GBK’S PRE-GRAMMY GIFTING LOUNGE 2019

This event was a combo of two things I love—GBK Productions and The W Westwood, the venue it was held in. One of my great joys in life is that I live a hop, skip, and a jump from that hip hotel, so I thank GBK for throwing their pre-Grammys event there, on an uber-busy week-end for me!

My contributing writer on this one, Lucia, (whose comments are the ones in quotes throughout,) was impressed with the “light-filled room” we were in, which is the bar area for the hotel’s “famed restaurant, STK.”

GBK is always generous enough to feed their gift-gathering guests, and the fare at this event was special. (Duh—it was at an upscale restaurant!) Of the interesting passed appetizers, Lucia said the tiny “tender morsels of steak” were “delish,” and the tuna tartar lollipops were “tangy and fresh.” I just said, “Yum.” (Not to those two, of course, since you guys know I don’t eat red meat or fish, but to everything else on offer!) And more importantly than the food for me were the adorable, accommodating servers. Yum to them, too! (One of my favorite PR people, Joshua, is now working with this eatery, so I’m sure we’ll be trying out more of their menu soon.)

We joined the happening music business crowd, which included Grammy nominees, in learning about lots of new and fabulous items. Here are the highlights of the day:

Silverite Pillows—Being major pillow lovers, and health nuts, we were both happy to discover this new one! Each pillow is stuffed with antimicrobial Kapok, which, along with the silver-infused cotton pillowcase, is designed to keep germs, (and bugs!,) away. The best part is that how fluffy it is is up to each user! You remove or add as much of the stuffing as you like, so it’s always a custom pillow! We tried one out, with Lucia exclaiming, “It’s soooo comfortable!” She added that it “forms to one’s head, and gives a nice gentle pushback.”  I just wanted to hug it!   www.silveriteglobal.com

Marathon OG–This cannabis company bestowed quite the generous gift bag on each guest! In addition to containing a super-easy-to-use (so I’ve been told) vape pen, there was a full face-cream-size jar of rapper Nipsey Hussle’s new “Marathon OG” strain of marijuana! I almost fainted when I saw it! Lucia said, “What a fun experience it must have been for music biz celebs to be gifted marijuana legally!” And I totally loved that it was packaged in a classy box, like one containing a high-end cosmetic. I was bowled-over when I opened it. Boy, has this industry come a long way. And needless to say, the entire assemblage was congregating in their area. Duh. Grammys. Come on.

1More Headphones—They were gifting their Stylish Dual-Dynamic In-Ear Headphones, which come in a quartet of hip and happening colors, including pink for us girly-girls. (But I do love the light spearmint green even more.) While the guests were deciding which one to go with, they got to feast their eyes on a stunning blinged-out pair of over-the-ear headphones, which would have been a great accessory to wear to the Grammys! www.1more.com

Wander and Ivy Wine—This company features single-serve bottles of what Lucia deemed “great organic wine” in “fabulous understated packaging.” She tasted the Rose and told me that she “can’t wait to buy more!” I was just impressed with the beautiful display by these newbies into the gifting arena! It made me actually want to take a sip of alcohol for the first time in my life.  www.wanderandivy.com

Framed Tweets—This one is such a clever product that Lucia bemoaned, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” This company frames your favorite tweets, either of your own or someone you follow. My only problem would be just which of my popular bon nots to frame!!! A nice one or a snarky one? Hey—how about one of each! (And here’s a reminder to you all to follow me now if you don’t already, before the upcoming Oscars–@MajorCelebrity, of course!) The frames come in Sleek Black or Ornate Gold, and Lucia said this item is “perfect for both humorous and inspirational gifts.”  www.framedtweets.com

Dulce Vida Organic Tequila—My imbibing expert, Lucia, said of this fruit-infused tequila, “How about a glass for breakfast, with some ice? It might be just what the doctor ordered for flu season; it will kill the germs while tasting great.” She must have noticed my quizzical look because she added, “Seriously, all of these tequilas are light and delicious, there’s no aftertaste, and the flavors I tried, such as grapefruit and pineapple jalapeño, are very refreshing.”  www.dulcevidaspirits.com

Ruby Cell—This Asian skin care company was doing spray-on serums for the assemblage, with what Lucia deemed a “fascinating high-tech machine.”  It took only a minute to do each face, and they told us that it should have a firming effect on the skin. Lucia tried-out the treatment and said that it made her skin feel “dewy and tight.” To continue that feeling, they were gifting bottles of hydrating spray, the scent of which Lucia was a fan.  www.ruby-cellus.com

Morrison Hotel Gallery—This art gallery at the iconic Sunset Marquis Hotel, (whose Grammy party I had attended a couple of years ago, and hope to find time for in years to come,) handed-out gift certificates for the artwork they feature there. To whet our appetites, they had many portraits of celebrities on display at this GBK event. While admiring these “gorgeous black-and-white photos of rock n’ roll stars,” Lucia said that she was especially “loving” the one of a young Johnny Cash, “who was mysterious and handsome in his grittiness.” www.morrisonhotelgallery.com

La Corte dell’ Astore—Lucia, who got married in Italy, spoke with Luca, the charming rep who was gifting the celebs a stay in Puglia. She says that that “up-and-coming,  more remote and less tourist-y side of Italy” is “so beautiful–everyone should go there!” www.lacortedellastore.com

Now I can’t wait to see what surprises GBK has in store for us in their Oscars event later this week! And I look forward to sharing my findings with all of you.