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 repinned your recipe for your fall detox salad! Thanks! I sent the recipe to my coworkers as well.
I would have advised my younger self to go vegan earlier! I can’t believe the changes I’m experiencing right now, it would’ve been a great help to my body and mind at a much younger age.
Young Alexa, don’t despair, you will find everything you need to have a happy and fullfilling life if you just take your time. Don’t rush into relationships out of fear of being alone. You will become your own best friend and be surrounded by children’s laughter and strong arms to hold you.
My younger self……everything will work out alright, dont you worry!
I would tell myself to keep working hard, make connections, and don’t give up!!
I just tweeted your blendtech contest to my followers! : ))
I would tell my 16 year old self: “Continue being the free spirit you are right now. Respect and love yourself, your body, and the people around you. Push yourself to experience and learn things that will make you grow. And never “settle” for things your not passionate about!”
I would tell my younger self to not worry so much about what other people think. Also, you must love yourself before you will find love with someone else.
Pinned it!
Cant wait for the CookBook!! If I could go back and teach myself something it would be to save save save for all the fun kitchen accessories I swoon over now!!!!
I would tell myself to RELAX. I was so high-strung!
WOW, there are so many things that I wish I could tell myself at 16. The biggest would have to be that being a grown-up really isn’t all that it is cracked up to be and enjoy your youth because when you mom says you are going to be 30 before you know it…..she wasn’t kidding!
2nd comment,repinned your twix bar recipe along with many others! :) Twix was my favorite candy bar before going vegan and I can’t wait to recreate it. I just have to remember to get crispy rice cereal next time I go grocery shopping.
I would try to convince my younger self that I have infinite potential and to stop worrying!
Hmm, I would tell my younger self to not waste my time trying to be “cool”.
Dear 16 year old Rachel:
It is all going to be OK. Great, even. You don’t need to worry about a thing. The Universe has your back and always will. Have fun, enjoy your vitality. Run and dance everytime you get the urge. Being akward and weird will be assets someday:) Be friends with mom and dad, they’re cool. I love you.
tweeted! Thanks for the opportunity to win! Blendtec is my dream machine!!!
I would love to have an actual, functioning blender!
And to sixteen year old me:
You need to have more confidence in your intelligence. You are a very smart person, and you shouldn’t let your fear of not being smart enough or good enough get in the way of doing things you enjoy.
Also, when you go to college, don’t let people talk you into eating brownies and sweets after dinner. It’s a terrible idea.
Dear 16 year old self – trust your smallest voice … simpler is better.
Dont worry be happy!!!