GIFTING SUITE: SECRET ROOM PRESENTS THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY RED CARPET STYLE LOUNGE

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SECRET ROOM PRESENTS THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY RED CARPET STYLE LOUNGE

 

[Note: Despite just recovering from pneumonia, I managed to make it out to five gifting suites celebrating the 2014 Oscars. Each one gets its own column because I don’t want any of you to miss even one item I’m telling you about. So, please make sure to check back several times next week (and look at yesterday’s post) to learn about all the fabulous-ness. This is the second of five. My Contributing Writer on this one is Rachel. Her comments are the ones attributed to her by name, and also the ones in quotes.]

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Secret Room totally out-did themselves again! This was hands-down the best gifting suite I’ve ever been to! Rachel, who’s been writing about suites with me for about six months now, deemed it the same. They were totally correct in naming it “The Ultimate in Luxury Red Carpet Style Lounge.” Ultimate indeed!

I loved everything about the suite, but my favorite part of of any Secret Room event is the surprise giant goodie bag that certain VIPs receive as we exit the venue. It’s like having a birthday party without the hassle! I’ll give you the highlights of those gifts at the end, but first we must discuss what went on in the actual gorgeous suite at the super-classy Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The snack bar. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The snack bar. Photo by Karen Salkin.

It was held on the rain-drenched day before the Oscars, but I can’t imagine that that deterred anyone from showing up. If it did, it was definitely their loss. This suite had everything, including beautiful furniture to luxuriate on, on-site spa services, (that it killed us not to take advantage of, but we came camera-ready, so we didn’t need anything done to us,) and a really fun snack bar, with all kinds of coffee, tea, and candy to ramp-up our flagging energy to visit more sponsors.

Speaking of the sponsors, they were all upbeat and happy to gift each person. They were so nice that we spent a lot more time than usual chatting with them, and learning about their products.

There are so many items to tell you about, so let’s get right to the highlights:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

2(X)IST Watches–Before I hurt my hands and wrists last year, I was all about watches! I could not get enough of them. Whenever I spot attractive new ones, my interest is always piqued. So when I saw these ultra-wristwatches from 2(X)IST, I was definitely curious. And then when I found-out they’re called the “NYC watch,” I didn’t even care about all the fabulousness that went into making them; I just wanted my wrist to get better in time to wear one! Since the silicon strap is so adjustable, it’s a good bet that I’ll be wearing the NYC to NYC next month! www.2xist.com/watches

Majestic Pet Beds–This home decor company, whose giant pillows were the hit of Secret Room’s Emmys suite last September, was back gifting dog beds in all sizes. Rachel was swooning over them. She said they would be perfect in front of a fireplace…but I think she meant for humans! I felt the same. www.majesticpetstore.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

La Corza Jewelry–This “stylish and fun” jewelry caught Rachel’s eye the second we entered the suite.  She’s my main jewelry expert, and she lauded them for having “beautiful designs.”  The designer bases them on nature, and the cactus hoop earrings they were gifting were as lovely as they were exotic.  www.lacorza.com

 

Nomadic State of Mind Footwear–Rachel said these machine-washable handmade sandals “looked very comfortable,” and was thrilled that they come in children’s sizes because she’s ordering a pair in pink for her little daughter.  She said that an extra bonus for moms, (and everyone actually,) is that they’re “environmental safe,” especially since no leather is involved.  www.nomadicstate.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Atzen’s Skincare–Rachel loved these classy skincare products that “promote health and radiance.”  She tried the the Bio-Active Complex with SPF 15 from the Balance line, (they have four others, including one to treat acne,) and said it’s “light and not oily, with great protection from the sun.”  I was more interested in their facial cleanser that’s known to “exfoliate and brighten,” which is a lot for a cleanser to do! They had me at brighten. www.atzen.com

Ronaldo Designer Jewelry—Rachel gasped when she saw this “beautiful jewelry” that I’ve been a fan of for quite some time. She was most impressed with their “meaningful designs.”  They were gifting their Pure Love bracelets this time; the six-strand braided love knots are perfect for every female. www.designerjewelrybyronaldo.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Sleep Belt—As a mother of three, Rachel appreciated this “wonderful” hands-free, skin-to-skin support system for your baby, saying it’s a “safe way to bond with your precious infant.”  This ingenious yet simple device reminded me of something funny. I once wore three belts to my birthday party, and called it a dress! The belts looked exactly like the hot pink Sleep Belts that these fabulous sisters were wearing to hold their babies in.  (No worries–they were just dolls at the suite.) One of my friends that night was so worried that I’d be too sexy to allow her husband to look at, but on their way home, when she asked him what he thought of my skimpy outfit, he said that I was so funny! She was relieved and I was happy. www.sleepbelt.ca

Betty James Jewelry—This young, hip designer named her company for her grandparents, which I just love! Stuff like that makes me melt. Rachel said these handmade bracelets and necklaces are “stylish, fun, and very versatile.” Out of the many pieces on the table, we were both drawn to the same one–a bracelet with round beads made out of ebony with coin silver inlays. I guess great minds do think alike! www.bettyjames.com

Biodara Skincare—While I was busy feeling this company’s luxurious packaging, (because I just love wonderful textures,) Rachel was trying out their “great face serum.”  She said that it “leaves your skin smooth and hydrated.” She even tried it under her eyes a bit, and told me that “it appeared as if the lines were reduced.” Their website also suggests that you use some on the ends of your hair, and even over dry nail polish for a scuff-resistant high-shine seal. There’s not much more you can ask a face serum to do! www.biodara.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Divine Design USA Home FurnishingsThis sponsor provided a most attractive bag of elegant goodies, in their beautiful, original Indian weaves and prints. Even the bag itself was a knock-out! It included a big “easy and great-looking jewelry roll,”  “chic napkin rings and napkins, which will make any dinner table inviting,” and even a lightweight bathrobe! This company was like a mini-gifting suite unto itself! www.divinedesignsusa.com

Lip Ink—We were both happy to learn about this smear-proof lip stain, being romantic girls with hot guys to make-out with. (Calm down—the guys are just our own mates.) Rachel was wowed by the many “great colors,” and gasped, “It really doesn’t smear!” www.lipink.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Nerium—Rachel has used this “great night cream” in the past, and raved that it “works well to reduce fine lines,” and “it seemed to improve my skin tone.” She has gorgeous skin, so I’m definitely trusting her on this one. As a matter of fact, her face is such a great ad for Nerium that I’m encouraging her to become a distributor! I’ll let you all know if she does.  www.nerium.com

Da Bib—Again, I had to bow to my mom-advisor on this one. Rachel said these “stylish, washable, bibs” with so many unique features, are “easy to put on and take off,” which makes them “the perfect bibs!” I just liked the colors so much that I may put one on Mr. X when he’s eating on the black couch…with no napkin! The hide-away food pouch that catches crumbs and drips may just be the ticket to saving my furniture from his slobbery. And after all, he is my baby! www.dabib.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Cureology Beauty Haircare–We both got excited when we saw this table. Once again, I was the shallow girl who was attracted by the gorgeous display, while Rachel cared more about the actual quinoa-based shampoo and conditioner that she said “makes your hair shiny and healthy, and improves texture.”  But we were both happy that up to 10 % of their net proceeds gets donated to Breast Cancer Research and Education. www.cureologybeauty.com

North Shore GoodiesThis wonderful family-owned, hand-crafted, gourmet peanut butter was created by a guy from Oahu. Marc is a graduate of culinary giant Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, the same school that my young chef friend, Ronnie Hazel, Jr. went to. No wonder the goodies are so good! Rachel said their “delicious flavors made me feel like I’m in Hawaii!” Mission accomplished. Now we’re anxious to try their other food products, especially the red velvet pancake mix! How yummy does that sound?! www.northshoregoodies.net

GooFurr–As someone who has three big dogs and a cat or two, Rachel said this medication delivery system for pets, (which makes medicating your cat or dog easier,) is a “great idea.”  She told me that  “It’s almost impossible to get a cat to take a pill.  This is a much gentler way of giving medication.”  I know tons of pet lovers who will be thrilled to receive this information.  Mr. X and I wish that we knew about this product when our precious Clarence was around, because we hated giving him pills more than anything!  www.goofurr.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Hape Toys—These good old-fashioned toys are made out of natural materials, like wood and bamboo. They brought me back to my childhood. They made me glad that I still have a few kid pals to share my toys with! (My original youngster friends have all grown-up so fast!) Rachel, who has three kids, deemed these eco-friendly, sustainable, educational toys to be “great fun,” and especially liked that they “teach creativity and motor skills.” I just loved that they’re so colorful! And uncomplicated! www.hapetoys.com

Thermos Stainless King–Is there anyone on earth who doesn’t call every travel container for liquid a “thermos?”  It’s just one of those iconic products.  We were giddy to discover them at a suite, showing their new wares.  Rachel said their travel tumbler has a “great design,” and she likes “how you can keep track of how much water you drink daily.”  When I see them, I just crave some soup on the run.  www.thermos.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Rocket Farms Orchids–The most stunning display at the suite was these “beautiful” orchids, all ready for gifting in super-tall clear plastic inverted-pyramid-shaped shopping bags.  Rachel pointed-out that the flowers themselves are “pretty simple to keep,” needing water only about every three weeks!  I’m sure all the busy show business guests appreciated that! www.rocketfarms.com

Voyce–I still don’t understand how this “wearable technology health and wellness device for dogs” works, but Rachel, my dog expert said, “It’s a great idea!  It’s nice to be able to have communication from our beloved pets, especially if there’s something wrong we wouldn’t otherwise know about.” www.mydogsvoyce.com

Adam and Eve Adult Massagers–We didn’t know what these were at first, but we saw gifts that come in purple and pink, so we ran right over to check them out.  When we found-out they were “adult” items, (something neither of us is,) we wanted them anyway because they’re so attractive!  But, having our own guys at home, we didn’t need them, even though we know many other single chicks who would be thrilled to discover them.   www.adamandeve.com

Now, as promised, here are the highlights of that super-generous VIP gift bag:

The over-stuffed VIP goodie bag. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The over-stuffed VIP goodie bag. Photo by Karen Salkin.

A gift certificate for a mouth-watering Taymor Luxury Bath Caddy; Uzurii Luxury Footwear’s stunning embellished sandals; B brilliant reading glasses…for the dark!; gourmet sea salt caramels from Mouth Party, the most clever name ever that had even Mr. X laughing; Toufayan Bakeries whole wheat and gluten-free wraps, who don’t even know how much they saved my life this week!; Mack and Jane handcrafted jewelry; Lucend’s lovely hand-sewn bags, for everything from jewelry to ID to cosmetics; Rachel Tribble original artwork; Skin Kare Industries cosmecutical grade skin care; Marina Cottage Soap Co. natural skincare; K’Nex construction toy kits; Indigena sea-based botanical skincare; Boston Stitch caps that are embroidered with the words “Best Actress” or “Actor” under cute pix of dogs; Beardition men’s natural beard and grooming products, (are you reading this, ZZ Top?); California Tan self-tanner; Makeup Artist’s Choice/ Bell Evolve custom formulated cosmeceuticals; Byron Bay Cookie Company deliciously decadent cookies; Ltd. make-up removers and towelettes; OPI nail products; Shoe Shinez original shoe embellishment; Rosebud perfume lip balm; and Poopy Carrier stylish poop bag holder for your leash.

And last, but certainly not least, their charity of choice this time was the spcaLA, which is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California since 1877. For more info, please check-out www.spcala.com.

Whew! I told you Secret Room was amazing!

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1 Comment

  1. Deanna Teasley on

    Thank you so much for your very generous writing about our brand! It was a pleasure meeting you and thank you again.

    Deanna
    For La Corza

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