I have to first give a shout-out to the lovely Secret Room staff. Each girl made us feel most welcome, and they explained every product in the auxiliary bags (which many guests received on the way out) with such enthusiasm! It was a pleasure to be treated like that.<\/p>\n
The gifts were all so special. And, of even more interest to us, we had never seen more than a handful of them before! So, let’s get to the highlights of them already!:<\/p>\n
![\"Photo](\"http:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/img_0540-e1453082889893.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
Nadri Jewelry<\/strong>\u2014I was stopped in my tracks by this gorgeous jewelry display! Each individual collection that was featured at the suite by this company was stunning and luxurious. When we checked into the pieces, we discovered that, although each one sparkles like diamonds, they’re all actually quite affordable, which makes them doubly special. www.nadrijewelry.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Adore Cosmetics<\/strong>\u2014I’ve actually used some of this company’s products before, with good results, so I was so happy to finally meet the upbeat owner, who grew up\u2014guess where?–up the block from me, in Brooklyn!!! OMG! Talk about synchronicity! Alice said this organic skincare line was \u201ccreated to a whole other level,\u201d using plant stem cells. Good call on her part because their Advanced Firming Eye Cream even comes with a Certificate of Authenticity! www.adorecosmetics.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Alice Farinas.<\/p><\/div>\n Pretty Woman Perfume<\/strong>\u2014Every time I hear the words \u201cpretty woman,\u201d I think not of the famous movie, (or even of myself!, haha,) but of the iconic Roy Orbison tune from the ’60s, which means so much to me. Here’s why: When I drove my beautiful first classy car off the lot years ago, I said that whatever song comes on the radio first will be my theme song. And, I guess you can figure-out, it was Pretty Woman<\/em>. So, I especially loved meeting Roy’s granddaughter, Emily, at the suite, and learning about this scent created by his wife, Barbara. www.prettywomanperfume.com<\/a><\/p>\n Santa Anita Park<\/strong>\u2014This was a truly different, exciting suite sponsor. Guests not only got to have their picture taken with pro jockey Iggy Puglisi, but they also received a beautifully-embossed leather envelope containing an invitation to one of their Guest Chef events in the Chandelier Room at the Park. Alice told me she can’t wait for us to \u201cenjoy a day at races.\u201d And to cheer-on Iggy, too, of course! www.santaanita.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Alice Farinas.<\/p><\/div>\n Denman Brush<\/strong>\u2014Alice and I both have enough hair for ten people, (knock on wood,) so we were thrilled to see this popular UK brush company here. We’ve both used their paddle brushes forever, (with Alice saying, \u201cThis brand has been a constant in my life,\u201d) so it was fun to see that they were gifting golden-handled ones, to celebrate the Golden Globes! Nice touch. (I wish I had realized at the time that they’re the ones who make a \u201cstraightening\u201d brush, because I cannot imagine how that works, but I’ve been most anxious to try it! I would have gotten all the scoops on it for you. And for me<\/em>!) www.denmanbrush.com<\/a><\/p>\n Frency and Mercury Sunglasses<\/strong>\u2014There was a lot of excitement around this sponsor’s table because each pair of attractive sunglasses was custom-chosen for the recipient. The pleasant rep studied each guest’s visage, and then chose the perfect frame for him or her. That made the experience extra-special.\u00a0www.frency-mercury.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Lilach Adoni<\/strong>\u2014This designer was gifting her (in Alice’s description) \u201cunique, very stylish, and pretty jewelry pieces.\u201d They’re medallions with your favorite rhinestone-encrusted state in the middle, and the words \u201chome is where the heart is\u201d surrounding it. I, kidding around, asked if Lilach made ones with just \u201cBrooklyn,\u201d without the rest of the state of New York on it, and to my surprise, she said that she’ll be working on it! So, for now, I just went with California, which you know I’m really proud to be a resident of. (Especially when I get to to go to wonderful events such as this one!) www.lilachadoni.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Alice Farinas.<\/p><\/div>\n Derma e<\/strong>\u2014Alice and I both carry this company’s hand cream (of which she says, \u201cI love it–no other works like theirs,\u201d and calls it \u201ca must have in your purse\u201d) all the time, so we were happy to see them here again. The line was developed by physicians, which led Alice to declare, \u201cNo wonder it’s one of the best natural skin care lines out there.\u201d Now we can’t wait to try their Marine Algae and Activated Charcoal products, with high hopes for similar results. www.dermae.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Twisted J Apparel<\/strong>\u2014This ranch in Texas was gifting appropriate apparel. They handed each guest an already-packed Indian-themed bag containing a tee-shirt, a cap, and one of the softest, most comfortable hoodies I’ve ever seen, all with their feather logo. www.getalittletwisted.com<\/p>\n Photo by Alice Farinas.<\/p><\/div>\n City Color Cosmetics<\/strong>\u2014I’ve actually used this make-up company’s highlighters and bronzers before, so I thrilled to see them again here. Alice, a former make-up artist, really enjoyed their \u201cwonderful array of colors for all the basics.\u201d She observed that there was \u201cblush, shimmer shadow, and creamy lip gloss for all skin tones,\u201d and after trying some, she advised \u201cjust a little bit goes a long way,\u201d which makes each product last longer. www.citycolorcosmetics.com<\/a><\/p>\n Visit Santa Barbara<\/strong>\u2014To let us know about their fair city, they were gifting a special edition red wine, made where else, but in Santa Barbara. Its moniker is \u201cRed Carpet Red,\u201d which Alice deemed \u201cso apropos\u201d of the occasion. The recipients were lucky to receive it because only two barrels of it were produced, just for this event!\u00a0www.santabarbaraca.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Scentuals<\/strong>\u2014This body care company from our neighbors in Vancouver, Canada, has specific, interesting collections including ones for yoga, baby, and men, all with ingredients from nature. They also feature many scent-free items, which this<\/em> asthmatic really appreciates! www.scentualsbodycare.com<\/a><\/p>\n Brevena Skincare<\/strong>\u2014Alice discovered that this company began by \u201ctreating burn wounds, and has now developed a line of complete skin care.\u201d I’ve used their Intensive Foot and Heel Repair on my poor troubled tootsies for awhile now, so I was happy to see that they were also gifting an Overnight Cream to make my face as soft as my feet!\u00a0www.brevena.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Eve & Nico Crafts & Home Decor<\/strong>\u2014I was immediately drawn to these one-of-a-kind, uber-colorful bowls that are handcrafted by Zulu women from…telephone wire! (I didn’t even know such a thing existed anymore!) And they had half-made ones on display, so we could see just how it was done. www.eveandnico.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Aspen Tea Company<\/strong>\u2014Having spent two decades worth of summers in Aspen, Colorado, the place is very close to my heart. So, this company evoked happy memories for me. Alice said that the minute you open their book-shaped wooden gift box, \u201cyou smell the beautiful fragrance of the teas.\u201d She also loved their \u201cgreat selection of both caffeinated and decaffeinated\u201d varieties, while I<\/em> admired the soothing colors of the whole presentation. www.aspen-tea.com<\/a><\/p>\n Travel Org<\/strong>\u2014This travel line was helping guests \u201ctravel in style\u201d by gifting leather-bound luggage tags, eye masks, and just what I needed\u2014a large comfy toque. Now\u00a0we<\/em>\u00a0can travel in style, and\u00a0comfort<\/em>, too!\u00a0www.thetravelorg.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Sculpey<\/strong>\u2014As a big kid, my eyes popped open when I spied this \u201cadult clay set,\u201d with which you can even make jewelry! Alice said it’s \u201cnot your typical clay set,\u201d in that \u201cyou can create masterpieces<\/em>.\u201d www.sculpey.com<\/a><\/p>\n MyntSmile<\/strong>\u2014Alice deemed this toothpaste that’s formulated for cosmetic dental work to be \u201crevolutionary.\u201d I’ve often wondered what all those Hollywood peeps with veneers do to keep them sparkling white, and now I just may have stumbled onto their secret!\u00a0www.myntsmile.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Alice Farinas.<\/p><\/div>\n Fuel<\/strong>\u2014Alice, who’s a hair product junkie, was happy to discover this line that used to be available in salons only, but is now open to everyone. We enjoyed learning about their whole line,\u00a0from volumizing foam to frizz-preventing products. And let’s not forget the shine serum, which I used right at the suite. www.fuelhair.com<\/a><\/p>\n Betty Boop<\/strong>\u2014We loved the tee-shirts with the Boopster on them because, as Alice said, \u201cYou can never go wrong with Betty Boop\u00a0anything<\/em>!\u201d I totally second that emotion, especially because I always refer to the inventive Mr. X as \u201cBetty Boop’s grandfather.\u201d\u00a0www.bettyboop.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Ruffle Girl<\/strong>\u2014This girly-girl company was gifting matching colorful striped scarves for moms and daughters. I noticed one big<\/em> posse (mom with three<\/em> girls) at the suite, so I was wondering what they were going to do at this booth. All<\/em> match, I guess! www.rufflegirl.com<\/a><\/p>\n Oleavicin<\/strong>\u2014This line of natural products which relieve cold sores (and dry itchy skin, as well,) was developed by a mother trying to help her son get rid of his<\/em> without using meds. I’m with them on this one! (Since I had just gotten over a bad New Year’s cold, I actually needed this item that very day! What luck to happen upon it!) As Alice added, \u201cHappy Healing!\u201d www.oleavicin.com<\/a><\/p>\n Fernanda Japan<\/strong>\u2014This skin-and-hair-care company from Japan has products in oh so many categories. And all the packaging is so delicately pretty! I’m trusting them most in the hair category because if my tresses come out looking as gorgeous as that of Japanese girls, I’ll consider myself lucky! And I love that the description of their \u201cHair Milk\u201d includes, \u201cGentle fragrance surrounds you whenever hair sways.\u201d You just know that I’ll<\/em> be swishing that hair back and forth now! www.fernanda.jp<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SECRET ROOM’S ULTIMATE IN LUXURY RED CARPET STYLE LOUNGE IN HONOR OF THE GOLDEN GLOBES\u00a02016 Held once again at the classy SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, this gifting lounge in honor of the Golden Globes was yet another jam-packed (with products and guests) winner for Secret Room. My co-writer, Alice Farinas, (whose comments are in<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>