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<\/a>Our view from GBK’s Naughty or Nice Giving Lounge. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
This is how it worked: the attendees collected the gifts, and then immediately donated them to a charity. The public also had the chance to pre-bid on being there in person, and those proceeds went to charity, as well. (More on the charities themselves near the end of this article.)<\/p>\n
I always love the fact that GBK often changes-up their event locations. This one was held in a fabulous new entry into the party venue arena–OUE Skyspace LA<\/strong> in downtown LA, which features the tallest observation deck in Los Angeles. I had missed their big opening fete earlier this year, so I was especially interested in checking it out. I had heard so much about the place! But none of the scuttlebutt had done it justice.<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n My cohort, Alice, and I felt like we were in a movie from the get-go. The first \u201ccheck-point\u201d was a TSA-esque x-ray experience, (although tons friendlier! And so much less scary, although still a tad nerve-wracking. I always think that they\u2019re going to discover something that a stranger planted on me! Do you think I watch too many mystery shows?) Then the real fun began. We walked through an extensive hallway, which featured a lovely white and gold mural of LA along the entire length, to get to the next step.<\/p>\n A view of Skyslide from near the top. Scary! Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n There are personnel who serve as \u201celevator monitors,\u201d and grill you about where you\u2019re headed. They even push the buttons for you! On one level, there\u2019s a stunning moving panoramic video of LA, that reminded me of one of the old-time exhibits at Disneyland. There are even railings for you to hold on to, in case you get a tad dizzy while viewing it up-close and personal! It seems the Skyspace people have thought of everything!<\/p>\n When we finally arrived at the lounge area, the first thing we noticed is the pristine, futuristic atmosphere. It looks like the places TV detectives go to interview the mad genius scientists! (Again\u2014too much TV for me?)<\/p>\n A cupcake wreath, with a hint of the glorious view we had that day. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n This is how Alice described the atmosphere: \u201cThe moment we walked in, the energy was so great! There were beautiful Christmas trees everywhere; each corner was unique. Windows surrounded us, and we were able to see all of Los Angeles from wherever we stood. The decor was to the nines!\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone was having tons of fun. Between the beautiful beverage bar, the delicious sandwiches provided by Ike’s Place<\/strong>, scrumptious holiday cupcakes, the excitement of wondering just which guests would be brave enough to go down the Skyslide<\/strong>, and discovering all the fun gifts I’m getting ready to tell you about, there was something for everyone.<\/p>\n Karen Salkin with her amiable escort, Alex. It looks like they comparing light-colored eyes! Photo by Alice Farinas.<\/p><\/div>\n I was lucky enough to get the most fabulous escort I\u2019ve ever had at a suite! No kidding. Alice and I had met cute Alex on the elevator, and I noticed right away just how enthusiastic and upbeat a person he is. So, when he was to assigned to help us meet and greet the sponsors, he and I were both<\/em> very happy. He\u2019s young and adorable, (and an identical twin, which I\u2019m always fascinated by,) and when he learned that I had been a guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson<\/em> a couple of times, he almost jumped out of his skin! I wouldn\u2019t have guessed that someone his age would be so familiar with Johnny, but he knew right away what an honor that was for me. And he was thrilled to have met someone who had been on that show! He wanted to know everything about my experiences on there. What a great guy. (Actually, I\u2019m saying that about both Alex and<\/em> Johnny!!!)<\/p>\n Alex shepherded us to the various sponsors, and here are our favorites (mine and Alice\u2019s<\/em>, not those of Alex<\/em>, of course):<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Katya Candles<\/strong>\u2014These gorgeously-packaged beautiful candles are wonderful enough on their own, but they come with a surprise under the lid\u2014a foil-wrapped cocktail ring! (It\u2019s not hidden in<\/em> the candle because the wrapping would be a fire hazard. Isn\u2019t that thoughtful of them?) Alice said that this fabulous gift combination, (which is so affordable, you\u2019 can get one for every female you know!,) is\u00a0\u201cbeauty for your nose, beauty for your eyes, and beauty for your hand!\u201d We had a lot of fun with the human<\/em> Katya. I met her handsome boyfriend, too, and kiddingly suggested he \u201cput a ring on it.\u201d But he told me that, as the designer of these candles, she has more rings than anybody! Good point. \u00a0www.katyacandles.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Alice Farinas.<\/p><\/div>\n Tempt Brands<\/strong>\u2014As forever fashionistas, we were more than interested to learn about this fabulous shopping site out of Canada, where everybody<\/em> looks good! They feature major discounts, too. Alice said, \u201cThey have so many items to choose from, not just fashion.\u201d She is correct\u2014there are also beauty products, toys, and even home furnishings! At the lounge, they were featuring what Alice referred to as \u201cthe coolest, hippest, swankiest, funkiest sunglasses you’ll ever wear!\u201d \u00a0www.temptbrands.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Ezpz Silicone Mats<\/strong>\u2014When the rep for this company told me these silicone mats for children are \u201ceasy peazy,\u201d I did not realize that was the name of the company! (In initial form, as you can see.) I was too busy drooling over the clever children\u2019s Happy Mats, which are bowls and compartment dishes, that are built right into silicone mats, to catch the inevitable drips. What a genius creation. And, no fooling, folks\u2014I\u2019m getting one for my own grown-up<\/em> messy snacker, Mr. X! Our couches will thank me! And they\u2019ll thank EZPZ, too, of course! www.ezpzfun.com<\/a><\/p>\n Lonnie working a happy guest. Photo by Alex.<\/p><\/div>\n Manly Handz Mobile Spa<\/strong>\u2014We had met these massage guys earlier in the year, so we knew the pampering we were in for at this suite, just when we needed it. Each guest got his or her choice of a shoulder and neck massage from Sean, or a hand or foot one from Lonnie. Since I spend so much time typing this whole e-zine for you guys, my loyal readers, I chose to have my hands kneaded, and it was excellent. I even got to lie back in a massaging chair while he relaxed my overworked phalanges. Alice was thrilled with hers, too. She told me, \u201cI walked in with a crick in my neck, and by the time I left, I didn’t even remember I had one!\u201d We were so glad we visited these \u201cmanly\u201d guys last that day, so we could just slink on out of the lounge after. www.manlyhandz.com<\/a><\/p>\n As I mentioned at the start, this entire event was for the purpose of charity, but the specific ones who benefitted that day were:<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Toys for Tots<\/strong>\u2014When I was doing my TV show, I was always more than happy to go on this organization\u2019s holiday telethon, to donate toys for children in need, and to encourage my fans to do so, too. So, it was great to see the Marines\u2019s collection boxes at this site, as well. www.toysfortots.org<\/a><\/p>\n Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles<\/strong>\u2014This organization grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, and has been doing so for a long time. I\u2019m always glad to see people helping them, so good on GBK for doing just that. www.la.wish.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" GBK\u2019S NAUGHTY OR NICE GIVING LOUNGE GBK came up with something different this holiday season. Instead of the usual \u201cGifting Suite\u201d to coincide with an awards show, they did a \u201cGiving Lounge, \u201d to coincide with the holidays. What a nice idea! I was thrilled to be a part of it. This is how it<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>