GIFTING LOUNGE: GBK’S PRE-GOLDEN GLOBES GIFT LOUNGE 2018

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GBK’S PRE-GOLDEN GLOBES GIFT LOUNGE 2018

I was thrilled that GBK’s gifting lounge for this years Golden Globes was held at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills for, I believe, the very first time.  I love that gorgeous, classy hotel; I always feel ritzier just entering it!

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

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

It took place in the second floor Contessa Room, and was laid-out perfectly in such a way that everyone was totally comfortable.  And, as always, it looked beautiful.

My contributing writer on this one is Flo Selfman, who was new to GBK.  She was as impressed as I was with it.  She told me, “The elegance began the moment we entered the hotel and continued into the spacious exhibit room.” Having an artistic eye, she touted the “soft lighting which accented the gold-and-white theme of the displays,” and we both loved the “pops of color” on the front of the “cool DJ booth at the far end of the room.” (All the quotes below are the comments from Flo.)

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one of the gyros below.

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one of the gyros below.

My regular readers know by now that GBK always feeds its guests, and this time they did it royally!  In the middle of the room was a beautiful buffet which featured mini treats–perfect for just grabbing and popping, for those of us who didn’t have time to savor a whole plate full of deliciousness. There was something for everyone: sirloin sliders, short rib-grilled cheese sandwiches, crab cakes, skewers of fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and “yummy” desserts! I was especially impressed that the hotel’s adept personnel kept it replenished at all times.

IMG_0314But the refreshments did not stop there! We were also treated to chicken and lamb gyros courtesy of Good Greek Grill. Flo chose the lamb and told me that it was “as yummy as I had hoped.” I was so impressed with my perfectly-seasoned chicken treat that I now plan on doing a full review of them for you in the near future. I just want to brush-up on my Greek language skills beforehand because these guys are true Hellenics! www.goodgreekgrill.com

Now let’s get to the highlights of the gifts, since this was a gifting lounge, after all!:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The Artisan Group—I’m always thrilled to see this wonderful collection of artists at GBK, and Flo was bowled-over when she saw the bags of goodies they were gifting each guest! Jewelry is her thing, and there was much of that.  But that’s far from the only category of gifts from this group; I’m always overwhelmed by their various creations!  Since my birthday is January 14, (yes, you all did just miss it…and I did take names!,) opening a bag from The Artisan Group is all I ever need to celebrate with. Here are the highlights of what we discovered in them: As always-polite beings, we both especially appreciated the “very cool” thank you notes from Beez Kneez Designs, which come in two different lovely color combos (www.beezkneezdesigns.com); CY Design Studio’s golden hoop earrings with dangly pink stones, which Flo says “brings out the gypsy in me!” (www.cydesignstudio.com); bracelets made of “pea-sized” wooden beads from Maple Syrup & Co., which Flo deems perfect for “school, hiking, or a beer with the gang,” and added, “Best of all, they weigh nothing!” (www.maplesyrupco.com); Designed by Stacey’s “tres chic” cubic zirconia suspended from a fine golden Y-drop chain, which goes with everything, no matter the time or season (www.designedbystaceyjewelry.com); “all-natural, ph-balanced, cruelty-free, and great-smelling” vetiver lime shave soap for the men from Three Sisters Apothecary (www.soapcauldron.com); Andrea’s Wired Designs’ 14k gold-filled modern design earrings featuring a drop made of “preciosa” glass (www.awdinsilver.com); Botanical Therapy’s flavorful lip balms, to which Flo says, “M-wah! That’s a big kiss from my formerly chapped lips after using these creamy and pure sticks” (www.botanicaltherapy.com); and The Signify Collection’s timeless gold chain with two interconnected golden circles (www.katyavalera.etsy.com.)  Whew—that’s a heck of a lot of creativity in one group of artists! www.theartisangroup.org

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

LMK Art—This art dealer was displaying several of her clients’ artwork, but we found-out that she’s also an artist herself.  So she was gifting her own fun prints in “bold splashes of color in shades of red, pale green, black, and gold leaf.” On top of that, Flo could not get over a giant “Swarovski crystal-studded ‘City of Los Angeles’ medallion that was resting on the floor in front of their table.” She was so afraid that, in a rush to receive one of Lissa’s prints, someone would step on it. (As was I!) She said “Fingers crossed it made it intact through the weekend!” www.lmkart.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Burke-Williams Spa—This well-known spa was gifting guests a choice of facial masks, along with a moisture serum, which I’m sure everyone in this looks-oriented biz appreciated! Flo tried the Moisture Enhance on her hand and told me that it “feels really silky.” www.burkewilliamsspa.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The Avocado Sock—Flo was so impressed with this very “original” product from Canada that I’m going to let her tell you all about it. She gushes, “I bet you’ve never seen this before! It’s sort-of a mitten for your avocado. You know, the ones you bring home from the store that are black and hard and you don’t know how many days they will take to ripen. Put one in this pure wool sock, leave it in a nice warm place, and in a day or two it will be perfect for guacamole or avocado toast!” And I’m adding that the creator was also one of the nicest people I’ve ever met at a gifting suite! www.theavocadosock.com

The golden Blue Nun display. Photo by Flo Selfman.

The golden Blue Nun display. Photo by Flo Selfman.

Blue Nun 24K Gold Edition Sparkling Wine—I sure wish that I had known about this sparkling wine that has 24k gold flakes in it before this–it would have come in really handy on New Year’s Eve!  But it was definitely in time to celebrate my January 14th birthday this past Sunday!  On a sidebar, their gorgeous display at the suite was very worthy of their moniker.   www.bluenun.com

Heroes Wanted: Why the World Needs You to Live Your Heart Out—Literate Flo says this book by Atlantan Rodney D. Bullard that shows that “every one of us can be a hero in our own lives, communities, and the world,” is “a real ‘how-to’ that includes workbook pages for the readers to chart their own courses toward making a difference.” And she really enjoyed his handshake and hug, as well! www.hero-wanted.org

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

CO2Lift—This skin care company was gifting single-packs of their special formula products that are said to lift anything you apply it to! (Face, hands, neck, eyes.) Flo exclaimed, “I can’t wait to try it!” www.co2lift.com

Noshinku—Flo suggest you “sanitize in style” by using this all-natural bergamot-scented hand sanitizer. It’s made from organic ingredients, and comes in one of those credit-card-sized flat misters that fits anywhere, even in a slim clutch! www.noshinku.com

GBK always cares about charities, and the ones who benefitted this time were:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Today I’m Brave—This non-profit, whose mission is “to inspire individuals and organizations through Brave initiatives and by sharing Brave stories,” actually inspired Flo to share a story about me! I’m so far from brave in most situations, (bordering on wimpdom,) but she got emotional telling me how brave she thinks I’ve been though my stroke ordeal. I don’t see that as brave, but rather, “Oh well, what can you do?” But her telling me that as we left their table was a special moment for me. So we’re living proof that this organization lives up to its mission!  www.todayimbrave.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Food on Foot—We really enjoyed meeting the personnel from this organization that is “dedicated to assisting the homeless of Los Angeles with free meals, full-time jobs, housing, and confidence.” And boy, do we need them right now, with Orange Hitler ruining so many lives!  www.foodonfoot.com

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