{"id":30519,"date":"2017-09-29T17:22:32","date_gmt":"2017-09-29T17:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/?p=30519"},"modified":"2017-09-29T17:45:58","modified_gmt":"2017-09-29T17:45:58","slug":"gifting-lounge-ecoluxe-2017-pre-emmys-luxury-lounge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/gifting-lounge-ecoluxe-2017-pre-emmys-luxury-lounge\/","title":{"rendered":"GIFTING LOUNGE: ECOLUXE 2017 PRE-EMMYS LUXURY LOUNGE"},"content":{"rendered":"

ECOLUXE 2017 PRE-EMMYS LUXURY LOUNGE<\/h1>\n
\"Karen<\/a>

Karen Salkin, modeling the EcoLounge gifts. Photo by Flo Selfman.<\/p><\/div>\n

Knowing how fabulous Debbie Durkin\u2019s events always are, I decided to share this one with Flo, one of my deserving contributing writers. (Her comments are the ones in quotes throughout this column.) She had a fabulous time there, and mentioned just how nice everyone was, which made me sooo happy!<\/p>\n

It was held at the Beverly Hilton once again, but this time, Debbie introduced her guests to the newly-renovated Wilshire Garden area on the ground floor of the hotel. Flo said it\u2019s \u201clovely,\u201d and especially noted the wall of \u201cvertical gardens,\u201d which I agree was very different. She said the new space \u201csuited Debbie\u2019s event to a T!\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019m happy to say that this was more a really fun party<\/em> with great gifts, as opposed to a plain gifting suite, where they rarely feed us. Flo was actually surprised to see any<\/em> gifts because I had so raved about Debbie\u2019s famous brunches in the past that she hadn\u2019t heard past those accolades!<\/p>\n

\"Just<\/a>

Just a miniscule section of the gorgeous brunch buffet, which was at least five times this big!!! Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big one at the top of the page.<\/p><\/div>\n

The brunch buffet is always the most magnificent aspect of Debbie\u2019s event, and her thoughtfulness to feed us so royally is very appreciated by all<\/em> the guests. This one was just gorgeous! Flo had a lot to say about it, so I\u2019ll let her take it from here: \u201cWe were treated to lavish food and beverage stations. Frankly, when I heard it would be brunch, I figured coffee, juice, and muffins. Well, there was that<\/em>–plus a seemingly endless display of yummy brunch dishes–sweet, savory, and everything in-between. There were salads, lots of fruit trays, breads, scrambled e-words [I<\/em> changed that<\/em> word, of course], bacon, sausage, and my absolute fave: brie baked inside round breads.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by Flo Selfman.<\/p><\/div>\n

Flo waxed rhapsodic over more than the food, though. She also exclaimed, \u201cChampagne flowed, along with wine and non-alcoholic libations. The staff was courteous and helpful. There was a beautiful mix of people at the umbrella-ed tables enjoying the sweet stuff and the suite<\/em> stuff.\u201d That last part is so clever, don\u2019t you think? I love\u00a0her line\u00a0and<\/em> this entire event! Because it came in the middle of a crazy day for me, I honestly planned to spend just about an hour there. But at three hours and counting, we had to tear ourselves away!<\/p>\n

\"Massage<\/a>

Massage therapist Alexandria Barrett, (leaning down,) working her magic on a guest. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n

After we ate, I was very happy to see an on-site massage therapist giving chair massages. I partook, of course, and let me tell you\u2014this was no fly-by-night, wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am kind of massage. Alexandria Barrett<\/strong> really worked on each guest for quite awhile, and didn\u2019t let the next-in-lines rush her, even one little bit! I really, really appreciate that extra bit of kindness!<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s get to the highlights of the gifts now. Debbie is good enough to always give me an escort around her events, which really makes it much easier for me. I wish that every suite would copy her lead! This time, I got the bubbly, purple-haired Anne Marie Avey, who even seemed happy<\/em> to carry my bags. It always helps to have pleasant people around you!<\/p>\n

\"<\/a>

Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n

Bass Buds<\/strong>\u2014Since Mr. X is a krump dancer, I\u2019ve come into contact with more than my share of earbuds and headphones, as you can imagine. So, when I tell you that these 24ct. gold-plated earphones from England are the most gorgeous I\u2019ve ever seen, you know that I know of what I speak! On top of the gold, both ear pieces feature a Swarovski crystal! I may just have to join my bae in his krump sessions now\u2014I won\u2019t be the best dancer there, but I\u2019ll certainly be the best accessorized! www.bassbuds.net<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by Flo Selfman.<\/p><\/div>\n

Up Yours Chin-Up Mask<\/strong>\u2014Since I basically have no chin<\/em>, my jawline and neck are my most problem areas, looks-wise. So, I was thrilled to learn all about this non-surgical alternative to going under the knife for the area under your chin. The starter kit (which arrives in an attractive blue and red case with handles, which makes it look like an upscale purse) even comes with a cute little tape measure, in case you don\u2019t want to just believe your own eyes when you see the results. It\u2019s like a dream come true for chin-less peeps like me! (And the clever name really adds to the entire experience!) www.upyoursgravity.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>

Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n

ZO Skin Health<\/strong>\u2014I\u2019ve used their hand cream, and Flo told me that she had been curious about this line for quite awhile, so we were both happy to speak with the lovely reps at the event. They were gifting the basic Daily Skincare Program, which comes with an anti-aging exfoliating polish, a moisturizer, and a combo sunscreen-primer. Flo said that she feels people who use it will be \u201cin good hands with Dr. Obagi\u2019s results-oriented skincare.\u201d www.zoskinhealth.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>

Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n

Liv and B Artisan Jewelry<\/strong>\u2014This jewelry designer was on-site, showing a whole range of her wares, which we were both impressed with. Flo, whom I\u2019ve dubbed a jewelry-aholic, said it was all \u201csimply lovely, delicate, and in good taste.\u201d She was gifting each guest a sweet pair of pearl drop earrings on silver wires. I actually meant to get one of them for myself, but was so busy mingling (and, let\u2019s be honest, eating<\/em>,) that I never got the chance. But the ones who did should consider themselves lucky. www.livandb.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>

Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n

Autism Changes<\/strong>\u2014After meeting Dennis Vanasse, a special educator who has seen the impact of children with autism, Flo told me, \u201cI love people who set out to do good in the world!\u201d This non-profit foundation aims to create awareness of autism and individuals with special needs, and give them a voice. To that end, they were gifting Dennis’\u00a0book Autism Changes; Jose\u2019s Journey<\/em> to Acceptance<\/em>, in which Jose narrates his story in hip-hop rhyme, giving the reader of any age an insight into how a person with autism functions, and what a big difference having a friend makes in his life. www.autismchanges.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Cards\u00a0Recovery–<\/strong>They were on-site, asking us VIPs to do brief PSAs for them, discussing the drug epidemic in this country, and, of course, I was happy to lend my voice to it. Fortunately for me, I haven\u2019t known any drug users since I stopped hosting hip-hop clubs around town, but even then, when I discovered one of my homies doing drugs, I helped get them into recovery programs. I always hope that anyone who finds his or herself in this position gets the help they need. It\u2019s good to know that there are programs like this one all around the country. www.carusrecovery.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ECOLUXE 2017 PRE-EMMYS LUXURY LOUNGE Knowing how fabulous Debbie Durkin\u2019s events always are, I decided to share this one with Flo, one of my deserving contributing writers. (Her comments are the ones in quotes throughout this column.) She had a fabulous time there, and mentioned just how nice everyone was, which made me sooo happy!<\/p>\n

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