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With the year we’re having, it’s safe to say that a lot of us are expecting 2021 to be far better. However, even if some of us are losing faith in humanity, things aren’t as grim in 2020 as we think. People from all over the world are sharing the times that the results they got exceeded expectations and posting them on the ‘Expectation Vs. Reality’ subreddit.

Scroll down for a wholesome collection that has no place for cynicism and where reality is better (or at least as good) as what’s advertised. Remember to upvote your fave pics, Pandas. When you’re done scrolling through this list and upvoting your fave pics, check out Bored Panda’s previous post about cake fails from the ‘Expectation Vs. Reality’ subreddit.

Bored Panda reached out to Reddit user Zarishka, whose photos of the Doctor Who cupcakes she ordered went viral on the subreddit. According to the redditor, the cupcakes were baked by Alena who lives in Nur-Sultan, in Kazakhstan. “She bakes cupcakes, cakes and cake pops! And can decorate them in any theme the customer wants. Recently she’s been making really cool Halloween themed cupcakes and pops.” Scroll down for the rest of our delicious interview with Zarishka.

#1

Dr. Who Cupcakes. Sent An Independent Baker The First Pic Not Hoping For Much (It Was A Short Notice), Nearly Cried With Joy When Got My Order

Dr. Who Cupcakes. Sent An Independent Baker The First Pic Not Hoping For Much (It Was A Short Notice), Nearly Cried With Joy When Got My Order

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    #2

    Otterly Impressive Birthday Cake From My Mom

    Otterly Impressive Birthday Cake From My Mom

    mamabear034 Report

    #3

    When Your 3-Year-Old Asks For A Rainbow Dinosaur Donut Party You Comply. I Drew The Design And Had It Made By A Local Baker

    When Your 3-Year-Old Asks For A Rainbow Dinosaur Donut Party You Comply. I Drew The Design And Had It Made By A Local Baker

    thepantyprincessx Report

    According to redditor Zarishka, the Doctor Who cupcakes that exceeded their expectations were really good. “Chocolate cupcakes with salt caramel filling and cheese cream on top. Sweet, salty, and creamy at the same time!” That sounds like heaven to us!

    “The cupcakes were for my best friend’s bachelorette party. Well, just out of lockdown style bachelorette party, a picnic for three people counting the bride in a local park. She wanted the whole wedding to be in the Doctor Who style, however, because of the pandemic all the wedding plans fell through, and we didn’t even think we’d be able to do the bachelorette party,” Zarishka said.

    #4

    My Wife And I Were Worried Our Daughter Would Have A Hard Time Making Friends In Kindergarten Because Of The Wheelchair. Turns Out I Have A Different Problem On My Hands

    My Wife And I Were Worried Our Daughter Would Have A Hard Time Making Friends In Kindergarten Because Of The Wheelchair. Turns Out I Have A Different Problem On My Hands

    robinson217 Report

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    #5

    Commissioned Piece Of My Sweet, Late Persephone. The Artist Surpassed Any And All Expectations

    Commissioned Piece Of My Sweet, Late Persephone. The Artist Surpassed Any And All Expectations

    queso4lyfe Report

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    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Persephone was a gorgeous kitty, and the rendition is beautiful. I like the addition of the pomegranate.

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    #6

    My Daughter Begged Me To Show Her A Planet Through Her Toy Telescope. Expected Failure, But Found Jupiter And All 4 Moons. Mindblown

    My Daughter Begged Me To Show Her A Planet Through Her Toy Telescope. Expected Failure, But Found Jupiter And All 4 Moons. Mindblown

    yogiscott Report

    “But then the situation seemed to become more stable in our city, and the lockdown was lifted, so we decided to have a small party for the three of us, and I immediately ordered the cupcakes with very short notice. The baker didn’t even know about the series, so I didn’t expect to get these amazing cupcakes at all. My friend was super happy with them! I love Doctor Who, however, I can’t say that I’m as big of a fan as she is,” the redditor told Bored Panda.

    She added that she doesn’t think that the photos do the cupcakes justice. “They also had edible glitter on them, star-shaped candy, and silvery candy of various sizes. Very pretty!”

    #7

    I Pointed My Camera Straight Up And Left The Shutter Running For An Hour To See What Would Happen. Didn't Expect A Flowing River Of Stars

    I Pointed My Camera Straight Up And Left The Shutter Running For An Hour To See What Would Happen. Didn't Expect A Flowing River Of Stars

    This was taken at Ice House reservoir in Pollock Pines, CA last night. I head out to dark skies on occasion to do astrophotography, but last night I forgot a tracker to compensate for the earth's motion, so I took some experimental shots without it. Turned out much better than I expected. Star trail shots are challenging to compose, so I got pretty lucky with the way they seemed to flow through the trees.

    ajamesmccarthy Report

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    #8

    Ordered The Blanket From A Sketchy Seeming Website. They Nailed It

    Ordered The Blanket From A Sketchy Seeming Website. They Nailed It

    ezfriedchiken Report

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    #9

    First Time Doing A Photo Restoration Turned Out Better Than Expected (12 Hours Of Work)

    First Time Doing A Photo Restoration Turned Out Better Than Expected (12 Hours Of Work)

    aberempel Report

    The ‘Expectation Vs. Reality’ community on Reddit has 710k members and they’ve got pretty much everything to do with (yup, you guessed it) expectations: from roaring successes to facepalm-worthy fails.

    One thing that’s pretty much consistent about people is just how bad most of us are at predicting how we will feel in different situations. Generally, we tend to expect too much and then get disappointed when reality slaps us in the face like an angry otter with a wet fish.

    Even though we yearn for success and want to avoid failure, research has shown us that we greatly overestimate how much happier we’ll be when rich, famous, in the perfect relationships, and working our dream jobs.

    #10

    My Wife Asked What Kind Of Cake She Should Make. I Told Her That, Honestly, I've Always Wanted To Try Peach's Thank-You Cake From The End Of Super Mario 64

    My Wife Asked What Kind Of Cake She Should Make. I Told Her That, Honestly, I've Always Wanted To Try Peach's Thank-You Cake From The End Of Super Mario 64

    alandenton Report

    #11

    Opened The Box To Assemble A New Office Desk & Expected A Big Headache. Was Pleasantly Surprised

    Opened The Box To Assemble A New Office Desk & Expected A Big Headache. Was Pleasantly Surprised

    2_black_cats Report

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    #12

    Client's Sketch For Pendant vs. Finished Pendant. Expectations Surpassed

    Client's Sketch For Pendant vs. Finished Pendant. Expectations Surpassed

    brokenfap Report

    Sure, we get a (massive) boost when we win the lottery, get married, or get that promotion we’ve been angling for these past few years. But. But! That joy doesn’t last long. Soon enough, we’re back at our ‘standard’ happiness levels, wondering what goals we should pursue next. We’re very adaptable and that’s both a blessing and a curse.

    Instead of focusing on how ‘perfect’ life will be if only X, Y, and Z happened, you should appreciate the things around you. Don’t take things for granted. Start a gratitude journal. Let the people in your life know what they mean to you. Sappy? Sure.

    But gratitude will make you much happier. And this happiness is within your reach. So hope for the best, prepare for the worst, don’t expect much, but bask in the glow when the results accidentally exceed your expectations.

    #13

    I Took A Picture Through My Sunglasses At The Beach With My Phone. It Turned Out Better Than I Expected

    I Took A Picture Through My Sunglasses At The Beach With My Phone. It Turned Out Better Than I Expected

    Captain__CheeseBurg Report

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    #15

    Pic Given To Local Baker On The Left. Actual Hungry Unicorn Cake I Received On The Right. I Like My Cake Better

    Pic Given To Local Baker On The Left. Actual Hungry Unicorn Cake I Received On The Right. I Like My Cake Better

    VenomousUnicorn Report

    #16

    My Friend's Wife Wanted Us Groomsmen To Do A Pic Similar To The Bridesmaids Poster. I'd Say It Came Out Better Than I Expected

    My Friend's Wife Wanted Us Groomsmen To Do A Pic Similar To The Bridesmaids Poster. I'd Say It Came Out Better Than I Expected

    fupasaursrex Report

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    BusLady
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A moment to treasure forever. Something to show the grandkids someday. We were wild and crazy guys.

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    #17

    The Way We Advertise Our Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas vs. The Way I Like To Make Them For Customers

    The Way We Advertise Our Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas vs. The Way I Like To Make Them For Customers

    ArcusArtifex Report

    #18

    Made A Unicorn Cake For My Mom's Birthday. Considering How Inexperienced I Am With Baking, I Thought It Turned Out Pretty Good

    Made A Unicorn Cake For My Mom's Birthday. Considering How Inexperienced I Am With Baking, I Thought It Turned Out Pretty Good

    nightmare_vision Report

    #19

    Reality vs. Better Reality

    Reality vs. Better Reality

    sierraalexiss_ Report

    #20

    That’s Hot

    That’s Hot

    Grand_Area Report

    #21

    Shined My Girlfriend’s Favorite Pair Of Boots And They Turned Out Better Than Expected

    Shined My Girlfriend’s Favorite Pair Of Boots And They Turned Out Better Than Expected

    MurrDeHurr Report

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    #22

    Christmas Gift From My Teens Has Proven More Useful Than Expected

    Christmas Gift From My Teens Has Proven More Useful Than Expected

    Beththemagicalpony Report

    #23

    Looks Way Better Than The Box

    Looks Way Better Than The Box

    t3slaract Report

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    Wanna-be Vegetarian
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have these! I ordered 2 but didn't realize they come in pairs. Ended up using all 4 of them all over the house because they're so cute!

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    #25

    I Ran Out Of Filament During A Print, And As A Royals Fan I Decided To Make The Best Of A Bad Situation. Result Is Even Better Than Expected

    I Ran Out Of Filament During A Print, And As A Royals Fan I Decided To Make The Best Of A Bad Situation. Result Is Even Better Than Expected

    welshhomebrew Report

    #26

    Ordered From Grocery Store. Cupcake 'Cake' For My Daughter's Birthday. Pleasantly Surprised

    Ordered From Grocery Store. Cupcake 'Cake' For My Daughter's Birthday. Pleasantly Surprised

    mydogisanastronaut Report

    #27

    My Wife's McDonald's Cone In The Drive Through Last Night

    My Wife's McDonald's Cone In The Drive Through Last Night

    Eric_SS Report

    #28

    My Wife Loved The Cake Most Ardently

    My Wife Loved The Cake Most Ardently

    angrycanuck Report

    #29

    My Wife Did A Damn Fine Job On These Cupcakes. Delicious Too

    My Wife Did A Damn Fine Job On These Cupcakes. Delicious Too

    bike_rack Report

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    #30

    Friend Faceswapped With A Wendy's Cup. Results Better Than Expected

    Friend Faceswapped With A Wendy's Cup. Results Better Than Expected

    Tnpdynomite Report

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    Ekate
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never noticed before, the Wendy's neckline looks like it says "mom" :)

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    #31

    Pic I Sent Cookie Maker, And What I Got. 100% Impressed And Would Order From Her Again. Bonus: Cookies Tasted Great

    Pic I Sent Cookie Maker, And What I Got. 100% Impressed And Would Order From Her Again. Bonus: Cookies Tasted Great

    ICvsShipt Report

    #32

    Pretty Happy With How This Turned Out

    Pretty Happy With How This Turned Out

    CometDebris Report

    #33

    For My Son's B-Day Pizza Party, We Told Him We Could Only Afford 1 Pizza. Expectations Exceeded

    For My Son's B-Day Pizza Party, We Told Him We Could Only Afford 1 Pizza. Expectations Exceeded

    trchili Report

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    Malakai
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His face on the right! You can just hear the excitement ❤

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    #34

    Dyed Easter Eggs Today When I Messed Up On One. Turns Out It Kinda Looks Like The Universe

    Dyed Easter Eggs Today When I Messed Up On One. Turns Out It Kinda Looks Like The Universe

    chrisevslee Report

    #35

    Cat Bed

    Cat Bed

    annaplantain Report

    #36

    Dad’s Cookies Turned Out Just Like The Picture. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies From America’s Test Kitchen

    Dad’s Cookies Turned Out Just Like The Picture. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies From America’s Test Kitchen

    ag2575 Report

    #37

    My Daughter's Birthday Cake From Last Year

    My Daughter's Birthday Cake From Last Year

    Awnya Report

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    #38

    My Girlfriend's And Mine First Attempt At Making A Cake From Scratch. Sketch vs. The The Final Product

    My Girlfriend's And Mine First Attempt At Making A Cake From Scratch. Sketch vs. The The Final Product

    Fwanko Report

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    EA
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of the dress Cinderella wears for the ball, which all the animals help her make :)

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    #39

    1st Time Making A Layered Cake. Expectation On Left, Reality On Right

    1st Time Making A Layered Cake. Expectation On Left, Reality On Right

    engraz Report

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    EA
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, the real one is better. Beautiful :) this would not look out of place at a wedding!

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    #41

    It's My Son's Birthday Today, And He Wanted A Fire-Truck Cake. It Came Out Better Than Expected

    It's My Son's Birthday Today, And He Wanted A Fire-Truck Cake. It Came Out Better Than Expected

    ra66itz Report

    #43

    From Filter To Reality. Exceeded Expectations

    From Filter To Reality. Exceeded Expectations

    prjrwifey18 Report

    #45

    In Japan, One Should Expect To Get What One Expects

    In Japan, One Should Expect To Get What One Expects

    DoktorVonKvantum Report

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    #46

    I'm Seriously Impressed By This Frozen Pizza

    I'm Seriously Impressed By This Frozen Pizza

    Odinlarsen Report

    #47

    My First Attempt At Cake Decorating. Nailed It

    My First Attempt At Cake Decorating. Nailed It

    Starrberry27 Report

    #49

    American Cherry Pie Frapuccino In Japan

    American Cherry Pie Frapuccino In Japan

    StePK Report

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    pandamonium.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when the "american" part in Japan is better than any "american" part in America

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    #50

    My Son Chose A Hulk Cake From Pinterest. My Attempt Is On The Right

    My Son Chose A Hulk Cake From Pinterest. My Attempt Is On The Right

    Lyzrd_Hangover Report

    #52

    Think My Wife Did Very Well On This One

    Think My Wife Did Very Well On This One

    dahneir Report

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    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the 3 nesting in the leaves better than the original’s placement.

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    #53

    Today I Was Modeling For A New Costume At Work - Turned Out Better Than Expected

    Today I Was Modeling For A New Costume At Work - Turned Out Better Than Expected

    kyswe Report

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    #54

    Hired A Friend To Make My Son's First Birthday Cake. Left - Expectation, Right - Reality. I Could Not Have Been More Thrilled

    Hired A Friend To Make My Son's First Birthday Cake. Left - Expectation, Right - Reality. I Could Not Have Been More Thrilled

    VCAMM1 Report

    #56

    My Tattoo Artist's Rendition Of My Doodle

    My Tattoo Artist's Rendition Of My Doodle

    OhLookAtMeImSpecial Report

    #57

    How My Mom Planned The Plates vs. How She Made Them

    How My Mom Planned The Plates vs. How She Made Them

    ToasterOnReddit Report

    #59

    Had Ridiculous Idea, Turned Out Much Better Than Expected

    Had Ridiculous Idea, Turned Out Much Better Than Expected

    RipVanB Report

    #60

    Today Is My Wife's Birthday. Yesterday She 'Shopped A Then-And-Now Picture To Celebrate. Everything Went Better Than Expected

    Today Is My Wife's Birthday. Yesterday She 'Shopped A Then-And-Now Picture To Celebrate. Everything Went Better Than Expected

    spyhi Report

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    #62

    Sample Photo I Gave To The Cake Decorator vs. My Son’s Cake

    Sample Photo I Gave To The Cake Decorator vs. My Son’s Cake

    UnicornFarts0801 Report

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    JeanBean_BC
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For everyone saying he's gonna be a school shooter or whatever, he probably plays video games. Who doesn't play some type of video game?

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    #65

    Two Tattoos I Got Based On Doodles I Did

    Two Tattoos I Got Based On Doodles I Did

    OutbackBrah Report

    #66

    This Shake That Looks Exactly Like The Picture

    This Shake That Looks Exactly Like The Picture

    trady__baylor Report

    #67

    If Anything, There Are Even More Cherries On The Cake Than On The Packaging

    If Anything, There Are Even More Cherries On The Cake Than On The Packaging

    Mind101 Report

    #68

    Pleasantly Surprised When Finishing Up The Easter Candy

    Pleasantly Surprised When Finishing Up The Easter Candy

    luckychance5480 Report

    #69

    Not Too Shabby

    Not Too Shabby

    just-jen Report

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    #70

    So, My Samsung S6 Decided To Break When I Put It In The Charger... Turned Out Gorgeous

    So, My Samsung S6 Decided To Break When I Put It In The Charger... Turned Out Gorgeous

    dutch_arch Report

    #71

    What I Showed Her vs. What She Gave Me. I Like Hers Better

    What I Showed Her vs. What She Gave Me. I Like Hers Better

    Dahidex Report

    #73

    Actually Met My Expectation

    Actually Met My Expectation

    Bri121296 Report

    #74

    Pleasantly Surprised, The Cream Is The Best Part

    Pleasantly Surprised, The Cream Is The Best Part

    de_ninja Report

    #77

    I'm So Excited My Biscuits Are Bigger Than In The Picture (They Were Put In The Packaging Horizontally)

    I'm So Excited My Biscuits Are Bigger Than In The Picture (They Were Put In The Packaging Horizontally)

    SweetJazz25 Report

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    Andrew Gibb
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    not just any biscuits...they are M&S biscuits (Albatross by Fleetwood Mac playing in background)

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    #79

    I Think Mine Looks Better Than The Box

    I Think Mine Looks Better Than The Box

    homeostasis555 Report

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    #80

    No False Advertising Here

    No False Advertising Here

    vermontgirl Report

    #81

    Ordered A Slipcover From Those Instagram Ads. Pleasantly Surprised

    Ordered A Slipcover From Those Instagram Ads. Pleasantly Surprised

    agerber395 Report

    #82

    I'm Honestly Impressed. $3 Pizza

    I'm Honestly Impressed. $3 Pizza

    Miss_Aia Report

    #83

    Good Job Aldi Pizza. Looks Better Than The Photo On The Box. It Was Amazing

    Good Job Aldi Pizza. Looks Better Than The Photo On The Box. It Was Amazing

    freckled_porcelain Report

    #84

    Almost Exactly Like The Picture Down To The Sprinkles

    Almost Exactly Like The Picture Down To The Sprinkles

    Bitter-Arachnid Report

    #85

    Mr Kipling Cake Slice Exceeded My Expectations

    Mr Kipling Cake Slice Exceeded My Expectations

    just_a_flutter Report

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    #86

    Positive Experience. Literally Overflowing With Ice Cream

    Positive Experience. Literally Overflowing With Ice Cream

    PapaGynther Report

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    Xandra, The Little Hufflepuff
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was quarantined because of exposure to covid, I started getting depressed because I was feeling alone, then I heard a knock at the door, so I opened my second floor window and looked down to see who it was, and 2 of my good friends were standing on my doorstep with this icecream, lemonade and flowers.

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    #87

    Very Impressed. Bought This In Sweden

    Very Impressed. Bought This In Sweden

    Peepanana Report

    #88

    This Flat Bread From Aldi Was As Tasty As It Was Accurately Represented

    This Flat Bread From Aldi Was As Tasty As It Was Accurately Represented

    combustionbustion Report

    #90

    Breakfast Jackpot

    Breakfast Jackpot

    Countess_of_Penrose Report

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    Magpie
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ??? why so much plastic packaging . Eggs here come in specially shaped paper mache cardboard. In packs of six or twelve. This is very sad. Plastic pollution is a terrible thing.

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