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 say don’t be afraid of anything you want to become.
I can’t even explain how useful a Blendtec would be to me right now. Trying to get back to my veggie loving self and this would do wonders. :)
I would tell my younger self that you are stronger than you know, and that things will get better. :)
I pinned your recipe!
I would explain to my 16 year old self how to practice presence and staying in the moment, and to try not to worry about things that happened in the past, the opinions of others, and what the future may bring. I’d tell her that things do get easier, especially as you get older and you get to know yourself better. The most important and rewarding relationship that you have is with yourself! :) Thank you Angela!
I just Pinned Creamy Roasted Tomato Garlic and Onion soup. Making it this weekend!
I would tell myself to stop being so angry. Life will always be frustrating but you have to accept that and enjoy the good things about it instead of dwelling on the bad.
Dear younger me:
You don’t need to feel bad about not being most popular, or having the most friends. Someday you’ll realize that it’s quality, not quantity, that counts.
I would tell my younger self to live in the moment more and appreciate what you have. Your grandma might nag you and ask you a ton of questions, but she won’t be around forever and you will miss her terribly when she’s gone. Also, enjoy college – it’s the best 4 years of your life….!!!
What I’d Tell my younger self – ” Hold onto your optimism and pure heart. Don’t let others bring you down. If you get bullied, it’s only a sign that others are afraid of your potential, not that you’re inadequate. Remember to be kind, humorous and determined. Have faith in yourself and in others and no that, no matter what, you are enough. ”
Thanks for holding the giveaway!
I would tell myself to stop worrying about the little things so much! Instead relax and have a green smoothie :P
I’ve pinned one of your recipes! You can see it here > http://pinterest.com/pin/158048268144534200/
Dear Teenage Self,
I know you think you’ve got things figured out … NEWS FLASH: you don’t have a clue. That’s okay though. You’re going to learn and grow so much over the next few years, and things really will work out; I promise. In the meantime, try to be kind to yourself. Start cultivating that self-love now, because you’ll learn far too late how valuable it truly is.
Love,
Older & Wiser Shannon
I would tell my younger self to learn to nourish both body and soul – life’s journey is blast, and it is more fun when fueled healthfully!!
I would tell myself to soak it all in. I did a lot of travelling in highschool bc of sports and cherish the memories I have but feel like it was all a blur!!
I’m only 21 so in a few years, I bet I’ll be saying “I would tell my 21-year-old self…” but I would tell my YOUNG young self to live more in the moment, stop worrying about college, future, etc. and just enjoy being young!!
Gosh, I still feel like there’s so much my this-aged self needs to learn! I think I would tell my young 16-year old self to TRUST MYSELF! There was so much I knew then but second guessed it all, only to see later in life that I was right all along.
Consider your cinnamon bun granola recipe pinned!! You can NEVER have too many granola recipes to start your day :-)
I would tell my younger self to be nicer to my parents. I was a huge bitch to them and luckily they forgave me for all the years of attitude and are my best friends today. Love your blog and this giveaway!
My advice to myself: be true to yourself and follow your dreams and your heart.