WOW CREATIONS 2019 OSCARS GIFTING SUITE

There is always such a hubbub at a Harris Twins’ event, and this time was no exception. Their Oscars gifting suite was held once again at the W hotel in Hollywood.

My contributing writer, Noelle, had never been to a Wow Creations suite before, (nor the W, for that matter, perhaps because she’s been living in Montreal for the past several years,) so this was indeed a treat for her, all the way around. She said she “was excited” to finally be in with the in-crowd. (Her comments are the ones in quotes throughout this column.)

The gifts were presented in three actual suites, each one more crowded than the one before. Noelle told me that she really enjoyed meeting the brothers, who were on hand to greet every single person who arrived at the check-in table.

She was impressed that all the rooms were “packed with enthusiastic guests,” and that “the ambiance was lively and fun.” Of the many gifts on hand she said, “There was an eclectic variety of companies and the reps were eager to share their expertise on their products with us.”

So let’s get right to the highlights of our many discoveries:

The IndiExclusive—Out of everything, we were the most thrilled with the variety of gorgeous and creative items from this new artists’ collective! They were allowing all the grabby guests their choice of assorted artwork, notebooks, teeshirts, and even mugs! Everyone had his or her faves, of course, and so did we. First up are Noelle’s. She says, “My faves were reimagined Disney Princesses by artist Azula Morphoenix. I was particularly drawn to one she did of Alice in Wonderland with blue ears, in the place of her headband, blue bear slippers and what I imagine to be a blue Cheshire Cat stuffed animal. Cute doesn’t even begin to describe it!” (www.morphoenix.com.) And she also loved a mug from Lori Malibuitalian, which featured a quote from American Horror Story: “Normal People Scare Me.” (Which might explain why she likes me!) (www.ciaobellaltd.com.) I went nuts for the absolutely peaceful painting of a park bench and surroundings by Lynne Reichhart, of whose work I was already a fan. (www.artbylmr.com.) Continuing the theme of peacefulness, I also loved a tiny sunset scene painted by Amy Row, which came complete with a little easel to rest it on! (www.amyrow.com.) www.facebook.com/indiExclusive

Liv & B—Montreal girl Noelle loved meeting this “sweet and passionate” fellow Canadian, who designs all kinds of fabulous jewelry. We loved everything in her display! She was gifting her “Madeline” earrings, which are white pearls on silver wires, which Noelle said people with earlobe sensitivity, such as herself, will “be happy to hear are sterling!” She added, “I love the simplicity of these earrings. They are so versatile; they can be worn during the day for something as simple as shopping, or for an evening at the opera!” www.livandb.com

Iso Beauty—As tresses-obsessed females, we almost climbed over the other guests to get to this table! We both loved discovering their blue Proliss Diamond Collection Ceramic Mini Ionic Straightening Iron, which Noelle and I agree is “adorable” and “the perfect travel size.” We also learned about their Kashmira Glimmer Shine Spray. Noelle tried some on her “naturally curly, but always flat-ironed” hair, and tells us, “It was a bit overcast and more than a little humid that day, yet this product tamed my unruly hair that was starting to frizz, without weighing it down and making it feel greasy. I also loved that the scent is very mild, so I didn’t smell perfume-y all day.” www.isobeauty.com

Diamond Veneer—We had both recently become fans of this jewelry company before the Wow suite, so we were thrilled to see them here. Their diamond veneer items really do look like the real thing. Noelle was glad they were situated on the patio, as opposed to inside the venue, because it allowed her to “really see the brilliant sparkle” of the pieces, which neither of us have seen on jewels that “aren’t real diamonds!” She took extra note of the stud earrings, and declared them to be “absolutely stunning.” www.diamondveneer.com

Ganja Gold—Noelle could not believe that this group was “gifting celebs joints!” She explains, “But not just any joints!” There were a couple of individually packaged pre-rolled specialty items, along with both of our fave–a little round box filled with five joints, for different desired results: Zen, Awake, Heal, Inspire, and Evolve. That cute quintet made me wish I could still indulge! Canadian Noelle was amazed that marijuana can now be so out-in-the-open here, declaring, “Go, California!” www.ganjagold.com

Plant Organix—This health and wellness team was a repeat sponsor of this suite, with their prettiest display yet! Always wanting to make us feel good, they were gifting two CBD-infused products from their store. I was thrilled to see Meraki Pain Cream because I’ve been using it myself for quite awhile, and it’s one of the few things that can help my broken back calm down. Noelle tried some of the Meraki Ultra Hydrating Cocoa Butter Cream on her “endlessly dry Canadian elbows,” and was thrilled that she finally found something “to quench their thirst!” www.plantorganix.com

Mrs. Prindables—Noelle picked-up one of their handmade gourmet caramel apples, which are coated in triple chocolate,and exclaimed, “This has got to be the largest, heaviest caramel apple I have ever seen!” The company had samples for us to try, and Noelle said they “taste as good as they look,” and that her “sweet tooth was in heaven.” She even admired the packaging! She said, “The purple box and giant purple bow make it really stand out,” and added, “This is the perfect gift when you want to bring something unique to the family dinner.” (Or to us!) www.mrsprindables.com

Vance Family Soy Candles—We actually met the Vance family that day! (And a friend or two of theirs, as well.) They were gifting the sweetest item–a set of four mini-candles, titled Shine–Spread the Love. The idea is to keep one for yourself and share the other three. How lovely of an idea is that?! Each scent is delish, which is good because they’re actually edible! My favorite was the Enchanted Forest, (because that’s what my mind lives in!,) while Noelle’s fave was the Pineapple Coconut, which she says is “very subtle and sweet, and good enough to eat.” I told you it is! www.vancefamilysoycandles.com

G4 Premium Tequila–This family-owned tequila company was gifting bottles of their G4 Tequila Blanco. Noelle tried a sip, and said, “I’ve never been a big tequila drinker, but this brand just may change my mind because it’s very smooth, with a slight sweetness and a hint of vanilla.” She also admired the “simple clear bottle which prominently features the G4 logo, signifying the family’s four generations.” I agree with it all! www.g4tequila.life

Canna Hemp—Boy, were we happy to discover new pain relief help! It was here in the form of this company’s CBD-infused creams and elixirs. Noelle used several of her senses in sampling them, and told me she “loved the smell of the cream, which is the perfect blend of menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary in both cocoa and shea butters.” She tried some-out on the spot, and said, “Even better is that it diminished my pain!” And she said the elixir tasted sort-of like her favorite flavor of lime, which is a bonus. www.cannahemp.com

Tenfed—This was a funny one. Based in Toronto, this tee-shirt company with a charitable component had on-site reps telling us of their mission. For every item sold, ten meals are provided to feed hungry children around the world. Each guest had a choice of some small item, like a cap or candle or tank top and such. The shirts had a statement on the front, which is a cool one, but an iffy word (though disguised) is part of it, so I didn’t want to be seen in it in all the classy places on our agenda that day. But I was way too hot in the sweater I was rocking, so I chose one of their black tees and just turned it around. With my waist-length tresses, no one could see what was now on the back! And the shirt is cut so well that the shape looked adorable; everyone kept complimenting me all day! So I really thank them for that—I could not have made it through that day of way-too-hot venues without them! And now it’s my new favorite tee-shirt, all the way around. www.tenfed.org

Luxe Bag Care—This was a totally new concept in fashion care to us. Each guest received an Acrylic Handbag Hanger. Noelle says it’s “similar to a clothing hanger” on the top, but with a curved bottom, which is where you place the straps of your purse, so that it can hang, which helps maintain its original shape. Who thinks of these things?! Very clever. Now if only I had a purse I care about enough to take care of it properly! www.luxebagcare.com

SC Enable Oil—We received a whole lesson about this face serum from Japan. Everyone was talking so fast, and I knew I’d look it up when I got home, as I do with just about everything I write about, so I didn’t follow the entire shpiel. But my bad; when I researched it, I found that…the website is all in Japanese! Since I can only count to ten in that language, it looks like I’ll have to get my ice skater pals from that country on the case! www.sc-japan.jp

Shea Moisture—As always, this company was letting the guests choose two items from their extensive line of skin, hair, and body care products. Among them were body moisturizers, a scalp-helper, face oil, and even a bamboo sheet mask! If everyone who was at this event does not look better the next time I bump into them, then we know they didn’t use these products! www.sheamoisture.com

Miracle Pain Rub—I’m always happy to see this sponsor back here, especially because their CBD-infused salve is really a miracle!  I’ve been using it for years on my super-painful back, and it not only helps soothe that problem, but I swear—it helps me go to sleep! They always bring some other of their products, but I have eyes for only this one!

Self-Approved—I’m sure that all the Hollywood types at the suite, who love everything self-help, appreciated receiving this book and meeting its author, Kat Trimarco. I just loved that she was dressed all in pink, to match the cover! www.kattrimarco.com

Watson Style Group—These professional stylists were on hand, not to dole-out wardrobe advice, (although I did try to get them to dish on the guests,) but to hand-out gift certificates for a styling session with them. To remind the guests, they handed-out garment bags, which may have come in handy right then, to carry all the suite’s offerings that day! www.watsonstylinggroup.com

Corydon Customs—This company was gifting tiny die-cast model red Ferraris. I don’t know if they’re for kids or collectors, but I’m sure both groups will appreciate them. And Noelle “loved that they were packaged in boxes that were customized especially for the Oscars!” Nice touch. www.corydoncustoms.com