DORIS BERGMAN’S GRATITUDE LOUNGE FOR THE GEORGE LOPEZ CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC
Trust me—I have plenty of gratitude all the time. And earlier this week, I had some more for having been included on the guest list for the wonderful Gratitude Lounge that was part of the Tenth Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic.
Photo by Alice Farinas.
It was held in Toluca Lake, a beautiful area of Los Angeles that I’ve always loved. But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to the very near-by studios and eateries, and have never been aware that a golf club was right in the neighborhood! When I pulled up to the gate, I was truly amazed!
The entire atmosphere in the Lounge, which was inside the Clubhouse, was special. It was wonderfully relaxed yet happening, and classy at the same time. We had wonderful views of the lush green course, while being totally comfortable inside, away from any errant balls. There was a DJ who kept the vibe going all day with his perfect-volumed old school jams, and the guests and sponsors were in great spirits. And Doris Bergman was in all her glory, meeting and greeting the assemblage, and keeping things running smoothly for everyone.
Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big one at the top of the page.
I hadn’t been to a Celebrity Golf Tournament since my days of doing my TV show, when I used to play in them myself. And trust me—I was always the worst player. I felt awful for the paying competitors who got saddled with me. I was invited to participate due only to my humor factor, not because I possessed any sports ability. (But I also rocked the cutest golf and tennis outfits.) [Note: I just realized that I have to share the story of my experience doing the Jack LaLanne Golf Classic many years ago. Please check it out at the very end of this page.]
Photo by Karen Salkin.
So, attending just the gifting lounge portion of the George Lopez Golf Classic was perfect for me—I didn’t have to sweat it out on the course, and I got to learn about all the fabulous gifts the celebs received along the way. Doris curated a wonderful group of sponsors for this event, so let’s get to the highlights of what my contributing writer, Alice, and I discovered there:
Olympia USA—This internationally-renowned luggage company was gifting a carry-on from their attractive classic Whistler set, in a choice of colors. I noticed right away that the multi-pocketed interior was perfect for easy transporting of all the other gifts! So, that makes it the perfect present itself! www.luggage-america.myshopify.com
Photo by Alice Farinas.
Twisted Silver—I already am the proud owner of several pieces of jewelry from this line. I was rocking one of designer Debra Mitchell’s bracelets that day, and when I admired a different one on her table, she showed me that it’s just the other side of the one I had on! I never knew that it’s reversible! What a fun surprise. Debra names all of her pieces, and my new fave is a bracelet aptly called “Swanky.” At this event, she was gifting the new “Smile” necklace, which was created especially for the tourney. With a specific donation to the George Lopez Foundation, it’s yours! Alice described it as “beautifully-hammered brass, featuring Twisted Silver’s signature tag,” and added that it’s “delicate yet edgy.” www.twisted-silver.com
Photo courtesy of Doris Bergman.
OM Audio—While the cute guy rep for these earbuds, which have the very clever moniker, “inearpeace,” explained the system Om uses to give them the clearest, purest sound, my non-techie mind was emulating the buds by tuning-out the scientific specifics. But Alice must have been listening because she told me that they’re “so cool when you want to ignore everyday sounds, and just enjoy your music.” www.om-audio.com
Photo courtesy of Doris Bergman.
Buy Wine—While I chatted with one amiable rep of this online wine buying site, Alice sampled their offerings. She said, “My favorite is the Sauvignon Blanc. It’s so lovely and crisp. And so wonderfully refreshing on a hot summer day.” I did notice an uptick in her mood when we left their table! www.buywine.com
Petzi Treat Cam—This is an ingenious device for pet owners who worry about their furry friends as much as Mr. X and I did Clarence, The Singing Dog. It’s a camera and treat dispenser (OMG!,) which allows you to not only see your pet pals, but also talk to them, take pix of the cuteness they’re up to when you’re away, (I wonder if Clar practiced our duets on his own,) and—the part that blows my mind—give them treats! I just may have to get one for the hermetic Mr. X! www.petzi.com
How did they even get this hog in the room?! Photo courtesy of Doris Bergman.
Harley Davidson of Glendale—The Glendale chapter of Harley-Davidson was celebrating their fortieth anniversary by gifting black tee-shirts which featured their iconic orange logo. Alice said they’re “always cool and timeless.” As a former motorcycle chick, (my high school graduation gift from my boyfriend, Motorcycle Manny, was a helmet!,) I was interested in only the more hefty attire in their manly display. www.glendaleharley.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Spa Girl Vodka—As many of you know by now, I don’t imbibe, but Alice does, so I’m letting her describe this vodka, which comes in a choice of cucumber or pear. She said, “At only forty-nine calories and two carbs a glass, who can ask for a better guilt-free spirit? Every time I taste it, I smile.” I was just busy admiring their pretty pink display! www.spagirlcocktails.com
Sneakerwarz—While major sneaker fan moi was admiring the footwear on their table, Alice was chatting with one of the reps about the “cool T-shirts that feature ‘Humanity’ in gold letters.” She found-out that the purpose of the word on them is “to promote awareness and kindness.” www.sneakerwarz.net
Photo courtesy of Doris Bergman.
Milena’s Boutique—I’ve long been a fan of these elegant and deliciously-fragranced candles. They’re so classy in appearance, and even their packaging is exquisite. I could have just stood by their table in the lounge all day, and treated my soul to all the yummy aromas. www.milenasboutique.com
My Saint, My Hero—This blessing bracelet company was gifting one for men at this one, since that gender was the majority of who was playing in the charity tourney. Very clever. It’s named “Fearless,” and features hematite beads and a silver Benedictine medal.. I hope, as its moniker suggests, it will bring some courage to these males, but I know it will make them look sexy! (By the way–the company also brought some from their women’s line, just in case some females were playing. Nice.) www.mysaintmyhero.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Signature Innovation Group—This sports attire company was gifting some of the softest tee-shirts I’ve ever felt! On top of that, they’re all classy-looking. Alice noted that their “very upscale” softly-colored signature caps are “perfect for the golf course.” www.signatureinnovationgroup.com
Perrywinkles Edibles—These are snacks infused with cannabis. They come in several flavors, including carrot cake, pretzel, and, of course, brownie. My question about them is: if you try to eat just a few, after awhile, don’t you want to eat the whole bag? I’m wondering if it can become a vicious, but oh so fun, cycle. www.perrywinklesedibles.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Inspirit Pain Relief Creme—I’m sure that this cannabis-infused pain crème was a welcome gift for all the duffers at the end of the day. There had to be a whole bunch of sore muscles right about then. On a crazy note, I admired that it comes in the best-feeling box I have ever encountered! www.inspirithemp.com
FaceCamp Skincare—Upon learning that his three-product anti-aging kit was initially developed to help burn victims, Alice said she’s hoping that it “now works on wrinkles,” as well. If the before-and-after pix are any indication, all users will be happy with the results. www.facecamp.myshopify.com
Photo courtesy of Doris Bergman.
Culinary and Cannabis—This fun cannabis company hosts events to educate the “canna-curious” about how the substance can be used in ways other than smoking it. To that end at this lounge, they gifted bags filled with samples of product (such as lip balm, conditioner, face cream, and salve,) that are infused with cannabis, for more useful purposes than just getting stoned. www.culinaryandcannabis.com
Royal Treatment Wellness—I could not leave without receiving a chair massage from one of my all-time favorite pampering companies! Owner Antone Murray did the honors on my knotted back, and was kind enough to give it a lot of attention. And I got to enjoy his dulcet tones, singing along to the old school soul tunes along the way. What can be better than a dual massage/private concert?! www.royaltreatmentwellness.com
Antone Murray, working on a guest’s back at the Gratitude Lounge? (Can you recognize the hand and jewelry?) Photo by Alice Farinas.
Speaking of my bad back, here’s my Jack LaLanne story. When I was doing my show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, I was honored to be asked to be one of the celebrities at the Jack LaLanne Golf Classic one year, which took place at The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach. The night before I was due up there, I wrenched my back really badly, and could barely stand up. I was seeing stars, (and I’m not talking about my fellow celebs!) I didn’t know how I could possibly play golf in a day and a half, (the first night of the week-end event was the cocktail party,) but, since I try to never cancel on anyone, especially a charity, I felt I had to, at the very least, put in an appearance. Mr. X drove me up there, because I couldn’t even sit up in the car, and I struggled to just leave our room to go downstairs to the party.
I told some of my compatriots about my back, and they all told me to talk to Elaine LaLanne, Jack’s beloved wife, about it. I was so sad about potentially disappointing anyone, and I really needed the sympathetic shoulder of a compassionate mother-type right about then, especially one who knew about body health. So, an assistant explained my situation to her, and she came right on over to me, and asked me to describe what was going on with my back. I told her of my excruciating pain, and that I could barely stay vertical, and that I doubted I’d be any better the next day, for the tournament. I was, of course, expecting her to coddle me, and give me some medical-caliber advice. Instead she told me something to the effect of, “Well, you just have to suck it up and play tomorrow! You’re not getting out of it!” I thought I’d pass-out from shock.
I’m sure the the golfers at this George Lopez event had better experiences than that. I know that I did, because I was a grateful guest of the Gratitude Lounge!
