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.
Follow your heart and pursue your dreams. Never look back!
I would tell my younger self that your teenage years will be over before you know it – and life will get better! (I think my mom might have told me this at the time, I just never believed her:)
Dear 16-year-old me,
It’s always good to love and be kind, just be careful how you love others, or try to get others to love you. Giving too much too soon can cause a lot of pain, and doesn’t work. Also, don’t worry so much about how you look or how much you weigh, the people that matter see you for the good that’s inside of you.
I would tell my younger self not to be so fixated on the future and what is yet to come and enjoy the “moment.” :)
To be yourself, to love who you are, to believe in your dreams and not to worry about what other people may (or may not) think.
Don’t hold a grudge for too long! It’s easier to be happy and move on, than to be stubborn and grumpy alone.
I would tell myself not to drop out of college! Going back when you are almost 30 sucks!!!
Hi younger Lara,
its ok to eat.
I love you, older Lara
I repinned How To Roast Spaghetti Squash – a step by step photo tutorial + Creamy Avocado Squash Pasta Recipe :)
I would advice my younger self to be patient with all that is unfolding. Time exists so that everything doesn’t happen at once. You are given exactly that you need in every moment :)
I would tell my younger seft to worry less and enjoy the journey!
Sarah – No matter how badly you want to lose weight, DON’T GO ON A DIET. Take care of yourself, love yourself and learn to appreciate the you that is separate from what you look on the outside. Learn to do this, and the rest will take care of itself.
I would tell my younger self (and my current self) that almost ALL of my fears are irrational and that it’s important to push past them if I want my dreams to come to life.
And I just pinned your your Creamy Orange Sunshine Soup…. can’t wait to try it.
Eat less, don’t sweat the little stuff, things aren’t as bad as they seem, and have wayyyy more fun!
I would say to my younger self to Be patient and learn to wait for an answer.
Dear younger self: life beyond high school is better than you could ever imagine. You are able to choose your own path, be friends with people who will treat you well, and create goals… and I don’t mean goals like “I hope I get invited to the party on Friday night” or “I hope that some day that boy will notice me”. You will experience things you could have never imagined and meet people that will change you for the better.
I would tell myself to love the body I have right now, because I look back and think with deep regret about how much I hated my gorgeous, perfect 16-year old body!! The amount of time and energy I wasted absolutely hating myself and my body when it was soooooo perfect just destroys me now, BUT… It has given me great perspective- I now understand that my 70-year-old self will feel the same about my 35-year old body as I do now about my 16-year old body!! And, I realize in a flash that my body is perfect and I love it and myself, just the way I am!! Here’s hoping daily green monsters will help me get to the point where my 105-year old self can feel that way about my 70-year old body!!!!!!!!!!
I repinned
http://pinterest.com/pin/257760778644320157/
I also tweeted! (k8t54)
I would tell my younger self to be much kinder and forgiving to myself. We are only truly capable of giving the world as much love and we show ourselves. Thanks for the chance to win, Angela!