GBK’S PRE-GOLDEN GLOBES GIFTING LOUNGE 2020

GBK hosted their gifting lounge in honor of the recent Golden Globes on the rooftop of the La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood. Actually, it took place in three areas—the patio up there (which included a bar, a veggie buffet, and a comfy lounge area); inside the adjacent event space; and on the floor below, with yet another indoor-outdoor area, that featured couches, a bar, and a fireplace. It was all very interesting.

Patty Onagan is my contributing writer on this one. She had never been to a GBK event before, and commented, “The GBK Gifting Lounge had a super cool vibe atop the chic and beautiful La Peer Hotel. It was such a treat to take in the 360 degree view of Los Angeles along with our city’s perfect weather. Gavin Keilly and his staff go out of their way to make sure you have a great experience, from their greeting at the check-in table to assisting with holding your gift bags to all the great sponsors. I love events that have a ‘guest-first’ philosophy!”

Patty and How To Get Away With Murder’s Esai Morales had worked together in the past, so they were all hugs when they ran into each other here. (I’ve made his acquaintance previously, as well, but only briefly, so I was also happy to see him here again.) I swear—that handsome man never ages!!!

We were also interested to see Oscar nominee, Bruce Dern, chilling-out in an oversized chair right next to us. I actually had lunch with this Hollywood legend a couple of years ago, and let me tell you—that man is sharp. He still remembers my boyfriend from an encounter decades ago!

As you know, I love a gifting lounge that gives me a helper to assist with the bags and the introductions, and this time, we were lucky enough to get uber-pleasant Jesse Gutierrez, an aspiring screenwriter with whom Patty and I both hope to work one day.

Jesse’s assistance freed us up to be able to interact with all of GBK’s sponsors in a much more relaxed way than usual, which we really appreciated. So let’s get right to our gift discoveries there. Here are the highlights:

Genius Pipe—These stunning and classy new-age water-pipes made me sad that I stopped smoking marijuana over four years ago! (It will actually be four and a half years this week-end. Wow.) My mouth was watering over them. Patty says, “This is to all you modern day cannabis users–you cannot be seen smoking without the beyond-cool Genius pipe. These sleek and slender pipes are beautifully-designed, and well, exactly like their name says, they’re genius!” The only conundrum is whether to go with the classic-look model, or with one of their creative and crazy designs! I say—choose both!  www.geniuspipe.com

The Super Dentists—While this dentist, Kami Hoss, and I just compared our blue eyes, Patty got down to the nitty-gritty of his gifts, which were most generous. She says, “I wish he had been a dentist when I was a kid! He was on-hand with a big smile, sharing not only how to get kids to brush and floss, but the importance of understanding how ‘your mouth is the gateway to your body, and is the most critical organ for extending your years.’ To help with that, he created The Super Dentists musical toothbrushes; research shows that children’s brushing time significantly increases when using musical toothbrushes.” One of the other gifts in his generous gift bag was an adult Sonicare toothbrush, so I asked if he also treats grown-ups. His answer? Only if his kid patients invite their parents! I love that. (Now I have to find a child to pose as mine!) www.thesuperdentists.com

Zuzu Kim—We really enjoyed meeting this beautiful designer from New York, and seeing her lovely bow tie designs. Patty explains, “Zuzu creates the most adorable and stylish couture bow ties for both people and pets. This is a perfect, handmade gift for your friend who has everything, including a dog! We both agreed that it’s a “wonderful way for pet owners and their furry friends to dress wearing matching couture ties, especially for a fun photo shoot.” But you don’t even need a dog to rock one of these with—you’ll be cool with one all on your own. www.zuzukim.com

AKA Cosmetic—This company was gifting a choice of their eyelash conditioner or lip-plumping serum. Patty smoothed a small amount of the latter on her lips and marveled, “I can’t believe how quickly my lips looked fuller!” Now I want to try it, especially because Patty added, “And it leaves a pretty sheen on your lips, too.” www.akacosmetic.com

Go Easel—I ran over to this table because I saw two very handsome guys, Gideon and Jaron, repping the product. They turned-out to be the sons of the creator of this clever artist’s tool, Rick Alonzo. The item is a plastic water bowl on which you can balance either a big or small easel, with both vertical and horizontal spaces for your brushes. Patty exclaimed, “This all-in-one art product makes painting easy!” I’m glad she paid attention to how to use it because you just know that I paid more attention to…the boys! www.goeasel.com

New England Hemp Farm—This Connecticut-based CBD company, which is family-owned, was featuring their product line of tinctures, liquid capsules, and topical creams. The uber-pleasant rep showed them all to us, and we were both most interested in their roll-on pain relief gel. Patty tried some on and declared it to be “an effective choice in dealing with aches and pains, and joint stiffness.” Now I want to pay a visit to the farm the next time I’m on the East Coast. www.newenglandhempfarm.com

Wish Man—We were both honored to meet retired lawman Frank Shankwitz, who, along with his wife, Kitty, and a few other kind folks, founded the wonderful Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was on-hand at the lounge signing DVDs of the recent film about him, Wish Man, rocking his cowboy hat, of course! (He is from Arizona, after all.) When I started-out in the biz, Make-A-Wish was one of the very first charitable organizations whose events I participated in, so I’m thrilled to see that they’re still going strong, granting wishes to critically ill children, after all these years. It’s a very worthwhile foundation. Now Patty and I look forward to watching the movie! (After we finish all the SAG Award nominees, of course—voting is in just under a week!)

Trico Field—This children’s clothing store, which features lines from three popular Japanese companies, was gifting certificates. I appreciated that they were presented in boxes that were then housed in clear bags with classy decorations in and on them, just to make it all more special than just handing you a gift card. www.online.tricofield.net

Miyoko’s Creamery—This vegan “creamery” (so, therefore, not really a creamery at all,) was serving a variety of their vegan “cheeses,” along with fruits and crackers, on beautifully-displayed platters. Patty tried their Classic Double Cream Chive, (which is, of course, made from cashews rather than dairy,) and said, “Yum!” With more people going vegan these days, I’m sure the lounge guests were happy to each receive a wheel of it for themselves. www.miyokos.com

Yowie—Patty enjoyed learning about these candies that she says are “kid-friendly” especially because they have “the surprise of an animal collectible inside.” As a mom of two, she appreciated that “your child learns about eco-conservation in a fun and yummy way!”  www.yowieworld.com

Glen Ivy—Having reviewed a similar venue to this one (with spa treatments, clay baths, and gourmet food,) on my former TV show many years ago, I began hearing about Glen Ivy Hot Springs all the way back then. So I was happy to finally make their acquaintance at this lounge. Patty and I received a tiny taste of their services with all-too-brief hand massages while wearing their headphones, which Patty says “is a sure way to zone-out and escape from the stress of the day.” If we can ever find the time, we’ll pay them a visit and do a full review for you guys. www.glenivy.com

GBK’s charity this time was Educating Young Minds, whose mission is “to holistically change, impact, or enhance the academic, emotional, social, and professional trajectories of today’s at-risk, underserved, and/or special needs students, and those who desire to excel with AP honors subjects.”  As a former teacher who worked on all aspects of my charges’ lives, and not just their scholarship, I especially appreciate this organization. www.educatingyoungminds.org