8.08.2017

9 Year Blogoversary + $300 Target Giftcard Giveaway

Today is my blog's 9th Birthday.
9 years ago on 8-8-08, I was 8 months pregnant with Claire, watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and I decided to start a blog.
I had been wanting to start a blog to document our family & I decided to finally start a blog that day because the date was cool 08-08-08 .
 I am a math teacher & numbers nerd, bear with me ;) 
Here I am 9 years later with a 10.5 year old Kate, almost 9 year old Claire & soon to be 5 year old Luke (tomorrow!!!!)
I had no idea how much blogging would enrich my life.
I have meet & become friends with people because of this blog.
I have had a lot of neat opportunities because of this blog.
I have loved having this blog as a creative outlet for sharing recipes, printables & parties & other randomness!
Like always, in honor of my blogoversary, I have a giveaway planned as a THANK YOU for reading my blog!

 Before we get to the giveaway, I thought I would recap some memorable moments over the past 9 years.
 The most viewed post on my blog is my "Easiest Dinner Ever"

 This recipe has been viewed almost 2 million times. WHAT?!?!?
And, it is my most controversial post....it is the post I have gotten the most negative comments on. You either love this recipe or you hate it. 
We love it...It's one of my go-to recipes. And, it's the easiest!
This year I converted the easiest dinner ever recipe to the Instant Pot. 
Click HERE for those instructions...it's even easier!

In the past 9 years, I have posted almost 200 recipes (!!!!)
You can see all my recipes in my Recipe Box tab or click HERE

The most "popular" party that I have thrown is Claire's Cowgirl Party.

    I must say, that is probably my favorite party I have thrown also.

It's been almost 6 years since I threw that party and I think there is still some hay in our backyard from all those hay bales....Sorry Kevin ;)

 You can see all my party posts HERE on the party tab!
 In the past 9 years, I have made over 30 free printables.
The most popular downloaded ones have been my Christmas Cookie in a Jar Printable  

A close 2nd to my most downloaded free printable is my Thankful for You Pumpkin Bread Printable:

Other memorable posts over the past 9 years:

When I wrote about Working Mom Guilt....HERE
I wrote about being The Best Mom Ever. Then having kids....HERE

My most embarrassing moment....read about it HERE
 My grossest moment as a Mom....read about it HERE
One of my favorite posts...when I won Blogher's Voice of the Year in 2013:
Yes, I am one of THOSE Moms....read it HERE
 I am curious....what things do you like me to blog about?
Recipes? Parties? Printables? Shopping? Fashion? Parenting? Randomness?
Anything you would like me to blog about more (or less?)
In honor of my 9 year blogoversary, I am giving away a $300 giftcard to one of my favorite places...TARGET!
 Is this perfect timing for Back to School or what?!?!
***Use the Rafflecopter below to Enter!***
This giveaway ends on Monday, August 14th

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my blog, listen to my ramblings, try my recipes, use my printables, look at my pictures & comments.
It surprises me that people actually read my blog.
I am just a normal girl who loves Jesus, my husband, 2 girls & my sweet Luke.
I appreciate the time you take out of your day to read & comment.
Thank you for reading my randomness!
 
It has been such a fun experience blogging these past 9 years! 
Thank you for being a part of it!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

256 comments:

  1. I would buy some back to work clothes! Thank you! I love reading your blog! I have been reading it for years. : )
    Susan at susansbarn@yahoo.com

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  2. I would like to buy my Grandson a new comforter and new sheets. I love reading your blog, especially the recipes and recommended books you read. You have a wonderful family!

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  3. Happy Blogaversary Mel! Yours is still my favorite blog! I love all of your fun tales of motherhood and happenings and of course your recipes! :)

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  4. and I would buy back to school clothes for my girls if I were to win :)

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  5. Your blog is one of my favorites! I would use the gift card to buy some school clothes and seasonal decorations

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  6. Happy Anniversary! Love your blog!

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  7. I have come back to your blog many times to get the Chocolate Chip Banana Muffin recipe. It has become one of my favorites!

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  8. I'm due to have my first baby (boy!) this December so I would definitely hit up the baby aisle :)

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  9. Happy blogiversary! Your blog is one of my favorites. Our kids are similar ages, so I can relate well to you! The recipes are always amazing and I love your honesty in your posts. If I won, I would buy school supplies and back to school clothes for my kids, as well as some things for a room makeover I'm doing for my kids.

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  10. Happy Anniversary! I would love to buy some fun fall decor and back to school items :)

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  11. I'd be picking up some fall essentials for the kiddos! Happy anniversary!
    -Renae

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  12. I'd splurge on a new apple watch for myself!!

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  13. I would buy the instant pot, and some fall decor.

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  14. I'd buy a new watch band for my Apple Watch, a new, safe booster seat for my kindergartener (he's still in his 5 point harness!) and schoolmclitges with the rest!

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  15. Happy 9 years. I love your blog. ❤

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  16. Happy blogiversary! I too started in June of 08, love going back and reading all the fun stuff we've done!

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  17. The $300 would most likely go to school clothes shopping, haha!!

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  18. Love reading your blog! New apple watch for this stay at home momma of 3!

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  19. Love reading your blog! I most like to read about recipes, parenting, and your garden. Those topics hit home for me!

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  20. Congrats on 9 years! That must be eons in blog world, hope to see many more posts! :-)

    www.tulipsandpersimmon.com

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  21. Thanks for doing this great giveaway!! Love Target!! I think I would buy an Instapot if I won! : )

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  22. Your blog is one of my top favorites! I love how relatable you are, honest, willing to laugh at yourself, and just overall a happy person who is fun to read! Congrats on 9 years! Wish we would have met up in Chicago! You seem like such a fun friend! ;)

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  23. I enjoy reading your blog! Your parties you throw and the decorations are amazing! Happy anniversary on your blog!

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  24. Happy blogoversary! I would use the gift card to buy a new set of kitchen knives.

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  25. Congrats on 9 years! I would by some fall clothes.

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  26. I enjoy reading your blog! I would use it for back to school supplies for my 3 boys and to help buy items for my daughter who is headed back to college and moving into an apartment for the first time! EEK! Happy Anniversary!

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  27. Happy Anniversary! Thanks for a fun giveaway!

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  28. I have been reading your blog for six years and loved it the whole time. I love the randomness posts, what's up Wednesdays, shopping posts and when you share about the amazing parties you throw. Thank you for continuing to share and for an amazing giveaway to the best store!

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  29. Congrats on 9 years of blogging!!! Your blog is one that I check every single day :) I don't have any requests...I love how you currently post. If I won the Target giftcard I would start by looking at clothes for myself. I am going back to work part-time in Sept after being SAHM for 12 years...YIKES!!!! If I had money left over I would get either an Instant Pot or an AirFryer. Thank you for an awesome giveaway!!!!!

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  30. Definitely school supplies and some school clothes for my kiddos! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  31. Congrats, Mel! What a great giveaway! I would buy a birthday gift for my son, and possibly some workout clothes.

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  32. Happy blogiversary! I really enjoy reading.

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    1. I would buy some artwork that I have had my eye on forever!

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  33. I would buy school supplies for kids and some fun workout wear for me!

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  34. I would treat myself to a few goodies but I would end up using the majority on my kiddos.

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  35. Thanks so much for the giveaway and happy blogiversary! Your blog is one of my favorites. I would buy some cute things for the house with a Target gift card.

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  36. Thanks for the opportunity to win! I love all of your posts, but I really love your recipes and link-ups! If I had $300 to Target, I would get some new work pants, and then buy furniture and accessories to re-do our guest room. Congrats on your blogiversary!

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  37. I'd use it to do my regular shopping, throwing in a few, fun extras, of course! Thanks for doing the giveaway!

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  38. Congratulations on your blog anniversary! I would buy accessories for my boyfriend and my new apartment!

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  39. Congrats on the anniversary! I never miss one of your posts. You and your family are so sweet and you seem so perfect as a mom. I don't know how you find the time. If I won the gift card I would obviously buy something related to my kids lol

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  40. I would buy a new comforter set for our bed. I think we have had the same one since we got married 11 years ago!!!

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  41. Congrats on your anniversary! I love reading about your printables :) I would splurge on school supplies, books and workout gear! Love me some Target!

    https://www.alexisdezayas.wordpress.com

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  42. Congrats! I would buy some storage containers for my daughters clothes. I can't bear the thought of getting rid of a single item!

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  43. happy blog birthday- love that we get to follow along with you!

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  44. Congrats Mel on 8 years! I started a blog awhile back and maybe did 8 posts. I love the recipes and the opportunity to hear about the life of the Larsons!!
    I would use the gift card for some things for the home. I have some kitchen items I'd love to replace.

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  45. I would buy clothes for me & my kids. And an instant pot!

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  46. Happy Blog-iversary! Love Target...so many great choices. Maybe fall clothes, workout gear and always something for the kids! xo

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  47. Happy Anniversary and I would buy some fall clothes for our kids.

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  48. Happy Blog Anniversary!! I love reading your blog and seeing the positive messages you share. I would buy some new clothes and probably some home decor :)
    -Sarah G.

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  49. Love your blog! Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  50. Happy blogoversary! 9 years is a great accomplishment!

    As for the giftcard, if I won, I'd save it until I move next year, then use it to help furnish my new apartment.

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  51. love your blog! anytime I need a recipe for the week this is the first place I come!

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  52. Thank you for doing your blog. The "old" me was SO MUCH like you. I really enjoy sharing your life just a little bit...

    Hugs,
    Trisha

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  53. I would start Christmas shopping ASAP!!!

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  54. If I won, I would start school shopping for my girls & buy a little something for myself, of course!

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  55. Love your blog! And Target!😉

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  56. Happy Blog-o-versary! Love your recipes and printables - use the get to know my teacher sheet every fall!

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  57. I enjoy your blog. I have taught, live in the Bay Area and love Tahoe. :) Now that we have our first child, a Target gift card would really come in handy for gear and clothes for him!

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  58. Love, love your blog and Target. If I won, I would buy myself and my family a lot of books. We are big readers. I would also allow my 2 kids to shop for back to school clothes.

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  59. Your blog is one of my favorites! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  60. Love, love, love the blog, and of course, love me some Target :)

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  61. Love all your recipes and party ideas! I would buy some shoes for sure! And kiddo clothes :)

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  62. Happy Blogiversary :) I think I would buy some games and toys for my clients to use during therapy!

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  63. I love your parties, printables & real parenting stuff like mom guilt & funniest moments! I'd like to say id surprise my husband with an Apple Watch, but I'd probably buy diapers!

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  64. Congratulations Mel! I'm hoping one day we'll run into each other somewhere and I'll recognize you. (It could happen since I live in Dublin ;) Blogging is such a great community and you and I have several things in common...like R+F.❤️ So what would I buy if I won? Well let's see. It's Target, so I'm sure I'd go in for one thing and come out with something totally different. LOL! Have a great day!

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  65. I would love some new lamps and pillows! Cory

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  66. Congrats on 9 years! Love reading this blog :)

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  67. We just moved from an apartment into a townhome, so I would purchase some decorative items.

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  68. I would purchase a new TV and give our old one to my mom.

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  69. More clothes! Maternity clothes. It pays to feel good when prego!

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  70. I would buy a new laptop for college. I'm a mom so all the money goes to my daughter. Now that I'm in college ( full time & online) I need a better computer but I currently am unable to afford one.
    kayleefaith1228@aol.com

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  71. I have loved reading through your Instant Pot recipes! I am kind of scared to get one but your recipes look so yummy! It's on my list for Christmas this year so I will return to your blog and start going through your recipes. Thanks for sharing a glimpse int o your family and all of the fun you have! God bless you!

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  72. I would probably buy clothes for my girls! That seems to be where all my money goes.

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  73. We just moved so I'd probably use it to buy new decor items for the house! It feels like setting up a home never ends!

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  74. I love Target's jeans. I would definitely pick up a pair or two and a few cute sweaters for fall.

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  75. Our family makes the "easiest dinner ever" crockpot recipe monthly and it really is so easy and so good!! Thank you for blogging!

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  76. I would buy some fun things for myself as I start another school year.

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  77. Congratulations!! Your blog is one of the first ones I followed and encourage to start my own blog. We enjoy several,of your recipes weekly for dinner.

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  78. If I won, I would buy some school supplies for our 6th grader and kitchen supplies to make healthier meals for my family. I love your blog and all the wonderful info you provide! Thank you!

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  79. We would get school supplies and a bunch of Target's tasty snacks and drinks!

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  80. Groceries! and I would treat myself to some new sheets!

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  81. So many choices, it's hard to narrow down what I would buy! My son's third birthday is coming up, I would start by getting some party supplies and fun goodies.

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  82. I would buy myself some back to school clothes! Happy 9th Anniversary! I love reading your blog.

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  83. I have 6 kids so I'd use it to buy school supplies and snacks! Thanks love your blog

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  84. I LOVE Target! I love your blog, too. Thank you so much for the giveaway.

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  85. CONGRATS! I could buy everything at Target, okay not really, I would buy some of the Merona T-shirts before they leave forever! And then maybe some shoes and make up.

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  86. I have a baby girl on the way so I would buy baby items!!

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  87. i would buy some decor for my new house!! alicia on rafflecopter

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  88. Probably school supplies for my 4 (?!?) kiddos - still can't believe I have 4! Thank you and congrats! jazztaff at Hotmail .com

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  89. I would love some new Fall stuff for the house

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  90. School clothes for sure!

    I'd like to see you do one of those "Day in the life" posts. They are my fave posts & So interesting for other working moms!

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  91. Thank you for your blog! I love your 10 on 10!!
    I would buy school supplies and fun little things for my house that I usually don't splurge on!!
    Happy Anniversary!

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  92. I'm moving in a month so I would buy all of those random moving things!!! Chair feet, new towels, some fun pictures!!

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  93. As a teacher, mom and someone who cares about ny skin - your blog is one of my favorites! I'd buy stuff for my classroom.

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  94. At Target I would indulge with goodies for myself rather than all the practical items.

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  95. Mama would love a whole outfit from shoes to undergarments to outfit and accessories.

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  96. Mama would love a whole outfit from shoes to undergarments to outfit and accessories.

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  97. I would buy an Instant Pot and some Fall home decor items!

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  98. I would buy some new fall decor and hit up the dollar spot! ,

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  99. I would buy Fall/back to school clothing. Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  100. I would use for Christmas gifts!! Congrats!

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  101. I would get new area rugs and a slow cooker!

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  102. I would buy an Instant Pot and then save the rest to use towards Christmas gifts!

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  103. Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing parts of your life with all info us!

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  104. Target is my middle name! I would buy a new winter clothes for my family as we moved to the Midwest from Florida.

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  105. Congrats on 9 years! I would love to use the gift card for some baby stuff.

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  106. I would buy some new wall art decor. :)

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  107. I would update our house with some new bedding! Maybe throw in a pair of new shoes for this momma too :) Happy Anniversary! You should be proud!

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  109. InstaPot recipes!! I just got one, and I'm trying to figure out how to use it! Happy 9 years! I would probably buy birthday party supplies and presents. My girl turns 3 in September!

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  110. So glad you decided to start blogging 9 years ago! You are one of my favorite bloggers to follow! And I would use the gift card to buy an instant pot and clothes for myself, hubby, and kiddos!

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  111. Love your blog!!! This kinder teacher would be buying some school supplies and wine 😉

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  112. What WOULDN'T I buy?! Home stuff! Office stuff! Decor! All of the things!

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  113. Happy Anniversary! Love reading your blog :)
    I'd refresh our office or bedroom! So fun!

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  114. Congrats! thats awesome> I would get school clothes for my kiddos

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  115. My son's back to school supplies and clothes 28amandahoffman@gmail.com

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  116. id buy some towels and organization boxes

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  117. I'm a teacher with a newborn. So, school stuff and cute baby clothes!

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  118. I just lost my job and am a single mom, that $300 would go to back to school stuff we might have to forgo otherwise, clothes, supplies etc.

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  119. Happy Blogoversary!!! What wouldn't we buy???

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  120. I love you blog! I make your cookies and copy your parties! Congrats!

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  121. I would buy a comforter and throw pillows

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  122. I would buy clothes for my daughter (she's starting at a new school without uniforms), and some decor for my house!

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  123. Nothing exciting, just the normal everyday stuff for the family

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  124. Clothes!! Mostly for my two girls but I might sneak in a thing or two for me 😊

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  125. Congrats on 9 years! I'd use the gift card to start some Christmas shopping.

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  126. Congrats on 9 years! I love reading your blog and enjoy the variety. I'd use the gift card towardsa new iPad for myself 🤗

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  127. I would buy some new clothes and shoes for my family!

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  128. Happy blog anniversary! I will buy an Apple Watch if I win the Target card.

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  129. We are buying a new house next year so I would buy home decor! Thanks so much for the chance to win. I've loved your blog since the beginning!❤️

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  130. Happy 9 years!! I've so enjoyed following your blog for many of these years!!
    I would use the gift card for birthday and Christmas gifts and lots of dollar bin items! :)

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  131. If I won the gift card, I'd probably buy more things for my classroom. :)

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  132. I'd probably stock up on some Christmas gifts if I won.

    Congratulations on 9 years.

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  133. Happy Anniversary! What wouldn't I buy?! lol

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  134. Congrats! I'd buy diapers for my twins and something random for me!

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  135. I would buy some new nail polish and bathroom towels! Congrats on the blogoversary! ;-)

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  136. Congratulations on 9 years of blogging! If I won, I would buy new sheets and towels, and groceries!

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  137. Happy Blog-a-Birthday! What I like most about your blog is that I feel like you share from your heart just about what's going on with you and your family. I don't feel like it's "salesy or littered with ads and pop-ups." I am new to the Instant Pot world so I love when you post your Instant Pot recipes! :-) But I like it all - so just blog from your heart.
    As for what I'd buy at Target? That store kills my budget - from the $Spot to the clothes! I love it all.

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  138. i would use that 300 to buy my son new clothes! Cat and jack are my favs!

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  139. I would buy the kids all new school clothes and supplies. Happy Blog Birthday! 9 years of blogging is incredible!

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  140. Thanks for sharing on your blog and happy anniversary!

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  141. I would buy a new tv for our playroom. Ours recently went out. Happy anniversary!

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  142. Somefall clothes and decorations for my son's new teenager room. Love your blog!

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  143. school supplies and back to school clothes for my three girls. Congrats on 9 years!!

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  144. Back to school supplies/clothes for me and my girls!

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  145. Congratulations on 9 Years. I know a little boy turning 3 very soon so Target here I come.

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  146. Building a new house and Target has all the things! Ha. Congrats on 9 years!

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  147. I'd probably stock up on diapers and formula, not very exciting but those things are expensive and we have a little one at home! Have enjoyed your blog over the years. Especially love seeing your family adventures and knowing what you're reading. Happy 9!

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  148. Congrats on 9 years! Your recipe's are my favorite! With a Target gift card, I'd either buy some fun fall decor, or use it towards our back to school shopping.

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  149. Congratulations on 9 years! I so enjoy your posts. Keep up the good work! I would use the Target gift card to help move my daughter into her sophomore dorm room 😬

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  150. Congrats on 9 years, I've been following you for about 6 of them! I would use the Target card for back to school shopping!

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  151. I would buy household items and clothing.

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  152. Happy Anniversary! And what would I buy at Target? Probably Christmas stuff for my kids!!

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  153. I would buy clothing, love their stuff!

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  154. Congrats to you! Really enjoy your blog! Thanks for the fun giveaway- clothing, home goods... such a mom treat! ��

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  155. I would purchase new towels.

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  156. Congratulations!!! I have been following you since Claire was born! I would buy a new pocket book and birthday presents for my kids. We have a September, two November, and December birthdays!

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  157. I would buy clothes and stuff for my home :)

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  158. I would buy some decorations for my new apartment!

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  159. I would use it for upcoming Christmas shopping

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  160. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us!

    I would love to purchase some new rugs for our home! Thank you

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  161. I would knock off everything on our health and beauty/household supplies list.

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  162. Love your blog! And that GC would come in handy buying school supplies and new shoes!

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  163. Love your blog! And that GC would come in handy buying school supplies and new shoes!

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  164. I would buy all of the things!!! (and some curtains...prob some diet coke as well, but really, I would be shopping in the home decor section with 300!)

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  165. I love your blog! So many fun ideas, from recipes, books, printables, sports, R&F, Target finds and parties! My skin looks SO much better thanks to you! Thanks!

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  166. I would buy pajamas for my kids, school supplies and shoes.

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  167. I would definitely use it to buy my boys some back to school clothes and school supplies.

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  168. Happy Blogiversary! I would probably buy some housewares from Target and some new shoes.

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  169. Congrats!!! I would love to see teacher ideas on the blog. :)

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  170. I would most likely buy things to decorate the house. I get sucked into that department everytime!

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  171. You always have the cutest birthday parties! I would probably finish school shopping and buy some fall decor if I won the target gift card.

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