GIFTING SUITE: WOW CREATIONS PRE-OSCARS GIFTING SUITE 2022

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WOW CREATIONS PRE-OSCARS GIFTING SUITE 2022

Karina Ward on harp. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.

Karina Ward on harp. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.

I was so excited to introduce my newest co-writer, Laura, to the Harris twins and their annual Pre-Oscars Gifting Suite. Their always easy-going event was the perfect one for her to start on.

And it did me proud—when we walked in, she actually said, “Wow,” not even realizing that’s the title of the suite! She really enjoyed meeting the sponsors from all over the country, and learning about so many products that were new to her. And she told me she especially liked meeting the Harris brothers. She gushed, “That is a pair of sharply dressed man! And their sense of style extends beyond their attire, as evidenced by this beautiful event they organized.”

She really wanted me to include this next part, so, even though I’m blushing a bit, here it is. Laura stated that, “The event was enhanced by watching Karen’s excitement at the gifting suite. Many of the vendors are people Karen has written about at previous gifting events, and she talked to them like you would an old friend that you haven’t seen in awhile. Her enthusiasm for many of these products made me excited to try them.” I thank Laura for all those kind words.

Karen Salkin and the White Ribbon rep comparing their Ukraine-flag-themed nails. Great minds... Photo by Laura Saul.

Karen Salkin and the White Ribbon rep comparing their Ukraine-flag-themed nails. Great minds… Photo by Laura Saul.

The fun at the Wow Creations Gifting Suite began as we entered the Ballroom of the Universal Hilton to beautiful classy harp music from Karina Ward. Every time I see her, I immediately crave Afternoon Tea!

I was very happy to see that the suite’s charitable component this time was raising funds for Ukraine, which I’ve been passionate about since the insane war over there began. White Ribbon, a non-profit humanitarian organization, was collecting donations, and to give back to the contributors, they each received a lovely little candle and white ribbon to acknowledge their invaluable assistance. www.whiteribbon.com

But, of course, the many guests were there mainly for the gifts. Here are Laura and my thoughts on the highlights:

Photo by Laura Saul.

Photo by Laura Saul.

Rice Force—This skincare line from Japan was the main sponsor of the suite, and I could see why—the guests were clamoring for their generous gift boxes! Laura studied the contents, and tells us, “The Rice Force product line harnesses a special rice enzyme that is more moisturizing and penetrative than most skin care ingredients. I struggle with dry skin, especially when the weather is a little chilly, so I really love how moisturizing this product is. It took only one application to knock out some dryness I was experiencing recently.” So now I can’t wait to see everyone at the next Wow event—all of their faces should be glowing by then! www.en-riceforce-com.translate.goog

Photo by Laura Saul.

Photo by Laura Saul.

Misaky Tokyo—Laura loved this interesting Japanese candy sooo much! She tells us, “I’ve discovered my new favorite hostess gift.  These ‘crystal treats’ are not only visually stunning, they’re incredibly flavorful without being too sweet. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. And they’re vegan and gluten-free, too. I’ve never tried a candy with such a unique and satisfying texture. The standout flavors for me are Yuzu, Matcha, and Rose Petal. These mini works of art come in beautiful packaging that the Japanese are famous for. These treats are a showstopper.” I can only add, “What she said.”  www.misaky.tokyo

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

House of Orange—This natural skincare line was gifting their Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Laura’s been trying it out for us, and says that after using it for a week, “My skin feels softer and smoother, and my pores appear smaller. My absolute favorite part about this product is that it is unscented, which I really appreciate.” And I loved that everything on the table, including the decorative flowers, was, of course, orange! I adore a good visual. www.houseoforangeco.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Photo by Laura Saul.

Aztec Secret—Laura was uber-excited to learn about this famous cleansing clay because she’s seen the product on the shelves of her favorite health food stores, but never tried it. But when their reps at the event told us of the “magical detoxifying qualities of the Bentonite clay” it’s made from, she was all in. And now she joins me in being a fan! It’s good for soooo many more things than just facials; you can use it as a foot soak, a hair masks, and even to help with insect bites! And the cutest touch at the suite was that they included a jar of apple cider vinegar, (with which to mix the clay,) with each gift! www.aztec-secret.com

Photo by Laura Saul.

Photo by Laura Saul.

Absinthia—Laura tried this interesting alcoholic beverage for the first time, and said, “I know what you’re thinking—‘Isn’t Absinthe illegal?’ Turns-out, not anymore. Absinthe, in general, is an anise-flavored liqueur, but this particular brand is so much more than that; it’s certified organic, small batch, and made in California. Their organic botanicals, which give Absinthia its complexity of flavor, are sourced from Oregon. And this company is woman-owned. What’s not to love about this spirit?” www.absinthia.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The Olive Oil Lady—Laura, a self-proclaimed “person who loves olive oil and balsamic vinegar with crusty bread,” tried the samples from this company, and declared that they definitely “did not disappoint!” All the guest appreciated receiving a gift bag containing both items, so they can replicate the delicious experience themselves at home. www.theoliveoillady.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Lysulin–Since Laura is pre-diabetic, she was very interested in learning about this doctor-created once-a-day powder. She tried some and said, “I’m glad to discover something new to help me bring down my blood sugar. And it tastes really good, too!” www.lysulin.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Bu Sunscreen—Being both big-on-sunscreen gals, we were happy to be introduced to a new one on the market. These spray on, which is very convenient, and they come in different strengths and scents. My asthmatic self is happy there’s a fragrance-free one, while mom-of-two Laura said, “I love that this product is alcohol-free and fragrance-free. I can’t wait to try it on the kids when we go to the desert for spring break.”  www.busunscreen.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Central Cali Caregivers—Laura had been hearing me say this company’s Miracle Healing Rub is the only thing I use on my painful broken back anymore, and was eager to learn more about it from the people who created it. Now she’s a real fan herself, and told me, “I’m looking for the slightest ache or pain in order to give me an excuse to use it on myself!” She’s a quick learner. www.centralcalicaregivers.net

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Shattered But Not Broken–Author Jay Styles was on hand to sign his book that he was gifting to the crowd. We chatted to him about his challenging journey for awhile, and were amazed by his story of being wrongfully diagnosed with lung cancer. Laura was impressed when she learned that he “then single-handedly sought justice from this medical misdiagnosis.” She added that, “It’s a compelling story that I am looking forward to reading.”

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Dan-O’s Seasoning—Neither of us had ever even heard of these spices before! We were happy to discover that they’re all sugar-free with low sodium, so we’re looking forward to trying them out. www.danosseasoning.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Amour Propre—This company was handing-out samples of their hand cream and little hand-made soaps that Laura said “smell amazing.” www.amourp.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Etc Every Thing Cannabis—Laura told me she “was so impressed by the owner’s passion for the healing properties of cannabis.” The guests were downright grabbing her pre-rolled joints that she had on a tray on her table. I appreciated that she had thoughtfully placed each one in a plastic holder, so they didn’t open in everyone’s bags that day!

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1 Comment

  1. I always love seeing pictures of your creative nail designs, but this time yours and the other girls Ukraine nails actually made me cry. Thank you so much for keeping the struggle in people’s minds. My family is from there so I really appreciate your kindness. Oksana

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