![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2717-e1705546589847.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
This lounge was held at one of GBK\u2019s favorite venues, (and\u00a0mine<\/em>, too,) the garden on the second floor of the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel. I love that place! I first stayed there on my twentieth birthday, so, with my bit-more-advanced new age coming up again just two days later, this occasion was basically my anniversary with the venue! I adore symmetry like that, especially when it\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0about me!<\/p>\n My co-writer Laura, an upscale native of Los Angeles, had, (very shockingly to me,) never been to that hotel before, and says of GBK\u2019s\u00a0efforts, \u201cNothing says luxury and elegance more than holding your event in the heart of Beverly Hills at such a classic hotel. Every detail of the lounge was meticulously curated, reflecting a keen eye for style, and a commitment to creating an atmosphere that exuded luxury. From chic floral arrangements to delicious petit desserts, GBK’s touch was evident in every corner of the space.\u201d<\/p>\n Just a few of the fab desserts, which were being gobbled the second they were refilled! Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n It was freezing out that day, (for Los Angeles, that is,) but GBK was kind enough to provide outdoor heaters to make the guests, and more importantly, the\u00a0sponsors<\/em>, warm and toasty throughout the event. Even my not-loving-the-cold self forgot all about the weather, (except for worrying about the comfort of everyone else,) pretty quickly!<\/p>\n As always, there were many recognizable faces in attendance, but many of us had eyes for only old school actor\u00a0H\u00e9ctor Elizondo, who played the hotel manager who helped Julia Robert\u2019s character in\u00a0Pretty Woman<\/em>\u2026at this very hotel! That was fun to see. I wanted to go over and beg him to make\u00a0me<\/em>\u00a0classy, too! (But that might be a hard gig for even\u00a0my Fairy Godmother!)<\/p>\n However, everyone was there mainly for the gifts, so here are the highlights of what Laura and I discovered at the lounge:<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Ike\u2019s Sandwiches<\/strong>\u2014The second we walked in, (or, actually,\u00a0out<\/em>, because it was held outdoors,) Laura noticed Ike\u2019s Sandwiches on-site, and she ran right over to their area. I thought she was perhaps very hungry and therefore going for one of Ike\u2019s wonderful and creative sandwiches, but it was really to ask Ike for a picture together!\u00a0 She\u2019s usually a tad shy, so I was surprised to see her do that, (even though she\u2019s met him through me several times before,) until she gushed to him, \u201cMy children are obsessed with you and your sandwiches!\u201d There are several locations around town, and it turns-out that she and her fam frequent them as much as Mr. X and I (and all of our friends) do! Ike looked adorbs in his fuzzy navy blue coat, so I wish that\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0had asked for a selfie, as well. And the sandwiches he chose for the occasion were perhaps the most delicious ever! Laura said, \u201cIke is my favorite person I\u2019ve ever met at these events! He always generously offers just-right-sized versions of some of his delectable sandwiches. And now more of you will get to try them because I just learned that Ike\u2019s has launched over thirty new locations in the past year! What an incredible feat.\u201d I add only, \u201cWhat she<\/em> said!\u201d www.ikessandwich.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Rest Duvet<\/strong>\u2014My mouth literally watered when I saw these comforters and pillowcases in colors I adore. And then when I\u00a0felt<\/em>\u00a0them, it was total love. Their Evercool Cooling Comforter is exquisite, not just in looks and feel but in its ability to keep you cool at night, without having to make the entire house a walk-in freezer, (as Mr. X and I do!) I literally wanted to wrap myself up in one of them right then and there! And I knew right away that I had to own an Aqua Blue pillowcase for a nutty reason\u2014every year, I take a selfie on my\u00a0exact<\/em>\u00a0birthday, January 14th at 2:03AM, to document turning my new age. So to have that gorgeous pillowcase color as the backdrop, (because, of course I\u2019m\u00a0in bed<\/em>\u00a0at that ungodly hour,) to match my eyes and new PJs, completed the tableau beautifully. (Or maybe I should have just put it\u00a0over<\/em>\u00a0my head, instead of putting my head\u00a0on<\/em>\u00a0it.) Laura is more technical in her praise of this company, saying, \u201cThe moisture-wicking fabric brings getting a good sleep to the forefront.\u00a0 Not stopping at functionality alone, the comforters, sheets, and pillowcases also boast an ultra-smooth texture that goes beyond the traditional comfort of standard bedding, because the innovative cooling technology is embedded in the fabric; that takes comfort to the next level.\u201d www.restduvet.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Lo & Sons<\/strong>\u2014I was so happy to be introduced to this Asian-American-owned family business. My mouth literally watered when we came up on these beautiful bags! Each one was more interesting than the next. And there are so many muted colors, which means they have something for everyone. On display were backpacks, purses, tote bags, fanny packs, crossbody bags\u2014you name it! I have no idea how any of the guests decided which one to choose amongst this wonderful array! www.loandsons.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Emeril Lagasse Set<\/strong>\u2014Everyone in attendance had his or her eye on this ten-piece set from famous chef, Emeril Lagasse. I’m sure I’m not the only one who had to quickly learn some kitchen skills during the pandemic, so this gift should come in handy for all the guests who received it. The major pots and pans in it are perfect for first-time chefs as well as seasoned ones. Now if only the set can make us cook<\/em> like Emeril! www.emerileveryday.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul, as is the one at the top of this page.<\/p><\/div>\n Pooph Odor Remover<\/strong>\u2014This was quite the find for my asthmatic self!\u00a0 It\u2019s an odor-removing spray, formulated mainly for\u00a0pet<\/em>\u00a0odors, but great for eliminating\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0offensive smells. (No, I\u2019m\u00a0not\u00a0<\/em>going to make any cheap jokes here!) Mr. X used to use similar products around the house, and just about all of them gave me an asthma attack because of their fragrances. But Pooph is fragrance-free, (their site even touts, \u201cIt smells like\u00a0nothing<\/em>!,\u201d)\u00a0so I believe it will work well for me. And the presentation of their gift, which was a sturdy backpack filled with all of their products, was so good that I\u2019m sure every guest enjoyed receiving it.\u00a0www.pooph.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n El Cristiano Tequila<\/strong>\u2014I noticed a crowd of sorts gathered around a for-the-occasion bar, and everyone seemed very happy with what they were imbibing. When I got closer, I noticed that they were\u00a0serving popular and classy El Cristiano Tequila exclusively. On top of the tastings, each guest left with his or her own bottle of the brand\u2019s\u00a0Clase Reposado. I have a feeling that they were all more than happy to keep the tequila party going when they got home. www.el-cristiano.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n LA Smile Specialists<\/strong>\u2014Laura and I had both been to this Beverly Hills dentist before, so we were happy to see Dr. Shawn and his beautiful office manager, Courtney, again. They were gifting certificates for a dental cleaning and hi-tech x-rays, (which everyone really needs to experience for themselves\u2014easiest x-rays ever<\/em>!,) so I urge every recipient to take advantage of those services at this exquisite office, (which Laura quips is\u00a0\u201cso beautiful that hanging-out in the waiting room is even worth the visit !\u201d) There was no time for the crowd to have gotten their choppers spruced-up before the Critics Choice awards a night or two later, but there\u2019s plenty of time now, before the Grammy, SAGs, and Oscars! \u00a0www.lasmilespecialists.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Glow Pups<\/strong>\u2014This was the most enchanting display ever!!! Laura thought so, too, saying, \u201cTheir adorable set-up not only showcased their delightful doggie accessories, but also radiated an undeniable charm that captured the attention of everyone present. It was a testament to the perfect blend of style and functionality that Glow Pups brought to the suite, making them stand-out as a beacon of canine cuteness.\u201d And, oh yeah, they gave each guest a choice of\u2014guess what?\u2014adorable<\/em>\u00a0dog toys or bowls, along with a fun high-quality rope-style leash. www.glowpups.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Milena Candles<\/strong>\u2014As proud owners of multiple\u00a0candles from this company, Laura and I were both excited to discover that Milena did something new and special to some of them this year. And that is\u2026put a splash of glitter to the top! Laura says, \u201cIt’s so simple, but it adds so much to the drama of her luxury scented candles. And, of course, they all smell amazing!\u201d www.milenala.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Michael Todd Beauty<\/strong>\u2014This skincare company was gifting their anti-aging Kn\u00fa Cream, a category which I\u2019m sure all the Hollywood-types in attendance care about. (I<\/em>\u00a0sure do!)\u00a0 Laura\u2019s just getting into taking care of her skin now, so she was interested to learn that hyaluronic acid is the cream\u2019s key ingredient. After doing some research on the topic, she says, \u201cIt has proven benefits for any<\/em> facial care routine.\u201d I thank this company for finally opening my associate’s eyes, (and perhaps some of my readers’, as well,) to what I’ve been saying for years<\/em>!\u00a0www.michaeltoddbeauty.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Root Brands<\/strong>\u2014This company from the east coast gifted a variety of items from their line that focuses on well-being. Guests had a choice of a bag of their special coffee or different supplements, such as collagen, along with a duo of beautiful little cappuccino glasses and a book by the founder of Roots, Christine Rahm.\u00a0 Laura perused the pages a bit, and liked that it \u201cfocuses on addressing the root<\/em> causes of illness, rather than merely treating symptoms.\u201d And, I’m assuming, hence the company name!\u00a0 www.therootbrands.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Care A2+ Infant Formula<\/strong>\u2014Since I\u2019ve never had a baby, while Laura has had two, she\u2019s going to give us the lowdown on this Australian-based company, which was gifting its premium infant formula. As a mother, she\u00a0tells us, \u201cParents have to be vigilant when choosing infant formula. Some of my fellow moms have opted against purchasing brands that are manufactured in the United States, expressing concerns that the safety and nutritional standards are not as rigorous as those in some other countries. From what I\u2019ve read about it, Care A2+ is precisely the type of formula that my friends would chose.\u201d www.carea2plus.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Rear Ended<\/strong>\u2014This athleisure wear company gave out what Laura describes as \u201chigh-quality, thick tank tops, which come in a vibrant array of fun colors, adding a playful and fashionable touch to the wardrobe.\u201d We agree that it \u201ccan be worn to the gym or dressed-up under a blazer for a night out on the town.\u201d www.rearended.life<\/a><\/p>\n As always for GBK events, this one benefitted a few charities. This time, they included a couple of animal rescue organizations, Angel City Pit Bulls <\/strong>and Paws for Life K9 Rescue<\/strong>. They were also supporting The Collective Identity Mentoring<\/strong>, which is a grassroots mentoring program for young people, with a focus on black girls.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" GBK\u2019S CRITICS\u2019 CHOICE LUXURY LOUNGE 2024 I\u2019ve attended many a GBK gifting lounge over the years, (and\u00a0always\u00a0adore them,) but this was my very first one that was for the purpose of celebrating last week-end\u2019s Critics Choice Awards! I love doing something a tad different. And you know that I\u2019m happy to celebrate\u00a0anything\u00a0with\u00a0GBK! This lounge was<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>