![\"Photo](\"http:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/IMG_9731.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
Secret Room<\/strong> 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 \u201cThe Ultimate in Luxury Red Carpet Style Lounge.\u201d Ultimate indeed!<\/p>\n I loved everything<\/em> about the suite, but my favorite part of of any<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n The snack bar. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n Speaking of the sponsors, they were all upbeat and happy to gift each person. They were so<\/em> nice that we spent a lot more time than usual chatting with them, and learning about their products.<\/p>\n There are so many items to tell you about, so let’s get right to the highlights:<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n 2(X)IST Watches<\/strong>–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 \u201cNYC watch,\u201d 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<\/em> NYC next month! www.2xist.com\/watches<\/a><\/p>\n Majestic Pet Beds<\/strong>–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<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n La Corza Jewelry<\/strong>–This “stylish and fun” jewelry caught Rachel’s eye the second we entered the suite.\u00a0 She’s my main jewelry expert, and she lauded them for having “beautiful designs.”\u00a0 The designer bases them on nature, and the cactus hoop earrings they were gifting were as lovely as they were exotic.\u00a0 www.lacorza.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nomadic State of Mind Footwear<\/strong>–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.\u00a0 She said that an extra bonus for moms, (and everyone<\/em> actually,) is that they’re “environmental safe,” especially since no leather is involved.\u00a0 www.nomadicstate.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Atzen’s Skincare<\/strong>–Rachel loved these classy skincare products that “promote health and radiance.”\u00a0 She tried the the Bio-Active Complex\u00a0with SPF 15\u00a0from 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.”\u00a0 I was more interested in their facial cleanser that’s known to \u201cexfoliate and brighten,\u201d which is a lot for a cleanser to do! They had me at brighten. www.atzen.com<\/a><\/p>\n Ronaldo Designer Jewelry<\/strong>\u2014Rachel gasped when she saw this “beautiful jewelry” that I’ve<\/em> been a fan of for quite some time. She was most impressed with their “meaningful designs.”\u00a0 They were gifting their Pure Love bracelets this time; the six-strand braided love knots are perfect for every<\/em> female. www.designerjewelrybyronaldo.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Sleep Belt<\/strong>\u2014As 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.”\u00a0 This ingenious yet simple device reminded me<\/em> 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.\u00a0 (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<\/a><\/p>\n Betty James Jewelry<\/strong>\u2014This 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 \u201cstylish, fun, and very versatile.\u201d 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\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0think alike!\u00a0www.bettyjames.com<\/a><\/p>\n Biodara Skincare<\/strong>\u2014While I<\/em> was busy feeling this company’s luxurious packaging, (because I just love wonderful textures,) Rachel was trying out their \u201cgreat face serum.\u201d \u00a0She said that it \u201cleaves your skin smooth and hydrated.\u201d She even tried it under her eyes a bit, and told me that \u201cit appeared as if the lines were reduced.\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Divine Design USA Home Furnishings<\/strong>\u2014<\/strong>This 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 \u201ceasy and great-looking jewelry roll,\u201d \u00a0\u201cchic napkin rings and napkins, which will make any dinner table inviting,\u201d and even a lightweight bathrobe! This company was like a mini-gifting suite unto itself!\u00a0www.divinedesignsusa.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Lip Ink<\/strong>\u2014We were both happy to learn about this smear-proof lip stain, being romantic girls with hot guys to make-out with. (Calm down\u2014the guys are just our own mates.) Rachel was wowed by the many \u201cgreat colors,\u201d and gasped, \u201cIt really doesn’t smear!\u201d www.lipink.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Nerium<\/strong>\u2014Rachel has used this \u201cgreat night cream\u201d in the past, and raved that it \u201cworks well to reduce fine lines,\u201d and \u201cit seemed to improve my skin tone.\u201d 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.\u00a0 www.nerium.com<\/a><\/p>\n Da Bib<\/strong>\u2014Again, I had to bow to my mom-advisor on this one. Rachel said these \u201cstylish, washable, bibs\u201d with so many unique features, are \u201ceasy to put on and take off,\u201d which makes them \u201cthe perfect bibs!\u201d 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<\/em> my baby! www.dabib.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Cureology Beauty Haircare<\/strong>–We both<\/em> 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 \u201cmakes your hair shiny and healthy, and improves texture.\u201d\u00a0 But we were both happy that up to 10 % of their net proceeds gets donated to Breast Cancer Research and Education. www.cureologybeauty.com<\/a><\/p>\n North Shore Goodies<\/strong>—<\/strong>This 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 \u201cdelicious flavors made me feel like I’m in Hawaii!\u201d Mission accomplished. Now we’re anxious to try their other food products, especially the red velvet pancake mix! How yummy does\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0sound?!\u00a0www.northshoregoodies.net<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n GooFurr<\/strong>–As someone who has three big dogs\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0a cat or two, Rachel said this medication delivery system for pets, (which makes medicating your cat or dog easier,) is a “great idea.”\u00a0 She told me that \u00a0“It’s almost impossible to get a cat to take a pill.\u00a0 This is a much gentler way of giving medication.”\u00a0 I know tons of pet lovers who will be thrilled to receive this information.\u00a0 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! \u00a0www.goofurr.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Hape Toys<\/strong>\u2014These 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 \u201cgreat fun,\u201d and especially liked that they \u201cteach creativity and motor skills.\u201d I just loved that they’re so colorful! And<\/em> uncomplicated! www.hapetoys.com<\/a><\/p>\n Thermos Stainless King<\/strong>–Is there anyone on earth who doesn’t call every<\/em> travel container for liquid a “thermos?”\u00a0 It’s just one of those iconic products.\u00a0 We were giddy to discover them at a suite, showing their new wares.\u00a0 Rachel said their travel tumbler has a “great design,” and she likes “how you can keep track of how much water you drink daily.”\u00a0 When I see them, I just crave some soup on the run.\u00a0 www.thermos.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Rocket Farms Orchids<\/strong>–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.\u00a0 Rachel pointed-out that the flowers themselves are “pretty simple to keep,” needing water only about every three weeks!\u00a0 I’m sure all the busy show business guests appreciated that! www.rocketfarms.com<\/a><\/p>\n Voyce<\/strong>–I still don’t understand how this \u201cwearable technology health and wellness device for dogs\u201d works, but Rachel, my dog expert said, \u201cIt’s a great idea! \u00a0It’s nice to be able to have communication from our beloved pets, especially if there’s something wrong we wouldn’t otherwise know about.\u201d www.mydogsvoyce.com<\/a><\/p>\n Adam and Eve Adult Massagers<\/strong>–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.\u00a0 When we found-out they were “adult” items, (something neither of us is,) we wanted them anyway because they’re so attractive! \u00a0But, 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. \u00a0 www.adamandeve.com<\/a><\/p>\n Now, as promised, here are the highlights of that super-generous VIP gift bag:<\/p>\n The over-stuffed VIP goodie bag. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n A gift certificate for a mouth-watering Taymor Luxury Bath Caddy<\/strong>; Uzurii Luxury Footwear<\/strong>\u2019s stunning embellished sandals; B brilliant reading glasses…for the dark!; gourmet sea salt caramels from Mouth Party<\/strong>, the most clever name ever that had even Mr. X laughing; Toufayan Bakeries<\/strong> whole wheat and gluten-free wraps, who don’t even know how much they saved my life this week!; Mack and Jane<\/strong> handcrafted jewelry; Lucend<\/strong>\u2019s lovely hand-sewn bags, for everything from jewelry to ID to cosmetics; Rachel Tribble<\/strong> original artwork; Skin Kare Industries<\/strong> cosmecutical grade skin care; Marina Cottage Soap Co.<\/strong> natural skincare; K’Nex c<\/strong>onstruction toy kits; Indigena<\/strong> sea-based botanical skincare; Boston<\/strong> Stitch<\/strong> caps that are embroidered with the words \u201cBest Actress\u201d or \u201cActor\u201d under cute pix of dogs; Beardition<\/strong> men’s natural beard and grooming products, (are you reading this, ZZ Top?); California Tan<\/strong>\u00a0self-tanner; Makeup Artist’s Choice\/ Bell Evolve<\/strong> custom formulated cosmeceuticals; Byron Bay Cookie Company<\/strong> deliciously decadent cookies; Ltd.<\/strong> make-up removers and towelettes; OPI<\/strong> nail products; Shoe Shinez<\/strong> original shoe embellishment; Rosebud<\/strong> perfume lip balm; and Poopy Carrier<\/strong> stylish poop bag holder for your leash.<\/p>\n And last, but certainly not least, their charity of choice this time was the spcaLA<\/strong>, which is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California since 1877. For more info, please check-out www.spcala.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whew! I told you Secret Room was amazing!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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\u2019t want any of you to miss even one item I\u2019m telling you about. So,<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>