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.
Appreciate your Grandpa. You’re blessed to have one spectacular parent instead of two, and he loves you unconditionally. Listen to his advice: treat people fairly, work hard and be honest – you’ll come to realize that his thoughtful guidance can help you achieve your dreams. Soon your hero will leave unexpectedly and you won’t have the chance to enjoy him. So instead of laughing at his dancing, dance with him in the living room. Instead of putting in headphones, enjoy his singing. Instead of running off to tend to adolescent concerns, take an extra moment to embrace him. Thank your Grandpa for the confidence, bravery and good nature he has instilled in you. Soak up every bit of sunshine this person shines onto you, so that one day you can pass on the essence of Grandpa to your own children.
I tweeted!
I would tell my 16 year old self that as improbable as it may seem you are on the right track.
I would tell myself that the world is bigger than I could ever imagine, there will always be another adventure, and time heals all. I would also tell myself to find a hobby I love that I can’t grow out of, such as cooking. I wish I’d started cooking earlier and learned the family secrets.
Mom really does know best…not your best friend. And sdon’t stress so much about what the other kids think.
I would tell myself to look into the vegan lifestyle earlier, rather than waiting for an epiphany when I was 37! I have felt so much better these last 4 years. So, so thankful for your blog, Angela. I have been reading and trying it since soon after its inception. You have been a blessing and your recipes seem to rule my family’s diet… my guys LOVE every recipe I have ever tried from your blog. I would bet we are way past 100 by now!
I would tell myself to trust myself more, to quit trying to please everyone and not worry so much what other people think. I would say, “You are beautiful!”
I would tell my younger self to not worry so much about what everyone thinks of you! Your close friends are really the only ones who matter in the end.
This is a great idea!! I would tell myself that you grow up way too fast and to enjoy every second of the teenage years. Have fun! Be goofy and spontaneous! Because once you get older it is harder to get away with being a goofball!
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/ensuing_grace/status/263667452968321025
Thank you for such an incredible giveaway! I am dying to get my hands on one, especially the twister jar!
Happy 4th Blog Anniversary! You are doing an incredible job :)
I would tell my 16 year old self that she is beautiful and that she does not need to starve herself to look good or be respected by others. I would also tell her to nourish herself with good, wholesome foods because she will feel a lot better!!
I would tell my younger self that I was beautiful. I would tell my younger self to let go of that unhealthy relationship and, in turn, enjoy my friends and family more.
I’d tell my younger self to listen to R.E.M. sooner!
I would tell my 16 year old self that the most important thing she needs to learn is how to love herself.
Dear younger self: you would have been better off studying something practical in University. But someday you’ll find your passion.
I would tell my younger self not to stress about “where you should be” and focus on where you are.
I wish I could tell my 16-year old self to stop worrying so much about her appearance. Her nose really didn’t look like a ski slope!
I also tweeted, pinned, and Liked on FB. I really want to win!
Tweeted the giveaway!
Oh man. I would tell my younger self not to worry as much and to smile more. I would tell that younger girl that there is such a thing as too much people pleasing and to live life for me!
Thanks for this giveaway opportunity!