SECRET ROOM EVENTS’ 2023 PRE-GRAMMYS GIFTING SUITE

With my crazy busy schedule, I had time for only one pre-Grammys event this year. So, of course, I chose to make it the Secret Room Events Gifting Suite in honor of the music business awards.

And I’m thrilled I did. So is Laura, my #1 contributing writer; she has been to many a gifting event with me over the past two years, but this was her first one from Secret Room Events, and she was blown-away. She said, “This suite certainly had so many products things that we ladies love. But, I liked that they also had a good number of offerings for the men, and even for the pets! There was something for everyone!”

It took place on the rooftop of the happening Petersen Automotive Museum in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles. Laura exclaimed, “It was a beautiful venue filled with beautiful and talented people!”

That brings me to this amusing little story about some of those people. Many of the guests were sporting headwear that day, either due to the event being outside or because they were just stylin’. (Or maybe they just didn’t want to wash their hair that day!) And Laura was one of the hat-wearers. (Her reason was that she was too lazy to apply sunscreen that morning. Shame on her.) Then, just as we were chatting with the two cute, young guys manning the Go Kart booth, (which I’ll tell you about later,) another guest, her old friend, Grammy-winning children’s artist, Lucky Diaz, (who was also rocking a hip chapeau,) ran over to her, and as they were screaming and hugging, one of the cute guys said to me, “I feel like everybody with a hat knows each other.” That actually made me guffaw out loud!

As always with Secret Room Events, the gifting began the second the guests entered! They had a table with a potpourri of unique items, (such as PoppinLove flavored popcorn, Keratin Therapy Pro Curl curling irons, LaKoet Blue Dew professional-grade hair serum, and a whole set of Historically Modern Designs‘ fancy drinkware,) which got refreshed throughout the day. You never know which ones will pop-up at which time—it’s always a wonderful surprise! Laura was amazed by it all, and gushed, “The person who was in charge of keeping that table full of goodies deserves a whole lot of praise for keeping it stocked all day. The table never looked empty!”

Now let’s get to the highlights of the fabulous gifts we discovered in the main portion of the event:

SJW Cosmetics—We kept seeing guests walking around with big, beautiful, blue boxes, and could not imagine what was in them! It turns-out, they came from this new skin care company, filled with their products, and their table was always so swamped with people clamoring for their products, that we almost forgot to visit them! But I’m thrilled we finally did because, not only did I love their offerings, and the equally-gorgeous colorful boxes which housed them, but Steven, (the creator of it all,) has grandparents who are from my neck of the woods in Brooklyn! Laura adds, “This company really stood out to me because of their creative packaging.  We were able to speak to the founder, and he confidently assured us that this is the only beauty care line that we will ever need.  He applied the facial serum to Karen right on site, and it really made a difference!” www.sjwcosmetics.com

Peach X Pearl Co.–I stopped right in my tracks when I saw this display because everything on their table was in a shade of mouthwatering pink! This is a multi-product-category company, but on-site they were gifting pretty scarves, in bright pink, of course. Laura said, “The scarf is so cute that it made me want to dye my hair blond and apply to law school so I can have my own Legally Blonde moment!” But they were mainly showcasing their brand new muted-rose purse that has side pockets for your water bottle, phone, you name it. And they even say there’s room for a pair of shoes in the center! That’s so perfect, especially for New Yorkers, because they cannot wear their walking shoes to work, nor their business footwear to cocktail hour. www.peachxpearl.com

Phantomasy—Laura exclaimed, “This is the most creative item at the event!” And I say–possibly at any event ever! I had just seen the Oscar-nominated movie Tar the night before, and when I came upon the reps modeling their line of uber-innovative, exquisite, handmade eye masks, I felt like I had stepped right into the end frame of that film! I asked Laura to describe them for you, and she said, “That’s hard. It’s like something you would wear to an Eyes Wide Shut party.” So I’ll give it a go. Most of them cover a big chunk of your face, (which is why I like them,) and…you can even wear your glasses underneath! You really must go to their site and see their work for yourselves. Laura aptly describes it as “couture for your face.”  www.phantomasy.com

Wrapped Clothing—This company was featuring so many different and beautiful styles of wraps and scarves that I have no idea how anyone chose just one! But the one that caught my eye the most was the Shoulder Shrug, which they cleverly bill as a “Scarf with Sleeves.” I love that! In this case, the best part is the looks of the items, but second to that is that it’s all made right here in LA! www.wrappedclothing.com

Outter Goddess—This designer was gifting a choice of a very cute “goddess” stretchy shirt, or a bangle bracelet, in either silver or gold, that reads, “Find yourself, and be that,” a message we both feel is important. As to its looks, Laura says, “It’s the perfect bracelet to add to your arm stack.” I especially appreciated that each bracelet came in a pink box within a shiny gift bag. And, along with the jewelry, in there was a cleaning cloth and a little pink crystal heart. To me, presentation is paramount.

Naté Hair Care—The very fashionable creator of this product, who Laura said had “the most gorgeous curly hair I have ever seen, of perfect spiral curls; it was a halo of curly perfection,” explained how to use their hair masque, so she knows of what she speaks! Laura was interested in it because her daughter has very curly, dry hair, so she would benefit from it. She told me, “I think the masque would make a big difference on tresses like hers.” I was just into the special brush that comes with it! www.natehaircare.com

Hidden Riches Men’s Skincare—I love a skincare line that’s just for men. I try to get Mr. X to use all of my products, but he balks at the lengthy process; I know that other males feel the same way. So this easy-to-use group of items seems perfect for them. Laura says, “Skin care should be just as important for men as it is for women, and I think if you complicate it, you lose the male audience. But this line is straightforward.  It gets to the point, which I think is a good approach to take with men.” I add–in all things! www.hrmenskin.com

Skin Prophecy—Being a fan of their products, (and of their always-uber-pleasant personnel,) I was happy to see this company at Secret Room Events once again. Laura met them for the first time, and tells us, “What attracted me to this skin care line is that it sets out to address specific skin care problems, such as acne and sun damage. As someone who has spent my whole life in the Southern California sun, I have my fair share of sun damage, so I tend to get excited about skin care that addresses problems I can relate to.”  www.skinprophecy.com

Pet Prophecy—Laura admired these pet care products, saying, “Pets have unique skin and hair care needs. So I love the idea of a pet care line that is safe and gentle for our furry family members.” And since it’s done by the same people as Skin Prophecy, we know it’s all high quality. www.petprophecy.com

Candles by Adisa—I don’t know how guests chose amongst all their beautiful items! There were candles in a variety of interesting fragrances and gorgeous containers. Or guests could choose a wax melt, which I had never even heard of before! Laura is very familiar with them and says, “I love wax melts more than actual candles.  They work in a little machine; it warms the wax which then releases the fragrance. I prefer this to a candle flame.” Perhaps that’s because they’re safer with children in the house. Either way, you can’t go wrong with anything from this company! www.candlesbyadisa.com

De La Cruz Collection—This fun beachwear company had quite a choice of fun-in-the-sun-related items. There were tropical ladies’ blouses, the “cutest tassel earrings,” according to Laura, which she says “add flair” to your swim attire, and two very attractive bathing suit wraps, all being modeled by a cute young girl in a bikini! Good thing it was a warm day out!  www.dlccollection.com

Lifeboost Coffee—As many of you know, I don’t drink coffee, but Laura does, so she’s taking this whole thing. She says, “I love that this company makes a low-acid coffee. Coffee can be hard on the stomach for a lot of people, (including myself!) So it’s nice to see a company addressing this problem.” www.lifeboostcoffee.com

Freestyle Photo & Imaging Supplies—I’ve been a fan of this local camera shop since I first discovered it at an earlier Secret Room event. So I’m happy whenever I see their colorful display. The crowd was clamoring for their actual film cameras once again—Freestyle just may be the only place to get them anymore! And they have them in colors! www.freestylephot.biz

Afi Briant—This Canadian women’s apparel designer was gifting beautiful silk scarves with prints that were inspired by her son’s artwork. Laura says, “As a mom, I love this idea of taking something created by your child and turning it into something wearable and beautiful.” I wish my own mother had done that with my designs, although we’d all be walking around with scarves imprinted with just a house and tree on them! www.afibriant.com

5 Circle Skin Care–This line gifted little bags with three of their top products. Laura was most interested in the “Baggage Check,” which she says “addresses all of the under-eye issues that most of us have.” Judging by how exhausted everyone looked by the end of this fabulous event, I’m sure they all went home and tore right into it! www.5circleskincare.com

Homme Products—There’s so much to like with these skincare products, which are made just for men, and include items for face, body, and hair. First of all, the packaging is classy. And their system is streamlined, while even including a concealer, which is interesting because I had never realized that males need it, too! But after checking-out their site, my favorite thing is that every single offering is an affordable $25! I love uniformity like that; it makes life so much easier. www.hommeproducts.com

Cakestry Cosmetics—They had the most mouth-watering display of things that looked like ice cream and pastel-colored donuts! But upon further inspection, everything on their table was…soap! Their tiny gummy bear-shaped soaps will definitely make your children wash their hands. (And no worries if they make a mistake and eat them—it will be exactly washing their mouths out with soap, which so many of today’s kids need, anyway!!!) www.cakestrycosmetics.com

Radazz Apparel—This is a clever new item, the likes of which we’ve never seen before. It was created by a biker who had a need for a head wrap while keeping his glasses on. (Actually, it’s a need most of us have, biker or not.) As Laura says, “I love a company that clearly solves a problem. As a person who wears glasses, I can empathize with the pain involved when you wear a headscarf with glasses. This company addresses that problem head-on (no pun intended.)” They were featuring two styles that day, one that ties in the back, and a cute girly one that ties with a bow in the front. Now can someone please direct me to the nearest Harley dealer? www.radazzapparel.com

Pure Trim—This company’s many health and wellness products are always among the most popular ones at any Secret Room Events’ suite! Laura had always read what I wrote about them here, even before she started working with me, so she was very excited when she spotted their table. Then as we approached it, she heard a woman say of one of their items, “I can’t live without this.” She told me, “That certainly got my attention!”  www.puretrim.com

Mikel Kristi Skincare—This company was gifting cute little travel cases with samples of a quartet of their products. Laura checked it out and says, “This skin care line was developed in Arizona, using the desert as it’s inspiration. If it can aid skin in a harsh dry climate like that one, it can help people anywhere!” www.mikelkristi.com

Anecdote Naturals—Each guest received one of this company’s travel candles. Laura says she loves bringing candles with her when she travels because “it’s nice to have something to make your hotel room smell nice.” So we’re sure that these went right into the recipients’ suitcases.  www.anecdotenaturals.com

Go Kart World–This fun super-center in the South Bay was gifting certificates for over a dozen sessions! Sounds like party time to me. That’s because they’re actually for grown-ups! But I have a feeling kids would love the place, too. Laura looked over their colorful display, (when she could tear herself away from the guy in the hat, that is,) and said, “This business looks like they are taking Go Karting to the next level.” Speaking of headwear, I’m just hoping that helmets are involved. www.gokartworld.com

One of the hallmarks of Secret Room Events is that they bestow a sturdy humongous bag, (this time courtesy of SJW Cosmetics,) upon each VIP guest as they leave. It’s filled with sooooo many incredible gifts that it’s like your birthday and Christmas rolled into one. As always, I must give you a sneak peek into the highlights of them:

Of the Earth Creations‘ most exquisite little old-fashioned “box” with a necklace that looks like a bird’s nest, with pearls as the eggs!; a whole set of skin and lip care products from Ancient Rituals Cosmetics; Vahdam India‘s beautiful gift box of turmeric-infused teas; a limited edition numbered tee-shirt, designed specifically for the Grammys, by Str8cron; very interesting pearl earrings by Gina Gant; a beautiful garnet (my birthstone, actually!) bracelet from Crisilyne; Build to Blossom‘s glass water bottle with a crystal in it!; fun sparkly green earrings from WandW Galleria, which will be perfect for next month’s St. Paddy’s Day celebrations; JP Beautiful Jewels‘ lovely Cape Cod scallop seashell pendant beaded necklace; a little kit of down-home wellness products from Sweet Grass Essentials, made on a small farm in Washington state; Rinnovare‘s daily facial wash; certs for a treat when Mochidoki mochi shop opens in town in a couple of months; something I’ve never heard of before—chocolate coffee from Global Teas; The Wandering Jewel‘s silver pendant featuring the word “mutha,” which has a whole story behind it; a larvikite and silver stainless steel ring from Solistial Jewelry; little gold “Mommy and Me” bracelets from Kindred & Crew; Brown Books Publishing Group‘s book about fighting for motherhood; a beautiful artisan soap by 4U by Schells; wellness drink mix from Aqua Ree; Blessed Hex‘s candle in clever names that reflect their whole vibe; products to help with tattoo aftercare from Ink Defense; an assortment of wellness samples from Coop & Spree; Tatiyana Collections‘ feminine care products; and Sipsafe Drinking Buddy, which is a little plastic device you attach to cans so your mouths don’t touch the dirt on them. Who thinks of some of these things?! They’re all items you didn’t even realize you needed.

Okay, I have to go rest up now for Secret Room Events upcoming pre-Oscars event! I can’t wait!