{"id":44317,"date":"2020-02-19T20:05:08","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T20:05:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/?p=44317"},"modified":"2020-02-19T20:05:08","modified_gmt":"2020-02-19T20:05:08","slug":"gifting-lounge-gbk-productions-pre-oscars-gift-lounge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/gifting-lounge-gbk-productions-pre-oscars-gift-lounge\/","title":{"rendered":"GIFTING LOUNGE: GBK PRODUCTIONS\u2019 PRE-OSCARS GIFT LOUNGE"},"content":{"rendered":"

GBK PRODUCTIONS\u2019 PRE-OSCARS GIFT LOUNGE<\/h1>\n
\"Karen<\/a>

Karen Salkin, accepting her Oscar…cookie! Photo by Marc Winer.<\/p><\/div>\n

For their pre-Oscars Gift Lounge, GBK returned to their current favorite location, the La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood. The event was mainly on the rooftop, which includes the patio and inside area (with lots of windows on the world in there,) and there was another lounge on the floor below, with a few more sponsors who needed extra space for their displays.<\/p>\n

My contributing writer on this one was Marc. It was his first time at a GBK event, and he was very impressed. He said, “The location was a beautiful boutique hotel. The guests enjoyed a live DJ; not one, but two open bars; and several upscale food platters, including charcuterie and cheeses and unusual veggies and nuts.\u201d Of the event, in general, he added, \u201cThis was a\u00a0high-end gifting lounge, offering VIP service to celebrity guests. They each got their own personal \u2018handler\u2019 to carry all their swag in what looks like a giant body bag!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

And I appreciated that the snacks were served on real dishes! Beautiful afternoon-tea-type ones at that! Very classy.<\/p>\n

But, of course, everyone was there to discover the various gift offerings. So, let\u2019s do that right now!:<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big one at the top of this page.<\/p><\/div>\n

Artisan Group<\/strong>\u2014Marc had never met this group of artists before, but he could tell immediately that they were \u201ca favorite of the guests at this lounge.\u201d He was bowled-over by the plethora of \u201cunusual handcrafted artisan gifts,\u201d which needed its own suite<\/em> this time to show it all! We got a peek into a couple of the gift bags, (which each had a dozen or so items for the lucky recipients,) and here are some of our favorite items: My absolute fave was a colorful \u201cHollywood\u201d pendant necklace from Sweet Tea and Sisters<\/strong>, (whose fabulous moniker is a gift in itself!,) (www.sweetteaandsistersjewelry.com<\/a>); followed closely by these: stunning handmade blue Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearl dangle earrings from Dtails U Like<\/strong> by Jennifer DV<\/strong> (www.dtailsulike.com<\/a>); my exact favored colors of teal and silver in a special uber-strong Kaha bracelet, (\u201cKaha\u201d means \u201cstrength\u201d in Maori, so maybe she should send one to Oscar winner Taika Waititi!,) from firefighter<\/em> Cheri Taliferro<\/strong> (as if designing jewelry<\/em> isn\u2019t enough<\/em> of a challenge!) (www.cheritaliaferro.com<\/a>); an entire kit of Olivu 426<\/strong>\u2019s preservative-free bath and body products (www.olivu426.com<\/a>); Ivory & Thyme<\/strong>\u2019s elegant \u201cvine\u201d earrings that feature black spinel down the length with a sphere of seafoam quartz at the bottom (www.etsy.com\/shop\/ivoryandthyme<\/a>); and Alyce N Maille<\/strong>\u2019s very modern-looking Glass Flower Petal Pendant\u00a0in amethyst (or blue\u2014this color is one of those that can be debated into eternity!) (www.alycenmaille.com<\/a>.) Marc enjoyed: the Mahendi Diffuser<\/strong> which uses lava rocks instead of reeds, (he said, \u201cWhat\u00a0a unique idea–you add the essential oils to the lava rock to fragrance the entire room (www.mahendiprojects.com<\/a>); Ruby Farias Designs<\/strong>\u2019 eco-friendly reusable bamboo straws, complete with a cleaner, in a pretty hand-painted case, (www.rubyfariasdesigns.com<\/a>); and he could not get over Soap Cauldron<\/strong>\u2019s shampoo and hair conditioner…bars. He said, \u201cI love what looks like\u00a0a body soap<\/em>, but it\u2019s for your hair<\/em>! Such a great idea!\u201d (www.soapcauldron.com<\/a>.) Everything<\/em> in those bags was wonderful! I so admire creative folks! www.theartisangroup.org<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Dapper and Dashing<\/strong>\u2014As total fashion mavens, we were both thrilled to discover this brand new on-line shop for all things couture. Marc noted that their formalwear choices include \u201ctuxedos, suits, and gowns for every occasion.\u201d A few of the guests were trying some of them on right in the lounge, including what Marc deemed \u201cincredible velvet tuxedo jackets, along with classic black tuxedo ones.\u201d And the best part is that all of us, lounge guests and<\/em> my readers, (that\u2019s you<\/em> guys!,) are the first to get in on it because…the site is just about to launch! I hope there will be a silver and blue gown that I can beat everyone to! www.dapperanddashing.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Parasuco Jeans<\/strong>\u2014The guests were falling all over themselves to get a pair of these very stylish jeans from this Italian designer, who has been in the business for almost half a century now! Marc tells us, \u201cThe company is known for its innovative washing techniques, refined finishes, and cutting edge style.\u201d He\u2019s also a fan of their \u201ctrendy, stylish, casual fashion for every day; it\u2019s all super-comfortable, especially their stretch jeans.\u201d He tried on a pair and noted that the \u201csuper-thick cotton has the most amazing fit; it\u2019s comfortable and moveable.\u201d And I<\/em> add\u2014every style is uber-attractive! www.parasuco.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Nu U Skin Solutions<\/strong>\u2014I absolutely adored the couple whose company this is! They had the perfect display for the occasion. And they were gifting their handcrafted organic body butters and scrubs in a variety of fragrances. I was most interested in the Peace one, (since I rarely<\/em> get any,) while Marc\u2019s favorite scent was the citrus.\u00a0 www.nuuskinsolutions.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by Marc Winer. (Appropriate name for the pic, right?)<\/p><\/div>\n

Palmina Wine<\/strong>\u2014I\u2019m so glad that we were there to help celebrate this company\u2019s twenty-fifth anniversary! Marc was impressed with this \u201cfabulous selection of wines with an Italian flair, made right here in California.\u201d (In beautiful Santa Barbara, to be exact.) He told me that he really enjoyed their\u00a0REA IV Bianco 2018 white wine, which is \u201cdry and delicious.\u201d I\u2019m a tad jealous of whoever writes the descriptions on their site. (Perhaps owner Steve Clifton?) I can only aspire to come up with wonderful language like that which is featured on www.palminawines.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Little Something Sweet<\/strong>\u2014This table of yummy (and gorgeous!,) treats was the hit of the lounge! In addition to receiving a beautiful gift box of cookies and petite fours to take home with them, (to enjoy while watching the Oscars that week-end,) the guests were invited to grab<\/del> select whichever sweet treats they wanted to snack on right then and there from among the plethora of handcrafted desserts, many of them adorned with tiny edible Oscars. Marc, whose favorite was a lemon merengue with marshmallow topping, exclaimed, \u201cThat way, everyone went home a winner!\u201d I love that! www.alittlesomethingsweetdesserts.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

John Kelly Chocolates<\/strong>–These premium award-winning chocolates have been favorites of both of us for a very long time now. Marc raved that they\u2019re \u201cgourmet, rich, decadent, creamy, and divine,\u201d and that they will \u201cmake your day, every<\/em> day!\u201d I got an extra kick out of watching him discover that John and Kelly are…two different people! (The company is made from both their first names.) He has a pal who is actually named \u201cJohn Kelly,\u201d so he\u2019s been sending these delicious gift boxes to that guy forever! www.johnkellychocolates.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Sproud<\/strong>\u2014Every health-conscious guest enjoyed trying this \u201cmilk\u201d from Sweden which is made from…pea-protein! Marc quips, \u201cWho knew?!\u201d Well, I<\/em> actually did because I had previously researched the topic and discovered that pea milk is supposed to be the best for you. It\u2019s obviously plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan. Marc tried it and decided that it\u2019s \u201cgreat for coffee or cereal or smoothies.\u201d I\u2019m<\/em> just waiting with bated breathe for their chocolate<\/em> \u201cmilk\u201d to become available! How yummy will that<\/em> be?! www.sproud.se<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

PFB Vanish Skincare<\/strong>–Marc, who knows more about skincare than just about anyone else I know, (except for me<\/em>, of course!,) and is an ingredients guy, became a fan of the two items this company was gifting. He said, “Their\u00a0Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub contains glycol acid, which is an excellent exfoliator. And their Skin Brightening and Dark Spot Correcting Cream has spectacular ingredients, such as several brightening agents, to lighten the face.\u201d You know that just about every Baby Boomer needs that right about now! www.pfbvanish.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Palette by Pak<\/strong>\u2014This is a clever product that was new to me. It\u2019s a small flat \u201cpalette\u201d with a quintet of little tubs you fill with your favorite beauty products so that they can travel with you easily. The mini-containers themselves are flexible, too, so you can push every last drop of creams and shampoos out of them. And the whole shebang is so compact that, if like I do, you need so many more than five serums and lotions on your travels, you can definitely fit two<\/em> in any bag! www.palettebypak.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Scenterprises<\/strong>\u2014This company\u2019s Fragrance Expert, Sue Phillips, was on hand to create a custom-made scent for each guest, who then got to take it home in a convenient spray atomizer. That way, no one else in the world can smell like you! Marc took whiffs of the several fragrances available at the lounge, and deemed them to be \u201cincredible,\u201d especially the mix of \u201cwoodsy with citrusy.\u201d \u00a0www.scenterprises.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

CannaTrac<\/strong>\u2014This cashless payment systems company was gifting a bag containing their logo cap and water bottle, along with the more coveted gift card! www.cannatrac.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

GBK\u2019s charity this year was Global Green<\/strong>. I care so much about humanity, in general, and Marc is a true animal lover, so we were happy to learn of the great work this organization is doing to rebuild critical wildlife habitats in Australia on Kangaroo Island. My heart bleeds for that entire country right now, so I have much admiration for Global Green. www.globalgreen.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GBK PRODUCTIONS\u2019 PRE-OSCARS GIFT LOUNGE For their pre-Oscars Gift Lounge, GBK returned to their current favorite location, the La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood. The event was mainly on the rooftop, which includes the patio and inside area (with lots of windows on the world in there,) and there was another lounge on the floor<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44166,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-academy-awards-to-emmys-to-grammys-gifting-extravaganzas"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44317"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44368,"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44317\/revisions\/44368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44166"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}