Steem Purchase

I have been absent from Steemit for a while; it seems like life has taken over my life, if that makes sense at all.  Anyway I logged back on today and it seems like my account value has really increased in my absence.  I am not sure how this happens without posting but more being better than less in this scenario I'm not looking to complain.  Looking at the balance though got me thinking can I buy something with this?   

I am not looking to spend it all I just want to use it like a currency maybe a funny t-shirt or some legos for my kids.  I am sure there are plenty of people out there using STEEM so let me know how you use it?

Thanks,

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