![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/thumbnail_IMG_5184-e1741470475387.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.<\/p><\/div>\n
It was held once again in the ballroom of the Universal Hilton Hotel; that gave everyone a big space to move around in, which I always appreciate.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n
The most important part of the day was learning about the worthwhile charitable organization Every Day Action<\/strong>, which was founded to make sure that movie and TV sets donate all their leftover catered food to people in need, instead of throwing it away. It\u2019s such a wonderful idea! Whenever I\u2019ve been on a set, I\u2019ve asked the caterers what they do with all that extra food, and have never been given a proper answer. Now I know why\u2014they were just wasting it, which is heartbreaking, especially nowadays. The lovely on-site reps explained the entire program to us. They even laughed at my crazy story of the food person on one of my movie sets berating me for using a little extra cream one day! If I had known it was going to someone who needed it back then, I would have left it alone, and everyone would have been happy. I\u2019m glad to see that there\u2019s much less food waste on sets now. I hope that every production gets in on the program right away. www.youreverydayaction.org<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n On top of that dose of kindness, (and in keeping with the \u201cfood\u201d theme,) my co-writer, Laura, and I were thrilled to discover that this event was snack-heavy! We were hungry girls when we arrived, but stuffed to the gills when we left!<\/p>\n Laura explains, \u201cWe were treated to a variety of delicious offerings.\u201d There were \u201cmouthwatering\u201d sandwiches in a great variety of flavors, (including meat lovers, vegetarian, and even vegan,) from Vesti<\/strong>; all different kinds of delish pizzas from Gino’s East<\/strong>; Ubatuba Acai<\/strong>\u2019s healthful frozen acai bowls with little bits of fresh fruit on top; Roxanne’s Biscotti<\/strong>, a small packet of which lucky guests even got to take home; and, as Laura put it, \u201cscrumptious\u201d cupcakes on the way out.<\/p>\n Along with our food journey, there were also several gifts in the suite. Here\u2019s what we found:<\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n The IndiExhibit Artwork<\/strong>\u2014This fabulous collective of artists from around the country was the highlight for us. Laura met them for the first time and said, \u201cThe ladies at the IndiExhibit table were so lovely, and their work showed just how talented they are, as well.\u201d Their display was so beautiful that I have no idea how any of the guests chose just one work of art! Laura and I spent a lot of time perusing the works, with her explaining, \u201cThe were gifting everything from artwork on mini canvases to hand-painted tiles and shells to even engraved wooden signs! The vibrant colors and intricate designs on each piece truly reflected their unique styles. It was clear that every item was created with passion and care, making it easy to appreciate their creativity.\u201d Some of our faves were what the artist calls \u201calmost-macabre wide-eyed little girls,\u201d created with prismacolor makers by ShayJayReed<\/strong>\u00a0(www.lostgirlart.com<\/a>); all kinds of clowns by Kathy Adalian<\/strong>\u00a0(www.screwballgraphics.com<\/a>); paintings by Jenna Burnside<\/strong>, who uses acrylic paint on many canvases to create semi-realism visions come to life (www.ko-fi.com\/%20jennasartisticchaos<\/a>); and my perennial faves\u2014watercolor and acrylic paintings by Lynne Reichhart<\/strong> (www.artbylmr.com<\/a>.)<\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Art Lewin<\/strong>\u2014We\u2019ve both met Art and his wife Jamie at several events over the years, and are always happy to see them again. Laura says they are \u201cboth incredibly nice and charming.\u201d But the important thing for the guests here was that this bespoke menswear designer was gifting a set of a classy black bowtie and matching pocket square, a pairing that Laura says is \u201cnothing short of Oscar-worthy.\u201d www.artlewinbespoke.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Bluelene<\/strong>\u2014We\u2019ve run into these cutting-edge skincare products before, and always love learning about their new items. Laura says that what \u201cmakes Bluelene especially intriguing is their patented formula,\u201d which she discovered \u201cneutralizes free radicals, and promotes healthy cell proliferation, leading to smoother, more youthful skin.\u201d We were both particularly impressed by their Face & Neck Remodel Mask, which also helps contour the jawline. Laura says it caught her attention \u201cfor its unique approach to targeting skin rejuvenation in those areas.\u201d And who doesn\u2019t need that<\/em>? www.bluelene.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Sonya Paz<\/strong>\u2014I\u2019ve been using colorful business card cases from this artist for several years, so I was very happy to introduce Laura to her work here. After we admired her designs for a while, Laura said, \u201cI love when artists incorporate their artwork into everyday items, making art more accessible and functional. Sonya Paz does this beautifully by bringing her bold, colorful images to objects we use daily, such as the business card holders she was gifting that day. It\u2019s a fantastic way to blend creativity with functionality while making art a part of everyday life.\u201d www.sonyapaz.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n ManLabs<\/strong>\u2014This skincare line for men was gifting their new Titan Peptide Eye Gel. Laura says, \u201cI always appreciate when a suite includes the men. It’s great to see more brands acknowledging the importance of male skincare.\u201d I\u2019d<\/em> love to try some for my often-exhausted self, so I guess I\u2019ll just have to use my deepest voice when I do! www.manlabs.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Laura Saul.<\/p><\/div>\n Mike & Niki’s Honey<\/strong>\u2014Laura told me that \u201cit’s not every day that you get to meet a real beekeeper,\u201d which the owners of this company are. They were at this suite gifting a choice of their duo of wild honeys–Sage and Livermore Fremont–(I should asked what the latter is,) along with a few straws that are also filled with the honey. I believe they\u2019re meant to be used to stir right into tea, which is so much easier than using a spoon for that purpose. www.mikeandnikishoney.com<\/a><\/p>\n Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n Comfy Dental Studios<\/strong>\u2014This dentist\u2019s office was gifting certificates for a complimentary thirty-minute \u201cVibroacoustic Therapy\u201d session. Laura looked-up what that entails, and explains, \u201cIt turns-out to be a form of sound therapy that uses low-frequency sine wave vibrations, delivered through a device with embedded speakers, to penetrate the body. I really love how dentists are expanding the range of services they provide. Who knows\u2014maybe people will actually start looking forward to their dental visits now!\u201d www.comfydentalstudios.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>