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LASplash.com: Celebrity Gift Suites Access Hollywood “Stuff You Must…” Golden Globe Gift Lounge Review – S.W.A.G. is S.W.E.E.T. By Natanya Steelman (Los Angeles, CA) January 10, 2009 – The Sofitel LA was bustling with stars and their fabulous S.W.A.G. the Friday and Saturday preceding the infamous Golden Globe Awards. On 3 Productions worked with Access Hollywood to create the extravagant 3rd Annual “Stuff You Must…” Gift Lounge where celebrities indulged in facials, massages and makeovers by CVS/pharmacy’s Beauty 360 while receiving some of the latest and greatest in fashion, technology, edible treats and other luxury items. Celebrity attendees ranged from Disney stars Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez to TV personalities Maria Menounos and Nancy O’Dell to the casts of hit shows, such as 90210, Dexter, Chuck and Californication, to name a few.
Not your ordinary gift lounge, for each celebrity who visited, CVS/pharmacy gave a monetary contribution to Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and Lollipop Theater Network, an organization that brings the magic of movies currently in theaters to children hospitalized nationwide due to life-threatening illness. Last year, stars that visited the lounge helped raise $100,000 for these two causes, and thanks to their participation this year, CVS/pharmacy is ecstatic to have reached this immense goal again! High School Musical 3 star Vanessa Hudgens, Twilight star Taylor Lautner, Access Hollywood hosts Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush accepted the check on behalf of Best Buddies and Lollipop Theater Network. Stuff You Must…Experience:
CVS/pharmacy Reinventing Beauty Bar provided celebrities with pampering to the max - hair blowouts and styling from hairstylist-to-the-stars Cristophe, relaxing aromatherapy treatments by skilled massage therapists from Vickery & Clarke and facials with celebrity esthetician Scott-Vincent Borba. In addition, the Beauty 360 Prestige Suite, from CVS/pharmacy’s new upscale beauty collection, offered makeup application from celebrity makeup artist Laura Geller's new line of all-natural baked products. www.cvs.com www.beauty360.com Stuff You Must…Taste:
Picking out free gifts can work up quite an appetite, which is why Bertolli set up the comfy, cozy Bertolli Living Room, where celebrities were offered Baked Italian classics, such as three cheese and vegetable ravioli and hearty meat lasagna from Bertolli’s new line of Oven Bake Meals. Plus they were given everything they need to enjoy a fabulous "night in" – a year supply of Bertolli Oven Bake Meals and the state-of-the-art new universal touch-screen remote control. Ross Matthews from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno schmoozed with the stars and got the "dish" while they lounged in the Bertolli Living Room. www.villabertolli.com Stuff You Must…Enjoy:
Stars enjoyed additional cozy delights at the exclusive PureVia Coffee & Tea Bar presented by Whole Earth Sweetener Co. PureVia is an all-natural, zero-calorie sweetener made from the sweetest part of the stevia plant (it is 200 times as sweet as sugar) and is suitable for diabetics, as well as individuals with gluten allergies. For centuries, stevia extracts have been used all over South America and Japan, and now PureVia is bringing this guilt-free indulgence to the U.S. www.purevia.com Stuff You Must…Have: Altoids Smalls Gifted: Mints Altoids, "the curiously strong mints," now come in miniature sizes, Altoids Smalls, that fit into even the tiniest pockets or clutches, so you can have curiously fresh breath at all times. www.altoids.com AMC Entertainment Gifted: AMC Signature Pass for 1 year of free movies for 2
AMC Entertainment is one of the world’s leading theatrical exhibition and out-of-home entertainment companies with 353 theatres totaling 5,105 screens. AMC’s reputation for innovation ranges from its exclusive Loveseat-style seating for extra intimacy to its groundbreaking ideas, such as the megaplex, which we premiered in Dallas, Texas in 1995. To further maximize the move-viewing experience, all AMC theatres have stadium seating with 18-ince risers for optimal viewing, comfort and guest satisfaction. www.amctheatres.com Aquaswisswatch Gifted: choice of watch from the Diablo, Classic or Trax Collections
Throughout three generations, the Afshar family has been at the pinnacle of the jewelry business. Aquaswiss uses only the finest quality diamonds in its watches to created colorful, unique designs that fit any style or personality. Aquaswiss's gorgeous new collections feature watches that can be worn daily, for special occasions, or even for diving and extreme sports! Whatever your preference, we make it. Seen on the wrists of all athletes and celebrities, Aquaswiss remains a well-respected brand in the eyes of all our clients. With Aquaswiss’s ability to custom-make any watch, along with its two-year warranty, it remains well respected and valued by all of its clients. www.aquaswisswatch.com Arm & Hammer Gifted: Advance White Toothpaste and Whitening Booster "Last Minute Smile Kit"
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpastes use baking soda as a primary cleaning agent, which is not only less abrasive, but also causes less tooth wear, so teeth remain healthier, longer. Baking soda is also able to break down into tiny particles that penetrate enamel crevices to remove food particles, plague and deep stains, as well as deodorize and freshen the mouth. By also using the SpinBrush Pro Series, you can remove up to 70% more plaque in hard-to-reach places (versus a manual brush), so teeth shine like the stars they belong to. www.myoralcare.com S.A. Schimmel Gold Gifted: choice of either pre-made mosaic portraits or certificates to have personal portraits created
By “upcycling” junk paper, such as direct mail, greeting cards, advertising and packaging, Sandhi Schimmel Gold, the founder of Schimmel Gold Sustainable Mosaic Art, has created a green form of mosaic portraits. As a “relentless recycler,” Sandhi’s vision when creating her original art pieces was to employ the disciplines of painting and mosaic to create a connected collection on representational or abstract images in segments of amazing color from resources that would otherwise go to waste. Most of the images produced are of celebrity faces, as these are prominent driving forces in today’s society, and all use eco-friendly material that is water-based, non-toxic and acid-free. www.schimmelart.com BlackBerry Gifted: BlackBerry Pearl Flip exclusively from T-Mobile
BlackBerry is introducing its new BlackBerry Pearl Flip Smartphone, which has all the fabulous functions of the traditional BlackBerry Pearl, but in flip-phone style so you no longer need to worry about accidental calls or the hassle of keypad lock. This pocket-sized entertainment center contains a media player, camera and video recording, Wi-Fi streaming and a larger screen for mobile gaming. Its smart, sleek, slimmer style slips comfortably in a pocket or even the tiniest couture clutch, so you remain in charge of how, when and where you communicate. http://na.blackberry.com Buddha Board Inc. Gifted: Buddha Board
Zen The past is over. The future may never be. The present is all that exists. Live each moment to the fullest. Buddha Board captures the above Zen concept of living in the moment by allowing you to paint with water on a special-made environmentally friendly surface. The image first darkens and then slowly fades as the water evaporates, thus leaving a clean slate and clear mind for creation of a new masterpiece. Because no Buddha Board artwork is permanent, the artist is encouraged to value the present and purely “let go” of artistic inhibitions without concern for the outcome! www.buddhaboard.com Carlos Falchi Gifted: one-of-a-kind evening clutches Carlos Falchi clutches are environmentally friendly in that all leathers, suedes and furs are of the highest quality faux. Their vibrant colors, intricate textures and detailed trims are the perfect finishing touch to any cocktail dress or add the right amount of sparkle to liven up a basic ensemble. www.carlosfalchistudio.com D'Annunzio Group International Gifted: gold charm bracelet, as well as the choice of Tweety charm
D’Annunzio Group International is the creator of fine jewelry, ranging from classic diamond necklaces, to fun and youthful Tweety pendants. What sets D’Annunzio apart from other jewelers is the invisible stone setting (no unsightly prongs to distract from the design’s beauty) in the Corsage Collection and the hidden mirrors placed within the designs of the Natasha Collection to brilliantly reflect and accentuate the gems. Lounge attendees, however, were blasted back to their childhood, but this time, with extra pizazz with D’Annunzio’s Tweety Fine Jewelry Collection. All pieces are made of 18-karat gold and are laden with exquisitely cut diamonds and exotic gemstones – the perfect accessory for any “hot chick.” www.tweetyfinejewelry.com www.thecorsagecollection.com www.natasha.com Glamour Campaign Gifted: luxury apparel from new edgy line
With the finest imported fabrics, highest standards in fit and quality and designs that somehow combine both chic and rockstar vibes, Glamour Campaign is sweeping through the most elite department stores and boutiques in the country. Though this luxury line began solely with women’s blazers, founder and designer, Fred Naggar, has expanded due to popular demand. Glamour Campaign currently has collections for both men and women that consist of soft T-shirts, fitted jackets and blazers and swanky dresses, all with leather, crystal or intricately stitched embellishments and trims. Naggar has been traveling the world for ideas and inspirations, so celebrities can expect nothing less than perfection in each piece that they were gifted. www.glamourcampaign.com Habitual Gifted: denim jeans
Habitual is often referred to as a designer collection that just happens to be made from denim. It is best known for its impeccable fit, intricate wash processes and innovated design, specifically the Maltese cross design on the back pockets. This pattern traces back to ancient Greek warrior monks and Celtic knights, but today can be found among firefighters as a representation of courage, honor, truth and bravery. All jeans are triple washed, hand-sanded and with each pocket sewn by hand to best complement the body. This is done to achieve an overall lived in feel that will effortlessly become the wearers’ next unbreakable habit. www.habitual.com iHome Gifted: iP47, iH20 and iH85 Audio Systems for iPods and iPhones
In just its first year of creation, iHome became the #1 brand in the iPod Electronics market and, as a result of its unprecedented success, iHome has expanded its product line with portable speakers and home stereo systems that incorporate its innovative features and custom designs. In order to bring such audio genius into celebrities’ lives, Lounge attendees were given the choice of three tech-savvy products: iH20W Shower to Shore Water-Resistant Speaker (suitable for the shower), iH85B Bike to Beach Bicycle Speaker (fits into your bike’s water bottle holder and has a remote that mounts to the handlebars) or iP47BR Bluetooth Clock Radio & Speakerphone (allows you to wirelessly dial and receive calls through its speakerphone function while streaming music via Bluetooth). www.ihomeaudio.com Keurig Premium Coffee System Gifted: B70 Single Cup Coffee System with 1-year supply of portioned brews
Keurig’s patented single-cup brewing system allows you to consistently brew a perfect cup of gourmet coffee or tea in less than a minute without the hassle of grinding beans, measuring coffee or tea leaves, handling filters or cleaning up any mess. By combining the Keurig Brewer’s ability to deliver the exact amount of water at perfect temperature and pressure with the K-Cups’ pre-measured portion packs for each assortment of fresh-roasted coffee grinds or tea leaves, you can expect optimal flavor in each cup. Additionally, Keurig has partnered with 12 premium coffee and tea brands, yielding more than 170 varieties! www.keurig.com Koolaburra Gifted: genuine Australian-made sheepskin boots
Koolaburra is committed to bringing you authentic Australian sheepskin boots, shoes, and slippers, which unlike many “Australian” boot competitors, are actually made in Australia by a small group of Perth craftsmen and craftswomen. Every stitch sewn, every top-grade Australian sheepskin selected, and every boot made is inspired by Koolaburra’s pride in its Australian icon. So, Koolaburra wants you to feel great knowing that your footwear isn’t simply “Australian-styled,” but is made in the place where people know what Australian sheepskin footwear is all about… you guessed it: Australia. www.koolaburra.com Michael Stars Gifted: apparel from Mikey Stars Baby Couture
According to Los Angeles Magazine, “ Michael Stars is the 20-year old T-shirt company many credit with giving birth to the trend for fitted T’s.” Michael Stars has been committed to creating this casual couture, distinguished by its contoured fit, unique colors and washes and incredibly comfortable fabrics that have won over women of all ages and outlived varying trends. Mikey Stars is Michael Stars’s first full launch at a baby division and maintains the same distinctive characteristics of the women’s line, but on a new, tiny scale. www.michaelstars.com Palm Bay International Enjoyed at the lounge: Ferrari sparkling wine and Aperol Spritz cocktail
Celebrities toasted success and good health with famed Italian brands Ferrari sparkling wine and the Aperol Spritz cocktail now available in the U.S. Ferrari, a favorite among Italian celebrities for past centuries, is a renowned sparkling wine from the Trento region of Italy and a 15-time winner of the Tre Bicchieri award wine accolade. Aperol Spritz, a stylish and versatile apertif that pioneered the idea of a spirit with lower alcohol content (11%), has become the signature drink of Italy. It was originally introduced in Padua, Italy, but today, thanks to its vibrant color and refreshing, palate-pleasing character, the Aperol Spritz is all the rage among sophisticated drinkers worldwide. www.palmbay.com Passchal Gifted: eco-friendly luxury handbags
Passchal is a line of luxury handbags handcrafted and designed by founders, Ken Kobrick and Angela Greene, using discarded tractor tire inner tubes. Though neither Ken (an ex-welder) nor Angela (an inventor) had formal training in design before embarking on this eco-friendly accessories collection, they both have always been committed to recycling and share a passion for creating products that are functional, unique and timeless. Passchal incorporates leather trim and sides to their rubber bags in order to keep them lightweight and as a way to add novel colors and textures. In creating the bold colors, Passchal utilizes by-products vegetable dye and makes sure that everything is chrome free. So far, Passchal has recycled approximately 20 tons of inner tubes, all of which have undergone an extensive, but environmentally safe, multi-day cleaning process prior to use to ensure that each bag looks and feels its best. www.passchal.com Proflowers Gifted: fresh flowers for Valentine's Day
Proflowers connects consumers with fresh-from-the-field flowers and provides a 7-day freshness guarantee on each and every order. In order to ensure the highest quality bouquets, each farm employs experts that nurture the flowers from bud to blossom. Once handpicked, the flowers are delivered directly to consumers so that they are received at their freshest and with optimal beauty. www.proflowers.com Sodastream by Soda-Club USA Gifted: home soda and sparkling water maker with 25 flavor mixes
Soda-Club Home Soda Maker allows you to make your own seltzer or soda in a variety of flavors anytime and in a matter of seconds. There are over 25 great-tasting regular, diet and caffeine-free flavors from which to choose, plus you can create personal mixtures to satisfy any craving or mood. Because Sodastream sweetens its flavors using a combination of sugar and Splenda brand sweetener, regular flavors have 2/3 less carbs, calories and sugar than store-bought sodas, and they contain much less sodium. Diet flavors are sugar-free, aspartame-free and sweetened completely with Splenda. Also available are the all-natural MyWater flavor essences for making flavored sparkling water without any sweeteners or calories. Following its go-green mentality, Soda-Club and Sodastream BPA-free carbonating bottles are reusable, recyclable and toxin-free and all carbonators can be refilled with CO2 gas by contacting the company. www.sodastreamusa.com Ultimate Ears by Logitech Gifted: custom molded earphones
Ultimate Ears creates personalized, custom-fit ear monitors that are individually handcrafted to create a full concert speaker system in your ear. These unique monitors have been used nightly on stages around the world for over 12 years, and due to their superior comfort, ultimate sound capabilities and time-efficient production, they continue to be a favorite among all types of performers. www.ultimateears.com Crunch Fitness Gifted: 1-Year Gym Membership With its intense spunk and innovative programming, Crunch Fitness has become an enterprise of 32 state-of-the-art gyms across the country. To gain the following that Crunch has today, original programming ranged from “Hip Hop Aerobics” with a live rapper, to Co-Ed Action Wrestling, to “Cycled” yoga cycling, and the group fitness instructors were not only experts, but also showmen, drag queens, rappers, dancers, actors and professional athletes. Though this is not necessarily the case in current centers, Crunch is still known for its creative ways in making exercise more than the same sweaty grind and fitness more than bulging biceps or flat bellies. www.crunch.com About Access Hollywood: An entertainment news magazine that provides viewers with the latest showbiz news, in-depth celebrity interviews, and behind-the-scenes accounts of the most important events in Hollywood.
www.accesshollywood.com About Sofitel LA: An Accor hotel across from the Beverly Center that boasts 295 newly renovated guest rooms, many with views of the legendary Hollywood sign. www.sofitella.com About Best Buddies: Dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-on-one friendships and integrated employment. www.bestbuddies.org About Lollipop Theater Network: Brings the magic of movies - currently in theaters - to children hospitalized nationwide due to life-threatening illnesses. www.lollipoptheater.org About On 3 Productions: A driving force behind the introduction and popularity of celebrity gifting. www.on3productions.com Published Jan 15, 2009 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com |
