![\"The](\"http:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2949-e1537496036575.jpg\")
<\/a>The outdoor gifting area. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
The place was abuzz from the get-go with the perfect blend of returning and first-time sponsors. But it was all new to Nina, my contributing writer on this one. Her take on absolutely everything that happened that day is so wonderful that I just had to include many of her detailed comments. Ergo, this article may wind-up being longer than my usual ones. But I hope you\u2019ll read it all<\/em>, or else you\u2019ll really miss-out.<\/p>\n The stunning Fig & Olive interior. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Of the event, in general, she says, \u201cThe heat was on and temperatures were high. Not in just the fahrenheit kind of way, but also in the \u2018holy moly, that\u2019s the sexy man on TV with the dance moves\u2019 kind of way.\u201d She\u2019s speaking, of course, of the gorgeous Gleb Savchenko<\/strong>, who we couldn\u2019t take our eyes off all day! I\u2019m happy to report that he\u2019s one of the returning pros on Dancing With the Stars<\/em> this season, (which is extra<\/em>-great because there\u2019s not even one \u201cstar\u201d among the new competitors! The professional dancers<\/em> are really the celebrities on that show. But don\u2019t get me started on that topic right now.)<\/p>\n Just part of the sumptious fare that day. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Nina took note that I \u201cremarked on the smell of truffle oil in the air as we walked through the dining room,\u201d and because I loathe everything about that flavor, she commented, \u201cWhether or not one likes the taste or smell of truffle oil, it\u2019s no secret that these fine mushrooms are tasted only among the fortunate. What a fitting aroma to be wafting in a room full of people who have been fortunate enough to have had a taste of success in one of the most sought after, desirable, coveted fields–that of entertainment. I kept thinking of how fortunate each of us was to be there, and to have the privilege of exploring some of the best products and fashions in town, too.\u201d And this girl is young<\/em>, so I\u2019m glad that she\u2019s already aware of the realities of life, despite growing-up right here in Tinseltown!<\/p>\n We both enjoyed our lunch there, of course, including the restaurant’s signature flatbreads that were passed around by amiable servers for hours before the actual buffet. Nina had never dined there before, and said, \u201cThe food is so yummy!\u201d She was especially fond of those flatbreads, while I<\/em> was thrilled that their little chocolate pot de cremes were back!!! If I had just eaten a ton of those mini-desserts all day, the event would have still been a success for me.<\/p>\n Karen Salkin happily autographing the Wednesday’s Child poster, after dropping off a bunch of gifts for the teens. Photo by Nina Herzog.<\/p><\/div>\n Wednesday\u2019s Child<\/strong>\u2014Even better than those tasty tidbits, though, was the chance to \u201cgive back\u201d that Doris always affords us. Gifting works both ways at this event; we guests are always asked to bring gifts for children in foster care, which is what Wednesday\u2019s Child is all about. I\u2019m always more than happy to donate lots of fun items, but if someone doesn\u2019t have that kind of shopping time, they can now donate financially<\/em>, as well. (And so can you<\/em>, with the link below!) Nina smartly commented, \u201cI love that this table was the first thing attendees saw when walking into the gifting area. How nice it was to reflect on how much we already have, and to share our surplus before taking in the information on all the products this lounge had to offer!\u201d\u00a0 www.foxla.com\/wednesdays-child<\/a><\/p>\n After that uplifting bit, it was time to meet all the sponsors, and see just what the lucky recipients were getting gifted that day. Here are the highlights:<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Emporium Thai<\/strong>\u2014My regular readers know that this is my favorite Thai restaurant, so I was thrilled to see them here.\u00a0 They were giving the guests tastes of their delicious mango salad and Thai iced tea,\u00a0along with gift certificates so that they can try the rest<\/em> of Emporium’s fabulous food for themselves. (I hope that you\u2019ve already read my couple of full reviews of them.) Nina said, \u201cThe Thai tea was so good, and not overly sweetened, which I loved because it allowed some of the complex tastes of the black tea to come through. It was so refreshing, especially on a hot day, and it seemed to have a hint of orange blossom water or star anise. In addition, I loved the family feel of the restaurant staff. John, the owner, was so kind and welcoming, and I loved how he hugged Karen, as if hugging an old friend and remembering all the times she has come into his restaurant to enjoy meals and good times there. I learned that Emporium Thai has its own bit of Emmy history, too! The restaurant was recently re-designed by Peter Gurski, a two-time Emmy-winning interior designer,\u201d (a fact which I did not even know! I told<\/em> you that she\u2019s good at this!) www.ethaicuisine.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Porto Vino<\/strong>\u2014Of these very special bags, Nina said, \u201cWhen I told my mother about these wine bags, where you can just lift-up a flap and, bam, have your wine dispensing into your cup, it became absolutely clear what she would like for Hanukkah now!\u201d She added, \u201cI think the red-and-white striped beach bags will really come in handy on a picnic date.\u201d But she was especially \u201centhralled by the silicone wine glasses that were on display,\u201d because \u201cglass breaks and most regular plastic ones get scratched so easily! Porto Vino\u2019s silicone ones gave me googly eyes!\u201d While she<\/em> drooled over those, I<\/em> examined the new backpacks, which also feature the hidden wine spout\u2014perfect for age-appropriate college students to celebrate after finals!\u00a0 www.porto-vino.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Twisted Silver<\/strong>–Nina had seen only the pieces that I<\/em> wear from the collection of jewelry designer Debra Mitchell, so she was uber-impressed when she saw this entire<\/em> display. We both became instant fans of the specially-designed gift for this<\/em> year\u2019s guests; it\u2019s a long, dark, adjustable chain with a horseshoe nail hanging down. Nina loved Debra\u2019s suggestion to wear it with a backless dress, so that the nail drapes down one\u2019s spine. (Debra herself was also rocking the matching earrings, which complete this ultra-hip set.) Nina noted that all the jewelry from this line is a \u201cmix of super-elegance and edgy-rocker-chick, and I love how it walks that line.\u201d www.twisted-silver.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Lollies and Lace Boutique<\/strong>\u2014This designer, Nicole, is not only adorable and oh so pleasant, but she started this line because she finally had a daughter…after four boys!!! Wow. (I have a friend who was in that \u201cboy\u201d situation, as well, but she finally stopped trying for a girl. No worries, though–I let her dress me<\/em> up!) While I admired the colorful baby blankets, Nina went nuts over the \u201cadorable headbands\u201d because she now has got a baby cousin who \u201cnever leaves her crib without\u201d some head adornment! She said, \u201cThe flowery designs here are unlike anything I\u2019ve seen on a stretchy<\/em> headband; I\u2019ve seen that kind of design only on firm<\/em> ones, which are too hard for a soft baby head.\u201d After conversing with Nicole a bit, Nina told me, \u201cI love that the company was created by a mother who uses her experience mothering to understand what is comfortable and practical for children. Also, she employs only stay-at-home parents who are \u2018committed to being present for their children at home\u2019 while working for her company. I thought that was sweet.\u201d I add only, what she<\/em> said!\u00a0 www.lolliesandlaceboutique.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Nina Herzog.<\/p><\/div>\n Sue Wong<\/strong>\u2014While I chatted a bit with my long-time acquaintance, designer Sue Wong, Nina perused Sue\u2019s \u201celegant, timeless gowns, which look like they could be in a Great Gatsby<\/em> film.\u201d Nina also went nuts over Sue\u2019s latest perfume, Transformation, which she admitted \u201chad me drooling. I don\u2019t usually love perfume, but this one was truly remarkable.\u201d My own<\/em> mouth watered over the eye-popping chiffon scarves in delicate colors that the VIPs were very lucky to receive! \u00a0www.suewong.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Mobile White<\/strong>\u2014Nina\u2019s \u201cmind was blown\u201d by this gift! It\u2019s a teeth whitener that she explained to me comes with a \u201cdevice you put in your mouth, and then log in to an app that sends a light into it,\u201d which is what does the whitening. Wow. This innovative product made her declare, \u201cIt\u2019s official: nobody needs anything<\/em> but an iPhone to do anything anymore!\u201d I\u2019m sure that all the hip guests will be excited to try it out for themselves! www.mobilewhite.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Buy Wine<\/strong>\u2014I\u2019m always wowed by this sponsor\u2019s artistry, and now so was Nina, who commented on the \u201cbeautiful display they managed to curate,\u201d along with the \u201clovely selection of wines.\u201d She was so impressed with them, as a matter of fact, that she dug deeper when she got home, and told me that \u201ctheir website seems like a great resource for finding wineries, restaurant recommendations, and other fun vacation ideas for nearly any destination.\u201d Now I, too, am impressed! www.buywine.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Nina Herzog.<\/p><\/div>\n My Saint, My Hero<\/strong>\u2014I\u2019ve long believed in the power of these attractive \u201cblessing bracelets,\u201d so here\u2019s Nina\u2019s new story with them: \u201cI read an article recently that reported on the morning rituals of hundreds of successful people. Those rituals include pausing to reflect on at least three things they are grateful for before doing anything else. I have been trying to do this every day, so the Gratitude Bracelet seemed like a perfect new piece to add to my life at this time. As I reach to quiet the alarm clock while wearing it, seeing it on my wrist will remind me to pause and give thanks before diving into the day and all of its distractions.\u201d Smart girl! www.mysaintmyhero.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Nina Herzog.<\/p><\/div>\n Mind In Sole<\/strong>\u2014These insoles for your shoes are genius, and here\u2019s why: When I saw the NBA<\/em>-sized samples on the table, I lamented that I couldn’t try them because I have Geisha<\/em>-sized tootsies! But their cute reps very pleasantly explained that there are grooves for you to cut them down to fit your own feet!!! How brilliant! On top of that, they\u2019re pimpled for comfort, so Nina said that \u201cwearing these is like getting the foot massage that I so badly need, but that my boyfriend is too weirded-out by feet to give.\u201d (Maybe she needs to start dating a podiatrist!) www.mindinsole.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Goldinger\u2019s Tee-shirts<\/strong>\u2014Nina says that \u201cany guy is bound to look like a hot hipster in these\u201d designer shirts. She was especially drawn to one entitled \u201cIronriver Ride, American Road Untamed, Outlaw Biker Bad Boy Iron Thunder Spirit,\u201d and explains, \u201cWhen I was a little girl, my dad made me promise to never ride on a motorcycle…which perhaps explains why just the slight hint of it printed on a vintage t-shirt feels like the right amount of bad-boy-meets-refined-taste to catch my eye.\u201d I<\/em> liked the \u201cUnscripted\u201d one because anytime I\u2019ve done a non<\/em>-acting gig, my lines in the script say, \u201cKaren ad libs!\u201d Thanks, writers who want me<\/em> to do all the work! www.goldingersbrand.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n S\u00fcnder<\/strong>\u2014While I admired the beautiful fingernails of this mixer line\u2019s rep, Nina paid attention to what she had to say<\/em>, and tells us, \u201cThis mixer, infused with exotic fruits, has only a hint of sweetness and–unlike all those nasty chasers we all knew back in college–includes only natural ingredients, with no caffeine.\u201d And even though they had vodka on hand to mix it with, Nina sipped on one without any alcohol and found that it was a \u201cwelcome, refreshing treat.\u201d www.sunderusa.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Let\u2019s Cake<\/strong>\u2014When we came upon this table which was all set-up for cupcake decorating, Nina said, \u201cEveryone tells me not to play with my food, but I\u2019ve always felt it should be allowed because it\u2019s a creative art!\u201d So she was happy that Let\u2019s Cake \u201cencouraged the act.\u201d The company gave us plain cupcakes, and all the decorating supplies were laid-out in a way that Nina deemed to be \u201cstraight-forward, easy, and fun.\u201d The rep was even nice enough to let us take the supplies to go, so that we could make a mess in our own homes! And not be publicly shamed for the results! www.letscakeevents.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Nourish Modern Wellness<\/strong>\u2014This wellness company wants to nourish your skin from the inside out, so to that end, they were gifting a choice of interesting products. Nina listened to everything their rep had to say and told me, \u201cI learned that maca root is a good source of carbs and protein, it\u2019s low in fat, and contains a fair amount of fiber. It also has vitamins, minerals, copper, and iron! I can definitely see why it would be a good idea to transition from coffee to this product.\u201d I<\/em> was more interested in Cordyceps, which is a \u201csupershroom\u201d they pair with cacao to help the body handle the stress of the day. She had me at that it tastes like hot chocolate! www.nourishmodernwellness.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Diamond Veneer<\/strong>\u2014As someone who doesn\u2019t trust diamonds that are under seventy-years-old because I can’t guarantee that they\u2019re non-conflict ones, I was especially happy to learn of this new process in diamond alternatives. And their display added a touch of sparkle to the event. They were gifting their blinged-out pens, which are perfect gifts for writers such as Nina and me. I can\u2019t wait to whip mine out at the next media conference! www.diamondveneer.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n KamShield<\/strong>\u2014You can never be too careful with technology these days, so this \u201csimple little idea,\u201d as Nina calls it, is much appreciated. She told me that she had \u201cnever seen anything like\u201d this tiny device that covers the cameras on computers, laptops, and even iPads! And you slide it open when need be. Nina said, \u201cI have always used a piece of tape to cover my laptop camera, but now I have something with way less gooey residue. What a very clever and useful gift!\u201d Even more impressive is that the owner had put each celeb\u2019s face on one just for them! (And, of course I’m<\/em> a fan because this company and I both have the same initials–KS!)\u00a0www.kamshield.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Nina Herzog.<\/p><\/div>\n Green HoriZen CBD<\/strong>\u2014This natural health company was gifting a duo of products that contain CBD, which is the recent trend. Nina said that she \u201clooks forward to experimenting with the balm\u201d on her neck, \u201cafter my next time sitting in LA traffic,\u201d which probably came the second she dropped me off that afternoon! www.mygreenhorizen.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Nina Herzog.<\/p><\/div>\n Beauty Kitchen<\/strong>\u2014This company was here once again,gifting their now-signature pink box containing some of their top \u201ckitchen-made\u201d products. In there was a bath soak, a body polisher, and an aloe-infused eye gel. I\u2019m sure all the girly-girls appreciated those items! www.beautykitchen.net<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Nina Herzog.<\/p><\/div>\n Planet Beauty<\/strong>\u2014Nina told me that she was \u201clooking forward to quenching\u201d her tresses\u2019 thirst with these luxurious hair products which all the guests received a gift bag of on the way out of the event. What a fun, extra little surprise to end our fabulous visit to Doris Bergman’s TV event with! www.planetbeauty.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" DORIS BERGMAN\u2019S\u00a0STYLE LOUNGE & PARTY IN CELEBRATION OF THE 2018 TELEVISION AWARDS SEASON Once again, Doris Bergman held her fabulous semi-annual luncheon and Gifting Lounge at the upscale eatery, Fig and Olive in West Hollywood. The interior, and part of the exterior, too, had undergone a mini-makeover recently, which added a touch of pizzazz to<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>