GBK’S PRE-MTV MOVIE AWARDS LOUNGE 2015
The view from one of the windows of the suite. can you find Karen and Alice in this pic? Photo by Alice Farinas.
[At this time last year, I had to miss all the MTV Movie Awards fun because I was busy finishing-up cleaning-out my childhood home in New York. It was a depressing, horrible task, made worse by knowing I was missing out on the fabulous gifting suites in LA! So, this year, I’m thrilled to be in sunny Los Angeles, and celebrating the awards. I made it out to three fabulous suites, with my contributing writer, Alice. Please make sure to not miss any of the fun we’re telling you about! This is the third of three.]
Nathan Fillion and GBK’s Gavin Keilly. Photo by Maury Phillips.
I love that GBK choose the venerable Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for this event that celebrates movies! It’s right across the street from the historic Chinese Theatre, and down the block from the El Capitan. I wanted to run right out and see a film in the ‘hood, direct from the lounge!
The vibe was very laid-back and casual, just like the awards this lounge was honoring. There was a DJ, (I noticed several people moving and grooving right at their tables!,) a popcorn machine, and a couple of couches to relax on, in case gift-and-info gathering (and giving!,) sapped your strength.
Speaking of laid-back, I’m sorry I missed seeing Nathan Fillion (TV’s Castle,) in the lounge, but I noticed him getting out of his car when I was waiting for mine. I love that he came alone, with no entourage, and just strolled into the hotel, looking just as easy-going as can be. Good for him!
Photo by Alice Farinas.
Now let’s get to the highlights of my discoveries! [Note: Just as with most award show acceptance speeches, I’m saving what I feel is the most important for last, so please make sure to read it.] Here we go:
LifeCell—I haven’t been this excited about a skin care line in quite a while! It’s all formulated in Florida, and with all that sun, you know those peeps need some heavy-duty skin help, and LifeCell is it! This Presenting Sponsor showed us their incredible all-in-one anti-aging treatment, which helps with so many areas of the face and neck in just one product! And with all my late hours, I can’t wait to try their eye treatment that comes in a metal applicator that you just roll under the eyes. South Beach, here I come! www.lifecellskin.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
The Artisan Group—This section is a bit long, because this wonderful group of artisans was gifting their famous goodie bags that each contain over a dozen surprise items! Alice and I loved everything we perused, but here are some of our favorites, beginning with mine: Lorelei Vella’s hand-stamped vintage fork, that I could swear I had when I was little (www.loreleivella.etsy.com); unique, happening foot jewelry(!) from Bec’s Beach Feet (www.becsbeachfeet.com); Alyce n Maille’s beautiful Swarovski crystal handcrafted pendant (alycenmaille.com); and creative shiny, handmade boutique nail lacquers from Painted Polish (www.paintedpolish.com) and Serum No. 5 (www.serumno5.com.) And now Alice’s: Sienna Grace sweet sterling silver threader earrings, whose length can be adjusted (www.siennagrace.com); Anju Sparks’ unique metalsmith necklace, that is just the right length (www.anjusparks.com); hand-made gemstones-and-brass earrings from One Tribe Jewelry, which look great with long hair, (www.onetribejewelry.etsy.com); and Andrea Designs’ totally different multi-colored knitted cozies that are fitted to water bottles, cans, and cups! (www.andreawdesigns.com.) You can find all those, and much, much more, on the group’s website. www.artisangroup.org
Grande Naturals—This lash-enhancing company was gifting a pink and purple (just like my business cards) boxed set, that’s titled “Outrageous.” It contains their famous growth-enhancing serum, plus a mascara. It’s what every girl should have! www.grandlashmd.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Dara Ettinger Jewelry–I’ve owned one of Dara’s majestic natural stone rings for years, and love it. But, sadly, because my hands have become swollen, I haven’t been able to wear rings for the past year and a half. So I was thrilled to see that many of her beautiful designs are now adjustable! How perfect for me! Alice squealed, “These are the most gorgeous pieces of jewelry I’ve seen in a long time. I love the rings that are made from agate geode gemstones. They’re so innovative, and truly stunning!” Ditto from me. www.daraettinger.com
Photo by Alice Farinas.
Nerf Rebelle—What fun this latest toy from Hasbro is! The Nerf Rebelle is a large-capacity dart-blasting archery bow which shoots nerf “bullets.” Wimpy moi even got hit with one, and didn’t even feel it. And, since I took Archery in my first (of four—don’t ask) college, I realize that it can actually teach a skill! Maybe we’ll hear someone in the 2028 Olympics say he or she learned their sport on this model!!! www.nerfrebelle.com
Lalo Fuentes—We’re always happy to see the adorable girl who’s always repping this fitness trainer! She’s so welcoming and non-attitudinal. In their on-going efforts to get every Angeleno fit, they were once again gifting personal training sessions and Lalo’s signature work-out DVDs. www.lalofitness.com
Photo by Alice Farinas.
Bare Organic Mixers–Since we were already fans of this brand of drink mixer, we were happy to see the Pomegranate-Cranberry one is an even more attractive deep red color than before, and just in time for all the summer soirees. And healthy Alice is impressed that they’re organic, gluten-free, and under twenty calories! www.baremixers.com
Nuvino–My resident imbiber, Alice, said, “I love that these wines come in travel pouches, and are from four different regions of the world. What a wonderful way to travel around the globe, in a relaxing way!” www.nuvino.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Naughty Girls Donut Shop–It was so fun meeting this teen-ager who started her own cafe in Virginia, which features donuts, of course! GBK’s guests were flocking to her table to try her creations, and also to receive a bag with a company tee, a mug, and a bag of gourmet coffee. www.naughtygirlsdonutshop.com
M The Movement–This eco-friendly apparel company was once again gifting their signature v-neck tees, which feature an image of the designer in gold. www.theworldofm.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Photo Cubbies—Alice and I take photo booth pix all the time, (I have more current pictures with her than with Mr. X!,) but we had a funny mishap at this one! The ones we usually come upon allow us just three shots, but it turns out this company had room for four. So…we missed the last snap! Our beautiful strip of pix has just the red curtain as the last shot! I think it will turn-out to be my fave because it’s so different. It looks like the photo equivalent of dropping the mike! www.photocubbies.com
As always, GBK had a charity component. Here are the beneficiaries, with the latter being so special to me:
Lambda Legal—This cause’s mission is “to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV.” www.lambdalegal.org
Photo by Alice Farinas.
Alfalit International—This is the element of the lounge that I deemed the most important! This non-profit organization “provides literacy programs for the underserved in the US and internationally.” As a former teacher, (who also comes from a family of educators,) I’m appalled just reading emails nowadays! So, I cannot imagine what it’s like for people who never even get the opportunity to learn to read and write. The lovely rep we chatted with at the lounge pointed-out that children around the world have died because mothers can’t even read the doctors’ instructions and prescriptions. We all really need to get involved with this one! www.alfalit.org
