The best stuff ever in the whole entire world for hip, happening ladies!

The Kleen Kanteen is one of my faves for sure. Mine goes with me everywhere (filled with iced tea at the moment). It is the most up-to-date alternative to those old plastic Nalgenes we aren’t supposed to be using any more, and I must say, it is a ton better. Why didn’t we go with stainless steel to begin with? It just tastes so refreshingly clean without having to worry about nasty chemicals infiltrating out bodies. I definitely recommend the wide mouth, and get at least the 40 oz. size. Everyone should be carrying these with them everywhere.

From bottle openers to dog bowls to toothpick holders, Alessi takes a whimsical approach to the design of objects we use daily. The company grabs up famous designers to make these wonderful high-end and often kitschy pieces. Endless amusement, in my opinion. Kinda digging the Mr. and Mrs. Chin series, like the salt and pepper shaker here…

I am a sucker for kitchen goods. These are two things that Angie is considering getting for her brother who has a new place and is starting his kitchen from scratch. I kinda think I need them too. They’re staples!

This grater is a staple in my kitchen, plain and simple.

From what I have heard, this brand makes the best rice cookers on the market. – Angie

My poor little gleegarden has been so neglected lately. I have had no time, and thus, a bunch of one sentence posts made possible due to my dear readers who sent me their wishlists have been all I can handle.

But I have been busy! Busy managing a boutique that just finally swung its doors open yesterday. Why do I let myself get talked into these things? But it has been quite fun actually. So I spend my few minutes in the morning hurrying to type up brief content. And today, my dear readers, will be no different. The only difference is that this particular product I have tried and adored. It is quite strange, I realize, to love a lemon squeezer. But when I visited Angie in Chicago and the occasion called for margaritas or some citrus squeezed for a recipe, I had my world rocked. This is the handiest, most thorough citrus juicer ever. And I want one!

Obviously there is more than one way to squeeze a lemon (or lime), but in my opinion, this is the best way. – Angie

I most certainly could not agree with you more, Angie! And don’t be fooled to think you need a green one for limes or an orange one for oranges. The yellow one has your bases covered.

Thanks for all your support, once again! Hope this lemon squeezer finds you in the best of holiday cheer.

How delighted would you be to drink nice chilled water (or a bit warmer wine) from this carafe? I think quite! Good gifting!

Coffee drinker? I have not quite evolved to that point in my life yet, but apparently when I do, this is the coffee maker to have. It automatically grinds the coffee beans right before brewing, which I am quite aware is a vital component in good coffee thanks to an avid morning caffeinator in my family (Mom!). Thanks to Debbie for giving us this nifty wishlist item.

So much this, that and the other has been going on that I almost forgot about my follow-up post to this initial one talking about cooking inspirations via the internet.

As I previously said, for our October giveaway, gleegarden members submitted their cooking inspirations for a chance to win this awesome cookbook.

Here are the non-website cooking inspirations (and maybe a few websites because I forgot them last time – really losing it here!).

One of the best cook book I’ve used lately is called something like Artisan Bread in 5 minutes/day.  It’s SO easy and really does make beautiful loaves for barely any work.  The absolute yummiest thing I’ve made recently Tres Leche cake.  You must try it if you haven’t. – Megan

I have the red and white checkered cookbook, Better Homes & Garden New Cook Book.  It was the book every housewife had in the 50’s!  I use it all the time, but tend to update the recipes with fresh or better ingredients! – Debbie

Due to health issues I have to live gluten-free, but the gluten-free goddess has been a major help.  Her sweet potato cornbread recipes from a few years ago is PERFECT for autumn–try it and taste how good gluten free can be!! – Keira

My new inspiration for cooking is my subscription to Cooking Light magazine. It was a wedding gift and it kicks 1000 asses. It has recipes from easy (me) to very difficult and recipes with as few as three ingredients to those with many many more. Here is the website, which is also great. – Lani

Thanks one and all, once again, for the cooking inspirations. So much good food to delight in!

Marimekko always makes me quite happy, and these tea towels are no exception. What is it with tea towels lately? It is like they are collectible pieces of art now. Affordable art. Love.

And Oh my LORDY…let me just say one thing that makes me soooo incredibly happy about these. It wasn’t but a few minutes ago that I was looking at the Sanna Annukka website and wishing I could afford the art there (I’ve been coveting for awhile now). WELLLLLLL, they designed these tea towels for Marimekko! Totally a random coincidence, but I am quite happy about it.

I sure do have a lot of wants. Now I just need the dolla bills.

What’s a holiday party without a holiday beverage? Certainly not the party it should be.

Here is one of my personal favorites, Hot Buttered Rum – a sweet, warm sensation.

Recipe from drinkmixer.com

So, you are the host. You are not up for cleaning glassware or chancing the loss of your beloved dishes. BUT, using disposable grates at your conscience.

Solution! If you don’t already know this, there are tons of resources for biodegradable, compostable, earth happy serving ware. Now you can live with yourself.

Great resources for you:

-Ecowise

-Trellis Earth

-Pap Corn (I really like this…stylish! Downside is that you have to contact people in a foreign country)

-greeplanetparties (another fave and easier to order)

-Worldcentric