Body Shop Hemp Hand Cream – I haven’t been to a Body Shop in ages, but  there’s a reason they have one at the Sea-Tac airport: because you feel all mashy and meh when you travel, and going in to smell the smells and try on a couple creamy products makes your flying day better.  About 3 years ago, I picked up a tube of this hand cream and have been hooked ever since (I’ve only gone through 2 tubes so it’s a nice lasting amount).  When you’re 40,000 ft in the air, nothing make you more comfy than slathering some hemp over your dry, air-cracked, hands.  Well, that or a H1N1 covered blanket…. – Didi

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid Soap. I buy this at my local IGA in the bulk aisle where I refill my old containers… which means I’m being eco-conscious.  However, ecology isn’t on my mind, economy is.  I swear to god either the pricing hasn’t been updated in 5 years or their scale is off because I only spend like $5 for 3 re-usable bottles of it.  It seems like it is much cheaper than buying a new package.  That said, the official packaging is kind of trippy and all of the copy makes for good “kill time while I shower” reading.  This thing really tingles and they claim you can use it on everything (hair, face, dishes, teeth, etc.).  I only use it to wash my body. – Tim

Tingles! Like that old Selsun Blue commercial says, if it tingles, that means its working.  Guys are extra dirty compared to the fairer species and that means we need stuff with extra cleaning power.  Nothing makes you feel more clean and refreshed than tingling from head to toe.  Also, I’m a shower every morning guy, not just because I’m dirty but also because I don’t really wake up until I shower.  Here’s one of my favorite ‘tingly’ products:

American Crew Citrus Mint Shampoo.  OK, normally $10 is more than I would like to spend on shampoo.  However, it is easy to find because a lot of grocery stores carry American Crew and we’re guys, we don’t use much shampoo anyway.

I was also thinking cozy cute cardigan, so I thought this! A new J.Crew cardigan. And it is in pink champagne…so light and so lovely that even a pink-hater could wear it happily.

Right before I woke up this morning I was having a dream about happily owning a boutique full of cool gifty things, clothing, make-up and nail polish. Can’t get the pink nail polish out of my head! Here is my lovely pick from butter LONDON. Not only is Snog (that’s the colour’s name) just a totally righteous pink color, but the company does not use any nasty chemicals that screw with our bodies. All the more reason to think pink!

“This Prada perfume is sold here exclusively, no where else in the world!” Whatever.

So we were off walking around the store and probably not 20 yards when we realized we kept smelling ourselves over and over, and we liked it.

Okay, dart back to the spray lady where she promptly upsold us to a larger size. After all, not only was the scent magnificent, we would be among the few women in the world who could wear it.

Well, let me tell you, I do not regret the purchase. Not one single bit. But let me also tell you, NOT EXCLUSIVE to that Neiman Marcus. I’ve seen it all over the place. Still does not diminish the fact that Prada Infusion D’Iris is my favorite perfume. I intend to buy more and more through the coming years. But don’t you think that lady was a bit unethical?

Seriously, no joke, I love this lotion. My friend Kristin used to bring me samples from this upscale baby store she worked at on occasion.

I have sensitive skin so I have to concern myself with the type of lotion I get or unfortunate results ensue. Md Moms Baby Silk is definitely the best moisturizer I’ve come across.

Smell is always huge with me, and as it is meant for babies, it is a light scent that doesn’t impair perfume. And it is quite delightful on its own…I get compliments all the time.

So many times a light, sensitive lotion doesn’t actually feel like it is moisturizing. Mind you me, not the case here. I highly recommend for adults and wee ones alike. A little more pricey than your drug store choice, but worth the splurge.

Can’t wait to give them a go. Great prices too!

A little over a week ago I was seriously starting to think critically about recruiting some male friends to give me their picks, when I received an email from my good friend Tim suggesting I do some posts on this exact idea. We think alike…as I said, he’s a good friend. And a good friend with taste, if I do say so myself.

With that being said, here is the first item of the series that Tim refers to as “What guys like… or what they should like if they actually give a shit”:

John Varvatos Cologne: I don’t wear much cologne, but my little brother who loves cologne also uses this.  Ironically, we both stumbled upon it on our own but it shows great minds think alike, or that this is the best smelling men’s fragrance out there. – Tim

I will say that Tim smells delightful, and he has a fetching young wife to prove that he is certainly doing something right. Also, there are not many people out there who are such critical, analyzing shoppers (just going to the grocery store and dissecting food and prices can be a mission with my dear Timmy).

A wonderful gift for the discerning gentleman! Thanks Tim, and stay tuned next Friday for more Guy Gear.

The summer heat and humidity in NYC can be treacherous, and I am saying this as a person who lives in a tropical climate. That sort of weather can definitely fudge one’s appearance. It is fortunate, in some ways, that those days are quickly waning as we head into fall.

During my post-college summer of fun in NYC, I remember stepping out of the shower and feeling like I couldn’t get dry. Tough times when your in a business suit heading for your Midtown job.

But Didi found the key to maintaining great curls (which she most certainly has)…

Bumble and bumble’s Curl Conscious Holding Foam – In this humid city, going curly is sort of forced upon you.  This keeps it at bay. – Didi

I personally love the Bumble and bumble products I’ve used. For any gal with curly hair, I would definitely recommend giving this a try to maximize the loveliness of your locks, no matter the climate.

*See Didi’s past GleePeeks here and here.

Smell invigoration….across the nation….a clean sensation.

But seriously now, I purchased Satsuma Shower Gel from The Body Shop years ago. It smells so amazing, it’ll make your eyes pop. And I am not kidding about this next part…the smell is so visceral you can TASTE it. I am not lying. It is the only scent with which I’ve ever had this happen, and I would never have thought it possible. And it tastes nice.

If you need a pick-me-up, or to be tossed oh-so-gently into your happy place, Satsuma Shower Gel is a MUST for you! Plus, it is from The Body Shop, which means it is made with the utmost integrity and social conscience.