the chance to review a Thomas & Friends personalised book from Egmont I knew straight away that little J would love it. He loves books and starring in one makes it so much more fun.

Thomas the tank engine book


Ordering was simple. We chose the book we wanted and added little J's name. We could also add a friend so decided to add big J. There is also an option to customise the character. We could change the hair, skin and eye colour to match little J. Finally you can change the colour of the coat. We chose blue.

Thomas the tank engine book

Although little J looks at books throughout the day at home and nursery, books are usually for bedtime. This book is a perfect bedtime story. It's just the right length to be enjoyed before little J starts losing interest. Usually once we have finished our bedtime story he will usually choose a book to look at before falling asleep. The illustrations in the book are bold, colourful and interesting so lovely to look at too.

Personalised books are always great fun and I find the child is always more engaged when they are the centre of the story. We will definitely be adding to our personalised book collection from Egmont very soon. I love the birthday book too.

If you would like to order the Thomas and Friends Christmas title use discount code pblogger20 for a 20% discount.

Michelle

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Pampers Want To Help Make Life #BetterForBaby

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Today, our friends at Pampers released a short film which showcases just how babies bring out the best in us all, highlighting that there’s nothing we wouldn’t do to make life #BetterForBaby - if you haven’t seen it, you can watch it here 


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Christmas At Liverpool ONE

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We are so lucky to have Liverpool ONE so close to where we live. For years we had to venture further afield for shopping trips and meals out. Since Liverpool ONE arrived we have everything we could ask for. Now you can drop the kids off at school and you can get everything you need and more before you have to pick them up again. Here's how we recently went Christmas Shopping at Liverpool ONE. 

Liverpool ONE Christmas Tree 2015
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5 Gift Ideas For All Food Lovers

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One of the best ideas when looking for inspiration for picking gifts is the recipients hobbies. Today I am going to take some time and share five great gift ideas for those people who love cooking, baking and food in general. As Christmas is the time to show that you love someone, this list of five gift ideas is a great place to start the joys of gift shopping.
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UNO Extreme Review

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You may already know that we love board and card games. This time of the year we usually buy a few new ones to keep us entertained through the cold winter nights. This week we have been playing UNO Extreme by Mattel. We already love UNO and have done since big J was little. His first ever UNO was Winnie the Pooh, I think we still have it somewhere.


The idea of UNO Extreme is basically an Extreme version of the popular game. The game features a card shooter which adds some more excitement to the original game and also is very unpredictable too.


Playing the game is very similar to the original although there are a few new cards. Three special Extreme hit command cards change game play from the original UNO game. 

Discard all allows players to play all cards that match the card’s colour

 Hit 2 forces the next player to hit the UNO Extreme Card Launcher button not once, but twice.

The Extreme Hit card lets the player hit any player they want by aiming the shooter at them and pressing the UNO Extreme Card Launcher button twice.



If you have to press the launcher you may get lucky and nothing happens or it could shoot out a stream of UNO Cards.

*****

What We Loved

The launcher does provide excitement and makes the game more fun. When you hit it and no cards shoot out you do feel quite proud of yourself even though it's random.

When another player hits the launcher and lots of cards shoot out.

The actual card game hasn't changed to much.

What Could Improve

The launcher needs 3 x C Batteries. These are not included and we didn't have any so we did have to make a special trip to buy some. Worth remembering if buying as a Christmas present.

*****

Currently the RRP is £24.99 which is reasonable and I think it would make a perfect present for an UNO fan. It is available from High Street Stores and also online at Amazon

I am always a little unsure of new versions of games I already love as sometimes they seem pointless, however this is fun, fast and exciting and we love it.





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PNP - Portable North Pole

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Technology has moved on so fast over the past 13 years. When big J was younger he would write his Christmas list for Father Christmas and he would send it off with hope that he would get a reply. Sometimes he did get a reply but other times Father Christmas may have been to busy. Now it seems Father Christmas can reach all the boys and girls via PNP - Portable North Pole and not only can he send the boys and girls a nice personalised video he can also ring them on the telephone too.


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Young Driver Lesson Review

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You may already know that last year big J drove a car for the very first time at the age of 12 years old. I had so many tweets and messages from readers who were so happy that I had posted about big J's Young Driver lesson as they had no idea that it existed. I had seen adverts in the Trafford Centre but I had no idea we had a training site so close to home until he had his first lesson. It's even better now that we have two really close by.

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Vertbaudet Boys Fleece-Lined Parka Review

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I love Winter because you get to wrap up all warm and snug in fleece jumpers and thick coats. Unfortunately my monkeys don't share the same enthusiasm as me for adding layers to keep warm. Both boys actually don't like coats at all, although I do make them wear them when its cold outside they both usually kick up a fuss. After hours of browsing online for a suitable coat for little J I finally chose a Vertbaudet Boys Fleece-Lined Parka.

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Toby Carvery - Waterside Review

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The highlight of my week so far has to be our visit to the Toby Carvery - Waterside. It was a very cold, wet and blustery Monday evening and I really didn't want to head home after the school pick up to cook our dinner. I needed a day off from cooking and a nice Toby Carvery was just what I needed to warm me up.


We have quite a few Toby Carvery restaurants close by although we do tend to drive a little further to the Waterside. Daddy and I used to go for meals there before it was a Toby and it's always been a nice restaurant, even better now.
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Disney On Ice Silver Anniversary Celebration

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A few months ago we were lucky enough to see Disney On Ice. As soon as the show started we were all mesmerised and I knew then that we would have to see another show soon. I am so excited to reveal that Disney On Ice Silver Anniversary is touring next year and its making a stop in Liverpool.

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Holiday Extra's - Holiday Inn Express, Manchester Airport Review

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For our recent trip to Paris we were offered the chance to stay over at Holiday Inn Express - Manchester Airport before our early morning flight, thanks to Holiday Extras. 

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Christmas Tipples Gift Guide

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Do you need to buy a nice Christmas drink for friends or family this Christmas? Check out our top 5 recommendations for a festive tipple.

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Christmas Gift Guide - For Her

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If you are stumped for a Christmas present idea this year for the lady in your life, check out our top 5 ideas.

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Christmas Gift Guide - For Him

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Here are our top 5 gift ideas for him this Christmas

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Christmas Gift Guide For Tweens and Teens

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I find this is the hardest age to buy for but after some research I have the top 5 gifts to but a Tween or Teen this Christmas.


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Christmas Gift Guide For School Aged Children

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If you need to buy for child aged 5-9 this Christmas check out our top 5 gifts for School Aged children.

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EllieBeanPrints Personalised Print Giveaway

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When I first browsed through EllieBeanPrints website I got so excited. I love personalised gifts and when I saw the huge collection of personalised prints I wanted them all. Each personalised print is unique and custom made just for you. I instantly went to the Christmas section as it's my favourite time of year and I found the Family Christmas Print.


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Christmas Gift Guide For Pre-Schoolers

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If you are stuck for ideas on what to buy this Christmas then you can check out our top 5 presents for Pre-Schoolers.


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Little J's Toddler Days - October

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October has been and gone and it will soon be Christmas. Little J has had a lovely October, here are a few of his highlights.

two boys meeting Bing Bunny at Hamleys
Meeting Bing Bunny
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Thomas and Friends - The Christmas Engines DVD Review

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Every year we start getting in to the Christmas spirit earlier and earlier. We have a HUGE list of Christmas films to watch and we have a Christmas CD we play in the car. We usually start around 25th November but this year we have already started when we recently watched Thomas and Friends - The Christmas Engines DVD.

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Autumn Days Out With The Kids

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The summer holidays have now come to an end. Trying to keep the kids entertained for six weeks can be challenging but we found some days out that were not too expensive but we had lots of fun. For some help in finding a day out you can always visit my Family Days Out page or I have listed a few of our Autumn Days Out With The Kids.

woods

1. Cinema 
Going to the cinema can be very expensive when you have more than one child to take. Big J sometimes goes with his friends now and we don't get much change from £20 after he has paid for his ticket, drink and snack. Little J was never to keen on the cinema so we didn't want to pay full price for a ticket so we took advantage of the Last Chance or Kids Screening as these are a lot cheaper than a normal ticket. Showcase Cinemas offer Last Chance and Odeon Kids Club is just £2.50 and you can see films every Saturday or Sunday morning and every day during school holidays. Perfect for a wet day.

boy at the farm

2. Farm
We recently took little J the farm and he really enjoyed it. It cost £2.50 per adult and £1.50 per child to enter. There was an option to feed the goats or chickens by buying a bag of food at 50p each. We chose Goat food as they are so funny and always hungry. Little J thought it was hilarious when they were eating the food out of our hands. There was a woodland walk which was a little muddy but as long as you have suitable clothing for the kids such as children's waterproof over trousers, wellies and a rain jacket they can have lots of muddy fun. We finished off the morning with lunch in the cafe. This made the visit more expensive as it was approx £4 per person for a sandwich and drink. There were plenty of people eating picnics outside on the grass and picnic benches so if you want to cut the cost take a packed lunch

3. Swimming
Swimming is perfect for a wet day. Sometimes on weekends or school holidays our local pool bring out lots of inflatables and the slide is usually open too. We have a lifestyles pool close by which is free for big and little J. John usually takes them on a Saturday morning and it is reasonably quiet. They start in the little pool and then they all go in the big pool for a play and swim.

boy on the swing


4. Park
We love going to the park and could happily spend a day there. Depending on your park you can usually spend quite some time on the play areas, exploring the woods and visiting the cafe for a pit stop drink. 

Beach


5. The Beach
Most kids love visiting the beach and if you choose the right one you can have a really good time. We have a few within driving reach and its perfect for a lovely Autumn walk. Take along a bucket and spade and you can have so much fun, even if its cold and windy. We have some water shoes and flip flops always with us in the car just in case we decide to visit a beach. We then have a little paddle in the sea and have a look for crabs and starfish.

Do you have a favourite Autumn day out?

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Michelle
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JML Phoenix Gold Iron

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I have to admit that I don't do much ironing, Daddy does the majority of it. It's not that I don't want to its just I am so slow so it's easier and quicker if Daddy does it. When I told Daddy we were receiving a JML Phoenix Gold Iron he was quite excited as our old iron has seen better days.

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October Degustabox Arrives

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It's that time of month again when our October Degustabox arrives and we get very excited to see what delicious surprises are inside. We have received many Degustabox surprise boxes over the last year and a half and we have never been disappointed. Even when there are some items inside that I am not to keen on there is always someone who is likes it.


This month we received a lovely selection of products including


Lorina - Coconut and Lime. Daddy drank this and he had mixed feelings about it. On his first taste he said it tasted like cream soda but then he said it tasted like sun cream. He continued to drink it but said the combination was quite strange. He would like to try the other flavours though.


Appy Drinks - Spongebob Drinks. These went down well with both big and little J. I was really impressed that they contain 50% less sugar and calories than regular fruit juices.


Provena - Gluten free oat muesli. 
Kabuto - Noodles
9Bar - Original Carob
The Snack Organisation - Freeze Dried Fruit (Apple)

We haven't tried the muesli or freeze dried apple yet but the 9bar and noodles were delicious. We have had both of them before.


Liberation Foods - Nuts
The Snack Organisation - Sweet Chilli Rice Crackers

We haven't tried the nuts yet but the rice crackers are delicious and low in kcals too.



Chip Strips - Smoky BBQ and Cheese & Onion.

These were absolutely delicious and we all tried them including little J. The cheese and onion were tasty but the smoky BBQ were our favourite. They did remind us of Texas BBQ Pringles.


Cirio - We are fans of Cirio anyway so we enjoyed using the passsata and chopped tomatoes.

Although this wasn't one of my favourite boxes I still love Degustabox and its nice to have a surprise each month.

If you would like to try out or find out more information you can visit Degustabox



*we received the Degustabox in return for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own*

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I Can't Do That Now, I Am A Mummy.

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The other day on the way to work I was listening to the radio. It was one of those 'guess the top answer in a survey' and people were ringing up trying to guess. The question was ' What is the one thing you can't do now because you are a Mummy?' I stopped and thought for a moment and my mind went blank. I couldn't think of anything that wasn't obvious as I knew it would probably be something you wouldn't expect people to say. I was listening to the callers saying things like 'go out clubbing till 4am' or 'sleeping in till noon'.


The actual top answer given my 79% of the Mums asked was ' Bounce on a trampoline or similar type of exercise'
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Savse Smoothies Review

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When we received a selection of Savse Smoothies, I was looking forward to trying them. I was quite shocked when big J wanted to try them to. Normally he doesn't like anything like this but he was really keen to try.

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October Review Round Up

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October has flew by, I can't believe it's November already. Have a look at what we have been trying out below in our October Review Round Up.

*****

We haven't heard of Zoflora before so was keen to give it a try. Zoflora Disinfectant is a fragrant antibacterial house cleaning product which can kill 99.9% of bacteria around the home. Zoflora is concentrated so doesnt take up much space when storing.

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Fisher-Price Silly Wheelie Mickey Review

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I don't know who was more excited this week when Silly Wheelie Mickey arrived for us to review, Me or little J. I love Disney toys and we had actually seen this on TV last week and both thought it looked lots of fun. Made by Fisher-Price, Silly Wheelie Mickey Mouse Toy will bring a smile to your face no matter how old you. Check out our review.

Fisher-Price Silly Wheelie Mickey Mouse Toy
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Halloween - Don't Get Tricked By Treats

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Halloween in almost here and just like the kids I am really excited. I love Halloween and for us it's the start of the countdown to Christmas, Halloween, then Bonfire Night and then before you know it Christmas is here. Although Halloween is lots of fun with chocolate and sweets you will have to make sure your little ones don't get tricked by treats
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Bratz #FierceFitness Yasmin Doll Giveaway

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To celebrate The Bratz life size Photobooth touring the UK and Ireland this October I have a Bratz #FierceFitness Yasmin Doll Giveaway. If you are a Bratz fan you will love the Photobooth as it is jam packed with cool props including pink moustaches, bunny ears, red lips and Sasha's famous bunny boo beanie hat. 


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Our Day At Toytopia

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When we were asked to visit Toytopia I knew we would all love it. We love toys and having lots of different brands and toys under one roof is a our idea of heaven. With Christmas just a few months away it was a perfect chance for little J to try out some possible choices for his Christmas list. I have to say we have just got back from a fulfilled day - here is our day at Toytopia.

Entrance to Liverpool Exhibition Centre for Toytopia Event

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Visit Brewers Scare This Half Term

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You will know by now that we are very fond of Brewers Fayre and we are lucky to have one quite close to home. Earlier this evening we enjoyed a lovely meal and if you are looking for somewhere to take the kids then I would definitely recommend a visit to Brewers Scare this half term. After its recent refurbishment little J loves the new Beano play area and with spooky activities planned for next week I'm sure we will be back for another visit.

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Disney On Ice - Worlds Of Enchantment Review

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It's not every Saturday you are whisked away on a magical journey to Sunnyside Day Care, Under The Sea, Radiator Springs and Arendelle. If you hadn't already guessed it we went to see Disney on Ice - Worlds Of Enchantment in Manchester.

From the moment the lights went down and Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy took to the stage we where all mesmerised. 

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Roald Dahl Storytime At McDonald's

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Disclosure - We were invited to the event at McDonalds for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

To celebrate McDonald's teaming up with Roald Dahl for their Happy Readers Campaign we were invited to a very special Roald Dahl story time at McDonald's in Liverpool. Over the six weeks McDonald's will include a book featuring extracts from Roald Dahl books in every happy meal. An estimated 14 million books will be given away.

arm chair in McDonalds
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Pampers Unicef Partnership - Wishes

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If someone asks me to make a wish I always think about my boys. I never think about myself and what I want my thoughts go to them instantly. Being a parent you put your children first always. I have been following the Pampers Unicef Partnership - Wishes campaign recently and my one wish is always, that I want the best for my boys. I want them to be happy and healthy. I'm sure all parents think alike but not everyone gets their wish. 


Pampers Unicef Logo BAdge
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Young Driver Lesson Giveaway

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The first thing I wanted to do as soon as I was old enough was learn how to drive. I loved the idea of being a driver with the independence to go anywhere, whenever I wanted. It took me a few times to pass my test but at the age of 18 I had my own car and loved it. Nowadays you can enjoy driving lessons from the age of 11 which is amazing. Last year big J had a Young Driver lesson and he loved it. If you have a teen that would love to get behind the wheel I am giving my readers the chance to win a Young Driver lesson giveaway.

Young driver red car lesson
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My First Pizza From Little Dish

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I am a big fan of Little Dish meals and more importantly little J is too. He has tried most of the meals now and little J does have his favourites including Alphabet Pasta Bolognese and Lasagne. I was so pleased when I heard that last month they have included My First Pizza from Little Dish to their product range.


Little J has been trying out My First Pizza and he loves them. The full range consists of three flavours. Margherita, Mini Meatballs & Veg and Pesto Chicken & Veg.

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Organix Goodies Bundle Worth £20 Giveaway

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Little J doesn't always tell me when he is hungry but as his Mummy I have started to know the signs. He becomes cranky and clingy. Have you noticed any signs with your toddler? Maybe they seem a  little tired, cranky, clingy, or you can see the start of a tantrum brewing?  You know then that they are probably ‘hangry’, that’s grumpy, hungry and in need food. 



Little J is a big fan of Organix Goodies and we always have some to hand when snack time arrives. Although little J does eat three balanced meals a day he loves to snack in between and that's okay because he needs it.


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