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Document Type: Original Research Article
1 PhD ,Assistan t professor, department of midwifery, school of nursing and midwifery, shiraz university of medical science, Shiraz, Iran
2 Professor, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center (MRHRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Depar tment of Public Health, Faculty of Health, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Globally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present a serious public health burden and are recognized as one of the major contributing factors to acute illnesses, infertility, long-term disability, and mortality (1). As indicated in the growing body of evidence, the global incidence of STIs is substantially increasing (1, 2). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are annually over 90, 62, and 12 million cases of Chlamydia trachoma (C. trachoma) infection, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection, and syphilis, respectively, in the males and females aged 15-49 years.
It is estimated that out of the 15 million (13.3%) new identified cases of STIs among the individuals within the age of 15-49 years, approximately 2 million infections occur in the pregnant women (3). In addition, the direct physical, psychological, and social consequences of STIs have a major impact on the quality of life, which are the prime indicators of the quality of global sexual and reproductive health care. Equitable access to primary health care and provider's expertise in the risk assessment, screening, and treatment of STIs are critical factors in the prevention of the adverse pregnancy outcomes (4).
Every year, an estimated 200 million women in the world become pregnant, among whom approximately 2.5 million are identified as HIV-positive. This fact presents the world's health services with major challenges regarding the protection of the pregnant women who have not acquired the virus against the respective complications. In other words, annually, 99% of the women who become pregnant need empowerment and assistance in order not to be affected by HIV (3). The biological, social, cultural, economic, and gender-based factors that contribute to women's vulnerability to HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other STIs are readily well-documented (4-6).
No epidemiological surveys of STIs have been conducted in Iran owing to technical, economic, and social barriers (7). Furthermore, the local studies are infrequent and uneven in their coverage of various groups (8). Based on the annual official reports, one million cases of STIs have so far been identified in Iran. This attaches special prominence to this issue and necessitates focused attention on the part of the Iranian health authorities, placing it at the upper half of the countries' health priority list (i.e., authorities need to work against the spread of STIs).
Moreover, the prevalence of some factors signifies the importance of directing extra attention to high-risk sexual behaviors. These factors include the high proportion of youth in Iran and an alarming increase in the level of their involvement in risky sexual relations/behaviors (as observed in the recent studies reporting 20-30% extramarital sex in single men and 70% mulipartnerity), commercial sex and sexual relations of men with their temporary wives as contributing factors to gonorrhea (64% and 24% of the men are affected by means of commercial sex and sexual relations with their temporary wives, respectively), and the frequency of dissatisfaction with condom use (reported by one fifth of the female workers, who are consistent condom users in Tehran, and less than a quarter of the young people with pre-marital sex) (9).
Unsafe sexual intercourse is one of the leading causes of acquiring HIV in the females. Good examples are those regions/provinces where men immigrate to seek jobs (10). In such cases, the rate of virus transmission via sexual intercourse is equal to that of drug injection (11). According to the experts, the role of sexual intercourse, as one of the contributing factors to HIV and STIs, has not been fully considered (11). Based on the WHO (2010), most of the infections occurring before the conception and during the pregnancy are neglected by many women due to their limited access to respective health care and drugs or the mildness of the STIs symptoms.
Safe motherhood critically depends on the provision and practice of high-quality reproductive health care measures and must involve empowerment strategies. The safe motherhood is achieved by fulfilling the rights of the women (12). Like feminine, such labeling issues as family planning, pregnancy, childbirth, and child health have often led to the exclusion of men from spaces and services providing the opportunity to learn more about reproductive, maternal, and child health (13). Meanwhile, the equal right of both genders to have access to health services should be recognized.
The definitions of safe motherhood are based on an exclusively women's right approach to the inclusion of men. As a human right issue, both men and women ought to have access to reproductive health services. The gender-sensitive safe motherhood incorporates processes that enable the men and women across all segments of society to advocate their rights. There is also a particular need to involve both males and females during the pregnancy and breastfeeding periods in effort to prevent STIs and HIV. This aids the women to seek effective ways for the removal of gender inequities, which are critical for successful STI /HIV prevention interventions (14).
The majority of the current studies have focused on investigating the spread of sexually transmitted diseases during the pregnancy. Traditional beliefs and doubts about the harms of sexual intercourse on the mother and neonate during the pregnancy and health workers conveying incorrect information may lead to long marital sexual abstinence during the pregnancy and postpartum (15). During this time, men may fall victim to extra-material sex without a condom (16-18), which may in turn lead to woman's STI /HIV seroconversion during the pregnancy (18).
The prevention interventions around the globe indicate that the women find it difficult to choose or enact condom use given that they are largely used by men. Furthermore, it is revealed that the gender-power relations affect safer sex negotiations (19). However, the enhancement of the negotiation skills in the females, their empowerment to request condom use, and elevation of their awareness about the importance of having sex with one partner do not guarantee the monogamy of the partners (20).
Studies also stressed the correlation between the traditional gender roles and risk factor(s), revealing how men are socialized to initiate and expect sex unlike the women who are accustomed to be responsive to their request and focus on the partners' wants and needs (21). Despite the global identification of gender-related effects on STI prevention, particularly during the pregnancy, the safe motherhood program does not support drawing men's attention to defending their reproductive rights or those of their spouses.
Contrary to the stated assertions, these programs raise the chance of identifying sexual inequalities (which may play a prominent role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases) and aid the women in the elimination of the risk factors associated with gender-related effects. With this background in mind, the present qualitative exploratory study was conducted to provide an in-depth understanding of the participants' perceptions about the integration of gender-sensitive approach to safe motherhood program for the prevention of STIs/HIV in Iran.
Materials and Methods
Study design and sampling
This qualitative exploratory study was conducted on 32 key informants working in the health policy and reproductive health areas. The participants included policymakers (n=10), academics (n=9), and reproductive health providers (n=13), who were selected using the purposive sampling method, followed by the snowball sampling technique (Table 1). All policy makers worked in the Tehran Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the other participants worked in Shiraz governmental clinics. Caution was exercised to include those individuals with adequate knowledge and experience about the reproductive health services at local and national levels.
Data collection
The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The interview was validated by three experienced university professors of reproductive health. Additionally, the participants' opinions about the gender-related issues in the safe motherhood services, the social norms affecting STIs prevention, and their experiences in effective screening were also considered in validating the interview. The interviews were performed in the state clinics and managers' offices and designed so that it gave the participants the chance to clarify their opinions and respond to the prompts.
The direct interviews were audio-recorded, and each interview took 45-90 min.
A supplementary interview was sometimes needed to explore the complete perception. The interviews were continued until data saturation, and finally, 34 interviews were carried out. The collected data were analyzed using the
Table 1. Descriptive statistics of the participants' age and work experience
Median (inter-quantile rang)
inductive content analysis approach. To this aim, the researchers read and coded the interview transcripts and field notes. Subsequently, they generated initial codes from the ideas and notes explored in the interviews. The codes were examined for groupings and the ones that formed a broader theme were identified. To ensure the trustworthiness of the study, the Lincoln and Guba's criteria were employed (22).
Ethical considerations
The present project was submitted to the Ethics Research Committee of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and approved under the code number of SBMU.REC.1393.452. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Additionally, they were assured about the confidentiality of their information and the possibility to withdraw from the study as soon as they intended to.
According to the results, 22 participants were female. Based on the collected data, two main categories were formed, namely the prevention of STIs/HIV among the males in the safe motherhood program and gender-sensitivity in primary maternal STIs/HIV prevention. Each of the categories was further divided into some subcategories. The former was divided into two categories, including the accountability to men's own sexual health needs and the prevention of the men's adverse health effects on women's STIs/HIV status.
On the other hand, the latter was categorized into five groups, including condom negotiation skills in women, mandatory pre-marital (including temporary marriage) HIV test policy, partner notification guidelines, STI/HIV risk assessment in safe motherhood services, and women right-based instruction for prenatal HIV screening in private services (Table 2).
1. Gender-sensitive approach to the prevention of STIs/HIV in males
Despite the difference in expression, almost all the participants emphasized that the reproductive health policy makers/designers tend to describe the disadvantaged position of the females regardless of the men's needs since the goal(s) of such programs usually focus on the women.
1.1. Accountability to men's own sexual health needs
The majority of the participants pointed to the fact that a gender-equitable approach, which involves the men in the safe motherhood programs, has been neglected. They acknowledged that only integrated STIs/HIV program works effectively. One of the participants simply puts it:
"The role of men in our health environment has been oversimplified and is merely approached from their impact on females' reproductive health. This approach is clearly
Table 2. Theme, categories, and codes extracted from participants perception towards the integration of gender-sensitive STIs/HIV prevention to safe motherhood program
Integration of gender-sensitive STIs/HIV prevention to safe motherhood program
1- Prevention of STIs/HIV among males in safe motherhood program
a- Accountability to men's own sexual health needs
b- Prevention of ill-health effects of men on women's STIs/HIV status
2- Gender-sensitivity in primary maternal STIs/HIV prevention
a- Condom negotiation skills in women
b- Mandatory pre-marital (including temporary marriage) HIV test policy
c- Partner notification guidelines
d- STI/HIV risk assessment in safe motherhood services
e- Women' right-based instruction for prenatal HIV screening in safe motherhood services
STI: sexually transmitted infection, HIV: human immunodeficiency virus
reflected in the governmental documents that address the reproductive health goals. For instance, one does not usually come across any signs of establishing male-friendly services or monitoring men-sensitive indicators. The safe motherhood program is a window of opportunity for educating the men regarding safe sex skills and talking about their sexual health discomforts." (Safe motherhood manager with 10 years of experience)
The participants considered the traditional STI prevention to be ineffective and recommended the development and practice of new approaches:
"In reality, our health providers block the men's involvement in STI screening in the antenatal clinics. The fact is deeply rooted in our cultural and political beliefs and values, which reject the men's involvement in such programs. For instance, there is no yardstick for the measurement of the men's knowledge and/or skills in condom use, access to STIs services, fertility desire and problems, etc." (Safe motherhood provider with 20 years of experience)
1.2. Prevention of ill-health effects of men on women STIs/HIV status
According to the participants, the men's assumptions of masculinity, their right to greater power, and the effect of these assumptions on their health and their wives are among the factors that should be considered in the safe motherhood education program:
"Neglecting the men's need for STIs prevention knowledge and access to services often results in increased morbidity of both men and women. The men are often less knowledgeable about sexual problem(s) and STIs, compared to the females; however, they are reluctant to admit. The preconception STIs counseling and screening could be regarded as an entry-point and a path to the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases from males to females. These counseling and screenings can also be a starting point for developing talks, raising issues about sexual risks, and correcting the manhood cultural misconception" (STIs prevention manager with 20 years of experience).
System barrier was another factor pointed out by the participants:
"We have no practical guidelines to prevent the men from getting involved in risky sexual behaviors while their wives are pregnant. We lack appropriate facilities and/or health providers to support the infected men even when the women report their husband's symptoms, which result in the spread of the infection" (STIs prevention manager with 15 years of experience).
2. Primary maternal STIs/HIV prevention and gender-sensitive factors
Most of the participants stressed the importance of primary prevention of STIs/HIV among the women of reproductive age to reduce vertical transmission. The key informants talked about the guidelines and practical instruments, based on which the gender-sensitive factors affecting the successful practice of STIs/HIV prevention programs emerged.
2.1. Condom negotiation skills in women
The participants mentioned the gender inequity and women's lower power status to initiate condom use as the gender-related barriers to primary STIs:
"Some pregnant women report their reluctance to have sex with their husbands who seem to have had extra-marital relations, which resulted in being abused by forced sex, and consequently vaginal or anal tears that can expedite STI transmission. The females are helpless, and they are not equipped with condom use negotiation skills or unable to resist engaging in risky behavior." (STIs prevention provider with 40 years of experience)
An expert safe motherhood provider explored the causes of the women's inability in condom use negotiation with their husbands as follows:
"The women's inability to negotiate condom use contributes to such factors as the lack of confidence, worries about men resorting to ex-marital sexual relations in the absence of proper sex at home, and our system's inability to protect the women's reproductive rights. This results in the exposure of the women to insecure sexual intercourse and an increase in STIs including HIV/AIDS." (STIs prevention provider with 10 years of experience)
The STIs prevention counselors emphasized the importance of protecting women's rep-roductive rights in the safe motherhood guidelines:
"The majority of the pregnant women at risk are monogamous and married. Most of them know about their husband's risky behavior and almost all are afraid of the chance of getting STIs from them. They talked about their problems; however, unfortunately, there are no guidelines to help them." (Safe motherhood provider with 20 years of experience)
2.2. Mandatory pre-marital (including tem-porary marriage) HIV test policy
Most of the participants agreed with pre-marital and pre-conception mandatory HIV test. Meanwhile, they said that they were restricted by law(s). A marital counselor stated:
"The current laws governing marriages are in need of revision. Today, the marriage age in Iran for girls and boys has considerably increased. This increase in turn enhances the chances of getting involved in pre-marital sexual relations, which in turn endangers their health and that of their future partners. It is common knowledge that most of the infected women get affect via marital sex. We need to screen and treat those infected people who seek medical assistance." (Family health manager with 15 years of experience)
Additionally, an expert STIs preventive manager expressed:
"Temporary marriages are performed easily and people interpret it in different ways. Regarding this, the health managers should devise a plan and facility to prevent STIs from spreading. This may be achieved by encouraging the infected individuals to clarify their infectious status because they might belong to the high risk group." (STIs prevention manager with 20 years of experience)
2.3. Partner notification guidelines
Another issue that appeared in our study was the STIs partner notification. The females' perceived gender-related barriers to tell their partners were highlighted by a STIs program manager as follows:
"I think that women are afraid of telling their husbands about STIs, especially when it comes to AIDS. For example, there were times that we asked the infected women to ask their husbands to come in for a talk. The women expressed their fear; however, they said that they were not in a position to tell their husbands about STIs. Some even mentioned the right of men in getting re-married, and they were afraid of rejection and accusation of extra-marital relationships.
" (STIs prevention manager with 14 years of experience)
The majority of the participants stated that the political advocacy of women's rights could oblige the men to notify their wives:
"In one case, we had a HIV-positive male patient, who had not informed his wife about his illness. In fact, he had been well aware of his illness for years without telling his wife. The result of this was a pregnant HIV-positive woman. More interestingly, he did not feel the least pity, assuming that he had done the right thing." (Health behavior diseases specialist with 10 years of experience)
The legislation of gender-sensitive partner notification was highlighted by almost all the participants:
"Treatment of STIs may require making confessions about having had different sex partners. This may be harmful to the patient's family structure. Therefore, even in cases where men with STIs infection are identified, we are unable to inform their wives. We are left with no choice than to stay neutral and avoid getting involved in the person's private life. The problem would be much easier to handle if a 'Right-Based Partner Notification Act' was passed. We need to be empowered to protect the clients." (Academic member with 16 years of experience)
2.4. STI/HIV risk assessment in safe motherhood services
The majority of the providers also questioned the effectiveness of the current STI/HIV risk assessment in the antenatal clinics:
"We are left with HIV-positive women who are diagnosed when it is too late. For instance, in the private hospitals, prior to cesarean section, he women have routine antenatal visits even though they prefer to say nothing about their risk factors. It is unrealistic to expect the providers to explore such a sensitive issue in a typical limited consultation time framework and improper context."
Another expert provider added:
"In further examination, I found that many women in this clinic had been exposed to their husband's risky sexual behavior without reporting it" (Family health provider with 12 years of experience)
The interviews showed the necessity to establish an environment that encourages the client's disclosure of private information:
"A deep understanding of the aspects of STIs risk assessment requires specialty, spending time, and counseling skills. However, this sensitive issue does not usually receive especial attention. We ask about the clients' sexual relations in the same way we do for nutrition or immunization status." (Academic staff with 20 years of experience)
2.5. Women right-based instruction for prenatal HIV screening in safe motherhood services
The key informants explained the hidden problems arisen from the lack of a unique standard for prenatal HIV screening and women's reproductive rights:
"The midwives and obstetricians tell the clients that HIV testing is a routine part of the prenatal care, which is requested with other routine antenatal tests without pretest counseling. After the involuntary disclosure of the women's HIV status, we face mothers who decide to terminate their pregnancies or husbands who stigmatize their wives. A great number of antenatal services are covered by the private sectors, which are not familiar with the women's reproductive rights. The health managers do not monitor the quality of prenatal HIV screening." (Midwife with 20 years of experience)
Another STI counselor added:
"We live in a society with gender inequity where women are easily stigmatized. The health managers should oblige the testing centers (private sectors) to keep the HIV test results confidential. The administration of effective pre- and post-test couple counseling, enhancement of the couple's knowledge about AIDS, and provision of psychological supports are also necessary." (Health behavior diseases specialist with 10 years of experience)
A health manager puts it as follows:
"My many years of experience working with HIV-positive patients tell me that after the disclosure of the HIV-positive status of couples, most of the men put the blame on their wives. The men emphasize their right to remarry or divorce the infected women. Therefore, the gender-based discrimination requires close attention." (Maternal Health manager with 24 years of experience)
The participants reviewed the existing safe motherhood program and identified the factors that affected successful STIs prevention. The interviews in the present study stressed many gender-related factors, which were neglected in our policies. Basic approach to men's involvement and its prominence were investigated on two grounds, namely men's own sexual health needs and rights, and men's sexual health effect on maternal and neonatal health.
Overall, the results of other qualitative studies are in line with our findings indicating that he young men without access to information and guidance about sexuality and protective sexual behaviors are ill-prepared to navigate their sexual lives (23). While the safe motherhood program could be the onset of treating men's sexual diseases, they had limited access to these services. Based on our participants' disclosure, he men have little contact with the formal health system, and even less engagement with the preventive health services. However, in a similar situation, other researchers showed that the men seek
curative services and often prefer a traditional
healer or a visit to the pharmacy over a health center (24).
Moreover, many men and women request greater male involvement in maternal and child health services (25, 26). The participant's opinions along with other findings clearly signaled the presence of health system barriers, which prevent or lower the men's active involvement during pregnancy and postpartum. This raises the feeling of 'being left out' in men and confirmed by other studies (27-29).
The second pattern that emerged in the present study was gender-sensitivity in primary maternal STIs/HIV prevention. The promotion of condom use negotiation skills was perceived as one of the essential elements for the prevention of STIs in the pregnant women. The participants stated that condom distribution among women would have no effect unless the women were empowered to protect themselves. Likewise, another study conducted in Cambodia demonstrated the effects of this inability in the females and reported the reduction of HIV prevalence among the sex workers and its rapid elevation among the married women.
Almost 50% of all married women, who contracted the virus in 2002, were infected by their husbands (30). Our participants emph-asized on gender-sensitive interventions. According to the previous studies, these new insights attempt to help the women develop self-efficacy, negotiate safer sex, know their bodies, as well as recognize and challenge gender inequalities in their own lives and relationships (19, 31). According to the literature, apart from preventing a pregnancy, men consider condom use within inter-marriage sex as a sign of distrust on the part of their partners (32, 33).
The findings of the present study indicated the need to develop effective strategies to improve young single men and women's access to STIs information and screening services, which could lead to the reduction of STIs risk in pregnancy. It was perceived that many infected youths who intend to get married are unaware of their own and their partner's HIV status. Consistent with other studies, the present study highlighted the need for the development
of a comprehensive approach to premarital laws.
In Saudi Arabia, it is mandatory for all the couples who want to get married to undergo premarital HIV testing as well as pre- and post-test counseling (34). The main aim of including HIV test to the premarital check-up in 2008 was to prevent HIV transmission to the lately married women. Almost 97% of the heterosexually infected women in Saudi Arabia acquired HIV from their husbands (35).
As expected, the authors of the present study identified STIs transmission in the pregnant women, who were not involved in risky sexual behavior(s). The majority of these women had been affected by their husbands who were either unaware or reluctant to inform their wives about their illness. Regardless of the sector or the level and type of specialty, the participants reached consensus on the need to pay more attention to partner notification policy in the safe motherhood program.
Gender-related factors, such as women's disempowerment and lack of knowledge about reproductive health rights, were stressed by many informants as the major barriers to STIs prevention. Based on the previous studies, the major impediments to successful partner notification include the stigma associated with STIs (especially in extra-marital sexual intercourse) (36, 37), gender, power structure, partner type (38), as well as fear of abuse and rejection were.
Despite the difference in expression, most of the participants agreed that the disclosure of risky sexual behavior was not justified without the employment of trained counselors, empowerment of women, and consideration of the discrimination needs in a culturally adjusted environment. The current safe motherhood program(s) depend on limited women's reports about their husbands' risky sexual behavior(s). In another study, which investigated the risk assessment accuracy, the race, gender matching (14, 38), age, and perceived sexual orientation of the counselor were reported to affect the disclosing risky behaviors.
Self-serving bias (i.e., wishing to be viewed in a positive light) may result in underreporting private sexual behaviors that are perceived stigmatizing (39). In addition, in another study (40), it was shown that the assurance of acceptance or even receiving non-judgmental responses could be the limitation of risky sexual behavior disclosure.
The participants acknowledged that to avoid the violation of women's rights, the system of HIV testing in the non-governmental centers needs to be revised. There was an urgency to clarify rights-based practical guides to support the pregnant women with prevention efforts and obtain the full benefits from learning about their HIV status for themselves and others. Studies showed that gender differences in testing increased the women's risk of stigma and discrimination (41). Additionally, other studies have indicated the need to develop screening tools and new counseling approaches to ensure the safety of women (42).
The STIs present a serious public health burden, which are accepted as the leading factors causing acute illnesses, infertility, long-term disability, and mortality in both developed and developing countries. Heath services have begun a campaign against these infections. Despite the taken measures, STIs are rapidly increasing, particularly among the youth. As an alternative, both governmental and non-governmental health services are trying to decrease its harmful effects.
The pregnant women could be a good starting point in this regard. Based on the findings of the present study, empowering women, enhancing women's condom use negotiation skills, eliminating gender inequality, involving men in safe motherhood programs, building trust among couples, developing mandatory pre-marriage HIV test programs, and keeping the status of HIV women confidential are only but some of the measures that can be taken to prevent the transition of STIs from men to women and their children. Nevertheless, the government functionaries are not adequately sensitized to gender sensitivity, which is particularly crucial for STIs/HIV prevention in the safe motherhood programs.
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, and also the Center for Development of Clinical Research of Nemazee Hospital. We would also appreciate Dr. Nasrin Shokrpour for editorial assistance.
Conflicts of Interest
We have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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George Clooney and Randy Gerber might be on to the next big thing yet again. Critics were sceptical when the celebrity duo, along with developer Mike Meldman, began marketing their own tequila brand around 2013; Clooney and Gerber reportedly dreamt up the project at their adjacent vacation homes in Mexico. Casamigos – which means 'house of friends' – comes in Blanco and Reposado varieties, and has met with mixed reviews from tequila connoisseurs.
Some enthusiasts are satisfied with its smooth, oily consistency and smoky aftertaste, while others have complained that the tequila is artificially sweet-tasting, and unworthy of its hefty price tag. Nevertheless, Clooney, Gerber, and Meldman were clearly on to something, as they secured their place on the proverbial bandwagon at the most opportune time possible: in the last five years or so, tequila has managed to graduate from its collegiate pigeonhole. The agave-based distillation has been gaining traction as a spirit in its own right, something that can be enjoyed independently of its efficacy in a cocktail or shot glass.
Whatever your feelings about the quality of Clooney's tequila, the Casamigos project clearly paid off: the brand was sold to industry giant Diageo – the same multinational responsible for Hennessy and Smirnoff –for a reported $1-billion last year. But we haven't seen the last of Clooney's alcohol-related passion projects; he's just turning his (apparently lucrative) attention to mezcal.
Like tequila, mezcal is made from the heart of the agave plant, which is native to Mexico. But, whereas tequila is made exclusively from blue agave, mezcal can be made from at least 30 varieties of the resilient succulent. And, whereas the quality of mass-produced tequila is rapidly deteriorating, mezcal's exclusion from the mainstream means that the (demanding) production process is still largely the exclusive domain of families in Oaxaca, who have mastered the art over generations.
The final product is intensely smoky, as the agave hearts are cooked in volcanic rock-pits, which are covered with earth to prevent the woody fumes from escaping. The singed remains are crushed and combined with water, then fermented in an open-air process: exposure to airborne yeast infuses the final product with a distinct flavour, which varies slightly from batch to batch.
Clooney's mezcal will be launching in the US and UK in April. Its manufacture has been delegated to a reliable cohort of fourth-generation producers, but Clooney and Gerber have nevertheless undertaken to check every batch before approving it for bottling. Gerber is reportedly designing the bottles for their mezcal himself; and both intrepid businessmen seem convinced that their fruity, herbal iteration of this traditional spirit is going to take tequila's place in the limelight.


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Product Description
Flexy-Glass™ Half-Pint to line CE marked • Flexy-Glasses are thin walled polypropylene tumblers that are crack resistant. • The tumblers are designed with a step in the base, for maximum stackability. This also allows them to be easily pulled apart, thus making them ideal choice in busy bars and areas where safety and speed of service are of primary importance. • Manufactured under strict hygienic conditions the tumblers are sleeved to keep them clean and dust free.
Total number of glasses per case: 1000
Please Note: The Flexy-Glass' illustrated are subject to change of styling.
Product Features
- Printable This product is available with bespoke printing, please contact our sales team for further information.
(Hover over the icon for a summary and click for more information)
Additional Information
|Flexy-Glass™ - Half-Pint to line CE marked (20x50)
|Capacity to Line
|284ml / (10fl.oz)
|Capacity to Brim
|340ml / (12fl.oz)
|Case Quantity
|Standard Palletisation - 1000x1200 (No. of boxes per layer x No. of boxes high)
|Euro Palletisation - 800x1200 (layer x height)
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Flexy-Glass™ - Pint to line CE marked (20x50)
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Flexy-Glass™ - Pint to brim CE marked (20x50)
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Clarity™ Tulip CE marked Pint to brim - Polystyrene (20x5)
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Plastic Clear Tumbler - Half pint to brim (100)
All prices on the site exclude VAT.£26.14


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Family and Community Inclusion Specialist – Andria Daniel
Andria Daniel is passionate about helping build communities where everyone's voice is heard and valued. She believes it is important for families and students to feel fully supported. Over the years, she has worked with parents to create and facilitate listening sessions to address issues that affect the academic success of children. Andria's goal is to generate unique and positive experiences for families and to create new pathways between home and school. She has a master's degree in family education from the University of Minnesota.
As the family and community coordinator for the Office of Black Male Student Achievement (OBMSA), Andria works with parents to understand how important it is to be involved in their children's education from cradle to career. As a parent of three, she believes there is a shared responsibility of building the capacity of effective family engagement, which is linked to learning.
Teacher, Social Studies – Marjaan Sirdar
Marjaan Sirdar grew up in a low-income, single parent home in east Bloomington. He attended predominantly white schools and often felt invisible. Marjaan never had any teachers of color or any positive Black men to look up to. This led to anger and violence as a teenager with the potential of prison or death. This experience led him to teaching.
Marjaan worked with homeless youth for most of the past seven years. He's a graduate from Metro State and he is completing his master's degree in urban education. As an educator, his goal is to help young people unlearn the dominant narrative of white supremacy and use education as a means of liberation rather than a tool for social control. As a community organizer, Marjaan works on building leadership and power in communities of color so we can tell our own stories, create our own narratives, and control our collective futures. This is his second year at Franklin Middle School and his first year at Fair Downtown.
Jamil was raised and resides in north Minneapolis where he coaches youth sports at Farview Park. He is an active board member for the Farview Area Community Council, TakeAction MN, and Core Team Member for J4A (Justice For ALL) working to reform our criminal justice system and build relationships with incarcerated men to help assist their transition back into our community.


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After trying the most delicious Rose flavoured cupcake from the Primrose Bakery in London earlier in the year, Rose has been on my to-bake list ever since. I love the really subtle floral notes to them, and the fact that they are a little bit grown up!
The recipe I used for these it the usual vanilla batter, minus the vanilla but with 1 tbsp of Rose water essence in. They needed to be baked for slightly longer than the vanilla cupcakes, I think because of the extra liquid in the batter.
The Rose flavoured buttercream was made with 110g Lurpack unsalted butter, 500g of icing sugar, 4 tbsp of Rose water essence and 1 tbsp of whole milk.
The Rose flavour calls for vintage inspired decorations, but because the Rose is such a subtle flavour, I didn't want to overpower it with too much sugar by using sugarpaste. So I used the buttercream to try to create a vintage feel to the cakes , with the 1M nozzle and a small petal nozzle….. which needs a little more practice!
Mummy Bear x


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Judgment in Steinfeld and Keiden v Secretary of State for the International Development (Civil Partnership Case)
The Judgment of the UK Supreme Court in the case of R (on the app. of Steinfeld and Keiden) v Sec. of State for the International Development concerning the availability of Civil Partnership to heterosexual couples.


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Both parties agree to split the cost of the account holders membership and share the access privileges of the website and its content.
Determine the duration of your obligation to one another to pay an equal share of the website membership fees.
Discover someone who is looking to share the costs associated with a Netflix or Hulu membership.
Enjoy premium Internet content from Netflix, Hulu or both at a 50% savings!
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By signing up for the Splitflix beta launch today you can be amongst the first users in what's sure to be the next evolution in instant video. And as a reward, we will give you your first month's membership FREE when we officially throw down. For a solid month you can test the benefits of paying less for a Netflix or Hulu account (plans for other sites are already in the works). Furthermore, we will lock you in at $.99/month for life! You will never experience a rate increase for our service...EVER! Spread the word!
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Towpath 50: Spin-a-Day on the Ohio & Erie Canalway
The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50 is a bicycling fundraising event, organized by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to raise funds for the continued development, maintenance and activation of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, Towpath Trail and connector trails. Individuals and families will ride 50 miles on the Towpath Trail, with premiums for cyclists raising $100 and $300 or more. The bicycle ride includes SAG-support, healthy water stops, and an after party with food, drinks and music.
Questions? Contact Lydia Hoffman at 330-374-5657 or email@example.com.
Have fun while supporting a great cause!
Not only is this event a great way to spend time with family, co-workers and friends, but it is also an opportunity to make an important contribution to the building of the Towpath Trail and connector trails throughout the region!


text: Apple has announced that the Apple Watch 2 is set for release later this year. With the latest iPhone due for release in September, the talk is that Apple Watch 2 could be launched as early as June. The revolutionary Apple Watch arrived last spring and transformed modern lifestyles with its iPhone sync and Wi-Fi capabilities, and notifications for everything from the office to fitness goals at the gym. Apple Watch 2 is rumoured to feature a social-media friendly FaceTime video camera, new Wi-Fi capabilities, and a new variety of premium materials, such as titanium and luxury platinum. The Apple Watch is currently available in three models – Classic, Sport and the 18-carat Edition model – and the line-up for Apple Watch 2 is expected to add more models to the Apple Watch family.


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Many companies continue with their plans despite users being against something, but this is not the case for Twitter. The social media site recently announced a change to its "block" feature, which would lead to blocked users still being able to harass their victims. However, Twitter users revolted over the change to the "block" feature due to security issues, and it appears that they have won; at least, for the time being.
The initial change was made to help protect victims of abuse. The micro-blogging website wanted to allow users to block their attackers, but avoid retaliation. The blocked user would not know about the virtual wall in place and would be able to continue to send messages, follow and interact with the user. The innocent user would not see any of these messages, as if they were never being sent.
Many Twitter fans rallied together over the changes, fearing that it gave the attackers too much power. Users believed that they would not be safe on the website, and over 1,500 signatures were collected through a Change.org petition. The social media site decided that it was best to revert the changes.
Some of the initial changes were actually requested by users. People did not want to alert those they were blocking about the actions. There were fears that it would lead to retaliation. A spam or troll user would be able to create a new account and harass through that method. It was the other changes, were users would still be able to interact, that led to the Twitter users revolting over the "block" feature and winning.
One of the major changes that users did not like was that blocked users were still be able to see someone's updates. The only way to hide those updates was to report someone as spam. This had not been made clear by the company, and was only found after going through the page that details everything the "report as spam" function would do.
One user equated the changes as being given a blindfold by police when reporting a stalker. Instead of being protected from the stalker, a user would just not see the words being tweeted. However, it is still happening, which continues to give the stalker the power.
The U-turn on the policy change was quick, and many users are extremely happy. Instead of complaining that Twitter should not have introduced such a change, many users are thanking the company for listening. However, this does show the dilemma that social networking sites are in when it comes to abuse. The company was trying to do the best for the victims by avoiding the possible retaliation.
Twitter is continuing to look into its "block" feature and user protection, but for now revolting users have won. It is difficult to find a fine balance between preventing spammers, trolls, and abusive users, while protecting victims from future abuse. By making changes to the policy, as least the company is showing that it listens to its users, unlike other social networking website.
By Alexandria Ingham


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Trophy Manufacturers
With an experience that spans many years, Kabir Creation is one of the leading providers of bulk quantities of customizable trophies. Our long list of satisfied clients is proof that we are the perfect candidate for your bulk trophy requirements. We can deliver large quantities of promotional trophies in short time, that too in excellent condition.
Quality products at affordable rates
We provide a diverse portfolio to help you choose from. Different material, different size and different colours – whatever need, we are here to fulfil all your requirements for personalized trophies. Our beautiful and stylish trophies are of excellent quality and have garnered positive responses from all of our clients who have used them. And the best part is - we offer the lowest rates. Have a look at our unbeatable prices and you'll find out why no other business can even compare to us.
Customized trophies for all kinds of businesses
We cater to all types of businesses – schools, colleges, sporting events, private companies, etc. Whether you're holding a sports event looking for shiny trophies for the winning team or a business entity that wants to award its performing employees, we can address all your needs. You can choose from our materials, imprint your logo, add a particular message and even change the colour (wherever applicable).
Promotional trophies for all events
Due to the large impact that they have, trophies have always remained at the top of the promotional merchandise list. They are the physical reminders of hard work, achievement, dedication and discipline. Whether it's for a team or for an individual, using trophies is the best way to show appreciation towards its receivers.
For example, you can use plaques for the employee of the year, show your humble appreciation towards a hard-working team using acrylic or wooden trophies or display your gratefulness to a senior citizen with glass trophies; while cup trophies have always been the go-to for sporting victories.
Why Trophies are the best as promotional merchandise
There is something about a trophy that makes it feel more valued by its owner, than his other achievements. Since the olden days, no other product has been as effective in awarding hard work as trophies. There is something awe-inspiring about them that makes people work harder and achieve better results. These have garnered a respect that none other products have. The older the trophy, the larger the respect viewers has towards its owners. Contact us to know more about our personalized trophies.


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Yesterday started as one of those days...you know the kind--where you want somebody else to take care of your kids and you go get a massage. For whatever reason both kids took turns crying, sometimes together, sometimes I think there were more than 2 of them. So I figured we should get out of the house. I do try to do something with them everyday because winter is coming and we're all going to get cabin fever. I called my grandma and asked if we could come over and feed the ducks with her. Unfortunately she was not feeling well. No matter, I'd find us some ducks we could feed...Are there no ducks in our area?!!! Poor kids. I packed them a lunch and we drove to the pond where Bill proposed to me and it was full of Canadian geese. I'm scared of geese--they bite. Or so I've heard. So we drove to the prairie path where I knew there was a pond. Fortunately the kids put up with it well. I thought I saw some ducks. We got out of the car with our lunches and our hot dog buns for the ducks. We dodged the many poopies that were in the grass and we found...more geese!
Since we'd been driving for a while, I decided we'd sit at the dirty picnic table and eat lunch. The kids ate pretty well, while I told them not to touch the table. Liam got down and tried to pick up empty beer bottle caps and play in the dirt. I threw out the garbage and turned around and they were both digging in the dirt. I felt hot and tired and wanted to just go home, but I felt bad for dragging them around to play in poopy grass and dirt. So we packed up again and drove to a playground.
We ended up having a very nice day at the playground. The kids got hot and tired quickly so we went through McD's and got them milkshakes and Miss Rori wanted a cheeseburger and fries. Which she scarfed down even though she had eaten her whole sandwich just 2 hours earlier. Liam was so hot that he wouldn't stop sucking on his milkshake even for a french fry! The kid never turns down fries! It warmed my mommy heart to watch his red sweaty face just suck down that milkshake. It brings joy to my heart to see my kids enjoy food! It ended up a nice afternoon after all.
Then, evil facebook gave my computer some horrible virus and I proceded to spend the rest of the evening trying to get rid of it. That made me very crabby so I began to lose patience with the children. I think they felt like they were having one of those days--where they wish someone else was taking care of them and that mommy would go to a spa :) Bill and his dad were working on the floor in the living room and I ended up losing my temper because it was bathtime and Rori was naked and Liam wouldn't let us in the bathroom--he's a strong kid :) So I yelled. I hate doing that in front of the in-laws. I want them to think that I have it together, I'm a Kool-Aid mom. But no, I'm sure Bill's dad left feeling sorry for Bill. I hate that. Oh well, next time I'll put on an apron and wow them with my cooking and cleanliness, or so I like to dream.
Anyway, so that is why I don't have a new nice post today. But stay tuned, because I have a special one that I will post tonight or tomorrow.
DIY No More Tangles Spray (all natural)
3 months ago


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BIAS PAD by Scott Alexander - Trick£92.98 £72.98
Dream Recurrence: Exuberance Playing Cards (Deluxe Edition)£18.75 £8.99
Appearing Business Cards (Celebrity Pack) by Sam Gherman - Trick£13.95 £8.99
The Step System Vol. 1 by Lee Smith and RSVP Magic - DVD£32.81 £14.99
The Unusual Suspect DVD by Matthew Wright - DVD£42.14 £18.99
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Welcome to our Vlog where we will sit down and casually talk and demo effects after we have reviewed them to give your more of an "Insight" after our intial thoughts on the release of the item and after we have used them.
Another F***** Wallet by Wayne Dobson https://www.saturnmagic.co.uk/saturn-magic-shop/47241.html


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When asked about Caribbean architecture, many tourists might think of small, colorful houses and grass huts. In Curacao, however, the architecture is inextricably linked to the colonial past. Despite the sparkling Caribbean Sea and dry climate, much of Curacao resembles the great Dutch city of Amsterdam more than the picture book version of the region. Under control of the Netherlands since the 17th century, Curacao was constructed as a home away from home for colonizers. Throughout the years, the pervasive Dutch architecture adopted many Caribbean traits. The additions of such things as porches, verandas and bright exterior colors created the spectacular sites on view for today's visitors. Though many call the island "Holland in miniature," you will be greeted by a world that is uniquely Curacao.
Curacao was originally discovered by the Spanish expedition of Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. After gaining control of the island and ousting the native Arawak population, the Spanish ruled the island for over a century. However, in 1634, the Dutch invaded Curacao and quickly turned the island into a Caribbean version of Holland. Under the rule of Pieter Stuyvesant, the Dutch fought off invasion attempts by the British and French with the help of several forts along the coastline. Though many of these forts remain today – some of which have been converted into resorts and restaurants – the true architectural allure of Curacao came from everyday life.
The capital city of Willemstad dates to the Dutch invasion of 1634 and the outlines of its fortifying walls can still be seen. Following the signing of a peace treaty with Spain, the Dutch began constructing numerous houses and businesses throughout the island. The focus of Curacao and its Dutch rulers quickly turned from defense and fortification to the rapidly expanding trade market. By the early 18th century, nearly 200 homes and business had been constructed within the walls of Willemstad, each in the quaint Dutch style of the era.
In Willemstad, the best example of the "Holland in miniature" concept is the district known as Otrobanda. Constructed upon a winding grid of alleyways and narrow streets, this neighborhood most closely resembles the archetypal 17th century Dutch town. As the city developed throughout the centuries, Otrobanda eventually became the island's cultural hotbed in the early 20th century. In fact, most of Curacao's most recognized politicians, artists and musicians grew up in this truly unique part of the capital city. Today, Otrobanda continues to display both strong ethnic and cultural diversity – a trait seen inside local businesses and amongst the residents that stroll the maze-like streets.
Within the capital city, it is also recommended to walk through the areas known as Punda – also referred to as "old Willemstad" and known for its imposing fort – and Pietermaai – a neighborhood just outside of central Willemstad know for its colonial mansions. Perhaps the most interesting fact about Punda is that the first buildings constructed here were, in fact, perfect replicas of the homes and businesses that border the canals of Amsterdam. Today, Punda features architecture from several different eras of European design with each building painstakingly preserved. The neighborhood of Pietermaai dates to the early 18th century and marked the first residential expansion beyond the walls of Willemstad. Many of these stately European homes have since been converted into businesses, while others remain in their original state.
If you venture outside of Willemstad to the arid landscape of the island's interior, you will most likely spot a number of plantation homes and Dutch windmills. Like many of the structures in Willemstad, most of the plantations date to the 18th century. While many plantation homes and their surrounding buildings have been reduced to rubble, some of the estates have been preserved as museums. If you are interested in how these people lived during colonial times, visit the Sorghum Stalk House Museum.
Many of the island's most popular tours visit the most interesting architectural sites and several museums in Willemstad document the unique history of this Caribbean treasure. Even if you aren't usually moved by architecture, it will be hard to avoid the charm of Curacao.


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If your name is Arya or Theon you've probably not had the greatest of lives thus far. Children can be so cruel. Things are looking up, though, thanks to mobile network Three -- which is giving away phones and free calling credit to people who can prove Arya or Theon is their real name as some sort of weird Game of Thrones publicity stunt.
In order to win, possible Aryas and Theons must head down to a participating Three phone shop, then provide proof of their identity. Only physical branches in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow are taking place in the odd promotion, with Three's Jolene Sicklemore explaining: "Game of Thrones is one of the world's most talked about TV shows, and with Season 5 just around the corner, we wanted to give fans another reason to smile. We look forward to welcoming some famous names through our doors at Three from the 11th April."
There are two PAYG phones on offer, either the LG G3 or Sony Z3 Compact, with the terms and conditions of the stunt explaining: "Participants must have a valid ID, be over 18 and state they've 'Played the Game of Phones' once inside the store to activate the offer."


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A thousand years ago, one boy with a dream of becoming a great warrior is abducted with his sister and taken to a land far away from home. Thrown into a world where greed and injustice rule all, Bilal finds the courage to raise his voice and make a change. Inspired by true events, this is a story of a real hero who earned his remembrance in time and history.
Searching Term : Full Watch Bilal Movie Streaming Online, Watch Bilal Movie Streaming HD 1080p, Free Bilal Movie Streaming Online, Download Bilal Full Movie Streaming Online in HD-720p Video Quality , Where to Download Bilal Full Movie ?, Bilal Movie Include All Subtitles.


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or see our Useful Links page.
NEW Official Guide & Map
or see our Useful Links page.
The Cambridgeshire County Council Flood and Water Team are working with the Environment Agency to help form Community Flood Groups in March and across the County. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity then please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
See our NEWS & EVENTS, USEFUL LINKS section for more information
If you are a care home, elderly, have young children, have a health condition or a medical dependency on electricity – you may be eligible for priority treatment during a power cut so that you get power back on more quickly. If this aplies to you or someone you know PLEASE contact UK Power Networks freephone 0800 169 9970 or collect a leaflet from the Town Hall.


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Bernice Marie Barton, age 93, of Sachse, Texas, formerly of Mena, died Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at her home. She was born on Saturday, December 1, 1923 to Andrew and Vivian Dunlap Swafford in Amarillo, Texas.
Bernice was a devoted mother with a big servant's heart; always wanting to be a blessing to her family and others. She loved crocheting and knitting making afghans, doilies and house shoe for her family and friends. She loved cooking, and spending time with her husband, Tolbert Sr. fishing at Lake Wilhelmina. Bernice loved animals and her pets. While she worked in Amarillo, Texas she was a cashier McCullum Grocery. She enjoyed cooking and some of her family's favorite dishes were fried chicken and all the trimmings. Bernice was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tolbert Barton Sr. and her brother, Robert Swafford.
Bernice is survived by her son and daughter in law, Tolbert Jr. and Paula Barton of Sachse, Texas; daughter, Wanda Bedell of Poteau, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Don George, Shannon Marshall, Wayne George, Lisa Aleshire, Jon Barton Sr. and Janna Barton; eight great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Interment will be follow in the Board Camp Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Don George, Wayne George, Chris George, Jon Barton Sr., Jacob Marshall and D.J. George.


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Our Customers
We work with many cinemas from single-screen arthouse theatres to large multiplexes with nationwide locations. Below is a small selection of clients that we've had the privilege of working with, click the image to visit their live website.
- St James Theatre2 screen arthouse cinema
- Bay City Cinemas12 screens in 2 locations
- Downtown Cinemas19 screens in 5 locations
- Pukekohe Cineamas3 screen suburban cinema
- Regent Theatre400 seat classic 1930's cinema
- Downtown Coastlands5 screen local cinema
- Top Town Cinemas5 screen provincial cinema
- State Cinemas12 screens in 2 locations


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Fourth Graders Ranch Field Trip
By Jennifer Morales
Fourth grade students from Metcalf were able to experience first-hand how to operate a ranch. This field trip was an extension activity from their Arizona 5 C's Unit. Students learned that each ranch may have up to 8 different brands, practiced branding on pieces of wood, explored different types of saddles and bridles, and were taught the importance of healthy eating and why it is important to grow your own vegetables. In addition, they discovered different parts of a calf, learned there are many different breeds of cows and that they are similar to a human because they have two arms and legs. This trip would not have been possible without the support of The Menges Family, Greenlee County Cowbells, and Morenci Fire Association. Thank you for always giving your time and resources our students!


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Your phone or the KYON Basestation acts as a beacon between the collar and the outside world, through your home Wi-Fi or cellular network.Learn more
KYON offers you the opportunity to make this jewel yours for your beloved pet in highly discounted price.
Don't miss this chance and Pre-order now!
KYON has been named a silver winner in the communication tools category by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the most prestigious international design competition in the world.Learn more
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My sports coaching rates
The listed rates are for standard set packages, however a bespoke package can be arranged to fit your individual needs.
Please contact me to discuss further 07710 317632 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
|Triathlon coaching
In association with Elite Triathlon
|Swim or Bike or Run coaching packages
Initial consultation (to include):
|See package prices below
Coaching programme (to include):
*This means your coach will receive updates regarding your completed sessions and post-activity comments once they have been submitted
|Tri Training/Assessment Camp
In association with Elite Cycling
|Swim coaching
From 18 – 80; from novice to age group triathlete we cater for all levels. If you feel you would benefit from receiving more personal attention within a friendly group setting then this session is for you.
Every Thursday @ South Norwood Leisure Centre, 21:00-22:00
Swim Coaching Packages
For casual swimmers
For regular swimmers
The expiry period commences when you first attend a session from that block purchase, this means you can pay for sessions ahead of a holiday for example and not worry about them expiring whilst you are away. Swimmers can also request a single 1-month extension within a financial tax year in the event of illness or injury occurring once a swimming block has commenced.
Swimmers will be invited to join Teamer to confirm attendance at sessions (please make sure you cancel if you are no longer able to attend)
Maximum number of swimmers per lane will be 6.
1-2-1 Coached Swimming
Prices and swim venues available on request.
Swim Video Analysis
The video analysis will look at your indvidual swim style/technique from above the water, below the water (from the side), in front and any other angle reguired. All of this will be done using a high quality HD camera. You will be able to see the footage (poolside) on a computer and (if part of the package) the analysis/feedback will be recorded and emailed to you. Again depending on the package you will be required to get back into the pool following your feedback for stroke correction (a headset will be provided for this part of your analysis) and another video will be done.
30mins includes HD filming and poolside feedback £35
(Depending on venue, there may be an additional charge for pool hire)


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Covering seven huge convention halls in the amazing city of Barcelona, Mobile World Congress (MWC) is a trade show with a split personality. On the one hand the MWC that you will see in most media outlets is about amazing consumer product rollouts. From Samsung's latest Galaxy S7 to a host of wearables from Garmin to an entire vineyard sensing and management system from Ericsson that falls into the Internet of Things (IOT) space to connected car technology from the likes of Ford Ericsson, new mobile products and solutions are the norm at MWC.
However, enabling all of these solutions is a tremendous back end of servers and networking that is also represented at MWC. Albeit with less fanfare than a Samsung Galaxy S7 or Mark Zuckerberg strolling down the aisle of an auditorium unnoticed because all of the audience was wearing Virtual Reality headsets, the infrastructure portion of MWC was amazing to say the least.
If you did not get to see us at MWC, what did you miss?
You may have seen our previous blogs about technology announcements as mentioned in blog posts about Accelerating 4G LTE Mobile Traffic, Juniper and Netronome Accelerating Contrail vRouter, and Ericsson Cloud SDN Demonstrated on Netronome Agilio CX. What did those solutions show?
Ericsson recently announced their HDS 8000 solution, an Intel© Rackscale Architecture Hyperscale data center system. As shown at the Ericsson Cloud SDN pod in the Ericsson booth at MWC, offloading Open vSwitch onto Agilio CX SmartNICs enables Ericsson to dramatically lower CAPEX and OPEX – up to a 20X improvement with normalized CPU cores at 22 million packets per second. Additionally, Ericsson showed that to support 220 virtual machines (VM) with standard network adapters it would take three racks of servers. With Netronome Agilio CX those same 200 VMs could be hosted on 1 rack of servers showing 60% lower TCO when using Agilio CX.
In addition, our partner Juniper, also hosted a great Netronome demo, showing the vRouter datapath offloaded onto the Agilio CX adapter. Using touchscreen monitors, Juniper could walk attendees through any of Junipers many solutions. All it took was a few touches to guide the customer to an animated demo of Juniper's vRouter offloaded onto an Agilio CX adapter showing a 6X performance improvement over software only vRouter solutions.
Our partnership with Juniper also shows the flexibility of the Agilio product line. Either Open vSwitch and vRouter datapaths can be accelerated on the same SmartNIC without changing any hardware.
Without a doubt the biggest flash at MWC was in the new consumer products and the Internet of Things demos, but those of us in the networking industry know that one key fact always remains – all of that data must flow to and from servers where the applications reside.
Until now that data passed through standard network adapters and was processed by expensive x86 CPUs. Now, with server based networking, Open vSwitch and vRouter datapaths can be offloaded onto Agilio-CX SmartNICs which allows expensive CPUs to be used for their original purpose, running applications and hosting cloud tenants.


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Valentine's Day can be a very difficult day in terms of gifting. Men and women don't always know what to give their loved-one. After tons of chocolate, dozens of flowers and a big teddy bear, we understand that you're out of inspiration. Do you want to be a bit more original this year? Check out these cool gift options.
"Behind every successful woman, is fabulous handbag" – and that fabulous handbag is our new Seraphina. Bold, colorful and never boring. A brand new line following the biggest trend of the season and playing with unique design! Moreover functionality hasn't been left out: zippered compartments and model Tote M fits a 14.1" laptop!
Another great gift is our Lady Saffiano wallet. This line in saffiano leather is very classical yet trendy and elegant. It's available in different colours.
Is your loved-one a frequent traveler or a business professional? Make his life easier with our Pro DLX 4. Is this backpack not your cup of tea? You can also go for our Zenith backpack with its red details. Both organized backpacks have a laptop compartment.
Elegant and refined, the new Bluebell will steal your heart. An exquisite color palette playing with pastel colors. One model, two sizes all embellished by a precious charm and a tone-on-ton bow! The line is dedicated to all our chic and sophisticated women that love to play with clear shapes, playful details and fresh colours.
Haven't found the perfect gift yet? Check out our website for more inspiration.


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Oakville Milton Humane Society – Cause for Paws
Oakville Milton Humane Society – Cause for Paws
Recently I was able to head out to Oakville to snap some super sweet pics of this gorgeous girl in this "extra" fancy carrier LV bag up for auction at the Oakville Humane Society's (OMHS) event coming up – Cause for Paws! It was such an honour meeting this beauty today….she's definitely a lover ♥ — at Blink of an Eye Photography.
The OMHS is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I support many events throughout the year. Money raised at the Cause for Paws events assist in running vital programs at the OMHS. Cause for Paws 2013 is taking place at Appleby College (540 Lakeshore Road West) on Thursday, June 27. To find out more information about the event please visit their event website at http://www.causeforpawsoakville.com/
Winner – 2013 Visual Victories Awards
This was just shared on Blink of an Eye Photography's page yesterday! I didn't see it until today and I wanted to share this great success! HUGE congratulations to the Kurves Brow Bar and Bramalea City Centre for their win!
"I wanted to say thank you to the amazing Eva for taking pictures of our kiosk to be entered in the 2013 Visual Victories Awards. The Visual Victories Awards is a world wide visual merchandising competition and thanks to Eva's great photography skills, we were able to win 1st place for Best Kiosk Display! Eva's photo was featured in Specialty Retail Report Magazine, as well as at the SPREE Conference in Las Vegas. If you would like to see her winning photo, I have attached the link below to the magazine article. The 1st place winning photo was Kurves Brow Bar at Bramalea City Centre."
First Place
Kurves Brow Bar
Retailer: Mike Momin
Location: Bramalea City Centre, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Center/Owner: Morguard
Entry submitted by: Andrew Butler, General Manager, Morguard
Visual Merchandiser: Kurves BB Franchise, Inc.
Modern and sleek are words that come to mind when approaching the Kurves kiosk.
The kiosk is built entirely of square and rectangular components and the name really stands out amongst the angular surroundings. The judges agreed that the color choice was an important factor in their decision to vote for this kiosk as the favorite. The overall effect is a clean and simple design with sign placement and logo design that clearly identify the purpose of the product/service.
PRESS RELEASE: Best New Wedding Photographer – Canada
Blink Of An Eye Photography was awarded Canada's Best New Wedding Photographer by Wedding Industry Experts by receiving over 1,300 votes in the voting period.
As release on i-newswire.com: http://www.i-newswire.com/blink-of-an-eye-photography-wins/221415
"We would like to thank our clients, friends, colleagues and family for helping make Blink Of An Eye Wedding Photography the Best New Wedding Photographer in Canada as awarded by the Wedding Industry Experts Awards." – Eva Mende-Gibson: Owner Blink Of An Eye Photography. For more information please go to our dedicated wedding photography site (http://photographersforwedding.ca).
Category Awards:
- Winner: Best New Wedding Photographer – Milton
- Winner:Best New Wedding Photographer – Ontario Winner:
- Best New Wedding Photographer – Canada
About The Awards: Wedding Industry Experts – www.weddingindustryexperts.com:
The awards are an annual competition recognizing some of the most popular wedding vendors at a local, national and international level. Every participant has their own vote page that shows the category they are nominated for and a description of their business.
Blink Of An Eye Photography has been serving the Milton, Ontario and Toronto area for 5+ years. They have been rapidly growing in the community with almost 2,500 fans on Facebook. They have focused on Maternity, Baby and Families but have expanded their offering to include weddings. As part of this expanded service Blink Of An Eye has launched a dedicated wedding site to showcase their wedding portfolio. This site can be found at: photographersforwedding.ca. We are very excited to be moving in to weddings as we see it as a continuum of documenting families. From starting a family, to the growing of a family.
In addition Blink Of An Eye (blinkofaneyephoto.ca) participates in many community events to support the local area including: The Milton District Hospital Foundation, Oakville / Milton Humane Society, SNAP Milton, Indigo's – For The love of Reading Foundation, as well as many local businesses in Milton and Oakville.
Funny Wedding Invitation
Funny Wedding Invitation
I had to share this as sometimes you just need a good laugh. Some of these are funny because they are so true. We have been to weddings where these types of things have happened. Lets hope you don't have any of these but if you do just have a good laugh.
Community Event | Milton District Hospital Foundation Gala
Community Event | Milton District Hospital Foundation Gala
Last night our community came together in an effort to put on one fantastic event to benefit and support a critical part of our town. Milton District Hospital Foundation pulled together a group of volunteers and put on one heck of an evening.
Under the Sultan's tent was a spectacular gala. Congratulations to all of those who helped put on this event and to all those who came out to support the heart of our community.
This is just a sneak peak of some of the highlights of the evening. For a look at a few more photographs of the wonderful evening have a look at my Blink Of An Eye Photography Facebook Page.
xo — at Blink of an Eye Photography.
Photography with Milton Indigo Featuring Anna Oleson
Photography with Milton Indigo Featuring Anna Oleson
Fantastic event at Indigo Milton this afternoon with Anna Oleson….now off to the Gala for Milton District Hospital Foundation to take the official photorgraphy ♥ Hope you are all enjoying this unbelievable weather! xo
About the Milton Anna Olson Book signing event:
Celebrity chef Anna Olson is host of Food Network Canada's Bake with Anna Olson, following on the heels of the successful series, Sugar and Fresh with Anna Olson all of which have aired in 40 countries worldwide. She has authored seven bestselling cookbooks including her most recent, Back to Baking.
Anna's culinary philosophy is based on a common-sense approach of cooking and baking with the seasons as well as respecting the ingredients, the technique and the process of sharing with others through food.
She is proud to call Niagara home and values cooking with locally-sourced ingredients. Most of all, cooking and baking should be fun!
Milton District Hospital Foundation – Gala Photographer
Milton District Hospital Foundation – Gala Photographer
Blink Of An Eye is proud to be participating in the Annual Gift of Health Milton Gala Saturday, April 27, 2013 by taking the official photographs during the event.
Milton District Hospital Foundation is proud to announce our
Annual Gift of Health Gala
to be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2013
at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club.
Themed "Under the Sultant's Tent" it promises to be an exhilarating event with a Moroccan flavor.
The theme for the 2013 Gift of Health Gala is "Under The Sultan's Tent". It will be an exciting evening with a Moroccan flavour featuring a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, and more.
This is the 3rd time Scott Fox has hosted this event to raise money for the Milton District Hospital. Proceeds go toward the purchase of a Portable X-Ray machine for Milton District Hospital.
We are looking forward to supporting such a great local cause by donating our time and service. For more information click here.
Milton Area Female Entrepreneurs
Milton Area Female Entrepreneurs
Thanks to all of the wonderful ladies that were at the Milton Area Female Entrepreneurs (MAFE) meet up tonight. Such an amazing group of ladies who came out tonight and we missed those who couldn't make it.
Milton – Mom Magazine
Milton – Mom Magazine
Thank you Mom Magazine for such an fantastic opportunity working together with you! Wishing Alison every success in the world on her next endeavours and know that Blink of an Eye Photography will be there to support you as a friend and colleague any time you need it! xoxo For of those with Spring mini-sessions booked who had a subscription included in their sessions…I will be supplementing your with a very nice alternate gift certificate ♥
"A letter to our readers and our supporters from the publishers of MOM Magazine
We'd like to begin by saying THANK YOU. Thank you for supporting our publication, for being there for us at events and for reading our work. MOM Magazine has been the result of a year's worth of hard work, work that was a labour of love for all of us. Bringing you timely, substantial content and information for women, for moms, was our reason for being. It was our passion for really good magazines, along with our dedication to creativity and quality that allowed us to produce such a beautiful publication. We're so incredibly proud of the acclaim the magazine has received from across Toronto, and even across Canada. During the past year, we have aligned ourselves with causes that are dear to our hearts, and we're incredibly proud to have raised money for a number of community projects and causes. We're especially proud of our fundraising efforts benefitting Milton athlete—Travis Gerrits—and his family in his successful bid for a spot on Canada's Olympic team for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics! We will continue to support these causes and projects as individuals.
However, we have been forced to make a very difficult decision. With heavy hearts we have decided not to continue publishing MOM Magazine for the time being. The articles already written and laid out for the next issue will be posted online via our website and facebook page. Subscriptions will be refunded. Despite our decision, we invite you to continue frequenting our online pages where information, events, product information will continue to be available and new articles will continue to be posted.
Any questions or comments may be emailed to firstname.lastname@example.com
Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you all in the Halton community, where we will continue to do our work as individuals, as friends and neighbours to you all."
Best New Milton Wedding Photographer
Best New Milton Wedding Photographer
I am glad to be nominated for best new Milton wedding photographer. I am proud to have so much support from my friends, family and customers in this process. The award voting goes till 11:59 on April 23rd. If you would like to vote you can do so here: http://www.weddingindustryexperts.com/votes/ZqOl6Adu7.html .
Please feel free to forward this to your friends and family and you can also vote once / day.
Wedding industry experts is looking for the best at a local, national level and international level across a variety of categories within the wedding industry.
Here is a synopsis of the awards program:
The Wedding Industry Experts, 2013 Awards recognize popular wedding professionals at a local, state, national and international level. Voting started on Tuesday the 16th and will end on Tuesday the 23rd at 11:59pm.
No Judging Panel
Instead of appointing an arbitrary panel of judges to pick winners, the Wedding Industry Experts Awards is a true peoples choice Awards. Anyone can vote for the wedding professionals they love. The results will show who is the most popular choice in each category.


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Rory McIlroy wins BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth
Video: Watch the Northern Irishman's bunker shot at the 18th hole
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy has snatched a remarkable victory at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
McIlroy came from seven shots behind to claim the win on Sunday as overnight leader Thomas Bjorn squandered a five-shot lead at Wentworth.
Just days after the heartache of calling off his wedding to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, McIlroy carded a closing 66 to win the European Tour's flagship event for the first time following a rollercoaster final day.
McIlroy only took the outright lead for the first time with a birdie on the 71st hole and made another on the last to finish 14 under par, one ahead of Ireland's Shane Lowry with two-time winner Luke Donald and Bjorn a shot behind in third.
Lowry had briefly been three clear when he started the back nine with a hat-trick of birdies, but drove into trouble on the 13th and ran up a double-bogey six.
Bjorn began the day five shots clear of playing partner Donald but both players ran up triple bogeys on the sixth to throw the tournament wide open, Bjorn taking two shots to get out of a fairway bunker and then finding more sand with his fourth shot.
That brought back unpleasant memories of the Dane's collapse in the 2003 Open at Sandwich, when he took three to escape from a greenside bunker on the 16th in the final round and lost by one to Ben Curtis.
Donald responded with five birdies in his next 10 holes - chipping in on the 13th and 16th - but crucially failed to birdie the 17th which meant he needed an eagle on the last to tie.
Bjorn also needed a three on the 18th after birdies on the 16th and 17th, but after Donald had found the water with his approach, the 43-year-old's third shot came up well short of the flag to confirm McIlroy's triumph.
Further reading:
Rory McIlroy using PGA as escape route
Rory McIlroy calls off engagement to Caroline Wozniacki
Issuing wedding invitations spooks Rory McIlroy into split with Caroline Wozniacki
Rory McIlroy love split - It's not you, it's me
Belfast Telegraph Digital


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Frost & Sullivan: Opportunities in the Middle East Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Grow Significantly
26 Jun, 2013, 11:00 BST
- Fear of spreading civil unrest coupled with strong economic ability to invest, buoy UAV demand in the region
LONDON, June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing demand supported by strong intent and investment capability is expanding the market for military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Middle East. The region is already considered a lucrative market for defence. UAV development efforts by some Middle East nations coupled with imports from the U.S. will strongly bolster market expansion.
Currently, the U.S. and Israel are the top UAV exporters globally. Israel's lack of military ties with Arab nations due to historic conflicts means that Middle East countries have had no option but to procure UAVs from the United States. However, other countries are achieving significant success in UAV technology and may soon be able to export to the Middle East. Regional interest and expertise in the domain is rising fast as well.
A key market driver is the fear of spreading regional unrest. UAVs can offer smaller states a way to expand their strength beyond traditional capabilities. The lack of UAV capability in the larger Middle East states significantly influences regional power dynamics. For instance, the Hezbollah movement recently acknowledged its use of UAVs against Israel. Gulf Arab states are alarmed at the civil war in Syria and want to ensure that popular uprisings in North Africa do not spread to the Gulf. They are also concerned about Iran's nuclear program. As a result, every large country in the region understands the need to acquire UAVs.
"Among the rich and politically stable Gulf nations, UAE is more focussed on boosting its UAV capability," noted Frost & Sullivan Aerospace & Defence Senior Analyst Mahendran Arjunraja. "UAVs displayed at the country's International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) also managed to generate a lot of interest from Saudi Arabia and Oman. Nonetheless, efforts at indigenous capability will take some time to materialise and until then, Middle East nations will have to depend on foreign equipment."
Since traditional defence partners, the UK and France, have limited UAV capability, Middle East countries are looking for other partners. Turkey, with strong cultural ties to the Middle East, has made significant developments in unmanned capability. It is highly likely that Middle East countries will import a good number of UAVs from Turkey when the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) ANKA UAV is ready for export. Interestingly, Pakistan-made UAVs have also managed to generate interest in the Middle East.
With domestic defence budgets coming under pressure, American UAV suppliers are keen for export opportunities. However, the present Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines act as an obstacle. The primary focus of MTCR is to control the spread of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles and UAVs are included in MTCR since they can be used to deliver weapons.
"The U.S. seems to understand the strategic implications of not catering to the Middle East and may be considering options to bypass MTCR or amend existing norms in order to tap the Middle East market," observed Arjunraja. "One way to bypass the MTCR is by providing UAV 'services' instead of selling the equipment. When UAV capability is rented, the ownership of the equipment still lies with the supplier country. The recent sale of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)-only UAVs (General Atomics's Predator drones) to UAE shows that the U.S is willing to relax restrictions to grab market opportunities."
"A large numbers of US UAV companies are also forging ties with local partners," added Arjunraja. "Forging ties with international companies while encouraging domestic development through offsets and technology transfers offers Middle East countries a shorter route to success."
Going forward, competition is set to increase in the Middle East UAV market as more countries join the fray. Domestic competition will be a factor to contend with eventually, as production capabilities within the Middle East increase and manufacturers gain confidence in their platforms and the ability to attract international customers.
If you are interested in more information on Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Middle East, please send an e-mail to Joanna Lewandowska, Corporate Communications, at firstname.lastname@example.com, with your full contact details.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants.
Our "Growth Partnership" supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
- The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
- The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organisation prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
Contact Us: Start the discussion
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Joanna Lewandowska
Corporate Communications – Europe
E: email@example.com
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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan


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PANAMA CITY BEACH � Police are investigating the circumstances which led to a 62-year-old Spring Break chaperone falling to his death Wednesday morning.
PANAMA CITY BEACH � Police are investigating the circumstances which led to a 62-year-old Spring Break chaperone falling to his death Wednesday morning.
Panama City Beach Police responded to a reported balcony fall about 9:30 am. at the Holiday Inn Resort at 11127 Front Beach Road, where they found Thomas H. Saunders, of Southlake, Texas, motionless on the lobby roof.
Bay County Crime Scene Investigators quickly cordoned off the area and covered the scene with a canopy to block the sightline of visiting guests on the 14 floors above.
�All I could see was the shape of a body under the cloth,� said Andrew Rulesh, visiting from Wisconsin. �But it was pretty disturbing.�
Saunders fell sometime earlier Wednesday morning from a 12th floor balcony facing Front Beach Road, according to Beach Police Capt. Robert Clarkson. Saunders was chaperoning his daughter and four friends, who were asleep in their room when the incident occurred, Clarkson said.
The manner in which Saunders fell and his exact cause of death were unclear Wednesday pending an autopsy, but officers did not suspect foul play.
Friends of Thomas Saunders� daughter, Rachel Saunders, tweet words of condolence to her Twitter account Wednesday.
�I can�t believe this,� Rachel Saunders replied in a Twitter post. �It doesn�t even feel real.�
Management of the Holiday Inn indicated the incident was accidental and not alcohol-related.
�Apparently this is a medical-related accident, though police are still investigating,� said Julie Hilton, vice president of Hilton Inc. �It was not Spring Break-related and it was not drug- or alcohol-related.�
Hilton said despite efforts of the hotel chains to reduce balcony falls, incidents like this one could not be prevented.
�We don�t know of anything that could�ve been done,� she said. �Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, and we�re here to help in any way we can.�


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Monday, 14 July 2014
A Working Week | THREE
10 comments
I absolutely love this tweed style dress!!ReplyDelete
You look like you are straight from a Twiggy photo shoot!!
xo Holly xo
HollyDolly. Replies
Aw thats so sweet thank you! Glad you like the dress and its in the sale too which makes me love it even more haha! xDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
Love this look lovely!! Already obsessed with your blog!! Definitely a great work purchase, dresses are so much better than shirts and pants!!ReplyDelete
Aw thank you so sweet glad you enjoy it! Yeah I agree I am definitely more of a dress to work kind of girl it makes going to work that little bit easier ha ha! xDelete
I love the texture of this dress! Thanks for linking up.ReplyDelete
What a gorgeous dress! I love that you kept the accessories minimal because I think the dress can stand on its own :)ReplyDelete
Found you via the linkup. Would you like to follow each other on GFC and social media? Pls let me know if you're up for it :) xoxo
Abby of http://www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com
Very Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Gorgeous dress.ReplyDelete
Katie <3
What a sweet dress especially when its pink! Would you like to follow each other on GFC, Google+, Bloglovin and other social media? Keep in touch.ReplyDelete
Shikin Kikin | shikinkikin.blogspot.sg
I love this dress. If i saw it on the hanger i wouldn't think much of it but seeing it on you looks gorgeous and now i want it :-) love your blog, i am now following.ReplyDelete