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

Introducing my Chicago friend, Angie, who you may or may not remember me visiting back in September. She gave me some good insights into her favorites in life right now. The first? Well, I’ll let Angie speak for herself…

Like many people who attempt to be fashionable, I made a pact to myself to never, ever purchase Crocs.  That said, when I was shopping for a pair of simple brown work flats, I came across these. I was thinking how cute they were when I noticed the brand- they were Crocs!! Crocs with a slightly different brand name called “You by Crocs”.  So now I own a pair of Crocs, a cute brown, super comfy pair  that go well with my work pants as well as my skinny jeans! I am even thinking about ordering them in black… - Angie

I must admit, I feel like a changed woman now that I’ve seen these. Good find, Angie!

When this whole Gleegarden project started last summer, I went to my good gal friends and asked them to give me little write-ups on their favorite products/doodads/whatnots, thus originating Gleepeeks.

Well, most of the gals launched off huge lists, but my friend Rainey? Nah. She gave me two things (see her other GleePeek here). I love Rainey, and I think it speaks volumes about the way she lives her life and the way a lot of us live ours. She is BUSY! She is raising 3 children and dealing with all the life stuff that just gallops over us. When I asked her for her faves, it took her quite awhile to come up with anything. Then I get the list of two. Two things that are necessities for her in a life where she doesn’t have the time to really give her self much thought. These must be good! I know I pay attention when she tells me what’s what. Without further ado, Rainey’s latest recommendation…

Exact Eyelights by CoverGirl – This is for those women, should there be any, that find themselves needing a great mascara. Now, I’ve tried mascaras that are supposed to be the next big thing, and have upscale names and prices at the mall, all the way down to the clearance rack at Walgreen’s. So I decided to give Cover Girls exact eyelights a try. – Rainey

I am a firm believer that a great mascara is crucial for every make-up wearing lady (and should be for some of the non-make-up wearers). Exact Eyelights apparently has hints of metallic colour that brighten eyes. Definitely have to give this one a go! I’ve certainly been failed by every single one of the expensive mascaras I’ve encountered too.

Thanks Rainey! And if you ever get another inspiration, let us know.

Last week’s theme week was so fun, I thought I’d do another this week. My inspiration comes from something that ends up on pretty much everyone’s mind at some time or other at this point in the year…holiday parties.

Thanksgiving can be a fabulous party (I know that’s what I always try for), and no matter your religious or non-religious affiliation, there are many fetes to throw or attend. So we get a GleePeek look into an appropriate favorite of Jacynth’s to kick this Holiday Party theme week off…

Clothes: I live by the belief that somebody’s trash is another person’s treasure.  That’s why I do the majority of my shopping at Crossroads.  You can find anything from seven jeans (in good shape) to a Members Only jacket. Rocks! – Jacynth

Whether or not you have a Crossroads near you, any old second-hand store will do. At a time of year when budgeting is of utmost concern, a quick trip to a Goodwill or a consignment store can land you some amazing finds. I know I’ve scored some very sweet dresses, tops, and accessories that have made some party rounds. Can’t argue the price!

*See Jacynth’s previous GleePeek’s here and here.

Cargo Plant Love Lipsticks - Rad idea. – Didi

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Why are these lipsticks, so fantastic?

-100% Natural

-Free of parabens and the other nastiness that comes in so many cosmetics

-Packaging made from corn

-Certified by ECOCERT for being green in product, packaging, and process

-Awarded ‘Best Green Make-up Line’ by InStyle Magazine

–And for the starstruck in all of us, celebrity designed colours ($2 from each of these goes to charity)

See for yourself!

I am slowly purchasing Megan’s suggestions and could not be happier (just got this in the mail)! A new addition this week to Megan’s must-haves in make-up kit basics.

Make Up For Ever Camouflage Palette Great blendable concealer palette no matter what shade of color your skin is currently.  I hate having to buy new products for summer just because I accidentally got tan or burned one weekend.  This lets you customize the concealer tint for each portion of the face (around my nose is very red, for example, while my forehead is always alabaster white!). – Megan

So ladies, it may be good to get some assistance when making this purchase because there are several palettes to work with, and of course you want the one that is right for you. I certainly am a bit confused about which one is best for me, but I really, really do want it! Actually, I really, really do NEED it.

Check out the fantastic customized drink koozie Lani and Topher gave out at their wedding this summer. A fantastic party favor if I ever saw one. The possibilites are endless!

*See Lani’s previous GleePeeks here and here.

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

This may be the perfect inspiration for a few veggie haters I know. And maybe also for those of us who just want to make sure we are getting all of our good green vitamins.

Jacynth always knows what she’s talking about! (see her previous GleePeek here).

Orac Energy Greens – 25 servings of fruit and veggies in one tablespoon! It mixes great with water and despite the nasty green color, tastes just fine.  It really does boost energy and curbs sweet cravings. – Jacynth

Didi is getting used to her New York City lifestyle…hanging with friends and the occasional famous person, jet-setting across country frequently, and getting the new jobby-job up and kicking.

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.

She’s baaaack. Megan! (see her previously here)

Of all my lovely friends who have helped me out with their lists of must-haves, Megan’s is the one that really inspires me to get out and get shopping. She really does just have the best products!

This week…she talks scents.

-Right now I’m obsessed with a few things, especially perfumes from Blue Mediterraneo.  The scents are light and yummy.  I get lots of “mmmm, you smell good!” when I wear Mandorlo Di Sicilia (almond).  I also wear their Fico Di Amalfi (fig), which is perfectly non-offensive for the office. - Megan

Cannot wait to give these scents a smell! Thanks again, Megan.