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 me younger self to try to exercise more for the de-stressing benefits. Maybe pick up the juicing habit earlier. :)
I pinned your Cinnamon Bun Granola Recipe!! :)
I tweeted about your post!
I pinned your Fall detox salad and the butternut squish & black bean burritos. The burritos were a huge hit. I made it for a work pot luck. BTW any tips on how you conquer cutting a butternut squash or any squash for that matter? :)
I would tell my younger self to spend more time with family, you never know how long you will have them for.
I would so want one of these and am on a strict budget b/c I changed jobs and took a huge risk so I coudl pursue my dreams. I would tell my younger self take more risks and focus on what is important!! don’t get distracted from the boundless beauty around you and don’t turn down adventures b/c of your fear!
Take nothing for granted
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:5-7)
“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works…The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145: 8-9,17-18) “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.” (Psalm 145:3)
Would tell my 16 yrs old self to be indulgent with my parents, they do mistakes like any other human being.
Be daring, follow your dreams no matter how many obstacles appear. Believe you are brilliant, kind and beautiful no matter what that inner voice is telling you!
I would advise my 16 year old self to not worry about the trials and tribulations of high school! It only lasts 4 years and then you have the rest of your fun life to worry about.
To my 16 year old self: why are you wasting your time partying in school. These really are the most important years of your life. Soak up all you can and give yourself as many options as possible. There is an entire world outside of this small town.
Ugh, hit the wrong button! My advice to my 16 year old self is to live your own life and don’t worry what others are doing or thinking about you (because they’re not thinking about you).
Hopefully we can consider my previous comment my advice and this one my second entry after Tweeting the contest.
Since I’m within 6 months of turning 60, the “younger self” I wish I could talk to is middle-aged me. It’s sort of a show-stopper, the first time you realize you aren’t even middle aged anymore (barring any unforeseen and amazing advances in medical science).
My advice/wisdom?
Oh, girl, you are so young. Soon enough your knees will be creaking and your daughter will be grown and on her own. But today … today is the day for a brand new box of 64 Crayolas. Buy the Barbie coloring book. Pull out the pack of paper, get down on the floor, and play with that sweet girl of yours. Lie in the back yard, and watch the stars until you both can name every constellation–in every season. Walk around the neighborhood in a summer rain. No fair bringing an umbrella. You can dry off when you get home. Visit the sea shore even if you both have to sleep in the car. Come home early, snuggle late, read the extra story at night.
If all goes well, you’ll have years ahead for your own ups and downs. Today is for the kids. Your life goes on; their childhood doesn’t–except in the sweet, sweet memories you’re making today. Go right now and give sweet E a hug and a kiss. I know she’s sleeping, but that’s ok.
Your pal,
jb
that brought tears to my eyes! So beautiful.
If I could tell my younger self something important it would be that being ‘cool’ is in fact, NOT cool. Be a leader, not a follower and get off your butt.
The younger me had kitchen clean up duty. Some nights instead of packing the food away, I would just eat it. It seemed better than creating more dishes (for me to wash). Luckily, back then I had a fast metabolism. But nonetheless, it wasn’t healthy. The older me would tell the younger me to treat her body with more respect. I would encourage the younger me to exercise, eat healthier, and find the joy in each day.
I would advise myself to stop worrying so much! :)
Advice to myself – don’t take yourself too seriously!
dearest younger me,
the best piece of advice i can give you is to seek Jesus each an every day… give all your worries, joys and “unknowns” to Him… He will direct your path & give you PEACE!!! And, for the record, you are pretty fantastic – so start believing it!!!
Meg – Don’t date that guy. Try someone different! It will be MUCH better for you in the long run :)