SECRET ROOM EVENTS’ PRE-EMMY GIFT LOUNGE 2021

This was a fun one for me, on so many levels. First of all, as always, Secret Room Events featured the most gifts anywhere! And they were all so exciting to discover.

On top of that, they held their pre-Emmys Gift Lounge at the Petersen Automotive Museum, which just happens to be the very last venue I visited before we went into lockdown a little over a year and a half ago! And I have barely been anyplace since. So my pandemic journey came full circle that day.

Secret Room Events was smart enough to throw their fete on the roof of the edifice, though, because it’s so much safer outside than in, which I really appreciated. I’ve always loved it up there, so I was more than pleased to visit it once again. This was actually my best ever trip to the top because of all the interesting items I learned about.

My associate, Marc, had never been to a Secret Rooms Events gift lounge before, and said that it was exactly as I always write about it. He was overwhelmed by the number of gifts in one place, saying, “It’s the most I’ve ever seen!”

He added that the venue was the “perfect choice,” especially for what turned-out to be a “beautiful sunny LA day.” He was impressed by “all the high-end and professional gifts,” and by how “very well-organized and exceptionally well-done” the event was. You know I agree with all of his thoughts!

So here are the highlights of what we discovered among the plethora of gifts there:

We Are Third Mind—Marc and I both stopped in our tracks when we saw these fabulous men’s shoes! I have no idea how the male guests chose among all the classic designs, such as wingtips, loafers, and slip-on moccasins. But the extra attraction with this footwear is that they are all made of breathable, stretchy material! For the first time in my life I sort-of wished that I had bigger feet, so I could have rocked the pink and gray pair, even though they’re for men. Fashion-conscious Marc perused them all, and concluded, “These shoes are high fashion and low weight, at only eleven ounces! They’re soooo comfortable; it’s like walking on clouds.” He was so excited about them that he immediately checked-out the website, and told me that, with their perfect return policy, “they make buying from them a snap!” www.wearethirdmind.com

Bisoulovely—Everything on display by this Toronto jewelry company was gorgeous! They bill it as “a jewelry brand inspired by magical girls,” so sign me up–I want to be one of those females. The funny thing is that the reps at this lounge were two…guys. And they could not have been nicer to absolutely everyone. What a perfect combo—gorgeous rings and bracelets along with lovely people. No wonder Canadians are always so happy! www.bisoulovely.com

BVG Sunglasses–What is the one item that every Hollywood denizen needs? A great pair of sunglasses, of course! I examined a bunch of the ones that BVG was offering, and they were perfect. And the high-quality materials they use means that most of the designs can accommodate prescription lenses, which I’m sure the myopic amongst the guests really appreciated. www.bvgsunglasses.com

Regular Ren—This boutique was showing soooo many of their beautiful and hip designs. But the second that Marc saw their clear tote bag with camel-colored saddle leather handles, he exclaimed, “How chic!!!” He actually continued to rave about it for the next two days! And we both appreciated that it comes with a matching cosmetic case inside.  With many venues allowing only clear bags inside, these should be the hit of the year! www.renatasboutique.com

Freestyle Photo–This one was quite a surprise to a photography aficionado such as myself. They were gifting–get ready for it–film cameras! A camera that you put real film into. I honestly did not even know those existed anymore, (outside of my curio cabinet, because I refuse to get rid of my precious old cameras.) So this was quite the revelation. I love when retro products make comebacks, and some younger peeps think they’re a new concept. This company did something extra, which I got such a kick out of; along with the camera, each guest received a roll of film to get them started. Very thoughtful. www.freestylephoto.biz

Keii Desserts—This was one of the most adorable and creative, (not to mention delicious,) gifts I have ever come upon. Instead of just handing-out her delish cookies, this upbeat baker gave each guest…a baking kit! Of her own making. It included everything one would need to re-create the treats on their own, with the star being Keii’s homemade vanilla extract. She thought of everything—even the parchment paper for the pan! The cleverness of it all made even my pampered self want to don an apron and get baking! www.keiidesserts.com

Kelly Kay Paper Co.–I don’t know if you guys know this about me, but I am a major fan of paper! I mean it—I adore all kinds of paper. And I think you do know of my obsession with colors and crayons and everything in that category. So I could have happily spent two hours at just this table alone, perusing all of Kelly’s beautiful designs. Of course, everything she creates is on paper, such as calendars, “table grace” cards, and stationery, but the attraction is Kelly’s lovely and colorful artwork that adorns that paper. Check-out her site for yourself to see all her beautiful designs. www.kellykay.com

Just Bagels–This is a great gift that I have never seen at a gifting lounge anywhere before–packs of bagels from New York! There were so many different flavors, and they were also so fresh that if you didn’t eat them that day, you had to put them in the freezer right away. I must admit that I brought a couple of packs home to Mr. X, who said it was “a bagel banquet!” Along with the bagels, this genuine New York married couple was gifting their unique Everything Seed Mix, which I imagine gives your own kitchen creations the great taste of their Everything bagels. www.justbagels.com

Hmnkind Masks—I really think these antibacterial masks will revolutionize the protecting-yourself-from-Covid (and everything else) game! First of all, they’re so comfortable. And the colors they come in are so mouth-watering that I think I’m going to wear mine even when the virus threat is over! On top of that, they block almost all UV rays. What more could anyone want from a face mask? And the reps at Secret Room were really darling—great examples of humankind! www.hmnkind.com

Love You More—This company was gifting a variety of jewelry items made by single women in Mexico. The most popular choice seemed to be the Wonder Wrap bracelet which can be worn as such or as a necklace, anklet, headband, or even a ponytail wrap. So it’s not just oh-so-pretty but also very versatile. www.loveyoumore.com

Skin Prophecy—I loved the presentation of this gift! Inside each neat white and purple box was a travel pack continuing a quartet of the company’s skin care products, with the very thoughtful addition of a crisp white towel! The Secret Room guests will be all set to travel again, rocking good skin, of course, when the world gets back to normal. www.skinprophecy.com

Pet Prophecy—Just as their care products do for humans, (see directly above,) their sister company takes care of your pets. Inside each burlap gift bag, (which the owners were very happy to hand-out to everybody,) was a trio of items to make sure the guests’ fur babies stay clean and healthy. And, of course, a signature towel to help with it all. www.petprophecy.com

Brave Essentials—As someone who is literally sitting on my hair these days, women who have trouble growing their own locks ask me all the time how to do it. I never had an answer for them until now—this company’s Nourish Growth Oil! Judging by the good tresses of the woman whose company it is, I have a feeling this product works. And she and her husband did not forget about the guys—it works on beards, as well! www.imsobrave.com

10 Free Life–This brand new nail care company, (which started just as the pandemic was hitting,) not only has the most beautiful, creamy, hip color nail polishes, but the line also features nail serum to help nails grow, and even cuticle remover, which soooo many people really need; there’s everything any manicure fan could want. And since I feel that everyone should still be doing their nails themselves until it’s safe to have strangers touch your hands, I think we all should be taking advantage of this company’s wares. www.10freelife.com [Note: If you need a reminder of how to do your own manis, here’s my video help: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_y6A4bxFfA&t=7s.]

Kitten Beauty–This company has sooo many pretty lipsticks, and different formulations of them, to boot. There are matte items, regular lipsticks, and lip glosses. And the even better news is that they’re all cruelty-free, and made with great ingredients. Plus, they have nail polishes, which I almost didn’t notice because I had eyes for only the creamy lip products. www.kittenbeauty.com

Umi’s Roots Nourish Hair Oil—A pretty mom created this hair product to help with her own little daughter’s curly locks, (which are beautiful, by the way.) She said you put it on pre-shampoo, and can even sleep with it overnight. The oil helps with growth, tangles, and even dandruff. That’s a trifecta of assistance right there! (And, as a fashionista, I appreciated that her dress matched her product’s packaging, which I don’t think was a coincidence.) www.umisroots.com

Knuckleheads Clothing—Cap-loving Marc remarked that this company’s designs are “quality, fun, inventive, and fashionable.” The one he admired most was “a very sharp baseball hat in black, emblazoned with a contrasting all-white American flag on the front.” He told me he loved the “funny name” of the company because it reminded him “of the Three Stooges, and that definitely makes you smile when you’re wearing any item of theirs!” www.knuckleheadsclothing.com

Electric Blue Bee Bop—This company was gifting their hand-poured pure beeswax candles, which feature organic cotton wicks. I mention the wicks because many people don’t realize their importance to candles. But Mr. X and I learned the hard way on another brand. And the candles here are all presented in pretty gold bags, which make them perfect for holiday gifts. www.electricbluebeebop.com

Nurse Hatty—I had spoken to this nurse and her husband on the phone once before, so it was nice to finally meet them. They were gifting a choice of their many wellness products, which I’m sure everyone can use these days, including a set of chest pads to lessen fine lines and wrinkles on one’s décolletage. (And doesn’t every Hollywood sun baby need that help?!) I noticed one interesting item that I had never seen anywhere before; it turned-out to be a “face trap” which is used to help keep your jaw closed at night. It’s perfect for people with sleep apnea and/or snoring issues. Mr. X might want to use one on me just to keep me from talking all night! www.nursehatty.com

GE Lighting—Marc loved these LED bulbs that play music through a bluetooth speaker. He examined one, and pointed-out that it “even comes with a remote control.” He declared, “How inventive! And high tech. You can transform any lamp or fixture into a music-playing, dimmable light. It’s ingenious. And so affordable that you can get one for every socket in your house.” He couldn’t stop himself from quipping, “I like to say what a ‘bright idea’ it is!” I add only–what he said. www.gelighting.com

Dr. Lori Gerber—This skin doctor was on-hand to inject the many grateful guests with Botox. Marc did a session with her before we left, and exclaimed, “She has a trained eye and knows exactly where to inject to make you look natural, beautiful, and definitely younger. And who doesn’t want that?!” He further explained, “Most medical spas have a nurse inject you, so what a privilege it was to have the doctor doing it at Secret Room Events. We all knew that we were in excellent and capable hands.” www.mydrlori.com  [Note: I have no pictures of this one because I didn’t want to invade anyone’s privacy.]

I was thrilled to see that Secret Room Events’ signature was back—a gigantic LL Bean bag of additional gifts was bestowed on each VIP guest as he or she exited. Marc asked me how that was even possible! Maybe that’s why it’s all a…Secret!

Here are some of the highlights of those special gifts: First of all, there was an Aduro Products U-Stream Jr. lighting system, which means that from now on, all my YouTube videos will look sooo much better! Also featured in some bags was a Coal and Canary candle, for those who love a strong scent; an array of pet hair removal products from Furr Fighters; two children’s books, always the most welcome gift for parents, from Green Book Club; a Mystique Beach kimono, the back of which is emblazoned with a sequined tiger; Vahdam India loose teas in a beautiful yellow gift box; a B Yoga silk sleep mask; the GG Cosmetic Enzyme Peeling kit, which does its work with sea salt from Bora Bora; face cream made specifically for men from Sefoli Skincare; Bebitza‘s anti-bacterial bamboo baby wrap; Private Doctor skincare; gold eye masks from Dubai Leaf; Natures Plus Immune line of supplements; and a duo of skincare products from Medicube.