![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/IMG_9870.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
No fooling around\u2014this spectacular event was overwhelming. I was glad it was in a hotel, (Century City’s Intercontinental Hotel, to be exact,) because I thought I was going to have to get a room to take a long nap at the end of it!<\/p>\n
My contributing writer on this one is Patty Onagan. She had been to an earlier Secret Room Events Gift Lounge with me, which she loved, so she was excited to pay them a return visit. And she deemed this one to be even better! She exclaimed, \u201cWow! Secret Room Events did it again this year with a great variety of new and exciting sponsors. They gifted all the latest and hottest must-haves for 2020!\u201d She added, \u201cI especially love that many of the sponsors believe in the environment, sustainability, and the welfare of humans and all living things.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Just a few of the goodies on the check-in table. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n One of both of our favorite aspects of Secret Room Events is the very happening check-in table. Patty explains, \u201cIn addition to being greeted by the incredibly helpful and lovely staff, there was an amazing\u00a0array of extra treats on the table, for the guests to pick and choose from.\u201d There were gifts in many categories, but as always-hungry girls, we were most happy to pick-up some snacks, such as crisp and healthful coconut chips, a bag of unbelievably delicious chocolate keto treats, and flavored pork rinds, which Patty said were \u201cso yummy\u201d that she \u201ccouldn’t put the bag down!\u201d<\/p>\n Karen Salkin and Jake Choi. Photo by Patty Onagan.<\/p><\/div>\n But before I get to the scoops on all the goodies we discovered in the gifting lounge, I have to tell you about one of my favorite TV actors I met that day. Jake Choi<\/strong>, who plays Miggy on the hilarious sitcom, Single Parents<\/em>, is even more adorable in person than he is on TV! I had been feeling bad for the previous two months since I learned that Jake was at the opening night of a show that I was also invited to, but then had to cancel on, so I thought that meant I had missed my one chance of meeting him. And then, thanks to Secret Room Events, that has been corrected now! He even insisted that we make a video to Mr. X right on the spot! I\u2019ve been living off that fabulous experience ever since! (And I found-out later that Jake and I have…the same birthday!!! No wonder he\u2019s fabulous. So I wish a very Happy Bday to my fellow January 14th-er!)<\/p>\n I\u2019m sure that Jake and the other celebs, (such as The Terror<\/em>\u2019s Miki Ishikawa<\/strong>, to whom he introduced us,) really enjoyed receiving the plethora of gifts on offer at Secret Room Events\u2019 lounge. Here are the very many highlights of them:<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n \u00c9volur Baby<\/strong>\u2014This is one of the most generous companies I\u2019ve ever come upon at a gifting lounge! And they had the most beautiful display, as well! It\u2019s baby furniture so mouthwatering that it almost made me<\/em> want to have a kid! (But I\u2019d rather just have the furniture.) They were gifting the guests a choice of a bassinet or stroller. I would have been happy to just curl up in one of their oversized chairs, (or the crib!,) with their beautiful pink blanket, and take a nap for a bit. (But you, and they<\/em>, will be relieved to know that I refrained.) www.evolurbaby.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Nurse Hatty<\/strong>\u2014Hatty is an actual person, (and a nurse, of course,) who, like me, cares about every aspect of one\u2019s being! (I love nurses!) We chatted for quite awhile, and she told me that her many products help with \u201crejuvenation both inside and outside, from head to toe!\u201d To that end, she gifted the guests a variety of health, beauty, and personal care items from her lines, including ones that help with wrinkle reduction and strips for a few different urine tests. There\u2019s even a face strap to help prevent sleep apnea. And there\u2019s a phone number on her site which you can call to speak with Hatty herself! www.nursehatty.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Sothys USA<\/strong>\u2014We spent a lot of time learning about this skincare line. (Maybe because all their representatives looked so good!) Patty says, \u201cIf you want to energize and boost the radiance of your skin, I suggest you try Sothys new Detox Energie collection.\u201d She interviewed Ziba Jahangir, the main on-site rep at the lounge, who explained, \u201cSince we are all exposed to the same pollution, this collection is good for both men and women, and you can start using these treatments in your early twenties,\u201d which was great news to me<\/em>, of course, (since I\u2019m still in my twenties. Well, in my mind<\/em> I am!) Ziba suggests\u00a0that \u201cthe must-have item in the collection is the Depolluting Essence, which is a great shield for your skin, and can be worn day and night.\u201d We millennials agree. www.sothys-usa.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Shalia Botanicals<\/strong>–We were blessed to discover this CBD company\u2019s Total Wellness Kit, which is entitled The Blessed<\/em>. Patty explored it and says it\u2019s a \u201cbalanced regimen of CBD-infused probiotic skincare that will, as Shalia says, \u2018bring you closer to total wellness, inside and out.\u2019\u201d We both really enjoyed meeting these \u201c super nice\u201d reps who not only gave-out \u201cthis wonderful gift,\u201d but also placed all of each guest\u2019s other<\/em> gift items into one of their perfect Shalia sports bags, to make carrying it all so much easier for them, proving that Shalia does, indeed, care about total wellness! www.shaliabotanicals.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Ten Degrees<\/strong>\u2014We went nuts over these \u201cbuild-your-own\u201d rings! This Alberta-based company smartly displayed the beautifully-packaged rings in sizes<\/em>, which made it very easy for each guest to determine the best one for herself. Patty referred to them as \u201cbeautiful and affordable statement pieces.\u201d She explains how it all works: \u201cYou choose the base ring, and then combine it with one, two, or three of their collection of contemporary \u2018spinner rings.\u2019\u201d She adds, \u201cTen Degrees was designed for individuals to express themselves through customizable jewelry.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0www.tendegreesinc.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Pure Trim<\/strong>\u2014I was excited to introduce Patty to this line of many healthful products that I\u2019ve been raving about for years! She tried their on-site Passionfruit Boost Tea, which boosts metabolism, and said she saw what my fuss is all about. She said, \u201cThe Pure Trim team was so generous in offering everyone so many of their products, including peanut butter chocolate\u00a0Trim Bars, their plant stem-cell\u00a0fibroblast blend Joint Mist, self-tanner, and plant-collagen serum.\u201d She continued, \u201cI did some research on it all when I got home and discovered that this line is used by many notables, from actors to dancers to former astronaut Buzz Aldrin. And, oh, I can’t forget to mention the one-and-only Karen Salkin!\u201d I like the way Patty thinks! \u00a0www.puretrim.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n RevealU Skincare<\/strong>\u2014I\u2019ve been a fan of this company\u2019s luxurious products for awhile, but hadn\u2019t shared them with Patty, (because she looks so good on her own.) But when she tried their Gold Face and Body Gel, which is infused with minerals, including 24K gold flakes, she was effusive about it. She said it lived up to its name because \u201cnot only did the product nourish and hydrate my skin, but I truly felt like a billion dollars!\u201d www.revealuskincare.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Alicia Adams Alpaca<\/strong>\u2014This alpaca company had many lovely items on display for the guests to peruse, after which they were gifted a beautiful classic scarf in a choice of classy muted colors. Patty knows wool much better than I do, and says alpaca is \u201cperfect for those with allergies since their fiber is hypoallergenic. And, to those who usually wear cashmere, you won\u2019t be sorry that you turned alpaca; it\u2019s so much softer!\u201d What she<\/em> said. www.aliciaadamsalpaca.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n ChildLife Essentials<\/strong>\u2014Patty\u2019s a mom of two gorgeous young children, so she especially enjoyed discovering this sponsor. She says, \u201cIt\u2019s never too early to start adding vitamin supplements as a regular part of your infant or child\u2019s routine. So if you have a tot, or even a newborn, I suggest you check-out this company’s organic vitamins.\u201d I know that my new-mom friend, Betsy, (who\u2019s also a nurse, so this will be extra<\/em> educational for her,) will be happy to learn about them from us. www.childlifenutrition.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Dionis Skincare<\/strong>\u2014Patty said, \u201cI was so excited to discover these products! I love goat milk<\/em> and goat cheese<\/em>, and now I\u00a0can add Dionis Goat Milk Skincare<\/em> to that list.\u201d She tried a sample of hand creme right away, (they handed everyone a little tube right as we entered the premises, which was so thoughtful of them,) and she told me that her skin \u201cfeels super-soft.\u201d I<\/em> was just excited that it\u2019s all made in Bucks County, PA, where I spent sooo many summers as a kid. I love that area! So they had me at \u201cBucks County!\u201d www.dionisgmskincare.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Patty Onagan.<\/p><\/div>\n Jimmy\u2019s Milan Salad Dressing<\/strong>\u2014The adorable young rep, Jesse Peterson, explained the history of this delish salad dressing to the assemblage. It was the coveted item from a famous eatery in Philly, Jimmy\u2019s Milan\u2019s, (Jimmy was Jesse\u2019s great-grandfather, actually,) and even though the restaurant closed a few years ago, this classic dressing is now available to a grateful public. www.milan39.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n D-Pro High Protein Meal Bars<\/strong>\u2014Patty tells us, \u201cSeriously, these are a meal and dessert all-in-one!\u201d That\u2019s good that she noticed because that\u2019s exactly<\/em> what they are\u2014meal replacement bars. Each guest could not only try a sample right then and there, but they received a full bar to take with them. And OMG, are they heavenly! (I\u2019m eating one as I\u2019m writing this!) I was most into the Ketolicous Nutty Chocolate variety while Patty, who told me she had been craving an avocado treat just the day before, enjoyed the \u201cdelish\u201d Veganlicious Almond Avocado Carrot one. You can’t go wrong with any<\/em> of them! www.deliciousproteins.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Medispa Naturals<\/strong>\u2014This Canadian skincare company was doing an on-site treatment for the lucky guests who had the time for them. (Sadly for us, Patty and I did not. Shame.) But no worries\u2014everyone<\/em> got a little gift bag of their Naturals line of products. But Patty was most impressed with the fact that \u201cMedispa also contributes to many great causes, including saving endangered animals and preventing cruelty to domestic pets.\u201d That kindness only adds to their skin glow, in my<\/em> book. www.medispa.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n We The People Hemp<\/strong>\u2014These were the easiest-to-deal-with reps at any gifting event ever<\/em>! They just want everyone to try, and benefit from, their products. To that end, they gifted little burlap bags filled with their CBD-infused gummies, tinctures, capsules, and creams. www.wtphemp.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Exuviance<\/strong>\u2014This skincare company explains their very interesting moniker thusly, \u201cSkin renewal starts with exuviation<\/em>–shedding surface skin cells–so our formulas can activate and work together with your skin, revealing visible results.\u201d They were gifting their Achieve Lift serum, which was perf\u2014I\u2019m sure the entire assemblage needed a lift after the incredible experience at the lounge! www.exuviance.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Percepta<\/strong>\u2014This plant-based supplement is for those whose memories need a little help. But I can’t let Mr. X know about it because I don\u2019t want him to remember that he\u2019s not always so crazy about me\u2014I just remind him every morning that he loves me, and so far, he\u2019s going with it! \u00a0But kidding aside, so many people I know really could use this. It will be a great breakthrough if it helps the memory-challenged masses. I\u2019m rooting for it. www.perceptabrain.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Immaculate Minerals<\/strong>\u2014This mother-daughter duo was on-site, gifting their company\u2019s serum, lipsticks, and makeup brushes, (which the guests were literally falling over each other to get to!) We got to grab a quick peek at it all, and Patty deemed their Immaculate Diamond Powder Brush to be a \u201csleek and full essential make-up tool.\u201d www.imagesbymiriam.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Delightfully Delicious Dog Treats<\/strong>\u2014Patty was uber-impressed that the owner of this company personally tries every one of her dog treat products! Her philosophy is that if it\u2019s not safe for a human<\/em> to eat, then it\u2019s not safe for a dog<\/em>. The flavors all sounded so delicious that we were tempted to try them ourselves, (especially because we were hungry that day,) but we weren\u2019t adventurous enough. Still, Patty thinks canines will be in \u201cdoggy treat heaven\u201d from them. www.ddtreats.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Crown Goose<\/strong>\u2014This luxury bedding company was gifting a choice of a sturdy cotton placemat or a soft white hand towel. After feeling the goods, Patty declared, \u201cI\u2019m a fan!\u201d www.crowngooseusa.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Jimmy Jane<\/strong>\u2014This company was gifting multi-award-winning personal vibrators, which included a travel bag in the box. Patty said, \u201cI have to note that this is the 24k gold luxury edition<\/em>\u2014so it\u2019s sure to bring pure joy!\u201d \u00a0www.jimmyjane.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Relaxium<\/strong>–As we\u2019re all learning, a good night\u2019s sleep is key to just everything in life. So the busy guests were happy to discover this supplement that was developed by an actual doctor. He was gifting a bottle of it, and<\/em> one of his formula to keep you calm when you\u2019re awake. And who does not want the combo of being well-rested and peaceful? \u00a0www.tryrelaxium.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Serene CBD<\/strong>\u2014This CBD products company was gifting bath salts from the Dead Sea, along with their signature lip balms. And it was all very neatly and pristinely displayed, which made it even more attractive. www.serenecannabis.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Organic Candy Factory<\/strong>\u2014Patty took a little bag of these \u201cgelatin-free, gluten-free, preservative-free, corn syrup-free, vegan, and kosher\u201d peach-flavored Organic Gummy Cubs home to her kids, and they all agreed that they are \u201cyummy!\u201d She says, \u201cHow can a parent say no to these cubilicious candies?\u201d www.organiccandyfactory.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Rock Star Kids Beverly Hills<\/strong>\u2014This trendy children\u2019s boutique was gifting kids\u2019 hoodies and tees and an interesting little something that no one (except for moi<\/em>) knew what it was! It\u2019s a small gold orb with a little gavel in the package. Want to venture a guess as to what it is? Ready? It\u2019s a candy pi\u00f1ata! (Just remember that, after the kids open it, you need to hide the mallet because it certainly doubles as a weapon! Let me put it this way\u2014I wish I<\/em> had one when my sister was especially mean to me! To this day!) \u00a0www.rockstarkidsbh.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Greska\u2019s Carbon-60<\/strong>\u2014The tiny bottles they were gifting are all you need to access this energy-producing nutritional supplement which contains a special antioxidant. And doesn\u2019t everyone<\/em> in Hollywood need a little extra vitality every now and then? \u00a0www.c-60.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Patty Onagan.<\/p><\/div>\n Splenda Stevia<\/strong>\u2014We\u2019re both so glad that Splenda has gotten into the Stevia game with their new natural zero-calorie sweetener. I\u2019ve been seeing their recent clever commercials for the product, so I love being in the know right at the start! Their attractive display at the lounge even featured some of the actual plant being grown.\u00a0www.splenda.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Secret Room Events always chooses a charity to benefit from their events, and this time was a repeat one because, as they put it, it\u2019s dear to their hearts. The Dove Project<\/strong>, (which stands for Dogs of Violence Exposed,) is a non-profit organization that\u2019s dedicated to ending the dog meat trade in Asia. They had several lovely reps on-site with a few dogs whom the guests could adopt on the spot! So therefore, there was a crowd around them at all times, and everyone, people and canines alike, was having a blast! www.dove-project.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>