DEBBIE DURKIN’S ECO-EMMYS EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE ARTS PARTY

[Note: As usual, each Emmys Suite gets its own write-up, in the order of my visits this year. So, please make sure to check each day’s column this week to learn about all the fabulous-ness. This is the fourth of five. (Because these were my first events out of the house since my hand surgery, I had to limit my suites visits to five, so I chose my perennial favorites.) I had an associate accompany me to each suite; dog-lover Sandy is the contributing writer on this dog-centric one. Her included remarks are the ones in quotes.]

There is no combo I like better than food, good make-up, attractive flats, and hip sunglasses. And this event had them all! Plus fun live music acts in a gorgeous surrounding. Who could ask for anything more from a gifting suite?!

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The party, on the gorgeous grounds of a private Hancock Park estate, was catered by local L.A. restaurant Fresh & Meaty Burgers, and I couldn’t have been happier! It looked like the entire assemblage agreed with me. When I asked the nice guy who was taking the orders whether I should have a turkey burger or just go with the beef, he looked me square in the eye and said, “We have the best turkey burgers in the world!” After just one bite, I knew he was telling me the truth. OMG! It was downright heavenly. Just for the purposes of comparing, I tried a mini beef one, too, and it was almost as delicious as the turkey. Sandy’s a vegetarian, and since at that point all the veggie patties were gone, they were very kind to accommodate her with a grilled cheese, of sorts, which she really enjoyed. And we both loved the crisp, fresh-tasting french fries. We will definitely be paying a visit to them really soon. I actually wish I had one of their delicious turkey burgers as I’m writing this. (And as I’m proofreading this a couple of days later, as well. Yum!) www.freshandmeaty.com

Before I have to stop writing this, to run over to that restaurant right now, let’s get to the highlights of the gifts, which were all basically high-end:

Notice the pretty area reflected in the mirror on the left-hand side. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Serengeti Eyewear–I love a company that cares about health as much as style, and this one definitely combines the two. Their fabulously hip and attractive sunglasses, which are known for their world famous photochromic lenses, really protect one’s eyes while protecting his or her reputation as a fashionista. Or is that just me? www.serengeti-eyewear.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Marjorie’s Bazaar–The guests couldn’t get over to this table fast enough! The colorful handmade leather sandals were just calling out to us. Marjorie, a beautiful, stylish woman from South America stayed cool throughout the event, helping each and every person with incredible patience. Maybe she was so cool because she was wearing her own sandals! www.marjoriesbazaar.com

Can you see why I was drooling over the pink ones?Photo by Karen Salkin.

Traveler’s Choice Travelware–Even though I basically travel to and from only New York, I love having new luggage for each trip. This company has every kind of bag you can imagine, and many that you can’t. At this event, we had a choice of a bright pink carry-on and a giant gray duffel bag. You all know that my mouth was watering for that pink baby, but I decided to be practical and go for the bigger one. Hey, I need something to carry all my elementary school keepsakes, (because we’re finally selling my childhood home in Brooklyn,) back to LA, don’t I? So, next time for the colorful stuff, which can house my collection of fun stuff on this coast! [Note: please notice there is no “s” in their web address.) www.travelerchoice.com

Sandy getting her make-up done. That’s our fabulous “guide” Tucker off to the left. Photo by Karen Salkin.

M.A.C. Cosmetics–Sandy was thrilled to have her make-up done by these artists from one of our favorite make-up brands. The cherry on the cake, for both of us, was that the cute girls gave certain VIPs “lovely make-up kits for people on the go! Instant glamour!” www.maccosmetics.com

Deborah Gaspar Jewelry—I can’t believe that so many different designs came out of one women’s imagination! It boggled my mind. She was giving each VIP a choice of one of her many bangle bracelets, while we drooled over every piece of jewelry in her massive collection. I swear, I don’t think even Rumpelstiltskin’s captive gold-spinner could have produced this much bling on her own! www.deborahgaspar.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Canine Caviar—Sandy was most impressed with the sampler box from this “holistic brand” of dog food. Their alkaline-based products are also “gluten-free, grain-free, and are chock-full of omega 3-6 nutrients.” I had to tear her away from chatting with the informative reps of this company! www.caninecaviar.com

Sandy was thrilled to spend a nice chunk of time with a veterinarian who appears on Animal Planet. (Thank goodness Sandy was with me, because I would not have known a thing about this sponsor without her.) Karen “Doc” Halligan (love the first name!,) is the Chief Veterinary Officer for The Lucy Pet Foundation, and was there “promoting the first ever national free mobile spay/neuter program to help reduce animal overpopulation,” which they both feel “saves lives.” To that end, the mobile clinic was parked right out in front of the event, for anyone who wanted to take advantage of the program right then and there. I saw a couple of the female guests eying their male counterparts a little suspiciously, but alas, it was only for the four-legged guys. www.lucypetfoundation.org