Global Milkshake

Globetrotting for Good

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:12 GMT

When was the last time you took a vacation? Not just a weekend getaway to an attraction reachable by car, but a full-fledged, far-flung adventure far away from everything you've ever known?

If, like most of us, it's been way too long since you last got your passport stamped, a couple of socially and environmentally conscious tour operators stand ready to make your next trip the most memorable one you've ever had, but not by indulging you in a five-star hotel where you're waited on hand and foot. Rather, in this scenario, you're the one doing the serving. Interestingly enough, the rewards are often immeasurable.

Cross-Cultural Solutions began as an idea sparked by founder Steve Rosenthal's trip through Nepal, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, Jordan, and Israel. While in Kenya, he had the opportunity to work alongside a group of Peace Corps volunteers, and as it often does, it changed him. As of today, CCS has sent more than 30,000 travelers to countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, volunteering their vacation time to impact the lives of children, elders, those with disabilities and the extended community in general. Not surprisingly, the impact often works both ways, and volunteers emerge from their experiences absolutely addicted and anxious to plan their next trip, bitten by the bug of generosity and the need to make a difference.

Likewise, Me to We's story is oddly familiar: "More than a decade ago, Me to We’s co-founders, Craig and Marc Kielburger, travelled by pack mule up a mountain in Ecuador to build a school for an impoverished community," the org's site explains. "What they discovered on that trip would eventually change their lives, and the world of business, forever." As such, half of the profits from its global volun-tourism services go directly to Feed the Children, a charitable partner that's built more than 650 schools and school rooms around the world since 1995, engaging more than one million children in educational opportunities along the way. Me to We also offsets its trips' carbon by planting trees via nurseries, planting programs and local environmental initiatives. As it flies folks around the world in the name of doing good, it, too, walks the walk.

The next time you're fighting the urge to hop on a plane to somewhere new, groups like CCS and Me to We hope you'll consider spending as much time giving comfort as you do receiving it, keeping the delicate balance of global citizenship in check. While wanderlust can be a beautiful thing all on its own, when paired with genuine service and human connection, the impression it leaves is more indelible than any vacation photo could ever capture.

The New Face of Crowdfunding

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:57 GMT

"Here's the Kicker..."

Imagine raising $1 million for epilepsy research simply by promising to shave off your mustache. Picture strangers pitching in more than three times the amount you ask for, all in the name of ending multiple sclerosis, because they want photographic evidence of you and your buddies sitting through a live musical performance of a band that gives you (and a lot of other people) a splitting headache. Or perhaps you decide to raise $20,000 for an environmental cause close to your heart by running a series of marathons dressed like a rhinoceros.

Each of these things, wildly enough, has actually taken place in real life and surpassed the instigators' goals, connecting charities far and wide with much-needed resources. In a world where Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaigns deftly count on the kindness of friends and strangers to fund creative and commercial projects in progress, another equally clever site has risen to prominence in the name of charity, and it's done so with more than a few belly laughs along the way.

The Power of a Punchline

Founded by actor Edward Norton and friends in an intelligent, albeit cheeky, marriage between technology and philanthropy, Crowdrise relies heavily on its sense of humor (its tongue-in-cheek tag line, for example: "If you don't give back, no one will like you") to get its point across. And it's working. Former Senior Advisor to the U.S. President David Axelrod raised a cool million dollars for epilepsy by threatening to shave his trademark mustache. Runners Richard and Philippe Flamand ran several marathons in rhino costumes to raise money to stand up against rhino poaching. And a sarcastic but well-meaning group of friends raised more than $3,000 for MS research in honor of their friend who's living with the condition... by going to a Creed concert, wearing Creed t-shirts, with nary an adult beverage to get them through the show.

While different musical styles (and choices of marathon gear) appeal to different kinds of people, humor is universal. That may be part of the reason Crowdrise has survived the nation's economic downturn with aplomb: it appeals to the do-gooder in all of us, and it does so in a way that's accessible... funny, even. Some individuals take a simpler approach to using the site -- running a charitable birthday campaign or socially conscious wedding registry in lieu of gifts, or doubling down on personal charitable efforts by letting others get involved as well -- but all have a positive impact on their charities of choice.

Something to Stand Up For

In a day and age in which anything and everything can be accessed by the click of a mouse or the swipe of a phone screen, it's comforting to know that philanthropic efforts are keeping the pace right alongside everything else. If that's not worth rising from our seats for a standing ovation, we're not sure what is.

To contribute to a Crowdrise campaign or start one yourself, click here.

Courage Is Contagious: Q&A with The Brave Collection

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:00:12 GMT

Milkshake: Given the story behind The Brave Collection -- that you were teaching in Thailand when a side trip to Cambodia opened your eyes to the world of human trafficking and compelled you to do something impactful about it -- was there a specific moment that cemented your resolve to launch an enterprise with a social mission?

Jessica: It wasn't one moment, but it was definitely a series of similar moments that led to Brave's inception. I came back from Cambodia outraged and deeply saddened by what I had seen, and couldn't help but share the experience with everyone around me. I was that girl, rattling off statistics about human trafficking at cocktail parties. I quickly realized that this topic of conversation was really difficult and powerful, and that people weren't quite sure how to approach it. Every awkward response I got from attempting to share what I had seen added up, until finally I found a way to spark this conversation with optimism and beauty, helping people connect and understand.

On The Brave Collection's website, you use a remarkable phrase -- "tangled synthesis of beauty and horror" -- to describe the ethos in parts of Southeast Asia. Could you share an example or two of what prompted those words?

Cambodia went through a genocide in the 1970s that brutally wiped out 25 percent of the country's population. This bitter tragedy still feels quite recent amongst a country of survivors who live alongside tourist attractions like "The Killing Fields." And yet, a new generation of young people are so bright and talented -- they are renaissance men and women working to preserve their rich ancient culture, and create a brighter future for themselves. The grief you feel from the violent past of this century is so tangled in with the inspiration you get from the young people you meet today -- it's a very layered time and place, and I found it completely magnetic.

Tell us a bit about your team.

We work with an incredible amount of artisans who make our bracelets entirely by hand, which is a carefully crafted, very labor-intensive process. Our artisans work in a free and fair work environment that is made up of women and a few men who come from underprivileged backgrounds in Cambodia. It's really exciting to give these artisans new opportunities and access to the global market, breathing new life into the Cambodian art community that was targeted during the genocide.

How does The Brave Collection give back?

Each handmade bracelet is a job opportunity for a Cambodian artisan, and with each bracelet that finds a wrist, a donation is made to fight human trafficking. In 2012, we were able to support six artisans full time, as well as provide skill training workshops to 150 survivors through our partnership with the Somaly Mam Foundation.

What advice do you have for budding social entrepreneurs thinking about launching a similar enterprise?

I would say: stay focused. You'll want to help in so many ways as social issues can be so complex, but going back to that initial "Why" and committing to a simple mission will lead to the biggest impact.

What's been the most rewarding moment of your experience with The Brave Collection so far?

We chose to have our bracelets spell out "Brave" in the Cambodian alphabet, as bravery is so universal. It's been really wonderful to hear different people's definition of bravery, and what this little token of courage and freedom means to them personally. The Brave Collection was born out of my story, but when it lands on your wrist, it becomes part of yours.

Visit The Brave Collection's website to shop its stunning array of bracelets, including a special Spring 2013 collection perfect for Mother's Day and graduation gifts.

Through Alison’s Eyes

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:00:29 GMT

Alison Wright, a world-class documentary photographer who's been called a "seeker of truth," a "hero," and "the real deal" -- by none other than actor Richard Gere, no less -- knows a thing or two about the immediacy of a crisis and the ways in which human kindness can mean the difference between life and death.

Years into her renowned career as a documentarian of humanitarian causes, Wright was in a harrowing bus accident in Laos that left her on the brink of death; thanks to a local man who sewed up her wounds with a needle and thread, she was able to survive an excruciating 18-hour wait for medical aid. Her chilling story is told in her memoir, Learning to Breathe... but still, her most stunning achievements are undoubtedly her photographs and the help she’s been able to render throughout her career.

Having traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer, Wright has documented a plethora of what she eloquently calls "issues concerning the global condition." Her work, arresting and evocative, has achieved acclaim for good reason, and as a result of her travels and the people she's met along the way, she's founded the Faces of Hope fund, which partners with non-government organizations around the globe to render aid to those who need it. Every organization that benefits from donations made to Faces of Hope is one Wright has personally seen using the funds in a manner that truly makes a difference.

As any good photographer will tell you, it's not fancy editing and modern gadgetry that make a good photo; it's the perspective and composition of the shot itself -- the way it's framed and where it's coming from. From where we stand, Wright and her work are absolutely breathtaking. To experience Alison's images and donate to her fund, click here.

How to Save a Life

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:00:11 GMT

Home Sweet Home

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 06:01:49 GMT

Harness the Sun & Save a Family

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:13 GMT

When a young girl in Africa walks for miles each day to bring water back to her family, education is impossible. Solar powered water pumps, though, make clean water accessible in places it traditionally hasn't been, allowing girls access to schooling they wouldn't have otherwise received. As a result, solar power is in many ways as much a ticket to gender equality as it is to good health, eliminating the risks of disease posed by contaminated water.

There's something to be said for knowing a little shorthand; to wit, Innovation: Africa uses Israeli technology to harness the power of the sun and make life a little easier in the average African household. With similar climates and resources between the two, Israeli solar technology actually fits quite well into the African landscape. And although there's a lot of science involved, its real-world translation is simple and profound.

Since 2008, the group has provided light, clean water, food and medical care to more than 450,000 residents of Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda. It's been accomplished through the help of people who send donations as humble as $20 -- which gives an entire family access to clean, renewable energy, making a remarkable difference in their lives.

Living up to its name, Innovation:Africa uses innovative ideas to drive donations, from birthday pledges and UN partnerships to mitzvah projects and March Madness brackets. And the most refreshing part of all is this: 100% of each donation goes directly into the work being done on the ground. If you give, it makes a difference.

Click here to learn more about Innovation: Africa, go here to donate, or follow them on Facebook to keep up with their efforts to save more than a few lives with a rather literal ray of sunshine.

Two True Gems

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:12 GMT

Carrying Hope: One Bag, One Child, One Year

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:00:03 GMT

Around here, we've seen our fair share of startups working for social and environmental good, and we have to admit, we get ridiculously excited when we see one growing by leaps and bounds. Such is the case of Esperos Bags, a brand launched in Austin, Texas last year by social entrepreneur Oliver Shuttlesworth. Moved by his experiences during a trip to rural Central America, he decided to channel all his energy into establishing a business focused on giving kids in Haiti the chance they all deserve at a healthy and prosperous life.

The math was simple: figure out a way to send one child to school for one year with every tote bag ($48) or backpack ($70) sold. The goal was set; the gauntlet was thrown. And in 2012, Esperos rose to the challenge.

Hitting the ground running with a heavy emphasis on public relations and word of mouth to spread awareness, Shuttlesworth built his brand from the ground up, making quality goods with an unshakeable purpose. For every bag sold, 50 percent of the proceeds would go to Fonkoze, one of the region's most respected non-profit organizations. In the eight months that have elapsed since the brand's launch, nearly 1,000 bags have been sold.

Of course, with success must come evolution. That's why Esperos has expanded its distribution channels to include Fab.com in both Europe and the US through the site's special limited-time-only sales and is in talks with retailers around the world who are interested in involving themselves in Esperos' work. Whole Foods is one such retailer; it's working with Shuttlesworth to test a back-to-school promotion later this year. Much like Lauren Bush Lauren's FEED Projects, which just announced a partnership with TARGET stores nationwide, the small enterprise is gaining exposure through retail alliances bringing it to broader audiences and furthering the cause along the way.

It's been an incredible journey, to say the least," Shuttlesworth says. "I am constantly floored by people's passion for our cause, their love for our products, and their seemingly endless support for our little company."

Without having spent even one dollar on advertising, passion is most certainly the brand's most valuable currency, and thanks to Shuttlesworth's raw, quiet enthusiasm, its contagious nature has put Esperos on track to roll out with updates this spring including a redesigned tote with a tablet pocket, plus a fresh goal by the end of 2013: putting the 3,000 children of the Chemen Lavi Miyo program through school for the year.

With enthusiasm building even further through the brand's presence at a special South By Southwest showcase this past week, we can't help but wonder: what's next for this fast-rising star?

Click here to start shopping and shoulder a child's education in Haiti this year by strapping on an Esperos bag and spreading the word about what it means to carry hope.

Fresh From Etsy: 4 Finds Inspired by Rain

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:57:12 GMT

I've always loved the rain. I think there is something so magical about the sound of water striking the roof, and I can think of nothing more romantic or relaxing than going for a mid-summer swim in the rain. I don't find it gloomy or depressing, but instead I think it's enchanting, lovely and fresh.

If you're not on board with precipitation appreciation, maybe I can change your mind. Here are four great items handpicked from Etsy that remind me of the serene tones of early-Spring storms.

In The Kitchen With Katy: Celery Root Soup (Gluten-Free & Vegan!)

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:00:36 GMT

Celeriac (also known as celery root) is a very ugly vegetable. It's knobby and dirty and covered in odd protrusions. But don't let that stop you from sampling this fantastic root—it might look monstrous, but it's actually quite delectable. In the words of my boyfriend (who I routinely use as a guinea pig for my recipes) it tastes like "a really meaty intense version of celery."

Last week, I picked up three celeriac bulbs at the Winter Farmer's Market, along with several onions, some carrots, and a head of cauliflower. I hadn't been planning to make soup, but once I set all my veggies out on the counter, all I could think of was pureeing and mashing and stewing. And that's how this healthy, savory, wintery soup came to be.

Creamy, Garlicy, Wintery Roasted Veggie Soup

- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 celeriac bulbs, peeled and chopped into half-inch chunks
- 1/2 head of cauliflower, chopped into half-inch chunks
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into half-inch chunks
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 whole head of garlic, peeled
- 8 cups of broth (either veggie or chicken will work here—I used chicken, but go for the vegetable if you want it to be vegan)
- Garlic salt & lemon pepper
- Lots of olive oil
- Splash of white wine (optional)

1. After you have all your vegetables chopped and ready to go, throw the celeriac, cauliflower, garlic, and carrots into a big bowl and drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the top (enough so that everything is coated, but not drenched). Season with garlic salt and lemon pepper. Spread the entire mixture out on a roasting pan—or two—and put in the oven at 375 degrees. Allow the vegetables to roast until they are fork-tender. Shake the pan every ten minutes or so to ensure even cooking.

2. While the vegetable medley is in the oven, start prepping your soup. Pour a few tablespoons of olive oil into your soup pot. Once it's hot, add the onions and celery and sauté until translucent. Add a splash of white wine… or just a cup of the broth and scrape off any brown bits that may have formed on the bottom. Continue to add broth and bring to a boil.

3. Once the vegetables are tender, take them out and dump them into the stewing pot of broth. Let the entire thing simmer uncovered at low heat for a half hour. You want the flavors to meld and the vegetables to get really, really soft, so let it cook down.

4. Are the vegetables practically falling apart? Now you're ready to blend! Grab an immersion blender and go to town (or, if you don't have one, blend in batches in a regular blender).

5. Garnish with a few sprigs of celery leaf and some crusty bread, and start spooning!

With Vivid Abundance

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:00:53 GMT

50 Shades of Green

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:00:22 GMT

Ever thought of opening a restaurant but weren't sure exactly what to serve? Wonder no more; let a sweet Connecticut-based eatery called Green & Tonic serve up a heaping helping of inspiration.

Seeing the uptick of concern in their community over finding delicious, organic, nutrient-rich foods that served the habits and nutritional needs of those trying to live gluten-free, raw, vegan and/or just plain healthy lifestyles, a group of friends got together last year to cook up a solution. Packing a one-two punch with their wholesome approach, they opened a hotspot in which the offerings aren't just healthful for every kind of diet and easy for anyone to enjoy, but where they're also just plain yummy. The group, made up of two chefs, a nutritionist, a fitness expert/personal trainer, a businessman and a mom, all proudly opened Green & Tonic in Darien and Cos Cob, CT in 2012; the two locations are open seven days a week and offer everything from eat-in and takeout to delivery and catering.

The founders' philosophy is as pure and simple as the food itself: "Starting with fresh organic ingredients, we incorporate raw, gluten-free, & vegan elements to nourish, purify and revive your body. The plan is nutrient-dense, high in fiber and protein, and rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential living enzymes. Each ingredient has been selected to ensure that you are feeding your body what it requires to thrive."

Met with plenty of success thus far, Green & Tonic is a perfect example of the fact that eating out can be indulgent without being gluttonous and delicious without being sinful. Whether you're planning a culinary hotspot of your own or just need a few lean, green ideas for your own personal kitchen, check out the Green & Tonic menu to get inspired. Bon appetit!

Of the Highest Caliber

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:00:49 GMT

No matter which position you've chosen in the national debate about guns, one thing is certain: where illegal weapons are concerned, in the wrong hands and under the wrong circumstances, innocent lives can too easily be lost. That's why an inventive Connecticut-based jewelry maker is taking the phrase "statement jewelry" and giving it a whole new definition, repurposing bullets into bangles and donating proceeds to a local gun buyback amnesty program.

The Caliber Collection, a division of Jewelry for a Cause, is a series of cuffs and bangles comprised of gunmetal and bullet casings that were seized by the Newark Police Department and given with special permission to the brand, which imprints serial numbers onto each resulting piece and gives funds back to Newark's Gun Buyback Amnesty Program, an organization doing everything it can to get illegal guns off the streets and out of the hands of unregistered owners. As for the brand's double entendre, its website explains succinctly: "The name Caliber was chosen for its two meanings; the caliber of a gun and how the caliber of a city is raised when illegal guns are taken off its streets."

The collection's elements, ranging from $150 to $375, are available in steel or brass; each material has been fashioned into four different types of bracelets -- namely, cuffs and bangles with and without a diamond embedded in the metal. The collection (and its clearly timely mission) has been covered by media outlets from The New York Times and CBS Evening News to Inc., TIME and Fast Company. Eager to join the larger conversation with a note on the fact that objects of destruction can be repurposed into things of beauty, helping to transform an entire community in the process, the concept gives hope that such symbolism can foster intelligent, open dialogue and positive action.

Want to learn more about The Caliber Collection? Click here.

It’s Hip to Be Square

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:00:17 GMT

When Nat Disston decided to launch a line of shirts, he wanted to make them embody the same elements surfboards do: "amazing design, build, and quality guaranteed while never forgetting that everything in life is art." Luckily, he managed to pull that off in spades with his Voy Voy line of clothing. Preppy and functional, its polo and t-shirts feature a spacious interior pocket with contrasting fabric forming a fashion-forward update on the classic pocket square. With a more stable structure than a traditional pocket tee -- and clearly with a more design-minded angle at play -- the shirts keep sunglasses, credit cards and personal items in place without sacrificing style in the process.

Spanish for "I go, I go," voy voy is a phrase often used by surfers to express excitement over the fact that they've caught a wave. Riding his own wave of rising success into the shore, Nat launched a Kickstarter campaign this week to raise funds to make his products more environmentally friendly through the use of organic fabrics and produce them in the US, providing labor stateside and cutting down on shipping. Although the shirts are already made with environmentally-neutral dyes, the opportunity for greener production still exists, and that's what Voy Voy is now striving for.

As for that tiny, cheeky monkey emblazoned on every shirt, Voy Voy itself describes it best: "In classic Mayan art, monkeys are both deviant and divine creatures. They play tricks and provide laughter. In contrast, they are hard workers and creative artists. To the Mayans, they represent both the seriousness and laughter in life. Our clothes embody both." Here's hoping the tide delivers them right into the closets of everyone interested in owning one.

Check out Nat's shirts here, or donate to his Kickstarter campaign and own a little piece of the wave for yourself. In this case, you can be there and be square!

Fresh From Etsy: Cozy Up To These Four Finds

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:00:04 GMT

As I've learned in the past few months, winter in Maine is harsh. It's cold, wet, and whiter than a polar bear in a snowstorm. But instead of complaining about the temperature, I've decided to take a hint from the bears and hibernate. Here are four items that will help you keep cozy this winter, whether you're fighting off the rain in Louisiana or battening down the hatches in Alaska.

Going Green with Element Hotels

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:00:18 GMT

Your Personal 24/7 Yoga Studio

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:00:52 GMT

How many times have you said to yourself, "I so need to do more yoga," only to fall prey to the demands of a too-packed schedule or a too-tight budget? In 2006, a perfect solution was dreamed up in Denver, CO by folks who were themselves becoming increasingly concerned about the difficulty and expense of enjoying yoga classes. So, as a result, Yoga Download was born.

Yoga Download students practice yoga in unusual places — from living rooms and airport gates to mountaintops and sun-drenched beaches in faraway lands. Dreamed up by a team of devoted yoga students and teachers, the site — which has been lauded by the New York Times and Body + Soul — enables visitors to stream or download a constantly-updated selection of more than 300 professionally recorded audio and video yoga classes onto a computer or mobile device. The classes are led by top certified instructors, who guide students through disciplines ranging from the more vigorous Vinyasa to the more gentle Hatha yoga.

In addition to the selection of video classes and audio podcasts, which can last five minutes (for a quick stretch session) or 90 minutes for a full practice, the site's printable PDF pose guides help students move at their own pace in line with their unique schedules. For full control over their yoga experience, the easily searchable catalog of classes allows students to filter classes by instructor, skill level, and intensity. And with streams starting at $1.99, classes are affordable and attainable for all.

For the teacher, by the teacher, Yoga Download is an outlet for deeply talented yoga teachers to share their gifts and practice with a global audience. And to that, we can only say, namaste.

Changing Things Up!

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:00:41 GMT

Dear Milkshake readers,

Happy official 2013! The first Monday of January always feels like the real start to the new year and we hope it is filled with much love, health and happiness.

We are excited about what lies ahead for Milkshake in 2013.

Our once-daily emails will transform into a weekly one. We'll continue to bring you the scoop about all that's good -- just not quite as often. We're working on new ideas and platforms for Milkshake and think you'll appreciate where we're going.

Please keep sending us your awesome ideas, stories and comments -- we love hearing from you, and we're absolutely paying attention!

THANK YOU for being a part of Milkshake. We look forward to continuing this wonderful journey together.

Warmly,

Amy Jurkowitz, Co-Founder

Amy Lynch, Editor

Nothing Is Impossible

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:00:03 GMT

(image: OWN)

Just a Little Fortune-Telling

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:00:37 GMT

(image via weheartit.)

Milkshake Music: January’s Jam

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:00:18 GMT

We're kicking the year off with the perfect song to help you stick to all those resolutions you just made: "It's Amazing" by Jem.

A few sample lyrics: "Do it, now/ You know who you are/ And you're burning with ambition/ But first, wait/ You won't get it on a plate/ You're going to have to work for it harder and harder/ Patience, now/ Frustration's in the air/ And people who don't care/ Well it's gonna get you down/ You'll fall/ Yes, you will hit a wall/ But get back on your feet and you'll be stronger and smarter/ You'll see/ 'Cause if it's meant to be/ Nothing can compare to deserving your dreams." Oh, and did we mention the video is absolutely gorgeous?

Happy 2o13! Hope we're helping you start your year off on the right note.

Cheers,

The Milkshake Team

A Plan for 2013

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 11:00:52 GMT

(image from 12most.)

Need Help With Those New Year’s Resolutions?

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT

(image via English Muse)

In the Kitchen with Katy: Warm Winter Risotto

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:00:12 GMT

Now that winter is finally upon us, I find myself craving comfort foods. Warm, rich, hearty dishes that will stick to my bones (as my grandma would say) and keep me full for hours. But that kind of eating often comes with a high fat count. Fortunately, there's always risotto.

This particular recipe was inspired by the dark, earthy tastes of winter. Fortified with a mushroom veggie broth and plenty of baby bellas, there is a certain meatiness to each forkful—despite the fact that this meal is totally vegetarian! You could also make it vegan by omitting the goat cheese, but I happen to like the tangy, creamy taste of melted chevre. And while many chefs use white rice for their risotto, I actually used short grain brown rice. Not only does it give the dish a nutty depth, but it also makes the dish ever-so-slightly healthier.

Winter Risotto with Butternut Squash & Mushrooms

- Two cups of short grain brown rice

- One medium-sized yellow onion, diced

- One package of baby bellas, sliced

- One package of dried shitake, oyster, or other mixed mushrooms

- One butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

- Goat cheese (optional)

- Four cups of veggie broth

- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme

- Salt & pepper to taste

1. Toss the cubes of butternut squash with olive oil, garlic salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking pan inside a preheated over at 350 degrees. They will need to roast for about a half hour (but use your fork to test if they're cooked through after 20 minutes).

2. Pour the broth into a small saucepan and set it to boiling. Add the dried mushrooms and let them stew.

3. Throw the onion into a hot pan and saute until slightly translucent. Add the baby bellas and the rice. Saute for 30 seconds on medium-high heat before adding one cup of the hot veggie broth. Stir until the rice is entirely coated, and let the mixture sit for several minutes until all water has been absorbed.

4. Add the fresh thyme, reserving some for garnish. Continue to add a half a cup of liquid at a time, stirring the mixture until just before the rice begins to stick to the pan (should be the consistency of oatmeal) before adding another half cup of broth. Continue until all the broth has been added.

5. Add the reconstituted mushrooms to the mixture. Stir and check your rice. It should be soft on the outside, with a slight firmness toward the center of each grain. By now, the rice should have made a creamy sauce, which you can thicken by adding goat cheese to the mixture, stirring until it is completely integrated.

6. You should now have a brown rice and mushroom risotto with a rich, thick cheese taste. But you still need to add the squash! Take the roasted veggies out of the oven and heap them on top of your dish. Sprinkle the colorful meal with a few leaves of thyme and (if you like) a dash of Parmesan.

That's it. This meal should take about forty minutes from start to finish. The only real trick is watching the rice to make sure it doesn't stick to the pan. Everything else is a breeze. Bon appetit!

Milkshake Music: A December Ditty

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:00:53 GMT

This month, we're featuring "Called Out in the Dark" by Snow Patrol. A few sample lyrics: "It's like we just can't help ourselves/ 'Cause we don't know how to back down/ We were called out to the streets/ We were called out into the towns/ We are listening and we're not blind/ This is our life, this is our time."

So enjoy, and let the insistent thump of this awesome song inspire you into doing something great today.

Cheers!

The Milkshake Team

One Delicious Plan

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:00:07 GMT

By now, most of us have heard of Birchbox, the company that delivers a new package of beauty products to your door each month. Our most faithful Milkshake readers will recall that we've also covered Umba Box (homemade goods) and BarkBox (treats for pets), and now the doorstep delivery trend has jumped the shark ever-so-deliciously into the realm of gourmet foods. That alone is enough to whet our appetites, but it's made even sweeter when we learn that the company behind it, Love with Food, donates a meal to a child in need with each box delivered to your door.

Featuring yummy products like Bonne Maman muscat grape jelly, Nature's Bakery whole wheat apple & fig bars, and Natasha's gluten-free "Health Nut" cookies, Love with Food sends you a box a month for $10 each if you sign up for a one-year subscription. Shorter plans are also available, but wouldn't it be lovely to receive a monthly surprise package filled with sweet treats for the entirety of 2013? For each box you receive, a meal is donated to one of two charities -- Feeding America and Share Our Strength -- to which Love with Food has already given more than 17,000 meals. The brand also donated goods to New York and New Jersey food banks to help in the wake of Sandy's aftermath. As far as we're concerned, this whole concept is doubly delicious. And after talking about all this delectable goodness, we're now officially craving something sweet. Time to place an order!

Merry & Bright

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 11:00:11 GMT

From all of us here at Milkshake to all of you, we wish you the merriest and brightest of holidays. However you're choosing to celebrate today, we hope you enjoy the sweet things that make life great. Warmest wishes to you and yours.

Cheers from the Milkshake team!

A Refreshing New Kind of Gift

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:00:43 GMT

Despite our best efforts, sometimes we just run out of time to find that perfect gift for each and every person on our holiday gift list. Now that we're down to the wire and don't want anyone running around empty-handed on the short end of an uneven gift exchange, we thought we'd share the perfect eleventh-hour present.

Global Giving is a website that pulls together a donation funnel for more than 2,000 projects worldwide, all of which are intent on making the world a better place through humanitarian and environmental efforts. Searchable by country, theme, popularity and more, Global Giving's database of positive projects lends itself perfectly to quick, simple donations in loved ones' names, with a series of thoughtfully-designed, easily-printable PDF donation cards you can download and print at home, then package up in a sweet holiday box, bag or envelope. Poof! Problem solved.

Put yourself in your recipient's shoes: would you rather receive yet another candle, box of sweets or bath products you're never going to use, or know you've played a role in preventing malaria, feeding an impoverished community, or funding an environmental project? When they say "it's the thought that counts," this is exactly what they're talking about. Taking a moment to do some good in the name of someone you adore -- that's a happy holiday indeed.

Sharing The Warmth

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:00:28 GMT

It's been said that college is where you find yourself. In the case of Veronika Scott, it's 100 percent true. While still a junior studying industrial design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, she came up with the prototype for a coat that could double as a sleeping bag, keeping the elements out and body warmth in, and which could also roll up into a backpack of sorts for easy portability when not in use.

Two years later, her non-profit organization, The Empowerment Plan, is thriving. After working with a professional seamstress to train seven local women from Detroit's homeless community, Scott has brought her MPWR (as in "empower") coat to full production, made with home insulation materials on the exterior to keep out the cold. Her goal is to give Detroit's homeless population employable skills while instilling a sense of pride in her own employees for the work they're doing for their own community, all while helping impoverished Detroit citizens stay warm in the winter.

This holiday season, we can think of plenty of ways our support can ably be used to help those less fortunate, but in particular, the act of bringing together science, ingenuity, kindness and empowerment all into one big, warm bundle feels like something that should be lifted up and shared this weekend. To give any amount to The Empowerment Plan (and, in doing so, help foster the creation of other programs just like it), donate here.