In case you just stumbled upon this post, I’ll tell you upfront that you’re too late! It ended today and the winner chosen was Cowgirl. Congrats Cowgirl – you won!!!
The day before I left for my Boston vacation I had 499 followers. I called my sister, Michelle, and burst, “I need one more follower and I’ll hit 500!”
Instead of answering me, Michelle yelled to her partner, Linda, “You have to follow Celeste’s blog right now!”
Then I learned that Linda told Michelle that she was going to be my 500th follower. My sister laughed at this not believing that Linda could manage it. Amazingly, it looked like Linda was a shoe in. She took her sweet time, however; and Fig and Basil, a wonderful plant-based food and photography blog, beat her too it.
You snooze, you lose Linda!
It touches my heart that 500 people are following my blog. I love you all! To show my appreciation I’m having a contest and will randomly select one of my followers to receive $25 dollars cash.
Contest Rules
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below and tell me how you’re following me (email, WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin). That’s it! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been following me forever or if you sign up right now, or where you live or anything. If you’re following me and you leave a comment below telling me how you’re following, you’ll be entered.
The Winner Will be Announced on September 21st
I will announce the winner on this blog post as well as on another post titled “And the Winner is…” on September 21st. If the winner I select does not email me with a mailing address by October 1st, that winner will be disqualified and I will select another winner.
Thank you all a million times and good luck!
Photo courtesy of Wealth for Teens.
Honk If You're Vegan 
I am lovingly following you on twitter,FB, and your awesome blog!!
You’re following my times three – how lucky for me!! Just felt like rhyming, but seriously, THANK YOU for all of your support. It really means a lot to me! You are soooo in the drawing. Good luck girlfriend! Celeste 🙂
wordpress and email! Congrats on this milestone!
Hey Katherine! I wouldn’t even be writing this blog if it weren’t for all of your nutritional advice and support. You were the one who taught me how to make all those amazing, but healthy, plant-based desserts. I don’t think I could have made the transition without your Orange Chocolate Pudding – I’m totally serious about that!! You’re in the drawing girlfriend! If anyone is interested, here are a couple of Katherine’s yummy dessert recipes.
http://honkifyourevegan.com/2013/08/30/the-most-delicious-healthy-chocolate-cake-ever/
http://honkifyourevegan.com/2013/03/22/dairy-free-orange-chocolate-pudding/
Thanks Katherine! Celeste 🙂
WordPress and Twitter! 🙂
Hey there biker chick Mary! I have to tell you this, it always cracks me up to see your adorable white face kitty next to biker chick 57. I just picture you in a badass black (fake) leather suit sitting on a Harley and that image and the kitty are funny together – haha! Anyway, thank you a million times for following and for your support – I really appreciate it. I still have yet to try the Nutty Cow Nut Cheese that you recommended, but hopefully I’ll get some this weekend. You’re entered! Celeste 🙂
LOL! I’m going to have to find a picture of leather-clad Mary from her biker days. Thanks for the entry.
Hey Celeste,
What an awesome way to show the appreciation :).
Well I have been following you for almost 2&1/2 months, given the fact that I am just 3 months and few days old on wordpress myself :))…lol….. Through wordpress and email now.
Your blog is awesome and quite inspirational.
Cheers
Sonal
Hey Sonal! I’m touched that you’ve been following me almost from the time you started your blog. And I have to say, you really picked up this blog thing FAST! I was still clueless after two months of blogging, but not you! And I know you feel that my “7 Simple Food Photography Tips” helped you to take better photos, but man are your photos great. I honestly think you’re a natural! If anyone reading is interested, here’s the link to my food photography post: http://honkifyourevegan.com/2013/06/11/what-i-learned-in-my-food-photography-class/. You’re entered, and keep up your awesome blog! Celeste 🙂
Oh wow…,Thanks Celeste:)
You are awesome and that post was a magic wand 😉
Well Celeste, you finally figured out a way to get me to comment;)
Michelle!!!! You actually made a comment – I love it sis! What about writing a blog post for me now???
Okay, so you’re not going to be happy about this, but I’m not going to put you in the drawing. What contest have you ever heard of that allowed family members to enter. So now you’re probably never going to make a comment again, but I hope you do. You’re a celebrity here – you’re the chica that stripped at Hippie Hot Springs. If you want to read about my sister’s striptease, here’s the link: http://honkifyourevegan.com/2013/07/27/hippie-hot-springs-part-1/.
Happy Friday sis! Celeste 🙂
PS: What are you up to this weekend?
WordPress here, sweetie! If I win, it’s going to a rescue. 🙂
You’re entered Stacy. And I have to ask, does your compassion ever end!! That’s lovely that you will donate the money if you win – I wish you luck chica! And I want to personally thank you for all of the love and support you have bestowed on me and my little blog. It really means a lot!! I also appreciate all that you do for animals. Your blog is such an inspiration to me and I’ve learned about so many “animal wrongs” on your blog that I wasn’t aware of. Sad stuff – but we can’t make a difference if we don’t know about it. Keep on inspiring others and lets make some changes in the world! Celeste 🙂
Thank you so much for the wonderful words, hon. THAT means a LOT to me. I am so happy to have met you, and I LOVE your blog. You do great work and have a never-ending abundance of joy. You make me smile. Never change! Hugs to you, sweetie.
Follow your blog on WordPress.com. Love it!!!!:)
You’re entered chica! And thank you so much for following – it really means a lot to me! I also want to say that I love, love, love your blog! Your recipes are so healthy and yummy looking. I have to be honest, I still haven’t tried any of them (so many recipes – so little time), but I’ve been wanting to make your Dried Fruit and Nut Bars. Here’s the link for anyone reading who’s interested: http://healthylivinghealthyus.com/2013/09/10/dried-fruit-and-nut-bars/. Keep on blogging and good luck! Celeste 🙂
Can I enter? Or does it violate the contest rules??
Hey Sweetie! When have you ever heard of a contest that allowed family members to enter. That just wouldn’t be fair, but you and Michelle both tried to wriggle your way in. Sorry Charlie! But you are playing a very important part of this contest – you’re writing the check!! XXOO
That’s why I wanted to enter, to get my money back. I’m cheap. A fact that has been well documented in this blog. 🙂
Oh so true, but I still love you! XXOO
WordPress and twitter! And you follow me too!
Thank you a million times for following my blog! I really appreciate it! And yes, I follow your blog and love it! Your Pumpkin Pie Vegan Crème Brulee looks AMAZING! It’s the kind of Thanksgiving dish that will wow non-vegan guests. For anyone interested, here’s the link: http://thehippiegypsy.com/2013/09/12/pumpkin-pie-vegan-creme-brulee/. And I just read the story of how you went vegan – what a story! I guess you didn’t have much of a choice! Celeste 🙂
Thanks! You are such a sweetheart!
You are too sweet, Celeste! Hope you enjoyed Boston! I was only following you on my wordpress reader before now, but just noticed the twitter and facebook icons on your page and now ive got you there as well 🙂
Hi Lisa! About Boston, this last trip was a working trip. We were helping my husband’s parents get ready to move. Still, we managed to eat out a few times and take a day trip to Maine.
Thank you so much for following me and for your support (and thanks for the twitter and facebook follows too!!). I appreciate it! I’m so happy that we’ve connected – I just love the recipes you post on your blog.
How’s your personal chef business going, by the way? I honesty wish you lived in SoCal, cause I’d be using you! Right now my husband and I occasionally order a weeks worth of meals from Vegin’ Out, a local vegan meal delivery service. It’s pretty good, but I have the feeling that your food is even better.
Thanks again for all your support! Celeste 🙂
Following you on WordPress… and thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog! 🙂
Hey there Yvonne! Thank you so much for following me – I really, really appreciate it! And I’m happy that I discovered your blog chica! You’ve got some amazing plant-based recipes on there like those Ginger Peach Muffins – yum. Here’s the link if anyone’s curious: http://betterwithlemons.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/ginger-peach-muffins/. You’re entered – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
WordPress & Email ! Thanks Celeste I love your blog! I admire you for spreading the veg message. I got excited when I reached 20 followers! haha. Big Hugs.
Hey Natalie! Haha – I was excited when I got my first follower! It’s a thrill knowing that people are reading what we write. Anyway, I’m so glad we’ve connected through our blogs. I really do love your blog and the passion you have for veganism! You and your blog are an inspiration to me – I hope you never stop blogging.
I’m curious, how are you doing with getting your husband go vegan?
You’re entered girlfriend – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
Yes every time I get a new follower I get so excited, it never gets old! I hope you never stop either 🙂 Well.. nothing new to report haha, but I am getting more creative with making meat-free meals so as long as he is liking those Im happy. I will let you know if there is a breakthrough though haha
I’ll keep my fingers crossed with your hubby going vegan!! Celeste 🙂
WordPress and Email! Love your blog- you’re slowly turning me vegan. ;))))
Hey January! You are such a bright light on my blog – I love it when you leave a comment. And that is the most wonderful compliment that I can get, that I’m making you consider veganism. That makes my day!
Oh, and I recently stumbled upon a blog that you might be interested in. The blog is written by Allen Anderson, and it’s called Theological Animal. It’s about the intersection of Christian theology and animal studies. It’s intriguing! Here’s the link: http://thenephesh.wordpress.com/. You might also want to read the comment Allen left on my “What Would Jesus Eat Today” post. I know you’ve read the post, but Allen just commented yesterday, and what he wrote blew me away! Here’s the link: http://honkifyourevegan.com/2013/09/10/what-would-jesus-eat/.
You’re entered, by the way, and good luck! Celeste 🙂
This accidental and mostly vegan is following with WordPress. I really loved the hippie springs blogs you wrote last month — so much fun!
From one accidental mostly vegan to another, thank you so much for your support! I’m so glad that you found me and started following me. You’re blog is great too chica! As you know – I loved your “Accidentally, Mostly Vegan” post!! I know you’ve got a lot of other crap going on in your life, but at least you’re feeding your body right. Yea you!!
And thank you for your nice thoughts about Hippie Hot Springs. My numbers for that weren’t that great so I don’t think a lot of people read it. It means a lot to me that you read it and liked it. I appreciate that!
You’re entered – good luck! Celeste 🙂
WordPress and email. Thanks for your great blog.
Hey Mychael! I feel so bad – we became friends on Yelp and then I stopped Yelping!! Anyway, thank you a million times for following my blog! I always worry that I annoy people who follow my by email because I post a lot. I hope I’m not too annoying.
By the way, Plumeria, is my new favorite San Diego restaurant. I was blown away by that place!
I really appreciate your support! You’re entered – good luck!
Celeste 🙂
Just started following you here! Thank you for taking the time to read my story on Peoject Light to Life’s blog! -Jess
Hey Jess! Oh my gosh, I loved your story on Project Light to Life! I’ve always admired people who could leave the comforts of modern living and go to a place like Haiti to make a difference. The love you described of the people there was touching. Like you say, we tend to feel sorry for people living in poverty, but they are rich in ways we are not. If anyone’s interested in reading Jess’s story, here’s the link: http://projectlighttolife.wordpress.com/2013/09/12/reader-of-the-month-jess-stoltz/
Thank you so much for following my blog – I appreciate it! You’re entered in the contest – good luck!
Oh, and I tried to click to your blog, and for some reason I’m not able to find it. The above is not going anywhere. I’d like to check out your blog, so if you would send me a link that would be great!
Celeste 🙂
Celeste- I just changed the link, that’s probably why. 🙂 oops! Daily-illuminations.com
Thank you so much for your kind words! Looking forward to reading your story!
-Jess
Thanks for the link Jess – I just started following you!! Celeste 🙂
You are too sweet Celeste! Congratulations on the big 500!
Well thank you Calei!
I dunno. It just shows up in my email, and I do the happy dance every time I get an email from you cuz i know it will brighten my day. Your Technologically challenged friend, janelle
Haha Janelle – you crack me up girl! Do you want to know a little secret? I’m technologically challenged too!! It may not seem that way, but believe me that’s only because I have a computer geek hubby who does lots of stuff for me.
Anyway, I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for following me and for all of your awesome support! It really makes my day that instead of being annoyed by all the emails you get from my blog that you actually appreciate getting them.
You’re in the drawing – GOOD LUCK!
Celeste 🙂
Woo hoo!!! Congratulations on your milestone. How exciting! I follow via email only because I’m not on social media. If I win, please donate the money to Farm Sanctuary and specify that it is for the cows – in honor of the “cowgirl” nickname you bestowed upon me. 🙂
Here’s to the next 500…and Honk If You’re Vegan shirts. 😉
What can I say Cowgirl – you have been a part of this blog for so long, and I can’t imagine this blog without you!! Your thoughtful comments in my first couple of months inspired and encouraged me to keep on blogging and I still get so happy when I see a comment from you. You have also helped me think more deeply about my veganism – especially with the whole shoe thing. Okay, I’m getting sappy (it’s “that” time of the month!), but what I’m trying to say is THANK YOU girlfriend!
And how thoughtful that you want to donate your winnings to Farm Sanctuary. I’ll tell you what, if you win, I’ll go to Farm Sanctuary in person and donate the money for you. Hey, I’ve been wanting to go there for the longest time anyway and that will be a great way to finally get me there.
Thanks again Cowgirl – you are awesome!
Celeste 🙂
PS – I haven’t forgotten about the tee shirts – they’re coming. I don’t know when, but they’re coming…
Thank you so much for the kind words. I love your blog and how personable and engaged you are with your readership. Getting emails with new HIYV posts is like getting a present in my in box.
I LOVE the idea of you hand delivering a donation to Farm Sanctuary if I happen to win, but even if I don’t, let me know when you decide to go. If I’m free, I’d love to meet up with you, Paul, your celebrity sister and whoever else might want to spend a little time at the sanctuary. They even have a nice picnic area if we want to do a little lunch potluck before or after.
It would be awesome to meet you and you could even apply some of your photography tips to taking photos of the animals for your blog. Good luck taking a picture of a turkey unless you’re far away though. The turkey I tried to shoot (photographically speaking, of course!) was so curious about my camera (just a point and shoot, not a fancy schmancy one like yours) that I couldn’t hold it still long enough because he wanted to play with it, so I just said, screw it. This guy is too funny. I’ll just hang out with him and enjoy the moment. 🙂
P.S. It looks like “cash giveaway” is giving “chocolate” a run for its money as far as attention-grabbing headlines. 😉
That sounds wonderful to meet up at the sanctuary!! I know my sis would love to go, and I know one follower that lives in Long Beach that might want to meet us there too. My hubby and I are slammed this month, but October is pretty open. Maybe we could even do it towards the end of October for my birthday – that would be fun!
Thanks for your appreciation of how personable and engaged I am with my followers. Now that my blog is getting bigger, this is challenging. I’m having a bit of a struggle over it at the moment. On the one hand, I really, really love connecting on a personal level with my followers. It makes me feel good, and it’s my style. Kind of like how I prefer family owned restaurants over chains.
On the other hand, one of my main reasons for blogging is to encourage and inspire others to consider veganism. If I don’t grow, I’ll limit my impact. But, growing makes it really, really hard to connect personally with everyone. It’s already becoming almost impossible for me to answer all the comments I receive and write posts (if I want to have a life outside of blogging anyway). Paul tells me that I should just stop answering all of the comments I get, but I don’t want to!! Eventually, however; I’ll have to at least cut back on how many comments I respond to. It makes me sad. Oh well – it is what it is!
And to speak to your last comment, YES it looks like “Cash Giveaway” is even more popular than chocolate!! If you’re getting emails for all the comments – I hope it’s not too annoying!!!
Celeste 🙂
It’s not annoying at all. And it’s funny. I was thinking recently that there’s no way Celeste can keep up this pace and still have a life. I’m sure your readers will understand if you need to cut back on commenting to focus on blogging, growing, and welcoming new followers. Your blog is a great place to refer people who are considering veganism because you aren’t judgmental about where people are on the spectrum.
Late October would be perfect for a sanctuary visit. Acton is hot, so fall would be more enjoyable as far as weather. Keep me (and others who might be interested) posted.
And feel free not to reply to this post. I’ll know you’ve read it. 😉
That sounds great Cowgirl! Let’s plan for late October or early November. I’ll write an invite post to see if anyone else wants to come.
And I think I’m gonna take you and my hubby’s advice and cut back on responding to comments. Have a beautiful week! Celeste 🙂
Wow, congratulations on reaching 500 followers! This is a hugely generous thing to do Celeste 🙂 I’m not sure if I’m eligible to enter as I’m in the UK but I follow you with Feedly.
Hey Emma! Yes, yes, yes – you’re entered girlfriend! I love all the support and thoughtful comments you make here – you rock! No worries that you’re in the UK, I can still get the cash to you if you win. And honestly, I don’t know what Feedly is, but if your following me with it, that works for me! Celeste 🙂
Great! Feedly is the new Google Reader! Love it.
I’m following you on wordpress! 500 followers? That’s awesome!Keep it up!! 🙂
xx
Hey there B, you’re entered girlfriend! I also want to say that I love that you’re following me – thanks so much!!! I also love your awesome blog! One of these days I’m going to make your brownie cookies – they look so yummy! Celeste 🙂
we are the winners to read you Celeste.
Haha – you’re so sweet Anna! Still, a little cash never hurt anyone. And I know I’ve already said it with this post, but now I’m saying it to you personally – thank you for reading Anna! I really do appreciate it. My blog is only as good as the people who read it. See you soon chica! Celeste 🙂
I follow you on wordpress and get updates via email!
congrats on 500 followers!! That’s quite a bit! I was excited when I got 10 🙂 haha.
Hey Katy! I was excited when I got 10 followers too!! Anyway, thank you so much for following. It means a lot to me!! I just read about the rude customer you had to deal with. I don’t get people like that. Rude people suck!
You’re entered girlfriend – good luck! And keep up your awesome blog – I love it!
Celeste 🙂
Congrats, Celeste! What an awesome giveaway, thank you! I follow you on Feedly 😉
Hey Rika! Thank you so much for following and for all of your thoughtful comments. I have to say that you impress me girlfriend! You and Doni somehow manage to write an amazing blog while traveling all over the place. When I’m traveling, I’m way too tired to write blog posts. Of course, you guys are a lot younger than me!!
I really love your blog and I admire your lifestyle and everything that you promote. I’m glad that we have connected through our blogs. I hope you get to Laguna Beach one day so we can get together for a vegan meal.
Anyway, you’re entered – good luck! Celeste 🙂
Followed on Twitter & Liked Facebook.
Hi, didn’t know you were on twitter, what’s your @ name?
Hi Nicole! My twitter name is @honkingvegan, thanks so much for asking! Celeste 🙂
Thanks, now following!
Wonderful!! And you’re in the contest, of course!! Celeste 🙂
Thanks 🙂
WOWW!!! Congrats Celeste!!! Well deserved! I’ve been following you through WordPress and mail!! 😀
Hey Gabbi! Thank you for reading, for your support and for writing your awesome, inspiring blog. By the way, I just finished reading Meatonomics. What an eye-opening book! There were a lot of things I didn’t realize, like how horrible farm subsidies are (I’m going to do a post on that soon!). I knew a little about them, but I didn’t realize the extent of the problems they’ve contributed to. The book really got me fired up! I hope lots of people read it.
You’re entered in the contest – good luck! Celeste 🙂
I know right!!! Amazing book everyone needs to read!! Looking forward on your post!
Thanks 🙂
hi Celeste,
I discovered you via wordpress 🙂
I’m sure you’ll reach 1,000 too –
in a year or so; I started two years ago
and now have 2,000 followers –
I’m excited how interactive wordpress bloggers are!
Wow – 2000 followers! That’s wonderful!! Like you say, it just takes time. Your photos are wonderful, by the way! Thank you so much for following! I’ve entered you in the contest – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
Celeste, What a milestone!!! Congratulations girl! Here’s to the next 500 and beyond. Cheers 😀
Kasia
Hey Kasia! Thanks so much for reading, for your support, for turning me on to Natasha and for your wonderful blog full of yummy healthy recipes!! You’re entered in the contest chica – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
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Email and WordPress! So happy for you!
-Linda
Hey there Linda! Thank you so much for all of your support with my blog. It really means a lot to me. You are totally in the drawing girlfriend!! Celeste 🙂
Hi Celeste! I still remember the first word I ‘said’ (typed) to you back in March when I stumbled upon your blog – ‘honk’. Haha! I think I began following you that day, on WordPress. I follow you on Twitter now too.
Congrats on the 500 milestone! 600 here you come….
Ally
Haha – “honk” is a perfect word to start an e-friendship! You have been a really supportive, awesome blogger buddy Ally. You have been generous with your lovely comments and I’ve also learned so much from your blog (the first time I heard the word, “carnism” was from reading your blog). And your recipes are to die for too!! Your recent, Macadamia Goji Chocolate Block, recipe really has me tempted!! Here’s the link if anyone wants to check it out: http://madeofstars1.com/2013/09/13/recipe-vegan-mofo-macadamia-goji-chocolate-block/.
I’m so glad we connected and I hope that both of us continue blogging for a long time to come. And maybe one of these days we’ll even meet in person! You’re entered chica!! Celeste 🙂
Love your blog, follow you on WP! Nice of you to offer this prize too. 🙂 Finding a new blog I like is always a prize.
Happy Week, G
Hey there Geraldine! You are so entered girlfriend! You have been so supportive of me on my blog and I soooo appreciate it! I also love your blog too. Your latest post with the easy tips for taking better food photos is really helpful! That’s still something I’m struggling with on this blog. If anyone else is interested in improving their food photography, here’s the link: http://veggiesyarnsandtails.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/some-easy-tips-for-taking-better-food-photos/.
Have a lovely week! Celeste 🙂
Email–from the beginning
Hi Mom! I really am so happy that you’re following me – it means a lot. But, I have to tell you what I told Michelle and Paul – sorry, but I can’t enter you. It just wouldn’t seem fair if I gave the money to my mom. I do soooooo appreciate all the support you give me with my blog, however. Thanks so much!! Love, Celeste 🙂
Bloglovin: bubble10
Oh, yea! I don’t have many bloglovin followers. Thanks for following! You’re entered, and I just started following you on wordpress. Celeste 🙂
I’m following you via feedly!
I am following you via Feedly!
Hey there Becca! Thank you so very much for following – it means a lot! You are entered girlfriend!! Celeste 🙂
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Many thanks to all of you who entered. The winner has been chosen, and it’s Cowgirl. Congrats Cowgirl – you won!! And as you requested, the money will be donated to the Farm Sanctuary. Thank you again to everyone who entered. I really appreciate everyone’s support! You guys are awesome!!
Wow! How exciting! Thanks, Celeste for hosting the contest and Paul for bankrolling it. 🙂
I kind of feel like there is some karmic energy going on here, like coming full circle…with my sharing the affect my bovine boyfriend had on me, Celeste being touched enough by the story to start reconsidering leather shoes, Celeste nicknaming me Cowgirl, Celeste wanting to visit Farm Sanctuary but not yet getting to it with her busy schedule, and the cows calling her to visit through my winning. I’m usually not this hippy dippy, I swear! 🙂
If anyone is lucky enough to have an animal sanctuary nearby, I highly recommend going. If not, Farm Sanctuary has some great videos. Here is one of my favorites. I watch it (or the Cows listening to Jazz video on YouTube) whenever I want a guaranteed smile:
http://www.farmsanctuary.org/the-sanctuaries/rescued-animals/2012-rescues/scribbles-no-more-horseplay-for-baby-goat/