Did you know that there’s a special Amazon.com site…or perhaps just a special way to log in…that allows your purchases to also help support various charities? #smiley9

I just found out about this, so I have no idea how long it’s existed, but I LOVE IT!!!  I mean, if I’m going to shop at Amazon, I totally want my purchases to benefit one of my favorite (animal #smiley21 ) organizations.

And it’s so easy to sign up!

Step 1 — Rather than visiting the regular Amazon.com URL, all you do is go to smile.amazon.com.  (Remember to always go to SMILE.Amazon.com or bookmark it for easy access. #smiley15 )

Step 2 — Log in with your regular Amazon username & password.

Step 3 — A box will appear asking you to choose the charity of your choice.  A square to the right will highlight a few of Amazon’s “Spotlight Charities,” & you can scroll through those until you find one you like.  (Of course, I highly recommend the ASPCA or World Wildlife Foundation. #smiley20 )

But just below that is the option to “Pick your own charitable organization.”  I’m sure there are dozens to hundreds to thousands of organizations connected to the Amazon Smile program, so if you know of one, you can input that information.  Or search for your favorite charities to see if they’re involved.

Step 4 — Start shopping!  From this point on, as long as you log on via Smile.Amazon.com, your purchases will help to support your charity. #smiley1

And don’t worry!  If you ever change your mind about which charity you want to support or find out about a new one you didn’t know about before, you can always switch.  Once you’re logged in, at the very top of the screen, on the left-hand side, you’ll see a bold yellow “Supporting” link.  Your charity will be named there, but just click on that link & it will give you the option to change or search for a new charity. #smiley19

Who doesn’t love a Shamrock Shake?  No, seriously—is there anyone out there who doesn’t love the freaking things?  I swear, I could drink them 24/7/365. #smiley13

Well, thanks to  Next Door Baker‘s Shauna Sever, you can make something similar right in the comfort of your own home. #smiley4

St. Paddy’s Day Thin Mint Milkshake

3 tablespoons creme de menthe (or 2% milk + a dash of peppermint extract)
1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
7 Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies (or equivalent)
green food coloring (optional)

Place all ingredients in blender, in order listed.
Cover and process until blended.
Serve immediately.
(Makes 2 servings.)

Nom-nom-nom. Enjoy! #smiley8