![\"Johnny](\"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/thumbnail_IMG_4376-e1738900834905.jpg\")
<\/a>Johnny Gill. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this article.<\/p><\/div>\n
It was held on the Beverly Wilshire Hotel\u2019s second\u00a0floor \u201cgarden.\u201d\u00a0And despite all the tragic events in LA and the country recently, this was a very happy shindig, partly because of the giving<\/em> aspect of it. It was just what we all needed right then. I talked to people longer than I ever have at an awards lounge before; I feel we all need connection now more than ever, and that sentiment was reflected in the ambiance there.<\/p>\n My contributing writer, Laura, was with me for this repeat occasion, and said, \u201cThis was the most technically innovative GBK suite I have ever attended, featuring numerous companies showcasing cutting-edge products,\u201d\u00a0which we\u2019ll tell you all about in a minute.<\/p>\n But first, I usually save the charity aspect of GBK\u2019s events\u00a0for the end of my write-ups, but I feel that it was the most important part this time, and GBK gave them a ton of space.<\/p>\n Their main charity was Americares<\/strong>, which is a global health relief and storm relief organization. Their mission is \u201cto provide people impacted by storms and man-made disasters access to healthcare and other resources.\u201d The guests at GBK\u2019s lounge got to see their workers put together over a thousand much-needed hygiene kits for victims of the recent fires, and some celebs even helped for a bit! (You go, Angela Bassett<\/strong>!) Besides watching goodness at work, it helped people like me learn how to create our own grooming kits to have handy to give-out to people we might encounter who are now sorely in need of the kindness.\u00a0www.americares.org<\/a><\/p>\n Some of the Americares items to be packed for fire victims. Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Also on hand was Crew Nation Global Relief Fund<\/strong>, an organization which is committing a million dollars to assist performing musicians, live music crews, and live music industry workers who were affected by the recent fires out here. www.musicforwardfoundation.org\/crew-nation-fund<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n There were many music and show biz guests, (such as sexy singer\u00a0Johnny Gill<\/strong>, whom I was excited to see,) who showed-up to learn about the giving while also being gifted themselves. Here are the highlights of what Laura and I discovered there:<\/p>\n The Imbibe Pearl.<\/p><\/div>\n Imbibe Pillows<\/strong>\u2014The guests were to try-out these special pillows, whose signature \u201cPearl\u201d model comes in either thick or thin, (like I<\/em> do!) One of the things that makes them so good is that they are infused with copper, silver, and, on both sides, aqua coolant gel. Laura declares that it\u2019s \u201cmore than just a pillow\u201d because it \u201ccombines plush comfort with innovative design for the perfect sleep experience. Whether you need support or just a little extra luxury, these pillows are crafted to enhance rest and relaxation. Ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their sleep set-up,\u201d which I<\/em> think that most people are in these stressful times. www.imbibelifestyles.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Bodywell<\/strong>\u2014Laura is the techie on my team, so she\u2019s the one lauding this box of products. She tells us, \u201cThis tech company provides innovative solutions designed to reduce exposure to EMFs, offering a science-backed approach to everyday wellness. As the use of electronic devices continues to grow exponentially, so do concerns about their potential health effects. With a strong foundation in research, Bodywell aims to offer peace of mind in an increasingly connected world.\u201d I can add only, \u201cWhat she<\/em> said!\u201d\u00a0 www.bodywell.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Rest Bedding<\/strong>\u2014We love this company! Laura says, \u201cSometimes you need to touch a product to really appreciate how special it is. This company is perfect for hot sleepers because their bedding always stays cool. \u00a0The Evercool\u00ae+ Starter Sheet Set has one of the highest Qmax ratings, offering an instant cool-to-the-touch feel without any added chemicals. Its advanced Ionic+\u2122 antimicrobial technology helps keep the sheets fresher longer by preventing odor-causing bacteria.\u201d And I<\/em>\u00a0have to tell you from personal experience how fabulous their items are! I\u2019ve been the proud owner of a Rest comforter for about a year, and trust me when I say how cool (in every way,) it is!\u00a0 Mr. X and I always joke that we get cold when we touch it by accident! I admire a company that really delivers exactly what it portends to!\u00a0 www.rest.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n SingleTree Lane<\/strong>\u2014Laura said there\u2019s something about this clothing line\u2019s graphical sweatshirts that \u201creally speaks to\u201d her and makes her happy. She told me, \u201cThe bold designs and playful prints add the perfect touch of personality to an everyday outfit. Comfortable yet eye-catching, they strike the right balance between casual and statement-making. Whether dressed up or down, these sweatshirts will bring a little extra joy to getting dressed.\u201d I was also impressed that these show-stopping tops, (which can also be worn as tunics, or in my<\/em> case, even dresses,) are machine-washable!\u00a0 www.shopsingletree.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Koulianos Designs<\/strong>\u2014While I spent a while chatting with the adorbs reps of this New York-based jewelry line, Laura was admiring the pendants. She says of them, \u201cCombining timeless elegance with modern craftsmanship, each creation showcases meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a perfect blend of sophistication and style. They\u2019re ideal for those who appreciate fine artistry in their accessories.\u201d She got deeper into them and found-out the designs are\u00a0 \u201cbased on antique crests and symbols,\u201d with some said to offer \u201cprotection and healing,\u201d and don\u2019t we all need a whole lotta both right now?\u00a0 www.koulianosdesigns.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Neurovalens\u2019 Modius Sleep Technology<\/strong>\u2014As a very sporadic sleeper, I loved discovering this non-medication sleep therapy. (And I wasn\u2019t alone\u2014insomniac Mr. X was more interested in learning about this item than perhaps anything else I\u2019ve ever run by him!) Laura deems it to be \u201ca revolutionary approach to better sleep,\u201d and explains, \u201cModius Sleep uses neurotechnology to support deeper, more restful slumber. Designed to help regulate sleep patterns naturally, it\u2019s an excellent tool for those struggling with restlessness. It\u2019s a game-changer for anyone seeking a science-backed solution for better sleep.\u201d I add, \u201cZzzzz.\u201d\u00a0 www.neurovalens.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Cocoa & Candy<\/strong>\u2014Ahead of their move to a new shop in a more happening area of the Valley than the hipster one they started out in, this local LA candy store had the most joyful display at the lounge! It featured all kinds of colorful soft and\/or gummy confections. All the guests were invited to fill-up a big glass jar, with the most sturdy lid, to their hearts\u2019 content. Laura, who loves candy, says, “Their unique and\u00a0delicious\u00a0selection is exciting, with flavors and treats you won\u2019t\u00a0find just anywhere. I can’t wait to stop by and stock up on some of my favorites. This is definitely going to be my go-to spot for sweet treats!”<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Petty Pout<\/strong>\u2014This lip products company was on hand with a pretty (and far from\u00a0petty<\/em>) display. They offered the guests a choice of their trio of items, all with themed titles. The lip balms are named after girls. (I\u2019m proud to say there\u2019s a \u201cKaren.\u201d But isn\u2019t there always?) The lip butters all have \u201cpetty\u201d in their monikers. And the plumpers are each named after a different pepper. Laura gushes about those, \u201cMuy caliente!\u201d\u00a0 www.pettypout.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Lumiere Rene Candle Company<\/strong>\u2014I enjoyed meeting this lovely mother-daughter entrepreneur duo from Massachusetts. Their display featured an array of candles, many with clever names, such as \u201cDate Night,\u201d and \u201cLet That ManGo,\u201d which Laura and I were especially fond of. (One of us has already successfully done that, while I just may get this candle to warn Mr. X to watch his step!) \u00a0www.lumiererene.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Casa Del Camino<\/strong>\u2014We have met the lovely rep for this boutique hotel in Laguna Beach several times, and his easy personality is making us want to visit there already! Laura looked over some of the promo materials, and says, \u201cFrom stylish rooms to breathtaking ocean views, it\u2019s a destination that exudes relaxation and luxury. It\u2019s a must-visit for travelers looking for a scenic and stylish retreat.\u201d And that\u2019s exactly the respite I\u2019m looking for in this crazy world!\u00a0 www.lacasadelcamino.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Ike\u2019s Love and Sandwiches<\/strong>\u2014I left the food for last this time because it\u2019s the final thing we did at the lounge that day. Laura and I love Ike himself as much as we do his famous sandwiches!\u00a0 We are frequent visitors to his many locations in LA, and she said, \u201cMy kids absolutely love Ike\u2019s so much that my eleven-year-old daughter asked me to FaceTime her from the suite to prove that I actually know him! He was, as always, incredibly gracious about doing that.\u201d When they were done, we all chatted for a while, and I learned that he\u2019s been living in New Orleans for several months now because\u2026.he\u2019s catering sixteen events this week for the Super Bowl!!! Wow. And let me just add that Ike is always the most stylish one at any event. Even his choice of outerwear<\/em>\u00a0this time had me jealous!\u00a0 www.ikessandwich.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" GBK BRAND BAR\u2019S 2025 CRITICS CHOICE & GRAMMY FIRE RELIEF LOUNGE Because of LA\u2019s devastating January fires, GBK had to postpone their Gifting and Giving\u00a0Lounge\u2026twice. So they combined the honors for the Critics Choice Awards and the Grammys into one lovely experience last week-end. It was held on the Beverly Wilshire Hotel\u2019s second\u00a0floor \u201cgarden.\u201d\u00a0And despite<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>