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 tweeted! :) Yes it is a word!
I would tell myself to stop worrying about what other people think!
re-pinned on pinterest.
Hi! I just pinned your recipe. It looks really delicious.
Dear 16 year old Gabriella (and to many other 16 year olds): Believe in yourself and love who you are. Embrace your weaknesses as AND your strengths. Do not second guess yourself. Do not be afraid to express yourself. Be assertive, be confident, and always remember the love that you have all around you. You are not alone and you are worth more than you let yourself believe.
I would tell my younger self that it is okay to ask for help.
I would tell myself that it’s okay to take a peek out of your shell sometimes and step outside of your comfort zone. It can be very rewarding when you do!
Happy 4th, OSG! Here’s to many more (delicious) years.
What a lovely give-away question. Advice I’d give to a younger me: when in doubt, just go to bed. A good sleep wipes away many ‘bad’ thoughts. I would tell her that many heated emotions, self-doubts, and tears would be put to rest (literally) if she had just gone to bed rather than staying up fretting. Sometimes we just need to ‘sleep on it’ and things suddenly become clearer and calmer in the morning.
I would tell my younger self to take care of my body and advice I now know about a healthy vegan diet. I would also tell myself to follow through on commitments and don’t burn any bridges; get good grades and don’t waste time taking classes that you have no interest in. Don’t take your time working with kids for granted because they offer the best kind of therapy out there!
I would love to win that blender it will work great on my Raw Food Diet.
Advice I’d give a younger me: don’t worry so much, things have a way of working out in the end.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I would advise my younger self not to eat so much processed and high-calorie junk food. I ate so much of it, and my health definitely suffered. I wish I had become health-conscious and gone vegan a lot earlier!
I would tell younger me: don’t worry so much about boys and heartbreak. There will be several years of not-great times, so brace for it…but know that you’ll find the right one in the end.
Thanks for the giveaway, Angela!
I tweeted your recipe!
Doris, sweetheart, you are perfect just the way you are. You are not broken. There is nothing about you that needs fixing. You go out there, do your best, always forgive yourself, and know that you will forever be loved.
I would tell my younger self that you are going to screw up and guess what? Life goes on! Laugh a lot, dance a lot, leave no kind word unsaid! :) Congratulations Angela on your 4th anniversary. I enjoy your recipes, they are helping my transition to vegan life!
Momma always knows what you are up to…and she generally knows what is best for her babies!
Since being diagnosed with type 1.5 diabetes at age 32, I’d say health and self love has become my #1 priority which is why my diet is SO important. Even though I did do most of these things, i could have done more.
My advice to my younger self:
Treat your body like a temple – with respect and love. Health is priceless and you really are what you eat. Eat healthy foods, low in fat, high in nutritional content. See a doctor once a year. Get tests done to make sure everything is ok. Follow your instinct and listen to your body. Dont drink to much and exercise a lot. Never take your health for granted and help others who arent as blessed as you are.
I tweeted, too – @chefambershea
I would tell myself: be yourself, the people that matter will love you for it :)