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.
Re-tweeted ! Thanks for such an amazing giveaway. I love green monsters but don’t have a machine that will blend everything nicely – this would be such a blessing to win!!
eat your veggies!
I would tell myself to keep in touch with the important people in your life and don’t feel guilty to let the some of the others go.
I REALLY REALLY want to win this!! I’ve pinned your rolo recipe:
http://pinterest.com/pin/71142869085055797/
Thanks!
My wisdom: keep going; it’s worth it!
I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about what others thought. LIfe is what you make of it, so go have fun!
I would tell my younger self to travel more. I settled down because I was afraid to travel on my own. Now, I plan and take trips whenever I can, but it is different with a spouse and a job!
I would show my younger self how fun it is to run, be fit and eat yummy, healthy food !!!
I would tell my 16 year old self that there is a whole lot more to a vegetarian diet than just potatoes, bread, and pasta! I started as a vegetarian at 13 and definitely gained a lot of weight because I just cut out the meat without adding many vegetables or fruit. Fourteen years later, I eat & feel so much healthier, especially since discovering your blog a year ago!
Stop smoking now while it is easier, girl you stink. Grief is a part of life as sure as joy is, you will feel better down the road. One day you and your brothers will be laughing at how your family is the “normal” one in the end. Let go of your ideas about how others should be and look inward it will set you free.
See the world!
I would tell my younger self that she is more powerful than she realizes, that she really can become everything she wants to become. Just trust.
Amazing Giveway – I would never be able to afford such an amazing machine! I would tell my younger self to not be afraid, to believe in yourself, and do what makes you happy – take that leap of faith and go for it! There are so many things I wish I had had the nerve to do when I was younger but never did!
I would tell myself to not let anyone talk you out of becoming a teacher, because you are going to end up doing it anyway. You are just going to be a lot older though.
I would tell myself to keep doing the things that brought me joy even though they were “unusual.” These were the things that set me apart and provided inspiration and purpose. I should have quit the expected sports and activities because the frustration was not worth the energy.
Dear 16 yr old self. Be kind to others. Stop only thinking of yourself and boys. Love your momma and squeeze her tight. And please start exercising !
I also just announced this contest on Twitter. Thanks!
Dear younger Carli,
Don’t eat as much red meat! haha :) but seriously. Don’t do it.
I would tell my younger self, that life begins outside your comfort zone.
I pinned the Brownie Pumpkin Pie with Crunchy Pecan Topping!