SECRET ROOM EVENTS’ 2022 PRE-OSCARS GIFT LOUNGE

This was absolutely the most packed gift lounge I have ever seen!  It was so fun, with soooo many great gifts, that no guests wanted to leave!

My co-writer, Marc, and I discovered something new and interesting at every turn!  There were so many, in fact, that the Ballroom of the SLS Hotel couldn’t even contain them all.  The Platinum Sponsors were proudly featured in the ante-room of the Lounge where we all checked in. Marc said, “There was excitement in the air from the moment we walked in! All the individual gifting companies, happy guests, and photographers kept the room’s high-energy vibes going all day.”

And I loved that they took donations for Ukrainian refugees on-site when the guests arrived. I’ve been doing my nails in Ukraine’s colors since the war began, to make sure people don’t forget the horrors that are happening to that country. Every little reminder helps.

Secret Room Events’ Gift Lounges always have the most gifts of anybody, but this time it was off the charts!

So let’s get to them already, because they’re all so fabulous.  Here are the highlights:

BiOptimizers—I have rarely seen so many tantalizing products from one company! So I was glad they’re for health and wellness because that’s what everyone needs right now. Marc told me that he was also “impressed with their probiotics, gut health supplements, protein powders, and vitamins for everything, including focus, sleep, energy, parasites, and many more.” And we both really appreciated that their attractive rep calmly spent so much time with each guest to make sure they understood it all.  www.bioptimizers.com

Spencer’s Custom Wood—I don’t know how they do it, but this small, veteran-owned, family-operated business hand-makes the classiest, most handsome, one-of-a-kind wooden cheese-slicing boards and pizza slicers; any gourmet would be proud to own them! They’re basically works of art, which just happen to also be functional. I was so intrigued by what I saw in their display that I just had to check-out their website, as well. And I found everything from ice cream scoops to jewelry! Now I just wish I had some friends worthy of buying these gifts for! www.scwood1.com

HempHera Kosmetikos—We spoke with the upbeat rep of this skin care company for a long while. Marc said he loved learning about all the products, which are “filled with hemp ingredients.” He paid attention to the “cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and masques,” and was impressed that they’re engineered “with nano-technology, which allows for faster absorption, while the hemp benefits include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits,” all designed to “get your glow on.” www.hempera.com

Pikagos—This creative company was gifting the most gorgeous and creative purses ever!!! This was actually the most popular I’ve ever seen at a lounge; people were gathered around, admiring them all, and clamoring to get closer like they thought that BTS was handing-out kisses at the table! www.pikagos.com

Scotch and Bonnet—This kids outerwear company had the most fabulous jackets for babies, kids, and teens. They made me wish I could still fit into kids’ clothing. When I guest-starred on an episode of a children’s TV show back in the day, as a cavewoman, the wardrobe people didn’t get my little leopard-skin outfit on time, so they asked if I could fit into the ten-year-old star’s little black skirt, top, and boots. And guess what—I did! That’s what I harked back to when I saw these mouthwatering puffer jackets. Marc added, “They’re all so beautiful and well-made. I love that several styles are reversible, so it’s like getting two jackets for the price of one. They were definitely a great collaboration with Secret Room, and the owners are from New York, so what’s not to love?!”  www.scotchbonnetnyc.com

Retuned Jewelry—These bracelets and necklaces were so attractive on their own, that I didn’t even realize they’re crafted from…guitar strings!!! That makes them even more hip and happening! And it prevents all those hard-to-recycle can’t-use-them-anymore discarded strings from ending up in a landfill. And their business cards are shaped like guitar picks! What a clever company name, to boot. That’s a win-win-win-win to me. www.retunedjewelry.com

Bellybambino—I didn’t even realize these adorable woven storage baskets are for kids! I wanted them all for myself. The children of this designer from England are lucky to have a mom who wants to make their rooms and play spaces so attractive! www.bellybambino.com

Seven Saints—Not only is every piece of this jewelry line more gorgeous than the one before, but each one has a spiritual meaning behind it. Some help with chakras, some are for protection, and one is even entitled the “Flower of Life.” After each guest chose his or her piece, the lovely and peaceful designer even threw in a calming aromatherapy spray, as well! We all needed it that day, amid all the hubbub of the happening event. www.sevensaints.com

The Vanity Vegan–Each shade of these vegan lipsticks is more gorgeous than the next. And the containers and little gift bags they come in are just as stunning.  The company was also featuring the most perfect eyeshadow palette I’ve ever seen. You really need to visit their website to see all this beauty. (And you may as well pick a little something up for yourself while you’re there!) www.thevanityvegan.com

Twinkle Links—Not only is every piece of this jewelry beautiful, but each collection is for a different lovely purpose, such as Kindness and Empowerment. www.twinklelinks.com

Skin Prophecy—The owners of this upscale Montecito skin care clinic were on hand, gifting beautifully-curated boxes of products specifically for women or men. Each box also included a handy towel, which somehow makes it an even classier gift. www.skinprophecy.com

Pet Prophecy—Along with their sister company for people, (above,) this one for pet lovers gave-out beautiful black gift boxes full of everything for the fur babies, including shampoo, conditioner, and paw wash, which doggy-daddy Marc tells us “is great after a long walk.” He added that “all their products are made in California, and contain essential oils and no harmful chemicals.” www.petprophecy.com

Ciao Bella Jewelry & Michelle Marie Boutique—This sweet mother-daughter team was on hand to show off their custom-designed jewelry. They create bracelets, necklaces, etc. with whatever logo or photo you give them! But what they were gifting that day was perfect, even without the picture of me, (or rather, my old self,) from the top of this e-zine’s home page! www.ciaobellawholesale.com

Merv Skincare—This all-natural and vegan skincare line out of Canada was gifting one of their lovely face oils, (formulated to glow, nourish, or renew,) along with a travel kit of all three of them. If it would make me look like the girl at their table, I’d bathe in it! www.mervskincare.com

Freestyle Photo & Imaging Supplies—I’ve loved cameras since I was a kid, so this company’s display made my mouth water. They were gifting actual film cameras—complete with a roll of film! How thoughtful and clever. www.freestylephot.biz

Ase’ Haircare—A lovely nurse allowed each guest to choose his or her own natural hair items, and they even got to decide if they wanted the products in a colorful purple box or pretty purple bag! So everyone was a winner, in all ways. www.asehairbutter.com

Moss & Palm—When I saw a bottle of this company’s body oil entitled “Amazing Maysie,” I stopped in my tracks. That’s because my late adorable mother, May, was also called Maysie on occasion! She even used that moniker for awhile as her pen name! (I won’t tell you the crazy last name she chose for that purpose.) I wish I had gotten to chat with the owner of this skin care company because she named the product after, and actually created it for, her own late mother. With our heavenly moms’ names on it, it must work great! www.mossandpalm.com

DeLa Cruz Collection—Marc noted that “everyone was happy to receive this beautiful resort-inspired swimwear in bold island colors. The high-quality fabric dries quickly after getting out of the water, so you don’t have to sacrifice fashion over function.” They were gifting one-piece swimsuits for women, and board shorts for men.  The designer herself was on hand, and very pleasantly helped each guest try to figure out their sizes. Not an easy task, I assure you. www.dlccollection.com

Buie Holistic Herbs—This fun fam was giving-out glittery gold gift bags containing the most useful and clever items. With the exfoliation scrub was…an adorbs little sponge and baby spoon! OMG! I loved it. And a petit jar of honey came with the honey swirler. (I, obviously, don’t know the technical name for that instrument.) In addition to all that, they were exfoliating guests’ hands with their Mad Honey, right in the Ballroom of the SLS! I had forgotten to put hand cream on that morning, so I’m proud to say that I was their first client in the lounge, and I stayed ultra-smooth for the rest of the day! www.buieholisticherbs.com

Healthy Roots Hemp—Guests got to choose between healthful products for themselves or their dogs. All of them are infused with CBD, even the Calming Chews For Pets! I’d love to give some to my neighbor’s always-barking pooches right about now. www.healthyrootshemp.com

Raindrops Candy—OMG–this is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen at a gifting lounge!!! It’s gummies in the shape of every kind of fun food imaginable! There’s a burger and fries, a taco, adorable Asian noodles, and…a pizza!!! And a sushi platter! I have no idea how the guests chose among them. I swear, if ever I have a wedding, I would give them out as favors. (And maybe I wouldn’t even need to feed my guests then—I could just tell them each item is the real thing!) www.raindropscandy.com

Tayz Fashion—Fashion for the whole fam! Each guest got a choice of a cute tee-shirt for the kids or an attractive little monochromatic skirt-and-top outfit for the females. I’m sure it was a hard choice for the moms in the crowd. www.tayzfashion.com

Naté Hair Care—I loved learning about this weightless deep hair conditioner. And, as a girl whose tresses are as long as Rapunzel’s, I really appreciated the brush that comes in the box with it. What a great touch! www.natehaircare.com

Royal Keepers Products—There were sooo many items in this all-natural line of hair and skincare products! And their labels are all so colorful that they will be fun to use. They have something for just about every condition imaginable, and they were so happy to be helping the guests with them. www.royalkeepersproducts.com

Bluebird Botanicals—The reps of this wellness company out of Colorado seemed so happy to be gifting their CBD oils and soft gels—they were their own best advertisement! And it all came in a pretty iridescent pink box. I love me a good presentation! www.bluebirdbotanicals.com

ANMC Holistic Health—Amanda Soulvay Plevell was on hand, (with her supportive husband,) to give-out a duo of her books–Clean Your Plate, which is about nutrition, and Unbound, which is about how to get rid of anxiety. I could have used her to help with how stressed I am just writing this long article! www.anmcholistichealth.com

BodyByBree Fitness—This totally in-shape trainer was gifting a choice of a giant bottle of whey protein or some supplements, along with gift certificates for a few on-line training sessions with her. If she can whip my broken-backed-and-shaky-kneed body into shape, you just know that she’ll become My New Best Friend! www.bodybybree.com

Work It Towels—These very soft work-out towels that feature clever sayings almost made me want to go back to the gym! But then I figured that I can just carry them around and let people think I’m working-out. So I’m as clever as the towels themselves. www.workittowels.com

Green Influences—They were introducing everyone to their long-lasting, all-natural deodorant. That’s a perfect gift at an event that has soooo many guests, hobnobbing all day! www.greeninfluences.com

Word Lyfe Apparel–This urban streetwear company was gifting tee shirts with different messages from their Humble Bougie collection. www.wordlyfeapparel.com

Je Suis Diva—This company specializes in one thing only–magnetic eyelashes. What a great idea they are! They come in sooo many thicknesses and styles, and you just apply them with the included magnetic eyeliner. Easy peasy. www.jesuisdiva.com

Celebrity Hair For Less—This wig company gifted an attractive headband, perfect for holding back your hair, both real and fake. www.celebrityhairforless.com

The Blakery—Guests received a two-pack of thick, gourmet, CBD-infused cookies made in Miami Beach. I brought a chocolate chip one home to Mr. X who deemed it to be “a superior cookie!”  www.heblakeryli.com

Truly-yourself—This company which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community was featuring tee shirts, caps, and nylon tote bags to remind everyone that it’s more than okay to always be your true self.  www.truly-yourself.com

Invisible Trendsetter—This company was gifting classy tee shirts and their signature brightly-colored caps. I actually enjoy being a visible trendsetter, but these caps are so vibrant that I have a feeling no one will ever miss the wearers of them. www.invisibletrendsetter.com

US-United Strong—They were gifting tee shirts to let people know about their cause.

The VIP guests were thrilled to see that, once again, on their way out, they were receiving one of Secret Room Events’ signature gigantic gift bags with soooo many additional goodies. I got a gander at some of the items in them, and these were my faves:

I actually shouted, “Wow!,” when I saw √’s beautiful and delicate jewelry, which came in pretty pink bags; a Noire Gardens uber-hip shirt for men; BlingBook‘s jewelry organizer which is perf for both travel and to store your necklaces and such at home so they don’t tangle; lacy self-proclaimed “sexy granny panties” from Bloomers Intimates; a fabulous dramatic black bracelet, made from hard coal, (so it would be an actually nice Christmas gift,) from Kuolmi; a mysterious black box from Adultluxe, (so you can guess what it is!); AyeSee Beauty‘s Foot Tea along with a candle in romantic Strawberries & Champagne; a colorful natural silk scarf (in a classy gift box, to boot,) from Mauritza; Texas’ Sydoni Skincare and Beauty put a sweet little message right inside their box of items; several pieces of fun, petit jewelry, made especially for multiple piercings, from Dot3 Jewelry; a duo of tattoo creams from Ink Defense; Spa Technology‘s Sun Defense Moisturizer; an Urban & Etched wine glass featuring the silhouette of a famous city; Rooted-Apothecary‘s “pocket” kit containing an array of innovative products; Ojala Threads baby-wear from the Bronx, but with a lot of feel-good stories from other places; Bioraze‘s important biodegradable razors from Canada; an Oakmann “bottle cooler,” which has a bottle opener on the bottom—so cool!; Ella Dean hair growth oil, (which my butt-length locks should be the ad for!); a plated skin serum from Rion Aesthetics; and a bunch of tee shirts and nail polishes and coffee. OMG!

I feel like I have to sleep for a month after writing this! And when I wake-up, I’ll be all ready for Secret Room Events’ next event!