The Perfect Christmas Movie Night!

Christmas is next week, next week!? I know, crazy right? I can't believe we're less than 5 days until Christmas and I'm yet to have a movie night. Today I thought I'd share with you my perfect idea of a movie night which I shall be having on Tuesday evening as that's when I finish work for Christmas. I've also teamed up with Casper, a company that sells amazing mattresses here, to share with you my essentials for a movie night.

Casper was actually lovely enough to create this checklist for me, once I had given my input. You may like to use this or adapt it so feel free!

First up is a comfy mattress as there's no better feeling than jumping into bed in your festive pyjamas after a long day at work. Next up you'll need a pile of comfy cushions which Casper also sells, here. Does anyone else strategically place them for ultimate comfort whilst watching films?!

And of course as I briefly mentioned earlier, your favourite festive pyjamas! I love these navy bottoms with a reindeer print all over from F&F a year or so ago. I've also picked up a new tartan flannel pair which I'm excited to snuggle up in on Christmas Eve!

How can you have a movie night without some treats!? I love snuggling up in bed with a hot chocolate, at the moment I'm loving the Galaxy one. It's super sweet but definitely isn't sickly. I love dipping cookies into hot chocolate and tea so I definitely won't forget them!

My movie night sounds almost perfect, just a couple of things missing. I love lighting candles as they just set the mood and makes everything feel more cosy. My favourite festive candle is Yankee Candle Simply Home Sunlight On Snow which you may have seen me mentioned a good few times. It's more of a fresh scent rather than a sweet/spicy typical Christmas scent which I love.

And finally, a movie night is not complete without a few films! I recently did a blog post on my top five festive film picks here so head on over to check that out. There I mentioned my favourite was The Polar Express, I love how magical it is. It's such a lovely film and gets so excited for Christmas.

So there's that, my perfect set up for a holiday movie night! It was lovely to work with Casper on this post so be sure to go and check out their products, linked here. Also, I'd love to know what would make it to your checklist so let me know in the comments below.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOVIE NIGHT ESSENTIALS?

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My Top Five Festive Film Picks!

Today I thought i'd share with you my top five festive film picks. I don't tend to enjoy films often, my attention span is poor and I lose interest. However, I love Christmas films because, well how could you not!? If you're planning on binge watching Christmas films in the run up to the big day then I've listed my five favourites, starting from five and reeling them off til my ultimate favourite- number one. Let's get started, shall we?

5. A Christmas Carol (2009)

This stands a firm favourite as I first saw it in the cinema with my family on Christmas Eve. As well as being nostalgic, it's also a great film where it follows the life of Scrooge in the run up to Christmas. Of course, i'm not going to spoil it though I'm sure most of you will have seen it or know the story. The most recent release of it is definitely worth a watch!

4. Nativity!

This is one I watch numerous times in the month of December. As you could've probably guessed from the title this one is based around the preparations for a school nativity. It's a hilarious comedy, how can you not love Mr Poppy?! Also, fact of the day: one of the children in the film actually went to my primary school. How cool is that!?

3. Love Actually

Believe it or not, I had never seen this until last Christmas. So many people raved about it so I thought it was about time I saw what it was all about. I loved it, hence why it's made it's way into my top five. If you haven't seen it, the film basically follows a number of different couples during the run up to Christmas. I probably haven't made that sound too appealing but it's a rom-com so you definitely won't get bogged down with slushy couples. If you haven't seen it- make sure you give it a watch this year! Let me know what you think of it, if you do.

2. Home Alone

A classic. I'm almost certain that everyone has seen this film- if you haven't, you've probably been living under a rock. Is there really any point in trying to explain this film? The title gives it away right? I've seen this countless times and I never get bored of it, it's hilarious and i'm completely hooked within the first few minutes. The second film is also just as good, the ones after aren't so.

1. The Polar Express

You were expecting me to say Elf right? If i'm honest, it's never been a favourite of mine- don't get me wrong it is a good film but I can't take too much of it. The Polar Express however is a different story. It's just so magical and exciting. It follows the journey of a little boy who struggles to believe, he is taken on a journey to the North Pole that shows him the excitement never fades for those who believe. You'll also fall in love with the lone boy singing at the back of the train, 'it's so much fun when Christmas comes to townnn!' Just me? Ok then...

So there you have it, a run through of my favourite Christmas films. Do you love any of these as much as me? Let me know or leave me any festive film recommendations! I'll be back Sunday to share my idea of a perfect movie night!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FILM?

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A New Job and Christmas Blogging Plans! | Update

Today I thought I'd have a little catch up with you guys to let you know what's going to be happening on my blog this next month or so.




As you may know back in July I qualified as a childcare practitioner and since then I've been looking for a job in the childcare field, I was unsuccessful so I decided I would do supply work as a Teaching Assistant. I really enjoyed myself whilst working as a TA and I would definitely consider it in the not too distant future. However, for now- I've just got myself a job as a Play Worker/Nursery Nurse in a near by playgroup/pre-school. I start next Monday and I'm super excited as my colleagues are so lovely, however it may be a little bit tricky to get posts up twice a week on a Wednesday and Sunday, unfortunately. 








However, Christmas is upon us and I've got lots of ideas that I really hope I can find the time to work on and get up. Recently I felt as though I had lost my blogging mojo and was lacking inspiration and that may have showed through. I hope it didn't and you stuck with me! I promise there's lot's more festivity coming your way as Christmas is my favourite time of year, so you can make sure you're up to date with me by following me here via bloglovin- if you want of course!








Also, something exciting for me and maybe for you too?! After umming and ahhing for a good while, I finally decided to get the Feel Unique 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar! I'm super excited as this is the first beauty advent calendar I've ever had so I'm looking forward to see what goodies lie beneath the doors. 

Now the exciting part for you guys, well maybe.. I'm debating whether to do a post each week on what I find(bearing in mind this will only be 3 items as the calendar is only 12 days) or whether to a post at the end of advent showing what I received in the whole calendar. I also thought it might be nice for you to see me open it, so instead I was wondering whether you'd like me to record myself opening each door and posting it on Instagram (@xtracesofmythoughts) then a month or so after, give a review on each of the items. Please let me know what you think in the comments below!




And that's all I've got to update you on, I think... I hope you're looking forward for what's to come on my blog, I know I'm excited to get in the festive mood! Just one month til Christmas guys! Also, let me know whether you've got any Christmassy posts planned! 

I shall be back on Sunday with a collab, so keep your eyes peeled!




HAVE YOU GOT ANY CHRISTMAS BLOG POSTS PLANNED?




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The Pinky Nude Lip | My Favourite Lip Combo!

Recently I noticed that compared to any other category in my makeup collection, I have a lot more lip products! On a day-to-day basis, I only really wear the same few so I decided I won't buy any more lip products until after Christmas. Who knows? It might save me a few pounds before Christmas, thus being able to spend more on gifts! It's been about a month, though I may have caved a little bit and bought the Glamour magazine- just for the free lipstick! When thinking about this, the idea came to me to do a post on one of my favourite lip combos- so that's what I shall be sharing with you today.

I love a pinky/nude lip on an everyday basis as I think they're so easy to pair with any makeup look and they wear away nicely without leaving that horrible ring stain. Now, I always go into Poundland for a browse as sometimes they have some great beauty products- whilst looking I saw this Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz. These lip liners retail at around £3 so I saved myself a couple of quid there, however I can't seem to find Rose Quartz online at Boots so I think they may have had a revamp and renamed it Indian Pink which looks a pretty similar colour, so bare that in mind if you're looking for it!

As you can see below this is a nudey pink colour with the slightest shimmer, however I can barely notice the shimmer unless it's in the light. I apologise, that was an awful description so hopefully it swatched gives you a better idea! I tend to use this by outlining my lips first and then put it all over the inside of my lips, this will act as a base for the lip gloss later. As I mentioned earlier, this lip liner fades evenly so you're left with a stain all over. However, this may need to be re-applied throughout the day depending on whether you're eating or drinking.

Left/Top- Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz
Right/Bottom- Fleur De Force Lip Gloss in Written In The Stars

To finish off the look I will go in with the Fleur De Force Lip Gloss in Written In The Stars. I was super excited for these to be released as they looked and sounded amazing when Fleur was showing them in her video. I had my eye on the berry toned one, ready for Autumn/Winter but I already have enough berry colours in my collection so instead I went for this instead. This is Written In The Stars, again is a pinky nude colour, very similar to the lip liner- just a tad lighter. On first swatch, I was really impressed by how incredibly pigmented these glosses are, they're not too sticky so are comfortable on the lips and they smell gorgeous! If scented lip products are your thing then you'd love these- vanillary goodness!

Usually i'd quickly pop on lip gloss without a mirror, however I find these are so pigmented that I could end up looking like Coco the Clown- so I make sure I've got a mirror handy when applying these. I love the high shine finish these lip glosses give and this combo makes me feel like I've got my sh*t together when really, I probably haven't...

How long does this combo last? I couldn't say exactly, I do find I have to reapply after eating/drinking for the full effect. If I just left it though, as I've mentioned a good few times before in this post- these fade evenly so I don't have to worry too much! I'm yet to find a lipstick/lip combo that lasts all day without the need to re-apply so if you've got any recommendations, please leave them below!

This is my go-to lip look for an everyday basis, though if i'm feeling I want to be extra Autumnal, I will apply a berry colour. This one is just a lot easier to maintain!

SHOP THE LOOK

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz, here- £3.24

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Indian Pink(similar), here- £2.99 

Fleur De Force Lip Gloss in Written In The Stars, here- £6.99

Apologies for not posting on Sunday, I was pretty busy so didn't have time or ideas on what to post. I'd be grateful if you left me with any suggestions to take me up to December. Also, let me know whether you've tried any of Fleur De Forces makeup line and what you think of it!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LIP COMBO?

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Something To Put A Smile On Their Face | Operation Christmas Child 2015

Halloween is out of the way, Bonfire Night will be done and dusted by the end of next week so why not get a little Christmassy here on my blog today. Today i'm going to be sharing with you an initiative called Operation Christmas Child by the charity Samaritan's Purse. I'm going to put it straight out there, this is not sponsored. Blogging allows me to connect with people all over the world, therefore I feel it is my duty to share good things and thoughts in order to have a positive influence on those reading. Anyway, let's get on with this and allow me to explain a little more about it.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Samaritan's Purse is the charity that runs Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child allows anybody in most countries around the world to send a shoe box full of gifts including hygiene items, school supplies and toys to a child somewhere in a less developed country to enable them to have a happier Christmas. If you'd like to find out more, just search Operation Christmas Child followed by where you live as each country has a different website with specific details on how to pack a box. For example, Operation Christmas Child UK. Or you can click here, if you're from the UK.

How to pack a shoe box?

First of all you should wrap your shoe box ensuring the lid and box are wrapped separately. You should then pop a label on top stating whether your box is for a boy or girl and which age range. I did a box for a boy and a girl, both aged 5 to 9.

Next you should fill your box with gifts, including hygiene items, school supplies and toys. However, I must make you aware there are some restrictions on what you can put in as these are going to be flown across the world, therefore you should avoid food, liquids and sharp objects. There are also some restrictions on toys such as war-related toys(soldiers, guns, knives), hand-made stuffed toys and playing cards. If you're unsure, click here to find a more in-depth list of what you can and can't include. 

Here I've included pictures and a list of what I've packed in each box, i'm sure you'll be able to tell but the first is for a boy(aged 5-9) and the second is for a girl(aged 5-9).

HYGIENE ITEMS

-Toothbrushes

 -Toothpaste

-Bar of soap and a flannel

-Comb/hair brush

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

-Notebook

-Ballpoint pens
-Pencils

-Colouring pencils
-Ruler

-Eraser and sharpener 

TOYS

-Train set
-Truck

-Animal figures

-Doll

-Jewellery making set

OTHER
-Hat/Scarf/Gloves
-Hair accessories

-Colouring/Activity book

-Sweets(best before date must be at least March of the following year) 

MAKE SURE THE LID CAN SHUT!

The only items missing are a colouring/activity book for both and hair accessories for the girl as I feel the box is a little emptier compared to the boys. You should also make sure that the lid of your box can close properly, you don't want to loose anything!

How much will this cost?

I know you're probably thinking this, how much is this going to set me back? 

Not a huge amount in my case, though it does depend where you shop.

I cannot recommend Wilko enough for hygiene and stationary items. For example for a two pack of toothbrushes it cost just 18p! I went for the bigger pack of pencils which cost 50p each, however they do have smaller packets for 18p so it depends on your budget.

For the toys, i'd shop around the pound shops. I have a few in my town so I went into each looking for appropriate toys, a hat and glove set and sweets. 

So far in total i've spent £16.09. You must also donate £3 for you box to be shipped, you can either include this within the box or you can pay online. I am going to do this online as they give you a barcode which you can stick in your boxes to track them. You will then recieve an email in the new year to find out where your box has gone!

Grand Total(2 boxes) = Under £25

Of course, I understand that not everybody has that much to give. You could just do one box, which would come in under £15 with the £3 donation included in that price. However, you could do a box with the basic necessities including hygiene items, some stationary with one or two toys, which would be even cheaper! I'm sure whatever you can give will put a huge smile on a child's face. You and your friends could also gather any small change/pocket money you have to create a box between you. There's no better feeling than doing a good deed! 

How do I send it off?

Once everything is in your box, including the £3 donation to ship it- i'd recommend putting an elastic band around it to keep the lid on and to prevent loosing anything from your box. You should then take it to your local drop off point. This can be done from today up until 18th November, so you've got just over 2 weeks to do so! You'll be able to find your local drop off point, here.

And that's it, you've done your good deed for the day and i'm sure you'll make a child very happy on Christmas morning! There's no better feeling!

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This post was a little different to what you'd usually see on my blog, but I hope you enjoyed finding out about an amazing initiative and I really hope some of you will go and look more into this. Of course, if it's not practical for you this year due to lack of funds or time then you can keep it in mind for next year!

I hope you've had a lovely week. Let me know what you think of this idea in the comments below!

♥   ♥   ♥

Currently Loving | October Favourites

I'm going to be a typical blogger and highlight how fast this month has gone. Seriously where has October gone? Christmas is creeping up on us and I couldn't be more excited. Myself and Pastel Blasts Beauty have decided to share with you some of the things we've been loving this month, click here to take you straight to her blog and see what she's been loving during the month of October.

I think i'll start with makeup today, both are actually Rimmel products- just putting it out there that this isn't sponsored, haha! I picked up both these products on a deal in Boots, probably something like 2 for £10 which is a bargain! 

I had heard lots about the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation and I saw that it had been reformulated, claiming to have a pore blurring effect. This sounded perfect for me as I have quite large open pores around my nose so I was hoping this would minimise the appearance of them. It definitely does! This foundation is also very light and natural so is ideal for everyday wear. I also found it's super easy to blend so is perfect for when i'm in a rush in the mornings.

The next product that I've been loving is the Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 107. So many beauty bloggers rave about this so I thought i'd give it a go. I expected it to be a darker berry shade, however I find it's more pink on my lips. I have recently been really enjoying wearing it though as it lasts a good while on my lips with liner. I also feel this would be perfect for those experimenting with darker lip options, this is very wearable so give it a whirl!

Next up is nails, i'm sure you will have seen this nail varnish on my blog before. It's the Rimmel Lycra Pro Nail Varnish in Hypnotise- the perfect shade for Autumn/Winter! I love wearing this on my nails, you can see my review here. Whenever I take this off, almost every time I want to put it back on! I think this would look pretty with a glitter on top and would look especially great during the Christmas/Party Season.

Now onto skincare. My first product is something I've rediscovered this month, it's the Soap and Glory Hot Cloth Pore Cleanser. I used to love this and I think I stopped using it as I was coming to the end of the tube. Recently I heard that this was a good dupe of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish which is something I've been wanting to try for a while, I decided i'd pick this up and give it another try. First of all, I love the calming scent which works well with a hot muslin cloth, it's relaxing and feels like a real treat at the end of the day. This has been repackaged and renamed but I will be going back to pick this up, it is now called The Ultimelt Deep Purifying Hot Cloth Cleanser.

The second product in skincare is the Garnier Fresh Essentials Moisturiser. I decided to try this as it was on offer on Feel Unique and it looks very similar to another Garnier moisturiser that I love. I think I may have already mentioned this in a previous post but I can't decide which I love more. They're both super hydrating and light on the skin, however I think this may sink in a little quicker. If you're looking for a new moisturiser to keep your skin soft and hydrated during the colder months, i'd definitely recommend this! It's roughly around £2 to £3 and I believe you can pick it up in supermarkets like Tesco and Asda.

For fashion, it had to be these pointed boots from Dorothy Perkins. These have been my go-to everyday as they're comfortable and look great. I'm quite short and so are my legs so I feel like the point elongates them, is that a thing? Haha! I've worn these so much already and there is hardly any signs of wear so I can tell these are going to last me a good while, yay!

Does a series count as a lifestyle favourite? My brother recently got Amazon Prime so I've sneakily been using his account to watch Parks and Recreation, he probably knows but we'll pretend he doesn't- haha! I had heard lots about this series, saying it's a must watch- it is! Amy Poehler is hilarious as Leslie, I love her!

I don't want to attempt to describe it as quite frankly I don't want to ruin it, but i'm sure a quick Google search will entice you! I'm gutted as only three series are on Amazon Prime at the moment, lets hope they add more!

Last but certainly not least, YouTubers! Seeing as it's been Vlogtober, there have been quite a lot of daily vlogs to watch. There have been a couple that have stood out to me, Diary Of A Spendaholic and Lily Melrose. Both very different, but I love so go check them out. In terms of general videos, I've been loving Laura Black(she's hilarious and absolutely stunning!) and Gem Lo Valentine(She is also beautiful and I love her style!) If you'd like to check them out then click on each of their names to take you straight to their channels!

And that's a wrap of what I've been loving this October. Be sure to check out Pastel Blasts Beauty and see what she's been loving this month too!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LOVING?

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My Makeup Collection | 2015

I'm sure like many others, I love to be nosey! I love makeup too, so one of my favourite kind of posts to read and videos to watch are makeup collections! Seeing as I didn't post earlier in the week, I thought i'd make it up to you(sorta) and let you rummage around my makeup collection. In comparison to other beauty bloggers and vloggers, personally I don't think I have that much. However, it is more than enough to get by but i'll still continue to buy more.

 I decided to focus on the makeup that I wear most often that sits on my dressing table, however if you read til the end you'll be able to have a quick look at the rest of my makeup in my drawers.

I store my makeup in this lovely white storage shelf from a shop called Store Twenty One which I bought last year, however if you search 'white desk organiser' you will find similar, here and here. 

At the top of my storage, there are three back sections where I keep a few of my favourite bases(L'Oreal True Match: review here, Rimmel Match Perfection and the L'Oreal Glam Bronze Eau de Soleil), some tools and lipsticks- would you like to see a lipstick collection? Then in front is a little ledge where I store some small moisturisers/bases.

There is also a large drawer at the bottom which is where I store the rest of my most used makeup from primers, to mascaras and lipsticks. I must admit, there isn't an order in here and it's never usually this neat- once used, I tend to just throw it back in as i'm on a tight schedule most mornings.

Here I've got stacked the MUA Pressed Powder which I use for bronzing, a Sleek Blush in Rose Gold, the Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer and finally on top is a Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Pink Gold.

To the side I've got a couple of Avon Colour Trend lipsticks, Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer which I am scraping the bottle of, Benefit Porefessional Primer, an Avon Pressed Powder and then on top is some foundation which I decanted to take away with me. (Note to self: use up!)

Then onto the eyes section of the drawer. The mascaras I have in here are Maybelline One By One, Collection Lengthening Mascara and Benefit Roller Lash. 

I also have a couple of brow products which are Soap and Glory Brow Archery in Brownie Points and the Maybelline Brow Drama Setting Gel.

Here is another concealer which is the much loved Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer and finally I have the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt.

I keep my most used palettes in this pink pot, they're W7 In The Buff which is a dupe of Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette, you can see a review here. I also have the MUA Heaven and Earth Palette, such pretty nudes, browns and a few coppery shades.

To the side I keep my brushes in a floral mug, if you'd like to see my most used brushes you can see my posts on them here and here. In front I have this little dish from H&M Home with pretty lashes on. Here I store anything and everything, a couple of autumnal nail varnishes, kirby grips, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, a necklace and my watch!

The rest of my makeup and beauty products are kept in another few drawers in my room. 

I split my makeup into sections, you know most people buy Muji storage? I use takeaway tubs, haha! They worked a treat. Here I have a selection of bases, eye products, eye shadow palettes and singles and finally a bunch of lip products!

I hope you enjoyed rummaging through my makeup collection. I must admit this didn't turn out as I would've hoped, not everyone has a sleek white dressing table- mine is covered in marks from makeup which is why I decided to photograph the majority of my collection on the floor, I hope you don't mind!

HOW DO YOU STORE YOUR MAKEUP?

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September Favourites | Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle

When it comes to favourites post, almost everyone seems to highlight the fact that the month has gone by so quickly, for me September has dragged! I used to dislike September as it meant back to school or college, but this September was different- I wasn't going back to education so it marked new beginnings which was exciting! I've not been trying much in terms of beauty this month so I thought i'd share some of the fashion and lifestyle bits I've been loving too! 

First, I shall get the beauty bits out the way. I got my hands on one of Fleur De Force's lip glosses, this is in the shade Written in the Stars which was described as a 'your lips but better' kinda shade. This is definitely how i'd describe it, unlike most drugstore lip glosses this is highly pigmented which is perfect to effortlessly pop on when you're in a rush to get out the door. These are exclusive to Feel Unique at the moment and are £6.99 which is pretty reasonable!

My skincare favourite this month has been Lush Mask of Magnaminty which is a face and body mask. I haven't used this as a body mask yet but I've been really enjoying using it on my face once week, usually on a Sunday to pamper my skin at the end of the week. I recently reviewed this so you can see my full thoughts here.

You may have seen this jumper in my latest haul, I mentioned that I believe they're supposed to be slightly cropped so I got mine in a larger size so that I could wear it to work also. This has been so ideal for those days where I can't be bothered as I can throw this on with a pair of cigarette trousers or over a smock/skater dress and i'm good to go. Also this was only £7.99 so I picked it up in the mustard colour too, i'm tempted to go back for the khaki colour!

I thought i'd mention a food favourite this month, it's Kaspas an ice cream and dessert where I live. I believe Creams in England is similar though! This is a bit of a cheat as I've only been once but I've wanted to go back ever since! I had a waffle with fresh strawberrys and chocolate drizzled over and whipped cream on the side, I dread to think how many calories that were in it, but it was goood!

Finally I thought i'd also mention a lifestyle favourite. This month I started a new job with an agency doing supply work as a Teaching Assistant. It's been so nice to get back out there doing what I love, gaining experience to either go to university next year or find a full-time job. Of course it's also been lovely to be earning, especially when Christmas is on it's way- just under three months people!

And there you have it, a run down of what I've been loving this month!

I'd also like to apologise as I've been lacking inspiration on the blogging front recently, seeing that it's now autumn and lots of festivities are ahead, i'm hoping to get my mojo back! I would really appreciate any post suggestions in the comments below. Let me know what you'd like to see from me!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LOVING THIS MONTH?

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