Monday 2 January 2017

5 Year Blogaversary and Giveaway!

Happy New Year!

This weekend marked 5 years of blogging! 1,014 posts and 1,600 outfits. A massive thank you to everyone who reads and comments and follows along. Especially over December, where things have looked a little different from usual on the blog as I've been so focused on Baby Boy after he was discharged from hospital. I hope to return to regular blogging this week. But first, a giveaway to celebrate the past 5 years!



Away From Blue Giveaway Handbags 5 Years of Blogging


Yes, I do own a lot of handbags! It's such a nice feeling knowing you enjoy following my little blog with everyday outfits. And all the outfit fails, the toddler and dog photo bombs and the less than perfect photos that involves. There are a lot of impeccably posed, planned out, edited and professionally photographed style blogs out there. Real life is never perfect and I hope I continue to demonstrate that you don't need to be flawless or dressed in new clothes every day to feel good. 2017 will see me continuing to share my outfits, but it will look a little different with more rewearing and remixing as I attempt #6monthsWithoutShopping. More of that in a future post.


To celebrate this 5 year blogging milestone, I wanted to do something really special for the people who have supported me over the years. It's largely due to the kind and encouraging people I've had the privilege of getting to know that I've stuck with blogging for so long.  You can see some of the bloggers I admire and respect here, with a special shout out to Beth, Kim, Anne, Sheila, Sam, Yun, Kiki and Lorena.

To everyone who leaves a thoughtful comment and actually reads my posts, thank you! I'm so pleased to be able to share a little bit of life and a lot of outfits with you all. While thinking about what to do to mark 5 years, I knew I wanted to do a giveaway. There's a Charlotte Tilbury makeup giveaway on YouTube as well as this blog giveaway.





As a thank you for your support, I'm giving away $50 cash! It will be $50 Australian dollars paid via PayPal. I'll be giving $50 to one of my followers. There is one little catch though: you have to spend it on yourself! It is a thank you gift after all. If you're unsure what to spend it on, check out some of the sales for inspiration. The giveaway is open internationally to anyone who follows my blog or social media and who has a PayPal account.


To enter to win $50, leave a blog post comment as well as filling out your response in the Rafflecopter form for your entry to be valid. The winner will be chosen for most creative answer to the question, 'How would you spend $50 on yourself?' and will be picked on 14th January.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hopefully you will find it the perfect way to start off the new year, treating yourself to a little something. Good luck!



Linking up with Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, On Trend, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Midweek Inspo, What I Wore.


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131 comments:

  1. 5 years - wow, congrats1 That is awesome! And what a great giveaways, thank you. I am saving for a new bag, so that is how I would spend it. I hope you all are doing well.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  2. What a great giveaway! Congrats
    Happy New Year
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  3. A huge congratulations for your 5 years, it is amazing! Your blog is beautiful and I really enjoy reading it! And thank you for the giveaway, I am definitely entering! Fingers crossed! x

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

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  4. Congratulations! It's hard buying for myself. I need some new blouses so that would be great.

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  5. Congrats on your 5 years, you're such a blog veteran! Love the pic of you with the bags, so cute. Thanks for the shout out too, not to mention the two giveaways. I'd spend $50 on a new handbag in your honour! haha.

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  6. Congratulations on your 5th blogging anniversary. I hope that your little boy continues to make good progress and that you have a great 2017!

    I am pleased to enter your giveaway - I would spend it on some new work clothes!

    Rebecca

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  7. Hi! Congrats on your blogaversary! I'd love to buy a Rebecca Minkoff bag, they're just fabulous, or I'd use it towards a plane ticket to some wonderful Spanish island, for example, Minorca or Lanzarote, I really need some holidays! Happy 2017!

    Marta

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  8. Mica, Congratulations on 5 beautiful years! Doesn't it seem longer? We've both accomplished so much, in such a little time. I remember when it was just you, your husband & Cooper. Now your family has grown with two little boys. It's lovely to see Mica! So very proud of you. I love your spirit! You've always been thoughtful & kind. You keep the spirit of Christ in your everyday values. That's very refreshing! I thank you for your friendship through the years. I remember you sending me chocolates one Christmas. I thought that was so kind. Continue being YOU. Because you are very special. My focus will be skincare this year. So I would spend $50 on that. Wishing you many more years in blogging.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  9. Happy, happy Birthday to your blog!

    I would get a pedicure - some me time while getting pampered in the middle of winter sounds lovely right about now... :-)

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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  10. Wow that's amazing!!!
    Congrats dear♥
    xx
    Selina | Selinas Inspiration

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  11. Congratulations on 5 years!! That is such a great milestone! I'd love to spend $50 on getting a manicure. I'm in desperate need of one!!

    By Lauren M

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  12. Happy new year to you and your family Mica! And happy 5 Year Blogaversary. It's definitely an achievement to still be blogging after so long and cheers to many more years. I celebrated my 5th last year and it's such a good feeling. Thanks so much for the sweet giveaway as well. I'd spend it on a facial ;)

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  13. Congratulations on 5 years, Mica and coincidentally I was just reading a 5 year blogging anniversary on Kim's blog too! You ladies are soldiers in the blogging world and I hope I will continue to have the passion to continue blogging like the both of you.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  14. Congrats on the blogaversary and I am so envious of your bag collection.

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  15. I could use a new top. Think that's what I'd get.

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  16. Congrats on 5 years! That's epic! I've really enjoyed getting to know you through the blog, and your outfits always inspire me.

    As for what I'd do with $50, I think I'd spend it on a 'welcome to Sydney' familiarisation day. It would involve things like a walk around the Botanic Gardens, a museum or two, maybe a ferry ride. Definitely some cake and perhaps a cocktail somewhere fancy :)

    Happy New Year to you and your family and I hope baby T continues to improve :)

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  17. Happy New Year and congrats on your milestone, Cant wait to see what 2017 has instored for you!!!
    All the best for the new year and glad your son is out of the hospital, i hope he continues to feel better day by day, and hes lucky to have a caring mommy as you are, keep up the amazing work
    www.mssparkleandglow.com

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  18. Wow - happy 5 year anniversary, Mica! That's a Lot of posts and outfits. Super cute photo of you and your bags! Hope you are all doing well in the new year.

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  19. 5 years! Such a great milestone! I can't wait to see and hear from you in the next six months about no shopping. I'm thinking about doing it for one month but I just don't know how it'd go....if I got the 50 I would use it towards a dress for my brothers wedding this year!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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  20. Happy Bloggerversary dear Mica! It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and hard work to keep up with a blog, a job and not to mention two kids and a hubby (plus Cooper!) I admire your hardworking ethic and I hope your continue with this journey with many many more blessings to come :)

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  21. Yay for 5 yrs of blogging! Cheers to another five!

    Katelyn

    www.theyellowspectacles.com

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  22. Congrats on 5 years! here is to 5 more! If I won I'd buy myself something cozy to wear.

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  23. That is an epic bag collection! Congratulations on 5 years of blogging. I'm glad to hear baby boy is out of the hospital now *hug*

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  24. Happy, Happy Blogaversary to you! What an awesome milestone! If I were to win I would put it towards a few college books that I will need this Spring! :) starla.batesATyhoo.com

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  25. Congratulations! I would like to put it towards a Kindle.

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  26. #who actually read your posts. lol. I KNOW. I love those robots who simply comment "great post! Kisses!" when you're all like, but I just confessed how my father was diagnosed with cancer............ -_- *facepalm*.

    hmm, $50? actually, I'd buy a pair of shoes. I know, not creative, but Im looking at the shoes I have on right now, and they are actually fraying. That shouldn't be happening in our consumerist/disposable society. I need to head to DSW, like, right now.

    https://cynicalduchess.blogspot.com

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  27. Happy 5 years! I would put the money toward our Mexico vacation!

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  28. Happy Blogaversary! So many outfits, puppy photos, and bags! While I'm just starting out on a shopping myself right now, so I'd put the money towards a little pampering like a pedicure.
    Chic on the Cheap

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  29. 5 years is a huge milestone! Congratulations! Since I just began blogging a couple of months ago, I would invest the $50 back into growing my blog and brand :) Or a massage.... yeah, probably a massage!

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  30. Happy Blogaversary! I would put the money towards a great new pair of jeans.

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  31. Happy blogversary. I would buy a scarf.

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  32. Happy Blogaversary!
    I would get a new Kindle Fire. Mine broke recently.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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  33. Happy Blogaversary! I'm so glad I found your blog :)
    I actually don't know what I would get, maybe some nice jewellery

    findyourownhope.blogspot.com.au

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  34. Happy new year, beautiful! I hope that 2017 is the best one yet. :) I actually can't believe that you've been blogging for over five years - that is just so awesome! To have over 1,000 posts written up is quite an achievement. Here's to 1,000 more! :) <3 xoxo

    Kay
    http://www.shoesandglitter.com/

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  35. Five years, congratulations! That is an amazing milestone. Crazy how quickly time flies by, isn't it?

    Lindsey Elyse | lindseyginge

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  36. Happy blogiversary!!! I would buy new shoes for work!

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  37. Happy blogiversary! How would I spend $50 on myself... this might sound odd, but I think I'd spend it on dry-cleaning my blazers and winter coats. It's something I rarely do and always put off... would be nice to have an incentive to do it again! :)

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    Replies
    1. Such a creative use of the $50! Congratulations, you're the winner! Please check your email :)

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    2. Yay!!! And I was JUST thinking this morning about how I really needed to dry-clean my purple velvet blazer... what perfect timing! :D

      Thanks again for the very generous giveaway!

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  38. Congrats to you! Five years is absolutely amazing!

    Liz
    Www.lizzieinlace.com

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  39. P.S. I just entered :-) I'd love to use it toward a new computer. Mines about to bite the dust lol!!

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  40. Dear Mica, congratulations! How wonderful you started blogging as I really love you and your blog! And yes, your handbag collection is absolutely amazing <3 Keep up the good work!
    Happy New Year!
    xx Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  41. A pair of boots 😊for me

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  42. Congratulations on your blogiversary! I have to say, as a mother, spending money on my family is really spending money on myself because when they are happy so am I. I would love to take my daughter to her first manicure and out to a fancy lunch at a tea shop, just the 2 of us!

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  43. Congrats on 5 years and over 1000 posts! That's crazy impressive! I hit my 4 year mark this year and I'm at under 500 posts lol. I hope your son is doing better now :) As for what I would spend $50 on... probably makeup. Or chocolate. I realized that there's a Neuhaus chocolate store reasonably nearby to where I live and I could easily spend $50 there XD Thanks for the generous giveaway and congrats again on 5 years!

    Mili | Sharmtoaster

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  44. Happy Blogaversary! I'd spend it on clothes.

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  45. OMG Mica, has it been that long ? Thank you for the shout out and for keeping it real.
    I am also doing or attempting to do a shopping ban, 3 days and going strong !
    So I think instead of spending it on clothes, I'd so make up ;)

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  46. buy new shoes
    rafflecopter name is aarone mawdsley

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  47. 5 years!!! Mica that is incredible! Congratulations and a big happy blogaversary! I think you write an incredible blog and it's easy to see why you have been able to go so long! Wonderful news.
    x Kirsty

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  48. Happy Blogaversary! Here's to another five years :)

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  49. Mika happy bloggiversary!!! it has been such a long road for you and I'm so proud of you for keeping it real and not only being a great blogger but also being a great mom while doing it. Thank you for all the inspiration and support for my blog as well. By the way I entered to the giveaway. I have my eyes on a rebecca minkoff bag and that is how I would spend it!

    x,abril
    The Color Palette

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  50. I'd treat myself to a movie - especially since the new Resident Evil is coming out

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  51. Happy blogaversary Mica! What an incredible milestone! I admire how dedicated you are to your blog--getting one post up per week is often a struggle for me, haha. I really appreciate that your blog is not professionally styled and shot because those blogs are sort of boring to me. I feel like I can relate to you--the real person behind the blog! :)

    As for the $50, I would put it towards a massage, since I love them but rarely get them anymore (and could always use a calming influence, ha!).

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  52. I would buy some new workout clothes. I rarely treat myself to new workout clothes, and it always makes me feel so much more confident in the gym.

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  53. Aww, happy blog anniversary Mica! I'm so glad I found your blog and have had a chance to get to know you over the past year or so. Congrats to 5 years! You have great style and you're such a sweetheart too. Here's to many more :)
    Hmm, I would probably buy clothes or shoes with the money if I won!

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  54. My poor feet NEED some attention. So a pedicure with would 've nice.

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  55. Happy 5 year Blogaversary! Love your blog.

    I'll use the money to hire someone to clean my house! I hate, hate, hate housework!

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  56. On something cool and interesting.

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  57. congratulations on your 5 year blogaversary.
    as to your question. i am a voracious reader.therefore i will spend the 50 on books.

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  58. Congrats!!!!
    I would buy some accessories for spring.

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  59. I would use it for a much needed mani/pedi.

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  60. I would probably spend it on books!

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  61. I would use it for a date night out with my Fiance:)

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  62. Congrats on 5 years blogaversary! I would buy some winter boots. Thank you.

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  63. I would get myself a well needed hair cut! Thanks!

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  64. Hi Mica! Congrats on 5 years! That is a big accomplishment. I enjoy reading about you and your lil one. Enjoy the fashion of course, and your excellent handbag collection! I am coming up on 3 years so I know the commitment and hard work it takes. Best in 2017!~
    Thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesday
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  65. 5 years is a long time in Blog years! Congrats!! I would buy myself some new workout leggings if I were lucky enough to win! Thank you & Congrats again :)

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  66. I would get some k-beauty skincare products.

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  67. It's amazing that you've been blogging for 5 years! I just started and would love to say that one day. If I had an extra 50 dollars I'd go see a Broadway show.

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  68. I would get a new haircut(long choppy bob looks cute) and possibly some highlights. ^_^

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  69. I would spend the money on a new pair of flats.

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  70. Yay! Happy Blogaversary!I think I'd spend my money on a present for my sister, her birthday is coming up!

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  71. Congratulations!!! Happy 2017 and I wish you much more success to come!

    Tiff
    http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

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  72. I would put gas in my car and head to the beach :)

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  73. Congratulation , if i win i will buy a gift for my dad birthday on 17 January.

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  74. I will save it for my birthday :)

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  75. Congrats on 5 years! I would love to put it towards hotdog bun pans. Our family is gf and I make almost everything from scratch!

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  76. Congratulations to you so much on blogging for so long! Sorry I've been away for a while with commenting, still trying to catch up on the time spent away over Christmas etc. That's sweet of you to mention your friends in blogging too, it's so nice how we meet people online and can spark up a friendship isn't it :) As always I adore your bag collection and good luck with the giveaway :D

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  77. I'd probably buy myself a few interesting books

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  78. Congrats! I would buy a new sweater or a new purse!

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  79. Super post, super blog, super giveaway! Following you :D


    5 years more, please!
    thebrunettetofu.blogspot.pt

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  80. Happy blogiversary to you! I would probably spend $50 on something to spice up my wardrobe this Winter...maybe a sweater dress?

    Thank you for the kind comments you leave on my blog!

    ♥ perfectly Priya

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  81. Congrats! I'm not used to buying for myself, it's just not something I do, but I'd probably buy some foaming hand soaps and a new pair of sunglasses.

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  82. I love the purse-covered stairs picture! If I won the $50, I'd heart a bunch of things on my Jane app, then randomly swipe the screen up and down, buying whatever it landed on.
    Dianna

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  83. I would go out to Crackle Barrel!

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  84. I would definitely purchase more books for myself.

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  85. Wow 5 years! I need some new make up so that is where my $50 would go.

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  86. Not sure what all I would get, socks and other warm items.

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  87. Congrats on 5 years!! I'd buy some dvd's as a Christmas present to myself as I didn't get any presents this Christmas, too broke :-(

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  88. I would use it to buy new acessories to comeplemnt my outfits for work!

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  89. I would probably buy groceries, nothing exciting but it would be so helpful :)

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  90. I'd spend it on a Deluxe Pedicure at my local (and favourite!) day spa. Such an indulgent treat for an hour, no kids and my very neglected feet get pampered.

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  91. Easter eggs for the family arballantyne@dodo.com.au

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  92. Yay for 5 years!!!!
    And holy handbags, thats awesome.
    If I won $50.00 I would save it for my vacation later this year and splurge a little as I travel.

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  93. i would buy books or save it for something else

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  94. Congratulation on 5 years.
    How would I spend $50 paypal $$ to spend on me!?! Hmm who am I kidding - clothes!

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  95. If I win, I will be saving this for vacation!

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  96. Congratulations on 5 years! I would use the $50 to give myself some me time - here's $2 to be very very quiet for ten minutes. I could potentially get a lot of me time or is bribery wrong?

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  97. 5 years is great, good job! I would spend $50 on something DIY for my wedding in June:)

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  98. I would treat myself to coffee.

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  99. I'll by something for my daughter :)

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  100. I'd buy the longest spa treatment I can get for 50 smackers!
    Congrats on your 5 years (and all your handbags)

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  101. Congrats hun on the blogaversary! :) How exciting! I would either spend the $50 on Op Shopping, or Food. ;)
    Sammy | Bargainbaglady.com XX

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  102. I'm saving up for lighting gear

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  103. Congrats on your 5 yr. Blogaversary! If I win, I'd use it towards a new winter coat since that's what I need the most. Thanks!
    deannankeller@yahoo.com

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  104. I would go shopping and get a new outfit for an upcoming trip!

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  105. Congrats on your blogaversary! I would put the money on my bag fund. It helps me to feel less guilty on spending my own money ;P

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  106. I'd buy myself some new make up :)

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  107. Congrats on blogging for five years! I can personally I love your bag collection and how you style maxi dresses and skirts! Looking forward to see more posts in tne future.

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  108. I would buy myself a few bath bombs!

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  109. I would use to get a new bathing suit!

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  110. Congrats again on five amazing years! Here's to another five, wonderful blog years ahead! Re the fifty, unbelievably I can't think of what to get, but rest assured it'll go to something sartorial. Maybe even towards new shoes fund!

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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  111. I would buy a nice bottle of wine and share it with a friend

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  112. I would probably spend it on gym clothes !

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  113. Congratulations!
    I want to get exercise more this year, the money would be a great start for a gym membership!

    Karina

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  114. Congrats on your milestone! Impressive. I think I'd get a new pair of shoes.

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  115. Congratulations on 5 years, wow! I would spend $50 on myself for some nice boots.

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  116. Congrats! 5 years is awesome! Bummed I missed this giveaway. Hmmm I guess I'd spend it on a few books from Half.com

    Chanel | Je M'appelle Chanel

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  117. Thank you all for your congratulations and well wishes. It was hard picking the best answer, over 100 great ones. A winner was picked and this competition is now closed.

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  118. Congrats on 5 years!! Thats amazing! heres to the next 5

    Darriyan xo
    www.darriyancateland.co.uk

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