Last night I got to be a kid again…
Chalk and I go way back.
Did I mention that when I was a kid I used to ‘play school’ a lot? I would pretend I was a teacher and I had a whole room full of ‘students’ which were all of my stuffed bears, of course. Sometimes, I managed to con OSGMOM or my sister Kristi into participating for a bit or a friend that was over. I used to make up attendance lists and everything. :lol: I remember calling out everyone’s names on the very long list and say things like, ‘James? JAMES?! James isn’t here today I guess.’ [heavy sigh].
Eric and I started gathering some items for the Oakville Organic Farmer’s Market that begins very SOON. Orientation is this Saturday and the market begins the following Saturday on June 19th!
We went for the cheapest canopy tent we could find- on sale for $69 at XS Cargo a couple months ago.
The jury is still out as to whether it will keep out the rain. We are going to test it this weekend…fingers crossed that it does…
I bought two chalkboards that I will hang from each side of the tent. I am going to list the Glo Bar flavours and prices on the boards. If this isn’t home-made, I don’t know what is!
The jury is still out as to whether our $69 tent will hold up two chalkboards. Minor details! We also need to make cement pails to tie the tent to (it’s a safety requirement).
Then I got dizzy from chalk fumes because I had to erase and start over so many times. I certainly have lost my touch!
Speaking of dizzy…this placemat never fails to make me feel like I spent all night at a club or an amusement park.
See any resemblance?
I used to love the Gravitron!
:pinch:
This angle is a bit easier on the eyes…
I really wanted to show you something new for breakfast because you are probably sick to death of looking at Banana Soft Serve Vegan Overnight Oats, but I could not bring myself to make anything else.
Don’t even mention the word Green Monster…I will shed a tear. My Kitchenaid blender is in a very sad place where blenders go to die. The body still remains in my kitchen, but the spirit has left. (I hear that Vitamix blenders are never found in the blender graveyard.)
Speaking of Energizer Bunny Blenders, check out the top 5 blenders according to a Consumer Report’s test of over 80 different blenders:
1) Vita-Mix: for $499 from Pleasant Hill Grain.
2) Oster BCBG08: for $39.99 from Bed Bath and Beyond.
3) Breville 800BLXL: for $277.91 from Amazon.
4) L’Equip 306500: for $163.13 from Amazon.
5) Blendtec Total Blender: for $399.99 from Amazon.
[Of course, Consumer Reports wants your cash forked over before they will let you see the entire study in their June 2010 issue…I just may have to buy it!]
I thought it was very interesting that Vita-Mix came out on top while Blendtec was 5th. I have been debating between the two for a while. I also loved that the second best blender was the $40 Oster! Anyone have this one?
Back to breakfast.
I had my parfait with raw cacao nibs sprinkled on top:
Some of you have been asking me about the raw nibs. Raw cacao nibs are very nutritious- they have more antioxidants than blueberries, red wine, and green tea, and they are rich in many vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and beta-carotene. The nibs are also high in fibre with about 9 grams per 28 gram serving.
Be warned though, raw cacao nibs are very bitter (now I know why chocolate has so much sugar added to it!) and are best enjoyed along with something very sweet (like banana soft serve). They are very crunchy and add a wonderful texture to other sweet foods.
Giveaway Alert:
- Check out this fun giveaway over at Eating Journey for a chance to win GLO Bars, the Operation Beautiful Book, and gorgeous cards!
I realized I promised you a post about tri talk, however that clearly did not happen. It is coming. I am still processing a few thoughts in my mind… :whistle:
Enjoy your day!
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{ 109 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for the info on the blenders. I have been debating which type to buy, and this really helps out! By the way… LOVE the chalkboard. I have one in my kitchen that I love drawing on!
I just won a Vita-Mix and I adore it!! We tested it out with a green smoothie and it was so fast! Very powerful and did a great job pureeing my frozen banana & blueberries. I had a KitchenAid but it never seemed to get the spinach blended fine enough or fail to leave chunks of ice. The VM is a vast improvement for smoothie-making!
Thanks for the shout out. What’s interesting is that a 30.00 blender is better than hundred dollar ones…interesting.
You might try looking for a used Vitamix on ebay. I have a really cool stainless steel model from the early 1990s that still works like a charm that I got from ebay. It’s also so attractive, it looks great with my kitschy kitchen!! “Crazy Dish Lady” needs a really retro, cool looking blender that rocks.
haha i loved the gravitron too! I remember always trying to sit up crossed legged, it was the “cool” thing to try to do.
ps. its my birthday today, woo!
foodforhealing.ca
I heard a rumour that Costco has the Vita-Mix at the lowest price around. I haven’t gone to look for it yet because I’m afraid that if I find it I’m going to buy it…
My blender is broken, too, due to a hot soup incident that resulted in my boyfriend chopping up the lid and wearing half the soup. I use the Magic Bullet for green monsters and smoothies.
I have seen the Vita at my Costco, It was $399. It’s n ot there all the time though. A guy comes in and sets up a demo table and its only available when he’s there. At least at mine.
You deserve a vitamix!! you’re the reason many bloggers started to make green monsters! you’re the green monster queens and all queens have a vitamix!!
Haha I totally played school all the time when I was younger too. I even made up assiggnments when my friends came over for them to do so I could grade them.
I have an Oster blender. I have no clue what model or how old it is. I got it when my grandma passed away. I am guessing it is pushing at least 10 years. It is still rocking. But I agree with Nicole you deserve a vitamix!
I used to play school too! My poor sister was the student and I even made her do homework..in the summer! She must have hated it that her bossy big sis forced her to do book reports when everyone else was out riding bikes and running through the sprinklers. Haha! I should probably take her out to lunch soon to make up for it :)
I need a new blender too. Mine takes a million tries to blend frozen fruit…ugh!
I have an Oster blender. I don’t know what model it is off-hand, but my cousin bought it for me two years ago. It’s big and loud but works really well. It’s not Vita-Mix, clearly, but still good!
setting up at the farmers market will be so much fun!!!
we love 3D chalk at my house! :)
Wow, I am impressed that the $40 Oster blender came in second! Of course, the Vita-Mix still came in first. One day, it will be mine. One day!!!
I have an oster! I LOOOVE IT! We’ve done so many hellish things to that blender, and it refuses to die. I think we’ve had it for atleast 5-6 years? We got a new one for when I finally move out of my parents.. It only cost 30$ on sale at Target. Blends ice without any water no problemo, and comes with a food processor that rocks my socks too.
It is a bit loud, but it does it’s job and it’ll last you forever… or atleast until you save for that vitamix you want. :P
I can’t even hear the words Vita Mix without crying. I soooo want one.
Hey Ange –
I love your graphs — seriously! I’m getting ready to make these oats after seeing them soooo many times!!
I tried the banana soft serve for the first time yesterday and now I’m wondering what took me so long! it was SO GOOD!
Angela:
I am temporarily playing the role of my husband in this comment. He hates it that I am very conservative with spending freebie ($$$ that it’s OK to spend) money (and I mean conservative – my wardrobe is an example of how not to shop – I usually only by stuff if it’s on sale, that I don’t even really love, wear it once or twice and then it hangs out (no pun intended) in my closet for the next year. Don’t get me wrong, he loves that I am a saver (and he’s one too), but I am waaaay at the other end of the spectrum where I probably end up losing money b/c I won’t buy one or two good quality items.
You are a successful business lady running a growing company – a Vita-mix will be an investment (is there anyway you can claim it on your taxes?) and you will use it a lot. I use mine every day for green monsters and (currently experimenting with) juices (though I love your juicer!) and it’s been worth it just to see my husband downing something gross looking in the morning and saying how good it tastes and how much energy he has!
However I was just as nervous buying mine and did heaps of research like you before purchasing. Are there other bloggers like yourself who have bought it and been satisfied?
Good luck with the first farm stand – I bet it will attract a lot of interest!
I agree 100%. Just as good business clothes are a necessary investment for the corporate world, so is good kitchen equipment for the baking/experimental vegan cooking business. A good/well-fitted suit lasts me at least 3 years (if I treat it well), and I think a blender should last as long!
That said, I have to say your blender-drama over the last couple years, has lead to some pretty amusing posts.
I agree ladies! Definitely all valid points. I think I just need to suck it up and make the plunge…
Just want to second (third?) these ladies. I agree completely. When I first heard about the cost of the VM I was aghast. But when my year-old Oster couldn’t handle daily smoothies/ took 5 minutes to make a chunky smoothie, I couldn’t get the Vita out of my head. Well, I got it for Christmas and I have truly not thought twice about the money we put into it. And I am an insanely frugal/ cheap person! I promise you will not regret it. :) Plus I’m sure if you’re using it for your business there’s bound to be a way to claim it/ part of it on your taxes.
Hope you’re having a great day, Ange!
I agree! But at the same time – it’s good to hear that I’m not the only one who goes “eesh” at the price. Sometimes when I see stuff made with a ‘normal’ blender I feel it’s more attainable for me to actually try out.
Don’t you just love XS cargo? I swear, we buy everything there, haha! My mom has an Oster blender that is AWESOME. I sort of want to upgrade my $10 Magic Bullet so I can make more voluminous smoothies, I will have to consider that Oster!
OH, so cute! I think you will do great! Good luck with it. :)
i have an oster blender that i “inherited” when my boyfriend moved in with me (he never uses his blender anymore, so it is allllllll mine). i am amazed at how awesome it is, for such an inexpensive appliance (i’ve had other blenders that i paid similar prices to that have totally sucked)
love your chalkboard sign!
i so want a vitamix!!! i would say that if you have the chance you should splurge on that one…obviously it’s worth the price!
Hope the canopy works ok for you, but from the picture it looks a little weak. Just like a good quality blender, you’ll want your canopy at the Farmer’s Market to completely serve your needs as well. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more money to get a product that won’t fustrate you or disappoint.
Good, good luck on the market opening and I hope you sell lots of OSG bars!
Yes I agree. If it doesn’t hold up, we are going with one from Costco.
My blender died last week too : (
I just got the oster “beehive’ and LOVE it! and i am very picky blender person…I hate chunks and i love to use ice, but so far I am extremely impressed with this one
I have an oster blender that is just the worst! It always needs help mixing things up if the mixture is too thick. I have to constantly stir the mix with a spoon or just keep adding water to make it thinner :(
Pretty awesome that the $40 Oster is better than the $300 Blend-tec. I don’t know what brand I have, but it works pretty well. I won a Magic Bullet To Go on Monica’s blog Run Eat Repeat and it SUCKS!!
I would love a Vita-Mix but my goodness, that’s a lot for a blender. Anyhow, mine is useless and leaves chunks and forces you to stir constantly. It’s lazy and I dislike it so much I won’t even tell you the brand. As if I know it.
Oh my gosh, I totally did that too! I loved playing “teacher.” Maybe that’s why I enjoy teaching Sunday school so much!
I’m eating un-overnight oats at the moment, although I must say they are not vegan today.
I did the SAME thing as a kid in pretending to teach! I used to “teach” English and Math and taught all my stuffed animals (I had a LOT of stuffed animals). I LOVED using blackboards (still do) and I have to say, when I actually DID teach in Japan, I was super sad that they used whiteboards (not the same). Now I get to have fun with chalk and blackboards with my 5 year old niece! I’m still trying to get a blackboard for my house, just for fun! :D
Also had chocolate banana soft serve with raspberry overnight oats this morning…oh my…dangerous…
The gravitron is the only ride to have ever made me puke!
I caved and bought the BlendTec at Costco. It was a great price and came with a great extended warranty. I had been comparing for a long time & I kind of feel like a traitor since VitaMix headquarters are in my hometown! But VitaMix doesn’t fit under cabinets and I don’t care for the plunger thing. Plus BlendTec has that ‘will it blend’ thing where they blend up a Louisville Slugger or other crazy things! I am nothing but happy with it so far. I’m shocked its No. 5!
I’m curious to see which way you go with the blender. I have wanted a Vitamix for a while, but I just don’t think I blend enough to justify the price. Maybe I would if I had it. Tough decision.
I love everything Nativas… those cacao nibs are the BOMB.
I can’t wait to hear about your farmers market experiences, that would be SO fun! I love the atmosphere at our farmers markets here, getting to talk to the people who grew or made the food, and really, everyone seems to be GLOWING.
and, once again, I will add my 2 cents about Vitamix… I’ve had mine for 12+ years, I researched like mad before I purchased (I was in college on laboratory intern pay), and I should stop bragging about how old it is, but it is still in PERFECT condition. I use it a lot for everything. (and I thought of YOU the other day, really, when a friend who has a blendtec said “I wish I had the vita, they are SO much better”.
you deserve it, and so does Glo Bakery :)
Your bars are going to be a hit!!!
School used to be one of my favorite games to play too…funny, because I hated real school! I guess I liked the authority that came along with being a teacher…and now I’m a teacher! Ha!
Re: blenders– I LOVE my vitamix. As in, would get rid of my husband before I got rid of my blender. But, that’s just me. :-)
My blender is a Blendtec! It works quite well, but my only complaint is that it has square edges. When I make nut butters everything builds up in the corners… My opinion would be that you’re better off getting a food processor. :) Just my opinion! I mean, you can make juice using the food processor too, right? What do you use now to make your beet+carrot+ginger, etc juices?
Wei-Wei
I have a Breville Juicer
I LOVE my blendtec. You can get it with a 20% off coupon that you get a bed, bath & beyond. I went in store and asked them to order it for me since they were not in stock at my store. That $80 was a nice discount! I make green smoothies, and have even chopped an apple in half and thrown it in with no problems. I would get a vitamix if you want a pusher thinger, but I’ve been going fine without one with enough liquid.
I was wondering about the farmers market. That seems like a late start? The signs look great, I love signs made with chalk. I think it looks creative, chic but kinda hippy ish, and very artsy.
It’s not a late start for this area really…the weather doesn’t start getting warm until June usually. I think markets generally begin June 1st and later here.
Oooooh, good luck at your farmer’s market!! I LOVE the chalkboard, soooo adorable :) And I hope you find a suitable blender ASAP!!!
Oh my goodness-I played school just like that!
I have an Oster blender (not the one on the list) and it rocks. I always think I won’t be able to make something but it never disappoints. Just thought I’d let you know! It’s a good option until you feel like you can get the more expensive ones.
So I tired to make the banana soft serve overnight oats last night. Epic failure. I tried to use flax seeds instead of chia seeds. This morning the mixture didn’t thicken up at all. I couldn’t find the chia seeds in my local grocery store. Any suggestions? Also, where do you buy the cacao powder? Would whole foods be a good place to check? Thanks!!
I must get this to work soon… I am craving it!! : )
hmm weird I have heard that it works with flax and even without flax or chia seeds all together! Strange…Did you give it a good stir in the morning? I find I have to stir it well to mix in all the liquid. You can get chia seeds at bulk barn or online or at whole foods and some natural food stores too. I think WF should have cacao powder too…sometimes it is cheaper buying online if you search around though. I am not much help because I buy all of my stuff from a wholesaler for the bakery.
I got my Breville blender through Air Miles and love, love, love it. Went from my $40 Hamilton-Beach to the Breville and was SHOCKED at the difference.
I’ve also seen it at Future Shop for $250, but I’m not sure which model.
The vita is a solid investment. Not sick of your overnight oats yet!
we got that exact oster model. i really like it alot. use it daily. but i could totally see you with a vitamix. : )
Oh I loved the Gravitron!!!!!
Good luck in your blender hunt!
I used to LOVE writing on chalkboards! How fun!
Just have to weigh in on the blender issue! I have been coveting a Vitamix for years…when my blender dies..but my OSTER is going strong! I have had it longer than I have had my husband! LOL…It is at least ten years old and it was used when my mother gave it to me!!!
It gets serious use too…I use it at least three to seven or even more times a week for green monsters, homemade hummus, veggie burger mixtures, and occasional blended juices with the pulp even though I have a juicer. When I make the green monsters I put it on frappe and then walk away and let it whirl its heart out while I get other stuff going…and still it lives!
I was kind of thrilled to see it in second place on the list (not necessarily the same model though!) For $40 it should make a good “temporary” replacement if the other is not in your budget right now.
My mom gave me one of those rocket blenders (similar to magic bullet) I thought it would be great for camping or bringing the green monsters in the car since it blends right in the cup, but it never blended well, so it went into the Goodwill donation pile last week!
Finally, weighing in the nibs..I LOVE them! I had been wanting to try them when I won that wonderful box from you, and you had a bag in there…well now we re-order them regularly. Of course I can’t eat them right out of hand…way too bitter….but they are great in my oatmeal (they add a fantastic crunch), banana soft serve (but you already knew that) and yogurt (which you don’t eat anyway!
Thanks for sharing! I think my mom has an Oster and I remember it working very well (and it was an 80’s model I think!)
I’m debating on what blender to get too!! please keep me up to date with your research and what you end up getting. All I want is to make homemade almond butter!!!!! :( stupid blenders
Oooh! I’m so excited about the farmers market; I live in Oakville but had no idea this was going to be happening! Totally made my day!
whohoo hope to meet you there!
Good luck with the tent and your GloBar sales!
I like the $40 blender! Just because I think paying $400 for a blender is a little ridiculous. I actually think the blender I have now is an Oster but I’m not sure. It blends. It makes green monsters. Works for me!
I’ve worked with a canopy like that before. If the rain is coming straight down you’ll be fine. Just be sure to have a long stick. The water tends to pool along the edges of the canopy. You’ll need the stick to push the water over the edge so it doesn’t weigh down the canopy. If the rain is coming down on an angle you’ll want something to cover the sides. If the canopy didn’t come with side attachments, garbage bags are a bit ghetto but they work. :)
My old blender was a 15-year-old wedding present to my parents. I upgraded this past Christmas – I bought an Oster Professional Series Blender (http://www.amazon.com/Oster-BPST02-B-Professional-Blender-Black/dp/B000FBLQLG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1276098858&sr=8-3). It retails for $170 but I got it for, like, $40 or $60 on Amazon. Can I just say that I LOVE Amazon.com? haha
Ignore any bad reviews of this blender; I’ve had no problems with mine. It pulverizes everything.
I hope you can get the perfect blender for you!
Thank you so much! I have been needing a new blender but can’t afford the Vita that I want and haven’t had time to do any research, looks like I will be getting the $40 runner up!
I agree on the Oster. I have a different version, but until I feel like shelling out for a Vita-Mix, it does the trick :) And it gets serious mileage too- I use it almost everyday. I’m talking nut butters, green monsters and banana soft serve.
I love how cheap the second best blender is!
It’s a hypnosis place mat! You’re getting verrrry sleeeeepy… ;)
Thats interesting! The oster is better than the blendtec. I would get a vita mix if I won the lotto….
I <3 my oster though, 30$ at target.
You and I are kindred spirits. There is a story I wrote for the book about my love affair with the Gravitron.
I had the Oster. Let me tell you, there is a huge range of performance difference between #1 and #2.
haha LOVE IT.
Your sign looks great so far! I’m sure it will draw in the crowds! :D
I used to love making huge chalk murals on my driveway when I was a kid. I miss those days!
I LOVED playing school when I was little! I made my sister be one of my students, and we had this easel thing with a painting station on one side and a chalk board on the other. It was THE best. Yours look so cute!
My blender is ancient – it’s an Osterizer, and my parents bought it before I was born. Looks a little old school but it’s an absolute beast!
My two cents on the blender debate – I had a (supposedly) very nice Breville for a while, and would not recommend it just based on what happened to me. First, the one that came from Amazon initially was broken, wouldn’t power on. They sent me a new one and it worked okay for a while, and then after less than a year a part broke that was not easily fixable. I wasn’t doing anything crazy with it, just smoothies and soups and stuff. I probably could’ve gotten it fixed, but at that point I was so tired of it I just went and got a $30 model at Target, which works okay. My ultimate dream blender is the Vitamix, they’re so amazing!
Your “playing school teacher” story sounded like a page out of my own personal memories – minus the occasional “real student”. I could never sucker anyone in & I don’t have a sister :-( . I even made copies of coloring pages and worksheets that I pretended students turned in. My mom even found a life size chalk board at a thrift store, I was so sad to leave it behind…
I used to play school all the time with my sister, but the one my mom still teases us about is when we used to play church and use potato chips and juice for the bread and wine! Once she caught us holding up an american flag with our hands on our hearts singing Silent Night before beginning the service;)
Just had to comment about playing school. I also was a total dork as a kid… had the assignment book with student names AND grades, etc. My mom even has a picture of me as a little lass with all my stuffed animals and dolls lined up on the couch as I read to them. 20-some years later, I still LOVE buying school/office supplies… and I guess it was meant to be, because I am now an elementary school teacher! :-)
BTW, I love your blog. I know it’s a painful subject right now, but I am a new convert to the Green Monsters and looooove them… I have even gotten my spinach-hating husband to drink them. He still can’t believe that something so delicious is actually good for him! And speaking of things to blend, I have been an Oster girl for years and have never been disappointed. The only “fail” by my Oster blender was my own fault (used my old one to make paper pulp for a homemade paper project for my students… probably a bad idea!).
Are you calling me a DORK??? bahaha ;p
Love your story
VITA.MIX! VITA.MIX! VITA.MIX! VITA.MIX!VITA.MIX! VITA.MIX!VITA.MIX! VITA.MIX!
As a Vita mix owner that’s my humble opinion. $400 but I will have it and use it for the rest of my life. I never put it away. I use it at least once a day. You cannot beat a 7 year warranty. I also find it so easy to clean. Total bonus.
My blender is sadly in the graveyard too…I had the Oster fusion, and it totally crapped out on me! I woudl LOVE a vitamix, it’s just not in the cards right now…but I do like that there’s one on that list for $40! Hmmmmm…. ;)
I would also love a vita, but I don’t think that will come for many years. :( haha You do deserve one though! As far as the Farmers’ Market tent, I have a few tips:
ALWAYS bring tent weights or bleach bottles filled with sand to tie the legs of the tent to. Those things blow around like mad!
Bring plenty of bungee cords, they’re good for hanging up signs, fixing the tent, or tethering your tent legs to your neighbors if it’s still blowing.
Bring a tarp; if you can’t park close and you have to put your back stock under your table you don’t want the boxes getting soggy touching the ground.
Bring a big pin or metal stick or dowel that would fit in one of the holes if a pin in the tent were to break. I’ve had to go into the woods looking for a stick, so now I always bring a little “just in case” pin.
Duct tape. for when the sign or table cloth isn’t sitting right, the table is on an angle and wobbly or a box tears.
I hope this helps a little bit! I’m sure you already know most of it, and if not they will probably tell you at orientation. Good luck!
I have an Oster blender and I LOVE it. I got it with a food processor attachment, and it is my baby. Plus, you can buy replacement blades, glass containers, and lids on amazon for cheap!
I started making Green Monsters in my parents’ Oster blender that they’ve had since the 70s!!!
The great thing about Oster is that all the bottoms are interchangeable. I can put my top on my parents’ base, and vice versa. :) Definitely worth the $40!!
I love your luck with all things kitchen :( I loveee the Oster- excellent for crushing ice in smoothies!
Oh my gosh, when are you going to be at Oakville Farmer’s Market?! I love that place, and even though I live in Toronto, I always trek out there for goodies : ) Can’t wait to be able to pick up some Glo Bars, too!!
izzyy
x
Starting June 19th!!!! Hope to see you there.
I have a VitaMix and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I use it at least once a day, if not more and it works really well. The only issues I have are that it is really tall and doesn’t fit on my counter/underneath my cabinets as nicely as I’d like and it can’t blend really small amounts (that causes me to resort to my Magic Bullet which I hate using because it has BPA’s in the plastic cup). My co-blogger Danielle recently found out a couple of cool things about her Osterizer and posted about it here: http://www.thatveganblog.com/2010/06/falling-in-love-again-with-my-blender.html
Yes I have heard that is a downside about the vitamix….I measured and it would not fit under my cabinets either. I would have to pull it out.
I’ve actually figured out a way to get it to fit but it’s kind of crazy. There’s a lip at the front of my cabinet that hangs down about an inch or but the space underneath the cabinet is a little roomier. I don’t know if this will make sense but if I pull the base out from underneath the cabinet, tilt the blender back as I’m putting it onto the base and then slide the whole thing back under the cabinet I can clear the “lip” and once it’s underneath the cabinets the cup will stand upright (without the lid/plunger – which I just store in a nearby drawer). It seems clumsy but once I figured it out it works really well and prevents me from having to move it in and out of a cupboard. So, you may be able to make it fit if your cabinets are like mine.
haha strangely I do understand what you are saying! lol. I will have try it thanks for the tip. Well, that is if I buy one I guess.
I have an Oster!! Although, its not that one :( Mine is pretty good, but I don’t think it could compete with what a Vitamix can do (not that I have one…but from what other people seem to do in theirs). Another major positive of Vitamixes is that its so easy to clean, and that you don’t have to unscrew the bottom parts and individually wash the blades..which in most regular blender you need to do in order to avoid rust or broken rubber rings, etc.
Ugh, your picture of the Gravitron makes me ill just looking at it! I rode one when I was in high school and felt sick for hours afterwards!
The Gravitron is STILL my favorite ride :)
If you need access to the review I have a consumer reports password (well, it is really my husbands).
Awwe Angela you’re so cute with your childhood stories!! But chalkboards really are a lot of fun. At my old job waitressing, there was a board up front to announce all the specials and I would just sit there for as long as I could drawing on the board. Luckily they were pretty cool about it as long as the tables got taken care of. :P
Your booth looks cute already! You’re going to thrive at a farmer’s market- congrats!
And no, NO nut butters in sight over here in Hungary! Unless you count Nutella…
Quick note about blenders – I’m in a week and a half long raw foods course right now, and have been using both the vitamix and blendtec – the vitamix is FAR superior… I have been disapointed in the blend tec a few times…
Just a thought though!!
I have the top two blenders, and I haven’t used my Oyster since getting the Vitamix. I love them both though!
I’d go with Vitamix. I know the price is super freaky but I’ve had mine for almost two years and It has been the best money spend on a kitchen appliance ever. Well, besides a fridge of course :P I make raw nut milks with it at least 3 times a week, not to mention sauces, ice creams, soups, nut butters, GMs, and more. Sooo worth every penny!
PS Good luck with the farmers market! I work at one every Sunday. It’s a lot of fun when you trade with other vendors :)
~a
Oops! Please excuse my typo errors ^^^
I’m literally laughing out loud reading your description of playing school because I used to do the EXACT same thing…especially the part about making up an attendance list of fake names and then calling each one out one by one! I literally would make up classes of like 26 students, first and last names! haha glad I’m not the only one! The good thing is, I guess all my hard work payed off because I am currently a special education teacher and couldn’t be happier! It’s such a great feeling to be able to become “what you want to be when you grow up!” :)
I was cracking up over the school and attendance paragraph. James?! hahaha I loved playing school too…and majored in elementary ed!
So exciting about the farmers market! I hope you sell out :)
Perfect timing- I’m looking for a new blender!!!!!!
I LOVE that picture of the chalk. Something about Crayola products make me feel SO nostalgic!! :D
I love my Vita-Mix, I totally agree with the list.
Jenn
Hi Angela, I have an Oster and it is amazing- can be quite loud, but blends to perfection!
awww i wish i could visit you at the mkt! have you guys ever done anything like this before? i want to say no, but don’t want to assume :) the chalk board is such a unique touch! love it!
I used to play hopscotch a lot with chalk. Fun times!
I’d love to be able to afford a Vitamix, but for now, I’ll stick with my old still working Oster blender. Woohoo!
Are you going to be doing any Toronto farmers’ markets? I’d love to have Glo Bars easily available so close to home!
I have an Oster blender, but not the one mentioned. I have the Fusion. While it’s a bit loud, it does blend very well. No chunks are ever left.
Never heard of Oster but I just remembered something very useful;
At Bed and Bath and Beyond if you sign up on their email list (American site) they send you a 20% off coupon. It works in Canadian stores too =D
Have you tried banana soft serve with chocolate soy milk? Mmm so yummy and you can’t taste the soy part
Re the blenders – I am all about price-per-usage. You’re going to use it daily – you know you will – so it’s worth getting one that’s awesome and going to deliver! This is how I have justified my handbag, hair straighteners, Uggs and Fitflops. I argue my point so well that darling fiancé wouldn’t let me buy knock-off Uggs, because their price-per-usage would be rubbish! Oh dear – I might have shot myself in the foot there…
hi, where can i find those cocao nibs? Ive been to whole foods and couldnt find them
My two cents regarding blenders is to go with the Ninja! I have a $50 version from amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Master-Prep-Black-Silver/dp/B003QB575S/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1396290825&sr=8-37&keywords=ninja+blender) and it’s amazing! I love it!
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