This was a lovely event on the hot March day before the 2026 Oscars. The Travel Lounge was held on the rooftop of L’Hermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, right across from the pool area, but in a world of its own.

Johnny Ray Gill on the right, with a friend. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one above.

The entire event was tented, and the weather underneath it was as beautiful as the atmosphere of the Lounge. It was so peaceful and hip.

I was too busy conversing with host Peta Phipps and the sponsors to notice most of the other guests, but when I was doing an art activity, (which I’ll tell you about in a minute,) at the same time as a couple of cute guys, I learned that one of them was Johnny Ray Gill, an actor on a TV show named Cross.

So let’s get to the highlights of the gifts he and the other VIP guests received. They are:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Casa de Campo Resort—With so many of us really needing some relaxation these days, taking a trip is a much-desired activity. (That’s why we’re all happy to visit the Travel Lounge, of course!) So, in that spirit, this Dominican Republic resort was gifting certificates for complimentary three-night stays with them. The images I saw of the place looked mouthwatering. I wanted to crawl into the backdrop on the roof right then and there! On top of that, each guest left with a bottle of premium Dominican rum, Brugal Anejo, to enjoy while they’re making their reservations to Casa De Campo! www.casadecampo.com.do

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Ekouaer—This hip loungewear company was gifting each guest a bag with two fabulous and adorable items, which made my pajama-loving-self’s mouth water. One is a set of very fashionable light blue satin PJs, featuring shorts and a short-sleeved top, making the females in attendance look forward to summer this year. And the other is my fave—classic and cozy navy blue cotton long PJs.  www.ekouaer.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Coofandy—This men’s clothing company with an interesting moniker was very generous in gifting a couple of handsome items. One was a textured knit top in the universal color of beige. And the one that I would rock for myself, (because wearing your boyfriend’s clothing is always cool,) is a lightweight chocolate brown blazer, which is perfect for this new Spring season! wwwcoofandy.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Spooge Sunscreen—I had the best time speaking with uber-knowledgeable dermatologist Dr. Whitney Hovenic, who is the founder of this new-ish sunscreen company.  She took one look at a scar I have on my face, and was kind enough to spend a good chunk of time explaining my options to tweak it a bit. So, I just may be bidding all my LA homies adieu for a little while while I move to Reno so my new bestie can fix my face!!! To help everyone at the Lounge avoid scars like mine, Whitney’s company was gifting a couple of interesting sunscreens, which come in five different formulas, including one for butts! (I assume those are for the girls who wear thong bikinis; I’m letting you all figure-out for yourselves if I am one of them!)  www.spooge.co

Karen Salkin (showing her easel) and artist Lilly O’Brien, both enjoying The Travel Lounge.

Lo Art—Artist Lilly O’Brien and I were happy to see each other again, having met at the previous Travel Lounge.  Once again, the guests were invited to paint a picture on a mini canvas that she provided for us, along with brushes and paints, of course. And I loved doing so, as I did last time. With my crazy, busy schedule that day, I couldn’t spend as much time as I would have liked on my creation, so I just started with a bit of blue paint and saw where it went.  And no surprise, I came up with one of my signature tiny houses. It wasn’t as good as the one I did last time, but Mr. X still loved it, so I’m good. And each guest left with their own personal mini-easel and canvas, so they can continue the creativity at home.  www.loartla.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Jayne’s Luxury Rentals—Since I’ve spent several chunks of time in Canada with Mr. X whenever he starred in shows up there, I was most interested to learn about this area of Ontario, Muskoka, which was new to me. The company was offering gift certificates for two-night stays at a lakeside property, which sounds like heaven to this city girl! I just may have to talk Mr. X into doing another play or musical in Toronto so I can accompany him, and chill in a cottage on the nearby lake! www.jaynesluxuryrentals.com

The Harris twins recently put on yet another happening event at the Universal Hilton. There was a fun mix of celebs, music, gifts, physical experiences, snacks, media peeps, and a few Oscar nominees thrown in, including the make-up team from Frankenstein, who won the award two days later!

Chris Noth. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I can’t state the ambiance of the suite better than my contributing writer Roz did, so here are her words about it: “The room was alive with the sound of harp music, played by Karina Ward. What a lovely way to embrace brands and attendees alike with lifting and floating sounds that only a harp can make. Interesting to note that outside temps in Los Angeles were running high, into the high 80s on a sunny winter day, but the inside where stars and products could mingle became something that was super cool, both figuratively and literally.”

Among the celebs we spied, (including E.T.’s Dee Wallace and Criminal Minds’ Joe Mantegna,) Roz was the most excited to see Sex and the City’s Chris Noth. I have seen him on only the recent TV show, The Equalizer, and I must say that he looks exactly the same in person. I helped him get a special palm reading right after we got ours, so I hope his was as fun as mine was.

So let’s begin the highlights of the gifts and services right there:

Karen Salkin’s palms being read. Photo by Roz Wolf, as is the photo at the top of this article, of Karen Salkin signing the celebrity poster.

Japanese Palm Reading by Maika Cenju—This was so fun! As soon as we entered the event, a friend who was on her way out ran over to me and told me I just had to do it! Maika Cenju, (who is also an author,) did the reading, but, since she doesn’t speak much English, she had an adorable girl interpreting for her. And they both gasped the second they looked at my palms. They declared, “There’s sooooo much going on in your head!” Duh. Have they met me?! They showed me the line that goes back to when I was little, and started laughing because they said my brain was the same way back then! So we know that they definitely can read palms correctly!!! Roz’s turn came next and she deemed the experience to be “really delightful,” and added, “Within five-minutes, my reading gave me a Star Trek-like experience because now I think I will live long and prosper.”

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Bluelene—I’ve used some of this company’s products before, but they were new to Roz. She looked over several of the items and declared it to be a “really cool skincare line.” She sampled their Eye Plus+ serum on the spot, and tells us that it’s “soft and subtle,” and “feels really good.” www.mbluelabs.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Beverly Hills Smile Care—This female dentist was on hand to answer any dental queries the guests might have. She was also gifting a package of an exam, consultation, and teeth whitening, which, trust me, Mr. X and I keep noticing that waaaay too many people, including actors, need these days! (But her rep, Erica, has the most beautiful skin, so maybe they should include dermatology into their practice since they already have the perfect face for it!) And their business cards have the best-feeling texture ever, so I would trust them with aesthetics! www.beverlyhillssmilecare.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Art Lewin Bespoke—I agree with Roz who says, “It’s always a pleasure to see Art Lewin!” At each event he does, this bespoke tailor has a different gift bag to surprise us with. Roz says that she “especially loved the silver-tone pocket square and bowtie” in the one we saw that day. She adds, “I’m sure they can elevate any attire.” On a side note, I spoke to my great friend, movie star Elliott Gould, the other day, and he mentioned that the best suit he ever got was one Art made for him! So now I’ll have to get one for Mr. X, as well! www.artlewinbespoke.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Bailin Botanicals—This skincare line was gifting a pretty bag of a duo of their products—Transformative Hydrating Wrinkle Reducing Face Cream and Illuminating Hydrating Face Oil. Roz sampled both, and tells us, “The products have a nice fresh smell, and both were easily absorbed into my skin. Very hydrating. And they have beautiful packaging, to boot.” www.bailinbotanicals.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Invanti Electric Bikes—This electric bike company could not give away bikes, of course, so they did the next best thing—they gifted air pumps instead. Clever. Roz checked one out, and admired that “it’s small enough to fit in a backpack or purse, and gives precise pressure so you can inflate a tire with confidence.” www.invanti.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Central Cali Caregivers—I’m always happy to see this wellness products company for two reasons. One is that the reps are always pleasant, including the newest member of the team—the owner’s adorbs eight-year-old son! Second is that my perennially-painful back lives for their famous Miracle Healing Rub! I highly recommend it to everyone, especially the Wow Creations guests who must have been exhausted from all their gift-gathering! www.centralcalicaregivers.net

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty—This fragrance company was gifting a choice of their Moonlight Mahogany, (which Roz says “sounds so romantic,”) or Egyptian Goddess, (which she says, “also sounds good, and probably makes you feel really confident.”) She spent some time with Dr. Monica herself, and really liked her, telling me that she “has a positive energy and a passion for inspiring others,” and that it “was lovely meeting her.” www.drmonicasnaturalbeauty.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Scalp Sanctuary—This Pasadena hair salon was gifting a moisturizing shampoo and a hair masque, which should come in handy for those guests with dry hair. If I can find some time to get out that way one of these days, maybe I will review their services for you because, after all, no one has more hair than I do, so they’ll have a lot to work with! www.scalpsanctuary.com

Mela & Co.—This company took care of the guests’ hair and body in one fell swoop by gifting a little bottle of cleanser that covers both areas! Roz says it “also smells really nice and fresh, which is always a good thing.” www.melaco.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Ungun Institute—The organization specializes in ways to “disarm trauma.” They were at the suite mainly to impart information, but they were kind enough to serve adorable little bottles of homemade lemonade, created by none other than a twelve-year-old girl, who was on site to greet the new fans of her beverage. They also gave-out samples of Carmen’s Healing Butter, which Roz tried and said “has a delightful feel.” www.unguninstitute.com

Karen Salkin’s head sticking out of the perosnal sauna. And no–she did not cut her luxurious locks–she just put her hair behind her on top of the sauna! Photo by Chris D’Angelo.

Relax Saunas—Right before we left, we had the most interesting experience, which Roz described as “something new and novel”—sitting in portable saunas!!! It was a riot. And I’m sure it’s helpful to our health, as saunas are known to be. Only our heads stuck out, and, even with clothing and full jewelry on, we didn’t get sweaty or uncomfortable. All I needed after that was a bottle of water. And a pillow!!! www.relaxsaunas.com

Stanglwirt Resort—VIPs received a gift certificate for this luxury and wellness resort in…Austria! Not exactly a hop, skip, and jump, but that’s the point, right? Two of the friends I love most in the world live there, (in Austria, not at the resort, of course,) so I’d be thrilled to finally get to see them again! I got a gander at one of the certs, and I noticed that part of the gift is a complimentary massage for each guest! So I wonder if I travel alone, can I visit the spa twice? www.stanglwirt.com/en

We also noticed a variety of new books on offer, but were time-constrained, so we didn’t get to interact with the authors. But two of the titles are Unshakable and Life Storms. I hope the former is not true of the latter!

Having sustenance at these events is always appreciated, so everyone looked happy that feeding us along the way were Gino’s East pizzas and famous Randy’s Donuts.

I don’t think that I’ve ever missed a Wow Creations gifting suite! So off my co-writer Laura and I went last week to the Universal Hilton two days before the Emmys for this rendition.

The Harris Twins have thrown their events at this venue before, but this time it was in the Mandarin Room, which was a new area of the hotel to us. We got a kick out of that because we love seeing new places.

A trio of happy Wow visitors: (L-R) Laura Saul, Karen Salkin, and Marc Winer. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Laura really enjoyed it, saying, “As usual for Wow Creations, it was such a fun and glamorous event. The whole experience felt like a perfect mix of luxury, networking, and celebration leading up to the Emmys.”

On the snack front, before we even entered the gift room, we were treated to West Coast Pretzels and Randy’s Donuts, and later, just when our energy began to wane, we came upon Traveling Tarts, who had us make our own custard-and-berries tart with the ingredients they provided, which they then boxed-up for us to take home.

Here are the rest of the highlights of what we discovered there:

Neo Shaman Kozu giving a guest a “soul reading” through her interpreter. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Neo Shaman Kozu—We actually ended our time at the suite with our favorite part of the day. We received “soul” readings, (through an interpreter,) by a lovely Japanese woman who had the most gorgeous fingernails! Laura explains the experience thusly, “Kozue offered each guest a spiritual energy reading, asking what was weighing on our minds. Based on our response, she shared guidance to help us navigate the burdens that we carry. For me, the experience felt deeply personal, as if her insight reached beyond words into something unspoken. Her presence carried a calm, grounding energy that made it easy to open up. Long after the reading, her words lingered, offering quiet reassurance and reflection.” We each left with a “talisman” that she wrote individually for us. But the funny thing is that, while we’re not allowed to show it to anyone, it’s entirely…in Japanese! So now we’ve got to take language classes to know what our personal message says!

Photo by Karen Salkin.

ManLabs—This men’s skincare line was gifting a trio of their products—toning cleanser, serum, and cream—in one convenient set. Laura liked that they’re “proudly made in the USA, and are housed in airless packaging, which helps preserve the integrity of active ingredients over time.” I’m sure all the males at the suite felt special because they had something all for themselves! www.manlabs.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Scalp Sanctuary—This Pasadena “head spa” had the most lovely, (and appreciated by me,) presentation! It was a little bag with a trio of hair products—shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner—that was wrapped in a classy and colorful scarf, (the guests got their choice of which one,) and tied-up with a black scrunchie, finished with a gold charm!!! OMG! What a fun way to learn about their services. That considerate attention to detail made me feel that I should return the favor and review them for you one day soon. www.scalpsanctuary.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Art Lewin—As usual, we were happy to see this perpetually-upbeat tailor again. Laura said that Art is “always the classiest vendor at any gifting suite, and his presence is sure to elevate the atmosphere.” His gift this time was a boxed bow tie with a matching pocket square, in the guests’ choice of red, black, or white. Laura added that his “elegant gifts are a subtle preview of the bespoke experience he offers at his ateliers.” www.artlewinbespoke.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

ITP Beauty—We enjoyed discovering a new entry into the tinted sunscreen arena. Laura tried some on her hand, and declared it to be “lightweight” and “giving skin a natural, glowing tint.” She was impressed that “it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and sustainably made in the USA.” We both liked that it comes in three colors to “suit diverse skin tones,” and I’m happy that it’s a serum, as opposed to the usual creams and lotions. Everyone should use sunscreen daily, so hopefully this one will coerce some people to get started on doing so! www.itpbeauty.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Central Cali Caregivers—Laura and I both limped into the suite with painful knees. So we were especially happy to see what Laura refers to as “a Wow suite staple” because they were gifting their famous Miracle Healing Rub! Laura says it’s “designed to promote natural relief and recovery,” and declares that it “truly lives up to its name!” (I’ve always known that!) www.centralcalicaregivers.net

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Vivloop—Laura tells us that this Japanese t-shirt company was gifting “high-quality tees that feature unique and eye-catching graphics. Each design felt thoughtfully crafted, reflecting creativity and attention to detail.” We particularly liked ones that had colorful fishes and abstract frogs on the front, which we were told both mean something good in Japan.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Most important of all was Wow’s wonderful charity of choice this time. It was Face Forward which, for just about two decades, has been providing free reconstructive surgery and therapy for people who have been victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and other acts of violence. And they perform this kindness all over the world! Laura points-out that “their mission is to help individuals heal both physically and emotionally.” And to remind the guests at the suite about them, they gave-out gift bags containing hair oil and even a handmade necklace! How very generous of them. We all should be the ones giving gifts, (and donations,) to them! www.faceforwardla.org

Regular readers know how much I love that GBK constantly surprises us with the venues for their events. This time, the day before the Emmys, they threw their GBK Luxury Lounge in the Garden Terrace of the Sun Rose Hotel in West Hollywood, which was totally new to me. I hope to explore the hotel more in the near future because what my co-writer, Laura, and I saw of it that day was lovely. (And they gave each guest a gift certificate for a one-night stay, which will make it easy for everybody who was at the lounge that day to do so!)

DJ Dazzler having some fun with one of the guests. Photo by Karen Salkin.

There was something so friendly about this entire event; it seemed that everyone was joyfully meeting and greeting. From the beginning, before we even entered the event space, we were warmly welcomed by my favorite security guard, Patrick. And that camaraderie continued with PR peeps Tad and Jenn, organizer Gavin, and then once inside, our favorite food purveyor, Ike from Ike’s Love and Sandwiches.

Laura said, “As always, GBK did not disappoint. In addition to the gifts, they consistently deliver the best music, food, and drinks. They understand that while receiving gifts is exciting for celebrities, the experience as a whole should be just as enjoyable.”

Here are the highlights of the day:

Ike Shehadeh surrounded by his old and new gal pals, (L-R) Karen Salkin, Kristen of BH Pilates, and Laura Saul. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Ike’s Love and Sandwiches—Ike was in attendance once again, happily feeding the entire assemblage. We love that guy! Laura, (Ike’s biggest fan, outside of her tween daughter, who is obsessed with his food,) said, “I couldn’t imagine a GBK event without Ike Shehadeh—his presence has become a tradition. He was handing out his signature, overstuffed sandwiches, which are just as bold and flavorful as the brand itself, which is known for their quirky sandwich names, secret “dirty sauce,” and inclusive menu that caters to meat-lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike.” Lucky guests also received one of Ike’s colorful signature tee-shirts.  www.ikessandwich.com

Photo by Laura Saul, as is the one at the top of this page.

Hansens Cakes—And then there was a surprise dessert from seventy-five-year-old classic LA bakery, Hansens. You could eat a cupcake right on site, or, better yet, make your own six-pack. Or both!  Native Angeleno Laura says, “Hansens Cakes has been a beloved fixture at elegant Los Angeles weddings, birthday parties, and special events for as long as I can remember. Established in 1920, this family-owned bakery has built a reputation for crafting exquisitely designed custom cakes, pastries, and desserts that blend classic techniques with modern flair. Known for their attention to detail and commitment to quality, they use only the finest ingredients to create visually stunning and delicious treats tailored to each celebration. Their creations have become synonymous with sophistication and indulgence in the L.A. event scene. That’s why I was especially excited to see them at GBK this year—their presence added a touch of timeless elegance to the event.” www.hansenscakes.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Oro Vento Parfum—This men’s perfume company was gifting a choice of several of their eau de parfum fragrances. Laura took a whiff of some of them, and told me she was “pleasantly surprised by their subtle and well-balanced scents. The one that stood out to me was Harmonia Elixir, which features a natural essential oil fragrance that feels both fresh and sophisticated. Unlike many traditional colognes, it’s light enough for everyday wear without losing its complexity or depth. Oro Vento’s approach combines quality ingredients with elegant compositions, making their fragrances appealing to those who prefer understated yet memorable scents. Their collection reflects a modern take on classic perfumery, perfect for anyone seeking a refined and unique aroma.” And the fun news for all of us is that the GBK lounge was offering this sneak peek at the Dubai-based company, which hasn’t launched in the US yet, so we’re all ahead of the pack now! www.orovento.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Cat Cora Cookware—Laura says, “It’s typical at gifting suites to see celebrities on the receiving end of the gifts. But there was a surprise this time—a celebrity handing out some gifts! Chef Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef, was there giving away items from her cookware line.” To follow-up on Laura’s note, I feel terrible that I didn’t realize that Cat is famous—even though I was mainly a restaurant critic for many years, I have never watched cooking shows. (Strange, I know.) But I so admire that she didn’t act like anyone should know her; she just seemed grateful when I complimented her wares and her fabulous chef’s jacket. And she laughed when I told her that, after watching a Dateline while I was getting ready for the event that morning, I didn’t think I should accept one of her stunning chef’s knives because Mr. X and I don’t need any potential weapons in the house. But, more importantly, these were seriously the best knives I’ve ever seen in my life, including perusing my fair share of blades in my restaurant reviewing days. And Cat’s are very affordable, to boot. I have a feeling that I’m not the lounge’s only guest who is going to have to learn to cook now.  www.catcora.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Ritualslane Skincare—We always love learning about a new skincare line, and Laura says that this one “emphasizes natural and botanical‑infused ingredients.” Their fun rep demonstrated a couple of their products on our hands, and Laura felt like they “delivered visible improvements, such as smoothing fine lines, providing dehydration, and restoring youthful glow.” The guests each received a “Pure Harmony Complexion Set,” which contained some of the company’s top items, so that skincare will become a “ritual” for all of them! www.ritualslane.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Jam Vino—This is a very interesting food item we have never seen before! It’s wine-infused jams! The guests each received a set of their trio of flavors: Blackberry Merlot, Raspberry Moscato, and “Strueberry Blanc,” (which is a combo of strawberries and blueberries with Sauvignon Blanc.) To make it easier for everyone to sample them right then and there, they put dollops of each jam into little puff pastries in individual easy-to-grab containers. Besides enjoying the taste, Laura was impressed that “the brand is woman-and-minority‑owned, with Chef Lori drawing on family traditions of jam-making and adding her culinary creativity.” I introduced one of my friends to them, and he said he thinks they’d be great as marinades, as well. www.jamvino.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Beverly Hills Pilates Studio—This upscale pilates place right in the heart of Beverly Hills was gifting a private session with their lovely rep, Kristen. (I later spoke with the owner, Lisa, and she was an absolute delight, as well!) Laura researched them, and tells us the sessions “are tailored to individual needs, and accommodate all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with a strong focus on core strength, flexibility, and alignment.” To remind us to visit them, guests also received a choice of the studio’s tees, tank tops, and even long-sleeved polo shirts, which is a different and welcome gift from an exercise establishment. Since I did Pilates for years, (and this studio is conveniently right near all of my doctors’ offices,) I just may pay them a visit soon. It was good to learn about this friendly neighborhood wellness facility. www.beverlyhillspilatesstudio.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Shepherd Boy Farms—This family-owned pet food company was gifting a variety of items I had never seen before in my two decades of owning adorable toy poodles! Laura looked them over and tells us, “Their product line includes freeze-dried raw diet treats and nutritional goat’s milk supplements, all made from U.S.-sourced ingredients raised without antibiotics or added hormones.” She concludes, “Our pets are such an important part of the family, so it’s refreshing to see pet food receiving the same level of care and attention we give to our own meals.” (My faint-of-heart eating self was just relieved to find-out that the treats that had “duck hearts” and “bison liver” in their titles were for animals, who will love them, and not for me!)  www.shepherdboyfarms.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Ophora Water—I was happy to see this water company on-site because, for some reason, I’ve always liked their big bottles! The rep invited us to visit their premises when we have a bit of time, and take in their spa and cold water plunge, (which I never knew about,) both filled with their own bottled water! We chatted with him awhile, and Laura found-out the company is “proudly headquartered in Carpinteria, which just happens to be my favorite beach town!” So I guess we’ll be headed up there sometime soon.  www.www.ophorawater.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

GBK’s charity this time was the wonderful nonprofit organization, Food On Foot, that is “dedicated to assisting our unhoused and low-income neighbors in Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and a fresh start through life-skills training, full-time employment, and permanent housing.” I cannot imagine a more worthy program to get involved with! I thank GBK for making us aware of it, and I’m happy to pass along that knowledge to all of you. www.foodonfoot.org

As someone who wishes that I had traveled much more than I have, (although I am the only person I know who has lived in Malta for six months, and was in a traveling circus before that,) my mouth watered when I was invited to this event that celebrated the Emmys that was coming up a couple of days later.

(L-R) Karen Salkin and Laura Saul starting their paintings, which is explained in the Lo Art section below. Photo by Lilly O’Brien.

It was hosted by Peta Phipps, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Caribbean Living and Swanky Retreats, and is someone I had known a few years ago, so it was a nice surprise to see her again.

The Travel Lounge was held in the Juniper Garden of the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. I hadn’t been there since the opening soiree, so it was fun to pay a return visit to the venue.

The entire event was just what my contributing writer, Laura, and I needed at that moment. It was all so relaxing, with nice and upbeat people at every turn. Laura said, “I was really impressed by the venue and the event! The lounge felt like a peaceful oasis in the heart of chaotic Sunset Blvd.”

She was especially happy that “the moment we stepped into the garden, we were greeted by a shelf filled with delicious, refreshing young coconuts, (filled with their water, of course,) each one thoughtfully branded with the event’s name on the shell.”

Photo by Karen Salkin.

As always-down-to-snack gals, we were thrilled to see a very colorful charcuterie-and-specialty-crackers spread right away. Laura said it was all “elegant, and featured some exotic and unusual items I had never encountered before!” I feel the same—I wish had asked a member of the lovely hotel personnel what some of the veggies were. We sat right down and enjoyed a snack while chatting with one of the sponsors. It was the perfect way to start-off our Travel Lounge journey.

Here are the highlights of what we learned about there:

Casa de Campo. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Casa de Campo—This luxurious Dominican Republic resort was gifting certificates for complimentary three-night stays with them. We talked to their reps for quite awhile, and, as Laura tells us, “learned that the Dominican Republic is a sought-after location for film and television productions, thanks to its diverse landscapes—from mountains and beaches to lush jungles. Popular filming spots include Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Casa de Campo, all offering breathtaking scenery and production-friendly infrastructure. The country also provides tax incentives, making it an appealing choice for filmmakers. With my new knowledge, I feel that, with a skilled local workforce and modern production facilities, the Dominican Republic ensures a smooth and professional filming experience.” Hmm—maybe I can shoot my YouTube Channel videos there! (An interesting addendum for us is that the very next day, we met a woman who’s from there, and when we told her about the certs, she actually gasped when we said they’re for Casa de Campo! She told us that it’s “so gorgeous” there! We felt like stars!) www.casadecampo.com.do

Photo by Laura Saul, as is the one at the top of this article.

My Flight Advisor—I love traveling, but absolutely detest making my flight reservations. So I understand some people’s need for a private jet travel advisor. The only time I’ve ever been on private flights was when I was doing my TV show, and was occasionally flown to destinations to appear in sports tournaments. (Trust me—I was the worst one, but they needed a few funny girls back then to balance out the very serious and competitive guys!) so, just talking to the guys from this advisory company made me long for those days. The celebs at this lounge received a super-generous gift card for their private services! Lucky them. www.myflightadvisor.com

The mini paintings of Karen Salkin, on the left, and Laura Saul, on the right. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Lo Art—This was the most unique thing we have ever run into at a gifting suite, and we adored it. Artist Lilly O’Brien, (whose paintings are all varied and beautiful,) had set-up tables with supplies for us to paint our own art on what Laura dubbed “the most adorable little canvases!” Lilly had thought of absolutely everything—in addition to the canvases, there were mini easels, paints, (of course,) new brushes, jars of water to rinse them in, palettes on which to mix our colors, and even artists’ smocks!!! Doing the work made me be the relaxed I’ve ever been at an event, so this was perhaps the greatest gift ever—the gift of peace! Laura said, “Lilly was a wonderful instructor—warm, encouraging, and able to make everyone feel that their unique painting style was exactly right.” Uh, excuse me, pal—my signature house scene is exactly right! www.loartla.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Ekouaer—This loungewear company was gifting all the guests a bag with a set of their silk teddy bear PJs, a couple of  adorable dog onesies, and one of their famous “Teddy” friends in a sealed box, so you didn’t know which one of the half dozen pals you get. Such an adorbs concept. The Ekouaer reps for this lounge were a trio of adorable young ladies from Hong Kong. I was thrilled to meet them because I was recently confused when the US Open mentioned a guy from there who called it his “country,” which has surprised me, thinking he was incorrect. The girls explained that I am correct—as they said, Hong Kong is a “region of China!,” not its own country. Where better to learn something like that than The Travel Lounge?! www.ekouaer.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Nanlite—This lighting company was gifting their Lumo light which, as techie Laura explains, is “a portable, foldable ring light designed for smartphone users. It attaches easily to phones and provides soft even lighting for selfies, video calls, vlogging, and other mobile content. The light offers adjustable brightness and color temperature to suit different environments. It also functions as a phone grip or stand, making it convenient for shooting on the go. Compact and stylish, it’s built for people who want professional-looking lighting in a small, easy-to-carry package.” I may just start using one when I use my phone camera as a mirror! www.nanlite.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

The Admiral’s Golf Club by Palmer Advantage—In addition to the guests getting to do a little putting on a practice strip right on-site, the company was gifting a year membership to what Laura tells us is “an exclusive network of private golf clubs, as well as public and resort courses. And they all have special member-only benefits while also providing privileges at almost two hundred private golf, city, and social clubs across North America for both leisure and business.” www.palmeradvantage.com

Uzo Aduba. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And then, on our way out of the garden, we noticed Emmy-winning actress, (and current 2025 nominee again,) Uzo Aduba arriving. We were happy for her and her guests, knowing all the fun they were about to have at The Travel Lounge!

This new entry into the gifting game was adorbs! My contributing writer on this one, Roz, and I were so glad to be included. It was the perfect event with which to kick-off our Emmys Weekend.

Photo by INAM staff.

The Top of the Line PR Pop-Up Gifting Suite was held at a beauty service salon on Melrose. That was such a great venue idea since there were sooo many make-up, tools, and accessories gifts!  That’s what I loved about the event the most—it was female-centric. And I’m sure that all the glamour girls in attendance were grateful for it, as well.

We arrived at around noon and it was already very happening. Everyone looked fab, in so many different styles of fashion! We saw everything from ultra-casual to even one woman in a black tie dress!

Let’s go in order of what we experienced at the Top of the Line PR Pop-Up:

There was a Step-and-Repeat in front, with many photogs out there, snapping away. The cute, young, female, first-time organizers, Ray and Jess, made us all feel comfortable from the get-go.

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.

As we stepped inside, the very first thing we noticed was the pretty and intimate ambiance, which put us at ease right away. Roz said, “I especially enjoyed the many flowers which were placed all around the room.” I agree—they were all really gorgeous and added so much to the look of the place, along with some auxiliary festive balloons.

The ladies handed-out goodie bags right from the start, which was such a fun way to begin our time there. We got a peek into a couple of them, and noticed that they included lipsticks, tiger-patterned bandanas courtesy of Yasaman Fashion, and beautiful gift boxes containing stone bracelets by Rock & Roll Designs! And the bags themselves were shiny silver, to boot! (There’s one in the pic at the top of this article–the girl in the middle has it slung over her back!) Roz said, “The bags were fun, and just the right size to hold the goodies that were gathered in the room that offered many beauty supplies.”

Just a few of the adorbs items on offer! Photo by Karen Salkin.

And that brings us to that product-filled VIP Room! It was a dream come true for girly-girls like us. (And, it appeared, everyone else there, as well.) There were shelves set-up with so many different kinds of interesting and handy beauty items. And we were told to choose all that we liked. I appreciated them all, of course, but I went wild for the minis, such as darling tiny nail files in wild designs, which I desperately need to carry in my small evening purses. The variety of gifts in that area was so big that I can’t even remember them all, but some highlights were hand creams, lip glosses, make-up sponges in assorted sizes, portable compressed towels, (that I did not even know existed until that day!,) shower steamers, lip scrubbers, make-up remover pads in an easy-to-carry-anywhere size, and face, eye, and lip masks! And all in adorable packaging. It was all so clever, especially the presentation.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Back in the main area, there was a big table of colorful flip-flops for the taking. There were several choices in different sizes, and all of them were so attractive that I have no idea how anyone chose. Roz commented that it was “so nice that they gave cute flip-flops to everyone!”

There were also a couple of attire companies, including caps and hats, and one interesting jeweler who welded the bracelet chains right onto the guests! And one side of the VIP area featured a table with a stand of mouthwatering cupcakes along with cups of classy candies, while across the room was a full and fun beverage bar.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

On the way out was semi-vegan Roz’s favorite table—Mama Aunties Vegan Cookies. Roz said, “I especially liked the display of cookies, with many flavors, in cute little cups.” She spoke with the bakers for a long while, and tells us, “The ladies who presented the treats were super nice and gave us a choice of cookies including chocolate chip, oatmeal, and white chocolate macadamia nut. They even had one that was gluten-free. They have lovely vegan products on their website, and I know lots of people who want this kind of deliciousness in their life.” Including her entire fam!

This is one time that I can actually declare that a good time was had by all! Now I can’t wait until Top of the Line PR’s next event!

Now I have to explain in advance why I won’t be live-tweeting the Emmys on Sunday. In what I consider to be a scheduling snafu, one of the major theaters in LA is having their Opening Night at the same time as the Emmys! And I’m lucky enough to be invited. It’s a comedy, and who among us doesn’t need a good laugh right about now? But I will try to tweet at least a little bit (@MajorCelebrity) when I return from the after-party and start watching the awards show. And I hope to publish my full Emmys review in the next week or so.

Since I was mostly otherwise-engaged the week before the recent Oscars, (with show openings, restaurant reviews, soirees,) I had time to attend only one Gifting Suite this year, and Wow Creations was it!

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.

It was held once again in the ballroom of the Universal Hilton Hotel; that gave everyone a big space to move around in, which I always appreciate.

Photo by Laura Saul.

The most important part of the day was learning about the worthwhile charitable organization Every Day Action, which was founded to make sure that movie and TV sets donate all their leftover catered food to people in need, instead of throwing it away. It’s such a wonderful idea! Whenever I’ve been on a set, I’ve asked the caterers what they do with all that extra food, and have never been given a proper answer. Now I know why—they were just wasting it, which is heartbreaking, especially nowadays. The lovely on-site reps explained the entire program to us. They even laughed at my crazy story of the food person on one of my movie sets berating me for using a little extra cream one day! If I had known it was going to someone who needed it back then, I would have left it alone, and everyone would have been happy. I’m glad to see that there’s much less food waste on sets now. I hope that every production gets in on the program right away. www.youreverydayaction.org

Photo by Laura Saul.

On top of that dose of kindness, (and in keeping with the “food” theme,) my co-writer, Laura, and I were thrilled to discover that this event was snack-heavy! We were hungry girls when we arrived, but stuffed to the gills when we left!

Laura explains, “We were treated to a variety of delicious offerings.” There were “mouthwatering” sandwiches in a great variety of flavors, (including meat lovers, vegetarian, and even vegan,) from Vesti; all different kinds of delish pizzas from Gino’s East; Ubatuba Acai’s healthful frozen acai bowls with little bits of fresh fruit on top; Roxanne’s Biscotti, a small packet of which lucky guests even got to take home; and, as Laura put it, “scrumptious” cupcakes on the way out.

Along with our food journey, there were also several gifts in the suite. Here’s what we found:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The IndiExhibit Artwork—This fabulous collective of artists from around the country was the highlight for us. Laura met them for the first time and said, “The ladies at the IndiExhibit table were so lovely, and their work showed just how talented they are, as well.” Their display was so beautiful that I have no idea how any of the guests chose just one work of art! Laura and I spent a lot of time perusing the works, with her explaining, “The were gifting everything from artwork on mini canvases to hand-painted tiles and shells to even engraved wooden signs! The vibrant colors and intricate designs on each piece truly reflected their unique styles. It was clear that every item was created with passion and care, making it easy to appreciate their creativity.” Some of our faves were what the artist calls “almost-macabre wide-eyed little girls,” created with prismacolor makers by ShayJayReed (www.lostgirlart.com); all kinds of clowns by Kathy Adalian (www.screwballgraphics.com); paintings by Jenna Burnside, who uses acrylic paint on many canvases to create semi-realism visions come to life (www.ko-fi.com/%20jennasartisticchaos); and my perennial faves—watercolor and acrylic paintings by Lynne Reichhart (www.artbylmr.com.)

Photo by Laura Saul.

Art Lewin—We’ve both met Art and his wife Jamie at several events over the years, and are always happy to see them again. Laura says they are “both incredibly nice and charming.” But the important thing for the guests here was that this bespoke menswear designer was gifting a set of a classy black bowtie and matching pocket square, a pairing that Laura says is “nothing short of Oscar-worthy.” www.artlewinbespoke.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Bluelene—We’ve run into these cutting-edge skincare products before, and always love learning about their new items. Laura says that what “makes Bluelene especially intriguing is their patented formula,” which she discovered “neutralizes free radicals, and promotes healthy cell proliferation, leading to smoother, more youthful skin.” We were both particularly impressed by their Face & Neck Remodel Mask, which also helps contour the jawline. Laura says it caught her attention “for its unique approach to targeting skin rejuvenation in those areas.” And who doesn’t need that? www.bluelene.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Sonya Paz—I’ve been using colorful business card cases from this artist for several years, so I was very happy to introduce Laura to her work here. After we admired her designs for a while, Laura said, “I love when artists incorporate their artwork into everyday items, making art more accessible and functional. Sonya Paz does this beautifully by bringing her bold, colorful images to objects we use daily, such as the business card holders she was gifting that day. It’s a fantastic way to blend creativity with functionality while making art a part of everyday life.” www.sonyapaz.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

ManLabs—This skincare line for men was gifting their new Titan Peptide Eye Gel. Laura says, “I always appreciate when a suite includes the men. It’s great to see more brands acknowledging the importance of male skincare.” I’d love to try some for my often-exhausted self, so I guess I’ll just have to use my deepest voice when I do! www.manlabs.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Mike & Niki’s Honey—Laura told me that “it’s not every day that you get to meet a real beekeeper,” which the owners of this company are. They were at this suite gifting a choice of their duo of wild honeys–Sage and Livermore Fremont–(I should asked what the latter is,) along with a few straws that are also filled with the honey. I believe they’re meant to be used to stir right into tea, which is so much easier than using a spoon for that purpose. www.mikeandnikishoney.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Comfy Dental Studios—This dentist’s office was gifting certificates for a complimentary thirty-minute “Vibroacoustic Therapy” session. Laura looked-up what that entails, and explains, “It turns-out to be a form of sound therapy that uses low-frequency sine wave vibrations, delivered through a device with embedded speakers, to penetrate the body. I really love how dentists are expanding the range of services they provide. Who knows—maybe people will actually start looking forward to their dental visits now!” www.comfydentalstudios.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

There was also a plethora of artists from Japan on-site. Laura says they were “showcasing their beautiful and intricate artistic talents,” and we enjoyed meeting them all. They gave me a chance to brush up on numbers from 1-10 in Japanese; I had been missing the one for “6,” but when their interpreter told me it’s some word like “loco,” I realized that I’d just think of myself to remember it! Each artist gave the guests a small token to remember them by, such as a postcard or tote bag. The most interesting one was a kit where you trace Japanese letters to learn them. They asked if I wanted to do one right there, but I declined because with people watching, I said the page would look like Lucy smearing her lipstick across her face by accident!

Because of LA’s devastating January fires, GBK had to postpone their Gifting and Giving Lounge…twice. So they combined the honors for the Critics Choice Awards and the Grammys into one lovely experience last week-end.

Johnny Gill. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this article.

It was held on the Beverly Wilshire Hotel’s second floor “garden.” And despite all the tragic events in LA and the country recently, this was a very happy shindig, partly because of the giving aspect of it. It was just what we all needed right then. I talked to people longer than I ever have at an awards lounge before; I feel we all need connection now more than ever, and that sentiment was reflected in the ambiance there.

My contributing writer, Laura, was with me for this repeat occasion, and said, “This was the most technically innovative GBK suite I have ever attended, featuring numerous companies showcasing cutting-edge products,” which we’ll tell you all about in a minute.

But first, I usually save the charity aspect of GBK’s events for the end of my write-ups, but I feel that it was the most important part this time, and GBK gave them a ton of space.

Their main charity was Americares, which is a global health relief and storm relief organization. Their mission is “to provide people impacted by storms and man-made disasters access to healthcare and other resources.” The guests at GBK’s lounge got to see their workers put together over a thousand much-needed hygiene kits for victims of the recent fires, and some celebs even helped for a bit! (You go, Angela Bassett!) Besides watching goodness at work, it helped people like me learn how to create our own grooming kits to have handy to give-out to people we might encounter who are now sorely in need of the kindness. www.americares.org

Some of the Americares items to be packed for fire victims. Photo by Laura Saul.

Also on hand was Crew Nation Global Relief Fund, an organization which is committing a million dollars to assist performing musicians, live music crews, and live music industry workers who were affected by the recent fires out here. www.musicforwardfoundation.org/crew-nation-fund

Photo by Laura Saul.

There were many music and show biz guests, (such as sexy singer Johnny Gill, whom I was excited to see,) who showed-up to learn about the giving while also being gifted themselves. Here are the highlights of what Laura and I discovered there:

The Imbibe Pearl.

Imbibe Pillows—The guests were to try-out these special pillows, whose signature “Pearl” model comes in either thick or thin, (like I do!) One of the things that makes them so good is that they are infused with copper, silver, and, on both sides, aqua coolant gel. Laura declares that it’s “more than just a pillow” because it “combines plush comfort with innovative design for the perfect sleep experience. Whether you need support or just a little extra luxury, these pillows are crafted to enhance rest and relaxation. Ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their sleep set-up,” which I think that most people are in these stressful times. www.imbibelifestyles.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Bodywell—Laura is the techie on my team, so she’s the one lauding this box of products. She tells us, “This tech company provides innovative solutions designed to reduce exposure to EMFs, offering a science-backed approach to everyday wellness. As the use of electronic devices continues to grow exponentially, so do concerns about their potential health effects. With a strong foundation in research, Bodywell aims to offer peace of mind in an increasingly connected world.” I can add only, “What she said!”  www.bodywell.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Rest Bedding—We love this company! Laura says, “Sometimes you need to touch a product to really appreciate how special it is. This company is perfect for hot sleepers because their bedding always stays cool.  The Evercool®+ Starter Sheet Set has one of the highest Qmax ratings, offering an instant cool-to-the-touch feel without any added chemicals. Its advanced Ionic+™ antimicrobial technology helps keep the sheets fresher longer by preventing odor-causing bacteria.” And I have to tell you from personal experience how fabulous their items are! I’ve been the proud owner of a Rest comforter for about a year, and trust me when I say how cool (in every way,) it is!  Mr. X and I always joke that we get cold when we touch it by accident! I admire a company that really delivers exactly what it portends to!  www.rest.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

SingleTree Lane—Laura said there’s something about this clothing line’s graphical sweatshirts that “really speaks to” her and makes her happy. She told me, “The bold designs and playful prints add the perfect touch of personality to an everyday outfit. Comfortable yet eye-catching, they strike the right balance between casual and statement-making. Whether dressed up or down, these sweatshirts will bring a little extra joy to getting dressed.” I was also impressed that these show-stopping tops, (which can also be worn as tunics, or in my case, even dresses,) are machine-washable!  www.shopsingletree.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Koulianos Designs—While I spent a while chatting with the adorbs reps of this New York-based jewelry line, Laura was admiring the pendants. She says of them, “Combining timeless elegance with modern craftsmanship, each creation showcases meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a perfect blend of sophistication and style. They’re ideal for those who appreciate fine artistry in their accessories.” She got deeper into them and found-out the designs are  “based on antique crests and symbols,” with some said to offer “protection and healing,” and don’t we all need a whole lotta both right now?  www.koulianosdesigns.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Neurovalens’ Modius Sleep Technology—As a very sporadic sleeper, I loved discovering this non-medication sleep therapy. (And I wasn’t alone—insomniac Mr. X was more interested in learning about this item than perhaps anything else I’ve ever run by him!) Laura deems it to be “a revolutionary approach to better sleep,” and explains, “Modius Sleep uses neurotechnology to support deeper, more restful slumber. Designed to help regulate sleep patterns naturally, it’s an excellent tool for those struggling with restlessness. It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a science-backed solution for better sleep.” I add, “Zzzzz.”  www.neurovalens.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Cocoa & Candy—Ahead of their move to a new shop in a more happening area of the Valley than the hipster one they started out in, this local LA candy store had the most joyful display at the lounge! It featured all kinds of colorful soft and/or gummy confections. All the guests were invited to fill-up a big glass jar, with the most sturdy lid, to their hearts’ content. Laura, who loves candy, says, “Their unique and delicious selection is exciting, with flavors and treats you won’t find just anywhere. I can’t wait to stop by and stock up on some of my favorites. This is definitely going to be my go-to spot for sweet treats!”

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Petty Pout—This lip products company was on hand with a pretty (and far from petty) display. They offered the guests a choice of their trio of items, all with themed titles. The lip balms are named after girls. (I’m proud to say there’s a “Karen.” But isn’t there always?) The lip butters all have “petty” in their monikers. And the plumpers are each named after a different pepper. Laura gushes about those, “Muy caliente!”  www.pettypout.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Lumiere Rene Candle Company—I enjoyed meeting this lovely mother-daughter entrepreneur duo from Massachusetts. Their display featured an array of candles, many with clever names, such as “Date Night,” and “Let That ManGo,” which Laura and I were especially fond of. (One of us has already successfully done that, while I just may get this candle to warn Mr. X to watch his step!)  www.lumiererene.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Casa Del Camino—We have met the lovely rep for this boutique hotel in Laguna Beach several times, and his easy personality is making us want to visit there already! Laura looked over some of the promo materials, and says, “From stylish rooms to breathtaking ocean views, it’s a destination that exudes relaxation and luxury. It’s a must-visit for travelers looking for a scenic and stylish retreat.” And that’s exactly the respite I’m looking for in this crazy world!  www.lacasadelcamino.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Ike’s Love and Sandwiches—I left the food for last this time because it’s the final thing we did at the lounge that day. Laura and I love Ike himself as much as we do his famous sandwiches!  We are frequent visitors to his many locations in LA, and she said, “My kids absolutely love Ike’s so much that my eleven-year-old daughter asked me to FaceTime her from the suite to prove that I actually know him! He was, as always, incredibly gracious about doing that.” When they were done, we all chatted for a while, and I learned that he’s been living in New Orleans for several months now because….he’s catering sixteen events this week for the Super Bowl!!! Wow. And let me just add that Ike is always the most stylish one at any event. Even his choice of outerwear this time had me jealous!  www.ikessandwich.com

Harpist Karina Ward. Photo by Karen Salkin.

For those of you who were expecting to read my review of the Golden Globes today, you’ll have to wait until the end of this week to do that. I didn’t want to keep you guys waiting to learn about this Gifting Suite which preceded the awards show. So here are all the scoops on it.

Wow Creations returned their famous gifting suite in honor of the way-too-early Golden Globes this year to the ballroom of the Universal Hilton, one of their favorite venues.

Karen Salkin, (on the left,) making Eric Estrada laugh, as she had on her former TV show. Photo by Roz Wolf.

My contributing writer, Roz, had accompanied me to many gifting events over the years, but had never been to any of the Wow Creations ones. She enjoyed meeting the Harris twins, as well as spotting some of the celebs in attendance, which she said “topped off the fun.” And she noted that “everyone was very happy” there, which was good to see right at the beginning of the year.

Two of those celebs were actually book-ended for us, with another one right in the middle. As soon as we entered the room, we spied Erik Estrada, from the old TV show CHiPs. I’ve never seen it, but I had met Eric at a mutual friend’s dinner party back in the day when I was doing my TV show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue. When he told me that he was a big fan of mine, we bonded immediately that night, and stayed pals for a little while. And then we hadn’t seen each other in many years, so it was good to be back together at Wow. Especially impressive is that he looks exactly the same as he did back then! (And he even had the smarts to remind Roz and me where to look in the camera as we took selfies!)

Karen Salkin and Charo. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Speaking of impressive, I have to tell you of the private kindness that I witnessed of “cuchi-cuchi girl,” (and classical guitarist,) Charo. We spotted her on our way out of the event, and let me tell you—she is exactly her adorable self! I have never seen her in person anywhere before, so I almost could not believe my eyes. And then, as people were immediately surrounding her for selfies, I noticed her do something that I’ve never seen anyone else do in all my times at Wow suites. Whenever the event is staged at the Hilton, they have a harpist, Karina Ward, sitting smack dab in the middle of the room, playing her beautiful music for us all day. I’ve approached her over the years to praise and thank her for entertaining us, but I’ve never noticed anyone else talking to her. And this time, I saw Charo walk right over to Karina, before meeting any of the sponsors who would be eager to gift her, and they spoke for several minutes, musician to musician. I’m not kidding about this—her kindness towards the woman who is usually ignored choked me up! So I went over to Charo to tell her how lovely that was, which she seemed to appreciate.

Dee Wallace. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And then in the middle of our time at the event, we spied Dee Wallace, of the blockbuster movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. I was happy to see her because some rude on-line gossip site had recenlty done a piece on Dee as a “you won’t recognize her now” situation. And just a few days later, here she was, looking just as she always has! Rocking a cute, spiky, gray hairdo, as well. You go, girl!

As fun as celeb-sightings always are, (as a matter of fact, due to popular demand, I’m bringing that feature back here on INAM in just a few weeks,) let’s face it—most guests were there for the gifts. (Duh—it’s a gifting suite, for goodness sake!) So let’s get to the highlights of the ones that all those famous peeps were receiving!

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Haymad & Co.—This clothing company is brought to us by a lovely couple from Winnipeg, Canada, who support Mental Health Awareness with proceeds from the sales of some of their attire. So of course they were gifting their beautifully-crafted sweatshirts that have the message “Be Kind” on the front! That appears to be their own life motto, so kudos to them for that. Roz says those are “two words we should all live by,” and wishes that “every kid in middle school could have this kind of gear, so they can bring peace and kindness back into fashion.” That makes the shirts “apparel with a purpose” in her estimation. She tried-on their latest design, the three-quarter zip sweatshirt, and deemed it to be the “perfect-fitting sweatshirt!” www.haymadandco.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Ellovi—Before I tell you about this company’s skin care products, I must say how impressed I am with the owner. I had met her only once before, yet she remembered me immediately, and knew exactly what I had written about them back then! I love smart and aware people! This time, the company was gifting their body and lip butters, which Roz says “combine only six ingredients for people who love clean skin with a soft and supple look.” She perused the lip balms, and decided that her faves are the Mint, Vanilla, and especially the Rose because that one is tinted. And now Ellovi has also branched-out to include roll-on essential oil perfume, deep hair treatment oil, and their latest—make-up remover oil—which debuted here, making the Wow guests the first people ever to receive that one! Wow to that! www.ellovi.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Man Labs—This company, whose tagline is “Skincare for the Distinguished Gentleman,” was gifting a trio of products from their “Titan” anti-aging line which Roz says “men of all ages will love, and be happy to pamper themselves with.” She explains that the products have “ingredients that include peptides and other top skin-healers and softeners which nurture and liven the toughest skin.” I’m sure the other guests also appreciated the classy packaging as much as I did. www.manlabs.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Art Lewin Bespoke—Roz had met Art with me a few times before, and declares he’s “the best resource for those with a high fashion sense of self. The clothier has impeccable taste with his line of clothing for men and women.” At this event, he was gifting a bow tie and pocket square in a choice of popular colors. Roz checked them out and said they are “so nice because they fit in with both formal wear and sleek modern attire.” www.artlewinbespoke.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Edanugo Skincare—This brand new entry into the skincare biz was gifting a trio of products which we browsed through. Roz gushed that she “loved the All Over Body Oil which is made from jojoba along with other great oils for the skin.” She added that “the CeraMEL Balm also has super-conditioning qualities,” and I noticed that the Tamanu Nut Oil, (a nut I had never even heard of before!,) helps with many skin conditions, including wounds and minor burns! And you can be among the first to learn about this company because their site just went active this week! www.edanugo.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Sweet Cali Body—I had met the creator of this company before, and with his cool fashion sense and sense of humor, I instantly wanted him to be my New Best Friend. So I was very happy to see him again here. Each guest had their choice of a quartet of body washes. Roz, who is always concerned about ingredients, was impressed that the reason the Ocean Breeze “is green is because it’s infused with a lively spirulina which gives it that very pretty ocean color.” She said that she bets that the recipients of it “can’t wait to use it in the shower, and give their entire bathrooms that lovely and peaceful ocean aroma!” I add only “mmmm.” www.sweetcalibody.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Healthy Paws Herbal Labs—This company was gifting certificates for a choice of their pet-healing products. I already knew about them because a friend of mine with a big dog has been using the ones that help with anxiety and allergies, and she loves them! She said they worked on her pet almost immediately! And the products are all-natural and made with herbal ingredients, which is a bonus. www.healthypawsherballabs.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Central Cali Caregivers—Roz has been hearing me rave about this company’s Miracle Healing Rub for years. But now that she recently had a major tennis injury, she was anxious to learn more right from the creator of it. She now believes that “this helpful product is the perfect thing for tired and worn-out knees or other body parts that just need more healing energy. In addition to a cannabis extract the other key ingredients, such as lavender, juniper berry, and peppermint, make your tired body part feel much more alive.” www.centralcalicaregivers.net

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Practicality Skincare—Roz tells us that this affordable skincare company “knows all about the power of nutrients such as magnesium to help relax muscle tension. The aroma in their That Spa Smell lotion is really great. And their hair mask has fantastic ingredients including a lovely rosemary twist, while the magnesium oil is the one to keep ready after playing a long game of tennis or other physical sport.” I say—what she said. www.emeraldhealingartsapothecary.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Celebrity Hair for Less—We chatted with the very amiable company founder, Nicole Oliver, who Roz says “brings us several great hair products along with a new way of hair-tinting which is safer than chemical treatments.” The guests had a choice of lovely festive hair-clips, of which Roz says, “Their glitter and shine will, for sure, be handy to brighten-up date-night outfits.” www.celebrityhairforless.com

Photo by Roz Wolf.

G.L.A.M Body Scrub—Roz said, “This new woman-owned line of body scrubs looks terrific. I tried the Bubblin’ Brown Sugar one, and nearly wanted to eat it! It smells delicious and I feel it will be great to achieve softer skin.” And I advise using it on your hands at least weekly, because, in case you don’t know this already, our hands are the first to age! www.glambodyscrubs.co

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Comfy Dental Studio of Beverly Hills—This was a new concept to both of us. It’s a dentist’s office that was gifting certs not for dental services, but rather for sound therapy! No wonder “comfy” is the first word in their moniker. Roz chimed in, “It’s unusual to have a relaxing dental appointment, so this place just might be starting a trend.” www.comfydentalstudios.com

I hadn’t seen the Harris Twins, Mark and Matt, in a while, so I was glad to visit their new gifting suite a couple of days before the Emmys. (The second Emmys this year!)

It was held on the roof of Hollywood’s Aster Hotel, with the weather cooperating beautifully. My contributing writer, Rachel, had never been there before, nor met the twins, so she said, “It was my first time at this hip hotel, and also at a Wow Creations event, and I really enjoyed the entire experience. I’m a fan of the show Storage Wars, which Matt and Mark used to be a part of, so I was excited to meet the guys.”

Some gifts on offer as soon as guests entered, with the Harris twins on the left. Photo by Rachel Wilcox.

It was a very health-conscious event, which Rachel especially appreciated. She loved just about everything we discovered there! She said, “There were so many great people and items. I really liked seeing so many creative companies and learning about their innovative products.”

So let’s get to the highlights already, which were an interesting collection of items.

There were several actual material gifts, all healthful ones:

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big one at the top of this page.

Central Cali Caregivers—This is one of my perennial favorite sponsors at Wow’s suites. Rachel had been reading this e-zine’s praise of their Miracle Healing Rub for years, so she tried it herself at the event, and told me, “It worked quickly on her wrist, and took the pain away. This salve has a nice scent and feels silky and smooth on your skin.” But the real revelation for her was their medicated eye drops, which she was told “are used for clarity.” She totally concurred, saying, “After using a few drops, I instantly noticed clearer vision and my eyes felt good and refreshed.” www.centralcalicaregivers.net

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Healthy Paws Herbal Labs—This company was gifting a variety of items to help your pets with various conditions. Rachel has a dog, (which, very sadly, I do not anymore,) so she talked to the rep, and this is what she learned: “They have drops to help your pets with anxiety. What a good idea!” She also checked-out their allergy drops to help with dermatitis and itching. She tried some out on her animal, and told me, “They worked pretty well—she stopped itching after just two doses!” www.healthypawsherballabs.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Whey Up—Rachel went absolutely berserk over this energy drink, (which is whey protein with a caffeine kick,) because it’s “made with coconut water, is designed to enhance your workouts, and contains twenty-four grams of protein,” which she was impressed with. It comes in either blue raspberry or fruit punch flavors, which all guests got to sample right on the spot. Rachel declared, “It tastes great!” www.drinkwheyup.com

Photo by Rachel Wilcox.

Sweet Cali Body—This body and hair care company was gifting their Eden’s Garden Body Wash. Rachel tried some, and says, “This body wash is made with all-natural ingredients, and was created to leave your skin silky smooth. There’s no need for lotion after your shower as this product adds moisture to your skin as it cleanses.” www.sweetcalibody.com

There were a few companies offering gift certificates for their services. They were:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Marc Edward Skincare—This is actually my facialist, so Rachel already knew about him. After meeting Marc, and learning about the machines he uses in his signature facials, she said the guests who received certs from him “are really looking forward to this star treatment!” www.marcedwardskincare.com

Photo by Rachel Wilcox.

Rachel Scheff Design Studio—Interior designer Rachel Scheff gave each guest a gift certificate for a consultation, along with an attractive and sturdy business card case, which we took to be representative of her neat designs. www.rachelscheffdesignstudio.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

No Pain All Gain Wellness Spa—Rachel says, “The guests were excited to receive a gift certificate for their first Morpheus8 skin-tightening treatment from this Beverly Hills spa.” She learned that the process is touted to “leave your skin glowing!” www.nopainallgainspa.com

And there were some services on hand that day. Those were:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Opt Health—This wellness company was giving the guests B12 shots right on-site!!! (In our arms, not butts, so don’t get crazy.) Rachel said they’re “great for boosting your energy and immune health, and are painless and easy.” I’m sure everyone was happy to get one to have the energy to get through the busy event! www.getopt.com

Tabitha giving a guest a tarot reading. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Santa Monica Psychic Boutique—There were three tarot readers on site, who not only read our cards, but gave us each a purple crystal when we left! Of her particular reader, Rachel says, “Tabitha was great and so accurate. I was pretty amazed with my reading. Now I’m actually excited to see what the next chapter in my life brings.” I had her daughter Amanda, who predicted all great things for me, especially in my career, so if you see me on your TV screens again soon, you’ll know who to thank for giving me the nudge to get back to it! www.santamonicpsychicboutique.com

Some of the snacks. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Since it was still a hot day, even though the crazy LA heatwave had broken, we were happy for some cold treats. Rachel tells us there was “delicious homemade gelato” from Gelato Angels and “healthy and delicious açaí bowls with fruit and granola” from Ubatuba Acai. In addition to those, we had “healthy versions” of donuts, which Rachel said “look good and taste great,” from Doatnut. And Smoke Lab Official provided tastes of their vodka.

Wow’s charity of choice this time:

Everyday Action—We enjoyed learning about this Hollywood-based non-profit organization that rescues leftover food from TV and film sets and donates it all to local communities in need. Rachel lets us know it was “founded by two veteran assistant directors who are helping to fight hunger and reduce food waste.” She adds, “I’m so impressed with this group and all they are doing for many communities.” I concur! www.everydayaction.org