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 my 16 year old self to have confidence in myself and stop worrying about growing up, you will be there soon enough!
I would tell my teenage self to relax, don’t worry.
That you are worthy, you are no more or no less special than anyone else.
You have a place in this world and have something to offer.
I would tell my younger self to lighten up – enjoy life, travel more and believe in myself.
I would tell my younger self: Don’t live to please others and their expectations. Live to be yourself and be happy. Nothing is more important than your mental and physical health.
I would say to myself not worry what others think of me and just be comfortable with myself. Trust your gut and don’t sweat the small stuff! When you look back, the small stuff is really not worth it.
I would tell myself to follow the dreams that were true to my heart at 16 and to always chase your dreams no matter what anyone else thinks or says. And to pay more attention in school;)
I would tell my 16 year old self to stay the same course that I was on… everything in life happens for a reason, and every twist and turn benefits you in the long run. Even though you don’t know what you want to be now or who you will end up as, take comfort in knowing that you will end up in the right place!
My 16-year-old self would never have listened to any advice, but here is what she would have needed to know:
Learn to be positive about the world that surrounds you and to focus on the beauty that is to be found within it. Try to trust people. It will make the next 10 years of your life much, much more enjoyable.
Thanks so much for this great giveaway, and for sharing with us such outrageously delicious recipes!
I would tell myself to put down the pepperoni and start eating some vegetables.
Sara, Break-up with that silly HS boyfriend and kiss more boys! Don’t worry, the right one will come along before you know it.
Oh, and stop wearing crappy clothes to class. You can do better!
I tweeted! And I would give the advice that I cannot plan how my life is going to go…but that’s a good thing!
I’d let myself know there’s nothing to be afraid of reaching out to people even if you don’t trust them. :)
I would tell myself to learn earlier how to “let things go” and it’s ok to say no, the only person you need to please is yourself. I hit 30 this year and I wish at 20 I would have learned these things. I think deep down, we all know this already but sometimes it’s hard to practice what we preach. Hanging on to things sometimes just makes us over analyze and dwell on things we can’t change. Live in the moment and do what makes YOU happy!!
I would tell my younger self to not worry so much and just enjoy the ride. Grow deeper in your faith daily and form a strong relationship with a close group of friends.
To my younger self:
Always think twice about the actions and words that you use toward those who know and love you. remember that there won’t always be time to take back negative words and behavior. No matter how bad you think your situation is, take five minutes to choose your words wisely. You may lose someone you love too early, and you don’t want your memory of them strained with words you wish you could undo. And God forbid something ever happens to you, you want to give everyone around you a reason to remember you as a person with all the love and kindness in the world. Be kind and show love to all!
Life really is too short… Live and be greatful for every day!
I would teach myself to breathe, relax, feel, watch and allow.
I would tell my younger self to not stress so much, that there will be things much more important that come along….and that even they won’t be worth that much angst!
Congratulations on 4 years! I would tell myself to stop thinking and worrying about the future and enjoy the freedom and excitement of youth! Also that what happens in high school really won’t matter ten years down the road.
I would tell myself to find a way to channel my anger (preferably through exercise) and learn to love myself!