How I Make my Photoshop Graphics

It's no secret that I love using Photoshop. Over the years, it's become a program that I feel really comfortable using. Having a blog has definitely given me an excuse to use the program on a more regular basis. Without Photoshop, I definitely wouldn't have the blog design I have today. For today's post, I thought it'd be fun to share how I make my Photoshop graphics. While I was taking the screenshots, I didn't realise how little steps were involved. It's definitely quite a straightforward process so if you were keen on making your own Photoshop graphics, hopefully it's easy to follow! 

1. First I upload an image of my choice into Photoshop. I like to lower the opacity percentage to between 30 and 40. This makes it easier for me to execute the next step. 

2. Next I select the pen tool and change it to stroke black, line weight 3pt. With my image for guidance, I'll trace around what will soon become the outline for my digital drawing. Once I've hid the image from the previous step, this is what I'm left with. 

3. When I'm happy with my outline, I move on to colouring. I add a base colour to all the main sections using the brush tool, while the more detailed sections - such as the flowers - are saved for a later step. 

4. The next thing I add to my digital drawing is tonal variation. The eyedropper tool really comes in handy for this step. It helps me find lighter and darker shades that are close to my base colour. I'll also refer back to my original image to make sure I'm adding tone in all the right places. 

5. In this final step, I finish up colouring anything I didn't complete beforehand. I also like to add a background colour to make the image really pop. 

Thanks for reading! 
*On a side note, what would you guys think if I were to start a "Draw my Followers" series on my blog? Let me know in the comment section below! 

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Tips For Organising Your Wardrobe

I've done so much shopping this past month and a bit, my closet has reached full capacity. There's literally no space for anything else and it's become a bit of a mess because of this. I've decided I need to do a massive tidy up but if there's one thing I've learnt from doing my big bedroom clean ups, it's that organising my wardrobe is no easy feat. If you're like me and really struggle with your wardrobe space, here are some easy ways to keep your fashion items in order. 

Categorise Your Clothes
A great way to organise your clothing is by category; dresses, tops, jackets, pants, etc. Not only does it make your job a whole lot easier when putting together an outfit for the day, it also makes your closet look that much tidier. By grouping similar garments together, the space will look a lot less cluttered/jumbled. An even better way to order these categories is by length. Depending on whether you want a downward or upward slope, start with the shortest or longest item then work your way along. 

Invest in a Shoe Rack
If you're someone with quite a lot of shoes, a shoe rack is definitely worth buying. Shoe racks are not only a great way to display your footwear, they also put your wardrobe's floor space to good use. While shoe shelves are another good storage option, they don't take advantage of floor space like shoe racks do. A good way to arrange your shoes is by use. Place the ones you wear frequently on the top level and then the ones you wear less often on the lower levels. That way your favourite shoes are more accessible to you.

Store Bags on Shelves
If you have shelves in your wardrobe, I'd recommend saving them for your bags. Bags are probably the most difficult to organise while making sure they're still visible. Depending on the number of shelves you have, you could sort a bag per shelf. By giving each bag its own compartment, they would be less likely to get distorted/squashed. This would also allow you to see each bag clearly making it easier for you to grab the one you want in a hurry. 

Hang Other Accessories on Wall Hooks
Belts, scarfs and hats are often overlooked in terms of having a home. Because of this, they tend to get lost quite easily. A quick and easy solution to this problem is wall hooks. You can either buy an over-the-door hook rack or DIY your own by attaching individual wall hooks to the inner side of your wardrobe door. If possible, try and make the most of your door space. With the right equipment, it can become a really great storage option.

Thanks for reading! Did you find this post helpful? Let me know down below!

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What's Your Pinterest Style? - Quiz

Pinterest is the home of every kind of inspiration possible. For a long time, my obsession with Pinterest revolved around pastels and flat lays. At the moment, however, my favourite board would definitely have to be my fashion one. I've been posting to it almost every day! For this month's quiz, I'm going to see if I can guess your Pinterest style or just your fashion style in general. Let me know if I got it right or if I got it completely wrong! 

1. My go-to outfit is a...
A) Sweater and jeans. 
B) Top and skirt.
C) T-shirt and shorts.
D) Dress and cardigan.  

2. One of my favourite materials to wear is...
A) Velvet.
B) Satin.
C) Denim.
D) Wool.

3. My fashion is very much inspired by...
A) Old school movies. 
B) Style magazines.
C) Celebrities and famous people.
D) Store mannequins. 

4. My wardrobe staple is...
A) A warm turtleneck. 
B) A pretty blouse. 
C) Worn-out overalls. 
D) A stripy sweater dress.

5. The season I buy most of my clothes in...
A) Autumn.
B) Spring.
C) Summer.
D) Winter. 

6. The shoes I like to wear on a daily basis are my...
A) Ankle boots. 
B) Ballet flats.
C) Sandals.
D) Sneakers.

7. When clothes shopping, I am instantly drawn to anything...
A) Patterned. 
B) Sparkly.
C) With tassels. 
D) With faux fur. 

8. My clothes are predominantly...
A) Orange and green.
B) White and pink.
C) Brown and red.
D) Grey and black.

9. My favourite way to accessorise an outfit is with...
A) A cute hat.
B) A dainty necklace and matching bracelet. 
C) Some statement earrings.
D) A large hand bag.  

10. I get almost all my clothes from...
A) My local op shop.
B) H&M.
C) Online stores.
D) Uniqlo.

Your Pinterest Style is Very.......

(Mostly A's)
Vintage



(Mostly B's)
Feminine



(Mostly C's)
Bohemian



(Mostly D's)
Casual



Thanks for taking the quiz! 

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8 Blog Posts That Are Special to me

I've written just over 70 blog posts since starting The AnnieChanie Blog and as much as I love each and every post I've published, there are just 8 out of the 73 that really stand out to me. 

1. My Favourite Pastel Coloured Fashion Items
I was really happy with the overall aesthetic of this post. All the colours and images came out just the way I wanted them to. My extreme love for pastels really shone through and there's no other blog post that showcases this more. 

2. Starting University 
This blog post was quite hard for me to publish. There were some things I didn't even realise I was feeling until I'd finished writing this post. I didn't need to put it out into the open but I'm still really proud of myself for doing so and the support and uplifting messages from readers made me value my decision even more. 

3. Room Tour 2018
I've always been an avid watcher of room tour videos on YouTube so being able to share one of my own was really special. My room means a lot to me so I found it really cool that I was able to dedicate an entire blog post to it. 

4. What I Bought on Holiday (Australia)
I've been really happy with my blog photos from the past month but my favourite still stands. The main flat lay from this haul post turned out so different to what I intended it to look. I think that's why I loved it so much. It was so unlike any other flat lay I'd ever taken and there's still no other photo of mine quite like it. 

5. Blog Anniversary Post (1 Year of Blogging)
I couldn't write a list of special blog posts without including my 1 year anniversary post. It was such an amazing thing to be able to say I'd been blogging for 12 months. I was really glad I was able to mark this milestone with a blog post. 

6. (Graceful Avenue) Mishka Mail Review
This review was my first ever collaboration with a brand/company. When I got the email about this post, I danced around my room for a solid 2 minutes. I'll never forget the euphoria I felt on that day. From working with the lovely Naira to actually receiving her personalised package in the mail, everything that went on behind the scenes was what made this blog post so very memorable. 

7. What Type of Blogger Are You - Quiz
This was my first ever monthly quiz and I had no idea how reader's would react to it. I had nothing to worry about though because, as always, the blogging community was very encouraging and positive. I was so grateful to everyone that took part.  

8. My Blog Journey so Far
I got my first ever blog comment on this post. I had no idea a stranger's words could mean so much to me. But Elizabeth's comment did. And what she wrote on my blog that day will stay with me forever. 

Thanks for reading! Do you have a blog post that's special to you? Let me know down below! 

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(Printiki) Why I Love Memory Keeping

In my room is a large box that holds all my treasured mementoes; old diaries from my primary school days, handmade gifts from family and friends and lots of other little things with special backstories or memories attached to them. I know that whatever I keep, my future self will be thankful for. Preserving my memories is a big deal to me which is why that memory box is the most precious thing in my entire room. If I had to evacuate my room in a hurry, you can bet my memory box would be the first thing I grab. 



Photographs play a huge role in my love for memory keeping. As a very visual person, I love having a photo to remember a special moment or occasion by. Photos are like little time machines. You can relive your favourite memories through them. Because of my love for memory keeping, physical copies are a must. I'm constantly paranoid about my phone or laptop crashing and losing all my photos in the process. This would destroy someone like me, who feels so passionately about items that carry sentimental value. I feel like photo printing isn't as common nowadays especially since photos are more easily shared online. Even though photo printing isn't as favoured as it used to be, I still think there's a magic to printed photos that you can't really get through a screen. Being able to physically hold a memory in your hand is a really amazing thing and I think we should all really take advantage of that.  

Netherlands company Printiki also believe in the concept of bringing your photos to life. With their online photo printing tool, I was able to print out some of my favourite moments from the year so far. I was really happy with the way my prints turned out. While I'm hoping to put a majority on display in my room, the rest will no doubt be put into my memory box for safe keeping. 

If you were wanting to print your photos, use the code 4CPSSSZN for free shipping on your order. Also be sure to check out Printiki's Instagram is you're unsure on what to do with your printed photos. Their feed is full of inspiration! 

Thanks for reading! Do you have a memory box? Do you like printing your photos? Let me know down below! 




* These prints were gifted to me. All opinions are 100% my own. *

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Podcasts For Bloggers

A month or two ago, I decided to listen to my first ever podcast. I'd heard the word "podcast" thrown around a couple of times but never got around to investigating them further so when my friend mentioned just how much she enjoyed listening to them, I decided to take action. Now I'm on the podcast app nearly every day. My favourite type of podcasts are the ones about/for online creators. If there's an episode interviewing a blogger, you can bet I've listened to it. Every time I listen to these interviews, it's impossible to not feel inspired or empowered afterwards. I absolutely love hearing about how people found blogging and why they decided to start their blog. I think it's great that no two blog journeys are the same and that every blogger has a different story to tell. In the beginning, I found it particularly tricky to find blog-related podcasts which is why I decided to put together this post. If you're a blogger and are interested in listening to podcasts, here is a list of some shows and episodes that I think you'll enjoy. 


One Girl Band 
(Ep 40) Kristabel Plummer // Carving and Growing Your Blogging Career


Made Online 
(Ep 9) Hannah Gale (Blogger Of The Year 2017, Mum-To-Be & Ex-Digital Magazine Editor)


At Home With...
(Ep 2) KATE JOHNSON - Blogger, Kate La Vie


Ctrl Alt Delete 
(Ep 39) Megan Gilbride (Blogger): The Business of Blogging, Brands & Body Image


The Creative Leap
(Ep 1) MEGAN ELLABY - Style Blogger


What She Said
(Ep 20) with Rosie Chappel // Cider with Rosie

Thanks for checking out this week's post! Do you listen to podcasts? What are your thoughts on them? Let me know down below! 

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Which Disney Princess Are You? - Quiz

I can't believe it's already halfway through the year! Where has the past 5 months gone to? Today's quiz is super exciting! I've been wanting to do a Disney related post for quite some time now and with the Royal Wedding just last month, I thought there wouldn't be a better time than now to do a "Which Princess Are You?" quiz! Hope you enjoy! 

1. I have a fear of...
A) Being stuck in the same place all my life. 
B) The unknown.
C) Disappointing the people that mean most to me. 
D) Needles. 

2. My dream dress is the colour...
A) Yellow.
B) Purple. 
C) Green.
D) Pink. 

3. A random talent of mine is that I can...
A) Get through multiple books in one day. 
B) Braid my hair without a mirror. 
C) Hold my breath underwater for a good couple of minutes. 
D) Sleep anywhere and everywhere. 

4. I feel safest when I'm...
A) Reading. 
B) At home. 
C) By the ocean. 
D) Surrounded by loved ones. 

5. When it comes to my hair, I like to...
A) Tie it up in a low ponytail.
B) Put it in a braid. 
C) Leave it out.
D) Curl it slightly at the ends. 

6. I get _______ very easily.
A) Bored
B) Worried
C) Curious
D) Tired

7. When I was younger, I always imagined living in...
A) A little village.
B) A tall tower.
C) An underwater city. 
D) A magnificent castle.

8. I think a princess should be...
A) Intelligent and open minded.
B) Fun and imaginative.
C) Strong willed and independent. 
D) Kind and gentle.

9. The Disney song that I can't help but sing along to is...
A) "Be Our Guest".
B) "When Will my Life Begin".
C) "Under The Sea".
D) "Once Upon a Dream".

10. As a child, my favourite fairytale was...
A) Beauty and the Beast.
B) Rapunzel.
C) The Little Mermaid.
D) Sleeping Beauty. 

You are.......

(Mostly A's)
Belle
You're smart, caring and fearless. Just like Belle! You love to travel and have adventures and experience new things. As well this, you're an avid reader of fictional novels and will spend a majority of your downtime with your nose in a book. 

(Mostly B's)
Rapunzel
Your friends love your playful and lively personality. You like to make the most of every day. Just like Rapunzel! You're a very creative person and enjoy making things. Baking, painting and sewing are a couple of your favourite hobbies. 

(Mostly C's)
Ariel
You like to appreciate the little things in life. Just like Ariel! You're always hungry for knowledge and have a passion for learning. Something that you really thrive in is meeting new people. You're confident, friendly and not afraid to approach others. 

(Mostly D's)
Aurora
You're a sweet and loyal person. Just like Aurora! You're also very respectful and polite and people really compliment you for that. You feel very passionately about your sleep and you like to take power naps every opportunity that you can. 

Thanks for taking the quiz! 

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Reflecting on my First Semester at Uni

Today I finished my first semester of Uni. I decided to read over my Starting Uni blog post and even though it's been less than three months since I wrote it, I feel like so much has changed. If you read that post, you'd know that my transition from high school to Uni wasn't the smoothest of changeovers. Everything felt so foreign and strange to me and it really made me question the whole idea of Uni and all the decisions I'd made leading up to starting. The way I was feeling was completely normal for someone who tends to get really comfortable doing things a certain way. I'm someone who takes a little longer to adapt to new and different situations however when I do, I forget all about my initial doubts and uncertainties.  

Overall, I really liked my classes this semester. There was one paper that I didn't find as enjoyable as the rest of my classes but I could definitely see the benefits of its teachings. The weeks after writing my blog post, everything started falling into place. I was settling into a weekly routine and this really helped me feel more comfortable in my classes. Throughout the semester, I found the workload pretty manageable. I found that work outside of class was almost just as important as work during class. Self discipline and studying without the teacher's aid was something that I felt pretty okay doing. However, I feel like you're more likely to get in a creative rut when studying alone. Which is where study groups came into play. Arranging study sessions with classmates was a great way to not only bounce ideas off one another but also get to know them better in a more casual and relaxed environment. I think the best friendships I made this semester were created through my study sessions with them. At the start of the year I was definitely worried about getting to know people but all it took was time and a couple of study sessions to rid myself of that fear. 

Something that's really cool about design school is that everyone has a creative passion or hobby that they specialise in, whether that be painting, typography, clothes making or digital art. During the last half of the semester, I really started to feel at home amongst all these creatives. I wasn't used to being surrounded by people who thought so similarly to me. At high school, you're interacting with a range of people with very different interests and thought processes. At design school, everyone is unified by the same goal. And that's to create. This realisation made me appreciate the institute I chose even more. Looking back at my Starting Uni blog post, it's nice to see how I've progressed over the course of 2 and a bit months. Even though the start of the semester got off to a bit of a shaky start, I'm glad things played out the way they did. It's been a real learning experience for both my design and personal life. I can't wait to see what the next semester holds! 

Thanks for reading! Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Making a Media Kit For my Blog

Creating a media kit for my blog has been at the back of my mind for quite some time now. I think it's such a useful document to have, not only for brands, but for yourself as well. I consider it a record as much as I consider it a resume. I found it really enjoyable, compiling all my blog's info and then displaying it on a page. It was a great opportunity for me to really nail down my blog's profile as well as get an idea for my where my strengths lay and where my areas for improvement were. 

The first step I took in creating my media kit was scrolling through existing designs on Pinterest. Once I had found a couple of layouts/compositions that stood out to me, I was able to go on to Photoshop and get straight into making my own. Something that I probably should of done before actually starting the design process, was figure out what kind of information I was wanting to include. I realised, halfway into making my media kit, that I was trying to cram way too much info onto the one page. And a majority of the stuff I was wanting to add wasn't even that necessary anyway. I was basically just reiterating what I had already mentioned/ written about. If I were to make another media kit, I would make sure that I properly plan out the information side of things. 

Since I'm such a visual person, I was really keen to incorporate both photos and graphics into my media kit. It was definitely a balancing act making sure the ratio of writing to imagery was even but I think I managed to achieve a good in between. Overall, I'm quite pleased with how my first ever media kit turned out. Here's the final product! 

Thanks for reading! Do you have a media kit for your blog? Or if not, are you thinking about making one?

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How to Have an Instagram Theme

Bloggers have the most inspiring Instagram feeds. Whether it be a mouth watering food pic, a breath taking landscape shot or a beautifully arranged flay lay, Instagram is a gold mine for photo inspiration. It's so easy to lose yourself in the scrolling and sometimes I get so immersed in the app, I find it near impossible to exit out. For today's post, I thought I'd focus on how to create your very own Instagram theme. Obviously having an Instagram theme isn't for everyone but if you are keen on the idea and just don't know where to start, hopefully you'll find this post helpful in some way! 

Establish a Colour Scheme
In most Instagram themes, colour is what brings the feed together. Settling on an appropriate colour scheme is, in my point of view, the most important part of creating your Instagram theme. If you're wanting to work with a group of colours, you want to make sure that you have a strong understanding of the colour wheel. Complimentary colours will create a much stronger visual effect especially when they're in such close proximity. If you're choosing to focus on one colour, make sure you're passionate enough about it so it doesn't become restrictive. 

Plan Before Uploading
Photo planning apps are a lifesaver when it comes to finding your perfect arrangement. The fact that you can shuffle your images around before uploading them is a great tool to have. Especially because it can give you an indication of when or if you should post an image. The order of photos can really affect the way your feed looks as a whole. It's so easy to post a picture that throws off your entire theme. Photo planning apps just allow you to make sure you know what you're getting into before putting it out into the world. 

Reuse Props
Finding new things to photograph can be tricky, especially if you're having to consider how it will match your feed. Having a common photo subject can make your life a whole lot easier. Don't be afraid to reuse certain photo props. Especially if they work well your theme. It can unify your photos in a completely new way. 

Be Consistent With Editing
If you like to edit your photos, you should try stick with the same settings each and every time. Filters can really change the feel of an image. If you're not really into colour schemes, filters are a great alternative. Depending on what kind of theme you're hoping to achieve, you want to make sure you're using filters appropriately. It's okay to experiment a little bit, just don't stray don't far from what you're used to. In order to have a cohesive feed, it's important all your photos give off the same feel. 

Thanks for reading! Do you have an Instagram theme?

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What Type of Designer Could You be? - Quiz

This week I went to talk to a designer about design in the workplace. After my session with him, it hit me just how much I wanted to be doing the things he was doing one day. It was such a cool realisation to have. I think everyone has what it takes to be a designer and that's what I'm wanting to prove in this week's quiz. Based on what you enjoy and your current perception of designers, I'm going to see whether or not I can guess what type of design job would suit you best. Hope you enjoy! 

1. The two hobbies I wouldn't mind making a career out of are...
A) Blogging and photography. 
B) Sewing and knitting.
C) Tidying and organisation.
D) Sketching and journalling.

2. To me, a good designer...
A) Is always wanting to develop on what they already know.
B) Isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd. 
C) Is constantly looking for new ways to be inspired.
D) Is empathetic and understand's the client's needs well.

3. I believe the aesthetic of a design...
A) Should coincide with the function.
B) Is good to think about sometimes but not all the time.
C) Is the most important aspect.
D) Shouldn't be a priority at all.

4. If I were to create something, my dream would be seeing it...
A) On a billboard.
B) In a store.
C) In a magazine.
D) On TV.

5. I think it is important a designer knows how to...
A) Overcome creative block.
B) Deal with plagiarism.
C) Handle criticism.
D) Communicate their ideas.

6. I've always been interested in...
A) The hidden messages behind different company logos.
B) Where my clothes have come from.
C) The different design eras and time periods. 
D) Famous inventions and how they came about.

7. I think a designer should do what they do because...
A) It makes them happy.
B) They love creating things.
C) It showcases what they're good at.
D) They want to make a change.

8. If I were to sum up design in one word it would probably be...
A) Collaborative.  
B) Empowering.
C) Satisfying.
D) Influential. 

9. I find I'm always losing my...
A) USB stick.
B) Socks. 
C) Home key. 
D) Eraser.

10. If I could work at any workplace in the world, it would probably be...
A) Google.
B) Vogue.
C) Dezeen.
D) IDEO.

You Could be a.......

(Mostly A's)
Graphic Designer
You're a tech savvy. You have a strong understanding for all things digital. When people have a problem with their device, you're the first person they'll go to for help. Your experience with technology will allow you to go far as a graphic designer.  

(Mostly B's)
Fashion Designer
You're a fashionista at heart. You love shopping for clothes and being experimental with different patterns and materials. In your eyes, putting together an outfit is like creating a work of art. The fashion industry could really use someone like you. 

(Mostly C's)
Interior Designer
You're obsessed with spaces. You love going to homeware stores and paint shops, finding unique decor and picking up colour swatches. Your eye for layout and colour matching would make you a perfect fit for this role. 

(Mostly D's)
Product Designer
You're constantly questioning the world around you. You have a strong appreciation for the smaller things in life. The things most people take for granted. Your curiosity and ability to think outside the box would make you an incredible product designer. 

Thanks for taking the quiz! 

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Tips For Organising Your Phone

I think I'm a pretty organised person. Efficiency is really important to me so in order to keep things running smoothly, I'll try to keep the mess and clutter to a minimal. My phone is definitely a good example of this. For me, I think keeping your phone tidy actually improves the functionality of this device. Not only does it speed up the phone's reaction time, it also makes it easier to find the things that you need when you need them. Let me know if you found this post helpful in the comment section below! I'd love to hear what you think!

Transfer Photos to Computer

It's always a good idea to regularly check the status of your storage as this will give you a good starting point for your decluttering. When it comes to a certain app weighing down your phone, the gallery is a common culprit. Photos are so easy to accumulate, It's understandable to overlook the amount of storage these photos are actually taking up. While it's okay to keep your favourite photos at easy reach, it doesn't hurt to transfer the rest. Making it a regular ritual will also make sure that you're not losing out on any of that valuable storage space. 

Use Folders to Group Apps

I don't like having too many pages on my phone because it can make it really difficult to locate a specific app in a short amount of time. At the moment, I've limited my page number to two only. The way I achieved this was by grouping my apps in folders. Categorising your apps is a really useful thing to do. I have several themed folders including a "Social Media" one, a "Photography" one and a "Games" one. Especially with the apps you don't often use but still need, folders are a good way to keep them in one place and off to the side a little bit.

Go Through Notes

I love using notes. If I don't have a pen and paper, the notes app is the next best thing. Most of the time, I use notes to write down any thoughts or ideas I have on the go. I used to keep my notes for ages. Most of the time, these notes didn't need to be there anymore. Either I had executed the task or recorded it somewhere else. I think it's nice to go through your notes every once in a while. You can delete any unnecessary ones as well as check for any ones you may have forgotten about. 

Check Your Recents

I'm always conscious of my recent apps. I used to make a habit of clearing them to save battery power until I heard it has absolutely no affect on the lifespan of your phone. Nowadays I like to keep the recents of my favourite apps so I'm not having to restart them every time I use them. I'll still discard tabs, just not all of them. Even though it doesn't really make a difference to your phone, it's still a good idea to keep your recents under control. 

Thanks for reading! 

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