Happy Halloween!
Before I get to part 1 of the giveaway, I want to share a last-minute Halloween idea.
I present to you: Spooky Shakes…
They are more homely than scary, but let’s just go with it!
I spotted this on Martha and I thought it was a cute idea. To make: all you do is melt a tiny amount of chocolate (about 1-2 tbsp) and then paint chocolate ghost faces on the inside of the glass using the end of a popsicle stick. Easy.
Place the glasses in the freezer or fridge to set the chocolate. For the shake, I blended vegan vanilla ice cream (I love almond or coconut varieties), with a splash of almond milk and some ice, served with a cinnamon stick. You could even make a healthier shake by blending frozen bananas with almond milk. The chocolate faces stay intact thanks to the cold smoothies.
Now, for part 1 of the giveaway…
Today, I’m celebrating YOU – the kick-butt, Green Monster chuggin, recipe-lovin’ Oh She Glows community! On October 31, 2008, I started the blog on a complete whim, not thinking I would ever have the attention span to stick with it, but here I am 4 years later still smashing my head against the keyboard daily and chasing my dreams. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who read the blog each day and my hope is that you find as much inspiration here as I’ve found in all of you.
Now, to celebrate!
1) Blendtec Total Blender & Twister Jar
Blendtec has been gracious enough to donate one of their coveted Total Blender Classic Wildside machines (picture above) valued at $454.95 USD! Whoa baby. I’ve reviewed the Blendtec before on the blog and I can attest that it’s a great machine.
About the blender: “Total Blender Classic Series® is the all-in-one appliance that makes smoothies, fresh juice, ice cream, milkshakes, cappuccinos, margaritas, soups, sauces, bread dough, dressings, salsas, and more! It replaces up to 9 other appliances with one fast easy-to-use machine, at a fraction of the cost. This package includes the new precision tuned 4″ blade in the large nearly 3-quart total capacity BPA-free jar. The new large blade / large jar combination powers through tougher blending tasks and larger recipes with ease, and in less time.”
In addition to the blender, they are also giving away a Twister Jar (shown below) valued at $119.00 USD!
About the Twister Jar: “Blendtec’s newest innovation, the Twister Jar, is designed to blend your thickest recipes such as: Nut Butters, Hummus, Baby Food, Dips, Thick Shakes, Dressings and more! Best of all, it’s compatible with all Blendtec Home Blenders.”
Update: The giveaway winner is….
Thank you for sharing your touching (and often hilarious!) “lessons to my younger self” comments. If you are ever feeling down and need a pick me up, just read through the comments. It’s amazing to see how many of us have struggled with the same life lessons.
The lucky winner of the Blendtec machine is #3659 – Alicia Woulfe! Congrats! I will email you shortly to collect your mailing address. Thanks to everyone for participating!
How To Enter:
Giveway is now closed.
I would tell my younger 16 year old self not to grow up too fast! I thought I knew it all when I was that age, boy oh boy was my Mamma right! Act your age, and don’t be in a hurry to grow up!
Oh, Colleen! Stop writing notes in class, start listening, and don’t believe everything you hear! (Especially if it’s from the mouth of a cute boy whose actions don’t match their words.)
Love this fun giveaway! I dream of owning a Blendtec. Happy Halloween!
To my younger self…do what makes you happy everyday! Everyday is a blessing so relish it and don’t let negativity get you down!
I would tell myself to pay attention to my family’s old family remedies and recipes that have been passed down for years and not make faces and tell my parents “eww-I would never do that.” All that I know today about homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicine is what my family used to tell me. Parents do know best!!
i would tell my younger self that while the worrying keeps you working hard, don’t let it become so overwhelming. things work out!
Dear Younger Kelly-Mom really did have eyes in the back of her head! More importantly, just because Dad can eat dessert every night and never gain so much as an ounce, does not mean you can!
Love you!
Older/Wiser Kelly
I would tell my former self the same thing I tell my students now: It. Doesn’t. Matter. Who you’re dating, what you’re wearing, who is thinner, richer, prettier, more popular than you. It doesn’t matter. The world has a fantastic way of balancing itself out and you have everything you need to be a truly amazing YOU.
I would tell my younger self not to worry so much, things have a way of working themselves out.
I tweeted! @joanna_clarke
Dear younger self, enjoy life, don’t stress so much. Have fun with it, you’re only young once. Be kind to yourself. Love yourself. Be you, no matter what.
I would tell myself never to take anything for granted, and to be easier on your mother – you’ll be there one day yourself :)
Here’s my advice to my younger self: Don’t be afraid to take risks and break the rules every now and then. Testing the limits and stepping outside of your comfort zone is key to personal growth.
I think my 16 year old self was alright. My 18 year old self and I need to have a few words though: don’t pretend that you know what you want to study in university. Ask questions and ignore Mom when she says don’t become a teacher!
I would advise myself to make serious lifestyle changes in my diet and perceptions of food many years ago so I would not currently be struggling with making those changes because I now need them. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your giveaway :)
I would tell myself to not make a big deal of small things. I am learning to do this now, but I feel like I made a huge deal out of small problems and caused stress that didn’t need to occur.
I also repinned your baked apples!
I would tell my younger self to have more self-confidence. Don’t fall for every guy who tells you that you are pretty. Dont lose your virginity to the first guy who ask for sex. Take education more seriously. Enjoy school and don’t let the cruelty of others prohibit that.
I would tell younger self to be kinder to others and myself. Look for the good in everyone. Be thankful for every good thing in your life. And, STAY AWAY from the tanning beds.
I would tell my 16-year-old self to stop counting calories and feeding myself processed “health food” garbage full of chemicals and additives. Start seeing food as nourishment and embrace a whole foods, plant-based diet!
Eat more vegetables!