Everyone always says that time goes by quickly, but it’s only something that I started to notice when I turned 27. When I started this blog 5 years ago, I was 22, a student at varsity and my life was completely different to what it is now. 5 years ago when I started “I’ll Take It All” I didn’t know what I was going to do with it or where I was going to take it, except that I just wanted to share my daily outfits and beauty reviews. I didn’t know that this blog would result into my first job and start my career off, I didn’t know that through this blog I would have my first international trip which ignited a travel for passion in me, and I didn’t know that I would make such amazing and long-life friends from it. Its 5 years later, and here we are now- Happy Birthday “I’ll Take It All!”
I had a little giggle when I looked through this post that I published on the blogs 1st birthday– what a ride it’s been since then! Not only for me as a person, but for my writing skills and the photography! I can safely say that my photography skills have improved vastly since I published my first beauty post ha-ha! My fashion posts have also been looking much better, not without credit to Reflection9 photography who takes great pictures with me, as she did over here! I also like to think that my writing skills have improved, and that is why I am still blogging now- I love writing and sharing my thoughts on my little piece of the internet.
As I look back on the last 5 years spend with my blog, 3 big things stand out for me, and they are not all of the make-up, clothing or cool events that I have gotten to go to. The first thing that stands out for me, which would have never happened if it were not through the blog are my friendships. I have made some very dear friends through my blog, and I cannot even image my life without them now! Cassidy and I met almost 5 years ago at a Blogger Meet up and now not only are we the best of friends, we are also each others travel partners! We have traveled to Spain, Bali and Greece together, and I could have not asked for a better travel partner and friend! I also made some awesome girlfriends, and I have gotten to watch Sarah have her precious baby girl and become a mom, see Leanne became a kick-ass lawyer and see Chicara mature into the woman she is today. These girls have also been there for me when I needed them, and I am always thankful to my blog for bringing them into my life.
The second big thing that happened thanks to my blog is my career! I don’t know where my career would have gone, but fate stepped in at the end of 2015 and set my career on a beauty path- literally! I started working for Urban Decay Cosmetics as a Marketing Trainee in 2015, and since then I’ve been promoted to Junior Brand Manager, and then Brand Manager at the end of last year. I love what I do and I’m so happy that my blog steered my career into this path, because who knows what could have happened! I do not know where my career will go in the future, but I am thankful for the last 2 years that I have spent with the brand and thankful my blog for giving me this opportunity.
Lastly, I am thankful for the love of travel that I developed when I went onto my first media trip to Dubai back in 2015 with the blog. I only traveled home to Russia and surrounding countries before, and the interested for travel was not in me. Then I went to Dubai and got to explore a different culture, different food, different take on the world, and I fell in love with travelling. I made travelling my mission, whether it was through work, personal or through my blog, and I have explored 15 countries in the last 3 years. I have made these journeys a part of my blog now, and you can see all of my travel diaries, tips and photos over here. I do not plan on stopping, believe me! 🙂
To celebrate this blog birthday milestone for me, I’m doing an awesome giveaway! I wanted to say that for the 5th birthday I’m giving away R5000 worth of products, but actually its much more than that!
I’m celebrating with this awesome hamper that includes some of my fav perfumes like Air Di Gioia and La Vie Est Belle, my favourite make-up items like Urban Decay Meltdown Remover, Beached Bronzer and Razor Sharp Eyeliner and some skincare products from Kiehl’s and so much more! Enter below via Raffelcopter and good luck! Open to SA residents only.
Dina dos Santos says
Would love to see more fashion
Sweetness says
Yes
Rachael Darne says
Always enjoy your beauty posts?? Happy 5th Birthday!?
Candice Vincent says
Beauty, lifestyle and travel
Sarah says
Love you and so grateful for our friendship xxx
Lynnith Andreou says
Hi there, travel posts always my favourite, maybe more of that x happy birthday
SJ says
Happy Birthday ? Your blog has grown and matured with you … and you both are absolutely beautiful ?
Lizna Erkelens says
Congrats on 5 years! I’ve feeI like I know you so well from following your blog for the last couple of years. I would love to see more travel, your travel photos gives me all the feels! xx
Tina Pieterse says
I love all of your content Theres such a variety I think it’s already well balanced
Sarah-Jane says
I love your beauty,cosmetics and skin care posts. I’m a total sucker for skin care products and perfume too so reading your posts are always so nice!
Shantel Moodley says
Wow , Congratulations on your birthday . I would love to see more travel , maybe your travel trips .
Jesse van der haar says
Amazing to see a local blogger flourishing! You inspire me to do what makes me happy and what makes me feel good. Slay girl! ??
Nicolette says
Congrats on 5 years of amazing travels and opportunities!!! You are blessed and deserve it all ?
Brenda Kinners says
Happy 5th Birthday to this awesome blog. Irina you are such an inspiration and genuinely amazing human. You have inspired me to Travel and i always wait for your posts for travel and beauty tips on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Keep blogging, you are super awesome at it. Much love and appreciation. ???????????????????????????????????????????????????
Rushda says
Well done honey!! I’ve been following your blog since it started and it’s so wonderful to see the amazing things you’ve achieved. I’d love to see more travel posts, beauty posts… actually I enjoy all your content!
Thembi says
Happy 5th Bday??!!!
I always enjoy your fashion & travel posts…
Keep up the great blog!!
Lata says
Love everything! Especially beauty and travels
Salma Moolla Paruk says
Would love to see more beauty and travel
Ginna says
Happy 5th Birthday ? would love to see more beauty ?
Falon Harris Johnson (@FalzSA) says
Happy 5th Birthday to the blog!!!
Ive always enjoyed the beauty posts but ive come to enjoy your travel and fashion posts the most. Namely what to wear whilst on vacay:)
Sophia Adam (@sophiasheikadam) says
Congrats on 5 years 🙂 I would love to see more beauty and fashion any day 🙂
Janel Sunderlall says
I would love to see more fashion and beauty
Soraya Asmal says
Fashion beauty & travel, oh and exotic recipes
Ruwaida says
Congrats on 5 years!? Would love to see more fashion & travel?
Charmaine Balraj says
Travel.food .best value for money on make up
Tanusta Jainarain says
Hi Id really love if u do something on hairloss and volumising products that really wrk.Iv lost majority of my hair due to many ops and illness and its really depressin,please think about it
Gretel says
Happy 5th birthday of your blog. ❤️❤️❤️ Reading it and I would love to see more on your travel tips, beauty fashion trend. While reading your blog post it takes me to those 3 big accomplishment in your life! Your so lucky and content for everything you have, may you grow more and more and be blessed more! I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to win this ultimate prize I would be forever grateful and thankful ?
Shabira Ahmed says
Congratulations on 5years ???
Nicole Naicker says
Wow Happy 5th Birthday and Congrats on your amazing blog,would love to see
more videos and travel and beauty advice and giveaways as huge as this,so amazing
Nell-Mari says
Congratulations on 5 years ?
Valencia says
Congrats Irina,I would like to see your fave spots for good food.Your blog already covers everything and is well balanced,I know you’re always busy as a bee, I would like to see your fave food joints/spots which you recommend.
Tess says
More travel! Love your travel content 🙂 and beauty!
Tracy Jacobs says
Happy 5th anni ? travel and beauty ?
Theola Ernest says
Happy happy 5! Love the travel content ?
Candice says
Oh wow 5 years that’s insane I remember when you just started your blog and oh my have you grown so much
Elize says
New to your blog…looking forward to reading your blog posts. Happy 5th birthday!
Seri says
Congrats on your blogging journey. You sure did make lot friends.. awesome.
I look forward to seeing more beauty content. I would like to request for You to do youtube videos. Please and thank you
Nicola Meyer says
I like the mix of lifestyle, beauty, travel and fashion
Sunisha says
I look forward 2 seeing u in all beautiful fashion u create. U can do a YouTube channel? Maybe fashion hauls n beauty or whats new in beauty. What i got 4 my bday.
U r to beautiful lady ?
Jenusha says
Happy 5th birthday beautiful blog
Makaira says
Happy 5th birthday and congratulations on the amazing success ?
Kerusha says
Congrats and Happy Birthday ❤️
Brenda says
Has been so awesome following your journey. Your content has really helped me a lot with makeup and beauty tips. Keep it up ?!!
Bernice Vermaak says
I really love all your content?. But if I had to chose just one more of, I would pick more Fashion?
Congrats on your 5th Year Blogging?
Anusha Naidoo says
Congratulations
Best wishes and Blessings
Will be a absolute delight and pleasure to see more on Travel and Fashion.
Thank you
Annelize says
Happy 5th Birthday!!! Loving your blog and just enjoying it soooo much!!! Congrats on reaching this fabulous milestone!!!??????
Zzana bhayla (@zana_bhayla) says
LOVE your blog ? Looking forward to following your travel diaries ???
Sashnee Rambaly says
beauty and lifestyle
Salmaa says
Happy 5th birthday ❤️
mosa says
Happy 5th birthday ?. I enjoy your style of writing, it makes the travel posts more imaginative. More of that please 🙂
Astrid Julies says
Awesome blog and awesome 5 years. Congrats and well done on your Blogger Bornday.
Angie says
How fantastic!! Could do with some spoils ❤
ashley perez says
I want to see more affordable fashion 🙂
Nadia Hall says
Wow❣️❣️❣️❣️ It sounds like you’ve had an amazing journey. I hope that your next 5 years are just as fabulous and rewarding as the last 5 ????
Kim Dyer says
What a journey this has been for you… life changing! May the next 5 inspire and motivate… enjoy the challenges and give us more more more! Congrats! ?????
Shez (@shez31) says
You are remarkably photogenic which I think makes your blogs very eye catching and if these beauty products have anything to do with it, I would love to win them
Dawn Wallenkamp says
I would love to see more on travel
Celeste Everitt says
Happy happy 5 years!! Would love to see more Lifestyle 🙂 🙂 But love it as it is.
An Ordinary Gal says
Beauty posts are always my favourite!!
Your shoes though!!!!!!!!!!! So gorgeous!!! Happy 5th blog birthday!!
pollieplaatjie says
Here’s to growth! Well done on reaching this milestone. Your blog is amazing. You are beautiful
Rashika Harduth says
Travel, as this is my passion
Carla Van Der Westhuizen says
Happy 5th Blog Birthday!! I adore your blog! It has such an awesome mix of everything. But I will have to say that I would like to see more travel related stuff…. coz then that means you get to travel more hehe!
Lizelle says
Congrats! What an amazing milestone! ???
Anne Botes says
Happy Happy 5Th Blog Birthday Wish You Many Many More Love Everything
flutterbymegs says
Happy 5th Birthday…wishing you many more years. Love everything about your blog, and would really love to see more reviews on South African fashion, beauty etc. x
Elsandra Gouws says
Happy 5th birthday!! I love your blog and even though I am older than most of your readers, I enjoy all your blogs especially your travel blogs as you take me to places I can only dream to visit! So keep them coming!
Lynn Botha says
Happy 5 years and wishing you loads more 🙂 Love reading about Travel so more of that please 🙂
Annette says
Congratulations on 5 years. I would love to see more on beauty and fashion.
Nicole Jansen van Vuuren says
Happy 5th Birthday ? It is really such a huge accomplishment, congratulations. Most people can not even comprehend the time and effort a blog requires ❤ I have been following you on Social Media for a good few years now and I always enjoy the fashion posts (I wish I had your dress sense though ?) Keep up the amazing work ?
Maggie says
Happy 5th Birthday! ❤?
Maggie says
Thank you for your awesome beauty advice ?
Donna Little says
Congratulations on 5yrs I’LL TAKE IT ALL, what a humungous accomplishment!! – WOW, your blog is truly inspirational. I would love to travel in the future thanks so much for sharing all your beautiful pictures , tips & advice with everyone. Fashion posts are still my all time favourite, I have an emotional attachment to accessories
Sivanya says
Congrats wishing u many more successful years. I absolutely love ur blog
Henriette says
Happy blog birthday! I love your beauty and travel post so will continue to enjoy more of those!
Leanne says
Congratulations gorgeous! Love you!!! xxx
Jolene says
Happy birthday! Love your blog. Keep up the great work!
Amy Lee says
Happy Birthday “I’ll Take It All!” My favourite blog!! I absolutely adore your travel posts with tips and photos. It really makes me want to explore the world. Your beauty blog posts are also so inspiring. Here is to the next wonderful years with more growth and opportunities awaiting you xx
Salochana Naidoo says
Wow! So much at such a young age! I’d love to see more of Travel and Lifestyle ☺
Roanne Lalsab says
Very inspirational. I love travelling, and am always open to new ideas and suggestions.
Tania Brewis (@BrewisTania) says
Lifestyle and fashion!
Imka says
I’d love to see more travel – I just booked tickets to Italy after seeing your amazing Italy pics and I am so excited 🙂
Carey-Anne Kerby says
Wishing you a fanfreakingtastic birthday Thanx so much for hosting such a fabulous competition!!
ursula says
happpppy DAYS stunning lady!!!! Cheers to many more!
Megan Jonkers says
More fashion please!
Gina says
Always love your travel content.
Penny Namane says
Happy birthday to you May you see many more *Hugs*
Jodi says
I love seeing your travel stories – they inspire me to travel more.
Jackie Katzen says
Happy Birthday!!!
I love Lifestyle posts
xxx
Ragmat baron says
I would love to see more travelling content
Pavla Sessions says
I’d love to see more posts about green eco friendly beauty products and local beauty and skincare brands.
Rae Tigere says
Congratulations on the 5 years Irina! ? You inspire me so much – I remember reading your 26 post + 2018 resolutions & how much I could relate at the time (about going through a breakup & how friends have helped you). Your travelling blogs give me SO much life but I’m so envious! ? But I know if I work hard, I’ll eventually also visit Bali, Paris & Greece! From your interactions with people, I know you’re hardworking and beautiful both inside & out. I really wish I had come up to meet you that one night in JHB! Please keep doing what you do. You really deserve everything amazing coming your way. ❤️
Sascha says
Congratulations on 5 years of your blog! I’m just starting mine now and your journey has been motivating!
Keep up the great work and keep inspiring ???
Marshni Padayachee says
Congratulations and happy birthday. Wishing you all the best.
Teighler says
I would love to see more Fashion posts 🙂
Akielah Isaacs says
I would love to see affordable fashion & beauty posts :). & congrats on 5 years ?
Nafisa D says
Congratulations beautiful girl ? Keep up the great work! ?
Samantha Pillay says
Happy 5th Birthday! Here’s to many many more. Travel posts are my favorite ?
Sabrina says
Happy 5th Birthday! Love beauty and travel posts
Sumaya Kharva says
Travel tips! Always need those
Candice Ying Sun says
would love to see more lifestyle
Justine-Lee Kroes says
Happy Birthday! More beauty please 🙂
Cassandra D says
More travel content.
Boitshoko Chocky Mankuroane says
Happy birthday Iriana and congratulations on 5 years of blogging.. Happy blogging