SECRET ROOM EVENTS GOLDEN GLOBE STYLE LOUNGE

This Secret Room Event was one of the most fun suites ever! There was a super-happy vibe in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, and the glamorous chandeliered-ceiling (on the terrace, no less!) made it even better.

My co-writer, Alice, and I were overwhelmed by the number, and scope of, the sponsors. It was uber-impressive.

I loved them all, and will give you deets in a minute, but first I have to tell you one of my most fun celebrity encounter stories.

I noticed adorable Jason Ritter of Parenthood standing right near me, and I just had to share something with him. He seemed to love this story as much as I do, so now I’m also sharing it with you guys.

When Jason was little, I was doing my TV show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, and because of that, I knew his whole family, including his dad, John Ritter. Jason, John and his wife Nancy, Mr. X, and I were at a Michael Jackson concert, and were all in the VIP area beforehand, waiting to use the Andy Gumps. I got to go first, and all of a sudden, the door flew open, and there was Jason, (who had mischievously opened it,) just staring at me sitting there! I screamed, but everybody else laughed. Heartily, I might add! John told me that I was the first naked woman Jason had seen, so whatever happens after this in his life was on me. So you can imagine my relief when I met him at Secret Room, and got to see first-hand that he grew-up so nicely. I think we both dodged a bullet on this one!

Fun story, right? Now, let’s move on to the numerous sponsors!

ColoursBurst Original Art—Artist Elisa Marconi is one of my favorite sponsors at a suite ever! She and her hubby are so upbeat and pleasant. And this Canadian artist’s work is a supreme treat for the eyes. I want to own everything she paints! Alice was most impressed with Elisa’s work, too, and commented, “What a unique artist! She paints everything from animals to angels in a spectacular array of colors. It’s all so beautifully expressed.” I was thrilled to discover Elisa’s new originals that are comprised of gorgeous colors that I see in my head all the time, but wouldn’t have a clue how to put down on canvas! www.coloursburst.com

Sente Skincare–They were gifting their famous Dermal Repair Cream, which is one of only two items this company makes, meaning it’s their specialty! I’ve actually used it before, and it’s a winner. Alice liked that it’s “good for all skin types.” And I was impressed that their handsome rep knew so many reputable dermatologists around the country! I’m sure that means that it’s doctor-recommended. www.sentelabs.com

Stella Carakasi—We both loved this clothing line that was new to us! They were letting the guests choose from a variety of dresses, lightweight coats, and wonderful tops. I don’t know how anyone chose just one item! A lot of them seemed to be asymmetrical (the designs, not the guests, although some of those, too,) and, as the rep, Yarra, told me, because they’re “designed for the real woman,” (like me!,) they each “hide a multitude of sins.” That’s my kind of clothing! Alice, who’s a former stylist herself, said they “feel light and airy,” and will “look great anywhere you go!” www.stellacarakasi.com

Sleep Belt—I’ve met these ingenious girls before, and am so happy for all their success! A Sleep Belt is a “hands-free skin-to-skin support system” for parents of babies. Alice just discovered it, and said, “What a wonderful way to hold a baby! The fabric is so smooth but strong; it must make them feel so safe and comfortable.”  Since I don’t have a baby, but I do have baby blues, (eyes, that is,) I’m going to wear my beautiful blue one as a cute little bandeau top!!! www.sleepbelt.ca

Golden Girl Clothing—We almost passed-out to discover these cool new jeans! They’re actually stretch jeans, in all sizes from the obligatory Hollywood 2 to plus sizes! The invisible stretch band means that skinny girls can eat like I do, and still look cute! And the rest of us can, too! Alice said it’s “like a built-in new and improved girdle!” www.goldengirlsclothing.com

Trinfinity 8 Rejuvenation Technology—I had an on-site treatment with this special machine that Alice, after talking with the woman in-charge, deemed “another level of rejuvenation; it uses the inner energy to empower the outer.” I chose to receive a treatment for pain relief, and–I don’t want to jinx anything, but–even after just fifteen minutes, I noticed that my broken back didn’t hurt as much for the next couple of days! www.trinfinity8.com

Jennifer Reeves Designs—This lovely jewelry designer was featuring her pendants made from beautiful Australian boulder opals; she told us she uses them in many of her designs. We perused her interesting collection of necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets, and Alice said they “go beautifully with everything!” www.jreevesdesigns.com

Snack It Forward–That’s the moniker for famous fruit brand Sunkist’s new freeze-dried fruit packets. Alice said she’ll “put these in my car to eat during traffic jams.” Mr. X and I just ate them in the house! Yum!  www.snackeditforward.com

RX Clinical Cosmeceaticals—This professional line of skincare products was gifting a set of their cleansers and creams, so the guests didn’t have to pay a visit to their favorite facialist this month! www.rxclinical.net

Idea Village Products–This one sponsor was gifting your choice of so many useful beauty products, both for men and women. We mostly checked-out the hair removal ones since we’re so over shaving our legs! Of Yes Finishing Touch, Alice said, “Finally! Hair-removal at my fingertips. No more electrolysis!” And of the Micro Touch Max, (for both sexes,) she said, “Good-bye nose hairs. It’s a great idea. Ladies–try it!” I’m just hoping that most males start using it soon. Pleeeease! www.ideavillage.com

Devine Gallery—This was Alice’s poetic way to describe this artist’s work, which she was gifting in the form of greeting cards: “Oil paintings translated into writing cards–a beautiful way to say ‘hello.’ ” www.devinegallery.com

Heat Holders—Alice said these warm thermal socks are “great for those cool nights; they should keep the toes really warm.” I just like that they come in pink and blue! www.heatholders.com

Kathy Fielder Designs—This prolific designer was on-site, gifting everything from clutches to decorative pillows to scarves to faux fur vests! How was one to choose? www.kathyfielder.com

Body & Soul Haircare—Alice, (who has even better hair than I do!,) swears by not using conditioner. So, she was extra-happy to discover this company’s leave-in treatment because it means no double-rinsing in the shower! I want to try the line because the rep’s hair looked great! www.bodysoulbeauty.com

Moxie Jean—This is a major on-line resaler of children’s clothing. They have a wonderful program where, if you donate your own youngster’s out-grown togs, you’ll have credits for the new stuff! (I have no kids, so go to their site to get it explained better to you.) Great idea, since children need new clothes every few months, from what I’ve seen. www.moxiejean.com

Younique—This mascara company’s reps did the smartest demo! I asked the first girl if she was wearing it, and when I got a closer look, I noticed that one eye’s lashes looked great, while the other’s looked kind-of sad. I didn’t want to say anything, so I quickly moved my gaze to the other girl’s eyes. When I noticed the same thing on her, I finally caught on; they were wearing their fabulous two-step mascara on just one eye, to show us the difference! And boy, what a difference! Alice was impressed with the “new and improved lashes,” as well. www.youniqueproducts.com

Derma e–Every product in this skin care line is natural, and Alice said she can’t wait to use the microdermabrasion scrub in the shower. The attractive packaging caught my eye right away; the tubes and jars are color-coordinated because their are formulations for all different skin problems. Who knew there were so many?! I don’t know which one to use because my only skin issue is that I have too much of it because it’s covering my now-plump-ish body! www.dermae.com

Big Slice Apples—This is an interesting snack—apples slices, in various flavored sauces, (like the unique boysenberry chocolate) in ready-to-go packs, that don’t even have to be refrigerated! You can take them everywhere, as long as you bring along a spoon or fork. (I think a spork would be best.) They come in different intentions, (like “pure” and “fit,”) and are touted to be healthful, too. www.bigsliceapples.com

Tanique—This is a new professional spray tan. We’re going to try it as soon as the weather gets a little nicer (which means we’ll be showing more skin.) www.mytanique.com

The B Belt—These are interesting; cute, stretchy belts (sort-of like the ones in the ’50s,) in colorful designs, but with a secret. There are pockets hidden on the inside, for money, business cards, small lipsticks, and whatever else you can fit back there! Perfect for the club. (I wonder if a small pepper spray would fit in there for those occasions!) www.thebbelt.com

Ioma–This skincare line took pictures of our skin with a machine, and then analyzed what we need. They’ll then send the correct products to each guest to go along with the individual’s skin issues. www.ioma-paris.com

GuruNanda Oral Oil—I’d been reading a lot about “oil pulling” recently, and here was the exact oil to use for the task! Alice came away with thinking that “one rinse a day keeps the doctor away!” www.gurunanda.com

DelGrosso Foods—After sampling small tastes of a few of this company’s pasta sauces, Alice, (the cook of our duo,) said she thinks it would be “great for making lasagna, or even for adding to your morning e-words!  Yum!” I just want somebody to put it on pasta they’ve made for me! www.delgrossofoods.com

Bain de Terre—Alice “loved the way these hair products smell,” while shallow me just was attracted to the colorful bottles! www.loxabeauty.com

As if all that were not enough from just one gifting suite, the VIP guests also left with a giant bag chockfull of even more goodies from some of these fun sponsors:

Zipsessory, Demes, Green Soap Inc, Pedisavers, Lil’ Green Girls, MD complete, Marina Cottage Soap Co., Wondrous Crystals, Hipoglos, Diane Addison Candles, CollapseAPail.com, Lavilin, Farrwest, Conscious Step, Babette, Wicked Bonbon, Wellin Hand Action Remedies, and at least a dozen more! Whew! Unbelievable.

But Secret Room Events doesn’t just give—they give back! Both of their chosen charities this time are animal-themed:

Farm Sanctuary, which operates shelters four rescued farm animals in my two home states, New York and California. www.farmsanctuary.org

Hope For Paws, which rescues all animals in desperate need throughout California and the US. www.hopeforpaws.org