Sunday 19 April 2020

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #376

Hi again! Where did that last week disappear to? And, from news here on Friday it looks as if we have a good few weeks more of lockdown to cope with in the UK - currently to be reviewed on 7th May. To be honest, I'd rather we didn't get let out too soon. Once the lid is lifted on Pandora's box, you can't just slap it back on and there's no telling what might happen if our exit from lockdown is done too early ........... or not done in careful stages.

However, I'm finding it really tough to settle down to anything connected with crafting, even commenting on the Playground is falling behind all the time - I'm very sorry about that and will give myself a jolly good shake and try to knuckle down. Cooking and baking seem to be top priority for now - I'm trying ideas I would never have really entertained at the moment. When we can get fresh fruit and vegetables then they are top priority to be enjoyed whilst at their best. It's an interesting process, not one I would have chosen given the circumstances, but now I look at an ingredient and its potential rather differently than I did a month ago for sure.

Here's my snippets card for this fortnight, and it's meant for each and every one of you to think of as having been made especially with you in mind:
I used:

- 5.5" x 4.25" white card blank, side opening

- all snippets of patterned paper were found tucked safely in the back of LOTV's NitWit Collection 'Perfect Pair' paper pad, such a pretty pad with shades of green and pink, and touches of white. Still a shame LOTV discontinued their papers, sigh

- firstly I die cut the big 'hugs' word and the 'shadow' using both dies from Pink & Main's 'Hugs' set of dies - and pink and green snippets

- glued them together using a Zig glue pen and set them aside for now 

- then trimmed a bigger green LOTV patterned snippet for the backing and glued it onto the card front

- snippet of plain white card which I die cut using a die from Lil'Inkers 'Stitched Rectangles' set of dies

- checked the placement of the large 'hugs' die cut piece and positioned the sentiment stamps using the Misti

- did a test stamp onto a scrap of paper and then stamped the sentiment words, which are from Pink and Main's 'Hugs Needed' set of sentiments stamps, which perfectly complements the 'hugs' die - using Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink

- next I glued the 'hugs' die cut onto the white panel and added it to the card front which had the green patterned layer already in place

- almost there, final touch was the addition of three black self-adhesive domes to fill out the blank area to the bottom left of the card

I loved making this card, despite almost needing a 'KITA' to get me going in the first place! I chose pretty but I bet it would look great in strong blues for instance - or white black and red, for Valentine's Day perhaps.

Shame on me for not using them sooner - but it does mean I can enter this card into our lovely Darnell's NBUS Challenge HERE. I do encourage you to join in if you haven't done so already - now is an ideal time to crack open some Never Before Used Schtuff and this current challenge runs to the end of April. Hopefully followed by more - if only to encourage us to USE and not just HOARD!

And here is the prize for this fortnight - you didn't think I would have left you out of my shopping spree did you? It's this:
Pink & Main's pair of die cutting and stamping goodies, exactly the same as I used today for my card. The double die set called 'Hugs' and the set of complementing sentiments called 'Hugs Needed'. The big 'hugs' sentiment stamp can be stamped in any colour of course and, if you wish, then die cut using the scrolling word die from the die set. I really love the small font sentiments to go with the word 'hugs' - they've been so well thought out.

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 2nd May. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

It's a maximum of ONE entry, please say in a comment if you wish to play and be a possible winner of the prize. Please also link back to the Playground in your blog post to be eligible for the draw.

Remember, if you link into the Playground and don't say clearly that you want to be in the draw in a comment on here, then you will be bypassed if your name comes out of Mr Linky. I'm sure you all know I ask for a positive 'yes' on the blog post itself - just in case you're only playing for fun - otherwise I don't add you to my little list.

So, another week of isolation stretches ahead of us, here in the UK at least. I've finally managed to get hold of SR flour to do some more baking,  wouldn't you just know it though - we got no eggs in Thursday's grocery delivery (how, why?).

We can cope, but I'll certainly be giving someone the 'stink eye' if he decides to have boiled eggs for breakfast! I neeeeed the ones I still have for my baking therapy right now!

So far Dudley has avoided the dreaded hair cut (I got a bit frightened when I read on a Havanese FB Forum how easily you can hurt a dog with clippers). His coat is staying mat free thankfully, although the daily brush and comb is always a bit of a battle of wills. His latest trick is to almost prance on the spot as I'm doing his front legs and paws - a bit like a Lipizzaner horse!

I found lots of video footage of performing Lipizanners on You Tube. Amongst them is this very short gem, dating back to around 1946, in black and white - it illustrates what I was trying to describe about Dudley's 'groom time prancing' perfectly! Look for the guy on his own at about 30 seconds into the clip :)


Stay safe my lovely friends.

Lots of love from us all - Parsnip, Dudley and of course me,


55 comments:

  1. Wonderful card Di - an a fabulous prize! Dudley is certainly going to need a good clip when all this is over - the little tyke!
    We are nearing the end of four weeks of total lock down (although I had isolated earlier) and there is hope that, dependent on the figures, we may go down to a 'level 3' state (total lock down is level 4) Only a little more social freedom, and some more businesses may be opening if they can fulfill the govt requirements for social distancing etc.
    Stay safe (and sane)
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  2. Thanks for the hugs Di . . . However it sounds like you need some too, so I'm sending some big hugs right back to you my friend.

    Hugs, Sarn xxxx

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  3. Virtual hugs are the only kind we're allowed - lovely thought with this card. I think many of us are doing more cooking than normal just to make the most of small amounts of any fresh produce we can get hold of or to make one egg stretch to more than one meal. Take care - we WILL beat this!!

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  4. This is a lovely card, Di...especially during these uncertain times!

    Poor little Dudley...is he is prancing to avoid the brushing or just from boredom of having to stand still that longÉ Whe you are such a little guy that is full of energy and fun, it must be hard to stand still!

    Will be back with a card. I have one ready but still have to take the photo and write the post...

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  5. Lovely card Di. Will try and join in again this time - if I can come up with an idea that is......
    I'm with you about easing restrictions. Am sick to death of hearing When - How- and if I hear the words 'Exit Strategy' one more time I swear I will put my fist through the TV screen! We know so little about this virus - and why would you want to put yourselves at risk without proper information and before a vaccine is developed is beyond me - yes it's hard not being able to just go out when you want - but it's better than being 6 foot under!
    Sorry have hijacked your comments with my rant - am going now!! xx

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  6. Thank goodness for social media at the moment without it l think l would almost be at a loss - your card is lovely gorgeous papers used and die loved the video that’s an oldie - sending virtual hugs 🤗 stay safe x

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  7. A lovely card Di and big 'Hugs' to you too! I'll be in the playground soon and would love a chance to win this prize, please.

    I'm finding the weekends very strange - normally we would be away every weekend with this glorious weather. Instead we're working our way through our list of 'we'll do it when we have time' jobs!!

    Take care
    Kath x

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  8. Love your card, and sending hugs back to you. Hopefully I will be back to play later. Struggling to find time to craft as have so much work to do, but it helps me. Love to you all from Stanley and me.

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  9. Oooo Love this HUGS card and die! Great job! I cut Maddie's feet and head yesterday! Not bad if I say so myself... but she needs a full body shave soon :)I will definitely be playing for the prize!

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  10. I'm with you. As much as I hate this lockdown, everything we've done by staying home could be undone so quickly. I hope they know what they're doing! Your card is beautiful, Di! I love this prize - please count me in! I'll be back on Tuesday to join in - my DT card is ready to go, and I've used lots of snippets! Your stories of Dudley make me smile - and we can all use a smile! Sending lots of positive vibes and well wishes your way!

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  11. Gosh, I'm first through the gates this week! Your hugs card is fabulous and here's a big HUG right back at you. Only playing for fun again this week.
    Totally agree with you about the lockdown and wish it was even stricter (and enforced) to help end things sooner. Also with you on the lack of crafting... I've been doing a lot more housework! Take care xx

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  12. What a wonderful card. This die and stamp are great. Yes please for the prize.
    Hugs, Chantal S

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  13. Thank you, my friend, and a giant hug right back to you! Hugs are one of the things I took for granted and now miss the most, so I appreciate your virtual hug in the form of an awesome card!

    I gave Nellie her first full bath yesterday and she was so good. (I'd only done her feet and belly before which get so dirty on our daily walk.) I was so pleased, I won't hesitate to do it again. I was even able to have her sit so I could trim around her eyes (horrors!) so she could see, lol! I love the film and can just imagine Prince Dudley doing his prancing while you're trying to brush his paws! Thank you for mentioning the bit about clippers hurting dogs. We were just looking online to buy a pair (which the bastards have double- and triple-priced) if you can find them. You've reassured me not to bother and if the lockdown lasts a lot longer, I will use skizzors and not clippers. Thank you!

    And thank you for the shoutout and for sharing at NBUS. Yes, indeed, it will continue! We never seem to reach the bottom of our NBUS mountains and in these uncertain times our mojo needs that KITA to do something creative! Take care, all of you, and keep safe!! Hugs, Darnell

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  14. Can't beat a good hug. Love that card. Yeah, all discombobulated and dangling in time. Ain't it weird. Glad you and Len and Dudley are keeping well. Please include me in the prize draw. Take care. HUGZ

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  15. A super look with the large die cut sentiment and shadow Di, and the two different papers go together beautifully. I must say cooking and eating do seem to have more importance and interest than before, probably as it is something to do to fill up the day, though for hubby and I cakes are a no no as we put on weight too easily and it is much easier to put it on that take if off...lol. I laughed about Dudley and his prancing like a lipizzaner when you brush his paws. He certainly keeps you and Len on your toes that's for sure. Take care. x

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  16. We have protestors wanting to get back to opening up our country and get back to normal whatever that will be. But why so soon? I'm not in favor of opening up and going back to normal until we know more about this. Like you said once Pandora's box is open you can't merely close it again.

    I'm in for the prize, please. And I do wish for a real hug but will take a virtual paper hug. [Bunny]

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  17. Hi Miss Di, feels like ages since I've made it to the playground, glad to see that the playground hasn't closed down (strictly social distancing of course), we have a house over the road which is only used as an Air BnB, owners turning up to put the bins out and tend the gardens for maybe an hour a week, they have spent 7 out of about 10 days here... Glad to see I'm not the only one struggling with my mojo of late..
    On to your lack of egg, my weird diet doesn't allow eggs so alternatives used are plain gelatin (powder) (1 Tblsp gelatin to 3Tblsp water, some say warm water others room temp), or using chia or flaxseed as replacements...
    I'm playing just for fun... Have a wonderful week... Megan

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  18. Gorgeous card and products - yes please id love to play this month with my little card.

    Life is weird at the moment, im doing alot more wire/beading than cards as i only bought a little papercraft stash into my 'bubble' Take it easy. Stay safe and sane. Hugs Emmax

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  19. Hi Di

    Many thanks for the hug! Sending lots right back at you!

    Great card that would be appreciated by so many people right now.

    Flour is a rare commodity here too.

    Just playing for fun .. .. and to use up some of that snippet mountain .. .. though I probably need to make about 5,000 to make any noticeable difference LOL!!!

    Take care and stay safe

    Love and hugs
    Jules xoxox

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  20. Love your card and sending you a virtual (((HUG))) right back. These are strange times we are living through, it's difficult to remember what 'normal' is. Absolutely agree with you about the lockdown, it's safer to stay at home until the experts decide otherwise. We still have a few eggs left so I think it will be a lemon drizzle cake going in the oven today. I love the vision I have of Dudley prancing around, looking like a bigger, adorable ball of fluff than usual. I'll be a Yes Please for the prize. xx

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  21. Back with my card this time - playing for fun

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  22. I love how you did that card, Di, and your choice of background paper is marvelous! I know I usually play for fun but this time I'm playing for the prize because when I grow up, I want to make a card just like yours! :-D I'm entering my card which is all snippets!

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  23. A sunny and breezy day here in our home. We too remain under Stay At Home and I do agree with you. Lets be careful and not jump in too fast. I also struggle with staying focused enough to finish much of anything, but today I posted a card to a dear friend and since it is mostly snippets where else would I want to post. Di as always, I love your card, and your post, as they always are is so inspirational. Missy and Freckles send love to Dudley and they too are so happy to be playing in the yard or snoozing in the sunshine. I don't need to be included in the prize draw....I need to get busy using what I have....Hugs!

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  24. Di, Like you I am so tired of this social isolation. Our Governor just announced another 5 weeks of "safe at home" time. I work in the field of behavioral health, and am beginning to understand depression and anxiety at a personal level. Not severe, but like you, I am having a hard time staying focused. I just keep reminding myself that this won't last forever. (But it might feel like it!) Love the prancing horse clip. My Father-in-Law saw them in a live performance about the time of this video. He talked about it until the day he died... at age 99.8!
    Lastly, Yes to the prize this time. I like them both!

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  25. Lovely card, Di - hope to join in soon! Thanks for the NBUS link too - good to see that back!

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  26. Appreciate the hugs Di, hope you get mine to you soon :; So pleased I got to play this time (and yes please), and I managed it on my old iPad yay, go me haha! I know just what you mean, everything is so unsettling, I fear we will suffer for some time, but I also know there'll be lots of good things too. It's amazing how many have changed shopping habits in many ways, and less waste. We can appreciate the little things, Mother Nature carries on as normal, in fact the whole environment is better for it! Don't be so hard on yourself, with commenting etc.
    It's enough you are keeping this playground open for us all. Big hugs back xxx

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  27. Imagine our joy when we are finally able to sally forth to the hairdressers, dog groomers and the like!!!

    Just entered my make - JUST FOR FUN this time around.

    Happy Wednesday and stay well

    Kathyk

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  28. Beautiful card. Love the soft pastel color scheme of it and with this kind of big die-cut word you don't have to fill the card with a lot of embellies -- less is more, as they say :)

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

    P.S. I almost forgot....YES PLEASE for the prize (I am trying to get something made for the playground this time)

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  29. A gorgeous card Di, I love the bold sentiment and soft spring colours.
    Yes for the prize please.
    Valerija xx

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  30. I love that you made a card which is a virtual hug for everyone Di and I'm sure I'm not the only one to appreciate it :) What a pretty hug it is too - love that you used contrasting colours for the word and its shadow and more of the gorgeous coordinating papers for the background. I'd love the chance to win this fab die and stamp set so it's a yes please for the draw.

    I did laugh when I watched the video. Bless little Dudley - but he's young yet and will soon get used to being groomed - I did find treats helped when Eva was a wriggly pup! Hope you're enjoying your baking :)

    Hugs, Vicky xx

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  31. Hi Di wonderful to read you're keeping well over there in UK and that times aren't much different over here...slowly basic pantry staples are coming back on our shelves but purchases are limited, I even saw a stack of loo paper yesterday.. I hope all those panic buyers are having trouble storing all their hoard... I even saw cauliflowers for $11.80 AU which is about 6 pound sterling....supply and demand hey!! I'm like you finding it hard to turn on my creative mind..bit better this week thankfully.. I'll add some mojo to the end of this for you. Anyway love your card and I would love this challenges prize..we're all needing some hugs... Hugs for you Di, Robyn .....****#@#@#@****mojo

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  32. Sending a virtual hug back to you Di...thank goodness we have our crafting to keep us occupied.
    Love your card you've made for us all and I would love to be entered into the draw please, thank you.
    Take care and stay safe.
    Janice x

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  33. Just playing for fun this week Di. Hope you are all keeping well. You'll be pleased to know that we actually have a supermarket delivery coming tomorrow and sausage meat and puff pastry are on the list - you know why!
    Funny how therapeutic baking is, I'm actually going to try making my own puff pastry this afternoon and I've just baked a batch of oatcakes.
    Loved the film of the Spanish Riding School. We tried to visit it on one of our trips to Vienna, but could only get into the rehearsal, even then we had to queue for a couple of hours. And then we had to stand in an overcrowded gallery and the horses didn't perform at all, they were just being exercised by being walked up and down the room with no music. The only disappointment we've ever experienced in our favourite city in the whole world!

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  34. I am linking my 'be happy' bookmark here and yes, I would love to be entered into the draw.

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  35. Just playing for fun this time. Your card is really sweet! I finally got some flour, too, but still didn't make my biscotti which is why I wanted it. Motivation is hard to come by these days. Fritz & I are both rocking the long hair look--haha! Can just see Dudley doing his impression of the horses! Thinking of you, my friend!

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  36. Such a sweet card Di...love those pretty papers!
    I can totally relate to the cooking & baking - they're some of my favourite things to do to relax anyway, but the additional challenge of prioritising ingredients, and the unavailability of others is actually quite enjoayble!
    Helen x

    PS - I'm playig just for fun this time x

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  37. Love you card and big huge hugs back to you!!! Yes Please, I would love to be in the draw for the fabulous prize, thank you. What a pickle Dudley is with his prancing! xxxxxxx

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  38. Yes, please put my name in the draw. Would love to win. Thanks for the info about those beautiful horses. Sure would be fun to see in person. Big hugs back to you. Love your card.

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  39. Just playing for fun Di stay safe hopefully we are on the road to recovery although l do think it will be some time that all will be well just have to be careful xx

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  40. I really like those colorful hugs on your card, and what a great set of stamps and dies! Yes please, include my name in the draw.
    I'm trying to visualize Dudley doing the prance like those majestic horses to avoid getting a trim and it's got to be quite a fun thing to see :) I'm glad you're doing well and staying healthy and hope that trend continues until this new way of living is behind us. Take care and thanks for another fun playground!

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  41. Hi Di, love the pink & green color combo of this sweet card. Lots of hugs & smooches back at ya! And yes, I'd love to be in your generous prize draw. ;-)

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  42. What a sweet card! Pink and green is always one of my favorite color combos for cards! And your's makes me feel like spring! I think I will play for the prize this time; it's such a lovely set!

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  43. Hi Di your card is gorgeous I love it. That prize is right up my street so it is a yes please from me. Take care. Hugs Jackie

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  44. Hi Di. A lovely card from you with the pretty papers. Our two Cavaliers are getting rather long haired at the moment as we had an appointment just after lockdown. The groomer did say to try and keep their hair trimmed near their pads, but try doing it! It's definitely a two man job! I will be playing just for fun this time thank you x

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  45. I see, cooking and baking is number 1 priority everywhere, it seems to me that we are cooking and washing the dishes all the time (our dishwasher broke down during the quarantine) ...and homeschooling the kids ... but I totally agree with you that we should not canceled the quarantine too early. we developed a quarantine routine, we are healthy, the weather is nice and we are building all kinds of stuff outside for the kids to keep them entertained (yesterday there was a tent) so everything is OK.
    your card is perfect for this time, such nice papers too.
    yes for the prize, please.
    sending a lot of crafty love.
    hugs xx

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  46. Hello, Di....

    I wish I could send you some of the delicious eggs my hens are laying like crazy right now! Nothing like farm-fresh eggs....YUM!! Love my dear little flock. In my opinion the best thing about chickens, though, is the natural pest control. Hey...anything that can turn ticks, slugs, and other crawlies into eggs is okay with me!!! lol... I had enough extra eggs this last couple of weeks to send a couple of dozen with my hubby on a work trip to give to his mom and sister....and I took another two dozen to church to give away on Sunday! Yay!! Our little church reopened for public worship services a week ago...so nice to meet together again. <3

    Your card is so sweet with the lovely papers. I love the shadow effect of the dies. Yes, please, to the draw this fortnight.

    Take care...stay safe and healthy. Hugs to you and Dudley!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  47. This is a very gorgeous card! I absolutely love those color combos together. And what an awesome sentiment it is in these crazy times right now. Perfect card for anyone on any occasion. Would love to have that stamp if I’m so lucky to be drawn!. Thank you

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  48. Yes please!! I'm playing again, finally!! Just finishing the blog post.

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  49. lovely card... I am playing for this lovely prize...

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  50. Hope you get to feel like crafting real soon and yes I am playing for this lovely prize,
    take care and stay safe

    Lilian B

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  51. Finally got a card to link - playing just for fun

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  52. Not sure if this is working or not Di! Losing track of how many times I’ve tried to comment. Love your musings on food. I’m seriously contemplating bagging and hiding stuff at the bottom of the fridge so it doesn’t all get snaffled immediately! I tried to persuade you on Instagram to get yourself a set of dog clippers. They’re safe & easy to use - you’ll never look back when you get the hang of it! Dudley won’t mind if it’s a bit haphazard at first! It will always grow back 😁 xx

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This is a public blog. Those leaving a comment on any post on this blog or entering a piece of artwork into a linky do so in the knowledge that their name and blog link are visible to all who visit this blog and in so doing have published their own personal details and consented to my use of that personal information should they be selected as a winner or to accredit work.