GBK & PILOT PEN GOLDEN GLOBE LUXURY SUITE

GBK’s beginning-of-the-year event, in honor of the Golden Globes, returned to the beautiful W Hotel in Hollywood, once again with Pilot Pen as the Title Sponsor.

I loved seeing Black-ish stars, dad Anthony Anderson and young son Miles Brown, although an hour apart. (I’m so used to seeing them together!) I also spied Cheech Marin on my way in, and actress Joely Fisher on my way out.

It was a crazy busy day for me, as well as for my co-writer, Alice Farinas, (whose comments are the ones in quotes,) but we tried our best to visit as many sponsors as possible. Here are the highlights:

Pilot Pen—Being writing-instrument-obsessed since I was a little girl, the wares from this wonderful company are always my faves. I’m happy with their basic set of beautifully-colored everyday pens, (which Alice described as “more than just pens; they’re great tools to express your inner self,”) but I loved seeing their “beautiful high-end items,” like the featured Kachimushi set. www.pilotpen.us

iRestore Laser Hair Growth System—Being two girls with enough hair for ten people between us, we always feel bad for peeps who are not as follically-gifted as we are. So we were most interested to discover this wonderful electronic “cap” that helps bring hair back to men and women who struggle with hair loss. Alice suggested you use it three times a week for just a half hour each time, and declared it to be “revolutionary!” www.irestorehirlaser.com

Freedom Quit Smoking System—Though we never got to talk to the reps from this popular sponsor, (does that frighteningly mean that many show biz folks still smoke?,) I go along with their premise 100%! Theirs is a nicotine-free method to help people quit smoking, and I hope that every single smoker reading this looks into it! www.freedomlasertherapy.com

Truly Yours Parfums—We were drawn right over to this classy, sparkly display. It featured beautiful custom-etched bottles of this companies most upscale parfum, Reisa, which has a citrusy-floral scent, and was inspired by the French countryside. I liked it even more when I found-out the that “Reisa” means “laughter” and is named after the company creator’s daughter. www.trulyyoursparfums.com

LifeCell—Since we both use several of this Presenting Sponsor’s skin care products already, we were thrilled to see them here once again. Alice loves that they use natural ingredients, and says of their anti-aging products, “With consistent use, you really see the difference.” And I loved chatting with their upbeat reps! (More about one of them in a little bit.) www.lifecellcream.com

Shhh Silk Pillowcases—We wanted to try-out these silk pillowcases from Australia on the spot! The design was black and white marble, which made Alice gush, “I want to wake up to them, and go to bed on them every night!” She loves that they’re sexy, while I’m more into that they’re designed to preserve our hairdos! www.shhhsilk.com

Live Ultimate Skincare—We enjoyed learning about this line from Florida, where I just know that they must get sunscreen right! Alice tried it out, and said, “It feels great! It’s non-sticky and non-greasy.” That convinced us to try-out their anti-aging products, too! www.liveultimate.com

The Artisan Group—As always, this artists’ collective, gifted each guest with a bag of many treats. And it’s not just jewelry; they have everything from face serums to photography to homemade nail polish to soaps! Alice and I took a load off in the lobby lounge at the hotel, and went through them all, like it was my birthday (which it was just yesterday! And, trust me, this sponsor gave me more and better gifts than my own pals did!) Here are each of our highlights, beginning with Alice’s: Bkd Signature‘s teardrop pendant necklace, whose silver-encased cobalt jewel sparkles beautifully (www.bkdsignature.com); E. Scott Originals‘ delicately-handcrafted silver “half-ring” with a tiny heart, which is perfect because I was crushed when I recently lost the one I had!, (www.escottorignals.com); the sweetest all-occasions greeting cards, containing encouraging phrases and uplifting words, designed by artist and illustrator, Emily Cromwell (www.emilycromwell.com); Cindy Liebel‘s “Emily Pyrite” delicate dangly earrings (www.cindyliebel.com); a timeless vintage locket by Maren Misner of The Tin Owl (www.thetinowl.com); and fabulous, bohemian silver filigree earrings from Mary Grace Jewelry (www.marygracejewellery.com.) To those, I add: beautiful, colorful hand-crocheted scarves from Surprise Designs (which actually did surprise me!) (www.surprise-designs.com); Cory Renee ‘s handy little black quilted purses (www.etsy.com/shop/coryrenee); and the one and only reason I’m now planning on getting another piercing in each ear (I mean it!)—Love Your Bling‘s hand-set Swarovski crystal stud earrings!!! (www.loveyourbling.com.) www.theartisangroup.org

American Hat Makers—I loved this wonderful display of hand-made leather hats from Northern California! The guests were four deep in that area, and everyone was like kids in a candy store. When we finally got over there, Alice said, “Welcome to the modern world of the wild wild west!” She added, “These hats are so stylish that they’re perfect for urban living and wearing around town all day.” I noticed that once the peeps put them on, they kept them on for the rest of their suite visit. I may have even heard a few utter, “Yee-haw!!!” Or was that just me?! www.americanhatmakers.com

Tweezerman–We always love seeing this cosmetics tool company here. I love their East Coast rep! Alice (who’s a former make-up artist,) said, “This has always been my go-to brand for tweezers, so I was happy to discover their new eyelash curlers.” The duo is specially engineered for your eye shape–the Promoter is designed for almond-shaped and deep-set eyes, and the Procurl is for round eyes. In addition to introducing the guests to these latest tools, they had a guy there who was etching the celebrity guests’ names right onto their tweezer gifts! Now, there will be no more tool-purloining on the set!  www.tweezerman.com

Burke Williams Spa—We’re both regulars at the many LA branches of this spa, so we were happy to see some of their personnel again. And even happier to get what Alice deemed “on point” chair massages from Ibrahim and Ever. They made us so relaxed that we just kind-of flopped around the rest of the suite! We probably looked a bit tipsy. And I don’t even drink! On top of that treat, all the guests were gifted with products from their exclusive in-spa skin care line, H2V. www.burkwilliamsspa.com

Beija-Flor Jeans—We went nuts for these just-for-women jeans, (which are made partly from recycled bottles!!!) They come in different “shapes,” (like “slimming” and “smoothing,”) depending on how you want to look. If the butt lifter works on my sorry self, count me in for every pair!!! www.beijaflorjeans.com

Hale Bob–We had just passed this clothing line’s billboard on the way over to the W, so we were extra-excited to see them at this suite! Alice, a self-described “sophisticated hippie chick,” said, “Their designs cater to girls like me” because they’re “so cool and hip,” a point I concur with. They were gifting colorful scarves, which Alice deemed “cutting-edge fashion.” www.halebob.com

MyIntent Project–This was a really fun one! Each guest got to choose a circular medallion on a colorful bracelet or neck chain, and the on-site engraver etched your one “intent word” onto it. We were each asked to choose a word that represents something we want to bring into our lives, or a challenge we want to overcome. So I chose “Health,” and Alice chose “Prosperity.” As much as I need some good health right about now, I was ashamed of myself when one of the lovely girls from LifeCell told me she chose “Compassion.” The world sure needs a lot more of that! How great of her! She demonstrated that she already has that herself, in spades, to have thought of that word. Let’s hope the rest of us also get what we asked for. www.myintent.org

Jewelinx—We were impressed by this female doctor who invented this simple-yet-clever device to make fashionista’s lives easier. Alice describes it thusly: “It’s a little jewelry organizer that holds all your accessories right on the hanger of the outfit you’ll be wearing. That will sure help get ready in the morning, so you can have an extra cup of coffee!” And it’s perfect for people like me, who spend way too many minutes trying to untangle my chains! www.hangerjewelinx.com

L’amourose—I let single girl Alice give you her take on these “adult toys.” (And, let me tell you, she perused them all! ) She came up with some really fun stuff, but I pared it waaay down, because I have lots of younger readers. So here goes. She stated, “My fave, if I must share, is the Rosa Rouge. It was highly recommended by their rep, as one of their best sellers, and, trust me, it did not disappoint!” Oh dear. And there you have it! I must admit that I did love their…colorful display. www.lamourose.com

We were really hungry by the time we got through meeting all these great sponsors, (and before we did, too!,) so we were really happy to find the following trio of taste treats:

Ike’s Place—We were happy to see that this sandwich shop was serving a trio of their best sellers to the assemblage; we both opted for the pulled chicken one. Alice described it as “smothered in honey mustard, with chicken that’s so moist, in the freshest bread.” We were starving when we arrived at the suite, so these totally helped us through the day! www.ilikeikesplace.com

Au Bon Broth–Alice deemed this premium grass-fed, organic bone broth to be “a collagen superfood,” and “a completely new way of life!” We enjoyed having the warm broth warm us up on such a chilly day. Guests also received the company’s book, Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet, which contains easy instructions and “the best recipes ever!” www.aubonbrothbonebroth.com

Jöne’s Gourmet Gelato—Since I’m not allowed to eat my beloved ice cream anymore, I was thrilled to discover this dairy-free, refined sugar-free frozen dessert. Alice’s favorite was the chocolate spice with hints of cinnamon and chile, while I surprised myself by choosing the roasted banana. There are six flavors, so there’s one for every taste. www.jonesgourmetgelato.com

As always with GBK events, there were several charities who benefitted from the proceedings. This time, they were:

Food on Foot–This charity helps the poor and homeless of Los Angeles with not only food and clothing, but it also assists them with getting back into the work force. When you donate to them, you become a part of creating a new life for someone, which is a wonderful feeling, dontcha think? www.foodonfoot.org

Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation—Having recently been diagnosed with diabetes myself, I was happy to once again see this organization here. It funds research against the disease, and helps teach children to lead healthier lives through diet and exercise, which I wish I had been doing for the past few years! www.sugarrayleonardfdn.org

The Creative Coalition—As an entertainer, and a former teacher, this is one organization I really need to join myself. It brings together people in show biz, to work towards making sure that the arts keep getting funded in schools. www.thecreativecoalition.org

Relief Bed—These easy to distribute and use beds are designed to help impoverished people in emerging countries, disaster victims, aid workers, and homeless people. (And the cute young guy rep is a redhead! Too bad National Kiss a Ginger Day was still two days away!) www.reliefbed.org

Lambda Legal—This organization helps with all issues relevant to the LGBT community. they were gifting candles whose boxes have a reminder about their upcoming gala to raise funds. www.lambdalegal.org